Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Blaze of Wrath ❯ Chapter 1 ( Chapter 1 )

Blaze of Wrath

 

Chapter 1

 

Author's note: This is definitely AU, and so please do not flame me for being weird. And perhaps you may detect some OOC in this, I apologize in advance, because I'm doing it to suit the time setting; after all, in ancient Japan, I cannot have Ichigo saying `Bastard' all the time.

 

By the way, historical inaccuracies are not intended…

 

Yes, this is an Ichigo x Orihime x Aizen love triangle!

 

*The title has no particular significance

 

*******

The year was 846 BC, and it was 52 years ago when the Heian period in Japan was established.

 

Heian period translates `peace' in Japanese, and there was no other word to describe these times of growth like never before, and never again others.

 

This the period that went down as the glory in Japanese history; the best of times for some, the worst for the others. Arts and literature flourished, and warriors revered.

 

They say these are the times where the rich's greatest fear is thievery, and in theft their anguish lies. Treasures were envisaged as the gift that were bestowed upon those worthy of it - those in possession of wealth boast, while those without them bow.

 

Kurosaki Ichigo were none - neither a wealthy lord nor a penniless pauper. Eyes laid on the blade hung on his back, and none the doubt any more than they do on Aizen-sama's lordship over the land on Edo*.

 

Edo was in many ways fortunate; like in many ways how it was landed with misfortunes. Thrice had Aizen Sousuke's predecessor, Aizen Kyousuke defied the treachery of bigoted members of the Fujiwara reign that took advantage of the royal linkage, as expected of someone befitted with the title of `The lion of Edo'. Aizen Kyousuke was revered, and so was those who were entitled to follow him in his honoured lineage.

 

Aizen Sousuke, just as his family, was worshipped by many. Men in Edo will go cross any fire to be under his command, and women will take any poison to be his bride. He was an epitome of beauty - a face that will turn the peacocks away, a voice that soothes a child, and warmth that will melt the snow.

 

Kurosaki Ichigo cared not of Edo, and lesser of Aizen Sousuke. Those who had been whispering around his ear of this godly man that Edo prayed to may as well be mute, for he harboured no interest in this man.

 

He was a manifestation of those that Aizen Sousuke have not - the rash demeanor and the untamed nature told in unspeakable languages of manners in which he was to be judged. True enough, Kurosaki Ichigo, after all, was not bred a cultured gentleman but a ruthless fighter. His frowns commands distance, and his glares demand indifference - a man feared by sight.

 

Intriguing, he had thought, it was as though none had heard of the Gin Kami (Silver Hair) threat. He had been called to Edo for no other reason, but towards the Silver Hair threat lurking in Edo; haunting those with wealth, living among the poor.

 

Arisawa Ryouga, honoured acquaintance of his father enquired for assistance, for Ichigo had been a trained swordsman, awaiting to fulfil his code of honour (bushido). The Arisawa is of honourable reputation, and declining will be futile. They had called upon Ichigo as the samurai of Arisawa family.

 

His destination was to the Arisawa residence, and nothing else matters to him.

*******

 

`I've brought tea, Kurosaki-sama' the Lady of the house, Sayuri-sama placed a cup of tea in front of Ichigo with a delicate grace that was customary of the Japanese women.

 

The master of the Arisawa residence, Ryouga-sama nodded with contentment, very well hidden behind his masculine beard and dignified expression.

 

`Kurosaki Ichigo-san,' Ryouga-sama spoke, `I had to apologize to you should you have been facing any danger while on your way.' He bowed.

 

`Not at all, Arisawa-sama,' Ichigo return politeness with courtesy. `It is my duty, as I was instructed by my father to aid the Arisawa residence with my utmost. I've been trained since young, and I've been waiting the day to serve the residence with much anticipation.'

 

`I'm afraid you do not have to so grateful, Kurosaki-san. If it is not for the Silver Hair, we may not have troubled you, in such an early stage.'

 

`No, Ryouga-sama, I've completed my training, and highly wished to serve you as early as possible. I, however, have a request.' Ichigo lowered his head, `Please enlighten me upon the Silver Hair.'

 

`If I may be honest, Kurosaki-san, it was rumoured that a silver-haired figure will appear in the midnight, without warning, then take away some priceless possessions in the house, and claim that he would give it to the poor. All other samurais had silenced this from being spread, but I will hide none from you, Kurosaki-san, I'm more worried about my daughters than my possessions,' Ryouga-sama's face is of sorrow and worry.

 

He placed his forehead on the tatami mat, and plead, `Kurosaki-san, please protect my family.'

 

With unbent heart, Ichigo yields to the plea.

*******

 

Not since five in age had Ichigo met Ryouga-sama, lesser still on reveling upon his two daughters. One in actuality - another adopted.

 

Exact opposite she was, the maiden of the Arisawa family, from her mother. Gifted with none the grace, charm and gentleness of Lady Sayuri - Tatsuki defied the ideal portrayal of ladyship, and more so as the elder of the two. She possessed the heart of a rebel, denying her suitors even a glance of her wild beauty, her sensuous voice and her skills with the koto (Japanese musical instrument).

 

Ichigo, by a slight chance, mistaken her for a man - she always dressed as such - once, when she returned to the sanctuary a disguised hooded figure; and if he had not seen Sayuri-sama's eyes in her, he would have committed a grave error. By the wall, nonetheless!

 

`Why had you chosen on appearing as such, Tatsuki-sama?' Ichigo had enquired then, `You may fall prey to Zangetsu, had you not been swift.'

 

She watched him in still determination, `Speak to any others, Father and Mother, disgrace me all you want! Nevertheless, samurai-san, disgrace me, and you humiliate Father. I believe that a man of wisdom will choose not such foolhardy ways.'

 

What a disgrace to nobility! Ichigo desired not in arising discords among the Arisawa residence that he had just resided for a mere one week, less so in knowing what Tatsuki-sama does out of the confinement she called her home; the matter was now a forgotten fragment of his remembrance.

 

Her sister is exemplary of the noble daughter of Arisawa - Orihime-sama, more often than not, was taken as Tatsuki-sama, by the untrained eyes of the outsiders. A beauty that transcends a mere glance, Orihime-sama is many ways, more protected than Tatsuki-sama. The daughter of a close acquaintance that perished in a war against the rebels, she was educated in ways that Tatsuki had, a child to the Arisawa clan just had Tatsuki been.

 

Orihime-sama, as her sister, desired and wanted by many. While Tatsuki-sama's appeal lies within her noble blood, Orihime-sama's was her beauty. Her soft voice and big round eyes entranced many that were fortunate enough to garner a glance of her. Her hair flows naturally, very much in sync with the course of nature, as if the when the wind blows, her hair swam across the sea of wind.

 

Ichigo's daily duties were to watch them, and watch the residence at night. However, he found his eyes to be transfixed at the younger of the two more than necessary.

 

Once in a while, she will smile at him, as if to acknowledge that he is there to protect them, gratifying him as his eyes guards herself and her sister faithfully. Ichigo thought that even when she smiles, the aftermath was intoxicating indeed. She could curved her mouth in a slight upturn, and the warmth that was left will remain long after she turned away. Towards Ichigo, it was always a smile from her; always a smile, and never a word to be spoken.

 

Ichigo had never thought that such a magical person existed, until he found himself entranced in the after effect of the first smile she gave him.

*******

 

It was a month after he came to Edo that Ichigo finally see Aizen Sousuke. Not very close, just a distance away to discern his face.

 

Prettier than he expected, was Ichigo's first impression upon the man. He was a soft-spoken gentleman, and a noble nonetheless. A perfect man; or that is what the ladies desire from the men.

 

He saw him as he was in a carriage towards a opposite direction as Ichigo, in a streets of Edo one fine afternoon as he was to escort Tatsuki-sama and Orihime-sama to the dance school.

 

Upon the sight of him, Tatsuki-sama stopped her sister.

 

`Orihime, look at Aizen-sama, he's looking at you,' Tatsuki spoke to her sister with a sudden high-pitched voice in glee that Ichigo had never seen her use.

 

A rush of blood ran through Orihime-sama's face as she lift her delicate face towards the said direction. Embarrassment, or mortification, Ichigo cared not. All he cared was for the rock on the street that Orihime-sama will be tripping against lest her eyes wandered off towards Aizen-sama.

 

And, tripped she did!

 

As a samurai would to his Ladyship, Ichigo rushed to her, catching her, before she touched the ground. She fell on him, he feeling all the pain from the rock that almost tripped his Ladyship.

 

Ichigo knew she was beautiful, but this, as he held her, was different.

 

He felt not the pain on his back as he fell on her behalf; not her cries asking of his well-being; not the whispers on him by the onlookers as reds of bloods flowed from his arm.

 

He couldn't tear his eyes from hers - for him, this was the first time he had seen her in such proximity, and he finally understood the full figure of the obsession from her many suitors upon her.

 

She was an ethereal being; there was none other that would do her justice.

*******

 

`Orihime-dono,' Aizen stepped down from his comfort carriage, to do more than to greet her. He went to her side as would a worried husband to a wife, and gently lift her up to regain her stature. `I hope you are fine,' he said to her.

 

`Yes,' she said in return to his concern, `It was all because of Kurosaki-sama that I'm not hurt,' she smiled at Ichigo, `Thank you, Kurosaki-sama.'

 

Aizen Sousuke gave Orihime-sama a nudge, and bowed to Ichigo, `You have my gratitude, Kurosaki-dono.'

 

Ichigo bowed lower than Aizen did, as those samurais shall never have their heads higher than their upper authority, and Aizen to the people of Edo is God to the women.

 

`No, Aizen-sama. I merely did what I should accomplish as the protector for Arisawa clan,' Ichigo replied upon Aizen's humility.

 

He gave a little smile, and returned his attention to the ladies.

 

`I had not been expecting to see you here, Tatsuki-dono, Orihime-dono. I trust that you have been well in my absence,' he said to them, `I sincerely apologize for not visiting the Arisawa residence more, for I am very busy with the court matters.'

 

Tatsuki had seemed to have a discovered a revelation, as she marveled and said, `Aizen-sama, so you are going to enter the court soon?'

 

`I'm afraid so, Tatsuki-dono,' he replied, `It was frowned upon, as my families had arranged for me to inherit the family trade. However, I felt that my true calling is within the act of serving the country, to bring more to the people.'

 

The Arisawa ladies looked among themselves and hide their embarrassed actions within the sleeves of their kimono, while many other onlookers were whispering on matters inaudible to the ignorant ears of Ichigo.

 

`Please, if I may asked to be excused,' Aizen bowed slightly to Tatsuki-sama and Orihime-sama, `Anticipate my presence in a week in Arisawa residence.'

 

`At that time, Orihime-dono,' his face now near Orihime-sama's, `I shall ask for the permission of our union.'

 

Orihime-sama face, as Ichigo saw, crimsoned a deeper shade.

*******

 

Ichigo breathed the night breeze, for he had chosen that time to train himself. Training to him, is like eating to others - he was how he was in partial thanks to his own discipline.

 

Unsheathing his sword, Zangetsu, he raised it to mirror the scythed-shaped moon, to swing it upront, with all his might, eyes closed.

 

The wind around him as if in agitation, blew in circles around him, sweeping and taking the dried leaves along in a small typhoon.

 

He swung it another direction, with a loud breath of motion, he opened his eyes; the leaves were now all sliced by an invisible army of blades, and fell to the ground.

 

So were a tray, and subsequently a cup.

 

Alerted, he sharpen his ears in seeking the intruder. Upon locking his whereabouts, Ichigo tracked him, placing Zangetsu against his neck.

 

`It w-w-was m-me, Kurosaki-sama,' said a voice familiar to Ichigo.

 

`Orihime-sama,' Zangetsu lowered, `what intention do you have, lurking around this night so old?'

 

`Forgive me, Kurosaki-sama,' fear reflected in her eyes even after Zangetsu was withdrawn, `I wanted to serve you tea.'

 

`And I should trust you on that?' Ichigo asked her in return, `Realize the threats, Orihime-sama. I am here on your father's order, and should I sense danger, I am to exterminate them, precisely on your father's order - all for your sake, and Tatsuki-sama's.'

 

`Play not, Orihime-sama,' he turned away, `I do not hesitate.'

 

`Please, Kurosaki-sama,' her voice weak, still fearful, `I only intended to serve you tea. It was for father, but he slept. There is plentiful, and I wanted to thank you for today. Please allow me to express my gratitude once again.'

 

Shame on me, Ichigo had thought! She had meant well, and he was on the verge of exterminating her!

 

He returned to bow in apology, `I will, Orihime-sama, forgive me on my rudeness.'

 

She smiled at him, `Please wait here, I shall have another cup ready in a moment.'

 

He watched her fast, anxious pace, and blamed himself for acting rash. When she returned, her steps were more uniformed.

 

`I've brought you tea, please enjoy while it's hot,' she sat down beside him.

 

A sip of warmth in the midst of such cold night - was what Ichigo could fathom from the hot cup of tea, in full appreciation of both the breeze that he loved with the contrary that was the heat from the tea.

 

`Orihime-sama, do you fear me?'

 

An awkward pause was observed before she said, `Perhaps, Kurosaki-sama. Yet, I do not want to fear you.'

 

`You are a kind person, Kurosaki-sama. That is why you are protecting us. I do not want to fear you.'

 

Ichigo told her, `It was an order. I merely obliged to them.'

 

Her voice heightened slightly, `No, I believe that you are a sincere person. Just like the cloud!'

 

`The cloud?'

 

Her face reddened despite the coldness of the night as Ichigo faced her. `You see, Kurosaki-sama, the clouds, they show nothing but the truth, isn't it so?'

 

`When they are dark, it will rain. When they are bright, it will be sunny. Forgive me for my foolishness,' and now even deeper in red, `I am never like Tatsuki-neechan, so I may sound a fool to you. But, believe me, Kurosaki-sama, I thought of you as the cloud.'

 

Ichigo had never thought that someone in such furious shade of red could shine as brightly as Orihime-sama did in that moment. Nevertheless, he smiled for one time in many.

 

`Am I that of a fool, Kurosaki-sama?'

 

`No, not at all. Not a wisdom's worth, but none of the ignorance.'

 

Ichigo placed his cup on the tray and began his pace in resuming his training. `Thank you for the tea.'

 

`Ku-Kurosaki-sama..'

 

His pace interrupted, Ichigo glanced at her.

 

`May I serve you tea again?'

 

`Only at night. Times like these, to warm me up.' Ichigo paced forward.

 

For Orihime, as she watched his back in slow disappearance, she thought that Ichigo was the epitome of a man of honour.

*******

 

*Edo - the old name for Tokyo

 

So, if you have read it, please do leave a comment! Helps a lot in improving…

 

Do tell me if I should continue this, this is my first attempt at such fics…I do want to know how I fared, thanks!!!