As Ichigo tried and failed to take control of the horses, Asuka got distracted by a glint in the ground that caught her eye. She walked over to it and found a watch on the ground. Looking closer she found a small piece of paper with a drawing of a little girl and a taller man. She did not miss that the taller man has similar features to one of the corpses.
"Must've been her brother. "
She pursed her lips and put the watch in her pocket. She turned when she heard a cracking sound. She was confused at first, but soon understood when she found a hoof shaped bruise on Ichigo's chin.
"Horsey not playing nice?" She asked with a cheeky grin.
He held their reins in one hand while rubbing his bruised chin.
"It's been a long time since I handled horses. Never paid attention when granny tried to teach me," he replied.
"Well then-"
Asuka then effortlessly hopped onto the back of one the horses. Startled, the horse jumped on it's hind legs trying to throw her off but she grabbed onto the saddle horn keeping her on it. she then grabbed one of the reins and pulled it to the side making it turn forcing it back on all fours.
"Easy girl. Easy," she said softly, gently stroking its mane.
Slowly, the horse settled down.
"See. Easy just like that," Asuka said with smug smile looking at Ichigo.
"Whatever," was all her teacher could muster.
~
After a couple hours making their way through a mountain range, the towering white walls shielding the kingdom inside. The walls seemed to stretch for an eternity. As they approached the gate, something had taken Asuka by surprise.
"There's... so many. How can so many people live in one area?"
"Opportunity. This may be where the emperor lives, but this is also the center for businesses, job opportunities and connections. But most importantly it's where the rich and powerful can live amongst their own with their very own personal army for protection."
Asuka gave a confused look at first, but quickly figured out who he was referring to.
"The royal officers?"
Ichigo nodded.
"Think about it. Have you ever met one before?"
Asuka thought hard but couldn't think of a single time she ever met a royal officer. Not even at Aboa where a Lord lived.
"Their duty to protect all the people of this continent is only one on paper. They only exist to protect the wealthy."
Ichigo had a serious expression on his face when he said this, but quickly covered it with a small grin.
"But that's why I exist. To protect those who have no one to protect."
Asuka smiled at those words.
"Don't forget that I am here as well. I may not be as strong as you, but I will soon be out on my own saving people as well," she said.
Ichigo's smile broadened and he patted the girl on the head.
"Soon will come a lot quicker than you think. Don't be so eager to grow up so fast."
After that, they approached the large gate where two officers stood at attention. They wore silver armor with white, blue and gold clothing worn over it. The clothing had four gold stars on it. One wore a helmet covering their face and the other neglected to wear any head gear. He had short brown hair and a stern look on his face.
He looked quite young. Maybe only ten years older than her.
"Ichigo," one of them spoke out, "you weren't here that long ago. What brings you back?"
Asuka noticed the darkening in the mans mood.
"Just some business. The emperor is waiting to speak with my student here. He has a mission for her."
The officers then looked at Asuka on the other horse. Awkwardly, she smiled and waved at the two.
"Hello... um... my name's Asuka. It's nice to meet you."
Neither man replied. They barely even acknowledged her.
"Right. The emperor said you'd be arriving soon," said the man in the helmet.
The other man turned to address an unseen person.
"Open the gate!"
Slowly the gate raised and they rode into the capital. And it was a site like none Asuka had seen before.
Roads paved with cobblestone. Not even the smallest of blemishes. Many small shops bustling with people of all ages. Their clothes not only clean, but fancy also. Smiles wide. Children running through the streets, playing silly games with each other. Their parents watch, joy and pride plastered on their faces.
Asuka leapt off her horse, star struck with what she was seeing.
"This is it. My dream realized."
"Now isn't the time to be amazed Asuka."
As soon as Ichigo spoke, one of the adults turned towards him. The happiness in his face quickly vanished. In a sweat, he called out to his child, scooped him up and walked away as if fleeing from a thief. Soon, many more took notice of the Nephilim. Those with children grabbed them and quickly made their escape. Those without became quiet, abruptly ending their conversations.
The pair slowly made their way through the market. All citizens averted their gaze. Those who didn't had hate and disdain in their eyes.
Asuka could feel their eyes watching her. Judging her. The feeling was so strong, she almost unsheathed her sword unable to take the hostility. The hand which gripped the rein of her horse trembled.
She looked up at Ichigo wondering how he was fairing. Ichigo was tough and quite scary at times, but he was also kind and gentle. But when she saw his face, he wore a strange expression. Not anger, anxiousness, contempt or even sadness. Just acceptance. The people's anger, fear and hate towards him. All their look of disgust. All their snide remarks. He took them all
He was like death itself gracefully making it's way through town. All people feared, hated and avoided death. And death understood this. Even so, it still faced it all with courage and carried on with it's eternal mission. Resolve unwavered.
When Asuka looked away, she noticed people were looking at her as well. More confused at why their was a girl walking with the demon. She took a deep breath, and steeled her face. Confidence returning to her step.
Soon, they had finally made it to a large, gated building. They left their horses outside as they made their way into the building. As they walked through the building, they passed many royal officers in their white, blue and gold uniforms. Unlike the civilians, they had no qualms with showing their hostility. That was until one man crossed their path.
"Ichigo? I would say it's good to see you, but what have you've done to your luscious hair is just unforgivable, darling."
The man's bright tone came as a shock to Asuka. The contrast between the man and the emotions of the other officers was massive. Not to mention that the man standing in front of them was strong. Very strong.
"Lieutenant Maximus. Always a pleasure to see you," said Ichigo. A genuine smile on his face.
"Oh stop, you flatter me too much, my good man. But I won't stop you," replied Maximus.
He then turned noticing the girl standing beside Ichigo with a perplexed expression.
"So this must be the young star. I must say, she's a lot uh... thinner than I expected."
That comment brought Asuka out of her stupor.
"Thinner? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Oh! I meant no offence," a bead of sweat falling as he said this.
"Calm yourself Asuka. Despite his insensitiveness, he doesn't means no harm."
The man quickly nodded his head. Maybe even had a smile of embarrassment. It was hard to tell with the mask covering his face.
"Now, what exactly brings you to our humble abode?"
"Your general, do you know where she is? I can't sense her."
"Of course, just follow me, darlings."
Maximus was a peculiar existence to Asuka. Unlike all others she's seen, he doesn't seem to fear or hate Ichigo. But that wasn't all that intrigued her. His jacket hung open, hands clasped behind his back, chest puffed out.
"I've never met someone with this much confidence before."
Soon, they reached double doors leading to a large courtyard. There, many men and women were training with each other either with wooden sword or in hand to hand combat. But only one pair had caught Asuka's attention.
A brown haired woman wearing a simple white shirt was effortlessly dodged and blocked attacks from her opponent. Her apathetic face slightly disturbed Asuka. Especially since her opponent was not weak.
The other girl had long curly fire-red hair tied in a ponytail. She wore the same simple white shirt and pants, but hers were stuck to her skin with sweat and covered in dirt.
Seeming to sense their approach, the older woman grabbed the wooden sword of the girl creating a small gust of wind.
"Enough for today. Our guests have arrived," said the woman.
Turning, the girl revealed her golden eyes and freckled face. She looked to be around Asuka's age. For a second, their eye's met. In that same moment, she turned away from them and began to walk away.
"I'm going to bathe and get changed. I'll be ready in half an hour."
"Yes, your highness."
As soon as she left, Maximus began to speak.
"The young lady is getting stronger. I can only imagine what she'll be like in true combat."
"Yes, she has. Now... "
The older woman turned to the group and Asuka noticed something she couldn't before. A large burn scar on the right side of her face.
The woman walked up to the group and greeted both Maximus and Ichigo, face still unmoving. Then turned to face Asuka and began to speak.
"You must be the Trinity."
She closed her right fist and placed it over her heart with a slight bow.
"I am General Cecilia Octavi. I hope this meeting will prove to be fruitful."