Protector and The Hornet

Exposed

Ichigo was more upset than he thought. Seeing Suì-Fēng had become the highlight of his day. They had bonded surprisingly fast though neither one would admit it to themselves, let alone anyone else. Now he was stuck touring the Soul Society with everyone else.

"Don't worry Ichigo," said Orihime. "Even though you're all beaten up, you can now spend the day with us."

"I still don't understand why you couldn't just heal me though."

"Rukia said that healing naturally would keep Zaraki off your back longer. If I healed you, he would start attacking you."

"She's right," said Uryu. "Besides, what have you been doing that's so much fun?"

"I've been training, that's all." Ichigo got up from the table and walked outside to brood until they were all ready to leave. His body was not in fighting condition, but he could move normally. His body was covered in bruises that his soul reaper clothing concealed.

He didn't need to wait long, as everyone was ready within a few minutes, and they all left to visit a carnival. The carnival was only just passing through this area, so they would only have a few days to see it.

As they walked down the dirt road, with Southeast Asian style markets on either side, they saw Rukia waiting for them. What surprised them was the fact that Renji was with her.

Rukia and Renji were talking about something.

"You know Rukia, I heard from Lieutenant Omaeda that his captain has been behaving strangely."

"Strangely, how so?"

"She's apparently been missing most of the day. She gets her work done fast enough, but she doesn't drill the squad in her spare time like she used to."

"That is strange..." That reminds me of someone else I know.

"So Rukia, I heard a similar story about Ichi-"

"Hey Rukia, Renji." The others reached them, ending their conversation about Soi Fong.

"Renji? Why are you here?" as Ichigo.

"Based on what Rukia told me, I could ask you the same question. Anyway, I've got the day off, so I decided to hang out with all of you."

"Great," said Ichigo sarcastically.

"Is something wrong captain?" asked Lieutenant Omaeda as squad 2 trained. The lower squad members were doing squats in the training area.

Suì-Fēng paid no heed to her Lieutenant's attempts to show concern. It's my fault he got hurt.

"Captain?"

He only got hurt because I asked him not to tell his friends.

"Uh...Captain?"

If only I hadn't been so secretive. I should've at least told lady Yoruichi.

"Captain!"

"What is it Lieutenant, can't you see I'm thinking?"

Omaeda cringed at her words as well as her icy glare. "Uh...sorry captain. I was just...worried about you..." He found it hard to speak confidently in her presence and found his voice becoming quieter and timid as he spoke.