Target 9

It was pouring down rain and Ichigo was not happy about it.

Because, of course EVERY SINGLE hollow in the whole city wanted to come out and play NOW. Of all times, now.

As the orange-haired soul reaper's zanpakuto dismembered a hollow in seconds, his thoughts were surprisingly blank as they wandered from the task at hand.

Stupid rain.

Stupid hollows.

Stupid thing that was attempting to kill all his friends.

Stupid. Stupid. Idiots.

"Ichigo, are you feeling all right?" Rukia's old-fashioned way of speaking was unmistakable. Not that Ichigo really noticed that. He would always know that firm, wispy voice-

"I'm fine," Ichigo said, slicing a small, snake-like hollow in half. "Just thinkin' bout Hanatarou and the psycho that's after you all. Yeah, I'm just fine."

Very suddenly Rukia was next to him, shoving her elbow into his ribs. "Don't be sarcastic with me."

Ichigo picked her up by the back of her robs. "Whatever. Let's just finish this up, I'm tired and wet."

"Suck it up and put me down, brat!"

With a laugh, Ichigo complied. "Eight more, I'll do six and you take care of two, 'kay?"

"I can handle four! Split it even!"

"...OK, I'll do five-"

"EVEN!"

Ichigo didn't answer, but instead snatched Rukia's sleeve and yanked her out of the way of a blazing red Cero. It impacted with another hollow. The creature fizzled out of existence with an ear-splitting roar.

"One retard down..." A voice laughed from above the young couple's heads.

Rukia and Ichigo looked up, but another massive Cero flying to earth blocked their view of the speaker. Instinctively, Ichigo pulled Rukia behind him, but the blast apparently hadn't been aimed at them. Two more hollowed were killed.

"Two morons with one Cero, My Lady, very good." A deeper, raspy voice praised the first one.

"I know, I'm awesome, Ripclaw." The other was a female. She launched another volley of Ceros, obliterating the remaining hollows.

That was when Ichigo looked up and saw whoever had killed her own kind.

Red eyes. Red hair. Broken hollow mask. Arrancar!

And as her spiritual pressure hit him, he immediately recognized it from the traced on Renji and Hanatarou's wounds. "You're-"

"Arrancar Number 29, Peatra Aion-Vera? Why yes, I am." She moved to show her back, and Ichigo saw a large 29 tattooed on it before she turned around again. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Ichigo Kurosaki." The Arrancar's voice was rough, cold, like what ice sounds like when it breaks slowly.

"You attacked Renji and Hanatarou!" Rukia said in shock. Ichigo hadn't noticed her come out from behind her.

"Ummm... I don't know names, but might they be a redhead and a shortie?" Peatra's head tipped to one side, her arms crossed in front of her.

"Rukia, this is between me and her, OK? Stay back." Ichigo's brown eyes bet her wide indigo gaze.

"What! No, Ichi-"

"Between me and you? I agree with Rukia- 'What!'" Peatra's hands moved to her hips. "I'm disgusted with the mere thought of targeting you," she continued, beginning to walk down invisible steps made of rietsu. The large, dog-like hollow with massive claws followed, his yellow eyes narrowed.

"No, Ichigo Kurosaki." Red eyes were slits of cold murderous intent.

"It's Rukia I want."