Zen was awaken by the sensation of the morning winter breeze. For some, it was satisfyingly quiet. His eyes snapped open, and found himself in a sky. Murasaki was large enough to fit at least 13 to 14 captains, in which he was laid on resting on one side, and on the other side, Rangiku was cleaning Ichitarō from Murasaki's saliva, while Rukia and Ichigo were having their usual conversation.
Beneath his own shadow was Ramune, navigating the dragon to their final destination. When his head lifted, his scars and deep cuts from his body were magically healed, surmised she healed him. Not only that, but also she returned her silk scarf.
There, he saw her and noticed she healed herself as well. The illuminated sunlight shone brightly and the wind blew on her hair. As Murasaki was flying over the clouds, Ramune senses Zen waking up without turning her head around.
" You're not going to see the dark lord, are you?" Zen asked, struggling to raise himself to avoid slipping towards his death.
Ramune didn't move her neck, yet was caught by surprise.
" So, you're awake? That's good to know." She answered with a scoff. Which led him to know why she abandoned her mission to go to the Heavenly Dragon gates.
" You would have known if your husband might be there. Yet, you choose not to go to your childhood home." He spoke, assuming if he was right.
Ramune shrugged. She strangely focused on flying Murasaki like she didn't have a care in the world as his words continued.
" It's funny, how a strong alpha male wolf like you is capable of defeating a woman like me and was practically sent by a dark lord to take the boy. But failed miserably. If it's the dark lord orders, then it's the dark lord gets." She mocked, making Zen frown.
When the masked hunter appeared behind the shadows, he watched Murasaki constantly flying above the clouds as if he was avoiding of being followed.
At the same time, Rukia and Ichigo continued with their bickering conversation.
" .... If you really want to ask me how my relationship with Renji was, then don't bother! We are now strangers, though we see eye to eye. I want to focus on myself first before going on a serious relationship." Rukia responded.
" I know Renji was a jerk to you, but that's okay if you want to put yourself first." Ichigo replied, agreeing to every words she said. As their bickering died down, they observed the view of the blue sky and under the clouds as cold as ice.
All while riding a dragon for the first time. Seconds later, their silence broke down.
" I want to say thank you for protecting Ichitarō and his sisters. It means the world to me. Though I'm quite surprised how they got here." Said Ichigo
" That's not the shocking part. The part about this whole journey, is Ichitarō mentioning someone named Priscilla." Rukia replied.
Ichigo was surprised to hear that name. As if memories of Ichitarō's pain came back. Rukia then looked at Ichigo's expression and had no choice but to confront Ichitarō. But Ichigo stopped her.
" Rukia, don't. I…I can explain."
" Then, explain to me who was ' Priscilla ' girl. because I don't understand what's going on?" Rukia replied.
"....."
" I need answers, Ichigo. I have so many questions to ask him. It's so much that I've lost count. Who was Priscilla and what happened to her? Because I didn't recall that the little girl was here in the Soul society."
" Rukia, please. You have to calm down. Let's just sit down and I'll tell you everything. Are you sure you're ready for this?" Ichigo asked. Rukia exhaled deeply and answered:
" Yes, I really want to know the truth."
Rukia settled down to hear what Ichigo had to say. But this time it's about Ichitarō. He took a deep breath and sighed, as he finally confess to her.
" You know, it all started 10 years ago when Ichitarō was in kindergarten and it was on Christmas day, which is the holiday for the world of the living. Ichitarō, his kindergarten teachers and his classmates were all supposed to have returned to Karakura town after a long successful trip in Tokyo. But, something horrible happened to him." Ichigo explained, then paused with a single emotion in one breath. By then, he continued:
" They've got into a serious accident. Ichitarō was the only one left alive. And that girl, Priscilla Tanaka, she passed away. He's been living with that guilt ever since. His guilt is even bigger than mine."
" What's worse is after he was recovering slowly at just eight years old, him and his mother were attacked and she almost died. He would've gotten more depressed if she wasn't so lucky. Even though his mother is still alive, he blamed himself so much that he nearly killed himself by not getting himself enough sleep. Now it's his only friend who died protecting him."
Her heart sank when she heard the news about Ichitarō. Despite not knowing him entirely and how the accident affected him, she learnt the truth, like Ichigo have understood his emotions.
" Are you telling me…. Ichitarō has a `shell shock` ?" She asked slowy. Without a possible explanation, Ichigo nodded.
She was left completely speechless when she saw Ichitarō in his current mental state.
" So, all this time, Ichitarō was struggling so much, he's been pushing people away. Not burdening his pain to everyone, me included. If only I kept my powers, then maybe…. just maybe Ichitarō would've been safe in the world of the living. But I didn't. Now thanks to you, I got my powers back and I'm willing to protect everyone and Ichitarō included. I won't fail this time." Said Ichigo.
" It's nothing…. really." She spoke, trying way too hard to hide her blushing.
" No, it's true. You're the one who stopped my inner rain, you cheered me up whenever I feel blue, helping me out of my sadness and remind me who I am. Sure, we annoy the shit out of each other, but who cares if we sound like a married couple arguing over petty things."
" But the best part about you, is you risking your life to save mine the same way as I did to yours. The way you have protected Ichitarō and his sisters, just really showed how proud I am to you. Therefore, I'm forever grateful to what you've done, Rukia." Ichigo spoke, placing his hands on hers.
" The sooner we send him home, the better the chance he might see we're supporting him by getting him help. Time heals different for everyone. Especially those with ` shell shock` ."
" It sure will, Rukia."
He wrapped his arms around her body and brought her closer to him. In that moment, Rukia didn't want to push him either. She wanted to stay with Ichigo, whenever it was they could stay safe together. Even Ichitarō and Rangiku noticed they're hugging.
' Just like mom and dad, huh?' Ichitarō scoffed in his thought, not knowing the dangers up ahead.
Suddenly, a huge black orb erupted out of nowhere and knocked Murasaki's other eye. Almost immediately, Ramune tried to get him back on track. With his eye were swollen in pain and blood gushes from it, Murasaki was falling down and was going to crash weakly into the ground.
[ WOOSH! ]
He swiftly circled and dive through the forest as a sharp pain searse into his right eye. His roar echoed so loudly, giving everyone from the Maiden light castle attention. Shunsui noticed Ramune was in trouble, but just don't know how to find her. He hoped for her safety. Whereas, Yumikō asked Starrk to see if Zen succeeded.
Screams were filled and everybody grabbed on to one of Murasaki's spiky scales. Ramune conjured her purple rope from her hands and placed the dragon's head, preventing him from falling into his death different direction.
They flew down and were about to crash unto trees, but simultaneously, Rangiku conjured her first spell again. This time she telepathically lifted them to their safety.
Murasaki nearly banged his head to one of the trees and everyone landed safely, thanks to Rangiku's newly discovered powers. Ramune became anxious as she checked on Murasaki.
By the time Ramune attempts to heal the dragon, at least more or less than half a dozens of shadowed figures surrounded them. Dressed in black medieval style assassins, they were actually hunters that had been exchanging slave for Kazumi and Bezel. Ramune stood before them as everyone else had their weapons ready. While Ichitarō was willing to protect Rangiku, unknowingly something intense was about to happen. Ramune maintained her simple stance, watching they appeared one by one.
" Do you have any guts to kill me, Halis?" Ramune asked eyeing on the hunters.
" Ahh. The ever-so-gorgeous half breed princess and her deadly aura. Just the entity we've been looking for. Am I right?" the leader of the hunters, a rouge named Halis, asked. As he's smiling while his eyes gazed at Ramune.
" What if I told you that spirit demons won't be allowed to leave the spirit world, as our Highness, Queen Kazumi announced?" Upon hearing Halis's words, Ichitarō grew scared as this was the first time he felt it, however he remained firm and not allow anyone to kill him, even if his identity as an entity was already exposed.
" Chasing old wive's tale at your age? Kazumi doesn't stop at all, does she? Ignorance is a delusional, yet an idiotic game for someone like her." Ramune chuckled as both Rukia and Ichigo looked at her in shock.
" Quit lying. We are the Retributions and under the guide of Lord Beelzebub and Queen Kazumi, we're here for a quest. Who do you think you're trying to fool?" a shield warrior furiously demanded.
" Then, what is your goal in stopping me? That's because I don't hesitate to kill you." Ramune asked.
" Is there even a need to say this? Give us the spirit demons, you half breeding whore." Halis sneered pridefully and the rest of the Retribution members laughed.
" What if I don't want to?" Ramune bravely asked, revealing her spirit energy swirling around like a dancing flame as she glanced at Halis. " Are you planning to take action against me? I can take you all down so easily."
" Take action?" Halis chuckled, shaking his head, then explained while drawing closer to her;" No, no. We don't have the courage to take down someone like you. Although we can't take direct action against you either, we've been following you. We'll be able to inform Lord Beelzebub and Queen Kazumi, no matter where you go. It would be very interesting if your kind, The Dragon riders, finding out you're working for Yamamoto. What's more, you're fucking one of his men and keeping spirit demons to yourself. What do you think they will do if we tell them about you?"
" I see." Ramune replied, understanding most of Halis's words. The ghoul was blackmailing her to give both Ichitarō and Rangiku. There are 6 to 7 members of the Retribution and fighting them might be easier said than done if doing it alone. Even if she has the Kagami triplets, they would relentlessly hunt her down.
" If you don't wish to get killed by the Retributions, you'd best give us these spirit demons you have been keeping. Then, you will give me something. A certain pleasure that always made your husband happy. It'll be beneficial to both you and me, half breed." Halis chuckled, drawing his dagger all the way to Ramune's kimono which led to her breast. She jerked off and used her jian sword to point it on Halis, refusing his offer.
" Go to hell." she answered, spitting him on the face.
He licked her spit and crackled with a devious, dark laughter. Then went back.
" Very well. There shall be no mercy for a half breed like you. Slay them all!" He commanded and green veins showed on his neck and they slowly. Expanding his muscles, his armour broke off from his body.
He smirked as he sighted the Retribution members emerging their weapons out of the shadows with so much lust for blood and beautiful, yet vulnerable women.
By the time the Retributions could attack, a sound of a gun echoed throughout the mountains and everyone tried to turn their attention on who it was.
" I wouldn't hurt these people if I were you. "
A voice of a little girl with short lime green hair and light pink right eye, demanded out behind the snow covered trees. She jumped down in between the Retributions and headed towards them, while holding a gun.
" Relax, it's a little Arrancar bitch, Lilinette Gingerback. Let's squash her while we have a chance!" the mage warrior shouted and Halis smirked.
The Retributions briskly positioned themselves then senses a similar spirit energy, recognizing Starrk's presence.
Starrk appeared and pulled out two of his guns behind him in his side sheath. He pointed the gun straight both Ramune and Halis.
" What are you doing here? " Ramune asked.
" I should be the one asking you, princess." Starrk responded, was ready to shoot her head if Zen wasn't here nor his sexual tension towards Yumikō.
That's when Halis sneered again, but without a single smirk on his face.
" Apologies for interrupting you, Espada. Now that you've grown some balls thanks to your `girlfriend ` you called ' The dark lord ', we will come back and when we do, they won't be lucky this time." He laughed as he and the other Retributions vanished into the shadows.
~~~~~~~~~~
❲ FEW HOURS LATER ❳
As they arrived before the Maiden light castle and Ramune disembarked Murasaki from her ropes, Ichitarō wondered why would anyone target him and if Kazumi wasn't the only one. When he spotted Shunsui and Jushirō, he assumed Yoshimura was there as well.
However, they're surrounded by phoenix guards with their spears. Ichigo and Rukia unsheathed their Zanpakutos when Yumikō arrived with Frost in his hands. Rangiku was astonished on how gorgeous he was.
"Who is this handsome gentleman?" she asked.
" The dark lord himself, Yumikō Mishima." He said, going closer towards Ichitarō.
" What do you want from me?" He asked
" You," Yumikō answered. "To figure out how do you get here and to decide your fate- through life and death."
Yumikō snapped his fingers for the phoenix guards to seize both Rangiku and Ichitarō.
As the phoenix guards exchanged looks on what Yumikō said, Starrk came forward first.
He slowly walked toward them like a predator circling its prey, making it look like they were trying to stay their ground. But they did shuffle a few steps, allowing fear to escape in Ichigo's mind when he looked at her face. Stark studied her for a few moments. Tensions were so thick, even Frost stopped her purr. He drew closer to Rangiku and snatched her bag from her hands, moving few feet away.
"Hey!" Rangiku shouted as she attempted to follow him, but then phoenix guards was pointing them as they got between her and Starrk. Starrk roughly opened the bag and dumped the contents on the table. Then he pulled out everything. Some important survival gear were on the table:
Three blankets, a flask, first aid kit, some lady stuff, their flip phones, extra sets of warm clothes, snacks, Yoshimura's stuffed penguin toy, her lucky bracelet, a manga book called ' The Iron claw ' ( which was adapted from her favourite fighting video game), a flashlight, and Kon for some reason. He and Lilinette examined the contents on the floor, while phoenix guards bent down and picked up the book. Then, they motioned one of their associates.
The phoenix guard stepped around Rangiku and roughly pulled her arms up.
" Hey, let go of me!" She yelped, attempting to fight him.
" Quiet, worm!" He growled, scanning his hands down her sides and up her pant legs. She stopped moving but froze almost immediately when his hands grazed over her backside longer than necessary.
Rukia felt uneased as he moved on to Rangiku's pockets pulling out her tissues, and a lip balm from her coat pocket. He let her go and she walked towards Rukia. She hugged her tightly, watching the phoenix guards tossing her lip balm and tissues in the pile. She buried her face with an uncomfortable feeling.
Lilinette closed the book and put it under her elbow as she took the flip phone and turned it on. Once she unlocked it, she began looking through all the info on the phone. Her pictures, videos, messages and even phonecalls she would go through if there had been some mobile connection. But nothing showed up, only her colleague and her family. They stopped going through everything and looked back up at Rangiku, placing her things in a bag.
" Hey, asshole! Is it that necessary?!" Ichigo shouted.
" For security reasons, yes. It is necessary, child. And you should be working on your manners if you want to talk to me like that." Yumikō answered.
" YOU FUCKER!!" Ichigo shouted.
Before Ichigo could lift his sword, a bolt of green light knocked him off his feet. He fell unconsciously and landed on the icy concrete floor. Yumikō's potion unraveled and clogged the bottle potion with a cork.
" Do you wish to question me, spirit demon?" Yumikō asked, staring at Ichitarō.
He shook his head and tightly gripped Ichigo. " Good." Then, commanded to the guards, " Take them to their own guest rooms. Keep them comfortable, but make sure no one can escape."
The phoenix guards were gently but firmly guiding Ichitarō and his sisters to the castle, while another carried the injured Ichigo over their shoulder.
" You sure sound a lot like old man Yamamoto." Shunsui joked.
" Oh deary, I'm nothing like Genryusai." Yumikō whispered with a simple giggle.
Yumikō felt the tension building within him fade off. Yet, mysteries remained unsolved.