"A test of courage?" questioned Ryuji as he and Sekai were on their way to toss out some garbage.
"Yeah, I read it on the notice board this morning. The teachers are organizing this so the students can have fun," explained Sekai.
Ryuji scoffed, "Cheh, it's more likely they want to have fun with us." He asked, "Is it mandatory or something?"
"Oh, no, it's voluntary," said Sekai. "But there is a prize."
"So, they're gonna bribe us into participating," Ryuji deadpanned.
"You don't sound too excited," observed Sekai as they both arrived at the back of the school.
"Well, it's the last day of school before summer break starts," answered Ryuji as he dumped the garbage into the incinerator. "I got better things to do than to just come to some silly test of courage thing."
"Like what?" Sekai inquired as she took her turn and dumped the garbage she was carrying into the incinerator as well.
"Like curling up on the floor and resting my head in Koto-chan's soft lap," he answered.
Sekai quirked an eyebrow and said, "Yeah, I can see what you mean. You really do love Kotonoha-san."
"Well, she's my angel," he told Sekai. Sekai stared oddly at him. "What?"
"You've changed, Ryuji," Sekai pointed out. "I mean last year you were always angry and scowling at stuff but now you're mellow."
"I'm just glad to have Koto-chan, that's all," answered Ryuji. Actually, he was actually relieved that no more Imagin would be coming to cause trouble. With Nanimo locked up and the doorway which allowed the Imagin to cross into this timeline gone, they stopped coming. He would miss the battles with the Imagin but he wouldn't give up this peace for anything. "And, since today's the last day that means I won't have to deal with those groupies."
Sekai sweatdropped. The KLLA, SSSS and LLRB were still active. They were all united against Ryuji because he was 'hogging' their idols Kotonoha, Siera and Rina respectively. It surprised Sekai on how Kotonoha could get so many admirers, but maybe it was only after Kotonoha and Ryuji officially became a couple that they started to act out of petty jealousy that she was no longer available. Of course, if Kotonoha and Makoto were still dating then Makoto would be beaten to death by them. Ryuji could handle them all on his own, but he still had help from his sisters and Kenzaki from time to time.
"Yeah, I see what you mean. Those guys are insane. No matter how many times you send them to the hospital, they come back for more," said Sekai as they headed back to class.
"Hey, they keep me on my toes and give me good exercise," said Ryuji. "I just hope they don't attack me during summer break. Those guys need to get lives."
"And so we shall!" Ryuji and Sekai heard and both turned to see three male generic students. One was in a t-shirt, wearing red shorts and boxing gloves. He had on a headband with KLLA stamped across it. He stood between two other students. The one to his left wore the garb of the wrestling team, and the one to his right was wearing a karate gi. The wrestler wore a badge with SSSS on it and the karate guy wore the letters LLRB on his right sleeve.
"I shall never relinquish Kotonoha Katsura to you!" announced Boxer.
"And I shall free Siera from you!" exclaimed Karate.
"Even if we have to force you to free your hold on Rina!" proclaimed Wrestler.
Ryuji made a motion for Sekai to get going and she did. She said, "Good luck," before running off back to class. Ryuji eyed the three idiots before him and said, "OK, you guys, this is the last day of school. So, we can either not do this and I won't send you all to the hospital, or you can all spend the rest of summer vacation in body casts." The trio charged. "Yeah…that's what I thought."
"THE NIGHT BEFORE BREAK"
"Oh, Ryuji-kun," greeted Kotonoha as she saw her boyfriend enter the classroom. "You're late. Everyone's gone home already."
"I haven't," smirked Rina.
"We all waited to walk home with you," said Siera.
"Sure, whatever." Ryuji shrugged. He went to his desk and picked up his bag. "Let's go." They exited the classroom and walked down the hallway to the stairs.
Kotonoha asked, "Why were you late?"
"Sekai didn't tell you?" he questioned. She shook her head. "Let's just say I had to deal with three minor problems."
"He's…a monster…" groaned Karate as he was on the ground, twitching in pain and covered in bruises. Wrestler and Boxer were in the same condition. They were all stacked up in a neat pile, one on top of each other with Karate at the bottom, Boxer on top of him, and Wrestler at the top.
"Damn you, Ryuji Hasuma…" the trio said before a dog padded over, sniffed them, then peed on them.
Once arriving at their neighbourhood, Siera and Rina went into their own house as Kotonoha and Ryuji went into theirs. They were growing into close friends and even Kotonoha was starting to get along with them. She did have a problem with how Rina would flirt with Ryuji or throw herself at him but that was the way she was. Siera was sweet and demure and sometimes shy when alone with Ryuji. The two princesses genuinely loved Ryuji, but Kotonoha actually had nothing to fear since Ryuji had imprinted and chosen her as his bride. Still, Kotonoha didn't fully trust the two princesses but she did trust them enough to call them friends. They'd sympathised with her after her miscarriage and helped her out during her time of need along with Ryuji.
They didn't have to go to work today so Ryuji decided to ask, "Hey, Koto-chan, did you hear about that Test of Courage thing?"
"Of course," she nodded. "I even found out where they are going to be doing it."
"The school?" he questioned.
"No, a graveyard."
Ryuji blinked. "A graveyard? An actual graveyard? How did they get permission for that?"
"Oh, I asked around and found out that Warren-sensei and Rachel-sensei were responsible for organizing this event."
Ryuji frowned. He should've known his dear 'sempai' would be involved. If it involved ghost or cemeteries then it had to be him and his wife.
The Radish was still going with the Catgirl Maid and Catboy Butler theme as the staff waited tables and served customers. Among the staff were Kenzaki and Neko, sporting the Radish's new uniforms, including the gimmicks (cat ears and matching tails).
"A test of courage, tonight?" Kenzaki questioned as he behind the counter with Neko. They were on their break and there weren't many customers at the moment.
"Yup," nodded Neko. "You wanna go?"
"I guess," Kenzaki shrugged. "But tonight? It's our last day here."
"Then let's make it a date!" Neko gave Kenzaki a thumbs up before getting back to work.
"Boy, she has you on a tight leash, Kenny," said Kat who sat on a stool at the counter and facing Kenzaki. She was having a cup of coffee.
"Yeah," agreed Kenzaki. "But it's worth it." He watched as Neko took orders.
"You're whipped, Kenny, but it could be worse," commented Kat.
"Of course, Imouto," teased Kenzaki. Kat hissed in response.
"I still can't believe Mom adopted you into the family," muttered Kat.
Kenzaki was still allowed to keep his surname, but in the family records he was known 'officially' as Kenzaki Hasuma.
"Well, I deserved it after what I went through," stated Kenzaki.
"Well, enjoy it while it lasts. Mom is gonna expect you to be married and having kids soon."
Kenzaki changed the subject. "So, are you gonna go on this test of courage thing?"
"Cathy and Bobby want to go," answered Kat. "And as their guardians, Rose and I have to go too." She sipped her drink. "It's gonna be lame, I bet."
"Don't be too sure," said Neko as she went over. She'd overheard the conversation. "I heard Warren-sensei and Rachel-sensei helped to organize it."
"And knowing them, it's gonna be scary," Kenzaki chuckled.
"Hey, I've seen scarier," scoffed Kat. "I don't think anybody can make a school activity THAT scary."
"Don't underestimate those two," spoke Kenzaki.
"Whatever. I'll believe it when I see it." Kat yawned.
"Yay! Daddy! Can I come too?" Tessa asked as she bounced up and down in front of her father.
"Sorry, Tessa, it's gonna be after your bedtime," answered Warren. Tessa pouted. "And don't even try it. You're too young to be out that late."
"But I wanna go too," whined Tessa.
"Me too," added Alex.
"You heard your father," said Rachel. "It's going to be done late at night and you two shouldn't be out. You should be in bed before that."
"Yes, Mommy," the twins answered. They then ran off to their play room where Vash would look after them and play some games with them too.
"Heh, kids," snickered Warren. "What are you gonna do?"
"Well, speaking of kids, are we going to use our powers during the whole thing?" asked Rachel.
"To make it realistic, of course," said Warren.
"You just want to scare Kenzaki and Ryuji," Rachel deadpanned. She knew her husband well and how he liked to torture his two 'favourite' students. "How do you know they'll come anyway?"
"Oh, I know they won't want to look like complete sissies in front of their girlfriends, so they'll have to do it to prove their courage," answered Warren.
"And saving the world didn't count as courage?" she questioned.
"Aw, Rae!" Warren frowned. "Don't suck the fun out of this for me!"
"It's what I do."
It was later that night when Ryuji came over to Warren's for some sparing. Both were in the room Warren had set up for this type of thing. They started to circle each other before throwing blows. At the same time they made conversation.
"So, anyway, I heard you organised this 'test of courage' thing," said Ryuji as he dodged a kick.
"Yep," nodded Warren. "This kind of thing is always fun." He blocked a punch.
"You're taking this whole teacher thing way too seriously, you know?" Ryuji pointed out as he threw a right hook.
Warren ducked. "Well, there's a lot going on back on my world, so, I might as well fit in here," shrugged Warren. He then performed a roundhouse kick that hit Ryuji in the side.
"Guess you want your kids to grow up in a stable and peaceful environment?" Ryuji asked sarcastically. It was sarcastic because of the whole Imagin thing awhile back. He then leapt up to deal an axe kick but Warren rolled out of the way.
"Better than having them watch supervillains run around playing the heroes," grimaced Warren. He flipped back to his feet.
"What do you mean?" asked Ryuji as he started throwing punches.
Warren blocked and evaded each blow. "Ever since Stark, Pym and Richards pushed through with the SHRA, they've been hiring villains to hunt down heroes that won't register," explained Warren. "Damn Thunderbolts."
"Damn, things in your world are messed up. Heroes hiring villains? No wonder you prefer this and Ryuki's world," said Ryuji as he switched to using several front kicks.
"Well, I'm actually considered a wanted fugitive right now because I won't register. And being stuck in London gets really boring," Warren answered as he blocked the kicks with his hands.
"The Titans? What about them?" questioned Ryuji as he sidestepped a left hook but then got a right hook in the chest.
Warren was hopping on his feet as he got into a boxing stance. "They registered. The rest of my team moved back to London and are acting like Titans there."
"Guess you're still doing good. So, with you here, who's in charge in London?" Ryuji continued on the offensive, throwing a combination of kicks and punches at Warren.
"Integra, my boss from Hellsing," answered Warren. With his superior speed he was able tod dodge and block.
"Oh," grimaced Ryuji. Warren had told Ryuji about Integra a few times. "That woman that reminds me of Shadow sometimes?" He got sent tumbling to the mat by a hard punch to the face.
"Yep, that's the one. My buddy Sammy is field commander though." Warren was swept off his feet by a sweep kick.
"Good. You know, from how his armor looks, he looks like a Kamen Rider. Have you told him that?" Ryuji asked. The two sparring partners flipped back to their feet before circling each other again.
"Yeah, I did," nodded Warren. "He's been calling himself the Hell Rider."
"Fitting, since he's named 'Iblis'. Still, it's funny how he can snag a girl like Blackfire."
"Eh, she fell for his personality," shrugged Warren.
"Whatever you say. So, tonight at ten at the cemetery, huh?"
"Yep" said Warren. "Got a few surprise guests coming too."
"It better be worth my time. Oh, and I learnt a new trick. Wanna see? I haven't tested it out in combat yet."
"Sure, let's see it…" Warren challenged.
"Hope you don't catch a cold," smirked Ryuji.
Ryuji then began to recite:
"I am the bone of my blade.
Ice is my body, and frost is my blood.
I have fought many battles.
Unknown to warmth.
Nor known to cold.
Have withstood the pain of fighting many battles.
Yet, those hands will freeze everything.
So as I say, 'Eternal Frost's Realm'."
The spell activated, transporting Ryuji and Warren to a frozen tundra with a powerful blizzard blowing, blue flames shooting out of the ground like geysers and spikes of ice jutting out from the ground. "This provides me the home field advantage, so it was totally worth it," smiled Ryuji.
A pair of ice swords shot out of the ground and Ryuji grabbed the handles, holding them horizontally with the blades pointing outwards. "So, are we gonna stand here and twiddle our thumbs, or are we gonna get down to some real business?" asked Ryuji.
Warren answered by summoning his claymore. "Let's see what you've got, kohai," grinned the teacher.
They then charged at each other with their weapons.
That night at the cemetery there was a large group of students who'd come to participate. It seemed like a big deal if they were all here.
"So, you guys came, huh?" asked Ryuji as he noticed Kenzaki and Neko in the crowd.
"Neko convinced me," shrugged Kenzaki.
"It sounded like fun. One last thing to do before we leave," said Neko as she wrapped her arms around Kenzaki's arm.
"You're both leaving?" asked Kotonoha. She knew of their job as bounty hunters and didn't want to lose her friends.
"Well, Nanimo was stopped…" began Kenzaki. "And Neko wants to show me around her hometown."
"Plus, we are bounty hunters so we need to get back to work again," added Neko. "Still, it was fun playing school students, ne, Ken-kun?"
"Yeah, it was. It felt strange to be slightly normal for a change," said Kenzaki.
"Normal is relative," shrugged Ryuji. "Well, wonder what Warren will have us do?"
"These candles must be a clue," said Kotonoha as she held up a black candle.
"Alright, listen up, people!" called Warren through a wireless microphone, getting everyone's attention. With him was Rachel. "OK, the rules are simple. At the other side of the cemetery there's a shrine. You gotta light your candle there and bring it back here. There are traps and obstacles between here and there. Now, I hope you all have fun!" Warren then added, "Oh, and watch out for evil spirits."
"Warren-sensei has a weird sense of what's supposed to be fun," said Makoto.
"Aw, cheer up, Makoto!" said Sekai as she kissed his cheek.
"So, Itou, Sekai dragged you along too?" asked Ryuji.
"It's a couple's thing, she said," answered Makoto.
Rina and Siera were stuck together. "This is so unfair!" complained Rina. "I wanted to be paired with my darling!"
"It's okay, Rina," said Siera, trying to calm down her cousin.
"Ladies, need a partner?" asked Vash as he suddenly popped up with Taisuke.
"Two strong men at your service," posed Taisuke as he and Vash flexed their muscles.
"Buzz off!" scowled Rina.
"Oh, come on! If we don't get any girls we'll be stuck together!" groaned Vash.
"And this kind of thing is great with the opposite sex!" added Taisuke.
"As the girl is frightened, she leaps into her man's arms!" finished Vash.
"Cheh, they need lives," scoffed Kat.
"I agree. They are too desperate for their own good," agreed Rose.
Kat nodded and noticed another familiar pair. "Oi, Hikari, so you're with ghost-boy here?" asked Kat.
"Yup," smiled Hikari. "Beni-kun will protect me, right, Beni-kun?"
"Of course I will Hikari-chan!" proclaimed Benitora.
"And, the pairs that can complete this test all get a free coupon to eat at a high class, 5 star hotel restaurant, at the very top floor, which has a panoramic view of the whole city!" announced Warren.
That got all the kids fired up.
"Yes, I get to have a romantic dinner with Cathy!" said Bobby happily.
"Please, be my brave knight, good sir," swooned Cathy as she hugged Bobby.
"Yes, my lady!" said Bobby.
'Why can't I go? Why? Why? Why?' complained Koneko in Neko's head.
'Koneko-chan, it's past your bedtime,' answered Neko.
"Alright, line up, people," called Warren. "And no fighting. You'll all get your chance. You'll have to take turns."
"Great, this is a long line," grumbled Kat sarcastically.
"I have a feeling something bad is going to happen tonight," said Rose as she looked around.
"You worry too much, Rosie-chan. The Imagin are gone," said Kat.
"I know, but it's a feeling…call it instinct," said Rose.
"Is it a vision?" asked Kat.
"Well, I saw dark figures. Big ones," answered Rose.
Kat frowned seriously. She knew Rose's visions were accurate. She always had brief glimpses into the future and since Rose was never really wrong Kat never ignored her worries.
"We'll keep an eye out then," said Kat as she took Rose's hand.
Shortly after, two by two, the couples went in one at a time. It didn't take long for each pair to run out of the cemetery and back at the starting point in absolute terror. This was starting to make those who hadn't gone in nervous.
"S-Sekai!" stammered Makoto. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?" After the 8th couple came running out screaming like they'd seen ghosts, Makoto was starting to get a little freaked out. He knew this was all make-believe, but even this was starting to scare him.
His girlfriend, however, wasn't deterred. "Oh, come on, Makoto! Where's your sense of adventure?"
"It ran back home," mumbled Makoto.
Ryuji himself was wondering what had scared the other pairs so much to make them run like that. Knowing Warren, it could be anything. He could've used his powers in tandem with Rachel's to make anything happen.
Of course, Ryuji couldn't be anymore wrong. The truth was that Warren had asked for some help from a few friends.
"Alright, we're next!" said Sekai excitedly as she dragged Makoto in. Makoto was trying to protest but Sekai was incredibly strong.
"Gambatte, Makoto-kun, Sekai-san!" Kotonoha encouraged.
"Try not to piss in your pants, Itou!" Ryuji added, earning a glare from his fiancée. "What?"
"I don't think it's nice for you to pick on Makoto-kun like that," chided Kotonoha.
"Come on, Koto-chan, I was just teasing!" Ryuji replied.
"Sides, you're one to talk," said Kenzaki tauntingly. "I mean, didn't you freak out when we went camping that one time?"
Ryuji glowered. He remembered how he'd dragged Warren through the forest as he ran. "You know I can't fight ghosts. My fists will just go through them."
"Tell that to someone who cares," Kenzaki said as he rolled his eyes.
"You want to get your ass kicked, Kenzaki!" snapped Ryuji angrily.
"Like you ever could," Kenzaki shot back.
"Oh, I can," Ryuji said with his eyes narrowed. Kenzaki glared right back.
"Ryuji-kun!" Kotonoha cried.
"Ken-kun!" added Neko.
"Yamette kudasai!" both girls finished.
Ryuji and Kenzaki sighed and calmed down.
Meanwhile, Makoto and Sekai were walking through the cemetery. The lack of light coupled with the silence was unnerving. The only sound he ever heard was the wind and some crickets. Sekai, however, was confidently leading the way and holding the candle.
Makoto heard something and whispered, "What was that!"
"Just the wind, Makoto," assured Sekai. "Now, come on, I think I see the shrine!"
It was strange that they hadn't seen anything that could've been responsible for making the others couple flee, but then Makoto was sure that he saw something move in the distance. "Sekai…I don't think we're alone."
Sekai snorted, "Probably one of the teachers playing with us, Makoto."
"I sure hope so…" he whimpered.
Suddenly, they were 'attacked'.
At the starting point, people heard a pair of feminine screams. This shocked Kotonoha and caused her to latch onto Ryuji. Her breasts were pressed against his chest and he grinned while holding onto her waist.
"Oh, dear!" the girl whimpered.
"Don't worry," whispered Ryuji softly, "I'll protect you."
Makoto and Sekai both ran back out of the cemetery with their skin as white as sheets and eyes as wide as dinner plates. Once they were sure they were safe, they panted and gasped for breath.
"Sorry, but it looks like you both fail," said Warren in sympathy.
"Sensei, there's something in there!" Sekai pointed.
"Is that what made you both hit the high notes?" Rachel deadpanned. Makoto blushed, humiliated.
"Alright, who's next?" asked Warren. A few had already gone home after the seeing the first few couples' reactions. This brought down the number of competition, leaving just a handful of them. "Anyone brave enough to win the coupons?"
Back in the cemetery, there was howling laughter.
"Man, this is the most fun I've had in centuries!" laughed a large man with crazy spiked hair with bells at the tips, an eye patch and dressed in black. "Smith sure knows what gives me a good laugh! Scaring mortals! Hah! They scare easily!"
"Ken-chan!" exclaimed a little girl as she climbed up on top of him. "Here come some more!" She was also in black and had pink hair. "So, what are you gonna do to these ones?"
"Hm…not sure let." A psychotic smile appeared on his face. "I'll improvise!"
Benitora's eyes narrowed. When he concentrated, he could actually sense a couple of Shinigami's reiatsus but then they flickered out like lights. He blinked in confusion. What was going on?
"Beni-kun, what's wrong?" asked Hikari. "You seem anxious." Both she and Benitora were the next pair walking into the cemetery. It didn't look so bad right now. There was nothing scary about the cemetery at night. It was just eerie with the crickets chirping and the fog rolling by.
"Nothing, Hikari-chan," he replied. He didn't what to worry her. He looked up at the sky and said, "The stars look lovely tonight."
"They do," agreed Hikari. "The sky's really clear so you can see them."
"Back in Hueco Mundo, you don't see stars in the sky. It's like an eternally dark void," said Benitora.
"Beni-kun, I know I shouldn't ask, but what kind of Hollow were you before you…changed?" asked Hikari tentatively.
"Hm…I can't really remember. But, given my released state I'd have to assume something feline. Probably similar to a tiger," answered Benitora. It was true. He didn't remember most of his life as a Hollow, or even as a Menos for that matter. He had faced a few Shinigami, but now it was mostly a blur. Since becoming an Arrancar, he had spent most of his time trying to stay out of trouble. There was only one thing he remembered as a Menos. He was one of the strongest of their species. He was known as a Vasto Lorde Menos.
"I guess that makes-" A sudden rustle caused her to jump onto Benitora. "What was that!" She felt his hands on her shoulders and looked up. "Beni-kun?"
"It's alright, I'll always protect you, Hikari-chan," stated Benitora. Hikari blushed. She felt safe in his arms. "I see the shrine ahead."
"Great!" Hikari said cheerfully. "When we come back with our candle lit, we can go on a really fancy date!"
"I look forward to it," said Benitora with a nod.
"I haven't heard any screaming yet," observed Taisuke.
"Benitora's a tough guy," said Vash. "I don't think anything can scare him." Well, Benitora was technically a ghost too, so Vash doubted a pretend ghost could scare a real ghost.
Ryuji went up to Warren and asked, "Hey, Warren, what exactly is in there scaring everyone?" He was asking because he didn't want Kotonoha to get hurt or traumatized.
"Well, you see, I…" Warren began but then heard a shrill shriek. "Heh, looks like we got a couple more victims."
Ryuji cocked an eyebrow but when he looked up at the sky his eyes went wide.
"Oh…shit!" he cursed. There were dark figures flying in the sky and they weren't birds. Judging by their size they were huge, bigger than humans, but not gigantic and the holes in their chests as well as the masks they wore further identified what they were.
"Hollows!" shouted Ryuji. "Here!"
"Hollows?" Warren stared up at the sky. Why hadn't he detected them?
"MONSTERS!"
The remaining participants screamed in terror as these strange monsters suddenly appeared.
The demonic spirits were all hovering in the air. They all varied in form. Some looked bestial, others insectoid, and a fair number looked demonic. They all did share the same skeletal masks which hid their human faces underneath and just made them look plain ferocious. They also had holes where their hearts once were but were now empty gaps within their very souls.
Since they crossed into this world, which had strange properties for first-timers who came here, they were visible to everyone.
"AHH! MONSTERS!" shouted Taisuke.
"RUN AWAY!" shrieked Vash. He may be brave, but even he had limits, so he and Taisuke ran with their tails between their legs. The other participants followed their example and fled as well.
One Hollow was flying straight for Kotonoha and opened its jaws wide. She screamed, but fortunately for her, a dark knight had come to her aid.
POW!
Ryuji's fist managed to knock the Hollow backwards, cracking its mask on impact. It was a good thing that Hollows were corporeal despite being spirits, so Ryuji had no trouble fighting them.
"Koto-chan, take cover!" said Ryuji.
Kotonoha nodded and was about to run when all of a sudden a green haze of energy entered her body and changed her. Her hair was in a ponytail with a green streak and her eyes flashed green.
"Sorry, but it's been a long time since we've fought together," said A-Kotonoha.
"Athena, now's not the time to use Koto-chan's body!" snapped Ryuji.
"Don't order me around!" A-Kotonoha shot back. "With me guiding Lady Kotonoha's actions, we can't fail!" She brandished Kotonoha's signature dozuki.
Ryuji knew there was no way he could force Athena out without harming Kotonoha. "Fine…" he relented, "But at the first sight of trouble, you run!"
A Hollow lunged at A-Kotonoha from behind…
SLASH!
…And subsequently lost its head. The dozuki blade had sawed right through its neck, splattering black blood on the ground.
"I can handle myself," boasted A-Kotonoha.
Ryuji sighed and mumbled about arrogant Amazons with huge egos.
Warren watched all the Hollows appeared; ready to cause death and carnage. "I can't have one night of peace, can I?" sighed Warren. He summoned his zanpakuto. "OK, let's get this over with…"
Rachel allowed her dark energy to engulf her before changing her clothes into her battle uniform. She raised her dark hood and said to Warren, "Let's do this." She was now Raven, former member of the Titans.
Gekiryuken's blade sliced through a Hollow's midsection as Neko swung. It was a good thing that the 'normies' were gone. Normies were people without powers or special abilities. Well, with them gone, she could cut loose and attack.
"Neko, behind you!" she heard and spun around just in time to see Tenrou's blade impale the Hollow's head from behind. It disintegrated upon death and Neko was relieved to see her fiancé defending her.
"Thank you, Ken-kun," she said gratefully.
"Hey, you're my girl," said Kenzaki with a smile. "I have to protect you. Can't risk losing you."
"That's so sweet…"
"RAIGO DAN!"
BOOM!
A Hollow exploded from the energy ball colliding with it as Kat yelled to the couple, "Make eyes at each other later! Fight!"
"She's got the right idea," agreed Neko.
"Right, fight now, make out later," said Kenzaki.
Benitora was carrying Hikari bridal style and running through the cemetery, dodging strikes left and right. Hikari was his main concern. He had to get her to safety before going to fight the Hollows.
"Beni-kun!" cried Hikari as the Hollows began to advance on them.
"Hold on!" warned Benitora as he sped up, escaping the Hollows.
Kenpachi laughed insanely as he began slashing madly at the Hollows. Yachiru was over on the sidelines cheering him on. "Yay, Ken-chan!"
Ryuji looked at Kenpachi and his eyes widened. "You brought that psycho here!" shouted Ryuji.
"What?" shrugged Warren. "He's good at scaring people." Both he and Ryuji witnessed Kenpachi slashing at the Hollows.
"Somehow, I'm not surprised," sighed Ryuji. "Would've thought you'd use your own powers, though."
"He's my former Captain," answered Warren. "I know not to butt in when he's having a good time."
"And he just had to bring Chibi Pinku-chan with him, huh?"
The pink haired girl looked at Ryuji and Warren and smiled brightly. "Hi Ryu-Ryu! Hi Oni-chan!" She waved at them, as if unaware of the Hollows around her.
"Should've known," muttered Ryuji. He still couldn't believe she was a lieutenant of all things. He summoned his Ifrit Dao and charged at a couple of Hollows that resembled mantises. They tried to strike at him but he evaded them and jumped up to slice both their heads off with his blades.
One by one the Hollows were being cut down by the warriors. Benitora and Hikari showed up and the Arrancar ushered her away to safety. He didn't want her to be put in any danger in this fight. He eyed the Shinigami Captain and bristled before drawing out his own Zanpakuto. These lesser Hollows had ruined his fun night with Hikari and now they were going to pay.
Like Warren and Kenpachi, Benitora began slicing the Hollow's to bits. Both Warren and Benitora were annoyed. They had just wanted a fun night together with their loved ones. Instead, they had to deal with these monsters. Kenpachi didn't mind, but then again, Kenpachi Zaraki was a certified lunatic.
"Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!" Raven chanted and she sent blasts of dark energy at the Hollows which tore them apart. A dark ball of energy crackled between her hands and then she sent it flying into a Hollow, blowing it up into pieces.
Neko stood back to back with A-Kotonoha. Her eyes went to the dozuki her possessed friend was holding. "Excuse me!" said Neko quickly as she grabbed onto the blunt side of the blade and absorbed its properties. Her entire body, skin, clothes, and hair all became coated in solid steel. Now she was properly protected. "Thanks!"
"No problem," nodded A-Kotonoha, blushing a little.
Since these Hollows were weak, there was no need for any of the Riders to transform. It was just as well. There was no need to waste any valuable energy on these fiends.
Once all the Hollows were slain, they all faded away, leaving nothing behind. They were either purified or just erased, depending on what had slain them.
"Hahahaha!" laughed Kenpachi as he slapped Warren on the back. "That was great!"
"Glad you liked it," sighed Warren. He then noticed that Zaraki was staring at Benitora.
"Hey!" shouted the Shinigami captain as he approached Benitora. "You're the Arrancar right?" Benitora nodded. "Good, I could use a real fight after that warm up…"
"Leave my Beni-kun alone!" scolded Hikari as she latched onto Benitora.
"Damn women!" snorted Kenpachi. Yachiru then leapt onto Kenpachi's shoulders and hung on tight to her spot. "Well, Smith, I have to go. If you need anything, give me a call. You know my number."
"Will do," said Warren. He watched as Kenpachi and Yachiru shunpoed away. With a smile he turned to look at the others who were staring back at him. "What?"
"Warren, you owe us dinner…" said Ryuji simply.
Several days later, at a 5 Star Hotel, in the restaurant at the top with a panoramic view…
At a large round table, clad in formal wear, were Warren, Rachel, Teresa, Ryuji, Kotonoha, Benitora, Hikari, Neko, Kenzaki, Kat, Rose, Cathy and Bobby. The guys were all dressed in three-piece suits and the girls were in evening gowns that enhanced their natural beauty.
"You know, Warren, I was having doubts about this free dinner deal," admitted Ryuji. "But at least I know you come through."
"Well, just remember that I paid for all this," muttered Warren. The coupons had, unfortunately, been destroyed in the battle with the Hollows that night so Warren had to pay for dinner using his own wallet.
"Hey, we stayed and fought," said Kat. "So, we earned this fair and square."
"That's right," added Bobby. "Big Sis won this for us." Bobby had been busy helping Rose and Cathy escape from the Hollows, which would explain his absence in the fight. He did slay a few who'd tried to make a grab for Cathy.
Hikari felt a little embarrassed, but since she was with Benitora she was okay with it. She enjoyed her dinner with him as well. She would've preferred eating alone with just Benitora, but this was nice too.
"So, does anyone have any plans for summer?" asked Kotonoha. She hadn't remembered much about the fight as Athena had hijacked her body. Ryuji had to tell her what happened.
"Ken-kun and I are going to be doing what we do best," said Neko. "Capturing criminals and claiming the rewards."
"Dangerous work, but it's well worth it," added Kenzaki.
"Well, we're going to go and see Slade-sama," said Kat. "It's been awhile seen we last saw him. I bet he misses us." She then asked, "Hey, Neko-chan, mind if we hitched a ride on the GaroLiner?"
Kenzaki was ready to protest but Neko beat him to it, "Sure, you bet!"
"Awesome!" said Kat happily before she continued to chow down.
"Well, as for me, I'm going to have some fun this summer," said Ryuji. What did he mean by that? Most would mean the beach or just relaxing at home…but this was Ryuji we were talking about.
Later that night, the city slept, but they had a silent guardian. He was the dark knight of Sakakino City, and a hero they could count on…and I don't mean Batman.
"Let's ride," said Ryuji as he sped out of an alley, dressed in black, and into the streets.
Looks like this Rider wasn't going to be taking a break. Well, what else would you expect from Ryuji Hasuma, who was also known as Kamen Rider Ifrit?
SUMMER DAYS