Masked Angel

A/N: Hello again, sorry I took so long to update but I'm finally ready to start up again. My thanks to Taeniaea for reviewing once again.

Disclaimer: For anyone who still reads this I still don't own any part of Bleach or Digimon.

Chapter 9: The Century's Premier Tag Team!

Ugh, how can anybody talk so much? Kari thought irritably as she took a sip of her juice. For the past hour Don Kanonji had been regaling the Kamiya family with tales of his exploits. She'd hoped that when her parents came home they would put a stop to it but they just jumped on the bandwagon. Kari sighed as Kanonji continued his third story.

"Then, just when I thought it was over, a horrible monster appeared on the roof of the hospital. I knew immediately that it was an evil demon sent to avenge the spirit I had just cleansed!"

So far Kanonji had only made one attempt to steer the conversation toward Kari's 'unusual aura' and one well placed kick to the shin put a stop to that. But Kari knew the night wouldn't end until Kanonji had a chance to discuss it with her.

"What did the monster look like?" Tai asked, barely able to contain himself. Kanonji paused to build the tension before he continued.

"It was easily twice my size with a frog's body. It arms were tipped with razor sharp claws and it's face was covered by a terrible white mask."

Kari gasped and Gatomon almost choked on her drink.

"There was also a large hole in it's chest, as though it's very heart had been cut out!"

A Hollow!? Kari thought as Kanonji finished his description. I knew he'd seen one before but I can't believe he's dumb enough to talk about them in front of normal people!

"How awful!" Mrs. Kamiya exclaimed. "How did you defeat such a horrible thing?" Kanonji placed one hand on his chin assuming the classic 'thinkers' pose. Everyone unconsciously leaned forward, including Kari and Gatomon whose interests in the story increased about a thousand points.

"I must admit," he began slowly. "If I had attempted to subdue that beast on my own I might not have survived the encounter. Fortunately that wasn't the case, for my Number One Disciple was there at my side ready to assist me in battle!"

"Your 'Number One Disciple'?" Mr. Kamiya asked. Kanonji simply nodded and continued.

"While I held the monster in place with Super Spirit Cane, my courageous Disciple drew his own powerful weapon The Shimmering Blade of Justice!"

Blade? A Soul Reaper! Kari realized. He knows another Soul Reaper! That definitely explains a lot.

"With one mighty swing my Disciple cleaved the enemy's head in two, banishing it from this world for all time!" While Kari's family applauded the finale Kanonji snuck a sideways glance at Kari. She gave him a quick nod to show that she understood his no-so-subtle hint and stood up.

"I'll be right back." She said calmly as she walked toward the bathroom, Gatomon right on her heels.


Once inside Kari locked to door behind her and turned on the faucet to drown out her and Gatomon's conversation.

"What do you think Kari?" Gatomon began. "If he met a Soul Reaper before does that mean he knows you're one too?"

"He has to. Why else would he be here?" Gatomon nodded at her partner's logic.

"So what are we going to do?" Kari thought for a second before sighing in defeat.

"I might as well give him what he wants. Hand me the Gikongan." Gatomon nodded and pulled the small pill from her glove. She hesitated, however, as she handed it over to Kari.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Kari paused with the pill half-way to her mouth.

"What do you mean?"

"Katsuda gave you a break from training so you could recover your strength. Don't you think you should be resting instead of wasting your energy humoring a TV star?" Kari gave her a weak smile before responding.

"You're probably right. But it's not like he wants to fight me. Whatever he wants I'm pretty sure he's harmless." Gatomon raised an eyebrow.

"'Pretty sure?'" Kari giggled and swallowed the Gikongan. With only a slight stumble Kari's soul form emerged from her body leaving the substitute behind. She stretched her arms a bit before turning off the water and faced Gatomon and her double.

"Okay," she began. "Here's what we're going to do."


When Kari emerged from the bathroom Tai couldn't help but notice she seemed a bit peppier than when she went in. She had a big smile on her face and she was humming some made-up kid's song as she made her way to the front door with Gatomon.

"Uh, Kari?" Tai asked. Kari pirouetted on the spot so she was facing the group.

"Yes, Tai?" She said brightly.

"What are you doing." Kari was about to answer but suddenly cut herself of and placed a finger on her chin like she'd forgotten what she was going to say. Tai failed to notice Gatomon smack her paw against her forehead.

"Oh!" Kari said after a second . "Gatomon said she was feeling cooped up so I'm just going to let her out so she can get some exercise!" Tai looked over to Gatomon who simply chuckled and gave a quick nod.

"Okay, if you say so." Mrs. Kamiya leaned back in her seat and called out.

"I'll be starting dinner soon so don't take too long. Okay, Gatomon?"

"Yes, ma'am." Gatomon replied as Kari opened the front door for her. She stepped out and waited a few seconds before Kari closed the door.

"Bye-Bye sweetie." Kari cooed before completely shutting the door and heading back toward the family room. As she took her seat Don Kanonji cleared his throat and stood up.

"I suppose I should take my leave as well." He gave them a slight bow before continuing "It was truly a pleasure meeting all of you and I'm sorry to have taken so much of your time this evening." Mrs. Kamiya smile sweetly and waved off his apology as she entered the kichen.

"Oh, it was our pleasure. Feel free to stop by again if you're ever in town."

"Why thank you, I just might take you up on that." With that Kanonji gathered his hat and cane and walked toward the door with Tai, Agumon, and Mr. Kamiya acting as escorts. They came to a stop at the front door just as Kanonji crossed the threshold.

"Again, thank you for your hospitality."

"Anytime," Mr. Kamiya said. "We'd invite you to dinner but…well…umm…" Tai leaned forward and whispered.

"Mom's cooking is probably more dangerous than evil spiri-AHH!!" Tai was suddenly cut off when a large knife imbedded itself in the door frame.

"Oh, my goodness how clumsy of me." Mrs. Kamiya said as she moved toward the door. "That knife just flew right out of my hands. I really need to be more careful." With small effort she pulled the knife from the door and smiled brightly at Kanonji. "Have a pleasant evening and be sure to come visit us again."

"Umm, Y-Yes I certainly will," Kanonji struggled to regain his composure and bowed deeply. "Thank you for a lovely time." With that he quickly walked toward the elevator.

After shutting the door Yuuko turned back to her son and husband.

"Honey." She said causing him to flinch.

"Y-Yes, D-Dear?" His wife smiled before responding.

"Would you please set the table for me?"

"Yes Ma'am!" He practically screamed as he got to work.

"Tai, Agumon. Go and wash you hands for dinner."

"Yes Ma'am!" Both exclaimed as they ran into the bathroom. Yuuko giggled as she deftly tossed the knife in the air and caught it a few times.

"Hee Hee. I've still got it."


When Kanonji entered the elevator he was only slightly surprised to find Kari and Gatomon inside waiting for him.

"Well, now that we're alone perhaps we can-" Kari raised her hand cutting off Kanonji's speech.

"I'm only walking you as far as your car so let's get straight to the point. Why did you come here?" Kanonji paused for a second to gather his thoughts then cleared his throat.

"As sad as I am to say it my show's rating have dropped like a lead weight. For some reason viewers are losing interest in my exploits and I can't explain why." Kari rolled her eyes

Could it be that to normal people you're just shouting at empty space for an hour?

"But when I saw you this afternoon and sensed your power I came up with a brilliant idea to save my show! If you came to the set in this form and played the part of a bad spirit I could-"

"Here's our stop." Kari stated as the elevator doors opened. As she walked out Kanonji panicked and chased after her on his knees.

"Wait! Please! I'm begging you I can't go back to doing used car commercials! Please!" Kari and Gatomon groaned at Kanonji's behavior, not sure whether to feel pity or disgust. "I'm not asking for much! All you'd have to do is knock some things off of a shelf or-or maybe brush against somebody in the audience, that's it!"

"I'm sorry, but" Kari sighed before continuing. "I just don't think it'd be right to use my powers like th-" Her apology was cut off when she and Gatomon gasped at a sudden, unpleasant feeling.

A Hollow? Now? Kari asked herself. These things really have a bad sense of timing!

"Oh!" Kari and Gatomon looked to Kanonji who was back on his feet, looking into the distance. "Yes, I feel it, an evil spirit has just appeared and is preparing to wreak havoc! This is perfect! If we join forces in battle we will, without a doubt, emerge victorious and then-"

"Let's go Gatomon!" Kanonji turned back just in time to see Kari scoop Gatomon into her arms and take off running toward the Hollow's position at top speed.

"Hey! Wait for me!" As quickly as he could Kanonji entered his car and sped off after her.


Less than a minute later Kari spotted the Hollow stalking a little girl on her way home. From atop a small building Kari watched as the girl and the Hollow approached and prepared to strike. She took a deep breath and whispered to Gatomon.

"As soon as I attack get the girl and take her to safety until it's over."

"Gotcha." Gatomon replied, not taking her eyes off the Hollow.

It crawled on all fours and seemed unusually thin for a Hollow. It's mask was fairly unremarkable except for a pair of small horns on it's head. What really caught her attention was what looked like flaps of skin connecting it's arms to it's legs.

Kari took another deep breath and drew her zanpakuto. This was her first time facing a Hollow on her own. This time, however, she knew she was ready.

Here goes!

SCREEEEE!!

Just when Kari was going to jump Kanonji's car came to a screeching halt less than ten feet from the Hollow. Kanonji himself emerged shortly after and struck a dramatic pose.

"Evil spirit, prepare to be destroyed! For you face the Certury's Premire Spiritualist and the Embodiment of Justice Don Kanonji! BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!" The Hollow barely turned it's head to acknowledge Kanonji. The little girl on the other hand…

"Oh, wow! Don Kanonji! Awesome! Can I have your autograph Mr. Kanonji?!" She started running toward her hero passing directly in front of the Hollow who lifted it's hand to crush the unsuspecting girl.

As it brought it's hand down a small white blur slammed into the girl and pulled her to safety. The Hollow's fist smashed into the street cracking the cement and several of it's fingers. It howled in pain and looked up to see Gatomon standing before it and the girl passed out next to her.

"Now Kari!" she shouted.

The Hollow looked up just in time to see the brown-haired Soul Reaper diving towards it, sword poised for a killing blow. It lifted it's arm just in time to block the strike but the blade still sliced halfway through it's wrist rendering the hand useless. As Kari touched down the Hollow stood up on it's hind legs and took a swing at her with it's uninjured hand. Shifting her stance Kari swung her sword at the offending limb, warding off the blow and giving it a deep cut across it's fingers.

With another enraged howl the Hollow lifted both of it's arms. Suddenly the flaps of skin under its arms stiffened giving them the appearance of…

Wings! It's trying to escape!

"Oh no you don't!" She moved to finish the Hollow but it nimbly jumped away from her and spread it's wings as wide as it could.

Right as it was taking off, however, a sharp object pierced it's left wing. In a panic the Hollow tried to shake the object off but that only caused it to further rip the thin membrane. Once it cut all the way through the Hollow stumbled backward and was surprised to see Kanonji standing there with a long staff-like weapon in his hands.

"You should be grateful." He began. "For you are the first opponent to taste the wrath of the Super Spirit Javelin!" Gatomon eyed the object.

"Isn't that a garden tool?" Kanonji nearly face planted.

"No, it isn't! This is an incredibly powerful spirit weap-OHH!!" Kanonji's retort was cut off when Kari tackled him to the ground just as the Hollow tried to crush him.

Recovering quickly she attacked the Hollow with another downward slash. The Hollow stopped the strike with it's forearm and again Kari's blade cut deep into it's flesh. This time, however, the Hollow grabbed her sword with it's free hand, holding it and Kari in place. As Kari struggled to pull her sword free the Hollow growled fiercly and pulled her closer to its drooling maw. As it attempted to sink it's teeth in Kari's shoulder a sudden burst of spirit energy pulled it, and Kari's, attention back to Kanonji.

"BWHAAAAA!!" he screamed as a tiny ball of light appeared in his hand. "Take this! Kanonji Ultimate Attack! Golden Cannonball!"

Kanonji thrust his hand forward and launched the small energy attack. Both the Hollow and Kari watched as Kanonji's special attack floated gingerly past Kari's head and made contact with the Hollows left shoulder.

BOOM

With an explosive blast the Hollows arm was completely obliterated forcing it to pull away from Kari. As the Hollow roared in agony Kari turned back to Kanonji in shock. The T.V. hero simply gave her a thumbs-up and smiled.

"He's all yours, kid. Go ahead and finish the job." Kari returned his smile and leapt at the Hollow.

Just as it recovered from Kanonji's surprise attack Kari flew past the Hollow's head, slicing it clean from it's neck as she passed by. The defeated beast crumpled to the ground and disintegrated as Kari replaced her sword in it's sheath.


"Goodbye Mr. Kanonji! Goodbye Kitty! Thank you for saving me!" the girl called out to Kanonji and Gatomon as she ran home. When she came to Kanonji quickly explained how he and his 'spirit familiar' saved her from an evil spirit that was trying to kidnap her. Kari figured that since Kanonji's story seemed unbelievable enough it wasn't necessary to alter the girl's memory. Once she was out of sight Kanonji turned to Kari who quickly smiled and extended her hand.

"Thanks. If you weren't here to help I'm not sure what would've happened." Kanonji shook her hand and returned her smile.

"Think nothing of it. Even we heroes need help from time to time." Kari's smile fell as they released their grip.

"Listen, I'm really grateful but I still can't-"

"Oh, don't worry about that." Kanonji interrupted. "In fact, I feel I must apologize for even asking such an thing from a friend."

"That's okay. You were just-"

"Besides, I just came up with an even more brilliant idea! Everyone loves kids so if I gather a group young heroes to join me against bad spirits my rating will go right through the roof! BWA-HA-HA-HA!" Kari smiled weakly at Kanonji's idea but Gatomon looked as annoyed as ever.

"Yeah, well good luck with that. Come on Kari, let's go home."

"Alright. See you around Kanonji, thanks again for the help." Kanonji barely acknowledged her.

"Maybe I'll head back to Karakura Town." He muttered to himself. "The kid has got to know where I can find some youngsters with spiritual powers."

Kari and Gatomon left Kanonji to his brainstorming and headed for home, ready for a hot meal and a good night's sleep.


Radio-Kon! (Baby!)

Kon: Yo! Sorry to keep you waiting but Radio-Kon is back and better than ever!

Jedi: You heard it right folks! Kon and I are back to bring you more-

Kon: Alright enough with the introductions! Bring on the guests!

Jedi: Umm, well okay. First off is the Century's Premire Spiritualist himself…Mr. Don Kanonji everybody!

Kanonji: BWA-HA-HA-HA!! Greeting to all of my wonderful fans! The spirits are alwa-

Kon: Next!

Jedi: Uh, next up is Bleach's leading man! Give it up for Ichigo Kurosaki!

Ichigo: Hey there I'm-

Kon: Next!

Ichigo: (growl) Freaking dust rag.

Kon: Come on move it! Move it!

Jedi: All right already! Sheesh. And last, but certainly not least, the always lovely Rukia Kuchiki!

Rukia: Hello everyone! It's always a pleasure to-GHAA!

Kon: RUKIA!!

Rukia: What the- Kon? Get off me!!

Kon: Oh Rukia, my angel, how I've longed to be in your arms again. How I've yearned to once again lose myself in the cushy valley love. (Whack!) DAH!

Rukia: (Stomp!) 'Cushy Valley?!' (Stomp!) I'll show you 'cushy valley' you little pervert! (Stomp!)

Kon: (unintelligible moaning)

Jedi: (sigh) Let's get started before he wakes up. Ahem, today we're discussing another category of Soul Reaper powers: Kido. Ms. Kuchiki if you would.

Rukia: Why of course. (scribbling noises) Kido refers to the many spells a Soul Reaper uses in battle. These are divided into two categories: Bakudo Binding Spells, and Hado Destructive Spells. Bakuro spells are used disable an opponent and restrict their movements and Hado spells are used to attack enemies.

Ichigo: Okay Rukia, one: this is a radio show no one can see what you're drawing. And two: even if they could, nobody could figure out you're stupid kiddie drawings. (Smack!)

Rukia: Moving on! There are also several Binding spells that are more useful outside of battle. For example #58 Kakushitsuijaku (Call Forth the Tracing Sparow) is a spell used to track a specific target. Another one, #77 Tenteikurra (Heavenly Rickshaw of the Silky Sky), allows the caster to send important messages to a large number of people.

Jedi: I see. That's pretty cool. Does anyone have any questions before we continue.

Ichigo: I've got one. If Rukia's the expert why invite Kanonji and me.

Rukia: That's simple Ichigo. Kanonji's 'Golden Cannon Ball' attack is actually a great example of the basic form of a Hado spell. Kanonji is technically better at Kido than you Ichigo.

Kanonji: And that my Number One Disciple is why I, Don Kanonji, am the greatest Spirit Hunter in the world! BWA-HA-(punch) OHH!

(Thump)

Rukia: Umm…

Ichigo: Nice hook.

Jedi: (cracking knuckles) Sorry, I just couldn't handle that crazy laugh again.

Ichigo: Understandable, but that still doesn't explain why I'm here.

Jedi: Oh, I'm using you to pay for the show's security.

Ichigo: Right, security. I forgot about-Huh!? Hey, wait just a-

(Slam)

Yachiru: Look Kenny it's Ichi! Hi Ichi!

Ichigo: K-Ke-Kenpachi!? What the hell are you doing here!?

Kenpachi: It's been a while Ichigo (sword being drawn) how ARE YOU!!

Ichigo: AAAHHH!!

(BOOM)

Kenpachi: HA HA HA-huh?

Kanonji: (weak groan)

Kenpachi: Who the hell's that? What happened to Ichigo?

Yachiru: That way Kenny! He jumped out the window!

Kenpachi: Oh, he did, did he? Well he's not getting away from me that EASILY!!

(CRASH)

Kenpachi: COME BACK HERE AND FIGHT ME YOU COWARD!!

Jedi: Well ladies and gentlemen that's it for today. I'd like to thank all of today's guests but since Rukia's the only one still here and conscious I'll just thank her.

Rukia: You're very welcome but what will you do about the mess.

Jedi: Don't worry about it I'll have it fixed up in time for the next show. Until then everyone.

(theme music)