Ichigo has been a Army Ranger for 12 years after joining when he was 17. He had just come back from a deployment to Afghanistan again. He had done 3 tours in Afghanistan and 2 tours in Iraq. He didn't have any one at home waiting for him since his parents died. He was walking out towards the doors to leave the airport when He saw a sign that said " take a trip get away from it all" after He saw that Ichigo knew that was a good idea. Ichigo had all his gear with him and so he walked to a counter and said to the woman on the other side " can you book me a flight to day for the Bahamas"

she said " Wait just a second" she handed Ichigo his ticket and said " your flight leaves in 30 minuets"

Ichigo said "thank you"

He walked to the area that said Bahamas flight. He walked on to the plane and a few moments later departed. He landed in Florida and had to change planes for the island of the Bahamas.

Ichigo was going to. He saw two women holding a sign for the saint Lucia.

Ichigo walked to the women and they said for him to go to the tarmac and he would see the plane.

He walked out the door and saw the plane. It was a old sestina that could carry 10 people. The plane looked like it had seen better days but he got in.

There was bench seats on the sides of the air craft. He sat down near the back. He had to keep his two c-bags and his fled bag in front of him. The next to board was a woman and what looked to be her older daughter. The woman sat in the seat that faced Ichigo and the girl sat next to him. The next few people got in. There was a group of guys that got in that got Ichigo's attention. They were always watching the girl and her mom and it looked like they were scum bags but Ichigo just left it alone. They were preparing to take off. The old plane rattled and shook has they were taxiing down the runway. The old plane took off just before they ran out of run way. The girl and her mom were talking to Ichigo and he learned there names. Linda was the mom and she was 56. Rukia was the girl and she had just turned 23. Ichigo kept a eye on the group of 3 guys. The plane started to shake. The pilot came on the intercom and said " we are flying throw a storm. I am going to change coarse and fly around the storm". Linda looked at Ichigo.

He said " im sure we are going to be fine"

He was lying, he knew something was about to happen. The shaking stopped for a wile and then it started again but it was more violent. Ichigo looked out the window behind Him and saw the engine was on fire. He told Linda and Rukia to buckle up. The plane took a nose dive and every one started to scream. The plane leveled out and Ichigo looked out the window and saw they were only 100 feet above the water. Then he herd a lowed crashing sound and looked towards the cockpit. He saw it just has It was ripped off the plane.

Ichigo yelled "Brace for impacted" and then they hit the water. The water rushed in. Ichigo got his seat belt off. He saw Rukia was out cold. Ichigo grabbed her seat belt and ripped it off. He looked over at Linda and saw she was out cold from the impacted and the floor board of the plane had come up and trapped her legs. Ichigo had to get Rukia out of there. he had Rukia and swam to out the open front end. Ichigo got to the surface and saw a island close by. He dragged Rukia to the shore line. Ichigo battled the surf up onto the beach. He half carried have dragged Rukia about twenty feet up the beach and then dropped to the sand. "My mother?" gasped the girl. "Where's my mother?" "Wait here," Ichigo said, rising back headed back towards the plane and noticed it had settled further into the surf. He also saw the 3 guys he didn't like fighting around the tail in the waves. Ichigo ran into the waves and made his way back out to the plane. As he passed them coming ashore, he asked them where the woman was."Fuck her," the thinner, bossier of the three said. "She's probably drowned by now."Ichigo dove into the waves and swam around the plane. He found the nearly submerged door and dove to go back in. He surfaced inside with only about two feet of breathing space left. Ichigo couldn't see anyone and dove beneath the water to look. Linda was still in her seat unconscious. He fought with her seat belt and got it undone. The plane was crushed below her feet and partly on the side and her legs were pinned. Ichigo had to surface again for air. He tried again, diving beneath the water and pulling hard on her underarms. He struggled and was nearly out of air when he managed to get her free. She was dead weight, yet buoyant in the water. Ichigo pulled her to the doorway. He looked for any sign of life but couldn't see any.

Ichgio dove with her out the door only to be smashed against the plane by a wave. Ichigo lost his grip on her for a second but got it back and pulled her to the surface.

Ichigo had been trained in basic and remember the exact technique to use for pulling an unconscious body through the water. He grabbed her across the chest and under the arm and swam towards shore. The waves helped propel crashed onto the shore with Linda and Rukia ran to help him. Together they pulled Linda onto the beach near where the other three guys just sat and watched. "Is she going to be alright?" Rukia asked frantically."I don't know," Ichigo replied. "She was underwater when I got to her and pinned in her seat."Ichigo placed Kelly on the sand and tried mouth to mouth to clear her lungs.

Poor Rukia sobbed beside me and pleaded for her mother to wake up. He tried for a good ten minutes to get Linda to breath. H tried pushing on her chest. He tried pinching her nose and blowing air into her lungs but nothing worked. Finally, Ichigo sat back."No, keep trying," Rukia screamed. "Mom.""It's no use," Ichigo said sadly. "Please, keep trying," Rukia pleaded, tried again knowing it was probably useless. It was. Another five minutes and not one indication of life. Ichigo felt for a pulse or heartbeat and there was none. He tried pounding on her chest to activate her heart but it was too late; she was dead. Ichigo had to sit back again."No," screamed poor Rukia "No ... Mom ... Mom, wake up.""I'm sorry," Ichigo offered."Oh, no," Rukia sobbed uncontrollably now with her head down on her mother's chest. "The old broad didn't make it, huh," the bossier of the three guys said, now standing nearby."Try to be a little more compassionate," Ichigo told him, glaring at the guy as Rukia cried hysterically."Yeah, okay, man," the guy said turning back to his sat there for a second but decided to leave Rukia to her grief for a little while. He got up and walked over to the guys. One of them was holding his right arm. "You guys all okay?" Ichigo asked."Pacho here has a bum arm," the talkative one said. "Says it hurts to move it.""I could look at it for him," Ichigo offered."Sure. Be my guest," the wise guy walked to Pacho. He didn't seRukia to understand English well but got the gist of what he wanted. Ichigo examined his arm. Ichigo could see a lump in the lower arm indicating a break. Fortunately for the guy it wasn't a compound fracture. Alone, on an island like this, with no medical help, that could be life threatening. "Looks like he has a broken arm," Ichigo said. "That's what we thought.""If we can't get medical help soon we may need to try and set it," Ichigo said. "Otherwise it might heal very poorly.""Where are we anyway?" the leader asked."Somewhere about mid-way between Barbados and Saint Lucia. I think we veered north, off course, when the engine blew. How far is anyone's guess. We were airborne about five minutes after the explosion so we could be miles off course."

"Fuckin' great," the leader said."What's your name?" Ichigo asked."Duane. This is Pacho and Manuel," he added."Either of you guys good swimmers? We could try to salvage some things from the plane while it's still possible?" Ichigo said."You do it," Duane said. "We'll just wait for the rescue plane."This guy had a major attitude problRukia and his two friends seemed perfectly willing to let him do all the talking and decision making for them. If they weren't rescued soon he might have to deal with at less Duane about something, he gathered reluctantly."It could be a while, maybe days before they find us. We need food and drinking water," Ichigo said."Tell you what, army man. We'll take the girl and scope out the island while you search the plane for junk?" Duane claimed."The girl stays with me," Ichigo said forcefully. "Want a piece too, huh? Suit yourself. She's not going to be much use anyway until she stops bawling over her dead mom," Duane proclaimed."You guys leave her alone," Ichigo demanded."Or what, army man? You're going to fight us all ... ha," Duane said laughing, and the other two joined the other two understood enough English to get the gist of the conversation. They also seemed to be as unfriendly as their apparent leader. "I will kill you if I have to" Ichigo said."We'll just find the nearest resort on this island while you two search the fucking plane," Duane said.

"Maybe we'll be nice enough to tell them where you are."He got up and the others followed. The one guy grimaced in pain but managed to follow along as the three walked down the beach away from the girl and the plane. Ichigo watched them go as he moved back to Rukia . "are you ok. Those other three are Duane, Manuel, and Pacho, Pacho is the one with the hurt arm. Duane is the bossy one. Stay clear of those guys though. I don't trust them," Ichigo said."What do you mean?" Rukia asked sitting up. Her eyes were bloodshot from crying."They seRukia to be hostel . They've gone off for now to scope out the island. If they find anyone they might let them know we're here," Ichigo said"Would they really not tell?" Rukia asked."I wouldn't put it past them from what I've seen so far," Ichigo said."What're we going to do?" Rukia said."I'm going to scavenge the plane for things we might need and get my bags. Then we'll bury your mom," Ichigo said,

"Do we have to?" Rukia asked, starting to cry again."We need to leave her here and look around the island ourselves. If we can't find anyone, we'll need to prepare a shelter for the night. Hopefully I can find some food and water in the plane. It wouldn't be good to just leave her here on the beach.""I suppose not," Rukia said. Ichigo got up and walked down to the surf. Ichigo looked down the beach to the left and was aghast at what he saw. Three bodies had washed up on the shore several hundred yards down. He ran down there. Ichigo reached the first body roiling in the surf. Ichigo pulled it from the waves onto the shore. He dragged all three bodies together. He would need to bury them as well to keep the crabs and seabirds away from them. He looked further down but didn't see anything more. Ichigo ran back to the plane and dove into the surf.

Ichigo swam to the plane. The tide was coming in, He thought, as He got to the door again. It was completely below water. Ichigo dove down inside and surfaced in the plane. There was barely six inches of breathing room left in the top of the plane. Ichigo maneuvered through the plane looking for compartments and storage spots. Anywhere something of value might be stored. he found a box of plastic trash bags. He took one out and put the box with the rest inside the bag. Ichigo held it closed by the top to keep water out as he searched. He found my bags. The tail section of the plane he was in rocked slightly in the waves as Ichigo tried to search further.

Ichigo found the life vests but left those for now. He found an oxygen tank but left that too for now. Ichigo found a medical kit and flare kit and put both of those in the bag. Working towards the back of the plane he discovered a hold compartment. Ichigo found a case of Pepsi and one of bottled water. It looked more like crew supplies than for passengers but he grabbed what he thought he could carry on this trip.

When Ichigo was loaded down He headed back to made four trips in all. He manage to get all the water and Pepsi on shore, ten life vests which he thought they might use for something, the oxygen tank, and a box full of small bags of peanuts, my bags. The flare kit proved to only have one flare and the gun itself left inside. Ichigo laid most everything out in the sun on plastic bags to dry. Finally Ichigo went to where Rukia sat by her mother. "Rukia , we need to bury her now and the others too," Ichigo said softly."What others?"Ichigo pointed to the pile of bodies down the beach. Rukia gasped as she saw them and nearly started to cry again. She helped him move her mother further up the beach. They went fairly far up to the tree line and out of the high water mark.

Ichigo had found an empty coffee can in the plane and They used that and they're hands to dig in the sand. It took nearly half an hour to get a deep enough hole.

Rukia cried as Ichigo covered her mother with sand deep enough to keep the scavengers away. They walked back to all the gear. Ichigo opened his field bag and got out his m-9 knife, flint set, his berretta 9mm and holster. Ichigo had 10 MRES in his field bag. He had some tactical wire and his Kevlar helmet and vest, 4 of his canteens, and his short wave com gear. Ichigo checked my communication gear and saw that the sea water had gotten in it a fried the gear. Ichigo got the c-bags and sorted throw that gear in that. They had his binoculars, 3 pars of his camo uniform, a sleep bag. A tent, a military folding shovel, some water, and more MREs. His other bag had my gasmasks and chemical warfare gear. Ichigo repacked his bags but left out his m-9 knife,and 9mm and hostler.

Ichigo said " ok Rukia we got to make camp up from the beach"

They walked up the beach and found a rock face. Ichigo got up the tent and set it up. It was big enofe for 2 people. Rukia helped him set it up.

Ichigo got out his sleeping bag. It had 3 section inside that you could take out for different weather.

Ichigo was use to the cold so He would take the lighter of the 3. Ichigo knew They had to get a fire going to dry out and it was getting dark. So Ichigo got some wood and dug a pit. Ichigo got out my flint and scraped off some magnesium and then struck the flint with my m-9 knife. He had a roaring fire going. Ichigo pulled out one MRE and got out the fre heating pack. Ichigo added water to the pack and then put in the outer that held the food.

He let it heat up. As soon had it was done Ichigo took it out and gave it to Rukia .

Ichigo said " your going to need your strength so eat this"

she took he pooch from me. He looked up to see Duane with a lit cigarette. "You obviously didn't build a big enough shack for us too.""You could have helped or built your own," Ichigo suggested."We're not boy scouts like you," Duane said laughing and Pacho and Manuel joined him. "It was more fun watching you and the cunt work.""Duane, watch your mouth, please," Ichigo said."Oh, it's okay for you to sleep with her but we can't call her a cunt. You act like she's your woman or something""Look, you can help out or keep to yourselves, doesn't matter to me either way. Just don't interfere with what we're doing unless it's to help," Ichigo expressed."Want some water?" Ichigo asked."Where'd you find water on this island?" Duane asked."Not on the island, in the plane," Ichigo responded, tossing them three bottles. "What else did you find?" Duane asked, as they each drank down the water. "Not much," Ichigo answered, but knew Duane didn't believe him. "I couldn't get the luggage compartment open with the sand.""Sure. What're we going to eat, Boy Scout?" Duane asked. "I was going to try to open one of these coconuts once I got the fire going. You guys are welcome to have two of them if you want," Ichigo added."Fuckin' coconut. No thanks. How about we just play with the girl a while and leave you to your nuts," Duane said, and the three all laughed."I told you, Duane, she's off limits," Ichigo exclaimed."How about we just beat your fuckin' ass and take her with us," Duane said, stepping forward a little with Pacho and Manuel too. "I wouldn't advise trying that," Ichigo contented."You think you can take all three of us?" Duane boasted, laughing with Manuel and Pacho. "Definitely, Duane," Ichigo said standing up tall. " Pacho's not going to be much use with a busted arm."Duane's smile disappeared but came back when he said, "Manuel and I'll be enough to finish you.""I'll take you out first," Ichigo claimed."And how do you think you're going to do that with the boys here to help?" Duane boasted."With this," Ichigo said, pulling the 9mm from the back of his pants and pointing it at Duane. Surprise blanketed Duane's face."It's still only 15 shots, if you hit me," Duane countered but definitely more worried now."I am good shot in the army," Ichigo stated. "You can try me if you want.""Yeah ... maybe some other time," Duane said. "You have to sleep sometime.""So do you and if I were you I'd be thinking more about where you're spending the night," Ichigo stated."This isn't over, Ichigo," Duane proclaimed with a sneer and flicking his finished cigarette into the stood there while the guys backed away and disappeared into the night. He waited for a while, listening to the sounds of them moving off. Content they we gone for now, he put the 9mm back in his pants, and ducked down to look into the tent . The light from the fire cast some light and shadows inside. Rukia was huddled in a back corner of the tent , her knees pulled up to her chest. She looked very frightened."They're gone now," Ichigo said, trying to be reassuring."Duane's right, Ichigo. You have to sleep sometime," Rukia exclaimed fearfully."Don't worry, Rukia . I won't let them get near you," Ichigo claimed but even he knew that would be extremely tough."Please, Ichigo. Protect me from them," Rukia pleaded."I will. Here take this," he said handing her the 9mm. "Stay where you are while I do a few things.""Where're you going?" Rukia asked nervously."Just going to tried to open some coconuts and get the rest of our stuff," Ichigo said. "Anyone but me comes through this door, shoot them with that.""Okay," Rukia said weakly. "Please hurry back.""I will."Ichigo ran down to the beach. He didn't want to see Rukia have to use the gun. He grabbed the rest of the water, the case of Pepsi, the box of peanuts, their coats, and anything else he could carry. He made his way back quickly to the tent. He announced his return and handed all the items in to Rukia . She stowed them while he set to work trying to crack two coconuts on some rocks. It took a few minutes but he managed to crack both enough to use a hard end of a clamshell to break a piece off. He spilled some of the milky liquid inside but saved most. He handed them inside to Rukia , restocked the fire with wood, and then crawled inside. The heat from the fire was starting to warm the inside of the tent a little. There wasn't much wind tonight but it still felt better inside the makeshift tent . The sky had looked clear so they might not have to worry about rain tonight. "Try drinking the juice," Ichigo told Rukia .She took one of the coconuts to her lips and sipped as he did the same. The milky, watery juice inside tasted somewhat sweet. Ichigo finished his and looked to Rukia . She was still sipping on hers. He smiled at her hoping to get her to relax. He climbed back out to grab the rocks he had used to crack the coconuts open. Upon reentering, he worked at the openings in the coconuts until he had broken a big piece off. He gave it to Rukia and took hers to do the same. "Eat the coconut off the shell with your teeth," Ichigo contended. "You like coconut?""Yes," Rukia replied as she tried, getting ate some of the coconut and two bags each of the peanuts. They each had a Pepsi too. Ichigo observed the beds Rukia had made from the lifejackets. She had done a marvelous job and the beds actually looked somewhat comfortable. It was obvious too as to whose was whose. Her smaller one was back along the big rock. His was longer by one set of lifejackets and more in the middle, between her and the door. They were also pretty close together, more than necessary even in the tight space. They each had a lifejacket for a pillow.

"The beds look pretty comfortable," Ichigo said."Thanks, they're not bad considering," Rukia said, and a faint smile came to her 's black hair looked like it could use a comb from being wet but otherwise she looked incredible in the flickering light of the campfire. Her violet eyes twinkled with light when she smiled.

He thought for a second about all that had happened that day. He had been on his way to a solo vacation in Saint Lucia to just unwind. Now here he was on a deserted island, with three hostile guys, and about to sleep next to the most beautiful young woman he could imagine. 'Unbelievable,' Ichigo must have read his mind, "What're you thinking?""Huh ... I was just thinking about today and all that's happened," Ichigo said but immediately felt like an idiot reminding Rukia of her loss."Yeah," Rukia said, sadly, her pretty eyes cast out at the fire. "I'm sorry, Rukia . I didn't mean to remind ... ""It's okay, Ichigo. I know. It's just that we were very close. Since my dad left home when I was four, my mother has been my parent and best friend too. We did everything together. You would have liked her. She was a fabulous person," Rukia said, her eyes welling with tears."It's okay; we don't have to talk about ... ""No, no. I want to. I just can't grasp that she's gone from me. I miss her so bad. It's like my heart has been ripped out of my chest," Rukia said, tears rundown her cheeks."I'd never presume to know I understand someone's grief. But I lost many friends in combat, so I somewhat understand what you are saying about having your heart ripped from your chest," Ichigo claimed."Oh, I'm sorry too, Ichigo," Rukia whispered."It's okay. I'm learning to deal with it and I can tell you that you will too, Rukia ," Ichigo stated."This was to be a fun vacation for us. I'm a freshman at Northwestern and I had a week off between semesters. We just wanted to get away, the two of us," Rukia sobbed. They talked for a few more minutes about college, Ichigo being a soldier .Ichigo got Rukia to smile at least twice more. They seemed, momentarily anyway, to put their grief behind them."You better get some sleep," Ichigo proclaimed after a while."What about you?" Rukia asked."I'll just put some more wood on the fire and join you," Ichigo explained. "Okay," Rukia said. He watched her reach for her coat and put it on. It was cool inside the tent despite the fire outside. He caught the protrusion of her erect nipples through her tank top as she stretched her arms back and pushed out her chest to get her coat on. Ichigo turned away, but maybe not quick enough for Rukia to miss his gaze on stoked the fire and checked around for signs of the three guys. Satisfied they were not around he climbed back into the tent. Rukia was lying down on her bed of lifejackets, in the sleeping bag, her head on the pillow one. Ichigo grabbed his ABU blouse and put it on. He laid down and faced the head was only on the pillow for several minutes when he heard Rukia turning. Her arm reached over and massaged his shoulder."Thanks for everything today, Ichigo," Rukia said."You're welcome, Rukia .""Ichigo ... I'm ... here for you if you need me," Rukia voiced."Thanks, Rukia ," Ichigo first he thought she just meant she would stand by him against the other three but the more he thought about her comment, the more thoughts and possibilities flooded his mind. He was trying to stay awake, only resting intermittently so he could watch the door. He was bone tired though and his eyes took real effort to keep open. He struggled for a half hour to stay awake. He tried to think about her comment and exactly what she meant. Sleep overcame him before he could conclude anything.

Ichigo had no idea what made him bolt upright but he did. Sunlight was streaming in the door. From the looks of the brightness outside he had slept well past dawn unlike he intended. He turned to Rukia and she was wide awake still lying down but with her head propped up on her arm. Her coat was open as the inside of their tent began to warm from the hot sun. "Sleepy heads awake," Rukia chided."What time is it?"Ichigo questioned."My watch says it is nine," Rukia offered."We should get up," Ichigo stated."What's the hurry" Rukia asked."We need to look for search planes. We need to build a signal pyre of driftwood and palm fronds that we can light if we spot a plane or ship," Ichigo claimed. "Plus, we need to look for water and more food.""I'm so glad you know what to do," Rukia said. "Well, I'm sure I'm forgetting something," Ichigo extolled."You're doing great so far," Rukia said. "I slept great! How about you?" "Yeah, your beds were fantastic," Ichigo agreed, smiling at her."They were comfortable, weren't they," Rukia agreed, smiling could feel tightness in his uniform pants. He hadn't peed before going to bed, like usual, and now he had a pee hard-on because of it. He wondered if Rukia had noticed while he was lying on his back.

He went to get up but it was uncomfortable and the bulge tented his pants noticeably. He tried staying on his knees and slouching over somewhat. It felt mildly better that way and he hoped less glanced at Rukia and she had a silly smirk on her face. He made his way to the door and outside. The fire was out and as he looked around, he didn't see any of the three trouble makers. He thought it safe to leave Rukia for a minute and went further over the hill to find a place to pee. He found a spot between two rocks with a pretty view out to the north. Ichigo fished out his dick, which wasn't easy, though it had begun to relax slightly. He gazed out over the water looking for land or any signs of life as his stream he finished he shook, then slipped his dick back in his pants. He turned to return to camp, but was surprised to find Rukia a little higher up the hill watching him. She had a smile on her face as she looked at him. He walked towards her."You like to watch people go to the bathroom," he said jokingly. "Only sometimes," Rukia replied with a giggle."Oh, you think it's funny, do you?" Ichigo queried."I was just curious how you'd manage," Rukia said amused."Ha ha," Ichigo said smirking and walking past her. "Ichigo?" Rukia called and her voice had a serious tone now."Yeah," he said turning around."I need to go too.""So?""Would you stay right there and keep watch," Rukia asked, seriously."But, Rukia , ...""It's okay, please.""Sure."He watched as she went down near where he had been. She looked around, found what she was looking for, and proceeded to stand behind a nearly waist high rock. She looked at him as her hands were busy at her waist. He briefly saw more white skin further below her belly bottom, just before she squatted down some. She looked at him and he looked at her. Her smile made it seRukia almost natural that he be watching over her. Soon she was done and fixing her pants. 'God,' he thought, 'if the damn rock had been even two inches shorter I'm sure I'd have seen a lot more.'Rukia walked quickly to him. She was still smiling like the past five minutes had been completely normal. He felt anything but normal. "Thanks," Rukia said, smiling as she went by. Ichigo followed her back to camp. They ate some more coconut and peanuts and washed them down with water, finishing a bottle each. Rukia followed Ichigo to the beach and they began by gathering driftwood and palm fronds for the signal fire. It took a long time to scavenge that big a pile. Ichigo wanted it to be close to six feet tall so it would burn high and bright. It was nearly noon before they were done. When they were finished they walked back by the downed plane. It was low tide and the top half was visible in the surf. They were about to turn back towards camp when Rukia pointed down the beach, into the water."There," Rukia said. "Do you see it?"Ichigo looked where she was pointing and on the next out wave saw it. The front part of the plane was barely visible above the water. They ran down the beach to the spot. It was close to where Ichigo had discovered all the bodies. "Stay here," Ichigo said handing her the 9mm and ran into the water. He dove into an oncoming wave and swam the rest of the way to the plane. It was somewhat further out than the back half they had been in. Ichigo could see how the nose of the plane had crushed under the force as it slammed into the shore. This section was upside down and Ichigo had to enter through the jagged gaping hole where the plane broke apart. He couldn't get air inside the plane as it was completely filled with water. He had to take breaths and swim inside and out before his air ran out. Ichigo found the pilot and copilot still strapped in their seats. They were unrecognizable and crushed in their seats to the point Ichigo had no thoughts of trying to remove them. He took several runs inside but found little of interest. He grabbed a few coats and one bag from the overhead bins of the front row. He found a pocketbook and grabbed that too for Rukia . He thought it might have a comb. If he had been above the water, he might have tried removing the radio to try to fix it, but there was no way he could attempt that without being able to breathe while he worked. He did find a plastic covered map which he took as well. Finding nothing more of value he left. He made his way back to shore with the things he had but didn't see Rukia on the shore waiting for him. He wondered why she walked he got up on the beach, he yelled for her. He started quickly walking back towards the tent when he heard a scream. Ichigo dropped the things he had and ran towards the scream. He heard it again before it died out. He ran up the beach to the tree line. He saw what looked like drag marks in the sand. Panic hit him as he realized what might have happened while he was inside the plane. He ran into the palms, following the drag marks. Ichigo didn't have far to go before he saw what he in an opening between the palms he saw Pacho and Duane on top of Rukia . He started to run towards her when his peripheral vision just happened to spot movement from behind a group of palms to his right. He had just enough time to raise his right hand before Manuel swung a long piece of driftwood at his head. He blocked it with his hand. Ichigo stumbled under the force of the blow, falling to the sandy ground. Manuel moved in for another blow. Ichigo scrambled to his knees, reaching into the back pocket of his ABU pants. He rolled to his left and just managed to avoid the strike by Manuel as the wood pounded the sand just behind him. Ichigo prepared for the next strike. Manuel moved closer to bring the driftwood plank down on his head. Just as Manuel swung, Ichigo leaped to the right. Manuel compensated this time and caught Ichigo across his calf. He still managed to lung forward towards Manuel had found the small knife he carried with him. As he lunged towards Manuel, he thrust the knife out catching Manuel in the leg just above the knee. The pointed end sunk in two inches, as long as the point of the small knife would allow. Manuel screamed and fell back. Ichigo could feel pain in his leg but rose up to his feet. As Manuel looked in his direction to attempt another swing of the board, Ichigo swung his fist, catching Manuel square in the jaw. Blood spattered from Manuel's mouth and he dropped to the ground. Ichigo grabbed the board from him and kicked him hard in the side. Manuel collapsed in a heap on the ground. Ignoring the pain in his leg, Ichigo sprinted towards the two guys assaulting Rukia . Pacho saw him coming and stood up with the 9mm in his good hand. Ichigo had closed the gap between them enough to swing the board wildly. He caught Pacho right on his broken right arm. Pacho let out a blood curdling scream and dropped the 9mm from his left hand to grab his right arm. Ichigo swung again and hit him hard in the shoulder of his bad arm, breaking the plank in half. Pacho howled again and dropped over into the saw that Ichigo had made it through the first two guys and jumped up off Rukia to confront him. He had a large piece of shell in his hand. It had a long pointed end and looked to have been sharpened further on a stone or something. Duane stepped slowly towards him with his knife-like shell held before him. Ichigo still had the small knife in his left hand and half the board in his right. Duane and he circled like two knife fighters."You ever practice disarming a man with a knife?" Ichigo asked Duane with smile calmly. "What the fuck you talking about, man?" Duane responded nervously."Oh, it's just that we practiced this a lot in the army," Ichigo said."Fuck you, asshole," Duane shot back."We'll see about that," Ichigo quickly glanced over at Rukia to make sure she was okay. What he saw made him even angrier. Her tank top and bra had been cut right up the middle of her chest. The sleeves of the shirt had been pulled off her shoulders and down her arms, pinning them at her sides. Her breasts were fully exposed and red from apparent rough treatment. Ichigo quickly looked back to Duane. Ichigo faked the first move in. Duane reacted by thrusting the pointed shell forward. Ichigo swung the board at Duane but he was quick and moved back. They maneuvered some more and Ichigo faked another lunge. Duane reacted the same way and this time Ichigo knocked the shell from his hand with the board. Duane yelped in pain grabbing his sore hand. Now unarmed, he turned and ran into the trees. Ichigo turned to find Pacho getting up behind him. When Ichigo advanced towards him, he ran holding his bad arm to where Manuel was also getting up. Together they took off down the tossed the board and ran to Rukia . He dropped to his knees next to her as she was attempting to pull her shirt back over her ample breasts. Tears streaked her face. Her cheek had a handprint from where they tried to cover her screams. "Rukia ... I'm so sorry! I never should have left you," Ichigo cried."I wasn't watching, Ichigo. I let them sneak right up on me," Rukia said through tears like it was her fault. "You couldn't have stopped them," Ichigo exclaimed."I had the gun. I let them just take it from me," Rukia confessed."It's not your fault, it's mine," Ichigo just came into his arms sobbing. He held her close and let her cry. They stayed like that for a while until she calmed down. He felt like he had let her down. He had promised to keep her safe. "I'm so sorry, Rukia ." "Just hold me, Ichigo."He did for a while longer until she stopped sobbing. He brushed her sand-filled hair from her eyes and wiped away her tears. She was young enough to be his daughter, yet the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. He looked at her face with remorse that he had let her down. Let those hoodlums get to her. He was ready to apologize again when she spoke."Thanks, Ichigo. Thanks for saving me," Rukia offered."But, I ... I failed ...""Take me home, Ichigo. Take me back to our tent?" Rukia picked her up in his arms. His leg and hand hurt terribly but he ignored the pain. He stooped down to grab the 9mm from the sand, holding it in his hand as he held her too. He carried her back to the beach near where he had dropped the stuff from the plane. His leg was killing him and carrying her in the sand proved near impossible, even for a big strong guy determined to get her back to the tent."Ichigo, I can walk," Rukia said. "Let's take these things too.""You're sure?""Yes.""Okay, I probably could have made it anyway," Ichigo said "I know," Rukia said, and the makings of a smile formed on her lips. Ichigo set her down and together they grabbed the stuff from the beach. They walked back to the tent and took the things inside. The coats were still wet. The beauty of using driftwood for supports was that there was no lack of stubs of branches and protrusions to hang things on. They hung up the coats to dry. With a sandy floor, who cared if the coats dripped dry. Ichigo looked through the bag. It belonged to the older couple. He found a Tupperware container inside and, to his surprise when he opened it, it was filled with chocolate chip cookies still relatively dry. Rukia screamed with delight when he handed her two. She ate the first one in seconds, moaning with joy the whole time. He had handed her the purse. She opened it to discover it was the young bride's. There was a brush, lipstick in okay shape, but most of the other make-up was destroyed by the salt water, and her cell phone was too. Rukia pulled out the girl's wallet and stared at it."What's wrong," Ichigo asked seeing her expression. "It feels weird holding a dead person's wallet. It makes me sad," Rukia said."Come here," Ichigo said, grabbing the moved so her back was to him; as she did her shirt opened slightly. She had been holding it closed with her one arm. Ichigo briefly saw her right breast before her back was to him. It made him wonder why she hadn't put her coat on. It was hot, maybe that was why. Ichigo ran the brush through her long black hair. It snagged a few times and filled with pieces of sand. He knocked it against his pant leg to shake them loose and resumed brushing. He brushed her hair for a good ten minutes getting most of the sand out and the knots too. When he was done, she thanked him. "I think I'll lie down for a while, Ichigo," Rukia said."Okay. I've got some things to do anyway," Ichigo watched Rukia curl up on her bed and covered her with her coat. He knew the guys would be back and decided they needed to plan their defenses. He had an idea for a trip wire using some of his tactical wire. He planned to attach the empty can with small rocks in it and maybe string up some shells too; something that would make noise to alert them of intruders into the camp. He also had an idea for a booby trap as set to work but noticed his right hand was swollen. He examined it and realized he might have broken one of the small bones in his hand. It hurt like hell. His leg, at the calf, also had a good sized bulge forming. Nothing appeared broken there but he had a huge contusion forming. He gathered driftwood appropriate for what he had in mind. He'd have to climb the nearest palms to make his plan work which wouldn't be easy. He worked straight through for several hours but was pleased with what he had done when it was complete. The climbing and securing of the driftwood in the palms had been the hardest part by far. His plan covered the three sides of the approach to the camp. The rocks offered them some protection to the west. On the north and south approaches he just had trip wires with noise makers to alert them of anyone approaching. On the east side away from the fire pit, he had secured a stouter trip wire. To this one he had secured the driftwood hidden in the palms. Both had sharpened ends and would swing down on anyone breaking the trip wire. If his plan worked and based on the positioning of the palms, the two planks would swing down about two feet apart, passing by each other in a wide arc. "What're you doing?" Rukia asked from the doorway to the told her and showed her where to watch for the wire so she wouldn't accidentally trip them. It was already getting late and the sun was beginning to cast long shadows. It was cooling a little too. "I have to use the bathroom again," Rukia said, her one arm still holding her shirt closed."You shouldn't go alone," Ichigo stated."I was hoping you'd say that," Rukia walked together down to the spot they had used earlier that morning. They were careful to avoid his trip wire."Clever of you, the way you did that," Rukia claimed."Thanks. I only hope it works," Ichigo watched as Rukia moved behind the same rock. She used both hands to undo her pants and her shirt hung open enough for him to see the sides of both of her breasts. He tried not to think about it but somehow his brain still programmed in their size and shape. He thought them to be nice B or even C cups. Then he tried to unsuccessfully banish such thoughts from his mind. He kept telling himself to be was still trying when Rukia finished and walked back out towards him. Her hand was back holding her shirt. Her beautiful combed black hair blew nicely in the wind that was accompanying the coming dusk. "You know, I should go too while we're here together," Ichigo proclaimed."Okay ... I'll wait," said Rukia .Ichigo walked back over to the two rocks he had used before. His swollen right hand hurt so badly now he struggled with his belt and unbuttoning. He was right handed and not accustomed to using his left to his pants. He was working the button down when he felt Rukia 's presence beside him. He turned as she stood beside him."How's your hand?" Rukia showed her, "Hurts a bit," Ichigo confessed as she examined it."Need help?" Rukia questioned but didn't wait for an answer."Aah ... ungh," Ichigo stammered."It's okay, Ichigo. I'm not a little girl. I've done this before, you know, and not just to myself," Rukia said his buttons were down, Ichigo claimed, "Aah ... I can take it from here.""You sure?" Rukia questioned, with her hands down on the flaps of his pants leaving her shirt open enough to see all of her right breast and erect pink nipple."God," Ichigo moaned. "You better let me do this."His cock was stirring from the sight of her breast and her hands on his pants. If they stood like this much longer he might pop out through the slit in his boxers. A hard on would make it difficult to piss too. "You sure? I can help," Rukia said, but a mischievous smile crossed her lips as she looked at him."I think so," Ichigo said."I'd gladly help," Rukia said, her right hand toying with the hole in his boxers. "I c-c-can do it," Ichigo stuttered."Okay," Rukia said, and she seemed reluctant to back waited for her to get back where she was before on the hill. He used his left hand to fish his semi-hard cock from his shorts. It took a second for the stream to start given his current state and thoughts. When he finished he put himself away just as Rukia reappeared. "Should I help you close back up?" she asked, but again didn't wait for an answer. The back of her right hand seemed to rub up against him as she buttoned him back up. She helped him with the belt too. His cock had begun to harden further from her touch and closeness. Her right tit touching his shirt covered arm. The beginnings of a bulge at his crotch didn't escape either of them. They walked back to the camp, avoided the wire, and gathered around the fire. They gave up on the fire and just crawled into the tent. "Rukia , I think I figured out a way to fix your bra and shirt," Ichigo was spending less time holding it, giving him more and more open looks. The tightness of the tank top prevented there being enough extra to tie off the bottom to hold it together. Her bra split in two was useless in its current state.

"How's that, Ichigo?" Rukia asked."I think I can put some holes on either of the sides with the scissors and use the medical tape from the kit to hold the sides back together again.""That just might work," Rukia agreed."All you have to do is put your ... ," he started to say, "coat on."Rukia had already popped her shoulders out of the shirt and proceeded to take it off right before him. He cursed himself for looking and then for not being able to get the fire started so there would be more light. Rukia was already handing it to him. He took it, trying not to stare at her gorgeous breasts. Even in the dim light from the rising moon he could see enough to be enthralled. Her quarter sized aureoles and distended nipples were perfectly centered in two beautiful pert mounds. They looked invitingly soft and yet firm at the same time. Ichigo could feel his mouth getting dry despite having just drunk the Pepsi. He took the shirt from Rukia as she handed it to him, followed by the bra. She seemed to be in no particular hurry as she reached for her coat. He stole glances as she put it on. Her resilient mounds quivering erotically with every move. "God, damn," Ichigo bored two holes through the cups of the bra on the inside. He just happened to notice 34C on the tab, not that he was looking for it. He fed the white medical tape through the holes and wound it through twice. It worked remarkably well and in the dim light you could barely tell the bra wasn't complete. Rukia had settled down on her bed to watch him begin to work on the shirt. He put a series of three holes on each side of the jagged tear where Duane had used his makeshift knife to cut it. He then did the same thing as with the bra. It was much more noticeable than the bra but still worked. She would have to put it on over her head like it was originally designed but it should hold together by itself now without her constantly needing to hold it. He showed Rukia his work for acceptance when he was done."Great, "Rukia beamed. "That should work just fine."He handed them to her to put back on. He was anxiously anticipating that she would do it in front of him. She elected to just sleep in her coat for the night, to his disappointment. Her slight smile suggested she could read the disappointment on his face when she said curled up on his bed too. He faced toward the door to keep watch he told himself. The other reason he couldn't deny was he needed to look away from her in order to try to think of other things. He tried to stay awake as long as he could to stand guard. He hoped the later it got the less chance the three would try anything. He was just starting to doze when he felt Rukia exhale on the back of his neck and put her arm around him. Ichigo lay still not knowing what to do. He felt like he was back in high school. Should he turn to her or did she just want to snuggle close for warmth. Was she just being affectionate or looking for more. He wrestled with those thoughts for a few minutes as Rukia just hugged him. Her closeness was keeping him awake."Ichigo?" Rukia whispered in his ear."Yeah, Rukia .""You think I have nice breasts?""They're exquisite, Rukia ," Ichigo said, hoping that was a good enough word to describe perfection in his mind. "Thanks. My last boyfriend thought so too. Would you like to touch them?" Rukia mouth suddenly felt incredibly dry again. His tongue felt like it was curled up in the back of his throat as he tried to speak."Rukia ... I aah ... I don't ...""I want you to touch me, Ichigo. I told you last night I'm here for you but tonight I could really use you to be here for me."He turned towards her and she allowed him the room to move. Her face was just above his as he looked into her eyes. He could see a hunger there that he knew he felt as well. He started to talk but she kissed him before he could do more than open his mouth. He kissed her back several times. They were soft tender kisses that grew more ardent with each one. Her tongue invaded his mouth and he held her head as they kissed deeply. Her lips were so soft and the taste of her thrilled him. Her right hand had been on his chest but he felt it move slowly lower. He continued to kiss her as she reached his groin and found the outline of his stiffening cock in his pant leg. She squeezed it making him groan into her mouth. They kissed more passionately and her hand rubbed his stiffening cock. He was just wondering what he should do next, when she broke the kiss and slid down lower on his body. The hands that had deftly undone his pants before were at it again. He looked into her eyes and he felt first the belt give way, then the button, and then the zipper. She moved between his parted legs and grabbed the top of his pants. He knew what she wanted next and raised his hips as his pants disappeared down his legs. He helped her kick off his shoes and she pulled the pants the rest of the way off. Rukia 's focus shifted to his boxers which were sticking up practically straight in the air, and she pulled those as she had his pants. When they cleared his hips his dick sprang out like a spring. Being 6'3", Ichigo was big all over. He wasn't huge but his previous girlfriends had wooed enough over his cock to let him know it was better than average. At 8 1/2 inches, it waved like a totem pole before Rukia ."Oh, wow," Rukia said. "I thought so.""What ... you thought what?" Ichigo asked quizzically, 'What could she mean.'"I thought I could tell earlier when I helped you open your pants that you were big," Rukia said.