Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
AN: Hiya! Happy New Year! Thanks for your patience and support!
Just a head's up, as I noted last chapter we've fast-forwarded a bit. The first scene is the present while the rest is what played out beforehand. Italicized paragraphs after a break are indicative of Ichigo's memories (flashback). It's a long chapter!
Seducing Setesh
Chapter 8
She brushed bits of plaster and limestone from the sun-dusted locks, her hands still trembling faintly. Ignoring her own unsteadiness, she let her eyes trace his face and scan down the man's body for what seemed the hundredth time.
At least the bleeding had stopped, though that was small comfort as he was grey-faced and had yet to fully awaken.
Her stomach fluttered with the fears that circled in her mind, springing up as soon as they'd been tamped down. She swallowed the sick feeling and lifted her chin. It was only slightly satisfying to realize that it wasn't only this man who inspired her unease; many had been injured and worse...
The streets were littered with dead.
She used the wet cloth to clear more dried blood from his hairline, focusing intently on the movement of her hands as she leaned over him.
Turmoil flooded her ears, slightly distant though it was, a constant background thrum of screams, shouting, the clang of metal, the crumble of stone and splinter of timber. The sounds melted into one, a groaning, terrifying monster beyond the palace's walls. Yet the makeshift infirmary was full of its own dreadful noise…
Her body flinched whenever the stomping of feet came from the corridor- an indication that there was some urgent news, or possibly another wave of the injured. As it was she wanted to leap to her feet at any given moment- to enter the fray- to protect her city- to encourage those fighting on her behalf…
Rukia glanced over her shoulder. Dax was still near the main entrance, standing stiffly, fists clenching and unclenching around the hilts of the scimitars at each hip. Andros had still not returned.
Rukia shifted back to the low couch again, shoulders slumping as another knot of dread and regret formed below her ribs. There was nothing to be done. She could not place herself at further risk. After all, her courage had only proven her foolish in the face of the enemy's onslaught. As it was, she now owed a debt to the man occupying the makeshift bed before her; Ichigo had saved her life.
She'd been informed early on that she was under no circumstances to attempt to join the skirmishes going on about the capitol. The siege had not been totally unexpected it seemed, but regardless, the Domino was still outnumbered now.
The very night of her wedding, the fire of insurrection was purely ignited.
…
…
Warning had been given to the Domino beforehand of a plot against his life to take place at the celebratory feast. The reception had been underway when there was shouting from beyond the banquet hall that managed to disrupt the murmur of guests and even the lively music. Ptolemy, who had been tense- bordering anxious throughout the day (not quite suspicious behavior given the circumstances) had leapt to his feet, the whites of his eyes telling of his sudden fear. A coldness had claimed the pit of her stomach as the queen followed her husband out into the corridor. Guards held the press of curious banquet-goers back.
Ptolemy's shriek echoed against the stone and Rukia was brought to a halt as the unfolding scene burned itself into her mind.
The gurgling gasps, squeezed from Pothinus' throat were soon the only thing she could hear, despite the uproar Ptolemy was causing, railing against the Seireiteian officers holding him back. Rukia stood aghast as the eunuch's struggles ebbed slowly, his limbs going slack, every once in a while jumping as though attempting to renew the fight. And all the while, the Domino stood within sight, eyes of grey lacking any hint of feeling.
The scent of voided bowels suddenly stung her nose; clutching a hand over her mouth Rukia unconsciously took a step back. She watched as the white gloved hands slid from around the dead man's neck, a gruesome imitation of a lover's parting caress. The executioner stood back, black eyes passionless. The man, one of the Domino's most trusted, sporting a black tattoo beneath his eye, turned and bowed to his superior before moving away to mingle with the hall's shadows.
All was quiet now but for Ptolemy's sobs. The boy had dropped to the floor onto his knees, his blurred gaze fixed on the now lifeless body of his advisor as he cursed in anger beneath his whimpering breaths.
Grasping at a controlled tone, Rukia's nails drove themselves into her palms as she fixed the Domino with a demanding gaze, "What is this?"
"A fitting death for a traitor." Byakuya returned evenly, eyes remaining on the still body before shifting to her.
"He was a traitor before!" Her voice rose helplessly, "Why treat him as such now?"
Byakuya's voice was as level as ever, "He conspired to take my life. His intention was for the attempt to be carried out during the merrymaking of the feast." He gestured offhandedly toward the hall.
Rukia's eyes widened, but before she could comment the Domino stepped forward, sights set on the crumpled young king.
"Such a conspiracy, bred between your own staff, would have nothing to do with you, would it, your highness?" There were flashing storms within the captain's eyes as he looked down at the boy at his feet.
Ptolemy wiped hastily at his cheeks, sniffing loudly before he looked up with hard hazel eyes. He was not quite so foolish as to admit the truth aloud, but his slight sneer spoke volumes. "Of course not." Slowly he gained his feet to face the taller man. "If my servants planned an uprising against you Domino, they did so without my knowledge. I shall thoroughly look into the matter."
"I see," The Domino gave a single nod, "But, you must forgive me, if I take certain precautions. After all such a plot cannot be overlooked. And any investigation on your part, generous though it may be, is not necessary." As he spoke the two soldiers that had held the young monarch back, stepped forward on either side of him again.
Ptolemy's nostrils flared in indignation, but he bit out, "Of course."
Rukia, left an observer, felt instantly suspicious. Ptolemy was never so gracious- an entitled, stubborn child, with moments of reasonability, but never so complacent. Glancing at her brother she was certain he knew this as well, for after a slight incline of his head he watched as his men escorted Ptolemy toward the royal quarters with narrowed eyes.
When he turned to Rukia he gave her a measured look before speaking, "Come."
She bristled slightly at the command, but lifted her chin, hands clutching her airy skirt as she fell into step alongside him.
"I presume you have significant evidence against him." She spoke stiffly.
"A witness to the conspiracy came forward. Such testimony should at the least quell any talk of unjust execution among the King's faction."
Rukia dismissed his words with a snort, "You think there will be no grumbling from that side? That they will not consider it a strike against the king?"
"I've no doubt they will whisper of Seireiteian conspiracy regardless," Byakuya answered dryly, "The plot runs deep, Rukia. And in the coming days we must be vigilant. They will move soon." At the sound of her name the young woman tensed further, her steps slowing.
"But you've caught wind of it in time…" The queen came up short, brow furrowing.
The Domino too paused, his back to the young woman, hands tensing minutely as he admitted, "Not soon enough…"
"Yet you knew… Just as you knew Ptolemy would interrupt the audience in which Sanura posed as the queen! Just as you knew marriage would only hold them off briefly! It was just enough time for them to formulate their plan- with me acting as a buffer!"
Finally he turned and there was reprimand in his gaze, "You must be aware of what such an alliance has wrought, however it may have acted as a smokescreen for the other side. At the very least your marriage to Ptolemy has strengthened your claim, which was in fact necessary to your cause, was it not?"
Andros shifted in his spot beneath a fixed torch's glow, his dark skin illumined lovingly, his swords equally fetching in the golden light.
Sucking a breath in through her teeth, Rukia held back the rebuttal on her tongue. I was no less a pawn- as I have always been to you, Domino.
For a time the two kept their gazes locked, each shadowing thought behind their eyes. But neither wished to dissolve into any frank discussions that might reveal some vulnerability in regard to one another.
Byakuya took an unusually audible breath, before informing, "At this moment, Kurosaki is in pursuit of the co-conspirator… But as I said…" He turned away, "I am certain it is too little, too late." With these words he departed on his own, no entourage of faithful soldiers in tow.
…
Ichigo had set a tail upon the dead man's accomplice, the general Achilles. But the night swallowed him up. Not one to patiently wait, the orange-haired lieutenant took on the mission personally.
He rounded the corner of another alleyway, hand gripping the hilt of his sheathed sword. He longed for the moment when he could actually draw once more, but he had not caught sight of the fleeing general for a couple blocks now and there were too many citizens to dodge in the Egyptian quarter.
Dark eyes followed him at every turn, suspicion and resentment plain enough that he didn't bother to ask after his quarry. It would not be farfetched to assume that the rogue general was receiving aid as he fled deeper into Alexandria.
Ichigo was relying on instinct at this point, and holding onto the trace of the general's energy that led him like a fraying thread.
Spitting curses he continued his pursuit at full speed. The litany of swears had been running through his head for the better part of the day, truth be told. Ever since he'd reluctantly staggered into the throne room, only to see his little maid taking the throne at the side of the twerp-king.
Jackass! How could you be so fucking oblivious? The majority of his fury was directed at himself, nevermind the conspirator leading him about on this wild chase.
No it was truly his lack of awareness that chaffed at his nerves.
Twins? What a fucking load of shit! Idiot! He leapt over a small cart full of pomegranates, forcing its hauler to drop the handles and stumble back before calling down the gods' wrath on him in colorful Egyptian.
"Sorry friend!" Ichigo called the apology over his shoulder in Greek. It was truly an afterthought- instinctual in a way. His late mother had taught the manners that his father had often overlooked.
His run-in was forgotten as he pushed himself a little bit harder as the thread tightened for a moment and he spotted a bridge that led into the Greek quarter.
It seemed Achilles was leading him in a circle. Ichigo growled and spit a glob of blood and saliva to the side.
Passing into this district, however, was truly a stroke of luck as the streets were guaranteed to be clearer as well as wider. If only the lieutenant could run the man to ground here…
Pounding over the bridge, his muscular legs straining and his breath coming hard he passed a couple sentries and slowed momentarily.
Realizing not only the need to take a break but seeing that the gate's guardians seemed misinformed he halted in his tracks.
For a moment he hunched forward over his knees, panting. He quickly began to slow his heartrate and turned back to the two Seireiteians and squared his shoulders.
Recognizing him they saluted, "Sir!"
"This bridge should have been locked down!" The lieutenant hissed out, eyes narrowed as he looked between the two.
The men cast glances at one another. Ichigo let loose another brutal epithet in his head, concluding they'd been paid off.
Angered as he was by this, he did not have time for the thorough reprimand this treachery deserved (he should have the two detained immediately). He thought it best to feign ignorance for the time, while keeping their faces and badges in mind for later due diligence.
"Lock it down." Ichigo's irises burned a threatening gold at the fringes, "Now."
The two had gone pale and they stuttered out an affirmative, "Sir" or "Itae."
Turning on his heel, Ichigo ignored their bows and strode forward, all the while trying to quell his frustration that pricked like heat at the back of his neck.
As he continued into the Greek quarter the language filtered into his ears and he was helpless against the familiarity he felt. He was even more helpless against the memory of her correcting his pronunciation of the tongue.
…
…
"You speak Greek like a boar." She'd scoffed after he'd greeted her offhandedly.
He'd happened on her by chance, hurrying from a passage near the hall where the queen had been in negotiations with Ptolemy for several hours. The Domino had sat in on these discussions with his Right Hand, leaving Ichigo to maintain order in the palace as well as keep an ear to the ground.
Since the young King's return the palace had been quiet- such serenity causing unease as surely what was not being said boldly was being whispered behind hands and passed along in missives swiftly burned after being read. The foreigners had to be ever cautious in a city full of split loyalties.
As Ichigo followed the young woman from the corridor into an atrium he'd only dwelled on the fine attire she was clothed in briefly.
When she'd accused him of speaking the Helens language poorly he'd snorted, "I still speak it better than your brother… Where's he been by the way- I haven't seen him…"
"Unlike you," She spoke with her nose in the air, not breaking stride, "He takes his duties seriously."
"Oh- funny- I would've assumed he was trying to duck my challenge…" He'd smirked over at her from her right side.
She'd come up short and exasperation laced her tone when she'd turned to him, "He's busy- with- with rather important matters! Playing about as you do- so frivolously- is something he cannot afford!"
He too had stopped, a frown highlighting concern as he looked down at her, noting that even in her irritation she remained pale.
Not liking the penetrating look he was eyeing her with she turned her head to the side, her voice suddenly quiet, "If you hadn't noticed this city is on the brink of war… The- queen- needs all her supporters at hand."
"Right…" He returned, matching her quiet tone, a hint of guilt about his shoulders. Clearing his throat uneasily, he swiped at a bead of sweat on his brow with the back of his hand. It was proving hard not to stare at her face, her look of distraction and the traces of weariness about her eyes worrying at his stomach.
He cleared his throat and cocked an impudent smile at her, "Then perhaps you should accept the challenge on your industrious brother's behalf."
Her gaze instantly locked with his and with a single nod she agreed, "I will."
Gaping a few moments before he replied Ichigo's shock was apparent. He gave a short laugh, scratching at the side of his head before spreading his hands, "I was jesting, but-,"
"Well I'm not," Rukia lifted her chin stubbornly, eyes an inky darkness narrowed upon his face, "I've been training since I was a child. In fact, I should have accepted on my own behalf."
Again the young lieutenant's auburn brows winged high, though surprise was swiftly being overcome by appreciation. He nodded slowly then wrapped an arm around his stomach, sketching a bow.
He could feel the burn of her eyes on him and lifted his head with a mischievous smile.
His smile fell a bit as he pushed a hand back through his hair, "By the way… What is your name?"
She blinked several times. How had she not realized that she had never offered a name during their exchanges.
A chuckle passed the man's lips, "I can't keep calling you Sheth's sister… Sorry…"
The apology she knew had everything to do with the fact that he had never asked. In fact he looked rather embarrassed by such a slight.
A slight pain, like a needle prick in her heart, made her aware of how lying to the man affected her. She took a slow breath.
"Iris."
He nodded, "Iris… The name of the woman I will defeat…"
Her eyes narrowed in an instant, defiance set in every line of her face, "You mean, Iris, the name of the woman who will embarrass a lieutenant of the Sixth."
But before he might thoroughly enjoy her wrath and marvel at what skills she might have in swordplay, they were intruded upon.
The maid rushing forth had chestnut hair and was followed by another whose features were similar, yet the two were not related. He'd heard them referred to as the "little birds"; pretty servants of her majesty that sang sweetly… and overheard everything.
His brow twitched in irritation, a scowl helplessly imprinted on his face at the interruption. He blinked unconsciously as he realized the Greek they spoke was hard to follow- a more archaic form of the language spilling from their lips in soft murmurs.
The handmaiden had watched the two girls intently, her spine straight. A single nod dismissed the two and she turned to inform him that she was needed.
…
…
He should have realized then, watching her walk away, her head held at that regal angle that she could be no ordinary maid. Even being the queen's most trusted servant could not explain away her bearing.
How could he not have noticed the reverence with which the little birds addressed her?
He spat on the ground as he came up short once again, holding position where he wouldn't easily be seen from the doorway he'd just noticed the general duck into.
Now he took note that the quarter of the city he'd found himself in had indeed become brighter, cleaner. The city had shed its dingy mantle here, the stone washed, brilliant, the streets paved. This part of the Greek quarter was only frequented by the nobility.
Ichigo straightened, gathering himself as he finally caught his breath. He knew he looked dusty, sweaty, and generally disheveled. At some point he 'd tossed aside his cloak, but still the pieces of regalia that decorated his sword and light armor marked him as one of the Seireiteian military elite.
His eyes narrowed as he glanced up at the façade of the building across the way.
The Musaeum of Alexandria?
This entrance was rather non-descript, subtle considering the complexity of the institution. The world knew of this place- a center of learning, renowned among the academics of every empire. Among the buildings that made up the musaeum was the infamous library. Despite being a soldier, he too had an appreciation for what might be housed here.
With a deep inhale he was striding forward and soon passed into the cool shadows of an antechamber before heading through to a courtyard.
For a time he was stilled by the discovery that he found himself on a campus, buildings spread about a walled inner city.
A group of scholars passing into the courtyard, stopped to stare at him, resplendent in their white robes and grandfatherly beards.
He thought of the old gruff general, Yamamoto, who had trained many of the senior officers, including the Domino himself. Forestalling a smile he turned to them with an air of authority.
To his surprise, before he might address them, a soldier appeared from a corridor along the covered walk.
Upon spotting him, the soldier immediately saluted, stopping in his tracks.
The frown on the lieutenant's face made the man uneasy as he awaited him. Soon Ichigo was stalking towards the man with a fierce scowl, ignoring the gaggle of scholars who watched with interest.
"What orders have you and who is your commander?" Ichigo gruffed out, eyes boring into the soldier before him.
After swallowing the man replied, "Sir, I am Date Iwahara of the Sixth- my superior is none-other-than Lieutenant Abarai."
Ichigo blinked- he should have recognized him, still his frown deepened, "And your orders?"
"Sir- I have accompanied Lieutenant Abarai on direct orders from the Domino to-"
The man had not finished before Ichigo took off in the direction the soldier had departed from.
"Damnit- what the hell is going on?" Ichigo growled, footsteps ringing as he entered the corridor.
Light streamed in from long windows along the hall, but soon he was in shadow again as he stormed further into the compound.
He came up short for but a moment when he noted the guarded door ahead, his eyes flashing in consternation.
Ignoring the startled officers at the doors, who saluted as though unsurprised by his sudden appearance, he strode past and entered the room.
His feet soon rooted themselves to the floor as he faced the room, shocked by its occupants.
Not only was Renji standing to one side, arms folded over his chest, but the queen- or wait- rather the queen's lady-in-waiting… And the queen herself.
Iris… No… Rukia. A name I forgot. The name of Domino Kuchiki's sister… What a fool…
All eyes fixed on him. And though the queen's large personal guard had taken a stance to block his path, Ichigo could only stare past him, eyes locked with a certain pair of lapis lazuli orbs.
His teeth sank into his inner lip.
Her gown draped her beautifully, a dark blue chiton tailored to her small yet womanly frame. Simple gold bracelets adorned her wrists, and pearls graced her ears, swinging teardrops that caught the light from the oil lamps ensconced about the walls. And on her brow, unmistakable despite its simplicity, sat a crown. It was a simple circlet, thin, with a small asp of gold at its center. It was not the formal regalia that she might wear to a state function or banquet, but it was still a symbol of her station… And her deception.
He recalled how violently his stomach had turned when the official coronet had been placed on her in the main hall of the palace, hundreds of eyes watching as she took her place at Ptolemy's side.
Oh how nauseous he'd felt when he saw the whelp take her hand…
…
…
Admittedly it had been ridiculous- that instant rush of jealousy… He knew nothing about her, but that she was unique in beauty and had sass in spades. Iris, a beautiful flower… But no… That was not her name. Standing among the many admiring her, his shock turned to spite as the mass had bowed. It was then that he caught her eye.
As Ptolemy lifted his boyish chin, preening due to the adulation, he missed his new bride's gaze straying across the room to that of the lone man who had not even bent his head. The startled look the young queen could not hide from the burning sienna eyes boring into her. Yet those jewel-toned eyes of hers shifted, an emotion he might be arrogant enough to call regret shining through despite the distance that had been between them.
The connection soon broken, the moment of Ichigo allowing a sliver of understanding, fell away. Rukia, the queen, wife of Ptolemy the XIII, looked away, any emotion disappearing behind a frozen mask.
…
…
Banishing the memory Ichigo clenched his jaw tight before he spoke, his tone low, his patience a hair's breadth from snapping, "Your highness… You should not be out of the palace." He cast an accusing glance at Renji who only lifted a brow in sardonic question.
Again that familiar tilt to her chin. "This is the perfect place to be. We must be ready for what will come. There are city plans here that will ensure we are fully prepared for siege… And the library… I will ensure its legacy is safe." The room was deathly silent after her words. She shifted slightly. She could not say why she had felt the need to divulge so much. She was a queen now- she need not justify herself to anyone- much less a soldier.
Echoing her thoughts a dark haired young man, who had gone unnoticed until that moment, stepped forward, "My queen, you need not answer to this man. Who is he that he should question your highness?"
Ichigo blinked. The man facing him looked to be another scholar, clad in a white billowy chiton and a blue bordered himation, though he was young and beardless. Dark royal blue eyes challenged from a slim pale face framed by straight black hair. A spark of recognition alighted and burned away as the lieutenant eyed the newcomer.
Probably a noble's son who knows nothing but scrolls and the comforts of his villa.
Battling it out with this brash (perhaps familiar?) man would have to wait, despite how the man's glare set his nerves on edge. Ichigo rolled his eyes and set his gaze on the queen once more, "General Achilles is here. You need to return to the palace."
The whole room stiffened. Renji dropped his arms, his hands settling on his sword and side dagger.
As he shifted forward to issue orders to the three men that gathered at attention upon his signal, Ichigo watched the queen.
Her eyes had widened only the slightest bit- her only indication of anxiety. She dropped her sights to the map laid out on the table before her, eyes skimming in thought.
Damn. Achilles knows me enough I suppose to have deduced where I might go… Or should I say he also knew my lady… He knew the musaeum was a place close to her heart and she would endeavor to protect it if the need arose… As her successor, I could do no less. The young queen swallowed, her throat clicking, her mouth dry. She lifted her head then, steady, calm.
"Lady Sanura." She called softly.
The woman had remained in the shadows, silent and watchful, but at her mistress' summons she gave a smile. She spoke not a word before she melded into the dark corner and disappeared to follow whatever instructions the queen had conveyed at some point beforehand. Too did Abarai Renji's men disperse, trailing the woman, lacking her obtrusiveness as they stomped away on their own orders.
Ichigo's brow scrunched and he huffed, squeezing the hilt of his sword in his fist, "Your highness-,"
But Rukia raised her voice, successfully cutting the man off, "Lieutenant Abarai, I believe Lieutenant Kurosaki is right; it is time we moved from this place."
Renji turned to her and gave a nod, "Yes, your highness. My captain shall join us soon no doubt."
This exchange was the straw that broke the camel's back. Wide eyed, in a state of incredulity, Ichigo snarled, "What the fuck, Renji? What is going on?"
To Ichigo's further frustration, Renji rolled his eyes to the ceiling in clear agitation before he pivoted in his fellow lieutenant's direction. Whatever surely terse reply the red-head was about to make did not fall past his lips.
There was a loud crashing sound, the whole chamber shuddered, stone dust and loosened plaster filtering down to the floor due to the impact.
"A catapult… Their ships must have entered the harbor." The blue-eyed man was at the queen's side, his hand on her elbow. His voice held no hint of panic. Rukia was grateful for the lack of a shaken response to what was surely the beginning of a battle.
The serenity of the grounds was broken in the blink of an eye- cries of fright and the metallic shing of swords being unsheathed. The slapping of a multitude of sandalled feet upon stone flooded the corridors. Several more crashes echoed, the foundations again shaken so that the floor beneath them jolted.
Ichigo's lips drew back in a snarl, "An ambush…"
"They were just waiting for a signal from their general." Renji nodded, a muscle twitching in his jaw as he glared at the ceiling as though daring it to crumble around him.
"My lady…"
Ichigo's sights shifted to the scholar who was now bowing one arm extended out in a coaxing gesture.
The queen gave one regal nod, the map that had been laid out on the table already rolled up within her hands. She swept past the young man, heading toward a corner of the room.
Auburn brow furrowing Ichigo looked on as she opened a passage in the wall, hesitating a moment to allow her taciturn companion to take the lead.
But before she ducked through the dim passage she glanced back. She only met Ichigo's eyes for a few breaths- a searching look within her own before she disappeared. Her man-at-arms was at her heels- an eerily silent shadow despite his size.
Ichigo stepped forward almost instantly, but recalled the other lieutenant.
Looking over his shoulder Ichigo received a curt nod, "Go. That tunnel connects to the palace, but you'll likely need to head to the streets at some point. I don't doubt the general knows some of the secret byways. Use your judgment- take her to the safest place. You're on defense."
"You?" Ichigo insisted.
"The Domino is headed this way, but until I can rendezvous, I'll organize and defend." Renji narrowed his eyes, but glanced away to mutter, "This place is important to her…"
Again Ichigo had the feeling that he had forgotten something… Some connection that should make sense to him… But he couldn't afford to puzzle it out.
Brown eyes alighted on his once more, "We'll have to fully take the harbor…"
Ichigo agreed.
With a goading smirk, he mockingly saluted the senior lieutenant, "May Fortuna favor you."
In response he received a grunt and a mirroring smirk, "We both know she favors you more- so if I die- serve our Domino well, Kurosaki." Protect Rukia.
Ichigo flashed a grin and then his orange mop was swallowed by the darkness and the stone was shifting back into place.
He stumbled slightly as the tunnel sloped downward, his eyes not adjusting as quickly as he would've liked. When the passage leveled out he caught sight of the others. Intent upon receiving answers, he determinedly pushed his way past the queen's guard. He ignored her offended gasp as he too swept past her.
"Since I wasn't privy to the plan ahead of time," He muttered, falling into step next to 'blue-eyes', "I should like to know where we're headed now and what strategy that's been considered."
Ichigo could not miss the expression of affront on the scholar's face. The passage was barely wide enough for two men abreast; they brushed shoulders. As it was he had had to take a sideways half-leap to get past the woman's hulking mercenary.
After a moment of consideration in which he ground his back teeth and a quick glance over his shoulder, the young onyx-haired noble sighed. "There are fortified rooms that have been secured within the palace, awaiting her majesty's return. We'll have to keep vigilant along the way of course. The streets are a danger to be certain. This city is prideful, its citizens stubborn. Your commander's interference is seen as an insult."
Ichigo snorted, smirking sharply, "Well my commander is all about pride so I'm sure he won't be too hard on the people trying to force his retreat."
"Yes… I've heard of the man's so called clemency." The sarcasm in the other man's tone nearly reflected Ichigo's.
Helpless against a chuckle Ichigo shrugged, giving the man a thoughtful look, "And just who are you that you're so well informed about the Domino's habits?"
Rolling his shoulders back slightly, grimacing when he bumped the Seireiteian next to him, the man replied, "Ishida Uryuu, counsel to her majesty… I believe you and I are in fact… distantly related." He confessed this just as he increased his pace, breaking away from Ichigo's side.
Stunned, Ichigo's steps faltered, causing the woman behind him to collide with his back. He turned his head to gaze over his shoulder at her. Ishida was carrying the only source of light, a torch, thus he only caught the briefest glimpse of her look of irritation.
His answering grin was shadowed and soon wiped away as the tunnel quaked. His stomach flip-flopped, but it was not in response to the movement, but to the delicate hand pressed against his back. The gentle pressure vanished and he stared hard into the dim to see her face.
When a hand grasped her wrist, Rukia made a soft sound of surprise.
"Go ahead of me." Was the man's simple command as he pulled her past him.
She gave a slightly disgruntled huff, but said nothing as Ichigo's warm hand fell away and her advisor reached out for her.
As she looked up into Ishida Uryuu's eyes she was startled by the clashing emotions she faced. The young scholar turned his head swiftly however, raising the torch higher as he gazed forward into the passage. After drawing a breath, forcing herself to ignore the sensation of the man close at her back, she took Ishida's offered hand.
Ichigo remained close; she could feel him looming. Why she could even sense the deepening scowl on the young lieutenant's face she chose not to ponder.
As Ishida lead her toward the palace, the knot that had appeared in her stomach due to the look of slight admonishment and unease on her advisor's face, tightened.
There was silence among them, which allowed the sounds of the city above to filter down to their ears. It was not reassuring. The sounds of a city in distress and chaos seemed to seep into the walls around them.
The queen's grip tightened and Ishida inhaled deeply, quickening his steps again as the sense of urgency escalated.
Rukia gladly lengthened her stride, despite how her heart already thundered. She had always admired the tombs of old, hoped she might find her place of rest on the western bank in a place like the ancient kings. But she had no desire to be encased in stone before her time. She shuddered slightly.
"There is a stairway leading to the street up ahead to the right. It's just outside the palace's precincts." Ishida's voice echoed hollowly.
"Glad to hear it…We wouldn't want this collapsing around us." Ichigo commented, "As for cover-"
"I can provide sufficient cover, Lieutenant, rest assure." The other man remarked dryly and then ignored the consequent scoff from the Seireiteian.
Again quiet descended, each occupying their own thoughts. Soon the underground corridor split, at the juncture they indeed headed to the right and were shortly faced by a set of roughly hewn stairs.
Here they all paused. Ishida gently released the queen, then placed his torch in a niche in the wall.
Rukia leaned back against one wall, watching as her counsel removed a panel that blended with the stone. She glanced to the side to see that the lieutenant was also observing intently. As Ishida reached into the space and brought forth a sword in a tan leather holster, Ichigo hummed appreciatively.
Dax stepped forward, and though he was already well-armed, he took the sword and leather sheath and strapped them to his back.
After readjusting the sword at his side, Ichigo took the addition the nobleman offered him, belting it at the opposite side. Normally he kept his blade, an heirloom fondly called Zangetsu, on his back, but it had been in need of repairs. While he strongly disliked going without it, one of his last battles had caused a nick near the hilt that weakened it. Tensa, had been a gift he'd received upon entering the Domino's ranks, and it was this sword he relied on at the moment. Being well-armed could only benefit him.
Ishida then pulled a light bow, a quiver and arrows, and a crossbow from the secret cache, setting them aside. Finally he turned, holding in his palms yet another sword, this one light and somewhat compact, housed in a golden filleted sheath with a matching belt.
The queen smiled.
Ichigo shifted uneasily. He hoped all of this preparation was unnecessary.
Ishida took a breath as he watched his lady secure the belt around her waist, "Your majesty-"
"I know." She waved her hand at him, her lips still curled fondly, "It is a precaution. I will not engage unless forced, Counsel."
Once more her advisor inhaled thoroughly, then released his breath in an audible sigh. He pivoted and began to tug at his clothing. Beneath his scholarly attire was a kilt and tunic. After folding his outer clothing he reached for the crossbow he'd propped on the wall. He ignored the look of amusement on the lieutenant's face as he settled the weapon on his back at an angle he could easily utilize it.
Ichigo studied Ishida with unconcealed curiosity as the man hefted the quiver and held the bow as one used to such action. The pouch of arrows was tied at his left side, this also angled within proper reach. Strange to arm oneself with a crossbow, best used from a fortified, defensive position, rather than in close quarters. The bow would serve somewhat better as it was more easily re-loaded… Still, both were long range weapons that did not seem to suit an encounter in the street.
'So he must have some technique…' The orange-haired young man mused. He frowned. 'But how are we related?'
The time for such quandaries was hardly within the present. The weapons storage was concealed again and the torch was snuffed out.
Ichigo's features hardened, his hand about Tensa's hilt.
In the dark they mounted the steps single-file to join the fray above.
AN: What leads up to that first scene in this chapter will be continued next chapter and then we'll be right where we should be. More characters will arrive as Alexandria remains under siege. Some significant interaction and furthering relationships to come. Perhaps we'll check in on Seireitei.
Thank you!