Ultrabross's Vision
CHP 9: Let Off the Hook
If he could describe the way he felt in one word it'd be miserable. The first day back had been going terrific up until that point! Who did those two think they were forcing themselves onto Moka the way they did! The discomfort and terror in her eyes replayed in his mind like a broken record, unable to stop thinking about it. He'd proven time and again he wasn't completely useless when truly needed. It was only when his friends truly faced danger he became relevant. Unlocking the first lock of to the holy lock gave him access to the vampire blood flowing within him. And because of it gave him abilities possessed by a true vampire.
Dazed in his own thoughts Tsukune came across an apple tree taking a seat situating his back against it. From there he was positive no one would stumble upon him; precisely what he wanted. Not even a minute later the proverbial voice called out for him, it came as no shock she'd come after him. He told none to follow, but knew that wouldn't happen, "Moka San…" He whispered listening to her continuously call his name with no plans to reply. Her voice died down the further away she traveled from him. Thankful he was no longer in danger of being discovered he let out a sigh of relief. After some time being alone and to think things over he felt sure he'd feel a lot better.
Subsequent to submitting his form concerning Soccer club Ichigo returned to his dorm for the remainder of the evening and night. He kept an eye out for any hollows that might have lurked around spotting none. The idea scouring the area in soul form came to mind, but doing so would give a certain someone added opportunities to follow him around. The substitute badge alerted him of nothing either. With the obsession both individuals in question seemingly had, nothing would surprise him.
The next morning he walked down the hall with the bag pack over his left shoulder. He could feel the excessive movement from within. The next second the bag unzipped on its own from inside; Ichigo putting a stop to it before any further action, "I don't care how badly you want a peek now isn't the time. Blow my cover and I'll blow your brains out!"
"Such cruel words but impossible! I don't have a brain genius we mod souls are constructed in the form of a pil…"
"Finally something we can agree on. Your lack of intelligence will be my downfall I can see it already. Because of that you will do as I say; whenever I say and do it the way I want. For starters you're done talking, class is just down the hall," Ichigo made sure to keep his voice low as there were numerous students in which they bypassed, "The only time you're allowed to talk or do anything is if I need you to take over my body. Break any of those rules and I promise you won't like the result."
"Blah blah as if you'd follow through with any of these threats, both you and I know deep down you love me like a little brother. We get on each other's nerves but at the end of the day we're inseparable!"
"Didn't I just say you're done talking?"
That time the mod soul had no comeback electing to remain silent. Ichigo turned the corner entering the classroom sitting in the exact same seat from day one. Before settling in his name was called from across the room, "Why are you sitting all alone?" Kurumu waved signaling for him to come over, "There are open seats over here." She didn't know why she was doing it but he seemed genuine and had something else none of them was able to explain. Throughout the first two years they kept to themselves not hanging with many outside their circle, "Come now Ichigo don't be shy."
Unlike the other students he seemed to fit nicely; it was especially felt between Tsukune, Kurumu and Moka. Seeing no problem in with it Ichigo shrugged his shoulders moving across the room taking a seat within their vicinity. Mizore questioned him the moment he set his bag down. Everyone else appeared to be cool with him, yet she had not really exchanged words with him at all, "Everyone's taken a liking to you, but if you do anything to hurt one of us I'll put you on ice."
Put him on ice? What did she mean by that? Her tone and overall body posture made it difficult for him to determine if she was joking or being serious. Her statement reminded him that he was no longer in regular high school, but instead one for monsters; not that he wasn't already aware. And because of that he had a feeling her threat wasn't a bluff, "Fine by me…if I do anything to harm even a single of you go right ahead," Ichigo shifted gazing into the ice user's face, "I'm as easy going as they come, I wouldn't hurt even a fly."
"Ichigo…" Moka muttered under her breath. She was just about ready to jump in and defend the orange haired individual, but had no reason to anymore. His comments also brought a smile to Mizore, sitting back with nothing else to say to him.
Part of what he said was a lie; there was nothing he enjoyed more than a good challenge in the form of a fight. His competitive nature was reminiscent of any great warrior leading him to victory in battles otherwise thought impossible to prevail; but had another side playing the role of protector. Anyone he saw as family or friend he'd protect with his life, and like many others had a loving/caring side even though it wasn't the strongest of his attributes.
She had noticed since entering the classroom minutes ago, but there was still no sign of him, "Have any of you seen Tsukune after he took off yesterday? I couldn't take my mind off him all last night, I'm beginning to worry." Tension was marked within her eyes; Kurumu and Mizore easily detecting it.
"I wouldn't worry. He will walk through the door any minute from now, just wait and see." Ichigo replied without giving eye contact.
His words were comforting, and for some reason she had no choice but to believe him. Whether it was the way he talked or demeanor, there was something about him she really liked and felt she could trust. It was almost the same feeling when Tsukune introduced them just outside his dorm, "Thank you Ichigo." Moka said.
Her change in tone conveyed each of them to look directly at her. It was like a full weight had been lifted from her shoulders; seemingly loosened up, "Don't mention it." Ichigo replied smirking. Before they knew it class began with no Tsukune.
Each of them was asked to take out a piece of paper for the first lesson. Ichigo uncovered a notebook from his bag setting it over the desk, "Before we get started with the main lesson it is important you all know how to interact with humans if ever in the human world. We're going to do a little review to make sure you have not forgotten over the summer. We will go through this at least four times before week's end."
A couple students groaned showing their displeasure for having to go over things they had already learned. Shizuka Nekonome waited for everyone to quiet down before progressing with the lesson. Unaware he failed to zip his bag entirely shut; the stuffed lion took advantage of Ichigo's mistake. Kon peeked through the opened zipper setting eyes on a girl with shoulder length purple hair sucking on a lollipop. In front of her was a girl displaying hair tied up in the color of the sky, and purple eyes.
If he had eyes they would have dropped out of his head! Her chest was the perfect! They were arguably the same size as Orihime's; and looked just as cuddly! It was like they were calling out to him, instigating a devilish laugh, "Now that's what I'm talking ab…" Ichigo's foot came down over the bag stomping at the stuffed lion. "I can't take this guy anywhere." Ichigo thought silently. Unfortunately for him the mod soul cried aloud getting everyone's attention, "Damn it!" Ichigo tightened his fists.
The class sensei pushed her glasses up over her nose, "You have something to share with us mister Kurosaki?"
Ichigo gulped coming up with something off the top of his mind, "Must be my dad, always calling at the most inopportune times. I'll turn it off straight away."
Head shaking and all shizuka walked down his row extending her left arm, "I'll hold on to it for the remainder of class, you may have it back once class ends." He bit at his tongue thinking of some way to get himself out of the situation. There was no phone or any other electronic within his bag, leaving the only option of handing her Kon. The idea of handing him over was absurd, not to mention no one would ever look at him the same. He'd be the laughing stock for the remainder of the year or for however long he remained at the academy. The student that carried around a teddy bear…that is not what he wanted to be remembered by, receiving all sorts of stares through the hallway was frightening to think about.
"Well Ichigo…" She inquired with her hand held out in front of him.
He grazed at his hair taking a deep breath, "It's not a phone exactly," He tried to buy himself more time, "Isn't the first offence supposed to result in a warning, this is hardly fair!"
"I'll decide what's fair and what's not; the phone Kurosaki."
With nothing else up his sleeve Ichigo reached down steadily unzipping the bag, "I knew he'd find a way to screw things up." He slowly grabbed hold of the lion and as he did someone entered through the front entrance.
"Aono Tsukune," Shizuka pronounced stepping away from Ichigo, "Why are you late? Do you have a pass?"
For the moment he was safe; her attention was no longer on him. For how long that would last he was unsure, "I do not." He replied taking a seat in his usual spot, "I'm just late no excuses." With a long pause she decided to let it slide. It was only the second day and everyone had not yet got a good feel for the flow of things. With that in mind she let Ichigo off the hook as well returning up front, and continuing the lesson. Making sure there'd be no further issues Ichigo zipped the bag shut.
Thirty minutes in Tsukune didn't say a word to any of them. It was like a punch to the gut; Moka couldn't believe it. Something was on his mind, and she had a feeling it was the events that took place the day previous. He remained that way the entire class, and whenever asked a question replied with one word answers. It was especially alarming to the three girls whilst Ichigo focused more on the assignments given along with the other students. Near the end of class each of them was given a pre test before dismissed. Moka was the first to finish followed by Ichigo and four others.
Outside the door she leaned against the wall exhibiting the same distress in her eyes from the beginning of class. He took a couple steps perceiving it from the corner of his eye resting a hand over her shoulder, "You should try and smile; gloomy expressions don't fly well with cute girls," Moka was unable to hold back a smile blushing in the process, "That's much better." Ichigo grinned removing his hand off her shoulder. He knew it was Tsukune that bothered her. The number of times she looked over at him made it obvious, "Your friend will be alright just give him time."
Heart skipping a beat, Moka watched him travel down the hall. He was quite observant and considerate of others feelings from what she could tell in the short time knowing him. She again whispered his name for a second time. Her wait lasted a little over three minutes, "How do you think you did?" The pink haired vampire asked.
"Ok I guess." Tsukune answered without much liveliness.
Side by side they walked down the hall together, "Please talk to me I don't like seeing you this way Tsukune. You know you can tell me anything."
"I'm perfectly fine," He put on a forged smile wrapping an arm around her waist pulling Moka in close, "Don't waste your energy worrying about me."
"Speaking of energy," Moka pulled him off to the side of a water fountain, "I haven't tasted your blood even once since we've been back. May I please have a taste?" She begged bringing her face close to his.
Tsukune moved back finding himself pinned against the wall, "How about later, I'm feeling a little bit ti…"
Powerless to fight the urge she buried her fangs into his neck sucking away. Down the hall, and up a set of stairs and around the corner entered Ichigo into Advanced Mystery Art. She had her eyes on him the entire time up till he took a seat. Nagirrom Katsura was the strangest instructor he'd come across in Yokai or any school for that matter. Some of the looks she gave each of them was enough to send shockwaves up anyone's spine. She wore a plain blue shirt with a collar and gray skirt.
Tsukune was one of the last few to enter, walking off balance. It looked as though he might even faint but was able to make it to his seat, "You alright?" Ichigo asked, "Seriously looks like someone knocked the breathe outta you."
"That's not far from the truth." Tsukune rested his head over the desk placing a hand over his neck. When she said taste he figured it would be a small portion, not such an amount equivalent to lunch. He was surprised he made it all the way to class without fainting. Up front Nagirrom walked around the desk standing next to a large bucket of water, "Who here likes experiments?"
Everyone within the room raised their hands, "Good to know, now let's get started." Tsukune raised his head from the desk looking up front just in time to see Nagirrom spill a good amount of the water over her shirt! She was basically soaked, "Oppps…clumsy me." She said with a giggle. An instant uproar came over the class with everyone cheering except for Ichigo and Tsukune, "What a pity I got myself all wet….what do you think boys should I change shirts?" She asked playfully.
Most everyone replied with "No" taking Ichigo only a couple moments to realize why, "This class might as well be called Advanced Seduction Art! Just when you think you've seen it all!"
The shirt's material allowed each of them a perfect view to everything beneath her shirt. Her nipples were fairly visible seeing as she didn't wear a bra. Tsukune bled from his nose seeing for himself, "I think she's torturing us on purpose!" Tsukune emphasized looking the other way.
Nagirrom loved the attention she received throwing her lengthy green hair over her shoulder, "You boys behave yourselves until I get back." She informed stepping through the front entrance. As much as she loved teasing it would be against school policy to continue in her upper attire, "Me coming here has turned out not to be a complete waste of time after all. It lacks a competitor to entertain my boredom…but at least I'll get something out of this. All I must do now is throw him a line of bait and reel him in." She laughed silently.
Throughout the entire hour they engaged in various team activities notified they'd be given a full exam within three weeks. On their way out Ichigo and Tsukune headed down the hall, "I'll meet back up with you in the lunch room. There's something I need to recover from my locker." Tsukune told.
Simply nodding Ichigo took off for the cafeteria on his own. Kurumu and Yukari spotted him right away. He located them almost as quickly joining them. Together they retrieved their own separate trays getting in line.
To Be Continued
