Bleach The Devil's Bleached Tears.

Carrotglace

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

Part 5

The fall of innocence.

OooOOooOO

Another month had passed in Karakura town, summer was upon it.

The evening had come, darkness covered the sky as the moon gave little light. It was just a thin sliver in the sky above an ancient sake factory. The air was warm, and humid, and the sound of frogs chirping was the only noise outside the old building.

It was a post World War building, brick and mortar, over the site of a much older and long destroyed facility. It had been used for the same purpose for hundreds of years.

That night, things were different. Two figures, both dressed in hoods walked past the security gate. One was tall and thin, the other short and thin. Both wore masks, black and gray with no markings and only two holes for eyes.

In their wake, the bodies of three men were lying about the security post at the gate, pools of blood surrounded them.

The shorter of the pair looked at the bodies for a moment as they passed and shuddered.

The taller one glanced back. ôCome on. It's dangerous to linger.ö His tone was quiet and gentle.

They moved towards the building together and stood in front of the entrance. The shorter figure was looking back over her shoulder, back at the dead men.

ôIt was necessary. If you intend to get what you want, you'll have to get used to it.ö The taller one sounded a little firm.

His companion just nodded and remained at his side. ôYes.ö She spoke in a quiet tone and pulled her cloak around her shoulders a little more.

The taller of the pair kicked the door in front of him in. An energy formed around his palm as he put his hand over the alarm system's key pad. It sparked and sputtered, growing silent after just a short shriek. ôCome.ö

The pair looked about the room. It was open and spacious, bottles lined shelves on the walls, large tables and vats filled the floor, and bags of rice were stacked on one end by a bay door. The door to a small office on the opposite wall opened giving the room a little more light.

ôWhat? Nara? Takagome? Is that...?ö An old man staggered out and froze, the light within the room behind him casting a shadow. He stared at the two people in front of him. He was dressed in traditional robes, and had a walking stick holding his weight as he walked out to discover the source of the disturbance.ôWhat? Who are you? What do you want?ö

The taller one raised his hand, a handgun was pointed at the old man. ôWhere is the basement?ö

The old man narrowed his eyes. ôWhat? The basement? Why...ö His voice trailed off. Both of the figures in front of him had glowing red eyes. ôNo! It...can't be!ö

A young man of about twenty five walked out of the office. He had short, neat cut hair, and was wearing a suit. ôFather, what is it? I want to finish these reports for the quarter. It's late, and Shiki will be getting...ö

The smaller of the two intruders was behind the younger of the pair in an instant. He froze like the old man as he felt something sharp poking into his back. ôWhat? No! Please! The safe is in the office! I'll...ö

The old man frowned at him. ôThese two, do not seek our money.ö

The taller of the two intruders nodded. ôI'm afraid not. I'll ask one more time, the basement. Where is it?ö

The old man frowned and gripped his walking stick. ôI'd rather d...ö

A sharp report filled the room. He slumped down with a hole in the center of his forehead.

ôFather! No!ö The younger of the pair started to rush towards him as he fell. He stopped cold as the younger of the two intruders slashed at his throat and staggered back holding his arms up to protect himself.

The taller of the pair stopped her arm before she finished. ôNo.ö

The short masked figure lowered her head and backed away. The taller one backhanded the man in the face with the butt of his gun. The man blacked out before he hit the ground.

OooOOooOO

When he woke up, he was on his back. They were in the basement, or rather, below it. He groaned and shook his head. ôWhat? Where?ö He couldn't move his arms or legs, and he could see the shattered remains of one of the brick walls. Casks of sake lined the walls on the other side of the hole. Candles burned around him, as he found himself lying on top of an altar of some sort in a hidden room. ôWhere am I? What's going on? What is this place?ö Beside the stone slab he was tied down against, was a large boulder with ancient looking Shinto wards tied around it.

The tall masked figure put his hand on the shorter one's shoulder. ôNow, you may kill him.ö

The man's eyes went wide. The younger of the two raised a knife over her head and glared at him with glowing red eyes. ôNo! Nooo!ö It plunged into his chest and he shook and foamed at the mouth as it pierced his heart. The short figure hopped on top of his chest, pulled the knife out, and slashed across his neck before hopping down off the altar to watch his final spasms. He looked at the mask with pain and confusion on his face. ôWhy?ö

The taller one spoke up. ôBecause a sacrifice was needed to break the seal.ö

Their victim's head rolled back and he struggled to take his last breath and failed. Behind the altar, the great stone boulder cracked, and then split, the candles blew out as a foul stale smelling air rushed out from what was under it.

The pair became bathed in total darkness.

A horrible graveled voice spoke out of the shadows. ôWhat? Who dares disturb my slumber?ö

A male voice spoke up from the pitch blackness. ôDares? Come now. We've gone to a lot of trouble to let you out you know. Show a little gratitude.ö

A pair of very large glowing yellow eyes appeared before the two masked figures. ôHumans? You have set me free?ö

The man spoke up again. ôHumans? Don't be foolish. No human would let you out.ö

The deep voice spoke up with a hiss in his tone. Two pairs of glowing red eyes were looking back at him. ôOh. I see. I thought you tasted a little off. Then again, it's been a long time. I've been sealed under this rock for centuries.ö

The taller of the two masked intruders nodded. ôI'm aware. Don't go thinking this is free. I want something of you, a favor.ö

The creature took a moment to pause. ôSpeak, and I shall consider it.ö

ôThis is an order.ö The taller of the pair gave a chuckle. ôDon't look at me like that, this is over my head. I'm just a tool this time. A means to an end.ö

The beast gave an angry sounding hiss. ôSpeak quickly, lest I lose my patience. I'd have killed you already if you did not smell of my own kind.ö

The tall figure chuckled. ôIchigo Kurosaki.ö

The monster narrowed it's eyes. ôI do not know this name. I take it you want him dead?ö

The demon who had freed him nodded. ôI know. It's not him we wish to see dead. Rather, the Shinigami who is with him. He won't die easily, feel free to be as rough as you like with him. He's weak, but even you would find killing him difficult. The girl, Rukia, she must die. She's in the way, and our plans are being delayed because of the bothersome bitch. The Kurosaki child is needed, and he's been tricked into posing as a Shinigami. If you find Kurosaki, she will be nearby. She's lost her powers, and has no defense against something like you apart from him.ö

The yellow eyes narrowed. ôI see. Shinigami?ö

The tall figure nodded. ôYes. We cannot be connected with this death. You're something of a free agent. Do this, and you're free to do as you please. I won't be bothering you again. Take your time with this, there's no real hurry. He'll be along, I'll make sure of it. Just don't kill any Hollows you find around here, we'll be using them as bait in the future. They won't bother with something like you anyway.ö

The creature hissed at him again. ôVery well. Once this is done, I owe you nothing.ö Seven more pairs of glowing yellow eyes opened around the first pair.

The tall figure nodded. ôYes. I have no further use for you beyond it. Just remember, Kurosaki is not to be killed. We still have need of him in our plans.ö He took the girl at his side's hand and walked towards the exit. She looked back at the monster as it watched them leave.

He looked down at her and spoke in a soft and gentle tone. ôYou did well, Yuzu.ö

The girl removed her mask and smiled at him. ôI'll be able to see Mom again? I'll be able to talk to her?ö

Akuma removed his mask as well and knelt down beside her with a grin on his face. ôYes. Soon, we'll both get to see her again. She'll be very proud of you.ö

ôI could see him! It was cool!ö She looked very pleased. ôI'll be able to see spirits like Ichigo and Karin?ö

Her older brother chuckled. ôIt will come to you in time. He's kind of hard to miss. Sooner or later, you'll be able to see them just as well as they can. Don't worry.ö

ôI'll be able to talk to Mom again soon? Like you showed me?ö

Her brother nodded. ôYeah. Don't forget, you can't tell Ichigo, Karin, Dad, or anyone about any of this. You're special, more than you think. Mom wants to see you very much.ö

Yuzu giggled. ôYeah. She told me! She told me she was proud of me! One day, I'll be stronger than Karin and Ichigo, better than them, even though I'm weak now!ö She hung her head and frowned. ôI wish we could have talked longer.ö

Akuma nodded. ôYes. That's a long way away though. You've got to be careful, and act normal until the time is right. This is a big secret. If anyone finds out about this too soon, it could ruin everything. Mom might not be able to see us again like we planned. Don't worry. You'll see her though.ö He shook her shoulder. ôI'm afraid the best we can do for now is talk with her for a moment or two. It's not something we can do a lot of either. Maybe once or twice a month, depending on the lunar cycle. Don't forget that part, it's very important.ö

The girl lowered her eyes and nodded. ôI...understand.ö

Her brother nodded. ôI hope so. You don't want to make Mom angry. If you want to see her, you've got to make a good impression. We can't get caught, no one can find out until the time is right. Don't forget, and don't worry. I'll help you out.ö

Yuzu flushed and nodded. ôThanks, big brother.ö

Akuma smiled. ôThat's my little sister. Too bad about Karin, she's too sensitive and it makes her weak.ö He rubbed on her head and took her by the shoulder as they both put their masks back on and walked towards the exit, and into the night once again.

It was almost too easy with her. Her jealousy of Karin and Ichigo, and her desire to see her mother again made manipulating her almost effortless. He'd started her on sacrificing a few rats, what she considered unpleasant things to talk with her mother. Then a few weeks later, he'd given her a puppy for the same purpose. Now, she'd killed a man.

It was already too late for her to turn back. Everything was going according to plan.

She smiled at him. ôI'm getting stronger aren't I?ö

He nodded at her. ôYes you are, little sister.ö

OooOOooOO

Ichigo was leaning out his window with Kon in his grip. He was slamming him against the wall outside, knocking the dirt off him.

ôOuch! Cut it out! What are you doing?ö The plushy was complaining about it.

The strawberry blond frowned at him as he continued. ôYou're dirty. I'm beating you clean.ö

The stuffed animal wasn't pleased. ôJerk! There are other ways to clean me!ö

Ichigo continued to slap him against the wall anyway.

Rukia spoke up. ôIchigo, cut it out. If you need an implement to clean him, I've arranged.ö

ôBig sister Rukia! I knew...ö Kon froze up as he saw her.

The boy looked over his shoulder. ôHuh?ö The girl was standing with a long toilet brush in her hands.

She tossed Kon to the ground and started rubbing at him with the brush with her foot on top of him. His position had not improved any.

Ichigo looked surprised. ôHey! Isn't that one of the school's toilet brushes?ö

She frowned at him. ôYeah? So?ö

The boy looked annoyed with her. ôTake it back!ö

Akuma walked into the room and looked back and fourth. Kon was lying on the ground. He shook his head and looked at Ichigo. ôHey. Don't be so strict.ö

His brother whirled around and jabbed his finger at him. ôWho asked you? I'm not being strict, it's common sense!ö

The raven haired girl gave a small sigh. ôI guess. How are we going to clean him then?ö

Akuma picked the plushy off the ground. ôBig brother! You saved me!ö

The white haired boy looked at him. ôThrow him in the washing machine of course.ö

Kon tensed up. ôWhat?ö

Ichigo's brother shrugged. ôWhat? You're just the sort of thing it was designed to clean up, right?ö

Rukia slapped her palm. ôRight! That's perfect!ö

OooOOooOO

Kon wasn't sure what to make of what had happened to him. He was very hot, but also dry. The plushy had managed to force the dryer door open, and stumbled about in the laundry room looking dizzy and dazed. ôOohh. My head. I think I'm going to be sick!ö He wasn't sure if he even could get sick, but he was pretty sure that had really sucked. He couldn't remember more than a few flashes.

First, he'd nearly drowned, getting pulled and tangled in the mass of clothes that had been tossed in with him. Then, he'd been hot air dried being slapped around by the same clothes, and belted all over his body from every side as he tumbled about inside the burning air machine.

As it was, he fell face first onto the floor and stayed there for a moment. ôHow can they treat me like this? Aren't I their companion? Their equal?ö

It was then that he found himself lifted into the air by his leg. He didn't dare move and hung limp as he found himself looking a pair of brown eyes. Yuzu cocked her head and smiled. ôOh. It's a stuffed animal.ö She seemed to think on it for a moment. ôHey. I remember this thing.ö She set it down on top of the dryer and set the vacuum cleaner aside.

Kon wasn't moving, and was worried a great deal. ôI'm in deep shit.ö

The girl poked his belly. ôWhat's wrong with you?ö

The plushy got irate, but still didn't move. He was having worried thoughts though. ôHuh? Wrong? Are my seams pulling or something?ö

Yuzu giggled and sat him up on his rear. ôI know you can move you know. We saw you talking with my brothers and Ichigo's girlfriend when we visited mom and got attacked by that monster.ö

Kon was sweating bullets. ôHuh?ö

ôWhat the heck are you anyway? It's a little weird.ö The girl leaned on her elbows and peered at him. ôThey put you into the wash to clean you up? I guess you were pretty dirty before.ö

The plushy wasn't sure what to say or do. He sat up and looked at her. ôUm...you saw?ö

The girl smiled and nodded. ôYeah. I'm part demon you know. It's not that big a deal I guess.ö

Kon was shaking a bit. ôOh. Well, I'm not really supposed to tell anyone. I'm sort of a secret.ö

Yuzu gave him a cute giggle. ôIt's a little weird, but it's pretty cool.ö

The plushy looked amazed. ôC-cool?ö

ôWhy are you hiding though?ö She seemed confused.

Kon scratched his head. ôWell, no one is supposed to know about me...ö

The girl cocked her head. ôWhy though? I mean, Dad was married to a demon, Karin can see ghosts, and everyone but Dad is half demon. What's the big deal about you?ö

The plushy cocked his head. ôWell, it's complicated.ö

Karin stuck her head into the room. ôYuzu? Who are you talking to...oh. That thing again?ö She walked into the room and straightened a ball cap on her head as she frowned at the thing. ôWhat is that? Where did you find it? I haven't seen it since that monster showed up. I figured it was Ichigo's girlfriend's pet or something.ö

Kon shook his head. ôI am not a 'pet'!ö

The dark haired girl looked at it. ôWhat are you then?ö

Yuzu shrugged at her twin. ôHe says he can't say.ö

Karin picked him up by his arm and looked him over. ôIs it possessed or something?ö

Kon opened his mouth, closed it, and put his paw up to his chin. ôWell. Yeah. Kind of.ö

Yuzu seemed impressed. ôNeat!ö

ôSo, you're some dead guy? What are you doing here?ö The more serious twin frowned at him and seemed to inspect him a little closer.

ôNo. Not really. I'm alive, but I've never died before. I'm not really a ghost.ö Kon seemed to relax a little more as he found himself on top of the washing machine again as she set him down.

The dark haired girl nodded. ôYou're some kind of demon then? A friend of Akuma's?ö

The plushy shook his head. ôNo. I'm not a demon. Akuma is my friend though. He's usually nice to me.ö He frowned a bit as he recalled just who brought up the washing machine.

Karin cocked her head. ôSo, what the heck are you?ö

Kon moved his foot about and put his paws behind his back. ôWell, I'm...sort of an artificial soul. I can't really say any more than that.ö

Yuzu got a bit wide eyed. ôSo, someone made you?ö

Kon nodded. ôYeah. Please. I'm not supposed to talk about this. You're not supposed to know about me!ö

Karin walked away. ôIt's a bit late for that.ö

Yuzu smiled at him. ôSo, do you want to hang out?ö

Kon cocked his head. ôH-hang out? R-really?ö

OooOOooOO

Ichigo was frowning as he glared down at the scene in front of him. ôWhat the Hell?ö

Kon and Yuzu were both looking up at him. They were seated around a small table in her room, tea was set out before them. The plushy was looking up at him with his jaw hanging.

The girl smiled up at him. ôHi, Ichigo.ö

Kon looked a bit nervous. ôUm, hello...ö

The boy's eye twitched. ôKon...what do you think you're doing?ö

His sister blinked and looked at the stuffed lion. ôHe's having tea with me. Why?ö

Her brother had the creature by it's throat and had lifted him up from his seat. ôYou idiot!ö

Yuzu stood up and frowned at him. ôWhat are you doing?ö

Ichigo ignored her and shook Kon. ôYou're supposed to be hiding!ö

The girl snatched the plushy from his grip and frowned at her older brother. ôWhat? Why?ö

The older boy looked at her with his jaw hanging. ôHuh?ö

She pulled down her eyelid and stuck her tongue out at him. ôWe already knew about him. We saw him when you fought that monster.ö

Ichigo was still frozen and looking at her. ôI...uh...ö

Kon was holding her neck and hiding his face in her shoulder. ôI couldn't help it! She found me in the laundry! I couldn't get away! She started talking to me and told me she already knew! It was too late!ö

The blond boy gave a small grunt. ôWell...ö

Karin was leaning in the doorway looking on. ôHe's right you know. We both already knew about that thing. What the heck is it anyway? Where did you find it?ö

Ichigo had gone a little pale. ôWell...I...um...ö

A new voice saved him from stuttering and floundering under the questions of his two younger sisters. ôHey. There you are.ö

Everyone turned to see Akuma standing behind Karin. The dark haired girl jumped away and moved into the room a bit further.

Ichigo was relieved, but wasn't about to admit to it. ôWhat do you want?ö

His brother gave a snort. ôShut up. Leave Kon alone. What's the big deal anyway? It's not like everyone in the house doesn't already know about spirits and demons and such anyway. Don't be so paranoid.ö

ôThat's not the point!ö The strawberry blond rushed up and put his nose up to his brother's face.

Akuma poked him in the forehead. ôWhatever. Look, come on. I got something for you.ö

Ichigo growled. ôI don't want anything from you.ö

The white haired boy grabbed his ear. ôQuit griping and come on. You're only going to make the beating you're about to get worse if you piss me off running your mouth.ö

ôOuch! You jerk!ö The blond was dragged from the room leaving the two girls standing around Kon. ôLet go!ö

The plushy was standing in the middle of the table looking relieved. ôWhew! Thanks, Big Brother Akuma!ö

Karin frowned at him and walked away. The two older boys were heading outside.

OooOOooOO

Ichigo was on his rear in a small field of grass no more than a block away from the home. He was rubbing at his ear and looking annoyed. ôWhat? What the hell is it?ö He grunted in pain as a heavy metal object landed in his lap. It landed right in the middle of his crotch, causing him to wince in pain.

ôHere.ö Akuma was standing over him with a frown on his face.

The blond was frowning. There was a sawn-off double barreled shotgun sitting in his lap. He jumped up and it landed in the grass. ôWhat? Are you crazy?ö

His brother snorted and looked annoyed. ôDon't be stupid. It's not real.ö

This only annoyed Ichigo further. ôWha...ö He was cut off as the back of his skull hit the grass after a loud bang. His eyes were squeezed shut, and he sat up rubbing the burning bruise on his forehead. ôOuch! What the hell?!ö He froze as he found Akuma grinning at him with one of his handguns pointed right at him.

The weapon twirled around his finger so the handle was pointed towards him. ôHere. Take a closer look.ö

Ichigo continued to rub at his forehead as he took the weapon. ôGuns are illegal.ö

ôIt's just a model, one of those toys you can buy at a model store. Just like that one.ö Akuma kicked the shotgun in the grass with his toes.

His brother looked confused. ôHuh?ö

The white haired boy had a vicious looking grin on his face. ôJust like this one.ö He pulled the twin weapon out from behind his back, pointed it at his brother's forehead, and put his brother's skull back into the ground with another shot.

Ichigo was upright again a moment later looking angry and rubbing at the spot again. ôOuch! Cut it out you asshole!ö He pointed the gun in his hand at his brother. ôWhat do you mean it's not real?!ö

Akuma squatted down beside him and punched him in the face. ôShoot me then.ö

Ichigo squeezed his eyes shut and pulled the trigger. It clicked, but nothing happened. He opened his eyes and looked at it. ôHuh? What is this?ö

Akuma took it back, picked up the shotgun, and shoved it into his brother's chest. ôNow. Pay attention.ö He held the other weapon steady and pointed it away. Another loud bang sounded and the weapon in his hand kicked his elbow into bending his arm at a right angle. ôSee?ö

The blond boy frowned. ôSee what? How did you do that?ö

Akuma chuckled and glanced at him. ôOh. So you do want to know?ö

Ichigo growled and let the shotgun hang from his grip at his side. ôWhat is this? Are you going to show me or not?ö

ôOf course. It will make playtime more interesting if you know how.ö Akuma put his sunglasses on and grinned. ôNow. It's really pretty simple. You just focus your power into the weapon.ö He demonstrated and pointed the weapon away. ôNow. Focus the energy, and imagine a bullet, the kind that the weapon you're holding will fire.ö He held a red plastic cylinder up to show him. ôLike this thing.ö He tossed it into the air and cut it in half with his sword, put it back over his shoulder, and caught both halves before they fell to the ground.

Ichigo frowned and looked unimpressed. ôOkay. What are you doing?ö

Akuma opened his palm. ôYou need to see this. It will make it easier to do. Have a look.ö

Ichigo looked at the inside. ôThat black grayish stuff is gunpowder?ö

The white haired boy nodded. ôThat's right. It explodes and sends these little metal balls flying out very fast.ö

ôI know how a gun works.ö Ichigo frowned and glared at the shell.

His brother nodded. ôWell, I have no way of knowing that. Anyway, that won't fire a real shell. However, it doesn't need to be able to for this to work. Mine won't shoot real bullets either you know. They aren't actually illegal.ö

The blond nodded. ôYeah. I get it. So, I just focus my power, and imagine something like these things inside it?ö

Akuma shrugged and let the remains of the shell fall to the ground before dusting his hands off. ôYup. That's pretty much it. When you pull the trigger, imagine what should happen, and...ö

Ichigo was flat on his back with wide eyes and had his arms over his head. Both hands were gripping the weapon's handle and the barrels were smoking.

ôOh. How nice. You've picked it up already. It's not very hard to do.ö Akuma was leaning over him with a grin on his face.

His brother was sitting up looking at the weapon with wide eyes. ôIt...worked?ö

The white haired boy grinned and nodded. ôPretty cool huh?ö

Ichigo glared at the weapon. ôNot really.ö

ôIt will hurt a Hollow, even kill a weaker one. It will take quite a lot to kill anything with a decent power level though. Anything strong enough to be a real threat to even the weakest of Shinigami...well...let's just say you're better off with that sword of Rudipa's or whatever.ö Akuma frowned and narrowed his eyes a little. ôI feel I should warn you, it will kill a human with low spiritual power. Those with high spiritual energy will probably survive, but spirits are tougher. It can really hurt even someone with a lot of spirit energy physically. You should be careful.ö

The blond frowned at him. ôWhat good is it then?ö

Akuma chuckled at the response. ôWell, it will slow an enemy down, wear them down a bit, make moving more difficult, and allow you to strike at a distance. It's not useless, but better when combined with other forms of attack. You'll see.ö He stretched his arms and popped his back. ôBesides, you can use it without having to resort to leaving your body after all. To be honest, you don't really need to leave it to fight Hollows.ö

Ichigo frowned at him. ôShut up. I said I'd help her, and I will. I owe her.ö

Akuma gave a small frown. A moment later, Ichigo was looking at the huge sword impaled in the ground between his legs while on his rear. ôTell me. Do you think this sword is something I got from this world?ö

His brother looked up at him and glared into his eyes. Akuma could pull it off his back out of nowhere. It was like it didn't exist once he put it back, it was invisible, and he'd never seen it hinder him. It only seemed to exist at all after he pulled it off his back. ôWhat do you mean?ö

ôYou don't need to leave your body to use a Spirit Sword idiot. You're Akkijin remember?ö Akuma put the weapon away and turned his back on his brother.

Ichigo looked shocked. ôWait. You mean that thing is...some kind of Soul Sword?ö

The white haired boy sneered at him from over his shoulder. ôDon't be stupid. This is what's called a Devil Arm.ö His features calmed a little. ôThough, I suppose it is similar to a Soul Sword in some respects. It's not the same thing, no.ö

Ichigo hung his head and seemed to think on it. ôWhat do you mean?ö

ôYou'll figure it out. I'm afraid you're going to have to find a weapon like that on your own. I can't help you with it.ö

Ichigo glared at him. ôHow?ö

Akuma turned to face him. ôThat Soul Sword is good enough for now. Don't worry about it. Sooner or later, you'll figure it out on your own.ö

The blond stood up and dusted off his knees. ôWhat do you mean? I can't use that Soul Sword without...ö

He was cut off as Akuma's heel hooked across his jaw and sent him sprawling across the grass on his back. The blond boy flipped up on his hands and pushed himself backwards into another flip as the dirt kicked up as several loud reports sounded.

Akuma was glaring at him with both handguns in his grip. ôThat's enough talking. If you're too stupid to figure this out on your own, you're no good to me anyway.ö He took his glasses off and put them into his pocket. ôNow. Shut the hell up and fight!ö

Ichigo growled and gripped the handle of the shotgun as he crouched and glared at his brother. ôAll right. Fine!ö He charged forward and yelled.

Both of them collided in the middle of the field.

OooOOooOO

Ichigo Kurosaki frowned as he leaned back at the table and downed most of a glass of juice in a few gulps. He had a magazine in front of him and seemed lazy and relaxed. He gave a heavy sigh as he felt his joints pop a little as he settled in. His arms were covered in bandages, and he had several bandages on his cheek. There were a few bruises and scrapes, but he wasn't really feeling all that uncomfortable.

Karin was sitting across from him with a glass of her own. Akuma was sitting on the couch while Yuzu and Isshin watched television.

The blond was in a sour mood, his brother had already kicked the living crap out of him for the day. His bones felt sore and his arm and one of his shins had been broken only a few hours before. It was kind of irritating, and he'd been pelted with Akuma's spirit bullets on top of it.

He looked at the magazine, making himself even more irate with the fortune telling and spiritual ads in it. That sort of thing annoyed him.

Isshin and his sister crossed their arms over their chests and gave a loud laugh. ôBohahahaha!ö

ôWhat is this?ö Akuma leaned in and peered over the pair in front of the television. He looked on as Don Kanoji, a man dressed in elaborate clothes with a stupid hat and cape on appeared on the screen. ôWhat's with the pose?ö

Yuzu looked back at him and grinned. ôIt's 'Journey to Bust Ghost on Hallowed Ground', more commonly known as 'Ghost Bust'!ö

Ichigo gave a snort. ôCrap is what it is.ö He didn't say it very loud, but Yuzu looked annoyed.

The brunette ignored him and became enthralled with the show.

Akuma looked on from the couch. ôDon Kanoji? Hey, I've heard of him.ö

Yuzu looked pleased. ôIsn't he cool?ö

Ichigo rolled his eyes. ôHe's completely phony.ö

ôNah. He's an idiot, but he's the real deal. He can see spirits, very well in fact. He's something of a joke in the spirit world though. He's got no idea what to do with them.ö Akuma sat back and shrugged. ôIt's actually kind of amazing he's survived this long. There's a betting pool going back home about when he'll manage to get himself killed by messing with the wrong sort of spirit.ö He seemed pleased and amused as he relaxed. ôThey put this on television?ö

Yuzu and Isshin both looked at him with wide eyes. ôIt's cool though! I'll be able to see spirits like that one day too!ö

Ichigo almost choked on the last of his juice. Karin looked at her with wide eyes. ôWhat? Yuzu, you shouldn't say things like that.ö

Akuma frowned at their reaction. ôShe's right you know. Her spiritual power hasn't manifested itself like yours has, but she'll be able to when she's older. You just take it for granted because your power bloomed a little sooner. She's not spiritually weak, she's just taking a bit longer to come into her power. She's Akkijin like us. No human could match her potential for spiritual power. Not even ol' Beardo here.ö He jerked his thumb at Isshin.

The man turned his head and coughed. ôWell...I...ö

ôDad?ö Karin looked like she didn't quite believe that statement.

ôHe can see the dead too you know. It's how he met Mom.ö Akuma relaxed. ôWhy he'd be interested in this sort of thing is beyond me. I suppose it is pretty funny.ö

Isshin coughed and looked away. ôWell, I don't speak much of it. I'm a doctor, not a medium. I care for the living. It would be a waste of my time to worry about the dead.ö

Yuzu was grinning at him. ôReally?ö

Akuma nodded. ôYeah he's a ret...ö

Isshin had him in a headlock before he could finish speaking and pulled him onto the floor. ôHahahahahaa! Come now son! Let's just enjoy the show, huh? No need to bring that sort of thing up!ö

The white haired boy was under the man's rear on his belly, with both his legs pulled up in a lock. ôUm...sure.ö He looked very uncomfortable.

Ichigo and Karin were both looking on and decided it was best to ignore them. Ichigo frowned at the dark haired girl's stare. ôWhat? You're not watching?ö

ôNo. I don't care about that sort of thing. You know I can see as well as you can.ö

Yuzu screamed. ôKiyaaaa!ö

Everyone in the room turned to look at the girl. Isshin had Akuma in a headlock and was rubbing at his skull with his knuckles. ôYou keep quiet you...ö

The white haired boy looked annoyed and grumbled as the man released him in favor of paying attention to what Yuzu had gotten excited about. ôFine. Why do you care if anyone knows about that anyway?ö He rubbed at his head and moved back to the couch.

The girl looked back and pointed at the screen. ôNext week's Ghost Bust is in Karakura town!ö

Akuma nodded. ôHey. I've always wanted to see this idiot for myself.ö He looked pleased. ôWe'll have to go and check it out.ö

Isshin nodded. ôIndeed!ö

Ichigo growled and his glass cracked in his grip. The next week was going to suck.

Karin gasped as she noticed her brother destroying the glass. ôHey! Careful you idiot! We've only got a few of these glasses!ö

He blinked and set it down as he blushed. ôSorry.ö

ôMaybe I'll be able to see something!ö Yuzu was hopping about. ôI can't wait to find my hidden power!ö

ôWell, maybe. I wouldn't count on it just yet though.ö Akuma patted her head. ôYou're still young. Karin is unusual because she's so sensitive. Most of the time, it doesn't happen until you hit puberty.ö

The girl frowned at him and balled up her fist. ôI'm gonna try my best!ö

Karin frowned at the scene. Yuzu got a long with Akuma very well, but he still made her uncomfortable. It was a bit unnerving to see her interact with him. It made her feel a little off about her. She was never so enthusiastic about it before.

She felt bad about thinking that way, but something felt a little off about Yuzu lately. She didn't really make her uncomfortable or anything, and she couldn't put her finger on what it was exactly. She was different somehow, it was subtle, but it was there.

She hung her head and thought on it for a moment. ôMaybe he's right? Maybe she's finding her power or something?ö She couldn't help but think that it might be because of Akuma if she was. That didn't sit well with her, but there wasn't anything she could do about it. ôMaybe I should talk with her about it or something?ö

Yuzu was cheerful and excited at the moment, and hanging from Akuma's neck while squealing with glee.

Karin looked a little sickened at the excitement over the idiot medium. ôMaybe later. No way I'm talking to her about it until she calms down.ö

OooOOooOO

TBC...

Next Time: Ghost Busting in Karakura town.
 

The Eromancer

Well-Known Member
#2
You are one sick little puppy to make Yuzu do that.... I love it!!
 

Gogolu

Active Member
#3
I was waiting for something like that. Nice.
 

Wakka

Well-Known Member
#4
And there's the utter dickery that a Carrot OC usually shows. Now we get to the good stuff.
 

holyknight

Well-Known Member
#6
The Eromancer said:
You are one sick little puppy to make Yuzu do that.... I love it!!
Indeed. Psycho- Yuzu rules...... :evil2: :snigger: Although, it would rock more, if Karin were to embrace guns.........
 

Genericrandom

Well-Known Member
#7
So I finally got around to reading this. As usual, it's completely awesome. Psycho!Yuzu is indeed totally awesome, and I like the point about jealousy. Jealous people can be ridiculously easy to manipulate. Heh, can't wait to see what comes next.
 
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