The Wolf of Karakura

Disclaimer: Bleach is the creation of Tite Kubo.

Awakening

Tatsuki rolled over onto her knees, as she saw Orihime launching her attack.

"It will not be enough. There is no killing intent behind the blow," growled a rough voice in her ear. "Stand warrior, and strike."

Orihime let a gasp of shock as she saw the hollow still standing after Tsubaki had struck it.

"Foolish child, such a weak blow can not finish one such as me. You and your friend shall be tasty snacks," taunted the hollow.

Then a flare of power brushed across Orihime's senses and she looked in the direction of the flare. Orihime let out a gasp, as she saw Tatsuki slowly getting to her feet, an aura of energy coruscating around her. The aura flared again, and Tatsuki was dressed in a dark blue keiko-gi and hakama with a light blue haori that had a pattern of large white diamonds around the bottom, and was holding a katana in her right hand. Tatsuki brought the blade up to eye level and grasped the back of the hilt with her left hand.

"So the little weakling wishes to fight again," growled the Hollow. "I shall enjoy feasting on both you."

"You made me hurt Orihime, freak, and that is unforgivable." Tatsuki shouted.

"And how will you stop me, fool. You could not injure me before, and your attack will not hurt me now," taunted the hollow again.

In what appeared to a single step, Tatsuki was suddenly in front of the hollow with her sword buried to the hilt in its mask. As the mask broke and the hollow disappeared, Tatsuki looked back at Orihime, smiled and said, "We got it good, didn't we." Then she collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut.

Looking down at the two girls, from the school roof, Urahara smiled. "Two of them this time. You have the most interesting friends, Ichigo. Come on, Tessai, let's get these two kids to the shop."

"Right away, sir." Tessai replied as he leaped down from the roof.