Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any characters affiliated with it.

A/N: I apologize for the long delayed update. I hope not to delay again. I had a very close death in the family, major surgery, and then a few chaotic months afterwards. I sure hope you do all understand.

With that stated, please enjoy. And thank you to all who have reviewed or are reading and enjoying the story. :) And also, please excuse any grammatical and spelling errors. THANK YOU!

His Most Prized Possession

Chapter 6

Skirt to the left.

Hop the branch.

Faster. Faster. Faster.

Heavy breathing and rapid paw beats sent the birds in the trees singing their warning through the air. They beat their wings faster, faster to keep up with the prey as it ran.

Under the limb.

Watch the ant pile.

Veer to the right.

The white tail of the gray rabbit disappeared behind a few shrubs as her enemies approached. The birds became silent as they perched above on the branches of a Pine.

The wild dogs put their nose to the ground and began to sniff. The leader, a beautiful brown color with golden eyes, put his nose to the air. Oh yes, the prey was near. The dog leader smiled, his sharp teeth protruding. He silently took a step forward towards the brush. He could feel his two other hunters with him as they enclosed on either side.

Step closer. Step silently. Step closer. Step silently. Head low as the prey is small and closer to the ground. It was like a silent mantra going through the pack as they starred hard at the bushes. The rabbit couldn't believe its luck. Of course, She should have known better. She had gotten all the way to the King with no mishaps, she supposed chaos was catching up for lost time. Her nose twitching and ears moving side to side, she gathered that she was surrounded with only the back open but deep down she knew another waited for her. The only option left was to have them come so close to her and then bolt. It was crazy to think that way for she could easily be thwarted, but she could also easily confuse her predators.

She watched the saliva drip from their hungry mouths; watched as their tails wagged in anticipation of the kill. Closer...closer...it was very quiet. The birds cocked their heads to the side, their black eyes trying to see the verdict.

It was like watching lightening. As the pack descended on the bush, the rabbit jumped above their heads and sped off. Two of the dogs collided with the other as the leader turned about and sped off. The cackling and victory of the birds' song followed them as the chase went on through the thick forest.

Over fallen tree limbs, bounding over holes, trying to keep as alert as possible was proving to be very difficult as tiredness began to slow her limbs. If she were to stop, the beast would be right on her and would rip her very head from her body. She knew they would. She had seen it done many times to her own. With a greater resolve, she pushed her back legs faster hoping that the Earth would hear her silent plea of help.

The ground quivered as the pack ran over the fallen leaves and lose dirt. Their hearts pumping blood through their veins. The chase was so invigorating. The little bunny reflected perfectly in the golden eyes of her prey. If the leader thought the chase was invigorating, then the next thing to happen was simply euphoric. The pack watched in vivid excitement as the little rabbit over-hopped a jump and tumbled down a leafy hill stopping when she got stuck in the mud of the bank.

She could feel the weight of the paper around her neck and closed her eyes in resignation .Too tired to fight, the bunny sat in horror as the pack descended slowly down the hill.

Step closer. Step silently. Step closer. Step silently.

She shivered as a breeze riffled through her fur. Opening one brown eye revealed the leader standing only inches from her. She assumed he wished to goad her for her impertinence. She tensed as she saw the others circle her. This was it. No way out except the river to her back. And surely, she would die.

The scream that was emitted as the leader leapt forward had the birds ceasing their songs and flying off in abject horror as blood tinted the air.

Karin stood at her balcony for what seemed ages. She sighed as she scanned the people below looking for any sign of orange hair. She missed her brother deeply as the last time she had seen him was a year ago on her wedding. After that, he had left to travel the kingdom. She closed her eyes and stepped away from the balcony only to turn to see her father standing a few steps behind her and smiling.

"I know you miss him Karin, but don't worry about him. He'll be fine."

Scoffing, Karin answered back, "I'm not worried." She watched as her father shrugged and went to sit down on the chair placed near the window. Karin blinked at him and sighed as she stepped back to her window.

"Ok...maybe I am worried." Karin finely admitted as her eyes focused on a particular spot in the distance. She was grateful that Isshin didn't look at her; otherwise, he would have seen the tears building behind her eyes. Instead, he too seemed to be occupied with looking out over the distance. "It's just hard to imagine what would happen if Ichi-nii got hurt and didn't return to us. It was so hard after Yuzu and Mom passed."

Karin closed her eyes and gritted her teeth to keep from crying. The last time she cried was at the funeral ten years ago. Ichigo had just turned eighteen years old. She remembered leaning her small frame against him for support as they slowly traveled back to the palace together. His strong arm never left her shoulders as tear after tear streaked down her face. She faintly remembered her dad staying behind at the grave sites, storm clouds looming dangerously over head.

A strong hand patting her shoulder broke her from her sorrowful musings. "It was hard wasn't it? But we are so much stronger and better now no? Yuzu and Mom would be proud of us if they could see how well we are doing now. And I'm sure they are looking after Ichigo as well."

Karin nodded and smiled at her father. It was nice to have an adult talk with the man every once and a while. It was just such a pity that her father was no good at said moments.

"Now come here and give daddy a big bear hug! I have some gas that needs to be released and need a little pressure!"

Karin was seen growling and muttering under her breath as she stomped from her room and down the hall. Stupid old man. It was time for her to get a drink from the kitchen, whether Old Mae, the head of the kitchen, wanted to give her one or not.

Isshin sat up from his crumpled position on the floor. Indeed, his Mizaki would be proud to see how strong their children had become. Both Ichigo and Karin could defend themselves and those they loved easily without harm coming to themselves. Isshin felt a bit better also that Karin was married. It was good she could take care of herself, but even the most courageous and strong warrior needed someone to love and hold them in times of need. He would know. He was foolish enough to think that he was one who didn't need it.

Picking himself up from his sitting position and righting his clothes, he took one last look out the window. He could see how easily Karin had fallen into her memories for he had done the same looking out the window. And through that beautiful ornamented window frame, he could see the hill that, for a time, allowed his family to picnic and play on. It was a beautiful spot. One that gave the view of the castle itself. Every one of their family rooms looked out on it.

"Put up a curtain. I don't wish to ever look at that hill again."

"But Isshin, it's one of your favorite views."

"Shut your mouth Kisuke. I don't..I can't right now." Isshin gritted his teeth and hung his head in shame as he watched the last traces of lingering sunlight fade from his floor.

"Isshin." He heard as his friend approached him. "I know it's hard. You just buried them yesterday, but what would Ichigo and Karin think if they came and saw what you have done?" Shoving Kisuke away from him, Isshin angrily walked over to his side table and filled a goblet of wine. Kisuke drew his lips into a thin line as he watched his friend drink one glass and watched as it turned into four and then six.

Isshin ignored his friend; in fact, didn't even notice when he walked out the room, his door clicking softly as it shut. One cup, two cups...didn't matter as long as his goblet was filled. He wasn't sure how long time had passed. Days turned to weeks and weeks to months. Everything meshed together and the only time he could think was to refill his goblet.

He never noticed the pitying glances sent by his court; the disgusted looks on his servants' faces; the anger on his peoples' brow; or the ever increasing berth between himself and his two surviving children. The only time he ever noticed any thing different was if his goblet wasn't filled.

He supposed it had been a while that he had been drinking. It was getting to the point now where he craved only drink and no food, solitude to company, and the beckoning shadows of lunacy where his own thoughts ran wild with rage and sorrow. His body felt heavy with his weight and his heart felt like it wished to beat from his chest. He felt wild.

The beast was there. The beast that he thought he contained a long time ago. He ripped the curtain from its holding and listened as the metal frame crashed down to the cement below. And there it was. That accursed hill bathing in moonlight. That place that held a special place in his heart as his family celebrated life there. He took a long swig and then smiling broadly, brought his arm back and in one motion cleared a good few feet. He laughed maniacally as the clay pitcher shattered on the cobbles below.

"Piece of shit hill. Ha! Take that! What do you think now!? Huh!? Tell me! Show me your memories you accursed place! You...you...you place that I can piss on!"

He stumbled over to the edge of the window, his laughter echoing in the court yard. "So you think to take me too huh? Is that your plan? You accursed thing!" He shook his fist at the damned hill and then stopped. His eyes widening and mouth gaping at something. He was far too drunk and tired to see, but there in the moonlight, he could swear that a beautiful woman was watching him. He had no time to blush with embarrassment nor the brain cells to think that the woman wouldn't notice due to the distance as he heard foot steps near. He straitened up and listened as they stopped a few feet from behind him. Not close enough for him to attack but close enough to speak. Slowly he turned around to see a halo of orange and a tall figure standing in the door way. Not yet fully toned as a full grown man should be but showing excellent promise stood his son.

Father and son starred at each other in silence until Ichigo sighed and allowed his shoulders to droop. "You know the hill doesn't have ears but your guards sure do."

Isshin blinked as his head fell to the side dumb founded. Ichigo cautiously took a step forward. "Dad, I think it's time for you to stop now. Mom and Yuzu wouldn't want you this way."

Taking a deep breath, Isshin smiled at his son. "Look at you, acting the big man of the house. It's cute Ichigo but you are no man nor match for someone like me. I've seen more death and more war than you have seen anything in your life. If you mean to usurp me son, you will have to do better than that."

Everything was stated in a coarse whisper and if Ichigo wouldn't have been waiting patiently and watching he would have missed his chance. Isshin lunged forward to tackle his son but Ichigo elegantly side stepped and tripped him. Panting on the floor and growling, Isshin picked himself up and once again threw himself at his son. Ichigo moved out the way causing Isshin to run into his side table. Angry now and shouting curses, Isshin grabbed his sword from his scabbard. "You are no son of mine! You can not even bring peace to your father!"

Swinging the sword violently and, in his drunken stupor, no real strategy planned at hand Isshin tried with all his might to remove the flawed son before him.

Ichigo, owing credit to his trainers, dodged each attack before grabbing a nearby shield. He felt each pummel as his father's sword smashed into it. He was suddenly grateful that he commanded his father's guards to not come in under any circumstances. Ichigo, instead, found himself dancing around his chaotic father and dodging all his ill attempts at disposing of him. Finally, after fifteen minutes, the old man started to struggle with the weight of his sword. Soon, the sword clank to the ground. Ichigo lowered his shield only to come face to face with his father as Isshin entwined his fist into his clothes. Ichigo saw the weariness in his father's eyes. "Father, be at peace. I'm not here to usurp you, but here to do for you what you have done for me in years past."

Isshin would have retorted in foul language if not for the peep of his thirteen year old daughter. Turning around, he expected to see tear stains down her cheeks and fear in her eyes. Instead, he found a young woman looking at him intently with anger in her eyes and determination on her features. Surely, if his two children could over come. Isshin didn't even remember being put to bed but that was where he woke up the next morning with his two children sleeping by his side and the remains of the curtain burned in the fire place.

Isshin sighed and turned from the window to walk out of the room. Memories should stay where they were meant to stay...as just memories. He snorted to himself as he closed Karin's chamber door and walked towards the kitchen to annoy his daughter and steal a sweet pie from Mae.

Ishida couldn't help the chill that went down his spine as he collected more firewood. Looking up and to the South, he could see a few miles away an enormous gathering of birds. Curious, he put down the wood and took a few steps towards the sight. How odd to see an accumulation of different feathered species in one area. He shivered again and this time he knew it was because something evil was about to occur. Quickly, he picked up the firewood and made his way back to the cave.

"Rukia!"

Throwing the wood to the side, he slowly approached the young woman who was bent over in pain. Grabbing her, he had her stand before him. When she lifted her face to his, he knew his suspicions were correct.

"They took her! They probably killed.."

"Don't say no more Rukia." The words were hollow in her ears. What more could she say. She willingly put her Earth spirit into danger to save the man she loved. The same man who was desperately trying to stand up to come comfort her and glaring daggers at Ishida.

"What the hell is going on?" Rukia turned to him and slowly made her way over. She spoke nothing as she calmly sat down next to Ichigo.

Staring intently at her wet face, he lifted a hand to wipe away a stray tear. But Rukia pulled away before he could. "We have been here far too long. You were out with a fever for a few days. I had sent my bunny for help. She would have returned either today or tomorrow, I'm sure of it."

"Rukia...please." She scooted away from him and walked slowly to the door.

"Ishida. Stay with him."

"Hey! Where are you going? Rukia, damn it, you can't go out there without one of us. Are you listening?!"

Ichigo's bellowing feel on deaf ears as she silently moved from the entrance. Ishida put a hand on his Prince's shoulder to hold him down. Rukia had done a fair job of cleaning and healing the wounds but her abilities had gone only so far. Ishida cursed as blood slowly started to seep through the bandages.

"Ichigo. I believe she just needs some time alone. I can assure you that she will not go far. She hasn't done so yet." Ichigo gave him a sharp look and then winced as his side started to burn. Still, he felt a need to go to her. "Don't even attempt to struggle Ichigo. It will be in vain." Growling, Ichigo put his head down and closed his eyes. Ishida stood up and went to the small pile of herbs that he and Rukia collected.

"Do you think she'll be fine?"

Responding to the concern in his Prince's voice, Ishida answered back. "She will be fine. Don't worry. You see, even though Earth spirits are not assign or commanded to obey any Gods, as they belong to the Earth, they can still choose to be bonded with one. In this case, Rukia and..er..Chappy decided to bond. What she is feeling may be that bond with her Earth spirit. I could only hope that it has not met with any true ill intent."

Ishida turned around with his newest mixture of herbal medicine to see the look of disgust and disbelief on Ichigo's face. "Chappy? That's what she named the rabbit?"

Ishida glared at him. "I think it's a good name for the little rabbit." Ichigo would have snorted again if the bandages on his wound wouldn't have hurt so badly from sticking to his skin. Ishida tried to pull them off as slowly as possible but every tug made Ichigo wince. Finally, he dabbed it with a bit of water and it more easily peeled.

"You bastard. You tormented me on purpose." Ishida said nothing as he observed Ichigo's inflamed wounds although his mouth did twitch slightly. He thought about going to get Rukia to take a look. If he didn't know any better, he'd bet that the wound was becoming re-infected. Just what in the hell was on the sword any way? "This is going to hurt a bit."

Rukia jumped slightly as she heard Ichigo bellow followed by Ishida loudly reprimanding him. She would have found the situation funny if not for the heaviness she felt in her heart. Something was terribly wrong. Although she couldn't say Chappy was dead, she wasn't sure if the little rabbit would be alright either. Closing her eyes, she tried to summon what little of her power she possessed and attempted a vision but to no avail.

"Please Chappy. Come home to me." She would have stayed lingering in thoughts if not for the next bellow echoing from the cave. Sighing in resignation, she turned on her heel and entered the cave to find Ishida with his foot on Ichigo's face.

Nearing the two knuckleheads, she noticed how badly Ichigo's wounds were getting again. She gasped as she saw puss start to develop on the wound again. "Ishida! Quickly, get some water!" Dropping his foot from Ichigo's face, Ishida couldn't help but notice how Ichigo had become still, his face contorted into pain. He just knew it wasn't from his foot.

"I had no idea that it would take hold of him again and this fast. I thought we would be out of the woods!"

"Rukia, just what is this stuff?" Working steadily, they both started rinsing out the wounds.

"Nakamura, Takeshi."

"Huh?" Ishida stopped his work to look at her strangely.

"That was the name of the warrior Ichigo fought against." Understanding dawned on Ishida's face. He could feel Ichigo trying to lift his head to hear what Rukia was saying but was losing the battle. Rukia looked at Ichigo with concern. He was losing his battle to stay conscious. "Takeshi was actually a warrior from the Special forces of the Gods. More of an assassin type. His sword spewed a special poison known for eating flesh. His victims, I was told, normally didn't make it to see a second round. It's a very tricky poison. The kind that mutates to fit its needs. Sort of like its disgusting master. It'll attack and then hide in wait and then attack again. I had only heard about it from my brother..um Lord Byakuya a long time ago when he took Takeshi into his forces."

Ishida look at her with awe and fear. "So you mean, we may not be able to stop this."

Rukia worked diligently at cleaning the wounds on her beloved and spreading the special herbs that Ishida earlier was spreading and answered, "I pray we can or at least for a miracle."

Ichigo groaned as a slight fever started to set in. Ishida raced outside to fetch more water as Rukia willed her trembling hands to work faster Chappy currently put to the side.

"It is time for us to depart. Thank you so much for all of your teaching and care."

"It was a pleasure to have you both as my students, and there is still much for you both to learn but I know that time is of the essence and you must not be delayed." The beautiful brunette woman smiled at both of her students as they stood before her in their traveling gear. Slowly, she pulled from her neck a small white crystal and handed it over to the young woman in front of her. "If you ever find yourself in need, just place this crystal against a rock and ask for help." Smiling, the girl took it and put it about her own neck then turned to look at her companion. He nodded to her. "Please come back some time to visit with me."

The students and their teacher hugged and then pulled apart as the main gates swung open to reveal the road that would take them home. Slowly, they walked through the gates and set a faster pace once the gates closed.

"Are you sure of what you saw?"

"Yes. I am sure of it. Our Prince was injured and is somewhere in a cave about three days journey from here. He did not look that well, as if he was just recovered and then fell ill again. I don't know what type of illness it is though."

The young woman nodded in understanding. "And what of your other vision."

"It was odd, but I'm sure it was of a rabbit. For some reason, I feel very compelled to go to it first Orihime." Orihime could do nothing but nod again. She knew of his love for animals, but felt that this was definitely something different. If anything, she had always trusted Chad's instincts just as she could trust the sun and moon to accomplish their rotations.

"Then we must hurry Chad. Our home depends on it." Nodding in agreement, they started at a run into the woods praying that they would get to their destination before fate decided otherwise.