New Beginning

Chapter 16

Attaching themselves to the raiding party that was heading up to the ice dragons lair was relatively easy. Kaien for once was glad of the effects of greed and alcohol. Cang Du was keeping himself a good distance from them and it didn’t take a genius to figure out that the man was using the villagers as a diversion.  But at the moment Kaien didn’t care.

Shifting that heavy blade of Ichigo’s that was secured to his back Kaien now knew what Shiro had gone through. It wasn’t a pleasant experience. But he was glad that the older spirit allowed him to carry them until they were in range of Ichigo. Kaien also wondered how the orangette even was able to hold the blade like it was nothing.  Give him a trident any day.

“sigh, do we have to go with them,” the First Espada Stark whined next to Kaien. “They have too much energy.”

“It was your idea Stark,” Kaien chided. “Beside it’s a good cover. We’ll detach from the main group once we near the cave.”

“Okay I guess,” the man groan. “Wake me when they start moving.”

Kaien shook his head careful not to dislodge his hooded cape. The last thing they needed was for the villagers to find out that he was missing. If a person didn’t know Starks rank they wouldn’t believe that the man was consider one of the strongest in Kuro. Kaien had trouble half the time believing it. But for all the man’s laid back attitude once he was riled up, he was like a juggernaut. So to keep that from happening the royal family let the man lie.

“What about the poacher, you going to leave him?” Stark asks peeking out from one eye.

“Though it is my job to arrest criminals, Ichigo is our main priority now. Plus, I think that the dragon will deal with him.” the Prince said before grimacing. “God forbid him and Ichigo cross paths.”

The image of the orangette crossing blades with the hunter was something the Kaien rather avoid. Not that he didn’t think that Ichigo would lose but mostly he didn’t want to get the attention of an already riled up dragon. He just wanted to get in and get out.

‘Knowing how my lucks been going that’s too much to ask for,’ He thought.

He was broken out of his thoughts by Stark who had been poking him. tilting his head in the raiding party’s direction indicating that it was time to move. Kaien sighed before getting up. In the back of his head he thought he heard someone snicker.

‘yep just my luck.’

It could be said that it was fortunate that the weather was nice. The harsh winds had died down and the temperature was actually two degrees higher than normal.  A good day to go hunting just not the kind of hunting that Kaien was currently in. He really wishes that a storm would hit sending those who wouldn’t be out back in. it would cut the numbers in half.

Kaien felt Stark stiffen and was about to ask what was wrong when he saw that Cang Du was missing. He cursed himself for his lack in attention. He and Stark broke away from the group and started to track to hunter’s foot prints.

“He had no intention of leading the villagers. I guess that makes out job easier.” Kaien said.

“True, but we still have no idea what his real game plan is. Remember that he seemed very interested in Ichigo’s sword and the boy himself. it would be best to keep them separate.” Stark added.

“agreed.”

However, that was easier said than done. After a few minutes they lost Cang Du’s trail.

“Son of a-

“I guess we can confirm that he isn’t one to be caught easily.”

“Ya think.”