The Devil's Bleached Tears
Part 9
The Hunters.
OooOOooOO
Two ghostly figures stood on a rooftop overlooking Karakura Town. They were both dressed in the black robes of Shinigami and had swords hanging from their belts. A butterfly fluttered off having delivered it's message. ôFind Kuchiki Rukia, and capture or kill her.ö
The shorter of the pair gave a snort. ôFeh. This isn't work for a Shinigami.ö
ôNot really,ö commented the taller of the two in an emotionless tone. He paused and looked over his shoulder with his hand moving towards the hilt of his blade.
A figure stepped out of the shadows looking right at them. It stayed in the darkness and didn't approach.
ôWho?ö grumbled the shorter shinigami as he noticed where the other was looking.
ôNo one to concern yourself with. You're not what I'm looking for. I haven't seen Shinigami in a while.ö The shadow spoke in an amused feminine tone.
ôWhat do you want?ö asked the taller of the two as his hand moved away from his sword.
ôI'm hunting. Nothing to concern yourselves with. I'm not concerned with your business, and we just happened to cross paths.ö She stayed where she was and leaned against the wall that was keeping her hidden in the shadows. They could make out her form, but little more.
The shorter of the pair scowled. ôYou a human. You can see us?ö
The taller one turned away. ôEnough. If we have no business with each other, there's no need for further discussion. I warn you to stay out of our way.ö
ôI ask the same of you then. I told you already, I don't care about shinigami business. I've got my own prey.ö She turned away and vanished into the darkness.
ôWhat a weirdo,ö grumbled the shorter shinigami.
ôDon't concern yourself,ö replied the other as he started moving in the opposite direction from the stranger. ôWe have business of our own.ö He turned his eyes towards where the feminine figure had gone. ôA rarity, but not unheard of. Ignore it.ö
The shorter one sounded a little unnerved. ôRight. Still...ö
OooOOooOO
Urahara smiled as he sat down and smiled at the black cat that had shown up at his business and home a short time before. It was sitting on the porch looking up at the sky. ôYoruichi, do you think it's going to rain?ö He seemed cheerful, but he wasn't fooling anyone.
The animal spoke up, it's tone was rough and masculine. ôDon't play stupid. You know that they've come.ö
His face fell a little and he gave a short nod. ôYes. I wanted to discuss that with you...and another matter as well.ö
The cat looked back at him and narrowed it's eyes. ôI'm listening.ö
ôOf course we have to consider what the Shinigami are up to, but...there's another concern now.ö
Yoruichi looked away from him and hung her head. ôAnother concern?ö
ôThere's a demonic presence here. Hell has been sniffing around for something. I'm not sure what, but I think I might have some idea. I fear it might become entangled in this as well.ö Urahara opened his fan. ôThe demons appear to have an agent that can pass freely through the gates. The seals might be in danger.ö
The cat glanced back at him and narrowed her eyes. ôThat's not a concern of ours. There are others who deal with that sort of thing.ö
Urahara nodded. ôYes. The most powerful of which has not been seen for years. I fear our young friend has become involved with more than just the affairs of the Shinigami.ö
ôThat's unfortunate,ö commented the animal as she hung her head.
ôMaybe not as much as you think,ö said Urahara with a serious expression on his face. ôIn any case, I don't think these issues are as separate as we'd like.ö
ôWhat do you mean?ö snapped Yoruichi as she seemed to get annoyed.
The shop keeper narrowed his eyes. ôI'm not sure yet. I'm not so sure they're looking for a way to break the seals. At least not yet.ö
ôWhat's that got to do with...ö
ôLet's just say that Kuchiki has made an unusual friend,ö he responded before she finished. ôIt could be problematic, but then again it may be just what we need.ö
ôI don't like the sound of that,ö replied the cat.
ôI'm not so sure I do either, but we may be forced to deal with the hand we're dealt.ö
Yoruichi hung her head again. ôI see...ö
OooOOooOO
ôThey're here,ö said Akuma to himself. He was standing off on his own looking out over the city on the rooftop of the school. It was the lunch period, and Ichigo was sitting nearby with Ishida, Keigo, and Mizuiro.
Rukia was being standoffish and quiet and his idiot brother hadn't noticed. She was eating lunch on the grounds with a group of girls.
Ichigo was having a rather pathetic argument with Uryuu over lunch. ôShut up and face the other way while you eat if you don't like it.ö They were both avoiding looking directly at each other and grumbling in the same manner. Mizuiro seemed to notice and Keigo just looked bored and miserable. The brunette boy had gotten roped into paying for Ichigo and Uryuu's lunches.
Akuma smirked as he poked at his own lunch and ignored them. ôThere's something else as well. I wonder what it might be?ö
OooOOooOO
Ichigo walked into his room holding a tray of food and looked around. ôOi, Rukia! I brought you some dinner. Hey...ö He got no response and glanced around with a frown on his face.
ôShe's not here,ö said Akuma from behind him.
His brother frowned and glanced over his shoulder. ôWhere is she then?ö
ôHow should I know? She left a note though,ö said the white haired boy.
Kon poked his head out of Akuma's pocket. ôThanks for saving me Big Brother Akuma. It was awful in there.ö
That annoyed Ichigo and he was distracted from the note. ôSaving you?ö
The plushie hopped out onto the floor and looked up at him. ôBig sister tied me up in the bathroom! I have no idea why!ö
The strawberry blond scowled. ôYou were probably trying to peek on her changing again, weren't you?ö
The stuffed animal nodded. ôWell, of course. I don't think that was it though.ö
Akuma shrugged. ôI found him taped up behind the toilet. He's lucky I found him, because dad went in right after me and stayed for a while.ö He kind of wished he'd pretended to not notice and left him there. It was too late though and he didn't worry about it. Curiosity had gotten the better of him, or in that case, the worst.
Ichigo grunted and set the tray down. ôI wonder what's up with her? She's been acting weird all day.ö
His brother cocked his head and seemed to think on it. He already knew why, but saw no reason to make things easier on his brother. ôWho knows?ö
ôWell, I guess we could just wait until she gets back and ask her. What a pain,ö grumbled the blond.
ôOr, we could read the note she left,ö said Kon as he looked up at him.
Ichigo seemed to consider that for a moment. ôOh. Yeah.ö
Akuma came very close to putting his face into his hand, but refrained.
ôWhat is this? It makes no sense,ö said Ichigo as he opened the letter and looked confused. There was an awful drawing and confusing gibberish on the page.
Kon managed to climb up onto the desk top using the chord of a lamp and walked over to him. ôLet me see.ö He paused and looked it over as Ichigo set it down. ôI think it's a word puzzle.ö
ôI hate puzzles,ö said the blond.
ôNoted,ö commented his brother. ôI think that's supposed to be a tanuki.ö
ôWhat's with this crap anyway?ö grumbled Ichigo in frustration.
Kon scowled at him. ôI think I get it. We remove the word 'tanuki' and the rest is the message.ö
Ichigo took a pen out of a cup on the desk and drew a line through the kanji for the word in various places. He paused and read out loud. ôI have to leave, don't worry or come looking for me, and if you can go into hiding?ö He furrowed his eyebrows and scratched his head. ôWhat the hell?ö
Kon gasped and looked up at Ichigo. ôSomething bad must have happened!ö
Akuma gave a small sigh. ôWhat are the chances you'll listen to her?ö
ôNone,ö responded his brother.
ôThat's what I figured. See you later,ö the other twin turned around and waved his hand as he left the room.
ôWhere are you going? You're not going to help?ö Ichigo looked annoyed.
ôWhy would I? She's no friend of mine. Look after your own if you want. You're going to get your ass kicked if you stick your nose into this. Not that it will stop you.ö Akuma left the room and wandered off into the hall. He paused and looked down at Karin with a frown. She was standing in the hall and looked a little flustered from being caught listening in. Not that she could help it. ôYou stay out of this, you're not strong enough to be of any help. He'll live, but he won't like what he finds.ö
She narrowed her eyes at him. ôWhat do you mean? That girl is in some kind of trouble?ö
He smirked at her. ôKind of. There's nothing you can do but get in the way. Ichikun will live, but you'd just get yourself killed. Forget about it for now, maybe you'll be useful later, but as you are now you're just a liability. Stay put.ö
She stepped back and hung her head with her fists balled up.
Ichigo walked out into the hall. ôHuh? What are you doing out here?ö
ôNothing,ö muttered the girl as she turned away and went into her room.
Yuzu was sitting on her bed and looked up as her sister walked into the room. Karin sat down on the edge of her mattress and glared at the carpet. ôThat jerk.ö
Her twin shrugged. ôWell, I'm not going after them. That girl was pretty nice I guess, but...we're not very strong yet. Ichigo and Akuma are much stronger.ö
Karin frowned at her. ôHe's not going to help or anything.ö
Yuzu cocked her head. ôI wonder where he's going then?ö
Her sister flopped down. ôGreat. How am I supposed to go to sleep after that?ö
The brunette narrowed her eyes. ôWe should stay here. I can tell you're thinking of leaving.ö
Karin put her face into her pillow and kicked her legs up behind her. ôYeah? So? Why should I listen to him? He's a jerk anyway.ö
Her twin crossed her arms and put her nose up. ôHe wouldn't say something like that for no reason. Maybe you don't like him, but we shouldn't be running off.ö
The dark haired girl frowned at that. ôWell, I'm going anyway. I'm not going to get any sleep after that anyway.ö
ôWhat? You'll get in trouble!ö snapped Yuzu.
Karin was already crawling out the window. ôWhat? Are you going to tell on me?ö
ôMaybe I will!ö growled her sister as she stood up and balled up her fists.
Karin ignored her and hopped outside. She landed lightly despite dropping from the second floor into the back yard.
ôOooh. Darn it!ö grumbled Yuzu as she followed after her. ôKarin! Wait! Come back! We could get killed!ö
The raven haired girl smirked as she noticed her sister following after her. ôI just want to see what's going on. We'll just watch or something. No harm in that right?ö
The brunette girl looked annoyed as her sister jumped over a six foot fence and into the street with no real effort. ôWait up!ö She moved after her and landed with her in the street. ôI guess we can watch, but you'd better stay out of the way!ö
Her sister brushed her off. ôYeah, yeah. We'll be fine.ö
OooOOooOO
Rukia ran through the streets of Karakura. She wasn't sure where she was going, or how far she'd get. It was just a matter of time until they tracked her down. Until then, she had to get as far away from Ichigo as possible. So, she simply moved away from the clinic, running down random streets and doing her best to keep a low profile.
She didn't notice the two figures watching her from above. One of them was scanning her with a pair of goggles. ôHuh. There's artificial bones in there. I thought the readouts were off.ö He pulled them off his eyes. ôKuchiki Rukia, we've found you.ö He grinned and had spiky red hair tied up into a ponytail behind his head and tattoos instead of eyebrows. The other taller figure had straight black hair with ornaments braided into it hanging from the side of his face and on top of the left side of his forehead. He had a serious emotionless expression and looked over the shorter shinigami's shoulder at the lone girl.
Rukia was thinking of the people she'd met since she'd come there. It made a lump in her gut to do so. ôAm I getting too attached to this world?ö
ôYes. So you knew after all?ö
She gasped and stopped in her tracks, turning to face the voice and look up to the source. ôYou...is it? Abari Renji?ö
ôMan. You're talking backwards. You've enjoyed this world for too long. You can only live just a little longer, Rukia.ö He jumped down and slashed at her with his sword. She jumped out of the way, but he wasn't really aiming to strike her. ôHeh. You've gotten soft in these past three months. To not notice two Shinigami hunters right behind you, lost in your own thoughts? How pathetic. Now, call him, call this human that stole your powers.ö
She stepped back again. ôYou can't prove that I'm in this false form because a human stole my powers.ö
Renji smirked at that. ôYou know damn well that your powers were stolen by a human. Don't look at me that way. It's disgusting. You're a trained rookie of the Kuchiki clan. Isn't that right. Kuchiki?ö
Rukia looked over her shoulder and saw the other Shinigami. ôByakuya? Big...brother?ö
Renji slashed at her again forcing her to roll aside. ôGiving your powers to a human? We were tasked with executing the human who took them from you! You're in serious trouble.ö He raised his sword. ôYou're not stupid enough to believe that I didn't let you dodge that attack. Now, where is that human? You're already captured, and he will die. My next attack will be serious!ö He paused and dodged as a white light blew past his head. ôWhat the?ö
Rukia looked back in shock at the figure that approached them.
ôAttacking an unarmed woman with a sword? Not a very pleasant scene to walk in on.ö Uryuu walked up and adjusted his glasses. He had a plastic bag in his hand with sewing supplies in it. ôI really dislike this sort of thing.ö
ôWho the hell are you?ö growled the redhead.
ôJust a classmate of hers, who hates Shinigami.ö Ishida narrowed his eyes with his bow in his free hand.
ôWhat are you doing here?ö muttered Rukia in shock.
ôI just wanted to go to the nearby Sunflower Tailor store. This neighborhood happened to be the closest. It's pure chance.ö The bag fell away from his hand as the handles were cut clean through.
ôNo! Uryuu, run!ö cried the girl.
ôIt's too late for that. I've been in this stinking shit hole tracking you down for too long.ö Renji glared at him. ôI asked you once you four eyed punk. Who the hell are you?ö
Ishida narrowed his eyes. ôI told you already. I'm just a classmate who hates Shinigami.ö
ôI don't care about that shit!ö snapped the swordsman.
ôIshida Uryuu. I suppose I should tell you my name even if you are a Shinigami. You'll want to know who defeated you.ö
ôNo! Don't!ö cried Rukia as she tried to move between them.
ôOkay, I've decided to kill you then!ö said Renji with a wild glare in his eyes.
Uryuu started to aim is weapon, but his eyes went wide as his opponent sped by him. He fell to his knees as his gut started to burn. Blood seeped down his clothes from the open gash in his belly as he fell face first onto the ground and started to cough. He couldn't move and was paralyzed in pain and shock. ôSo...strong.ö
Renji chuckled. ôThat's right. You're pathetic, now die!ö He started to stab down with his sword, but a huge blade slammed down in his way, blocking his strike and shattering part of the pavement.
ôWhat? Who the?ö snapped the irate redhead as he jumped up and back onto a wall.
ôKurosaki Ichigo, the one who will defeat you,ö said the strawberry blond boy who narrowed his eyes at his new opponent.
Renji gasped and looked confused. ôThat...sword? What? Who is this idiot with that stupidly huge sword?ö
The blond hefted it over his shoulder. ôYeah. It's big I guess. Never had anyone but Rukia to compare it too before though.ö
ôIchigo...that idiot. Why did he come here?ö Rukia looked worried and her eyes darted between them.
Renji smirked. ôOh. You must be that human that stole Rukia's powers?ö
The boy seemed to think on that. ôThat's part right...I guess.ö
The shinigami jumped into the air. ôYou're dead!ö
Ichigo raised his hand and a loud report sounded. The stranger was knocked out of the air and landed on his back clutching is face.
ôOuch! What the hell?ö grumbled the man as he rubbed at his nose. His eyes went wide as Ichigo pointed his firearm at him. ôHuh?ö
ôYou're...lame,ö said the blond.
Renji narrowed his eyes and became a blur of motion. Ichigo staggered back as he moved as fast as he could to block. ôWhat's this? You've got a lot of nerve calling me lame you slow bastard? Is this all you've got?ö He flew back as another bang sounded between them and grunted in irritated pain. ôOuch.ö
ôNah. I just haven't warmed up yet,ö replied Ichigo. ôWho the hell are you anyway? What's your beef with Rukia?ö
ôAll you need to know is you're going to die, and she'll get her powers back!ö His opponent rushed forward again.
Ichigo raised his shotgun, but the figure blurred and vanished before he fired. ôHuh?ö He didn't see him reappear behind and above him and fell to the ground with a wound on his shoulder.
Renji landed in front of him and put his sword on his shoulder. ôJust like I thought. You're nothing.ö He smirked and looked down at him. ôPathetic. You're pretty stupid coming out here. Did you think you could change something? A hasty Shinigami like you could never scratch an experienced shinigami like me.ö
There was a blur of motion and a flash in front of his face. Ichigo stood up and hefted his own weapon onto his shoulder as he glared at him. ôWho are you calling a shinigami? Go ahead and keep talking, but you don't know what you're getting into pal.ö
ôWhat?ö muttered the man as he rubbed at the tiny cut on his chin with his thumb. ôYou bastard.ö
ôRenji, you were careless.ö Byakuya spoke up in a calm and even tone.
The redhead looked annoyed. ôWhat are you talking about? This guy is nothing! This Kurosaki Ichigo punk is pathetic.ö
ôI thought I recognized him. Kurosaki Ichigo, thirty three hours ago our undercover forces were able to give us the image. We sent Menos Grande to the void, due to the scar he gave him.ö
Renji started laughing. ôThat's bullshit. There's no way this slow jerk gave something like Menos Grande a scar. He couldn't even defeat evil spirits. It's obvious our undercover forces are slipping.ö He looked at his opponent. ôHey, what's the name of your zanpakuto?ö
The blond frowned. ôHuh? What are you talking about? You guys go around naming your swords?ö
The redhead sneered at him. ôSee, just like I said. He's stupid enough to think he's my equal without bothering to ask his sword it's name!ö He raised his own weapon and it changed in appearance, becoming sectioned with spike like blades poking out of the sides along the cutting edge. ôRoar Zabimaru! Look in front of you, there's food!ö
Ichigo narrowed his eyes. ôYou know, your attitude is beginning to piss me off.ö
Renji laughed as he jumped towards him. ôJust die, loser!ö
The blond raised his weapon to block and gripped his shotgun. The firearm fell to the ground as blood poured from his other shoulder. ôWhat?ö
Renji's sword had separated to become a whip like weapon. He looked confident in his victory. ôYou've lost! Abari Renji will kill you now!ö
Kurosaki fell to his knees and glared at the ground. ôThat does it.ö
ôHuh? Don't tell me that you...ooof!ö Renji flew back with a wide eyed expression on his face. His weapon had retracted, becoming a sword again.
Ichigo had just vanished from in front of his eyes and slammed his fist into his gut. Renji growled as he landed on his feet and slid back. ôWhat the hell?ö The blow had hurt far more than he expected. It was not near enough to take him out though.
ôFunny you should say that,ö said the strange boy. A violet energy was emanating off of his body like dark flames. He readied his blade again and narrowed his eyes. ôI told you before, I'm no Shinigami.ö
ôWhat? What is this?ö muttered Byakuya as he looked on in surprise.
Rukia gasped. ôWhat is he doing?ö
Ichigo smirked. ôNow, this fight can really start.ö He charged and slashed with his weapon. Renji brought his own blade up to stop it and was thrown back six feet from the force of the blow.
ôDamn! What is with this asshole?ö growled the redhead. He lashed out with his weapon like a whip again.
The demonic boy shifted aside and rolled to the left avoiding it before charging forward and hefting his blade back. The blond slashed at his opponent's exposed gut as the redhead looked down in helpless shock. Only to feel no resistance as he hacked at him.
ôHuh?ö Ichigo weapon was cut off near the hilt, the blade cleaved in two. ôWhat? What happened?ö
ôIchigo! No!ö cried Rukia.
The blond turned towards the dark haired man as the redhead jumped out of the way with wide eyes and a shocked expression of his own.
Ichigo looked down at the broken sword. The other shinigami was too far away to have been the culprit. The redhead was frozen in place and looked shocked. ôIt couldn't be, but that guy didn't do it...ö He gasped as the dark haired man dropped the broken blade of his sword from his fingers and then vanished. ôN...no way!ö He felt funny for a moment and the area around his throat felt warm as he stumbled for a moment.
ôWhat?ö Byakuya was wide eyed with his weapon held in a finished strike. There was no blood on his blade, and he'd felt no resistance. ôI...missed?ö
Ichigo growled as he hung his head a little. ôSo, teaming up on me then?ö
Renji narrowed his eyes and scowled. ôHe hit him, I know he did. Who the hell is this guy?ö
Byakuya frowned and appeared next to the redhead ôWe need to finish this.ö
ôRight,ö said Renji with a smirk.
The blond glared at him with his eyes glowing red. ôI was just thinking the same thing.ö He looked at Abari and smirked. ôYou asked me what my sword was named. It's true I never 'asked' it, but...I do have a sword with a name.ö
ôUh oh,ö muttered Rukia as she staggered back and looked worried.
Renji took note of her reaction and frowned at his opponent in a more cautious manner. ôYeah? So that wasn't your real zanpakuto then?ö
A katana appeared in the blond's grip and he drew the blade out, holding the sheath in his other hand. ôIt's called Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, and it's not a zanpakuto.ö
Byakuya gasped. ôRenji, do not hold back. We are not facing a human opponent.ö He readied his sword and narrowed his eyes.
Renji set himself and glanced at his superior. ôWhat do you mean?ö
His superior had an even more serious expression on his face than usual. ôThat sword is a Devil Arm.ö
The redhead looked shocked and shifted away as he felt Byakuya's spiritual power growing to the limits of the seal. ôWhat?ö
Ichigo slumped to the ground and fell on his face for no apparent reason. ôThat's right, but it wouldn't do for him to die just yet.ö
The pair of Shinigami looked on as another figure appeared beside them. He looked like the boy who had just fallen and had a smirk on his face and a large European style broadsword on his shoulder. Byakuya narrowed his eyes at him. ôWho are you?ö
ôThis fool's brother. Now, I suggest you take what you came for and leave.ö Akuma seemed very relaxed and unconcerned with the pair.
ôWhat? You bastard! I'll...ö snapped Renji. He froze as the figure vanished and appeared behind himself and Byakuya.
ôYou must be Kuchiki Byakuya. I've heard about you. I suggest you reign in your lackey, before he gets himself killed.ö
The pair spun around and the dark haired shinigami slashed behind him. He looked shocked as he missed yet again. ôWhat is this?ö
ôYou know, you might be a match for me on your home turf. Here however, you're both badly outclassed. I've got no limits on my power here.ö Akuma spoke up from behind them and they turned again.
ôWhat do you want?ö growled Abari.
ôJust to keep this idiot from getting himself killed. It's too soon for that, and he's still useful,ö replied the demon half. ôHe's no concern of yours anyway.ö
ôWho are you?ö snapped Renji.
ôNone of your business, that's who,ö replied the demonic figure. He walked over and kicked his brother in the back of his head as he began to stir. Ichigo went limp again and he seemed satisfied.
Rukia called out to him. ôGet him out of here! Just take him and go!ö
ôI can't allow that. He was ordered executed,ö said Byakuya. ôThe one who stole your powers cannot be allowed to live.ö
Akuma chuckled. ôYou idiots just don't get it do you?ö He glared at them over his shoulder. ôHe didn't steal anything. Your...charming friend just awakened his latent powers. He didn't have anything to do with the loss of her powers, but I doubt she's figured that out yet, have you?ö
Rukia was confused. ôWh-what?ö
ôYou're pretty stupid jumping into this.ö Renji gasped and got wide eyed. Byakuya stepped back and put his hand on his blade again, and Rukia fell to her knees with wide eyed horror.
The thing standing before them was radiating waves of powerful energy. The spiritual pressure of it's presence was thick in the air around them. It had black skin that looked like exoskeleton, two horns curving down the sides of it's face that pointed forward at it's cheeks, glowing red eyes, two wings were folded up behind it's back, and sharp black teeth. ôI suggest you consider your position, shinigami. I've little patience for games.ö
ôDemons!ö muttered Renji. ôWhat the hell are they doing here?ö
Byakuya glanced at him. ôI see.ö He looked back at the beast before them. ôIt seems we have no quarrel with you.ö
Akuma appeared human again and smiled with his creepy grin. ôI doubt my brother will be very happy with you when he wakes up. He's still weak and attached to the humans. I suppose he thinks of that one as a friend. I could care less, but it wouldn't do to have him die before his usefulness is over.ö
Renji snarled. ôWhat are you doing here?ö
His superior spoke calmly. ôThat's enough. Demons aren't our business. It's time to go. Come Rukia, you may be less fortunate than you think.ö
She gasped and looked at him with wide eyes. ôWh-what?ö
ôWhat were you doing with those demons?ö snapped Renji as he grabbed her arm and pulled her along. ôYou'll be executed for conspiring with them. Just losing your powers wasn't that big a deal. You were likely to just get a suspension. Meddling in the affairs of demons is a violation of the Hell treaty! It's a serious offense!ö
ôI...ö stammered Rukia in shock. ô...but...ö Akuma looked at her with that smile. It sent shivers down her spine to look at it. She stared over her shoulder and went pale. ôYou...ö She hung her head and stared at the ground as they pulled her away.
Akuma gave a small wave. ôGoodbye, and thank you for getting rid of that annoying sword. It was in the way.ö
A moment later, they vanished into a doorway that appeared out of nothing. Rukia wasn't struggling and seemed to accept her fate. She glanced back and gave the white haired boy a scowl as she vanished into the doorway. ôKeep him away.ö
Akuma narrowed his eyes. ôWhy should I?ö
She gasped and looked at him with wide eyes as the other two pulled her through with them and gave him a cautious looking glance.
No more than thirty seconds later, Ichigo gasped as he pushed himself up. ôNo! Rukia!ö
ôAwake are you?ö said his brother as he looked down at him.
ôAkuma? What...what are you doing here? Where's Rukia?ö He stood up and looked around.
ôKeeping you from getting killed,ö replied the white haired boy in a casual manner. ôYou were lucky enough to live that long thanks to your little toys.ö
Ichigo ignored what he said and grabbed him by his shirt. ôWhere's Rukia? What have you done?ö
Akuma shoved him off and he hit the wall. ôYou idiot. Attacking those two that way. They were about to kill you, and that little necklace of yours wouldn't have saved your ass again.ö He slugged him across his jaw. ôIt's only good once every thirty minutes. They would have carved you to ribbons.ö
ôWhat are you talking about? Where...where is Rukia?ö snarled Ichigo as he glared at him in a barely controlled rage.
ôBack at Soul Society where she belongs. They came to collect her. She'll be executed for her crimes.ö
The blond froze and looked up at his brother in shock. ôWhat?ö
Akuma seemed very calm. ôThere's nothing you can do. It's time to go, and she's already gone.ö
ôYou could have stopped them!ö cried Ichigo as he lunged forward.
His brother looked him up and down and his brother stopped short of tackling him. ôI told you already, that's up to you. You failed. You're not strong enough, and you almost got yourself killed.ö
Ichigo fell to his knees and squeezed his eyes shut. ôI...failed?ö He jabbed his finger at him. ôYou asshole. I was fine until you jumped me!
ôYou're pathetically weak right now. You couldn't even hold off those two in their weakened state. Their powers are suppressed on this plane.ö His brother glared down at him. ôI saved your pathetic life, be grateful for that. You might have taken the redhead on this plane, but his friend would have destroyed you with little effort.ö
ôWhat did you say?ö snapped his brother in rage.
Akuma appeared behind him. ôYou just don't get it do you? Let me ask you something, how much do you think I've been holding back with you up till now?ö
The blond gasped and froze as he looked over his shoulder with wide eyes. He'd not even seen him move. ôWhat?ö
ôYou've not even seen a tenth of my true power, Ichikun. You're nowhere near ready for that. Now, I suggest you stop bellyaching and pay attention to what I told you. I saved your life, I am not joking, nor am I even close to exaggerating the facts. You would have failed, and your little shinigami friend would be in the same position she is in now. There was no other possible outcome of this battle. Do you understand that?ö
Ichigo glared down at the ground. His brother's tone was different than he'd ever heard from him before. He didn't sound like he was joking or teasing him even the slightest bit. ôI will save her.ö He spoke in a firm tone as his eyes went hard.
Akuma smirked. ôAs you are now, you'll just fail. You need to be stronger, much stronger.ö
His twin whirled around to glare at him. ôI don't have time for this. She's...ö
ôShe'll be fine...for a time. You don't have any to waste, if you really want to save her that is.ö The white haired boy gave a malevolent smirk.
His brother felt numb and weak. ôOf course, you'll help with that?ö He sounded cautious and annoyed with him. He had a feeling this was exactly what his brother had wanted from the start.
ôThat's why I'm here. I'm afraid you're going to have to forget about this...shinigami business. It will only get in the way.ö Akuma looked up at the moon.
Ichigo stood up and balled up his fists. ôYou planned all this, didn't you?ö
The white haired boy shook his head. ôNo. You give me too much credit. I just took advantage of an opportunity. They were coming for her sooner or later, it was just a matter of time. You wouldn't have grown strong enough to do anything about it without proper motivation and those shinigami powers in the way anyway. Now, perhaps you'll be willing to work for it. I admit that I knew this was coming, but I had no hand in it. It was just an inevitable factor that I took advantage of for my own ends. Is that a problem, Ichikun?ö
His brother didn't look happy. He wanted to shoot the bastard in the face. He needed him though. ôSo, you're saying I've still got a chance to save Rukia then?ö
ôPerhaps,ö replied the twin with a shrug. ôCertainly not as you are now.ö He started to turn away and fell flat on his back as a loud bang sounded.
Ichigo blinked and looked down at him. ôHuh?ö He looked over his shoulder at where his shotgun was still on the ground. ôHow did...ö Another bang sounded and he hit the ground face first. ôOuch. What the hell?ö
ôCrap,ö grumbled Akuma with a scowl on his face and a red mark in the center of his forehead. There was also a strange hissing sound in the air.
They both scrambled away as three rockets slammed into the ground where they were lying from an unknown position. The explosion tossed them about a little and they ended up on the ground on their sides with three new smoking pot holes in the street between them.
ôWell, I've finally found you,ö said an unfamiliar voice.
The pair sat up and turned in the same direction.
An older woman in a short skirt with a white blouse was standing there and looking at them through a pair of shades. She had short cut dark hair, looked to be in her late twenties or early thirties, and was covered in guns. A particularly large rocket launcher with multiple barrels and a large blade set into the front end was hanging off her back with a little smoke coming out of the barrels. She also had a pair of pistols in her grip aimed at them both. ôJust die.ö
The pair scrambled around as sparks flew off the pavement as she fired at them both with the weapons. They managed to dodge and looked both alarmed and confused.
ôWho the hell?ö grumbled Ichigo.
ôHow should I know?ö muttered his brother.
ôThe name is Lady,ö replied the woman as she took a few steps forward and shifted her hips. ôI've come to destroy you.ö She spun the handguns around her fingers and spun around pulling the rocket launcher off her back again.
ôShit,ö muttered Akuma.
ôMove!ö cried his brother as the weapon went off. Three rockets fired at them at the same time, curving and twisting in the air as they bore down on them. They managed to move fast enough to avoid getting hit by the blast as the rockets made more holes in the street.
The woman let the weapon hang by it's strap and pulled a small sub machine gun up. She opened fire pelting them both with a hail of bullets.
Ichigo grunted as his body exploded in pain and spun around in the air hitting the ground roughly. He landed and a cloud of dust kicked up as he struggled to push his chest up and look at the woman. She already had a handgun pointed at his head and scowled at him. ôGo back to Hell.ö She pulled the trigger and gasped as she jumped back. Rather than hit the boy on his face, sparks flew as they impacted the flat edge of a large sword.
Akuma had landed on top of his brother's head, driving his face into the ground and speared his own weapon into the asphalt in front of him. He stood up straight and stepped off the back of Ichigo's head. ôWell, he could do with a visit, but he's never been there before. It's a bit too soon, and he's not ready for that yet.ö He pulled the weapon up on his shoulder and narrowed his eyes at her. ôWho the hell are you, and what do you want with us?ö
ôI'm a devil hunter,ö replied Lady. She shifted into a kick and spun around firing her weapon at the boy with her free hands. ôI'm sure you can figure the rest out on your own.ö
Akuma bent and twisted out of the way, reaching up and twisting her arm. She was very flexible though, and turned her other arm around her back putting another firearm under his chin.
The half demon was thrown off his feet and landed on the ground on his back. ôNimble little minx, isn't she?ö
ôShut up, I'm still pissed at you,ö growled Ichigo as he glared at him and staggered to his feet. The woman turned and planted her heel into his face. He stood there and took it, rocking back a little. ôCut it out. What the hell did I do to...ö
ôYou exist, and you don't belong here,ö said the woman as she put two shots into his chest. He flew back and landed several feet away. It was a very large handgun with hollow point shells that hit him like a sledge hammer.
Lady gasped as the other demon rushed up behind her and pulled his arms up under her shoulders. She reached back to put her weapon against his temple, but was lifted off her feet and suplexed into her shoulders as he bent his legs back.
She grunted in pain and scowled as she rolled away as he released her and her eyes went wide as the first thing she saw was his shin. Her head spun as her neck was snapped to the left as he clocked her with a hard kick. The white haired demon frowned at her as she staggered to her feet. ôYou're pretty tough.ö
ôComes with the job,ö she replied as she glared up at him. Her glasses had come off and her irises were two different colors.
Akuma crossed his arms and frowned at her. She raised her weapons and started firing. Dark energy exploded around the boy and the bullets bounced away before they struck him off an invisible shield. The woman simply dropped her handguns and rushed forward stabbing at him with the large blade set into the front of her rocket launcher. He shifted aside and put his fist in between her elbows.
The woman rolled with it and spun around firing again with the sub machine gun. She gasped as a foot crashed into her jaw. Ichigo frowned at her. ôKnock it off would you?ö
ôNot a chance,ö she responded as she fired at them both at the same time, dual wielding two of the small machine guns.
Akuma just became a blur of motion, and Ichigo put up his arm. The mirror on his forearm expanded and the small metal projectiles bounced away.
Lady stopped shooting and chuckled as she flipped into the air as Akuma lunged at her from behind. ôSee ya.ö
Akuma looked at the ground as he staggered to a stop. ôCrap.ö A hand grenade was sitting under his chest and it exploded as soon as the words left his mouth.
Ichigo put up his arms and watched as the woman glanced over her shoulder at him and narrowed her eyes as she jumped away. ôWhat the hell?ö
ôHow annoying,ö Akuma was smoking a little and looked dazed.
Ichigo scowled at him and punched him across his jaw. ôYou asshole! How dare you get in my way like that! You let them take Rukia, and I won't forgive you!ö
His brother flopped onto his back and frowned up at him. ôYeah, yeah.ö He rolled his eyes. ôThere was no way you were going to beat a Captain class Shinigami you dork. Not even on this plane. Just shut the hell up, you'd have just gotten killed and you wouldn't be able to help her now anyway. I saved your ass and gave you the chance to do it later. How many times do I have to say it before it sticks in that tiny thing bouncing around inside your skull?ö
ôWhat? What are you talking about?ö growled Ichigo as he looked about ready to jump on him and start pounding.
Akuma sat up and reached behind his back. He tossed his brother his shotgun and scratched the back of his head. ôYou need training before you can take that guy. That was Kuchiki Byakuya. He's a Shinigami Captain, and has quite a reputation. If you think you're anywhere near him, even as you are now, you're delusional.ö
The blond narrowed his eyes at him. ôAnd you are?ö
ôIf I were to face him outside if this plane, I'm not sure I could beat him, even as I am now,ö he replied. ôI had an advantage, because higher ranking Shinigami seal their powers as to not disrupt the balance on this plane when they come here. Without the seal, any people he got too close to would just fall over dead from the pressure of his spiritual presence. What you faced, was just a small fraction of the power those two Shinigami can use. Don't be a fool.ö His brother scowled at him and had a dark look in his eyes.
That caught Ichigo by surprise and he staggered back and balled up his fist. ôI will save Rukia.ö
Akuma seemed to calm and smiled at him. ôThat's your business. I suppose I should help seeing as we're family and all. First, you have to become far stronger, and use the power you so clumsily throw about as you are now. Second, you've got to find a way to get to Soul Society, and finally, you must find help. Even the two of us wouldn't be strong enough to barge into that place and just start fighting them. We would be overpowered, overwhelmed, and destroyed before you saved anyone.ö
His brother seemed to consider that. ôYou'll help me then.ö
ôThat was my intention from the start. I just needed those two to get rid of that damn sword, and I couldn't help you and Rulama both. If I had tried to get her away from them, they would have destroyed you. I can't allow that.ö The white haired boy turned away from him.
ôWhy?ö said the blond. He was suspicious.
Akuma smirked at him over his shoulder. ôI have reached a plateau. I need you to reach a higher level of power. It is the way of our kind, but you are too weak to help me with that yet. That will come in time, but for now, I can do little but make you stronger. I will help you, because it will benefit me. Does that satisfy your curiosity?ö
ôIt explains a bit,ö replied Ichigo as he gave a nod. ôBut not everything.ö
His brother chuckled. ôYes. Well, you can't expect me to lay everything out for you. Especially not with so many eyes and ears on us. Isn't that right, Urahara?ö
Ichigo gasped and turned to see the man in the sandal hat looking over at them. He was holding Uryuu up and seemed calm and cheerful.
ôI suppose I can understand that. I must admit, you've got me wondering myself,ö replied the man in the sandal hat.
ôUryuu!ö cried Ichigo as he looked over at his classmate and moved towards him.
ôI'm fine,ö snapped the irate looking boy. ôJust look at the mess you've made.ö He was holding his belly and frowning as he leaned against the shop keeper's shoulder.
ôMe? It was that crazy Lady with the guns!ö he snapped. ôWhat the hell was with her anyway?ö
ôShe's a demon hunter,ö replied Akuma. ôAn obstinate one at that.ö
Uryuu looked up at him and his face hardened a little. He'd seen more of what had happened than Ichigo had. The blond had been knocked out, and missed his brother's transformation. ôWhat do you intend to do then?ö He was having trouble admitting it to himself, but that transformation had more to do with his condition than his wounds did. The stranger had shielded him from it a bit, and had tended to his wound while the Devil Hunter distracted the pair.
Ichigo spoke up in a firm and confident tone. ôI'm going to find a way to save Rukia.ö
Akuma gave a small sigh. ôI suppose I shall assist him. It's an outside route to what I want, but it will serve my purpose.ö
Urahara nodded. ôI can help with that.ö
The white haired boy turned away. ôI'll deal with it. You can play with his friends if you want. They could all do with a bit of training.ö
The shopkeeper shook his head. ôThat's not what I mean. I can get you to Soul Society, but it's going to take time to set up.ö
Akuma looked down at the cat sitting in the corner and frowned at it. ôI see. Very well. How much time do we have?ö He looked as if he was asking the cat and not Urahara.
The animal shifted it's eyes away from him and turned up it's nose.
The sandal hat man answered. ôThere's a grace period of one month for the maximum penalty. We should assume that. It will take at least seven days to open the gate, but you'll be needing more time to train than that. If as you said, you wish me to train his friends to assist you...then it will be at least ten days. So, we'll say fourteen days from now I will open the gate and send you through. How does that sound to you?ö
Ichigo looked frustrated and nodded. ôI'll be there.ö
Uryuu glared at him. His wound had been treated and he was still weak. ôVery well, I'm not strong enough to be any help right now. I shall train as well.ö He pushed off the man supporting him and adjusted his glasses. ôYou're the only one who can save Rukia.ö
The blond looked surprised. ôUryuu...ö
ôShut up! We're not friends! I will become stronger, and show the true strength of the Quincy to these Shinigami!ö The boy balled up his fist and started to turn away.
Akuma looked on with his creepy grin and chuckled a little. ôIchigo, one more thing.ö
ôHuh?ö he said as he looked at his brother in confusion.
ôYou must renounce the power of the Shinigami forever if you are to forge this path. You are not a Shinigami anymore, but an Akkijin. You must understand, that if you choose this path, you will never become a Shinigami again. That door will closed to you, forever.ö
Ichigo scowled at that and nodded. ôIt doesn't matter. That sword was destroyed anyway. I've got no choice in the matter.ö
Akuma turned away. ôGood. Come on then.ö He turned and glanced at the cat and nodded his head as he smirked at her. ôGood evening to you as well.ö
She watched him walk by and flattened her ears as she growled a little.
Ishida looked on and hung his head a little. ôI see. I shall see you in fourteen days then. It seems I have training of my own to see to.ö
Urahara opened his umbrella as it began to rain lightly. He gave a small sigh as the cat scampered over to under the dry area the umbrella provided. ôWhat a pain.ö
The animal nodded. ôSo it would seem. I really don't trust that guy. He reminds me of someone.ö
The shopkeeper smiled and looked down at her. ôYou noticed that as well? Oh well, it may work to our advantage this way. As he suggested, even the two of them will not be enough. It would be best to try and recruit his friends and make them as strong as possible.ö
Yoruichi sighed. ôI hate to admit that you're right. We can't do nothing, and we have the greatest chance of success with as much help as we can get. I don't trust the white haired one to be of much assistance. He's got his own angle here, and I doubt he cares. Ichigo seems like he might be useful, but I'm not so sure I trust him either. He's of the same type after all.ö
ôI'm starting to wonder,ö replied Urahara as he covered his face with his fan. ôHe's an odd one, and he's definitely up to something. We'll have to keep a close eye on him.ö
The cat glanced back as they walked together. ôI agree. I'm not so sure I want him anywhere near this. I'm really not sure which one you mean.ö
As soon as the street cleared, two small figures walked out of an alleyway into the light rain. The taller of the pair looked up at the sky and adjusted her ball cap. ôGreat. Rain.ö
Her twin sister smiled at her. ôWell, that was...weird.ö
Karin gave a small sigh. ôThey kidnapped that girl.ö She looked frustrated. ôMaybe we could have helped?ö
ôNo way. They were way too strong,ö said Yuzu as she put her fists over her mouth and got wide eyed. ôWe shouldn't have been here to begin with.ö
Her sister nodded. ôYeah. I guess. Still, a talking cat, some crazy lady with guns, and those two guys with swords. What the hell was that thing Akuma turned into anyway?ö She was still having trouble taking it all in.
ôWe change too,ö replied Yuzu.
Karin pouted a bit. ôYeah. I know. Come on, we should get home before we get soaked.ö As soon as the words left her mouth the rain lightened. It was still sprinkling a little, but hardly worth noting. ôWell, I guess it's not that much of a hurry. We should go back and try to get some sleep though.ö
ôThat was pretty exciting, and a little scary,ö said Yuzu with a little too much cheer. The pair started walking together back towards the clinic.
Her sister nodded. ôI guess. Ichigo said he's going to help that girl, and Akuma said he'd help him. I guess there's not much we can do.ö
The brunette smiled. ôWe'll get stronger. We've just got to put some effort into it!ö she pointed her finger into the air and giggled.
Karin looked a bit skeptical but grinned and nodded anyway. ôI guess you're right. Come on. We don't want to get caught.ö
cont...
Part 9
The Hunters.
OooOOooOO
Two ghostly figures stood on a rooftop overlooking Karakura Town. They were both dressed in the black robes of Shinigami and had swords hanging from their belts. A butterfly fluttered off having delivered it's message. ôFind Kuchiki Rukia, and capture or kill her.ö
The shorter of the pair gave a snort. ôFeh. This isn't work for a Shinigami.ö
ôNot really,ö commented the taller of the two in an emotionless tone. He paused and looked over his shoulder with his hand moving towards the hilt of his blade.
A figure stepped out of the shadows looking right at them. It stayed in the darkness and didn't approach.
ôWho?ö grumbled the shorter shinigami as he noticed where the other was looking.
ôNo one to concern yourself with. You're not what I'm looking for. I haven't seen Shinigami in a while.ö The shadow spoke in an amused feminine tone.
ôWhat do you want?ö asked the taller of the two as his hand moved away from his sword.
ôI'm hunting. Nothing to concern yourselves with. I'm not concerned with your business, and we just happened to cross paths.ö She stayed where she was and leaned against the wall that was keeping her hidden in the shadows. They could make out her form, but little more.
The shorter of the pair scowled. ôYou a human. You can see us?ö
The taller one turned away. ôEnough. If we have no business with each other, there's no need for further discussion. I warn you to stay out of our way.ö
ôI ask the same of you then. I told you already, I don't care about shinigami business. I've got my own prey.ö She turned away and vanished into the darkness.
ôWhat a weirdo,ö grumbled the shorter shinigami.
ôDon't concern yourself,ö replied the other as he started moving in the opposite direction from the stranger. ôWe have business of our own.ö He turned his eyes towards where the feminine figure had gone. ôA rarity, but not unheard of. Ignore it.ö
The shorter one sounded a little unnerved. ôRight. Still...ö
OooOOooOO
Urahara smiled as he sat down and smiled at the black cat that had shown up at his business and home a short time before. It was sitting on the porch looking up at the sky. ôYoruichi, do you think it's going to rain?ö He seemed cheerful, but he wasn't fooling anyone.
The animal spoke up, it's tone was rough and masculine. ôDon't play stupid. You know that they've come.ö
His face fell a little and he gave a short nod. ôYes. I wanted to discuss that with you...and another matter as well.ö
The cat looked back at him and narrowed it's eyes. ôI'm listening.ö
ôOf course we have to consider what the Shinigami are up to, but...there's another concern now.ö
Yoruichi looked away from him and hung her head. ôAnother concern?ö
ôThere's a demonic presence here. Hell has been sniffing around for something. I'm not sure what, but I think I might have some idea. I fear it might become entangled in this as well.ö Urahara opened his fan. ôThe demons appear to have an agent that can pass freely through the gates. The seals might be in danger.ö
The cat glanced back at him and narrowed her eyes. ôThat's not a concern of ours. There are others who deal with that sort of thing.ö
Urahara nodded. ôYes. The most powerful of which has not been seen for years. I fear our young friend has become involved with more than just the affairs of the Shinigami.ö
ôThat's unfortunate,ö commented the animal as she hung her head.
ôMaybe not as much as you think,ö said Urahara with a serious expression on his face. ôIn any case, I don't think these issues are as separate as we'd like.ö
ôWhat do you mean?ö snapped Yoruichi as she seemed to get annoyed.
The shop keeper narrowed his eyes. ôI'm not sure yet. I'm not so sure they're looking for a way to break the seals. At least not yet.ö
ôWhat's that got to do with...ö
ôLet's just say that Kuchiki has made an unusual friend,ö he responded before she finished. ôIt could be problematic, but then again it may be just what we need.ö
ôI don't like the sound of that,ö replied the cat.
ôI'm not so sure I do either, but we may be forced to deal with the hand we're dealt.ö
Yoruichi hung her head again. ôI see...ö
OooOOooOO
ôThey're here,ö said Akuma to himself. He was standing off on his own looking out over the city on the rooftop of the school. It was the lunch period, and Ichigo was sitting nearby with Ishida, Keigo, and Mizuiro.
Rukia was being standoffish and quiet and his idiot brother hadn't noticed. She was eating lunch on the grounds with a group of girls.
Ichigo was having a rather pathetic argument with Uryuu over lunch. ôShut up and face the other way while you eat if you don't like it.ö They were both avoiding looking directly at each other and grumbling in the same manner. Mizuiro seemed to notice and Keigo just looked bored and miserable. The brunette boy had gotten roped into paying for Ichigo and Uryuu's lunches.
Akuma smirked as he poked at his own lunch and ignored them. ôThere's something else as well. I wonder what it might be?ö
OooOOooOO
Ichigo walked into his room holding a tray of food and looked around. ôOi, Rukia! I brought you some dinner. Hey...ö He got no response and glanced around with a frown on his face.
ôShe's not here,ö said Akuma from behind him.
His brother frowned and glanced over his shoulder. ôWhere is she then?ö
ôHow should I know? She left a note though,ö said the white haired boy.
Kon poked his head out of Akuma's pocket. ôThanks for saving me Big Brother Akuma. It was awful in there.ö
That annoyed Ichigo and he was distracted from the note. ôSaving you?ö
The plushie hopped out onto the floor and looked up at him. ôBig sister tied me up in the bathroom! I have no idea why!ö
The strawberry blond scowled. ôYou were probably trying to peek on her changing again, weren't you?ö
The stuffed animal nodded. ôWell, of course. I don't think that was it though.ö
Akuma shrugged. ôI found him taped up behind the toilet. He's lucky I found him, because dad went in right after me and stayed for a while.ö He kind of wished he'd pretended to not notice and left him there. It was too late though and he didn't worry about it. Curiosity had gotten the better of him, or in that case, the worst.
Ichigo grunted and set the tray down. ôI wonder what's up with her? She's been acting weird all day.ö
His brother cocked his head and seemed to think on it. He already knew why, but saw no reason to make things easier on his brother. ôWho knows?ö
ôWell, I guess we could just wait until she gets back and ask her. What a pain,ö grumbled the blond.
ôOr, we could read the note she left,ö said Kon as he looked up at him.
Ichigo seemed to consider that for a moment. ôOh. Yeah.ö
Akuma came very close to putting his face into his hand, but refrained.
ôWhat is this? It makes no sense,ö said Ichigo as he opened the letter and looked confused. There was an awful drawing and confusing gibberish on the page.
Kon managed to climb up onto the desk top using the chord of a lamp and walked over to him. ôLet me see.ö He paused and looked it over as Ichigo set it down. ôI think it's a word puzzle.ö
ôI hate puzzles,ö said the blond.
ôNoted,ö commented his brother. ôI think that's supposed to be a tanuki.ö
ôWhat's with this crap anyway?ö grumbled Ichigo in frustration.
Kon scowled at him. ôI think I get it. We remove the word 'tanuki' and the rest is the message.ö
Ichigo took a pen out of a cup on the desk and drew a line through the kanji for the word in various places. He paused and read out loud. ôI have to leave, don't worry or come looking for me, and if you can go into hiding?ö He furrowed his eyebrows and scratched his head. ôWhat the hell?ö
Kon gasped and looked up at Ichigo. ôSomething bad must have happened!ö
Akuma gave a small sigh. ôWhat are the chances you'll listen to her?ö
ôNone,ö responded his brother.
ôThat's what I figured. See you later,ö the other twin turned around and waved his hand as he left the room.
ôWhere are you going? You're not going to help?ö Ichigo looked annoyed.
ôWhy would I? She's no friend of mine. Look after your own if you want. You're going to get your ass kicked if you stick your nose into this. Not that it will stop you.ö Akuma left the room and wandered off into the hall. He paused and looked down at Karin with a frown. She was standing in the hall and looked a little flustered from being caught listening in. Not that she could help it. ôYou stay out of this, you're not strong enough to be of any help. He'll live, but he won't like what he finds.ö
She narrowed her eyes at him. ôWhat do you mean? That girl is in some kind of trouble?ö
He smirked at her. ôKind of. There's nothing you can do but get in the way. Ichikun will live, but you'd just get yourself killed. Forget about it for now, maybe you'll be useful later, but as you are now you're just a liability. Stay put.ö
She stepped back and hung her head with her fists balled up.
Ichigo walked out into the hall. ôHuh? What are you doing out here?ö
ôNothing,ö muttered the girl as she turned away and went into her room.
Yuzu was sitting on her bed and looked up as her sister walked into the room. Karin sat down on the edge of her mattress and glared at the carpet. ôThat jerk.ö
Her twin shrugged. ôWell, I'm not going after them. That girl was pretty nice I guess, but...we're not very strong yet. Ichigo and Akuma are much stronger.ö
Karin frowned at her. ôHe's not going to help or anything.ö
Yuzu cocked her head. ôI wonder where he's going then?ö
Her sister flopped down. ôGreat. How am I supposed to go to sleep after that?ö
The brunette narrowed her eyes. ôWe should stay here. I can tell you're thinking of leaving.ö
Karin put her face into her pillow and kicked her legs up behind her. ôYeah? So? Why should I listen to him? He's a jerk anyway.ö
Her twin crossed her arms and put her nose up. ôHe wouldn't say something like that for no reason. Maybe you don't like him, but we shouldn't be running off.ö
The dark haired girl frowned at that. ôWell, I'm going anyway. I'm not going to get any sleep after that anyway.ö
ôWhat? You'll get in trouble!ö snapped Yuzu.
Karin was already crawling out the window. ôWhat? Are you going to tell on me?ö
ôMaybe I will!ö growled her sister as she stood up and balled up her fists.
Karin ignored her and hopped outside. She landed lightly despite dropping from the second floor into the back yard.
ôOooh. Darn it!ö grumbled Yuzu as she followed after her. ôKarin! Wait! Come back! We could get killed!ö
The raven haired girl smirked as she noticed her sister following after her. ôI just want to see what's going on. We'll just watch or something. No harm in that right?ö
The brunette girl looked annoyed as her sister jumped over a six foot fence and into the street with no real effort. ôWait up!ö She moved after her and landed with her in the street. ôI guess we can watch, but you'd better stay out of the way!ö
Her sister brushed her off. ôYeah, yeah. We'll be fine.ö
OooOOooOO
Rukia ran through the streets of Karakura. She wasn't sure where she was going, or how far she'd get. It was just a matter of time until they tracked her down. Until then, she had to get as far away from Ichigo as possible. So, she simply moved away from the clinic, running down random streets and doing her best to keep a low profile.
She didn't notice the two figures watching her from above. One of them was scanning her with a pair of goggles. ôHuh. There's artificial bones in there. I thought the readouts were off.ö He pulled them off his eyes. ôKuchiki Rukia, we've found you.ö He grinned and had spiky red hair tied up into a ponytail behind his head and tattoos instead of eyebrows. The other taller figure had straight black hair with ornaments braided into it hanging from the side of his face and on top of the left side of his forehead. He had a serious emotionless expression and looked over the shorter shinigami's shoulder at the lone girl.
Rukia was thinking of the people she'd met since she'd come there. It made a lump in her gut to do so. ôAm I getting too attached to this world?ö
ôYes. So you knew after all?ö
She gasped and stopped in her tracks, turning to face the voice and look up to the source. ôYou...is it? Abari Renji?ö
ôMan. You're talking backwards. You've enjoyed this world for too long. You can only live just a little longer, Rukia.ö He jumped down and slashed at her with his sword. She jumped out of the way, but he wasn't really aiming to strike her. ôHeh. You've gotten soft in these past three months. To not notice two Shinigami hunters right behind you, lost in your own thoughts? How pathetic. Now, call him, call this human that stole your powers.ö
She stepped back again. ôYou can't prove that I'm in this false form because a human stole my powers.ö
Renji smirked at that. ôYou know damn well that your powers were stolen by a human. Don't look at me that way. It's disgusting. You're a trained rookie of the Kuchiki clan. Isn't that right. Kuchiki?ö
Rukia looked over her shoulder and saw the other Shinigami. ôByakuya? Big...brother?ö
Renji slashed at her again forcing her to roll aside. ôGiving your powers to a human? We were tasked with executing the human who took them from you! You're in serious trouble.ö He raised his sword. ôYou're not stupid enough to believe that I didn't let you dodge that attack. Now, where is that human? You're already captured, and he will die. My next attack will be serious!ö He paused and dodged as a white light blew past his head. ôWhat the?ö
Rukia looked back in shock at the figure that approached them.
ôAttacking an unarmed woman with a sword? Not a very pleasant scene to walk in on.ö Uryuu walked up and adjusted his glasses. He had a plastic bag in his hand with sewing supplies in it. ôI really dislike this sort of thing.ö
ôWho the hell are you?ö growled the redhead.
ôJust a classmate of hers, who hates Shinigami.ö Ishida narrowed his eyes with his bow in his free hand.
ôWhat are you doing here?ö muttered Rukia in shock.
ôI just wanted to go to the nearby Sunflower Tailor store. This neighborhood happened to be the closest. It's pure chance.ö The bag fell away from his hand as the handles were cut clean through.
ôNo! Uryuu, run!ö cried the girl.
ôIt's too late for that. I've been in this stinking shit hole tracking you down for too long.ö Renji glared at him. ôI asked you once you four eyed punk. Who the hell are you?ö
Ishida narrowed his eyes. ôI told you already. I'm just a classmate who hates Shinigami.ö
ôI don't care about that shit!ö snapped the swordsman.
ôIshida Uryuu. I suppose I should tell you my name even if you are a Shinigami. You'll want to know who defeated you.ö
ôNo! Don't!ö cried Rukia as she tried to move between them.
ôOkay, I've decided to kill you then!ö said Renji with a wild glare in his eyes.
Uryuu started to aim is weapon, but his eyes went wide as his opponent sped by him. He fell to his knees as his gut started to burn. Blood seeped down his clothes from the open gash in his belly as he fell face first onto the ground and started to cough. He couldn't move and was paralyzed in pain and shock. ôSo...strong.ö
Renji chuckled. ôThat's right. You're pathetic, now die!ö He started to stab down with his sword, but a huge blade slammed down in his way, blocking his strike and shattering part of the pavement.
ôWhat? Who the?ö snapped the irate redhead as he jumped up and back onto a wall.
ôKurosaki Ichigo, the one who will defeat you,ö said the strawberry blond boy who narrowed his eyes at his new opponent.
Renji gasped and looked confused. ôThat...sword? What? Who is this idiot with that stupidly huge sword?ö
The blond hefted it over his shoulder. ôYeah. It's big I guess. Never had anyone but Rukia to compare it too before though.ö
ôIchigo...that idiot. Why did he come here?ö Rukia looked worried and her eyes darted between them.
Renji smirked. ôOh. You must be that human that stole Rukia's powers?ö
The boy seemed to think on that. ôThat's part right...I guess.ö
The shinigami jumped into the air. ôYou're dead!ö
Ichigo raised his hand and a loud report sounded. The stranger was knocked out of the air and landed on his back clutching is face.
ôOuch! What the hell?ö grumbled the man as he rubbed at his nose. His eyes went wide as Ichigo pointed his firearm at him. ôHuh?ö
ôYou're...lame,ö said the blond.
Renji narrowed his eyes and became a blur of motion. Ichigo staggered back as he moved as fast as he could to block. ôWhat's this? You've got a lot of nerve calling me lame you slow bastard? Is this all you've got?ö He flew back as another bang sounded between them and grunted in irritated pain. ôOuch.ö
ôNah. I just haven't warmed up yet,ö replied Ichigo. ôWho the hell are you anyway? What's your beef with Rukia?ö
ôAll you need to know is you're going to die, and she'll get her powers back!ö His opponent rushed forward again.
Ichigo raised his shotgun, but the figure blurred and vanished before he fired. ôHuh?ö He didn't see him reappear behind and above him and fell to the ground with a wound on his shoulder.
Renji landed in front of him and put his sword on his shoulder. ôJust like I thought. You're nothing.ö He smirked and looked down at him. ôPathetic. You're pretty stupid coming out here. Did you think you could change something? A hasty Shinigami like you could never scratch an experienced shinigami like me.ö
There was a blur of motion and a flash in front of his face. Ichigo stood up and hefted his own weapon onto his shoulder as he glared at him. ôWho are you calling a shinigami? Go ahead and keep talking, but you don't know what you're getting into pal.ö
ôWhat?ö muttered the man as he rubbed at the tiny cut on his chin with his thumb. ôYou bastard.ö
ôRenji, you were careless.ö Byakuya spoke up in a calm and even tone.
The redhead looked annoyed. ôWhat are you talking about? This guy is nothing! This Kurosaki Ichigo punk is pathetic.ö
ôI thought I recognized him. Kurosaki Ichigo, thirty three hours ago our undercover forces were able to give us the image. We sent Menos Grande to the void, due to the scar he gave him.ö
Renji started laughing. ôThat's bullshit. There's no way this slow jerk gave something like Menos Grande a scar. He couldn't even defeat evil spirits. It's obvious our undercover forces are slipping.ö He looked at his opponent. ôHey, what's the name of your zanpakuto?ö
The blond frowned. ôHuh? What are you talking about? You guys go around naming your swords?ö
The redhead sneered at him. ôSee, just like I said. He's stupid enough to think he's my equal without bothering to ask his sword it's name!ö He raised his own weapon and it changed in appearance, becoming sectioned with spike like blades poking out of the sides along the cutting edge. ôRoar Zabimaru! Look in front of you, there's food!ö
Ichigo narrowed his eyes. ôYou know, your attitude is beginning to piss me off.ö
Renji laughed as he jumped towards him. ôJust die, loser!ö
The blond raised his weapon to block and gripped his shotgun. The firearm fell to the ground as blood poured from his other shoulder. ôWhat?ö
Renji's sword had separated to become a whip like weapon. He looked confident in his victory. ôYou've lost! Abari Renji will kill you now!ö
Kurosaki fell to his knees and glared at the ground. ôThat does it.ö
ôHuh? Don't tell me that you...ooof!ö Renji flew back with a wide eyed expression on his face. His weapon had retracted, becoming a sword again.
Ichigo had just vanished from in front of his eyes and slammed his fist into his gut. Renji growled as he landed on his feet and slid back. ôWhat the hell?ö The blow had hurt far more than he expected. It was not near enough to take him out though.
ôFunny you should say that,ö said the strange boy. A violet energy was emanating off of his body like dark flames. He readied his blade again and narrowed his eyes. ôI told you before, I'm no Shinigami.ö
ôWhat? What is this?ö muttered Byakuya as he looked on in surprise.
Rukia gasped. ôWhat is he doing?ö
Ichigo smirked. ôNow, this fight can really start.ö He charged and slashed with his weapon. Renji brought his own blade up to stop it and was thrown back six feet from the force of the blow.
ôDamn! What is with this asshole?ö growled the redhead. He lashed out with his weapon like a whip again.
The demonic boy shifted aside and rolled to the left avoiding it before charging forward and hefting his blade back. The blond slashed at his opponent's exposed gut as the redhead looked down in helpless shock. Only to feel no resistance as he hacked at him.
ôHuh?ö Ichigo weapon was cut off near the hilt, the blade cleaved in two. ôWhat? What happened?ö
ôIchigo! No!ö cried Rukia.
The blond turned towards the dark haired man as the redhead jumped out of the way with wide eyes and a shocked expression of his own.
Ichigo looked down at the broken sword. The other shinigami was too far away to have been the culprit. The redhead was frozen in place and looked shocked. ôIt couldn't be, but that guy didn't do it...ö He gasped as the dark haired man dropped the broken blade of his sword from his fingers and then vanished. ôN...no way!ö He felt funny for a moment and the area around his throat felt warm as he stumbled for a moment.
ôWhat?ö Byakuya was wide eyed with his weapon held in a finished strike. There was no blood on his blade, and he'd felt no resistance. ôI...missed?ö
Ichigo growled as he hung his head a little. ôSo, teaming up on me then?ö
Renji narrowed his eyes and scowled. ôHe hit him, I know he did. Who the hell is this guy?ö
Byakuya frowned and appeared next to the redhead ôWe need to finish this.ö
ôRight,ö said Renji with a smirk.
The blond glared at him with his eyes glowing red. ôI was just thinking the same thing.ö He looked at Abari and smirked. ôYou asked me what my sword was named. It's true I never 'asked' it, but...I do have a sword with a name.ö
ôUh oh,ö muttered Rukia as she staggered back and looked worried.
Renji took note of her reaction and frowned at his opponent in a more cautious manner. ôYeah? So that wasn't your real zanpakuto then?ö
A katana appeared in the blond's grip and he drew the blade out, holding the sheath in his other hand. ôIt's called Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, and it's not a zanpakuto.ö
Byakuya gasped. ôRenji, do not hold back. We are not facing a human opponent.ö He readied his sword and narrowed his eyes.
Renji set himself and glanced at his superior. ôWhat do you mean?ö
His superior had an even more serious expression on his face than usual. ôThat sword is a Devil Arm.ö
The redhead looked shocked and shifted away as he felt Byakuya's spiritual power growing to the limits of the seal. ôWhat?ö
Ichigo slumped to the ground and fell on his face for no apparent reason. ôThat's right, but it wouldn't do for him to die just yet.ö
The pair of Shinigami looked on as another figure appeared beside them. He looked like the boy who had just fallen and had a smirk on his face and a large European style broadsword on his shoulder. Byakuya narrowed his eyes at him. ôWho are you?ö
ôThis fool's brother. Now, I suggest you take what you came for and leave.ö Akuma seemed very relaxed and unconcerned with the pair.
ôWhat? You bastard! I'll...ö snapped Renji. He froze as the figure vanished and appeared behind himself and Byakuya.
ôYou must be Kuchiki Byakuya. I've heard about you. I suggest you reign in your lackey, before he gets himself killed.ö
The pair spun around and the dark haired shinigami slashed behind him. He looked shocked as he missed yet again. ôWhat is this?ö
ôYou know, you might be a match for me on your home turf. Here however, you're both badly outclassed. I've got no limits on my power here.ö Akuma spoke up from behind them and they turned again.
ôWhat do you want?ö growled Abari.
ôJust to keep this idiot from getting himself killed. It's too soon for that, and he's still useful,ö replied the demon half. ôHe's no concern of yours anyway.ö
ôWho are you?ö snapped Renji.
ôNone of your business, that's who,ö replied the demonic figure. He walked over and kicked his brother in the back of his head as he began to stir. Ichigo went limp again and he seemed satisfied.
Rukia called out to him. ôGet him out of here! Just take him and go!ö
ôI can't allow that. He was ordered executed,ö said Byakuya. ôThe one who stole your powers cannot be allowed to live.ö
Akuma chuckled. ôYou idiots just don't get it do you?ö He glared at them over his shoulder. ôHe didn't steal anything. Your...charming friend just awakened his latent powers. He didn't have anything to do with the loss of her powers, but I doubt she's figured that out yet, have you?ö
Rukia was confused. ôWh-what?ö
ôYou're pretty stupid jumping into this.ö Renji gasped and got wide eyed. Byakuya stepped back and put his hand on his blade again, and Rukia fell to her knees with wide eyed horror.
The thing standing before them was radiating waves of powerful energy. The spiritual pressure of it's presence was thick in the air around them. It had black skin that looked like exoskeleton, two horns curving down the sides of it's face that pointed forward at it's cheeks, glowing red eyes, two wings were folded up behind it's back, and sharp black teeth. ôI suggest you consider your position, shinigami. I've little patience for games.ö
ôDemons!ö muttered Renji. ôWhat the hell are they doing here?ö
Byakuya glanced at him. ôI see.ö He looked back at the beast before them. ôIt seems we have no quarrel with you.ö
Akuma appeared human again and smiled with his creepy grin. ôI doubt my brother will be very happy with you when he wakes up. He's still weak and attached to the humans. I suppose he thinks of that one as a friend. I could care less, but it wouldn't do to have him die before his usefulness is over.ö
Renji snarled. ôWhat are you doing here?ö
His superior spoke calmly. ôThat's enough. Demons aren't our business. It's time to go. Come Rukia, you may be less fortunate than you think.ö
She gasped and looked at him with wide eyes. ôWh-what?ö
ôWhat were you doing with those demons?ö snapped Renji as he grabbed her arm and pulled her along. ôYou'll be executed for conspiring with them. Just losing your powers wasn't that big a deal. You were likely to just get a suspension. Meddling in the affairs of demons is a violation of the Hell treaty! It's a serious offense!ö
ôI...ö stammered Rukia in shock. ô...but...ö Akuma looked at her with that smile. It sent shivers down her spine to look at it. She stared over her shoulder and went pale. ôYou...ö She hung her head and stared at the ground as they pulled her away.
Akuma gave a small wave. ôGoodbye, and thank you for getting rid of that annoying sword. It was in the way.ö
A moment later, they vanished into a doorway that appeared out of nothing. Rukia wasn't struggling and seemed to accept her fate. She glanced back and gave the white haired boy a scowl as she vanished into the doorway. ôKeep him away.ö
Akuma narrowed his eyes. ôWhy should I?ö
She gasped and looked at him with wide eyes as the other two pulled her through with them and gave him a cautious looking glance.
No more than thirty seconds later, Ichigo gasped as he pushed himself up. ôNo! Rukia!ö
ôAwake are you?ö said his brother as he looked down at him.
ôAkuma? What...what are you doing here? Where's Rukia?ö He stood up and looked around.
ôKeeping you from getting killed,ö replied the white haired boy in a casual manner. ôYou were lucky enough to live that long thanks to your little toys.ö
Ichigo ignored what he said and grabbed him by his shirt. ôWhere's Rukia? What have you done?ö
Akuma shoved him off and he hit the wall. ôYou idiot. Attacking those two that way. They were about to kill you, and that little necklace of yours wouldn't have saved your ass again.ö He slugged him across his jaw. ôIt's only good once every thirty minutes. They would have carved you to ribbons.ö
ôWhat are you talking about? Where...where is Rukia?ö snarled Ichigo as he glared at him in a barely controlled rage.
ôBack at Soul Society where she belongs. They came to collect her. She'll be executed for her crimes.ö
The blond froze and looked up at his brother in shock. ôWhat?ö
Akuma seemed very calm. ôThere's nothing you can do. It's time to go, and she's already gone.ö
ôYou could have stopped them!ö cried Ichigo as he lunged forward.
His brother looked him up and down and his brother stopped short of tackling him. ôI told you already, that's up to you. You failed. You're not strong enough, and you almost got yourself killed.ö
Ichigo fell to his knees and squeezed his eyes shut. ôI...failed?ö He jabbed his finger at him. ôYou asshole. I was fine until you jumped me!
ôYou're pathetically weak right now. You couldn't even hold off those two in their weakened state. Their powers are suppressed on this plane.ö His brother glared down at him. ôI saved your pathetic life, be grateful for that. You might have taken the redhead on this plane, but his friend would have destroyed you with little effort.ö
ôWhat did you say?ö snapped his brother in rage.
Akuma appeared behind him. ôYou just don't get it do you? Let me ask you something, how much do you think I've been holding back with you up till now?ö
The blond gasped and froze as he looked over his shoulder with wide eyes. He'd not even seen him move. ôWhat?ö
ôYou've not even seen a tenth of my true power, Ichikun. You're nowhere near ready for that. Now, I suggest you stop bellyaching and pay attention to what I told you. I saved your life, I am not joking, nor am I even close to exaggerating the facts. You would have failed, and your little shinigami friend would be in the same position she is in now. There was no other possible outcome of this battle. Do you understand that?ö
Ichigo glared down at the ground. His brother's tone was different than he'd ever heard from him before. He didn't sound like he was joking or teasing him even the slightest bit. ôI will save her.ö He spoke in a firm tone as his eyes went hard.
Akuma smirked. ôAs you are now, you'll just fail. You need to be stronger, much stronger.ö
His twin whirled around to glare at him. ôI don't have time for this. She's...ö
ôShe'll be fine...for a time. You don't have any to waste, if you really want to save her that is.ö The white haired boy gave a malevolent smirk.
His brother felt numb and weak. ôOf course, you'll help with that?ö He sounded cautious and annoyed with him. He had a feeling this was exactly what his brother had wanted from the start.
ôThat's why I'm here. I'm afraid you're going to have to forget about this...shinigami business. It will only get in the way.ö Akuma looked up at the moon.
Ichigo stood up and balled up his fists. ôYou planned all this, didn't you?ö
The white haired boy shook his head. ôNo. You give me too much credit. I just took advantage of an opportunity. They were coming for her sooner or later, it was just a matter of time. You wouldn't have grown strong enough to do anything about it without proper motivation and those shinigami powers in the way anyway. Now, perhaps you'll be willing to work for it. I admit that I knew this was coming, but I had no hand in it. It was just an inevitable factor that I took advantage of for my own ends. Is that a problem, Ichikun?ö
His brother didn't look happy. He wanted to shoot the bastard in the face. He needed him though. ôSo, you're saying I've still got a chance to save Rukia then?ö
ôPerhaps,ö replied the twin with a shrug. ôCertainly not as you are now.ö He started to turn away and fell flat on his back as a loud bang sounded.
Ichigo blinked and looked down at him. ôHuh?ö He looked over his shoulder at where his shotgun was still on the ground. ôHow did...ö Another bang sounded and he hit the ground face first. ôOuch. What the hell?ö
ôCrap,ö grumbled Akuma with a scowl on his face and a red mark in the center of his forehead. There was also a strange hissing sound in the air.
They both scrambled away as three rockets slammed into the ground where they were lying from an unknown position. The explosion tossed them about a little and they ended up on the ground on their sides with three new smoking pot holes in the street between them.
ôWell, I've finally found you,ö said an unfamiliar voice.
The pair sat up and turned in the same direction.
An older woman in a short skirt with a white blouse was standing there and looking at them through a pair of shades. She had short cut dark hair, looked to be in her late twenties or early thirties, and was covered in guns. A particularly large rocket launcher with multiple barrels and a large blade set into the front end was hanging off her back with a little smoke coming out of the barrels. She also had a pair of pistols in her grip aimed at them both. ôJust die.ö
The pair scrambled around as sparks flew off the pavement as she fired at them both with the weapons. They managed to dodge and looked both alarmed and confused.
ôWho the hell?ö grumbled Ichigo.
ôHow should I know?ö muttered his brother.
ôThe name is Lady,ö replied the woman as she took a few steps forward and shifted her hips. ôI've come to destroy you.ö She spun the handguns around her fingers and spun around pulling the rocket launcher off her back again.
ôShit,ö muttered Akuma.
ôMove!ö cried his brother as the weapon went off. Three rockets fired at them at the same time, curving and twisting in the air as they bore down on them. They managed to move fast enough to avoid getting hit by the blast as the rockets made more holes in the street.
The woman let the weapon hang by it's strap and pulled a small sub machine gun up. She opened fire pelting them both with a hail of bullets.
Ichigo grunted as his body exploded in pain and spun around in the air hitting the ground roughly. He landed and a cloud of dust kicked up as he struggled to push his chest up and look at the woman. She already had a handgun pointed at his head and scowled at him. ôGo back to Hell.ö She pulled the trigger and gasped as she jumped back. Rather than hit the boy on his face, sparks flew as they impacted the flat edge of a large sword.
Akuma had landed on top of his brother's head, driving his face into the ground and speared his own weapon into the asphalt in front of him. He stood up straight and stepped off the back of Ichigo's head. ôWell, he could do with a visit, but he's never been there before. It's a bit too soon, and he's not ready for that yet.ö He pulled the weapon up on his shoulder and narrowed his eyes at her. ôWho the hell are you, and what do you want with us?ö
ôI'm a devil hunter,ö replied Lady. She shifted into a kick and spun around firing her weapon at the boy with her free hands. ôI'm sure you can figure the rest out on your own.ö
Akuma bent and twisted out of the way, reaching up and twisting her arm. She was very flexible though, and turned her other arm around her back putting another firearm under his chin.
The half demon was thrown off his feet and landed on the ground on his back. ôNimble little minx, isn't she?ö
ôShut up, I'm still pissed at you,ö growled Ichigo as he glared at him and staggered to his feet. The woman turned and planted her heel into his face. He stood there and took it, rocking back a little. ôCut it out. What the hell did I do to...ö
ôYou exist, and you don't belong here,ö said the woman as she put two shots into his chest. He flew back and landed several feet away. It was a very large handgun with hollow point shells that hit him like a sledge hammer.
Lady gasped as the other demon rushed up behind her and pulled his arms up under her shoulders. She reached back to put her weapon against his temple, but was lifted off her feet and suplexed into her shoulders as he bent his legs back.
She grunted in pain and scowled as she rolled away as he released her and her eyes went wide as the first thing she saw was his shin. Her head spun as her neck was snapped to the left as he clocked her with a hard kick. The white haired demon frowned at her as she staggered to her feet. ôYou're pretty tough.ö
ôComes with the job,ö she replied as she glared up at him. Her glasses had come off and her irises were two different colors.
Akuma crossed his arms and frowned at her. She raised her weapons and started firing. Dark energy exploded around the boy and the bullets bounced away before they struck him off an invisible shield. The woman simply dropped her handguns and rushed forward stabbing at him with the large blade set into the front of her rocket launcher. He shifted aside and put his fist in between her elbows.
The woman rolled with it and spun around firing again with the sub machine gun. She gasped as a foot crashed into her jaw. Ichigo frowned at her. ôKnock it off would you?ö
ôNot a chance,ö she responded as she fired at them both at the same time, dual wielding two of the small machine guns.
Akuma just became a blur of motion, and Ichigo put up his arm. The mirror on his forearm expanded and the small metal projectiles bounced away.
Lady stopped shooting and chuckled as she flipped into the air as Akuma lunged at her from behind. ôSee ya.ö
Akuma looked at the ground as he staggered to a stop. ôCrap.ö A hand grenade was sitting under his chest and it exploded as soon as the words left his mouth.
Ichigo put up his arms and watched as the woman glanced over her shoulder at him and narrowed her eyes as she jumped away. ôWhat the hell?ö
ôHow annoying,ö Akuma was smoking a little and looked dazed.
Ichigo scowled at him and punched him across his jaw. ôYou asshole! How dare you get in my way like that! You let them take Rukia, and I won't forgive you!ö
His brother flopped onto his back and frowned up at him. ôYeah, yeah.ö He rolled his eyes. ôThere was no way you were going to beat a Captain class Shinigami you dork. Not even on this plane. Just shut the hell up, you'd have just gotten killed and you wouldn't be able to help her now anyway. I saved your ass and gave you the chance to do it later. How many times do I have to say it before it sticks in that tiny thing bouncing around inside your skull?ö
ôWhat? What are you talking about?ö growled Ichigo as he looked about ready to jump on him and start pounding.
Akuma sat up and reached behind his back. He tossed his brother his shotgun and scratched the back of his head. ôYou need training before you can take that guy. That was Kuchiki Byakuya. He's a Shinigami Captain, and has quite a reputation. If you think you're anywhere near him, even as you are now, you're delusional.ö
The blond narrowed his eyes at him. ôAnd you are?ö
ôIf I were to face him outside if this plane, I'm not sure I could beat him, even as I am now,ö he replied. ôI had an advantage, because higher ranking Shinigami seal their powers as to not disrupt the balance on this plane when they come here. Without the seal, any people he got too close to would just fall over dead from the pressure of his spiritual presence. What you faced, was just a small fraction of the power those two Shinigami can use. Don't be a fool.ö His brother scowled at him and had a dark look in his eyes.
That caught Ichigo by surprise and he staggered back and balled up his fist. ôI will save Rukia.ö
Akuma seemed to calm and smiled at him. ôThat's your business. I suppose I should help seeing as we're family and all. First, you have to become far stronger, and use the power you so clumsily throw about as you are now. Second, you've got to find a way to get to Soul Society, and finally, you must find help. Even the two of us wouldn't be strong enough to barge into that place and just start fighting them. We would be overpowered, overwhelmed, and destroyed before you saved anyone.ö
His brother seemed to consider that. ôYou'll help me then.ö
ôThat was my intention from the start. I just needed those two to get rid of that damn sword, and I couldn't help you and Rulama both. If I had tried to get her away from them, they would have destroyed you. I can't allow that.ö The white haired boy turned away from him.
ôWhy?ö said the blond. He was suspicious.
Akuma smirked at him over his shoulder. ôI have reached a plateau. I need you to reach a higher level of power. It is the way of our kind, but you are too weak to help me with that yet. That will come in time, but for now, I can do little but make you stronger. I will help you, because it will benefit me. Does that satisfy your curiosity?ö
ôIt explains a bit,ö replied Ichigo as he gave a nod. ôBut not everything.ö
His brother chuckled. ôYes. Well, you can't expect me to lay everything out for you. Especially not with so many eyes and ears on us. Isn't that right, Urahara?ö
Ichigo gasped and turned to see the man in the sandal hat looking over at them. He was holding Uryuu up and seemed calm and cheerful.
ôI suppose I can understand that. I must admit, you've got me wondering myself,ö replied the man in the sandal hat.
ôUryuu!ö cried Ichigo as he looked over at his classmate and moved towards him.
ôI'm fine,ö snapped the irate looking boy. ôJust look at the mess you've made.ö He was holding his belly and frowning as he leaned against the shop keeper's shoulder.
ôMe? It was that crazy Lady with the guns!ö he snapped. ôWhat the hell was with her anyway?ö
ôShe's a demon hunter,ö replied Akuma. ôAn obstinate one at that.ö
Uryuu looked up at him and his face hardened a little. He'd seen more of what had happened than Ichigo had. The blond had been knocked out, and missed his brother's transformation. ôWhat do you intend to do then?ö He was having trouble admitting it to himself, but that transformation had more to do with his condition than his wounds did. The stranger had shielded him from it a bit, and had tended to his wound while the Devil Hunter distracted the pair.
Ichigo spoke up in a firm and confident tone. ôI'm going to find a way to save Rukia.ö
Akuma gave a small sigh. ôI suppose I shall assist him. It's an outside route to what I want, but it will serve my purpose.ö
Urahara nodded. ôI can help with that.ö
The white haired boy turned away. ôI'll deal with it. You can play with his friends if you want. They could all do with a bit of training.ö
The shopkeeper shook his head. ôThat's not what I mean. I can get you to Soul Society, but it's going to take time to set up.ö
Akuma looked down at the cat sitting in the corner and frowned at it. ôI see. Very well. How much time do we have?ö He looked as if he was asking the cat and not Urahara.
The animal shifted it's eyes away from him and turned up it's nose.
The sandal hat man answered. ôThere's a grace period of one month for the maximum penalty. We should assume that. It will take at least seven days to open the gate, but you'll be needing more time to train than that. If as you said, you wish me to train his friends to assist you...then it will be at least ten days. So, we'll say fourteen days from now I will open the gate and send you through. How does that sound to you?ö
Ichigo looked frustrated and nodded. ôI'll be there.ö
Uryuu glared at him. His wound had been treated and he was still weak. ôVery well, I'm not strong enough to be any help right now. I shall train as well.ö He pushed off the man supporting him and adjusted his glasses. ôYou're the only one who can save Rukia.ö
The blond looked surprised. ôUryuu...ö
ôShut up! We're not friends! I will become stronger, and show the true strength of the Quincy to these Shinigami!ö The boy balled up his fist and started to turn away.
Akuma looked on with his creepy grin and chuckled a little. ôIchigo, one more thing.ö
ôHuh?ö he said as he looked at his brother in confusion.
ôYou must renounce the power of the Shinigami forever if you are to forge this path. You are not a Shinigami anymore, but an Akkijin. You must understand, that if you choose this path, you will never become a Shinigami again. That door will closed to you, forever.ö
Ichigo scowled at that and nodded. ôIt doesn't matter. That sword was destroyed anyway. I've got no choice in the matter.ö
Akuma turned away. ôGood. Come on then.ö He turned and glanced at the cat and nodded his head as he smirked at her. ôGood evening to you as well.ö
She watched him walk by and flattened her ears as she growled a little.
Ishida looked on and hung his head a little. ôI see. I shall see you in fourteen days then. It seems I have training of my own to see to.ö
Urahara opened his umbrella as it began to rain lightly. He gave a small sigh as the cat scampered over to under the dry area the umbrella provided. ôWhat a pain.ö
The animal nodded. ôSo it would seem. I really don't trust that guy. He reminds me of someone.ö
The shopkeeper smiled and looked down at her. ôYou noticed that as well? Oh well, it may work to our advantage this way. As he suggested, even the two of them will not be enough. It would be best to try and recruit his friends and make them as strong as possible.ö
Yoruichi sighed. ôI hate to admit that you're right. We can't do nothing, and we have the greatest chance of success with as much help as we can get. I don't trust the white haired one to be of much assistance. He's got his own angle here, and I doubt he cares. Ichigo seems like he might be useful, but I'm not so sure I trust him either. He's of the same type after all.ö
ôI'm starting to wonder,ö replied Urahara as he covered his face with his fan. ôHe's an odd one, and he's definitely up to something. We'll have to keep a close eye on him.ö
The cat glanced back as they walked together. ôI agree. I'm not so sure I want him anywhere near this. I'm really not sure which one you mean.ö
As soon as the street cleared, two small figures walked out of an alleyway into the light rain. The taller of the pair looked up at the sky and adjusted her ball cap. ôGreat. Rain.ö
Her twin sister smiled at her. ôWell, that was...weird.ö
Karin gave a small sigh. ôThey kidnapped that girl.ö She looked frustrated. ôMaybe we could have helped?ö
ôNo way. They were way too strong,ö said Yuzu as she put her fists over her mouth and got wide eyed. ôWe shouldn't have been here to begin with.ö
Her sister nodded. ôYeah. I guess. Still, a talking cat, some crazy lady with guns, and those two guys with swords. What the hell was that thing Akuma turned into anyway?ö She was still having trouble taking it all in.
ôWe change too,ö replied Yuzu.
Karin pouted a bit. ôYeah. I know. Come on, we should get home before we get soaked.ö As soon as the words left her mouth the rain lightened. It was still sprinkling a little, but hardly worth noting. ôWell, I guess it's not that much of a hurry. We should go back and try to get some sleep though.ö
ôThat was pretty exciting, and a little scary,ö said Yuzu with a little too much cheer. The pair started walking together back towards the clinic.
Her sister nodded. ôI guess. Ichigo said he's going to help that girl, and Akuma said he'd help him. I guess there's not much we can do.ö
The brunette smiled. ôWe'll get stronger. We've just got to put some effort into it!ö she pointed her finger into the air and giggled.
Karin looked a bit skeptical but grinned and nodded anyway. ôI guess you're right. Come on. We don't want to get caught.ö
cont...