Bleach The Devil's Bleached Tears Part 8

Carrotglace

Well-Known Member
#1
The Devil's Bleached Tears

Part 8

The Infestation.

OooOOooOO

It was an unusually quiet day in Karakura town for most of the population. The insects and birds had gone quiet, and it left an unsettled feeling across the town that no one could quite pinpoint the cause of. Many people could feel an innate wrongness in the air, others never noticed. It was still, as if time had stood still, and left most people in a slightly more sour mood than normal. Barely noticeable to most of the population.

Ichigo dashed across the rooftops, he jumped into the air slashing an airborne creature with his spirit weapon. Sailing over the heads of unaware pedestrians across the rooftops. His spirit sword was gripped in his hand as he landed and continued his path, hacking and slashing at the white creatures of various sizes and shapes as he moved. They were weak hollows, but there were a lot of them. Stalling his progress as he dashed towards the Elementary School where his two sisters attended. ôDamn it. This is taking forever.ö He wasn't even keeping count of the number of hollows he was destroying. ôI'm gonna kick that bastard's face in when this is over.ö

OooOOooOO

ôFifty seven, fifty eight,ö muttered Uryuu as he kept count and continued to pull spiritual energy from the air and into his weapon. His finger was becoming sore from drawing, a little blood was dripping through the wrappings on his index as he pulled back. ôA few more than expected, but no problems. I will not lose!ö

OooOOooOO

ôTatsuki, what did you bring for lunch?ö Orihime smiled as she sat down in the shade of a tree with her friend. It was a beautiful day, and despite the strange silence, they had opted to eat on the grounds outside the classroom.

The short haired girl frowned at her. ôI told you twice all ready. Are you all right?ö

The girl nodded. ôSorry, I guess I'm distracted. It's...so quiet today. Isn't it a little strange?ö

Her friend cocked her head. ôI guess. What do you mean?ö

ôI don't hear any birds, and the insects have all gone quiet. It's strange.ö The redhead shuddered. ôMaybe...we should eat inside?ö

Tatsuki frowned at that. ôHuh. Now that you mention it, yeah. It is pretty quiet. What's the big deal though?ö She did feel a little off, but didn't want to say anything and make Orihime any more nervous. ôRelax would you? Just eat, and we'll head back inside. I'm starved.ö She looked up at her friend.

Orihime was looking up at the top of the school building.

ôHuh?ö her friend followed her gaze. ôWhat the hell is that weirdo doing? He'll get in trouble if anyone sees him.ö

Akuma was standing on the railing on the corner of the roof. He was looking out at the sky with his odd grin. He wasn't wearing his uniform, and had a long black trench coat on.

Orihime gasped as she noticed something odd. The boy had a sword in his hand, a big one. The boy turned his gaze down towards her and his expression didn't change. He simply turned away and walked back onto the roof. ôSomething...is wrong.ö

Tatsuki scowled at her. ôWhat is with you today? Everything is fine.ö

The redhead looked at her with a frightened expression. ôSomething just feels wrong. I'm not sure what it is.ö

Her friend pushed up. ôAll right, we'll eat inside. Come on then.ö She stood up and dusted off her skirt. ôCome on then.ö She paused and looked around. ôHuh? She's...where?ö Orihime was gone, vanished from right next to her. ôOrihime? Hey, Orihime!ö She took a few steps and glanced around. ôWhere did she go? Oi! Orihime! Where are you?ö She looked about, seeing nothing and started to jog. ôShe can't have just...ö

A flash of orange red hair caught her attention at the edge of the building, rounding the corner. ôHey! How did she get way over there?ö She started jogging towards it.

She never looked up. Orihime had terror in her eyes, dozens of hands were holding her body still, and covered her mouth. A monstrous looking woman's face moved up next to hers. ôHeh. Poor girl, but...I could say the same of you.ö

The unfortunate girl was being held in the tree branches as the monster's body wrapped around it's branches. It was a centipede like creature with a woman's torso instead of a head. The legs were human arms for half of the body, and twisted legs and feet for the lower half. It was easily ten meters long, and had a hole in it's chest where it's heart would have been. Orihime struggled, trying to call out to her friend and warn her. The top half of it's face was covered by an inhuman looking skull, with the lower jaw exposed. The mouth had black lips, and sharp teeth.

Tatsuki vanished around the corner and her struggles grew stronger.

ôWell, you're quite a girl. You can see me can't you, and hear me? How...wonderful.ö The thing tightened it's grip and four of the hands wrapped around the girl's throat. ôDelicious!ö It had a dark grin on it's face as it turned her around to face her, putting it's face up to hers. ôYou're quite fortunate you know, if you're good I'll be quick. A few moments of discomfort and it will all be over.ö The thing looked towards the corner and mocked pity. ôPoor thing, Anakaris likes to play with his food. He was a serial murderer in life, and a rapist. He'll torment her, paralyze her, and sate his hungers before he consumes her. If I finish with you quickly enough, I may just watch. It's very entertaining.ö

Orihime's eyes shook with terror. ôNo! Tatsuki!ö screamed her mind. The creature's hands began to grow tight around her throat.

ôI'm not sure I'll have time, you'll be quite the meal I think!ö The monster's eyes grew wide as she reveled in dark pleasure. ôHeh. I suppose I can't complain. Her spiritual power is pathetic compared to yours. I'm very fortunate, too bad for you.ö

OooOOooOO

Tatsuki rounded the corner and slid to a stop. It was the shaded side of the building, a long shadow was cast across the grounds, with a small equipment shed ahead of her. ôOri...Orihime?ö she muttered. The air felt chilled, cooler than it should. ôWhere did she go? I know I saw her.ö

In the doorway to the equipment shed ahead, she saw another flash of orange hair, vanishing into the door. She walked up to it and pulled the door open a bit. ôOrihime? Are you in here? Say something.ö She took a few steps inside. It was about twenty feet square, filled with mats, posts, sports equipment, and bags filled with half inflated balls. She could feel her nerves starting to tingle, growing on edge as goose bumps crawled across her skin. Her eyes went wide as she stopped cold. Suspended on a string in front of her was a tuft of orange hair. It appeared to be floating, suspended from the ceiling. In front of her eyes it turned gray.

The girl took a staggering step back. ôWhat the?ö

ôHeh. You...can't see me can you? A shame, you're spiritual power is stronger than most, but you've got no idea what's coming do you?ö The thing was standing in front of her, no more than five feet in front of her face. It had the body of a spider, with long sharp legs that ended in barbed bladed edges. It's torso was that of a man, with a bone like mask over it's face, and sharp teeth. Instead of arms, it had two more spider like appendages, tipped with sharp finger like claws.

Tatsuki narrowed her eyes. She could see something, but it was fuzzy, ethereal, and had no definite form to it. ôWhat is...ö She was cut off as she flew onto her back, a strike across her face from nowhere laid her out. ôWhat?ö she muttered in horror. She screamed as a stabbing pain jabbed into her calf. An open wound appeared out of nothing and began to ooze blood. ôShit! What the hell!ö she grabbed and felt something invisible that was stabbing her leg. It felt bony, and sharp in her grip, giving her a few gashes in her hands. It pulled out of her leg and she screamed in pain, scrambling to her feet as soon as she was free.

The girl put up her fists, her eyes wide with horror as she staggered back, favoring one leg.

ôYes, put up a fight, struggle!ö hissed the thing. She couldn't hear it though and looked about. Her eyes focused on the mass of invisible something, like a distortion in the air. ôWhat is that thing?ö

ôSo, you can see where I'm at?ö snarled the creature. ôThat's something, a better meal than most of the pathetic creatures in this place. Saanide and I will have fun picking them off one by one.ö It stalked towards her. ôYou can't run anymore, there's no way to escape.ö It lashed out with it's clawed fingers.

The girl ducked and rolled aside, getting to her feet in a shaky manner. She narrowed her eyes and noticed that some of the equipment was tossed aside. ôI don't know what you are, but you're not getting me without a fight!ö she charged forward punching at the monster.

The thing grunted, it had actually felt the blow to it's torso. It was weak though, and mildly irritating. ôWell, aren't we something. Heh.ö It attacked again, but found it's strikes blocked. It wasn't trying very hard, poking and toying with her.

Tatsuke started hefting objects in the room at the thing. They were swatted aside, and she could keep a bead on where it was, but it was without form, and she couldn't see what was knocking them away. ôShit.ö The girl started edging towards the exit. She picked up a pole, a piece of a net used for volleyball.

ôSo sweet. I always liked strong women. They are the most fun to break!ö The creature stalked towards her.

Tatsuke slid open the door behind her and backed out, poking at the thing stalking towards her with the pole. It was ripped from her hands and became impaled in the opposite wall. Not knowing what had hit her, she fell to the ground feeling her leg was grabbed. She fell on her back and screamed, kicking at what was grabbing her with her other injured leg. The strikes were weak, and each strike sent new waves of pain into her body. She didn't stop though and cried out in rage. ôLet go you...ö Again, her cries were stopped as another injury appeared in her other leg. She tried to roll over and gripped at the ground, creating drag marks in the dirt. ôNo!ö It pulled her back into the shed, and the door closed, muffling her screams within.

OooOOooOO

Keigo looked over at where Akuma was standing on the corner of the roof. ôMan, what's with that guy?ö

Mizuiro shrugged and looked over at him. ôI dunno. He's just staring off into space. I guess he's not scared of falling.ö

Sado was with them, and was sitting against the wall eating his lunch in silence. He looked over at the boy, he had his usual creepy grin. He didn't say anything out loud and turned his eyes away. ôDoes he feel this uneasiness as well?ö

Without a word, Akuma turned away and walked towards the entrance to the building.

Sado's eyes went wide. The boy was holding a sword in his hand, a very large one. He wasn't dressed in his uniform either. ôWhat?ö

Mizuiro shrugged. ôI dunno, that guy is just weird.ö

Keigo coughed after choking on a bit of rice for a moment. ôDid you see that?ö He looked at the other two.

The black haired boy smiled at him and shook his head. ôSee what?ö

His friend gasped and looked panicked. ôHe had a sword! A big one!ö

ôAre you sure?ö muttered Kojima in confusion. ôDid you see anything Yasutora?ö

The larger boy frowned. ôI'm not sure.ö

Keigo pointed at him. ôYou did see it didn't you! I almost didn't notice because of that big coat he had! What's he doing with something like that at school? Oh, man. Maybe he's gone crazy, and is planning on chopping up the class! I hope he's not mad at me.ö

Mizuiro shook his head. ôI doubt it. He'll get expelled for sure if he gets caught with something like that.ö

Chad frowned and looked thoughtful. ôSomething is going on.ö His eyes narrowed as something landed in the middle of the rooftop. He and his two classmates were the only students up there that day. ôHuh?ö He couldn't see what it was. He just, knew it was there somehow. He could see where it was, and about how large it was, but that was all his senses could show him.

The other two looked at him. ôHey. You all right, Sado? You look a bit pale.ö Mizuiro was confused by his sudden and rather surprised expression.

ôSee! He did see it! Maybe we should skip the rest of the day? That guy is weird and crazy. He'll kill us all!ö cried Keigo.

Chad stood up and moved past them, putting himself between the thing and his friends. ôSomething...is there.ö

The creature focused on the trio. ôHeh. Pathetic, but I suppose it will have to do.ö It had a mass of tentacles as it's lower body, like those of a squid. With two longer appendages with flattened tips. The upper half of it's body was insect like, with two Praying Mantis like claws instead of arms. It's chest had a large hole in it, and the mask that covered it's face had two long fang like mandibles poking out of the sides of it. ôThe big one seems the most interesting, but why waste the other two, even as pathetic as they are.ö Insect wings opened up behind it's back and it floated into the air.

Chad gasped as the thing hovered above the roof and moved towards them. ôWhat?ö

The monster sneered at them all. ôThey don't even see death coming, but the big one seems to have enough spiritual power to have noticed me. His tentacles lashed out, wrapping all three of them up.

Keigo gasped as he felt something around his neck. His arm became pulled tight as he was lifted off his feet and into the air. ôGah! What...what is this?ö

ôWhat's going on!?ö cried Mizuiro as he found himself in the same position. He was tugging at invisible bonds at his neck and waist. ôSomething's got me!ö

Chad slid forward, but wasn't lifted into the air. He pushed back with his legs, struggling against whatever had just wrapped around his arms, and felt another appendage about his waist. ôThis...ö He could see that something was holding onto him, but it was just a fuzzy blur of air to him. ôThis...Kojima, Asano!ö

The pair was struggling to breathe and kicked their legs about in the air as they hung there. ôLet go!ö gasped Keigo.

ôSomething's got me!ö gasped Mizuiro through his chokes.

OooOOooOO

At Karakura Elementary School, Yuzu and Karin were walking back towards their class. Each holding a bento they had bought from the lunch room.

The brunette girl smiled at her sister. ôWe should eat outside.ö

Karin shrugged. ôWe're almost back to the classroom though. Maybe tomorrow?ö

Her sister shrugged. ôAll right. I guess.ö She paused and looked around. ôIt's quiet.ö

The black haired girl nodded. ôYeah. I noticed it too. Where is everyone?ö The hallway had a few students standing in it. A couple of boys were down the hall and pulling things from their lockers. A bit further down, a few boys were standing at a window looking outside. It was unusually vacant for the lunch period though.

Yuzu nodded. ôWell, we were almost last in line.ö She pointed at her bento. It was cheap plastic, and the school sold them. ôI'm making lunch for us tomorrow though. I just thought it would be nice to buy them today just for a change of pace.ö

Her sister seemed to accept that. ôYeah. I guess everyone else has already found a place to eat.ö She stopped and froze. ôWhat the hell?ö

Yuzu blinked and followed her gaze. ôHey. I see something...ö It was fuzzy and white. Like looking at something through an out of focus lens. ôWhat is that?ö

It was a large cat like creature, about eight feet long and four feet high. It's face was covered in a bone like mask, and it stalked into the hall from one of the windows. Passing right through the glass as if the window was open.

ôShit,ö said Karin as she dropped her bento and grabbed her sister by the hand.

The thing's head snapped around and glared at them. It's eyes narrowed as it focused on the pair in front of it.

ôWhat's going on? What is that?ö muttered Yuzu in confusion.

ôRun!ö snapped Karin as she dragged her sister off, forcing the girl to drop her own lunch.

ôHey! My lunch!ö cried the girl.

ôIt's not worth your life! Move!ö snapped her sister urgently. The other students in the hall looked confused as the two girls raced by them.

ôHey, you'll get in trouble for running in the hall!ö called one of the boys they moved by.

The girls ignored him and continued to run, turning down the stairs. The beast was lumbering after them, picking up speed as it went.

ôIt looks like a dog or something,ö said Yuzu as she looked over her shoulder as her sister pulled her around the corner and down the stairs.

ôIf it catches us it will kill us!ö snapped her sister angrily. ôIt's a big cat! Now run!ö She shoved the girl in front of her and pushed at her back.

The pair slid onto the next floor down. The exit was on the other end of the hall.

Karin pulled her sister aside and went for a nearby closet. She ducked inside and pushed her sister back. Both of them gasping for breath. She left the door open a crack and peered out into the hall.

The thing bounded down the stairs and looked around, panning it's head from left to right as it growled in frustration. It put it's nose to the ground and appeared to try to pick up the trail.

ôShit,ö gasped Karin. ôWe won't be able to hide here long. We've got to distract it so we can get away.ö

Yuzu frowned at that and nodded. ôIt's dangerous then?ö

Karin looked at her in disbelief. ôYes! You remember that thing we saw Ichigo fighting when we went to visit Mom? I think it's one of those monsters!ö She shook her by her shoulders. ôIt will eat us if it finds us!ö

The brunette nodded and had a serious expression on her face. ôOh.ö She shrugged. ôWell, we should get away then.ö

Karin hung her head. ôThat's what I've been trying to do.ö She walked over to the door and peered outside. The hallway appeared empty. ôI think it's gone. Come on.ö

The pair walked out, Karin practically dragging her twin along behind her.

ôI was wondering how long you were going to wait in there,ö said a cold voice.

Both girls froze and turned their heads back. The beast was sitting against the wall behind the door, looking at them. It cocked it's head. ôI'll tell you what, I'm bored. I'll give you a head start.ö It crouched and waved it's rear in the air. ôStart running.ö

ôCrap,ö muttered Karin as she pulled her sister along behind her and ran as fast as her legs would go.

The pair dashed outside the doors to the school and slid to a stop outside. The monster bounded outside of one of the windows and landed beside them. They both backed away, Karin clearly more nervous than her sister. Her eyes were wide with terror.

ôThe chase is fun, but you can't outrun me on such puny legs. Don't give up though, you might make it,ö sneered the thing.

Yuzu was panting for breath and gasping. ôKarin, I'm tired.ö

Her sister grabbed her hand and pulled her along. ôShut up and run! This isn't P.E. That thing will kill us!ö

The brunette girl couldn't keep up with her sister. She tripped as she was pulled and brought Karin down to the ground with her. The dark haired girl slid a bit further away and looked over her shoulder.

The monster bounded forward, landing on top of the fallen Yuzu. The girl screeched and coughed as it's front paws landed on her chest.

ôNo!ö cried Karin in horror as she staggered to her feet.

Yuzu had the wind knocked out of her and struggled on the ground under it's paws. She pushed against it's toes with her hands and didn't look like she could move.

The beast snarled. ôWell, it was fun, but I should finish you off before the other gets away!ö It opened it's mouth and bit into Yuzu's shoulder.

The younger girl's eyes went wide and she opened her mouth as she felt the teeth sink in. ôI...ö

ôYuzu! No!ö Karin screamed as she ran forward, not thinking about what she was doing.

The beast released her sister and swiped a paw at her as she jumped into a kick at it's face in an attempt to pin her down as well. ôYou fool! You might have...ö It blinked in surprise as the girl twisted in the air around it's paw. Her irises had become slits and a dark look had formed on her face as she wrapped her arms around the paw, kicked her foot under it's jaw and swung around it's forearm like a gymnast. At the apex of her flip she let go and landed in a crouch a few feet away. Her head snapped up and she snarled at the thing. ôYou...get the hell away from my sister!ö She charged on the ground this time, rearing her arm back.

The Hollow was shaking it's head, clearly surprised by the force of the blow. ôWhat the?ö It still had the other girl pinned under it's paw though. Yuzu was gasping, and it didn't notice that her eyes had changed as well.

Karin dashed right up into it's face and slammed her fist into it's nose. The Hollow was thrown back, rolling over itself. It screeched as it slid to a stop, feeling stabbing pain along it's side. The thing grunted as it tried to move, looking at it's side. ôWhat? What are you?ö It's eyes turned towards the two girls.

Karin had her fist extended still, and a trail of ice shards were poking up from the ground that seemed to explode into a half buried spiked ball right in front of it. It's left front and rear paw were frozen inside, and it's side was impaled on several of them. A long slender tail whipped back and fourth behind her, and her skin had become a light violet in color. It seemed to flicker between the darker color and a more human tone as she stood there gasping. ôWhat?ö she looked at her fist in shock. ôI..I did?ö

Yuzu sat up, a dark smile on her own face. ôKarin, I...I can see it!ö she hissed at her sister with an excited and dangerous looking grin. ôSo, that's what it looks like then?ö

Her sister looked at her twin and gasped. She had also sprouted a long slender tail and her skin had become reddish in color. Her eye teeth had elongated into small fangs, and her irises had become very clearly defined slits. Her eyes had gone from brown, to completely yellow. There were no more whites in her eyes. ôWhat? Yuzu?ö gasped her sister.

The other girl chuckled. ôI was trying to tell you, we don't need to run away. Not from this thing. It's weak.ö She balled up her fist and it became engulfed in flames.

Karin staggered back. ôWhat happened to you? Y-Yuzu?ö

Her sister glanced over her shoulder. ôIf you weren't so afraid of our brother, he would have showed you too.ö She narrowed her eyes at the trapped monster.

ôWhat are you?ö It snarled at her, posing and trying to scare her. ôRelease me! I'll destroy you both.ö

Yuzu shook her head. ôI don't think so.ö She stalked forward flexing her fingers as her hand burned with fire.

ôB..brother?ö muttered Karin. ôYuzu stop! You...you look different.ö

The other girl hissed a chuckle. ôSo do you. I've never done this before. It's kind of cool don't you think?ö

Her sister gasped and looked at her hands. She fell to her knees. Her skin was now dark purple, and her fingers ended in little black claws that weren't quite fingernails. ôWhat? What is this?ö

Yuzu snarled as she jumped into the air and thrust her hand down. The Hollow howled as the strike burned right through it's body. It twitched and writhed, cut in half across it's torso.

ôNo! Let me go! I won't...I'll leave! I'll find another. I'll never return here again! I swear!ö

Yuzu frowned at the thing. ôI know you won't.ö She reared back her fist and punched it in the mask. There was an explosion as her fist connected.

Karin shielded herself with her arms as little pieces of the mask rained down around her. ôWhat? What is this?ö

Yuzu turned and smiled at her as the monster vanished. The ice was melting in her wake as she walked towards her with her hand still burning. ôIt's our blood.ö The flame faded as she approached her sister and gave her usual warm smile. It was unsettling on her new face. It looked wrong somehow. ôAkuma has been showing me. It's called Demon Arts. We can do it naturally, it's instinct. It's easier for us, because we're female. Boys are tougher and like to fight. Girls are different though, we use power like this more easily.ö

The girl looked at her with wide eyes. ôAkuma...showed you this?ö

Yuzu's skin faded back to it's more human color. ôHe said how I look might change if I got too excited. It's never happened before though. That was so cool! I could see it and everything!ö

Karin looked down at her hands and gasped. She'd returned to her normal color. ôThat was weird. Yuzu, you had a tail.ö

ôMom has a tail,ö she replied with a shrug.

The dark haired girl frowned a bit. ôHow do you know?ö

ôAkuma showed me what she looked like. He's pretty cool, really. I don't get why you don't like him.ö Yuzu cocked her head.

Karin hung her head. ôYeah. I feel strange though. Different somehow.ö

Yuzu nodded. ôYeah. Me too. It was awesome!ö

Karin grabbed her sister's arm and looked at her shoulder. ôThat thing bit you, are you all right?ö

She looked at where the wound was. ôIt got better. We're not as tough as Ichigo and Akuma, but we're not as weak as humans either. We're much faster and stronger, and if we work really hard, we'll be faster than Ichigo or Akuma.ö She seemed very cheerful, and there was now a patch of mud on the ground. ôCome on. I'm still hungry, and we probably don't have much of our lunch break left.ö

The dark haired girl frowned at her and nodded. ôSo, he taught you this stuff?ö

Yuzu nodded looking quite proud of herself. ôYeah. You never talk to him though. You avoid him all the time.ö

Her sister scowled. ôI still don't trust him, I don't think you should either. There's something off about that guy.ö They walked back into the building side by side.

The brunette twin stuck her tongue out at her. ôHe's our brother. There's nothing wrong with him.ö

Karin crossed her arms and pouted. ôIchigo doesn't trust him either.ö

Yuzu giggled. ôI guess we both have our favorite then.ö

That hit Karin as a surprise. ôWhat? Favorite?ö

Yuzu skipped off, bored with the conversation. Karin arched her eyebrows. Yuzu looked taller somehow. Not by a lot, but she did seem different in appearance. She couldn't quite put her finger on exactly how though. ôWhat just happened to us? This is strange.ö

OooOOooOO

Ichigo looked down the road. He could see the clinic ahead, and the area around his home and his sisters' school was clear of Hollows. They were all coming from a single direction. ôIf I head back now, they should be safe.ö He turned and started running back in the other direction. ôI'm gonna go deal with that jerk now and make his sorry butt cry for causing this mess.ö

The way was clear, but the Hollows were still coming. He had to find a way to stop it, but his short term goal was met. His family was safe as long as he kept them from getting by him.

OooOOooOO

Rukia gasped as she rolled aside. The Hollow before her was unaffected by her Kido. ôDamn. What the hell? I've been in this Gigai for two months, and it's like I've actually gotten weaker!ö She jumped aside as the thing slammed it's claw into the ground. ôI can't keep this up. I'm in serious trouble.ö

The monster dove at her and she braced herself. It never reached her, and fell in half as it landed on the ground on either side of her. ôHuh? Ichi...ö

Urahara was standing behind her with a small frown on his face. His cane was resting on his shoulder. ôHello. Funny running into you here.ö

She stood up and looked at her knee. She'd gotten a scrape and it was bloodied. ôYeah. Funny that. What's going on? Where are all these Hollows coming from?ö

He pulled out his fan and put it in front of his face as he narrowed his eyes. ôI'm not sure. Something is up though, there's a lot of activity. Far more than normal.ö

Rukia scowled at him. ôI noticed, I suppose I should say thanks, but I'm not so sure you didn't have something to do with all this.ö

He faked an expression of shock. ôMe? Surely you jest.ö He looked towards the direction the things were coming from. ôAt any rate, you should head back to the shop. It's safe there, and it doesn't appear that you're going to do much good.ö

She looked in the same direction. ôWhat about Ichigo?ö

The man had a serious expression on his face. ôI've a feeling he'll be fine. I've got other business.ö He pointed with his fan. ôThat way. I'll see you later. Just, head to the shop and keep your head down. I don't think this will last the day.ö

Rukia looked frustrated. ôAll right. For now, I'm going to grill you about this later you know. I know you know more than you're saying.ö

He smiled at her. ôI'll tell you if I find anything out. Like I said, I have suspicions, but I'm really not sure what's happening.ö

OooOOooOO

Chad struggled against the thing as it tried to pull him into the air with the others. ôWhat...is happening?ö

Keigo and Mizuiro were growing weak. Their struggles were slowing.

The Hollow sneered at them. ôThese two are almost finished, but you...heh. I may actually get a better meal than I anticipated.ö

Sado struggled, he could almost hear something. It sounded like it was taunting him. ôI must do something.ö He tugged and pulled against it, unable to free himself from it's grip. ôMy friends, they are in danger!ö

The other two boys went limp, their struggles stopped as they finally passed out.

The large boy was having trouble breathing, the thing had a firm grip on his neck and torso. It prevented him from taking any more than shallow breaths, and he had to struggle and pry the thing around his neck away just to do that much. His Abuelo's voice echoed in his mind. ôThese big fist that you have, for what purpose do they serve? You must find out.ö

ôYes, Abuelo. I understand now. My giant fists, are not for the sake of causing pain, but for the sake of protecting others. I understand, I understand it all, so even if just a little...please...lend me strength.ö

The monster narrowed it's eyes. ôWhat?ö It's grip was being pried free, and a strange power was pouring from the largest of its victims. ôWhat is this?ö The tentacles that surrounded the boy were ripped off leaving pieces of them hanging from Sado's body. ôWhat? It can't be! You!ö

The other two boys slumped down onto the rooftop as it focused it's rage on the giant boy. ôYou'll suffer! I'll destroy you!ö

Sado could see it clearly. A strange red and black armor plating appeared over his right arm. He frowned and rushed forward, thrusting his fist at the base of the monster.

The creature howled as it was blown in half. The torso floated up higher into the air. All of it's tentacles were removed and it was enraged. ôYou! I'll kill you for that!ö It dove at him and spread it's dangerous looking claws.

Sado stood his ground, flexing his newly armored arm. As it neared, he struck again. This time, the monster's head was vaporized as a blast of energy shot out of his fist as it connected with it's face. The thing slumped to the ground, and began to evaporate.

Chad gasped as he fell to one knee. ôI...defeated it.ö He wasn't sure what to make of what had appeared on his arm. He felt weak and drained though. ôMizuiro, Keigo...ö He glanced over and saw both boys were breating, but out cold on their backs. They appeared to be fine, and his head began to swim. ôI...ö The world spun out of control and went dark, and he fell to the rooftop beside them.

OooOOooOO

Orihime gasped for breath. She struggled and fought against the thing holding her. She wanted to get away, not to save her own life, but because she knew Tatsuki was in danger. The girl who had always protected her, one of the things like the one choking the life from her was after her as well.

ôNo! You...won't hurt Tatsuki!ö

The creature chuckled. ôI don't have too. She's suffering far more than you, just be grateful I am not so cruel!ö

The girl got a firm look on her face as the expression of pain vanished. ôI won't forgive you! I won't forgive those who would hurt Tatsuki!ö

ôEh?ö muttered the confused monster. Some of her arms moved up to shield her face as a bright light formed in the barrette on the side of her hair. ôWhat! AAAAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHH!ö It backed away and dropped her, not by choice, but because the arms holding her became lopped off at various points. ôWhat? What is this? You...ö

Orihime landed on the ground. ôI will save Tatsuki! I won't let you monster's have her!ö A wind swirled around the girl, rustling the leaves. The monster landed on the ground, half her arms gone. It was angry with her and moved between her and where her friend had gone.

ôI won't let you escape girl! You're my victim!ö

Orihime frowned as something fluttered around her in the air. Each one had come from one of the six flower petals in her barrette. ôWhat? What are these things?ö

They spoke to her, their voices carried on the wind surrounding her.

ôShe must be aware of our existence.ö

ôNo, she is aware, after all. We are the ones, who stay nearest to her.ö

One of them landed on her shoulder, and the others floated around behind her. They looked like techno fairies. ôNice to meet you Orihime. We are the Shun Shun Rikka. Born to protect you. We are your power.ö

ôWhoa! Flying midgets!ö The girl looked shocked.

ôWe're not midgets,ö said one of the female ones. Half of them appeared to be girls, the other half were male. ôWe're your power, your own self!ö

The girl swatted her between her hands. ôOuch! Don't try to catch me because you don't understand! You're the only one who can see us!ö

ôWe don't have time for this!ö snapped one of the male ones. He was smaller than the others, but spoke forcefully in a tone that Orihime found oddly comforting. He nailed the other in the face. ôYour friend is in danger! All you need to know is that you can use us to defeat that thing!ö

The redhead nodded and frowned at the thing. It was leering at her. ôWell, what are you waiting for, brat! If you want to save your friend you've got to go through me first!ö She spread her remaining arms and slid towards her on the ground. ôI'll just kill you and be done with it!ö

ôJust use your mind, and say what I say!ö said the female who appeared to be the leader. ôThat hurt by the way!ö she snapped at the male who had kicked her.

ôGood,ö he responded. ôIt's coming!ö

The monster dove at her. Orihime said what the fairies told her to say. ôHinakigu, Baigon, Lily! Santen Kesshun! I repel thee!ö

The monster hit a triangle shaped barrier face first and crumpled into itself. ôUgh! What? What is this? A shield?ö

ôIt's my turn!ö snapped the irritable male. ôI repel both sides. I break through the enemy, put up a shield inside, and repel the combined space. In other words, I split the enemy in to! My name is Tsubaki! Say it now!ö

The monster had recovered and noticed the shield had vanished. ôInteresting, but not good enough!ö She charged again.

ôKoten Zanshun!ö

The monster froze as an arc of power slammed into her face. She opened her mouth to scream, and fell in two along the middle of her face and body before the sound escaped.

Orihime gasped as she saw the monster fall. ôTatsuki!ö she cried as she ran towards where her friend had gone.

OooOOooOO

Tatsuki screamed as her arms became pinned to the ground. The thing had stabbed her four times at once. Once in each shoulder, and again in her elbows. She struggled and writhed, unable to do anything but twist her torso as the creature removed it's claws. She was helpless, unable to move at all. ôNo.ö

Her eyes grew wide as the thing appeared before her. A monstrous spider thing, white and black, and with a cruel grin on it's partially human face. It reached for her with her claws and lifted her into the air. ôOh. I can taste your suffering! Ha ha ha ha!ö

She gasped and twisted, unable to free herself, her arms and legs useless. ôStop! Let me go!ö

ôLet you go? Before the fun has even started! Ha ha ha haaa!ö

Tatsuke looked down in horror. Off of the creature's back. several long slender tentacles began to move. They wrapped themselves around her arms and legs. Three of them floated free between herself and the monster.

ôI bet you're wondering what these are for, aren't you?ö it asked her with a cruel looking smile. The ends of the tentacles opened up.

Tatsuki went pale as she realized what they looked like. She struggled again, but it was futile. ôNo. No please.ö

The monster nodded. ôUh huh, but that's not the best part.ö The things began to ooze from the tips, and long slender looking needle like stingers slid out of the tip of each one. ôIt won't be so bad at first. You might even enjoy it a little...but...when I get started. You'll scream for death. They'll find your body and you'll just be another rape victim, sliced to ribbons by her attacker. That's how you'll be remembered, and they'll never find the one who did it.ö

The girl was as white as a ghost. She screamed in horror as they began to move towards her slowly. One of them pushing against her cheek, and the others rubbing on her legs.

ôWe'll take it slow. I like to enjoy myself, even though I can't feel it myself. I'll enjoy watching you feel every moment. Don't go thinking you can just pass out either. You see, the fluid that it excretes will keep you awake. It heightens the senses of the living and...ö There was a loud crash, as if someone had just kicked in the door behind her.

Tatsuki screamed. Her ears were ringing from the loud sound that echoed through the room. She hit the ground and landed on her side. It was painful and jarred her badly. ôWhat?ö

The creature was clutching at it's face and growled in anger. ôWho the hell?ö

ôFunny you should say that,ö said a familiar voice.

Tatsuki gasped as she managed to roll onto her back and look up.

Akuma was standing in the busted doorway with his cruel looking grin. ôNo one gets to torment Tatsuchan but me.ö

The girl's eyes went wide as she looked at what was in his hands. The boy was holding two firearms and leveled them at the monster. ôOh shit.ö She couldn't move her arms to cover her ears as he started firing.

The Hollow screamed and jerked about as the boy fired repeatedly. He kept shooting driving it back into the wall. Well past when he should have run out of bullets in fact.

Tatsuki continued to scream and squeezed her eyes shut as the boy stepped over her into the room. She gasped as he stopped shooting and pushed herself back with her shoulders towards the door. ôWhat? What is this?ö

Akuma didn't look back at her. Pieces of the monster's tentacles littered the ground, and it was bleeding at various points on it's body. ôNormally I wouldn't care, but I'd miss teasing you if you died. Wouldn't get to do it when I went back home either. A pity. I'll just have to settle for what I can get while you're still alive I guess.ö

ôYou bastard! You think those toys will hurt me!?ö snarled the beast as it's wounds began to close.

ôNot really, I'm just playing with you,ö said the boy arrogantly. His creepy grin etched onto his face like stone. He opened his eyes and it widened ever so slightly. ôI don't want to be too quick. Your suffering is only just beginning.ö

ôTatsuki!ö cried Orihime as she dashed around the corner and rushed up to the scene. ôTatsuki! Are you all right?ö

ôShe'll live,ö said Akuma in an amused tone. ôMight have to take a few days off to recover though.ö He leveled his cold glare at the thing in front of him.

The spider monster had gone quiet and appeared cautious. ôWh...what are you? You're no human.ö

The boy chuckled. ôNow, now. That's supposed to be a secret.ö He wagged his finger at it. In his other hand, he now had a broadsword hefted onto his shoulder.

Both girls looked at him with wide eyes and gasped. ôWh...what?ö muttered Tatsuki.

Orihime scowled at the monster. ôYou. You did this to Tatsuki.ö

The thing snarled at her. ôOnce I finish with this scum, you're next girlie. My, such a pretty one too.ö

Akuma chuckled. ôMad at him are you? Well, you might like this, then again, it might just send you running off screaming!ö His voice changed and a dark violet red aura started burning around him. ôPathetic creature, you still don't get it do you?ö

The monster looked at him with wide eyes. ôWhat?ö

ôI'm here, to drag you to hell. I can see your sins, see the darkness in your soul. You...belong to me now.ö He pointed his sword at the thing and his grin became malevolent. ôFor the rest of eternity, you are my bitch!ö The demonic boy took two steps forward and slashed with his sword.

The hollow's mask was split in two, and it screamed. The body evaporated, but reformed again in front of him.

The two girls were clutching each other, looking on with wide eyes. Each one too horrified to speak.

In front of them was the spirit of a man. He was on his hands and knees with tears flowing down his face. ôWhat? Where am I?ö

Akuma stabbed his sword into the ground. ôAt the gateway.ö

The man cringed back. ôNo! Mercy! Please! I...ö

The demonic figure glared down at him. It was possessive and almost lustful. ôThought you could escape eternity by becoming a Hollow did you? Thought you were free? I'm afraid not. You've only postponed the inevitable, and now it's time to pay the piper!ö He picked up his sword again and jammed the hilt into the spirit's forehead.

The two girls were shaking in terror as a huge gate, much too large for the inside of the shed, appeared behind the thing.

ôWhat...what is that?ö muttered Orihime in shock.

ôThe doorway home,ö replied Akuma as he looked at it with a wide eyed evil glee. ôThe gateway to hell.ö

The spirit screamed as it stood up and tried to stagger away from it. It's feet were sluggish and it was pulled towards it by an invisible force. ôNo! Nooooo!ö A gigantic hand holding a tanto knife reached out and impaled it through it's chest, dragging it inside the swirling vortex of fire and darkness beyond. The spirit screamed and struggled, reaching out and pleading. ôHelp me! Please! Help meeee!ö

Both girls simply looked on in shock. Unable to pry their eyes away from the gateway.

Akuma spoke to it as it remained open after pulling the thing through. ôTake good care of him, Mom.ö

A horrible voice echoed from inside the gate. ôMy son. Everything goes as it should?ö

The boy nodded, his features more human again and returned to his usual emotionless smile. ôOf course. Yuzu sends her regards, I'm annoying my brother, and Karin...well, she doesn't trust me. Dad misses you as well.ö

ôGood, very good,ö said the voice in an almost soothing tone. ôIt pleases me that he suffers with my absence. Take good care of the others, I look forward to meeting them. Little Yuzu is doing so well, tell her she has pleased me.ö

Akuma nodded and looked as if he was having a phone conversation. ôI will. Enjoy that scum, I might take a bit of time to torment him myself when I come back. If I care enough to remember.ö

ôVery good, farewell, my son. Until next time.ö The great gate closed.

Akuma turned and smiled at the two girls cowering and shivering in the doorway to the shed. ôWell. It's good to hear she's doing well.ö

ôWhat...what the hell was that?ö gasped Tatsuki.

ôMy mother,ö replied Akuma. He squatted down. ôYou know, Akuma isn't just a name. It's what I really am.ö

Both of them jolted in shock and looked at him in horror. Neither one spoke and pulled away from him.

The white haired boy looked at Orihime. ôYou know, Ichigo is my twin brother.ö

The girl swallowed. ôHe's, not like you.ö

Akuma smiled. ôDon't delude yourself, that voice you just heard is his mother too. We're the same type you know. He and I are both, less than human. In fact, we're not even half human. He doesn't know that though. I'm sure he'll figure it out sooner or later.ö

Orihime felt her heart leap into her throat. ôWhat?ö

Akuma shrugged. ôCome on. I'll help you out I guess. We shouldn't just leave her here. She's going to need some time to recover from her injuries.ö His face fell a little. ôIt looks serious too. I'm not sure she'll ever completely recover. He cut her tendons. I doubt you'll be able to compete anymore, Tatsuchan.ö He actually looked a little sorry to say it.

The girl squeezed her eyes shut. ôDon't touch me!ö She shied away.

Orihime hefted her arm over her shoulder. ôHe...saved your life.ö

ôHe's not human!ö cried the girl as she looked at her in shock.

The boy didn't seem bothered and took her other arm. ôWell, neither is Ichikun. You get along with him all right. Besides, I only saved you so I could keep teasing you. You take it so well, always over reacting. It'd be a shame if I let you die. Then I'd only have my brother to torment that way.ö

ôAsshole,ö growled the girl as she glared at him. ôI bet you knew all along, and just waited until the last minute to help me out.

Akuma set her down on the grass with Orihime. He paused and looked at the redhead. ôHuh. Well, you're right. I was expecting you to be dead. Figured it'd drive my brother nuts.ö

The redhead gasped and looked up at him. ôWhat?ö

He blinked and cocked his head. ôWhat the hell are those things?ö

There were six fairy like creatures fluttering around Orihime. The girl frowned at him and blushed. ôMy...power.ö

ôWeird,ö he muttered as he backed off. He had no idea what to make of them.

ôWhat? You just left her to die then?ö snapped one of the little male ones. He had a mask over his face. ôYou bastard. Orihime! Let me...ö

She pinched at his wings and pulled him back. ôHe did...save Tatsuki.ö

Two of them fluttered up to her face. ôWe can help her now!ö It was the two females who hadn't done anything yet. The leader and the small quiet one. ôBoth of our abilities is to repel the inner shield. We can repel the damage within a limited area.ö

ôRepel?ö muttered Akuma as he looked on. He had been planning on walking off to leave them stewing on what he'd said. Sowing seeds of doubt about his brother within the minds of both of them. This was far too interesting to ignore.

The head fairy continued to talk. ôWe care return the state of the one inside the shield to their state before taking damage.ö

Tatsuki was having the weirdest day of her life. ôWhen am I going to wake up from this crazy dream anyway?ö It was giving her a headache.

ôCall our names, I am Shounou, she is Ayame.ö

ôShounou, Ayame! Shouten Kishun. I repel thee!ö

A field formed around Tatsuki. The girl relaxed and closed her eyes.

Akuma looked on and frowned at the scene over her shoulder. ôWhat? That...that's not healing. It's...time reversal...no...it's different. What the?ö

Tatsuki was healing quickly, her injuries vanishing as if they were never there.

The demon half smirked. ôI see. Very interesting. Banishment, repel indeed. Orihime, you've just become very interesting.ö

The girl gasped and looked over her shoulder. ôWha?ö

Akuma had his normal smirk and his arms were crossed. ôHeh. I suggest you watch your back. That power of yours is more valuable than you think. Still, it's got nothing to do with my purpose here.ö

ôPurpose?ö She clenched her fist and bit her lip. ôWait. Why...why are you here?ö

The boy looked at her out of the corner of his eyes. ôI'm looking for something. Humans don't need to concern themselves with it.ö

The girl stood up and faced him. ôWhat does Kurosaki have to do with this?ö

ôIchikun? Well, nothing really.ö He turned away. ôYou still care for him, even knowing? Huh. Interesting girl, very interesting. I suspect he'll have his hands full with you.ö

The girl blushed. ôWhat do you mean?ö

ôYou'll figure it out. It was unwise to flaunt such a power so openly. It might just cost you one day. I've no interest in it now, but regardless. You should take care kid.ö

She staggered back at his cold expression. He wasn't grinning at her, and leveled his eyes over his shoulder. ôI won't let you hurt, Kurosaki.ö

Akuma started walking away. ôYou don't need to concern yourself with him. Still, I think, you'd better hope he feels the same way about you. See you around, princess.ö

Tatsuki sat up and looked at her arms and legs. They were as good as new. She was in shock and looked at her friend. ôWhat...was that?ö

The redhead shrugged. ôI'm not sure. I just found out I could do that. I'm glad you're all right though.ö

The short haired girl nodded. ôYeah. What was that about? I could see you talking, but I couldn't hear.ö

Orihime frowned and glanced over her shoulder. ôI'm not sure. He helped you, I don't think he's all bad. I don't know though. He said my power was interesting. It made me a little nervous.ö

ôI'll say. I guess I owe him, but he's a jerk,ö her friend was clearly unsettled by the prospect of owing him. ôI still don't trust him.ö She knew what he said about waiting, but she wasn't entirely sure he was being honest about it. She had a feeling he wasn't, but couldn't be sure.

The big busted girl helped her too her feet, and she ended up bumping into her chest and bouncing off. The short haired girl didn't think anything of it and steadied herself on her shoulders. ôI'm...I'm all right.ö

Orihime looked at her friend. After a moment of standing there in each other's arms, they both slumped down out cold. Exhausted from their ordeal and drained completely.

A figure holding a very large boy in a fireman's carry walked up to the scene and frowned. Urahara gave a small sigh and looked at the pair. He glanced over his shoulder and looked in the direction Akuma had gone. ôHuh. I wonder what that guy is up too? Never expected to see him perform a soul burial. Didn't know his kind even could.ö He looked at the pair and sighed. He could only take one more. He ended up hefting Orihime over his shoulder. The other girl would be fine, all the nearby Hollows were destroyed, and her spiritual energy had been drained. It would take a little while for it to recover. ôI'll have to send someone to take care of her before she wakes up.ö

ôI'll take care of it.ö

The fallen Shinigami froze and went rigid with the two teens on his shoulders. ôOh. Still here are you?ö He relaxed and didn't look back.

ôYeah. The redhead is interesting. Strange powers and all. I suspect you saw enough to realize that.ö Akuma was leaning against the wall.

ôYou'll be late for class.ö

ôNot going back today, it's too interesting out here today. I'll take her friend home, she'll be safe enough.ö

Urahara nodded. ôI'm still not sure what you're up too. Still, I suppose it's none of my business.ö

Akuma nodded. ôYou'd be right. It doesn't involve these kids. Just a word of advice.ö

The former Shinigami turned his head. ôYes?ö

ôStay away from my brother. They'll be coming for her soon, and I know he's tempting. I'll take care of that, you can busy yourself with his friends while I handle the rest.ö

Urahara turned back. ôThat's up to him. You know, he has two natures to choose from. Neither one is human, but he could become a powerful Shinigami. Might even give the old man a run for his money in a hundred years or so.ö

The man froze, there was a blade at his throat and Akuma was glaring down the length of him at it. ôThat isn't a request. He's mine, and you know damn well I can make him stronger than any Shinigami.ö

The man sidestepped and appeared behind him. ôI know. Still, you know you can't change his nature. I know a bit about your kind. His nature, will always be in opposition to yours.ö

Akuma chuckled. ôI know. That's what makes it interesting. Get in the way, and I'll stop you. We each have our own darkness. Yuzu and Karin are just beginning to discover this as well.ö

Urahara looked up at the sky. ôI've always wondered, do you care? I mean, about family? Demons behavior can be a little strange to those on the outside.ö

The boy started walking down the path behind the school. ôIn our own way. He's my brother, and I will make him strong, whether he wants it or not. You can make yourself useful if you want, but he's mine. I will show him a path to a power even one as strong as you cannot imagine.ö He rounded the corner on the opposite side of the building.

Urahara smirked and started walking with the teens on his shoulders. ôHuh. Learn something new...every...day...ö

Akuma was ahead of him, walking out the school gates. The boy paused long enough to smirk and continue on his way with his blade resting on his shoulder.

The former Shinigami knew that he was letting him know that he was not impressed by his Shunpo. He scowled a little and continued on his way. ôInteresting guy. Wonder what his story is?ö He smirked to himself as he walked unhindered by the weight of the pair. ôMaybe I'll find out by the time this is all over?ö

cont...
 

Carrotglace

Well-Known Member
#2
OooOOooOO

Karin was sitting in her class. The teacher had given an assignment, and she was finished. Most of the class was done, with a few others still working on it. It was growing near to the end of the day, and she doubted anything more would be assigned. As it was, she had her homework assignment open in front of her, and was working in getting it done to have more free time later.

She was feeling a bit uncomfortable though. She sulked a little and glanced at Yuzu. The girl appeared to be oblivious, but they were both getting stared at.

She looked over her shoulder and scowled at Ino and Kaneda. Two boys she didn't get along all that well with. ôWhat are you staring at?ö she growled under her breath.

The boys both blushed and forced themselves to look away, along with Hashigami, another of their group that didn't get on well with her.

She turned her nose back to the book and sank into her seat a little more. She was the subject of rapt attention, and Yuzu was getting stared at as well. She noticed her friend Ryohei moving his eyes back and fourth between them. Heite, Kazuya, and Kei, three of her other friend were doing the same thing. In fact, every boy in the room was doing it.

Yuzu leaned in. ôYou noticed too did you?ö

ôWhat are they staring at? My tail is gone and everything right?ö she grumbled.

ôI dunno, I kind of like it though,ö said Yuzu.

Karin flushed a little more. It was irritating, but there was a sort of appeal to it that she couldn't explain. ôIt's weird. Why are they staring at us?ö

Ryohei leaned over to Heite and put his hand up. ôHey, Toujoin.ö

ôHuh?ö The boy was drooling a little and spaced out. ôYeah?ö

ôI never really noticed before, but isn't Karin...kind of a babe?ö

Heite blinked. ôWhat do you mean 'kind of'? She's hot, so is her sister.ö

Kazuya leaned in. ôYeah. I'm glad we're friends. I never really noticed before, but you're right. She's a total babe.ö

Karin twitched and looked over her shoulder at them. They were whispering, but she'd heard every word. ôGak.ö

Yuzu giggled a little. ôHey. I guess we're cute?ö

ôWish I'd been nicer to her. I never really noticed before,ö commented Kaneda.

ôShut up. Yuzu is hotter,ö growled Ino.

ôI dunno, she's got that 'bad girl' thing going on,ö whispered Hashigami. ôYuzu is a babe too. I never really noticed before though.ö

ôAll the boys are talking about us,ö whispered Yuzu.

ôYeah, I noticed,ö growled Karin. It wasn't just her friends and the jerks she didn't like. It was the whole room. ôThis is weird. I wonder if it has anything to do with...ö

Her twin shrugged. ôDoes it matter? We're the cutest girls in class.ö She seemed pleased about it.

Karin wasn't sure what to make of it. She noticed a couple of girls giving her annoyed glances. ôOh man.ö Maybe it would wear off? Though, deep down, she wasn't so sure she wanted it to. She raised her hand.

The teacher noticed and smiled at her. ôYes?ö

ôMay I use the toilet?ö

ôMe as well,ö chimed in Yuzu.

ôAll right,ö said the instructor.

They stood up and walked out of the room. Karin shuddered as she heard one of the boys say ôI'd pay to see that.ö There was muttered agreement. She dashed out into the hall and clutched at her chest while gasping. ôPerverts! That's disgusting!ö

Yuzu was smiling at her. ôCome on.ö

A moment later they walked into the restroom. The pair ignored the stalls and walked up to the mirror.

Karin looked at herself. ôI...look the same don't I? What is this?ö

Yuzu pushed her chest up. ôHey. They've gotten bigger.ö

ôWhat?ö said Karin in a sort of fascinated horror. Yuzu was right, it wasn't by much, barely noticeable, but her chest was bigger. She turned sideways, and found her rear had rounded a bit. ôNo way.ö She rubbed at her face and found her skin had smoothed out, and her lips had a bit more color to them. Not to the point it looked like she was wearing lipstick, but she could see a difference. ôThis is weird. Do...I look taller?ö

Yuzu nodded. ôA little. It's like we're a bit older.ö

Karin scowled at that. ôNot really. Just, hotter.ö She furrowed her eyebrows. While she looked annoyed, she found it 'cute' somehow. Her legs were more filled out and seemed longer, and her hair was shinier and had more bounce to it.

Yuzu smiled and her perfect teeth sparkled. ôNeat! We're babes!ö

Her twin looked over at her. ôWe weren't ugly before. I dunno though, do you think this is because we changed?ö

The brunette girl seemed to think on it. ôI guess, we didn't go completely back to normal.ö

The dark haired girl nodded. ôDo...you think we will?ö

Yuzu shrugged. ôWe would have by now I think. It's been a couple of hours.ö

Karin growled. ôThis...I dunno. I guess it's kind of annoying.ö

Her twin smiled. ôIt might be kind of fun!ö

The dark haired girl seemed to consider it. ôI guess. That pervert Ryohei is bad enough as it is.ö

Yuzu cocked her head. ôWell, there's not really anything we can do. We should go back.ö

ôI guess so. I don't know how long I can take every guy in class looking at my ass when I walk by.ö She already felt like clobbering a couple of them.

The bell rang a short time after they returned to the room. They walked out into the hall together and Karin flushed as she moved. It wasn't just the boys in her class. A lot of boys were watching her go by, from other classes and quite a few from a grade or two below her.

The pair walked out of the building and started heading home. Karin noticed that a few older boys they passed by turned their heads towards them as well. She got wide eyed and pulled her sister along a little faster as she noticed this.

ôWhat? It's not big deal,ö said Yuzu with a small sigh.

ôIt's embarrassing. They're staring at us,ö growled the dark haired girl.

ôWhy? We're cute,ö replied her sister. ôIt's not like we've got to talk with them. Just go with it. No big deal.ö

Karin frowned at that but slowed down. ôI don't like some of the looks we've been getting. It's creepy.ö

Yuzu gave a small sigh. ôYou'll get used to it. Come on. I want ice cream, and I've still got a bit left.ö

Within two minutes, the twins were both licking on an ice cream cone they had both gotten free of charge.

Karin gave a small sigh. ôMaybe you're right. This isn't so bad.ö She had a few sticks of Yakitori in her other hand and munched on it. It didn't clash with the ice cream, and she ate both.

Yuzu giggled. ôWell, don't spoil your dinner.ö

ôI won't,ö muttered her sister as she rolled her eyes. A group of teenage boys all craned their necks as they moved by. She scowled a little, but didn't look at them. ôPerverts.ö She had a feeling it was more than just their looks. There were lots of more developed girls who she thought looked prettier than she was who weren't catching as much attention.

Her twin smiled. ôWe'll be fine.ö

Karin frowned. ôI dunno about this though. We're...catching a lot of attention. Not that it's not flattering, but someone might try something if we don't figure out how to turn it off.ö

ôSo?ö said Yuzu with a small shrug.

Her dark haired sister scowled. ôI don't want to get carried off and raped. I don't think this is just our looks.ö

ôWell, well just kill them,ö replied Yuzu in a matter of fact tone.

ôHuh?ö Karin almost dropped her food. ôWait. Hold on there.ö

Her twin rolled her eyes. ôAll right. Still, who do you think could anyway? We've got powers, and we can stop it if someone tried remember? We'll just transform and kick their butts.ö

Karin scratched at her head. ôI guess. Still, doesn't seem fair to me. We should figure out how to control it.ö

ôYou'll always be that way,ö replied a familiar voice.

Karin screamed and lost her ice cream. A hand reached down and caught it, handing it back to her. ôD...don't do that!ö

Yuzu was having a fit of giggles. ôHey. Big brother. What are you doing here?ö

Akuma looked down at them both. ôOh nothing. I just noticed you two got out of a bit of a pinch today.ö

ôIt was no trouble,ö said Yuzu as she ate.

ôWhat do you mean?ö said Karin.

ôYou're both half succubus you know. Female demons. Your little transformation brought it out, and I'm afraid there's no putting it away.ö The older demon half walked along behind them. Looking off a few who stared a little too hard. ôKarin is right though, you should be careful. You emit powerful pheromones. Humans with already low inhibitions might have trouble resisting their more undesirable urges.ö

Yuzu nodded. ôAll right. Shouldn't be a problem.ö

Akuma narrowed his eyes at her. ôDon't kill anyone if it's not serious. You can expect to get used to being targeted by perverts. You're half demons, and the darkness in your nature will attract those types.ö

Karin gasped. ôWhat?ö

Her brother smiled. ôYou'll know what to do when the time comes. Don't worry. If you ever want to have a boyfriend...well...lets just say you're going to have to feed certain urges.ö

ôWhat do you mean?ö growled the dark haired girl. ôI'm not some tramp. I won't...ö

ôThat's not what I mean. Relax. Still, you might prefer that to what I mean. I'm not sure. Yuzu won't have much trouble with it, but you'll likely have to get used to it.ö The white haired boy put his hands behind his head.

Karin slugged him in the gut. ôExplain it to me clearly. I'm not Ichigo, and I won't put up with this cryptic crap.ö

He narrowed his eyes at her and growled. She didn't back off, grabbed him by his collar, and reared her hand back. He caught it as she tried to punch him. ôFine. You need to feed. You'll be fine for a while, but if you want to have a normal sexual relationship with a nice human boy when you're ready for it, you're gonna have to make sure your darker half is satisfied. Otherwise you'll ruin your first time by killing him, and any other time after that.ö

Karin released him with wide eyes. She released his collar and staggered back. ôWh-what?ö

He shrugged at her and put on his shades. ôRelax. You don't have to have sex. There will be plenty of opportunities to take care of it. Like I said, you'll attract the unsavory naturally. Just lure one off, take care of what you need, and leave him.ö

ôI'm, some kind of vampire?ö said the dark haired girl in horror.

Akuma pulled her over to a low wall that overlooked an underpass and leaned against the railing. ôSort of, you drink blood, but you won't turn anyone else into one biting them. You don't need it to survive, you don't have to worry about sunlight, and silver and wooden steaks and all won't hurt you. Well, they will, but there's nothing special about them. So, no. Not a vampire, a succubus.ö

Even Yuzu looked a little disturbed by that. ôSo, we have to kill people?ö

Akuma shook his head. ôWell no. Not normally. You don't 'have' too. If you try to get to intimate with a boy, or a girl if that's your fancy, you'll end up killing them when your urges take over if you don't. You could remain celibate, or just kill any boy you happen to think is cute and move on to the next one.ö He slapped them both on the shoulder and looked Karin and Yuzu in the eye. He pulled his shades down. ôI know you don't trust me, but believe me here. I'm telling you as your brother. You need to take care of it, or getting too close to a boy will be dangerous for him.ö He pushed his shades back on and smiled. ôYou're both still young, and it won't hit you unless you start kissing or making out or something. So, there's no need to worry yet. Just standing near to a boy won't be enough.ö

Karin scowled. For some reason, she believed him.

He started walking again. ôCome on. Normally, I'd just wait and watch. It'd be kind of entertaining. Mom made me promise to help you out though.ö He put his hands on their shoulders and led them towards the clinic. ôNow, the best time to hunt is at night. If a target of opportunity comes along, go ahead and take it.ö

Yuzu scrunched her face up. ôThat sounds kind of gross. Should we bite them on the neck?ö

ôAny major artery will do. That ones just usually the most exposed and easiest to get too.ö He shrugged at that. ôDad's got a chart if you're interested in finding out where they are. It's on the wall in the clinic.ö

Karin nodded. ôI've seen it.ö

The older demon nodded. ôGood. It's best to not tell Dad or Ichikun. Dad might understand, Ichikun will probably blame me, but you need to know these things.ö

ôI have to drink blood?ö muttered Karin in horror.

ôWell, you could just spend the rest of your life chaste and celibate. If you wanted that is. No big deal. It won't taste bad though. Probably be the best thing you've ever had. That's what I've heard about it anyway.ö He seemed to consider that.

ôWho did you ask?ö grumbled the dark haired girl.

ôI lived in hell. You're not the first succubus I've had words with you know.ö They were drawing near to the home. ôJust relax and don't worry about it for now. Like I said, I promised Mom I'd help you out with this. It's the demonic equivalent of puberty. It's not going to just go away, and you need to learn to deal with it. You can even let them live if you want. Though, you'll need to avoid major arteries to do that.ö He smirked at her. ôYou've got venom. It will paralyze your victims once you get a good bite.ö

Yuzu's eyes went wide. ôVenom? Cooooollll!ö

Karin was disturbed by her sister's enthusiasm. Akuma shook her shoulder. ôYou'll be fine. Your instincts will take care of you, but if you want to keep them under control, you need to keep them satisfied. It won't be a problem if you just keep up with it. There's no reason you can't live normally if you're careful. You're both really young, if you're careful enough, you won't have to worry about it at all for a few years. Just remember to go with it, if you fight it, it might be troublesome for you. You'll get frustrated, and might attack someone you like or care about. Ichikun and I are immune. Beardo won't be any trouble either, he's your Dad. Watch out for anyone else though, you're both pretty irresistible to most humans. Even a lot of girls. Most people won't try to force you, but you can expect a lot of 'attention' in the future. Just get used to it, there's not really anything anyone can do about it.ö

Karin hung her head. ôGreat. Just what I needed to hear.ö She didn't like it one bit, but for some reason, she trusted him on this. ôThanks I guess.ö

Yuzu nodded and seemed a bit somber. ôYeah. I'm glad you said something.ö

Akuma frowned a little. ôWish I didn't have too. Forgive me, but you know about me. My darker side would have enjoyed watching. Still, a promise is a promise. I'll help you out as much as I can.ö

Karin just shrugged. She was coming to understand Akuma. She didn't really like him, and still didn't trust him, but she was getting used to having him around. She had a handle on what to expect of him.

He slapped them on the shoulder and started walking in the other direction. ôFinish your iced cream. It'll make you feel better. I'll see you later.ö

ôWhere are you going?ö asked Yuzu.

ôYeah. It's getting late,ö agreed Karin.

He waved at them over his shoulder. ôI'm gonna go bug Ichikun for a bit. He's gotten himself into some trouble, and I wanna go watch.ö

ôYeah,ö grumbled Karin. She continued to munch on her ice cream. It did make her feel a little better, but she was far from having her nerves settled.

ôWell, I guess we should go home. What do you think blood will taste like?ö asked Yuzu.

ôI don't want to talk about it,ö growled her sister as she shifted away a little and kept working on her ice cream.

ôWell, maybe later,ö said Yuzu with a small sigh.

OooOOooOO

Orihime had just woken up from a strange dream and bopped Sado on the nose with her head. It involved the Sony mascot, Kurosaki, and the Soccer World Finals. She looked around in confusion.

ôYou were having quite a nightmare, what was it about?ö asked Chad as he nursed his nose. ôYour head is surprisingly hard.ö

ôI can't say, it's a secret! A secret,ö she replied with a blush.

ôIs a dream really that embarrassing?ö muttered the large boy.

The girl looked around. ôWhere are we? This isn't school.ö

Sado shook his head. He was surprised she just noticed. ôI'm not sure...ö They were in a large room with traditional windows and a wooden floor. A strange man walked up wearing a sandal hat with is arms crossed. He smiled at them both. ôIt seems he brought us here and helped us.ö He looked at the man. ôIt seems Inoue has awakened, please tell us more of this strange power within us, and the connection it has with Ichigo.ö

Orihime gasped. ôKuro...Kurosaki? What about him?ö

ôWhat are you doing?ö said a familiar and irate voice. Rukia walked into the room with her arms crossed. ôUrahara, what's the meaning of this?ö

ôKu-Kuchiki?ö muttered Orihime in confusion.

The girl glared at them. ôThey've got no part in this.ö

The man narrowed his eyes at her. ôPerhaps not before, but I'm afraid it's too late now. Their powers have become too strong, and the Hollows will notice. Regardless of what you may think, they cannot ignore this path.ö

ôWhat do you mean?ö cried Orihime. ôWhat are you talking about?ö

The sandal hat man gave a small sigh. ôKurosaki Ichigo is a half demon with Shinigami powers. His spiritual reserves are so great, that they are overflowing. You have been close to him for a long time, and this has drown out your spiritual powers. Your natural talents.ö

ôNatural, talents?ö said Chad as he looked at his fist.

The man nodded. ôThat's right. You have been given the key to a door. What you do with it is your own choice. This is not some disease you have picked up, but the power you were born with drawn forward by your proximity to Ichigo for such a long time. It has manifested itself within you now, and it is time for you to choose your path.ö

Rukia growled at that. ôThey aren't Shinigami. You shouldn't be dragging them into this.ö

Chad narrowed his eyes at her. ôShinigami?ö

Urahara frowned at her. ôI was not the one who did it. Ichigo is the cause of this, and it can't be ignored. He did not intend this I'm sure, but it has happened.ö

The black haired girl balled up her fist and glared at him. ôIt's on your head.ö

The door opened and a large man with glasses bowed in the doorway. ôManager, the Kuumon, it has begun it's convergence.ö

Urahara looked over at him. ôThe preparations?ö

ôComplete.ö

The sandal hat man turned to the door. ôWhether or not you continue forward is up to you both. Whether or not you choose to open the door and step through is up to you.ö

The two teens stood up and watched him as he moved to the door.

He stopped and looked at them. ôAre you coming along? I shall allow you to watch. I want you to see for yourselves the world you are about to step into, and the enemies you must fight.ö

ôI don't like this,ö grumbled Rukia as she glared at the pair.

ôNoted,ö replied the man as he continued to move.

She looked at the rather dumbstruck pair. ôAre you coming or not?ö She continued after them.

Chad and Orihime looked at each other for a moment, and moved off after them.

OooOOooOO

Uryuu frowned as he began to feel doubt. ôIt's getting harder to kill them with one strike. There's more than expected, this is strange. At this rate...I...ö He scowled at his own thoughts. ôNo. I shall not fail. Not a single person will die because of this. I will defeat the Shinigami.ö

He continued to fire his weapon. Striking down yet another Hollow.

ôHey. You look like you're starting to feel the heat,ö said a familiar voice.

Ishida gasped and looked over his shoulder. ôKurosaki!ö

The boy had a cocky grin on his face and held his weapon on his shoulder. ôThis the best you can do? I've already cleared out half the town. Looks like you're losing to me.ö

ôWhat? You...I've killed twice as many Hollows as you!ö He pointed his bloody finger at him and scowled.

ôWhatever,ö muttered Ichigo. ôI'm gonna make you cry by beating your ass.ö

ôCry? Don't be absurd! I'll not lose to the likes of you.ö He notched another arrow.

Ichigo just stood there and looked on as he killed another Hollow. ôYou just don't get it do you? This is a battle between you and me, so don't bother giving me a number. I don't care. We're going to settle this man to man, but first I'm gonna clean up the mess you made.ö He looked up at the sky, Hollows were still pouring into the area. The sky was full of cracks where they were coming in from. ôHow do we stop this?ö

Uryuu frowned. ôYou can't. It will wear off with time.ö He notched another arrow and pulled it taught. Ichigo was in front of him with his back turned. He did not intend too, but the blood on his fingers made it slip. ôOh no!ö

Ichigo simply raised his arm. A round shiny surface appeared on his forearm and glowed with energy for a moment as the arrow struck it. The blond boy looked confused and peered at it. ôHuh. Wonder what that's about?ö

Ishida gasped. ôHe's fast.ö It was almost point blank range, and he'd still somehow blocked it.

Ichigo felt something weird and looked up again. ôHey...those cracks are moving together.ö

Uryuu nodded and frowned at it. ôThat's not all. Look. The Hollows are all converging on that spot.ö He notched another arrow and fired at the Hollows.

Ichigo snorted. ôIf you weren't such a jerk, I might actually like you. Rushing in without thinking?ö

ôAre you afraid?ö snapped the Quincy.

The demon half grinned. ôDo I look nervous to you? You're the one sweating bullets here.ö

Uryuu narrowed his eyes and ran towards the disturbance. ôI will win this battle. If you're afraid, you can wait here! Ishida Uryuu is your opponent! Over here you Hollows! The last Quincy will face you!ö

Ichigo blinked. ôHuh? The...last Quincy?ö He charged off after him. A moment later he saw him shooting down Hollows one after another. The things were closing in and trying to flank him. ôThat idiot. What is he doing charging in like that?ö He rushed down and dove into the fray, slashing and taking several out.

ôI don't need your help!ö snapped Uryuu.

ôI'm not doing this to help you idiot. These things are dangerous!ö snapped Ichigo. ôLast of your kind huh?ö

ôI have no desire to share anything with the likes of you.ö

Ichigo swatted aside another as Ishida impaled one in the center of it's mask. ôWhat the hell is this about anyway?ö

ôI will prove the strength of the Quincy to the Shinigami. I will not let my sensei's dream die!ö

The blond boy grunted as he hacked again. ôYou idiot! You're showing off to the wrong person!ö

ôWhat do you mean?ö growled the other boy as he fired again.

ôLook, I'm not a real Shinigami. I'm just hired help, it's a temporary job. Like working for a summer break or something!ö

ôWhat did you say?ö snapped Ishida angrily.

ôYou dope. I can't believe you'd be this stupid.ö Ichigo hacked again. ôI owe a Shinigami a favor, and I'm paying it back. I don't plan on spending the rest of my life doing this you know!ö

ôYou represent the Shinigami, that's good enough.ö

The blond seemed to think on that as he hacked at another. ôI'm...not actually sure about that. I only know one really. Come to think of it, I'm not even getting paid.ö

ôLike that makes a difference!ö snapped Uryuu as he took two more out.

ôWhy wouldn't it? What the hell is your problem anyway?ö

The Quincy scowled at him. ôMy grandfather was my sensei, he was a kind man. When the Quincy were destroyed by the Shinigami, he said they were right. He believed we should exist to deal with Hollows quickly, and work with them. An immediate response to emergencies. They ignored him, told him that dealing with Hollows was their business, and that we should stay out of it.ö

ôThe...Shinigami destroyed the Quincy?ö said Ichigo as he staggered. He put up his blade to hold back a strike from a claw. ôWhat do you mean?ö

Uryuu scowled at him. ôYour ignorance annoys me.ö

ôYou jerk. I already told you. I'm just a temporary stand in, this isn't my job! I've only been doing it for a few months, and as soon as my friend can take it over again, I'm finished.ö He hacked again destroying another of the creatures.

Ishida scowled. ôTwo hundred years ago, the Quincy were destroyed by Shinigami hands. They said it was to protect the balance. Quincy destroy Hollows completely. Our power erases them from existence. Our numbers were too great, and it threatened to overtake the balance. The Shinigami destroyed us because of it, and my grandfather said they were right. I don't care about that, it's just an old story to me. I'm not sympathetic to them, and I don't care about their cause or reviving them.ö

ôGreat, so what happened! This story is taking too long!ö snapped Ichigo as he hacked again.

ôMy grandfather was murdered by Hollows. The Shinigami were late in responding. He died because they were too slow to perform their duty. They left him unguarded, and allowed him to die. It took hours for them to show up! I hate them.ö

The blond growled. ôGreat. What the hell does that have to do with me you idiot? I'm not the one you need to impress.ö

ôThey'll notice. I'll defeat you, and prove the strength of the Quincy,ö Uryuu snapped back at him.

Ichigo looked around, they were surrounded. ôYou jerk. As far as I know, they don't even know about me.ö

ôWhat?ö snapped Ishida. ôWhat are you saying?ö

ôI kind of got the impression that what I'm doing is kind of against the rules somehow. I'm not really sure. In any case, you picked a fight with the wrong guy.ö

ôIs that some kind of threat?ö snapped Ishida.

ôI've been telling you I'm going to kick your ass all day, and that's what you pick up on? No! Dumbass! I mean I've got no official affiliation with the Shinigami. I'm just some shmuck who got dragged into a bad deal.ö He had his firearm out and was shooting at the Hollows to drive them back.

ôRegardless, I will defeat you, I'm sure they'll notice this.ö

Ichigo grunted. ôCan't argue with that. It's a bit of a mess isn't it?ö He looked around. ôAnyway, while you've been giving that long boring story of yours, we've been surrounded.ö

ôI noticed. Feel free to leave any time.ö

Ichigo grinned with a wild look in his eyes as he kept shooting with one hand, and hacking with the other. ôLeave a fight like this one? Are you kidding? This is way too much fun!ö

ôFun? Are you insane?ö snapped his opponent.

Ichigo smirked. ôI'm an Akkijin, fighting is in my blood.ö

Ishida reset his glasses with his fingers. ôI see. Is that your only reason for doing this?ö

ôNah. It irritates my brother, and I don't want Hollows to hurt people. Plus, at first I thought that a Hollow killed my mother. Turns out I was wrong, and she was a demon and was going to die anyway. Still, it bugged me and I don't want anyone else to feel that way for a moment if I can help it.ö

Uryuu gasped and looked at him. ôHuh?ö

ôTheir numbers aren't shrinking. No matter how many we take out, they just keep coming.ö

The Quincy gave a nod. ôI noticed. Feeling the pressure.ö

ôNah. I kinda like it,ö replied the odd boy. ôI usually don't get this much of a work out without my brother around. Kinda nice not having to listen to him talk.ö

ôI see,ö said the other boy as he scowled. He heard his grandfather's voice in his head. ôI don't like to see sad faces.ö

Ichigo looked back at him. ôYou dragged a lot of people into this fight. I'm not just going to forget about that Ishida. When this is over, I'm not gonna kill ya, but I'm gonna punch you right in your smug face. Maybe I'll feel better after, maybe not, but for taking a risk like this in my town, you deserve it.ö

The Quincy narrowed his eyes. ôI only care about beating you. Nothing else matters.ö

ôYer a prick,ö responded Ichigo.

ôAnd you're thick headed,ö replied Ishida. ôI think I understand though. If either of us dies, we'll not get to beat up the other.ö

ôGreat, I'm glad we have an understanding.ö Ichigo blasted one of the weaker creatures in the face over his shoulder. He turned and cleaved it's skull in two. ôNow, lets finish this up. If we hurry, I might make it home for dinner.ö

Uryuu frowned. ôKurosaki.ö

ôHuh?ö

ôThe Hollows are acting strange. They're looking up to the sky as if praying to something.ö

Both of them looked up and lowered their weapons. The Hollows had stopped moving in to attack them. The crack in the sky split as two gigantic hands pried it open, and a Hollow mask peered through. It was hundreds of times larger than the others, with a long pointed nose and a round mask with teeth on it.

ôShit,ö growled Uryuu. ôWhat the hell is that?ö

ôHow should I know?ö grumbled Ichigo. ôMight not make dinner.ö

ôYou're taking this so lightly? How can we fight that? We're surrounded!ö

ôWe'll just have to kick their asses together then,ö replied Ichigo. ôI guess.ö

ôYeah, great plan,ö grumbled Uryuu sarcastically.

There was a loud bang and several of the Hollows appeared to be blown apart, giving both boys more room.

ôKurosaki! We've come to the rescue!ö

Ichigo looked confused. ôHuh? Who the heck is that guy?ö

ôIs...that a little girl?ö muttered Uryuu as he noticed the child with what appeared to be some sort of explosive ordinance with wards pasted all over it.

Urahara smiled and waved a fan. ôOh. That's right. We've not really met before have we? I am a friend of Rukia's. There was a very large man with him, a small boy with a very large mace, and a very quiet and shy looking girl.

ôHuh? We're fine, really,ö replied Ichigo as he scratched at his head and looked confused.

ôIs that what you call it?ögrumbled the Quincy.

ôWhat? We can do it,ö said the blond.

Urahara gave a small sigh. ôWe'll take care of the small fry, so you can concentrate on that one.ö He pointed at the huge face in the sky.

Ichigo actually looked a bit disappointed. ôOh.ö

Uryuu looked around. The number of Hollows was decreasing rapidly. ôSo...strong!ö

The thing pried the sky apart father and loomed overhead.

ôIt's coming through!ö said Ishida in horror.

ôGreat. Would have been hard to get to up there,ö replied Ichigo as he hefted his sword on his shoulder.

ôI don't see how you're taking this so casually,ö grumbled the Quincy. ôThat thing...ö

Ichigo gasped. ôWhat is...ö

A tongue lashed out of the beast's mouth and impaled several of the Hollows flying about it. It retracted and the monster bit down on them. Chewing them up in it's massive jaws and eating them.

ôWell, he seems friendly,ö muttered the blond.

ôEating his own kind? Quite a guy,ö commented Ishida. ôSo, what's the plan?ö

ôKick his ass,ö said Ichigo with a shrug.

ôHow? What, do you plan on walking up and punching him in the face?ö

ôNah, I'm gonna cut him,ö replied the boy as he pointed at his sword. ôCome on, it'll be fun.ö

ôYou have a strange idea of a good time. Wait! You idiot!ö Ichigo started charging at it. ôCome on Ishida! We might actually make dinner after all!ö

OooOOooOO

ôMenos Grande!ö gasped Rukia as she looked on. She was standing in a small room looking out a window on the scene in the distance.

ôWhat?ö said Sado as his jaw hung. ôYou...know of this thing?ö

ôWhat is that?ö gasped Orihime in horror.

ôIt's something I've only seen in text books and Illustrations. Menos Grande. It's made up of hundreds of Hollows that gather together. It's the jurisdiction of the Elite Forces! No! Ichigo isn't ready for that! He'll be killed!ö

ôHeh. Menos Huh? They're really pulling out all the stops aren't they?ö

The group turned and saw Akuma standing with them with his arms crossed. His grin was fixed into place and he seemed calm and unconcerned.

Orihime gasped and took a step away from him.

Chad frowned and looked on. ôI see. A very powerful foe.ö

ôIchigo! Don't!ö cried Rukia.

Akuma grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back. ôLet it be. He'll be fine.ö He placed her in front of the window again. ôYou wouldn't make it in time to do anything anyway, and you'd just get in the way.ö

ôAre you crazy?ö she snapped.

He ignored her. ôThis is an important battle for him. Menos Grande is powerful, but stupid. I doubt he'll have too much trouble with it.ö

ôHe'll be crushed!ö gasped Orihime as she saw the blond rushing towards it and got a sense of scale about it.

ôEven if he is, it won't kill him,ö said Akuma with a small shrug. ôMight do him a bit of good. He's strong enough.ö

Rukia frowned at him. ôYou...what would you know?ö

ôMenos? A rather pathetic creature, despite it's intimidating size and some strength, it's no real threat. Just watch. My brother won't be killed by such a thing. Please, don't insult my family by suggesting such a thing.ö He rolled his eyes and seemed unimpressed as he responded.

Chad nodded. ôHe is his brother. Still, what would you know of such things?ö

Akuma turned his grin towards him. ôWell, I've never seen one, but...I know others who have. They're nothing particularly special as far as Hollows go. Large and powerful, but relatively brainless. There are much stronger beings in Hueco Mundo. Quite a few actually. Those are just the largest of what you'd find there, hardly the most dangerous.ö

ôHueco Mundo?ö asked Orihime in confusion.

Rukia scowled at him. ôIt's one of the places between this world and Soul Society. A dimension of Hollows. They don't remain here forever, and pass through to their own dimension when they aren't hunting humans.ö

ôWow. You know a lot about this, Kuchiki!ö The redhead was impressed.

Chad noted that as well, but remained silent.

ôShe should. She's the reason Ichigo is caught up in all this. She's a Shinigami, but something happened and she lost her powers. So my brother has been helping her out.ö

Rukia tensed up and glared at him. ôYou asshole. I'm not supposed to tell people about that.ö

ôYou didn't, I did. Besides, as much as you've been running your mouth, it was just a matter of time until at least Sado figured it out.ö

ôOooh,ö said Inoue with a nod.

Chad put his face into his hand.

OooOOooOO

The thing stepped out of the great crack in the sky and stomped forward. Ichigo hacked at it's foot and made a good sized cut, but the creature kicked at him. The blond flipped out of the way and hacked again, going deeper the second time.

The great monster fell to it's knees and swatted at him with it's palm. Ichigo managed to jump out of the way between the fingers and hacked at it's palm. ôHa! Take that you big ugly...er...thing!ö The monster lifted it's hand and swatted him back. He hit the dirt near to where Ishida was rushing up.

ôOuch. I guess it's not all looks.ö The demon half was rubbing at his forehead and looking annoyed.

ôKurosaki! What are you doing?ö Uryuu looked half terrified and slid to a stop next to him.

ôPissing it off apparently,ö he grumbled. ôI was gonna try to take it's feet out, and cut my way up to the head.ö

ôAnd you expected that to work?ö snapped Ishida.

ôWell, I was hoping it would fall over and I could get at it's face sooner, but yeah. Kind of.ö

Without thinking, Ishida put his hand on the boy's sword. The bow in his hand grew to about four times larger. He almost gasped in awe, when the weapon suddenly turned bright orange. The Quincy screamed in pain as a burning energy flowed through his body. His hand flew off of his body and he crumpled down on his knees clutching his arm.

ôHey, are you all right?ö muttered the wide eyed blond.

ôWhat? What was that power? It felt like my whole body was on fire!ö gasped Ishida as he shivered.

ôCrap,ö grumbled Ichigo as he looked up. The thing hadn't stood up again, but its mouth was open. A ball of energy was forming in its jaws pointed right at them. He jumped in front of Uryuu and the boy reached for him. ôKurosaki! Wait! Where are you....?ö

The energy blasted forward in a massive beam of power. Ichigo raised his left arm and kept his sword behind him. The mirror appeared on his arm again, and the blast slammed into it. The blond struggled to keep his footing, falling to one knee as the energy poured over his body. He squeezed his eyes shut and struggled to keep his arm raised. ôDamn. This is strong.ö

It couldn't last forever, the blast dissipated and Ichigo relaxed. ôIt's over.ö The mirror on his arm was glowing with a white light. That was the least of his problems. Menos had noticed that it's attack hadn't worked and slammed his palm down on top of him.

Ichigo looked up as the shadow loomed over him. ôUh oh.ö He hadn't recovered from the blast, and couldn't move fast enough to dodge. ôCrap!ö

The monster slammed it's hand into the ground and twisted it. The next thing Ichigo knew, he was standing on top of it's hand, with a hot sensation coming from his neck. He blinked and looked shocked. ôHuh?ö He looked down at himself and patted his chest over. ôI'm...not flattened?ö

The thing glared down at him and started lifting it's palm. ôGreat. Well, I guess I'm stuck then.ö He managed to keep his balance on the back of it's palm and swung his arm back.

The thing was preparing another of the blasts. He raised his mirror again, and pointed it at the thing's face. ôHere we go...ö He focused this time, right at the thing's nose.

Ichigo almost lost his footing as a beam of power blasted from the mirror on his arm just as large as the one that had been blasted at him before. In fact, it was the one that had been blasted at him. ôWhoa!ö He cried as the thing took the shot dead in the face.

The Menos screamed in pain and rage as it shook it's hand. Ichigo tumbled off, flipping his way to the ground and landing in a crouch. He remained in place and had his head down, with his knees and palms in the dirt.

The gigantic beast lumbered back, pulling the crack closed over itself as it retreated.

ôYou...did it!ö gasped Uryuu as he rushed up with wide eyes.

Ichigo looked up at him, his expression was not pleasant.

ôAre...you all right?ö asked Ishida.

ôThe ground...it's harder than it looks.ö

ôWell, you did fall about five stories,ö said the Quincy as he scowled at him.

Ichigo stood up and nodded. ôYeah. Kind of sucked. I guess I'm all right though.ö

ôWhat was that you did?ö said Uryuu as he looked at the demon half in confusion.

Ichigo raised his left arm and a mirrored shield appeared on his forearm. ôThis thing.ö

ôWhat is that?ö

ôIt's Yata no Kagami,ö replied Ichigo.

ôHuh?ö said Uryuu with wide eyes as his jaw dropped completely. He focused his glasses. ôThat thing?ö

The blond shrugged. ôWhat? You're surprised? You were there when I killed Yamata no Orochi. I got it from him.ö

The white clad boy blinked. ôWait, you mean that was the real...?ö

ôYeah. Kind of.ö

Ishida frowned and cocked his head. ôWow. That is something isn't it?ö

ôYeah. I thought I could use it to block that blast, but I didn't know it could shoot it back.ö Ichigo looked at his arm and the mirror vanished. ôPretty useful.ö

ôHow did you avoid getting crushed? I didn't see you dodge. You...just appeared on top of it.ö

ôNot sure,ö replied Ichigo with a small shrug. ôJust happened.ö

Ishida narrowed his eyes. He'd moved that fast and not realized it? It seemed impossible. ôThen again...ö he muttered.

ôHuh?ö said Ichigo as he looked about. ôI guess the Hollows are all gone then?ö

Uryuu nodded. ôIt would appear so.ö

ôGood.ö The blond boy punched him dead in the face.

The Quincy clutched at his nose and scowled at him. ôWhat are you doing?ö

Ichigo looked at him. ôI told you I was gonna do that. I'm not mad at you anymore, but I'm not gonna thank you, seeing as that mess was your fault to begin with.ö

Uryuu stood up and rubbed at his face. ôI see. Well, this is finished then.ö

ôYeah. I kicked your ass. Pick on a real Shinigami next time. Leave me out of it.ö Ichigo cracked his neck and seemed to relax. ôI'll see you around.ö

ôDon't talk to me as if we're friends. I've not changed my mind about anything. I will defeat you, Kurosaki.ö

ôYeah, yeah. Whatever. I'll see you at school then. You can work on pissing me off there.ö He put his hands behind his head and started walking. ôI'm starved. I hope Yuzu has dinner ready when I get back.ö

Ishida just looked on as he walked away. ôYeah. See you.ö

OooOOooOO

Urahara smiled as he turned away, leaving his subordinates. ôI'll leave the crack in the sky to you.ö He walked by Tessai.

ôSir!ö said the man.

OooOOooOO

ôKurosaki,ö said Orihime as she looked out over the end of the battle. Ishida and Ichigo went their separate ways. Leaving the empty field in their wake. The battle was won, it was finished.

ôImpressive,ö said Chad.

ôYes. He's coming along well,ö agreed Akuma. ôI'll see you later. It's almost time for dinner.ö He paused. ôOh, and Rustanica. There's no way they overlooked this.ö

Rukia scowled at his grin, and gave a single nod.

ôWhat do you mean?ö asked Orihime.

ôIt's nothing,ö replied the white haired boy. He turned and left the room.

The redhead looked at Rukia. ôWhat is he talking about?ö

She stood up and moved after him. ôNothing. Just some personal business. You two have a lot to think about. I suggest you carefully consider what Urahara told you.ö She looked over her shoulder and smiled. ôGo home, and get some rest.ö

Chad frowned a little more as he nodded. ôVery well.ö

Orihime scowled at it. ôSomething, doesn't seem right with Kuchiki.ö

Sado gave a nod. ôYes. We shouldn't pry though, and she is right. We should both go home, and consider what we just witnessed, and what it may mean for our own futures. I believe Kuchiki can take care of herself, if she needs help, she has good friends, and I believe she knows it.ö

The orange haired girl nodded. ôYou''re right.ö She was still unsettled, but did feel a little better. She had a great deal to think about indeed.

OooOOooOO

TBC...

Next Time: Ichigo meets Renji and Bayakuya.
 

Khortez

Well-Known Member
#3
Nice. Only a few things I noticed wrong like Hueco Mundo being Hueco Muerte, some places where you said harm instead of arm and drown instead of drawn.
 

Char Aznable

Well-Known Member
#4
Please tell me Grimmjow claws his goddamn smug face off. That would hilarous as fuck.
 

Lanceavalon

Well-Known Member
#5
I forget is Ichigo to use the abilities from both sides of his blood or will he limit himself to his devil abilities?
 

Carrotglace

Well-Known Member
#6
Lanceavalon said:
I forget is Ichigo to use the abilities from both sides of his blood or will he limit himself to his devil abilities?
Both, to a limited extent.

He's going to have to pick one path or the other eventually. At least generally speaking.

For example, this chapter has Akuma performing a Soul Burial, something that Urahara found unusual. So, that's not a normal demonic ability, but something his Shinigami blood allows him to do.

Ichigo has been running around being a Shinigami for a while now, and he is currently using a zanpakuto.

His brother doesn't have one, and lacks the proper training to create one. Not that it matters, as he created his own Devil Arm. [Haven't gone into it yet, but his sword is 'his sword' not another demon's power. It's important, because it's required to achieve Devil Trigger. The games mention that Rebellion and Yamato both represent their respective owner's power.] He probably could make himself a zanpakuto if he really wanted to put the time and effort into doing it, but why bother?

If Ichigo chooses the path of demonic power, he'll likely never be any stronger as a Shinigami as the rank and file unseated type. [That doesn't mean that he can't compare to a Lieutenant or Captain class. Just, not in relation to Shinigami arts. I.E. He'll never achieve 'Release' or 'Bankai' but Devil Arms have equivalent powers in Devil Trigger ability and enchantment effects on the weapons.]

The right Devil Arm can make up for a significant difference in power if it's of the right type. [For example, a 'Hellfire' type weapon might work well against Hitsugaya and give a less powerful demon an advantage. Or a Demon with power of the right type might not be effected by Yamamato's flames, forcing him to adopt different tactics.]

Of course, the opposite is also true. Rukia or Hitsugaya might have an advantage over a water type DA for example. Meaning they could take out a Demon that is superior in power if it relied on only that particular type of power.

Ichigo will probably be able to 'work' as a Shinigami if he wishes even with using his Demonic power. Like Shinigami, demons are less than interested in destroying souls, just for more sinister reasons. He'll still be able to perform soul burials if he wishes, or...well lets just say his demonic half can do some interesting things with spirits if he's so inclined. Their power doesn't destroy souls like a Quincy does.

More on that in the near future. Bayakuya and Renji are showing up next time, along with a couple of more 'unexpected' guests.
 
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