..MAN I'M ON A ROLL!!...eh he ^-^' sorry..just excited that this is revving up now!! I just might be able to update weekly now....though I'll try not to jinx myself ne?
Disclaimer:....*glares* you know it..I know it...so let's not go there..
A/N:..so I'm going there..yep, I'm trying a fight scene.....so please don't flame me if starts to give you cramps like Iba...it's not meh fault!! -hides-
Nothing happened the next two days as the gang and the new arrivals went to school, so when they went to join up at the shop that following Saturday, they weren't expecting anything to occur.
Apparently, they were dead wrong. When they arrived on the grounds, everything was in complete chaos. Boxes were smashed in the yard. Plates, cups, and the like were littered around and inside the shop. Merchandise was completely obliterated beyond recognition and the group of worn-out and shocked residents was situated on the porch. Urahara and Yoruichi looked the worst for wear. Their clothing was torn in different locations and gashes and cuts could be seen still leaking out blood. Deep purple shadows were under their eyes and the fatigue around them was practically tangible. Tessai, Jinta, and Ururu were in better condition. Cuts and bruises adorned the tall man and his apron was in tatters. Ururu and Jinta were a bit banged up with a gash at Jinta's temple and a large cut running up Ururu's left arm.
The cries of concern and questions of what happened rang in the air as the group approached them. Orihime immediately set to work with healing them, calling upon Ayame and Shun'o to help. When all was done, Yoruichi and Urahara launched into what happened the night before.
"We were doing a last check-up on Arena-san when we registered an unknown spiritual energy around the shop. Yoruichi stayed with Arena, who had started to become agitated and was tossing around in her sleep, muttering, and I went to go see where the strange energy was coming from. When I reached the front of the shop, there was a group made of about several figures heading towards the shop. I called out to them, but I got no response. They were a couple of yards away when they all stopped and one of them stepped forward. He, as I'll assume because of the deepness of their voice, asked if I was holding a young girl in my possession. I told him I had no idea what he was talking about, saying that the only girl that was here was Ururu. The figure stayed silent while I spoke and a few minutes afterward. He asked me the same question one more time, this time demanding that I give her to them. I played it off, stating that we did not house random girls here and that's when they struck.
Two of the several figures pulled out swords that I had never seen before and rushed in to attack me. I took out Benihime and fought back. That's when Tessai, Jinta, and Ururu came out to assist me. They fought off the three figures that went after them, but there were still two figures that we missed. They breeched us and went into the shop. I faintly heard Yoruichi questioning them, before I felt her attack. She had put a barrier around Arena, who had awoken and was screaming at them to not hurt anyone. Yoruichi administered an anesthetic to Arena so that she wouldn't become any more agitated or panicked, and preceded to fight them. She pressed them back towards the front of the shop using shunpo and Shunko and the battle continued in the front. It went on for about fifteen minutes and then they just…vanished. As if they had never been there in the first place. We then cleaned up what we could and have been trying to figure out who they are and what they want with Arena-san."
Urahara went silent, letting everyone absorb what had been shared. Hitsugaya was the first to voice out his thoughts. "If they were here, then how were any of us not able to detect them?"
Sighing, Urahara adjusted himself into a more comfortable position and tilted his head down, the shadows effectively hiding his eyes. "That's just it Hitsugaya-taichou…I can't tell you. All I know is that they want something desperately…and it all boils down to Arena-san herself."
The ominous tension around the group intensified and was suddenly shattered by an earth-shattering scream echoing in the air. Every head twisted upwards to see two figures speeding into the air. One of them was unknown, but the second semi-struggling figure being held was known to them all. Various cries of "Arena-san!!" were called out and minds frantically whirred to think of someway to stop them.
Another scream, this one weaker than the first, resounded and made the situation progressively direr. The longer they stood around racking their brains for a quick plan, the less likely they would catch up to Arena and her assailant. Finally a growl brought some of them out their musing long enough to see Ichigo grab his deputy badge and release his soul reaper form. Cries for calm thinking flew around deaf ears as Ichigo shot forward, pushing himself to get to her in time. The wind rushed around him as he started to close in and he reached behind him for Zangetsu, whose bindings were beginning to unravel, to prepare to take Arena back by force. Taking in her limp and unresponsive form, he knew she had fainted and the drips of blood sweeping off her arms and legs alerted him that her wounds had been reopened. Fury burned in his eyes, causing his spiritual energy to sky-rocket again. Bursting forward faster, he let out a cry, bringing Zangetsu forward and swinging the ginormous blade down, releasing a small amount of concentrated spiritual energy at the retreating figure. The head turned around slightly and Ichigo could see cold violet eyes, shivers going down his spine briefly before he pushed on. Those same eyes widened at the oncoming attack and they swooped down, barely managing to avoid a direct hit to the back. The figure sped downwards, trying to lose Ichigo, but couldn't succeed. It took offense, turning a palm towards the furious and determined teen and released a ball of yellow light. Eyes widening, Ichigo dodged and kept forward, eyes locked on the limp figure he was trying to get back. He swung the blade forward again, continuing to release smaller getsuga tenshou's to try and slow the figure down so that he could snatch Arena from them. More blood dripping from the figure alerted the orange-haired teen of something. 'He's been hurt too. If I can just hit him once, that might be enough for him to falter and I can get Arena without harming her even more.'
Plan in mind, Ichigo grabbed Zangetsu's hilt with both hands and concentrate more of his spiritual energy into the blade. Holding it within, he pulled up close enough to the figure to get a clear shot and swung, shooting out the built up energy. The figure turned around and let out a startled yelp, realizing too late just how close Ichigo had gotten to them. The attack hit dead on, striking the figure square in the side and ripping apart the cloth that was around the area. This also caused him to lose his grip on Arena and her body started to descend fast to the ground. Narrowing his eyes, Ichigo plunged down, right arm extended, after her hoping to get to her before anything else could happen. Slowly the distance between them closed, the yukata that adorned her body slightly aiding to slow her body. This proved useful when he just managed to get the hand that was closest. An orb of bluish light came racing towards them and Ichigo, knowing that he wouldn't be able to dodge it in time, gripped her wrist firmly and pulled Arena's body into his while gathering as much spiritual energy as he could around them to soften the impact. Keeping her in place against his chest with his left arm, he held Zangetsu with his right, hoping to counterattack the orb. Just as they were about to make contact, a red beam of light streaked in between them and discharged the orb. Ichigo looked down to see Urahara holding his own zanpaku-tou, Benihime, and grinning up at the teen. Grinning back, Ichigo began his descent down when he felt Arena tense against him, grasp the front of his shihakushou weakly, and faintly whisper, "Behind you."
Quickly pulling up Zangetsu, he barely blocked the sword coming down towards his back and spun around, pushing away from his attacker. Stopping a short distance, he took up a defensive stance, strengthening his hold on Arena and gripping the hilt harder, preparing for any sudden attacks. Looking closely at the figure, he concluded that it was indeed the same person that had taken Arena in the first place, the same ripped material on the side giving them away.
"What do you want with her? Why do you want her so badly?" He yelled out, anger burning in his dark eyes. Ichigo shifted and when he began to ask the questions again, a blur of orange and black raced beside him, heading towards the figure. His eyes widened as he saw Yoruichi place herself between them and called out to her.
"Yoruichi, you still haven't healed yet! I can take care of him, you take Arena back and hide her somewhere safe." He was determined to make this fight his own, but Yoruichi only glanced back at him and grinned.
"How touching Ichigo, caring about my wounds like that! But it's not necessary. I can deal with him with no problems. You take her somewhere and keep low. We'll send someone to you when this is finished." She called back softly, facing back to the figure and crossing her arms over her chest. Ichigo began to protest, but was stopped by a hand being placed on his shoulder. He looked over to see Urahara beside him, keeping his sight locked on the figure. "Please do as Yoruichi says, Kurosaki-kun. We will deal with this and then re-gather at the shop. Protect Arena at any cost. You are better suited for this job." Urahara grinned, patting the shoulder and then moving to be beside Yoruichi.
Ichigo nodded, finally deciding that they were right and turned around, heading for the shop. When he landed, everyone gathered around him, but he shook them off, placing Arena against one of the wooden beams on the porch gently and then getting back into his own body. Once inside, he picked Arena back up and headed off to his house. Cries of questions followed him and the only thing he could do was yell over his shoulder brief answers. He ran, clutching her to him, but being sure not to cause her more harm. An explosion in the air made him look up in time to see Urahara release another attack from Benihime while Yoruichi shunpo'd behind the figure and released a kidou. The attacks sandwiched the figure, resulting in another explosion. The smoke cleared later, revealing a heavily damaged man. The top of his clothing was destroyed and blood dribbled down his chest and arms. The man, glanced from Yoruichi and Urahara, and apparently realized that he wouldn't be able to take them on in his critical state, because he made a pattern in front of him and suddenly a huge bright light flared, momentarily blinding them all and when it faded, the man was gone.
Ichigo slowed his pace and stood, watching Urahara and Yoruichi converse briefly and then make their way to the shop. Deciding that he should do the same since there was no immediate danger now, he turned…and only got his left cheek grazed by the short knife thrown his way. He dodged again and looked for his attacker, growling low in his throat and keeping Arena close. He noted that she still hadn't woken up and knew that it would be difficult to protect her and keep him from getting severely injured at the same time. Just as he made up his mind to try and run for it, the air got chilly and small icicles formed with a small shower of snowflakes. A yell of his name from above gained his attention and he looked up, gaping at the figure headed towards him.
"Toushiro!!" The young taichou glared for a moment at the name and then narrowed his eyes, settling in front of Ichigo and getting into a defensive stance.
"Kurosaki, run and get her out of here. Kuchiki and Abarai-fukutaichou are headed this way to assist you. Get her from here and keep her safe. We need her to answer our questions now and without delay." He ordered, knowing that Ichigo would be more than enough to keep the girl safe. Ichigo grunted his thanks and turned, heading to his original destination, his home. Two voices calling out his name made him turn his head to see Rukia and Renji coming up behind him and soon all three were heading to his home. At this moment, Ichigo couldn't be more thankful for Yuzu begging their father to take Karin and her to see their grandparents in Osaka. The home would be empty and he wouldn't have to deal with his dad spouting out ridiculous accusations about him and the strange, though wounded and unconscious, girl in his arms. They made it to the house just as they felt Hitsugaya's spiritual energy flare and his voice cry out the command release of his zanpaku-tou.
"Seated upon the frozen heavens, Hyourinmaru!!" The sky darkened as a huge ice dragon erupted into the air, eyes a burning red and released a thundering cry as it circled around its wielder. Rushing up into his room, Ichigo and the other two ran to the window, with Ichigo putting down his fragile load, and watched as the prodigy of Soul Society commenced battle with the group of figures that he had forced from their hiding spots. During his battle, though short as it was, he showed them all just why people were in awe of his prowess in battle and why his zanpaku-tou was the strongest ice-water based zanpaku-tou Soul Society had ever encountered. The sheer magnitude of power radiating from both entities was phenomenal and for once Ichigo and Renji were glad that they never had to battle with the young taichou when they rescued Rukia from her execution.
They watched as Hitsugaya moved with fluid grace and immense power and quickly defeated the figures, though they got away by performing the same patterns that the first figure did against Yoruichi and Urahara. Chills shot down their spines when the dragon let out another shriek in the sky and was called back by Hitsugaya. Sheathing the sword, he started to walk back towards the Urahara-shoten and dispersed the frost and icicles that had formed during the battle. The sky lightened again and soon the sun came back with its blazing glory, warming the area considerably. The three looked at each other and then at the girl shaking on his bed, curling in on herself and making keening noises in the back of her throat. They debated and decided to wait until someone came to them to retrieve them. Ichigo sat in his chair, and Rukia and Renji sat down on the floor. Silence was broken only by the gasping breaths taken by the shuddering girl on the bed. All three kept their gaze on her and kept their sense on alert, tensed and ready for any sudden attacks. They almost jumped out of their skin when a sudden knock at his closed door sounded. Rukia and Renji, already in their original forms, went into defense and placed their hands on their zanpaku-tou hilts. Ichigo placed his self in front of Arena's still healing body, ready to grab her and run if necessary. Another knock and the rattle of his doorknob made muscles tense almost painfully and Renji was just about to move to open it when a yell that made them all sigh with relief called out to them.
"Oi, you bakas!! You can come out and come to the shop now!...Don't make me blast this damn door down!!" Ikkaku's brash voice hollered and growled, promising good on his last threat. As Ichigo really didn't want to have to fix a broken door and beat the shit out of Ikkaku for making him have to, Ichigo crossed over to the door and yanked open, bringing his foot up at the same time and kicking out, colliding with Ikkaku's face and sending him down the hallway and tumbling down the stairs. Thuds and a satisfying thump followed by a string of profanities none had ever heard made Ichigo grin with victory and go back into his room, bending over to pick up Arena, and then leading the two out down the stairs.
Passing by the crumpled body, Ichigo and Renji chuckled and Rukia merely sighed as they walked out the door, counting down silently until…
"ICHIGO YOU NO GOOD BASTARD!!! YOU WAIT UNTIL I GET MY HANDS YOU!!!!!!!!" The screech coming from his house cried out, a huge spike in spiritual energy making Ichigo and Renji run like hell towards the shop. Rukia kept her pace and grumbled about immature boys and such. Ikkaku blasted past her, waving around his boken, after the two and screaming out threats of bodily harm at them.
When Rukia finally made it to the shop, she witnessed Ikkaku lung at Renji who dodged and tried to find somewhere to take cover. Ichigo was hiding behind Tessai who was trying to calm the raging bald man down and keep the damage to a minimum. It took a cheerful threat of alerting Kenpachi that his third seat wanted to fight badly from Urahara for the man to calm if not, become a little frightened. Ichigo breathed a sigh of relief before he was sent upward, a final surprise attack from Ikkaku catching him off guard. The scream that faded into the air made Ikkaku cackle evilly and do his lucky dance. However, he forgot one small detail.
What goes up must come down.
And that is exactly what Ichigo did, leg extended and screaming at the top of his lungs. Ikkaku slowly looked up, still smiling, and had another nice little chat with the bottom of Ichigo's shoe. The kick sent the man bowling backwards, right into a side of the wooden fence encasing the shop, and dirt and debris to scatter through the air. Ichigo let out a victory cry and proceed to taunt Ikkaku. The man slowly came out of his wooden mound and ran at Ichigo, screaming and bringing the boken down. Ichigo met him halfway, curling his left hand into a fist and pushing it forward to collide with Ikkaku's jaw….If Rukia's kick to both of their heads didn't interfere. Her screams surpassed theirs by ten-fold and the beating put all desire to continue the battle out of their system. Both men nursed their wounds and pride while shooting murderous glares at the tiny woman, who gave them right back.
The evening settled down and everyone was now healed and comfortable in the repaired shop. Tea was served as well as small sandwiches, courtesy of Rangiku and Yumichika, and silence settled over the group. The only sounds that could be heard were the slurping of tea and the thoughtful chewing of the sandwiches being devoured. Hitsugaya and Hisagi finally broke the meditative silence.
"Urahara-san, were those the same beings that attacked the shop last night?" Hisagi asked first.
"And were they of the same number or were there more this time?" Hitsugaya asked, following Hisagi's questions.
Urahara put down his cup and folded his arms across his chest. "Hai, those were the same people that attacked us and the same goes for your question as well Hitsugaya-taichou. They were of the same number." Sighing and leaning back, Urahara stared at the huge group in front of him.
Both men nodded and stared down, processing and trying to figure out just what this could all mean. Ishida then turned to Urahara.
"Have you ever encountered them previous to this attack, Urahara-san?" He asked softly, hoping to uncover something useful. His hopes were shot down when Urahara shook his head. "I haven't, Uryuu-san. I'm sorry to say neither has Yoruichi or Tessai."
Just as Chad was about to ask his own question, a small tired voice was heard.
"Of course you haven't. They haven't been seen or heard of for centuries." Heads whipped around towards the door to take in the slump figure of Arena clutching onto the doorframe and breathing harshly from forcing herself up. Orihime and Matsumoto got up quickly to help her, but she waved them off, murmuring that she didn't need their help now. She shifted, wincing at the flare of pain and heat that seared through her, and pressed up against the frame more. Her eyes looked at each person and she blinked slowly while sighing, apparently deciding on something that had been debated in her mind for a while.
Pushing off from the doorframe, she wobbled a bit before gaining a semblance of balance and caught her breath. Turning slowly, she glanced at them all one more time before slowly returning to her room, softly calling over her shoulder that if they wanted to know anything, then they should follow her. She heard the numerous footsteps coming behind her and sighed again, a shudder going down her spine, and pressed her left hand to her abdomen. She swallowed the small whimper in her throat and entered the room, immediately going to the futon and slowly easing her self onto it. The rest waited until she was comfortable before entering as well, taking their seats around her. The room she was placed in was bigger, so everyone was a bit more comfortable than before. She waited until the last person had situated themselves before taking a deep breath and mentally preparing herself for whatever they may ask. She had already made her mind that she would tell them as much of the truth as she could, since they had a right to know.
'They've been attacked and it's my fault. Lest I can do is answer any of their questions, including the new people here, since they are trying to protect me.' She thought, looking at the man in front of her and nodding, giving them a sign that she was ready. Urahara nodded and looked at Hitsugaya, whom he knew would have quite a bit of questions for her.
"Hitsugaya-taichou will start. Oh Arena-san, he is the one behind you to your right." Yoruichi helped Arena to turn towards Hitsugaya so that he could determine if she was lying or not.
Arena blinked at the shock of white hair and the piercing aquamarine eyes that were in front of her. She blinked again taking in the woman beside him.
"I am Hitsugaya Toushiro, taichou of tenth division and the woman to my left is Matsumoto Rangiku, fukutaichou of tenth division as well. On my right is Shuuhei Hisagi, fukutaichou of ninth division, and the men next to him are Madarame Ikkaku and Ayasagawa Yumichika respectively. They are the third and fifth seats of eleventh division." Hitsugaya introduced the others, getting that part out of the way so that the questions could be asked faster. Each person nodded when introduced and kept their gaze on Arena.
Arena nodded back and stored the names and information of each person in front of her in her mind. She brought her gaze back on Hitsugaya, trying not to let the nerve-racking stares get to her. She waited, wondering why the young man, Hitsugaya-taichou she reminded herself mentally, wasn't beginning his questions. After a few moments of silence, she realized that they were waiting for her to say her name as well. She had the courtesy to blush faintly before lowering her eyes and murmuring her name.
"My name is Arena and I will answer any questions that any of you may have." She looked back up, taking in the expressions on each person's face. The scowl on Hitsugaya's face slightly deepened as he stored her name into his mind. Hisagi and Rangiku nodded and waved respectively, Rangiku already feeling some affection for the tired and beaten girl in front of her. Ikkaku and Yumichika grinned with Yumichika commenting that if she didn't have those horrendous bags under her eyes and her hair was brushed, she might be beautiful. Arena raised an eyebrow on that one and twitched, closing her eyes and breathing in deeply to not pounce on him and snatch those stupid feathers from his eyebrow. The clearing of a throat caused her to open her eyes and she locked eyes with Ikkaku.
"Don't mind him, he's always like this. So don't worry about what he says." Ikkaku explained, looking at Yumichika who just smiled and shrugged. Arena nodded slowly, a burning pain starting to form in her chest and spread. Clutching the sheets, she fought off the over-powering need to close her eyes and blinked rapidly to push away the black that was creeping into her vision. She held up a hand when Orihime started to come near her and muttered softly that she only needed a moment.
When she succeeded in clearing her vision, she swallowed and nodded again.
Hitsugaya started off the questions.
"Who were those men that were trying to get you?" He had already decided that one question at time was the best tactic as Urahara had already informed him of how the first interrogation went.
Arena remained silent for a moment and then looked up, keeping her breathing steady and answered. "I only know so much about the group that they are a part of," her hands shook violently at this admission and her face paled slightly, but she swallowed and continued, "but what I do know is this: the group has not been seen or heard of, as I said early, for centuries. Many believed that they were wiped out; others believed that they have simply been in hiding for reasons unknown. The leader has never been seen save for once, and that time had been extremely bloody. No-one knows when the group was formed or how many members there are, but they do know that the group is extremely hostile and will stop at none length to obtain what ever they set their sights on."
She stopped and smiled sardonically knowing that what she was about say would raise this to a whole new level. Leveling her gaze and retreating to the back of her mind, she spoke quietly. "No-one can stop them…not even the Soul Society." The outcry that came from her statement shook the room, demands of how she knew of the Soul Society and what she meant rebounding around her and digging into her mind.
Hot tears streamed as she curled into herself on instinct, trying to protect herself from the brutal onslaught of harsh words and scorching questions until a yell rose over the sound, halting everyone. Ichigo was breathing hard from his outburst and his eyes were hard, gaze still locked on Arena's trembling form. He sighed heavily and looked up at everyone.
"I want to know just as badly as you all how she knows these things and where she is getting this information. The fact of the matter is she is still healing and has just gone through the experience of being kidnapped against her will. I think it's a bit selfish that you all have completely forgotten about that and are attacking her as harshly as you are. I understand that the need for answers is great, but lighten up will ya? She's already agreed to answer the questions we have and it's not as if she can run away in her current condition, hell she can barely speak and walk as it is. So let her breath for a minute and then keep asking your questions." The ironic scolding coming from one of the most temperamental, stubborn, and reactive people in the room would have been funny if not for the situation surrounding said scolding.
Ichigo leaned forward and hesitantly put his hand on her back, rousing her from her retreat. Blurry and tired gray-brown orbs settled on his own dark ones and for a moment, a thankful, yet tired smile flitted over her lips before she fully uncurled and sat up, breathing slowly, stabilizing her breaths and her body relaxing slightly. Ichigo removed his hand and nodded, grunting as he moved back to his seat. Arena breathed deeply, before murmuring for them to continue.
Rangiku beat Hisagi to it, knowing that a soft voice would be what she needed at that moment.
"How do you know of the Soul Society and what else of our own situation do you know?" Her tone soft, Rangiku gave Hisagi a glance before returning to Arena.
Nibbling on her bottom lip and playing with her hands, Arena blinked and opened her mouth.
"I know of the Soul Society because my grandfather told me of it before he died and a bit after his death. Ever since I was little, he would tell me stories of the great taichou and fukutaichou that dwelled in the Seireitei and helped to defend the innocents from hollows. Yes, I know of hollows very well. My mother, father, and younger brother were killed by a rogue group of hollows, but you need not know that nor do I place blame on you. It happened and can not be reversed. It is the past and we have moved on. Back to the topic, I know of the defect of the third, fifth, and ninth division taichou and I know vaguely about Aizen's plan. Yes, I know of the Winter War and the trials and struggles that Soul Society has and is facing. I even know of Hinamori Momo's coma and your brief fights, Hitsugaya-taichou and Matsumoto-fukutaichou, with the fifth and third ex-taichou. Hueco Mundo and Las Noches are no surprise to me what-so-ever and I know of the fight between the Arrancar and your kidnap Orihime-chan. I know it all…even about you Kurosaki Ichigo. Which I must thank you for rescuing me from that man and hiding me in your home and also apologize to you all for that fit a couple of days ago. Now are there any more questions?"
Dazed and awed faces were directed at Arena, who was taking deep breaths to not pass out again from the blazing pain in her abdomen and the shocking pulsations in her chest. Opening her eyes, she locked them with Hitsugaya, who woke from his shock first and stared at Arena with distrust and suspicion. A low chuckle came from her as she took in everyone's reaction and expressions. Each one was pretty much the same, some differences here and there. Chad spoke first after clearing his mind of the numbing shock that ran through him during her explanation.
"A-Arena-san…can you tell us of the reasons why they are after you?" His voice shook for a moment, and then steadied. Arena twisted slightly and smiled remorsefully at him. Shaking her head, she responded. "I can't tell you all the answers. That would only endanger you all more. I fully intend to repay you all and then leave." She raised her hand sharply to put down the disagreement with what she said and continued. "I will give you two of the briefest answers I can. One, as I'm sure Urahara-san and Yoruichi-san have shared, is that I'm a mixture of sorts. Yes, I'm human, but I'm not. That group….they injected something in me years ago. That is all I will share with you."
Opening her mouth to share the next reason, she was interrupted by Tessai opening the door with a package under his arm. He stepped between Yumichika and Ishida, who were next to the door, and went to stand directly in front of Arena. Not daring to try to look up at him as it would most likely lead to a complete faint, Arena waited for him to sit down before looking at him. Tessai placed the package in front of her and sat back.
"It took a couple of days, but I finally got it. I hope that you enjoy it Arena-dono." Tessai voiced, looking from her to the package expectantly. Fingers trembled violently as Arena tugged the package forward and onto her lap. Deftly pulling the strings and unwrapping the paper carefully, she looked down at the cloth in her lap. Looking at Tessai with her eyebrow raised, she glanced down and then looked back up.
"Just what, may I ask, is this Tessai-san?" She spoke, voice shaking briefly.
A gleam shone beneath Tessai's glasses and his voice rumbled with pride.
"Why, it is your school uniform for when you attend school with everyone!"
Silence struck all as Arena slowly processed what Tessai said and what it meant. She said nothing as she looked down at the newly pressed top and skirt, her face completely devoid of emotion. She passed her hands lightly over the material, the corners of her mouth twitching and slowly looked past Tessai to lock eyes with Urahara.
"What does he mean I will be attending the school Urahara-san?" A chill went through their spines at the monotone voice and hollow-eyes that passed over every person in the room, stopping at the man she was addressing. Urahara laughed nervously and gulped, shifting so that he was slightly behind Yoruichi. Opening his fan, he hid his face and answered.
"While you were resting a couple of days ago, we decided that you would attend the school with everyone and then come back here. Of course you would be escorted to and from the school grounds, which we have already made a temporary schedule of who has what day with you in the morning and afternoon. On the weekends, Yoruichi, Shuuhei-san, and I would accompany you to where ever you wished to go for the day. This would continue until things were figured out." He smiled when he finished, hoping that nothing would happen.
Arena remained quiet during the explanation and long after it was finished, breathing silently and keeping her gaze on Urahara. A faint small sound came from somewhere and little by little, the sound grew. It became apparent that the sound was coming from Arena herself if the shaking shoulders and twitching were indications. Finally, she threw her back and laughed out loud, the sound so haunting, so sad….so dead that everyone's eyes could do nothing but continue to grow to epic proportions. Her laughter died down and she shook her head slowly, muttering under her breath in a tone too low for them to hear, and looked up, still smiling and shaking her head.
"Oh….oh my…I thank you for…the kind thought…but there is no way I can possible attend the school with you all." She spoke softly, yet sadly, knowing that what she was about to say would rock some of their worlds.
Rangiku frowned slightly, tilting her head and speaking lightly.
"And what reasons would hold you back from doing so?"
The look Arena sent her made her think of deep voids filled with nothing but icy terror, which settled in the pit of her stomach.
Sighing, Arena made up her mind to tell them just exactly why and hoped against all odds that it would not hinder her plans to leave them.
"It's very simple actually. The first is the reason I explained earlier. I'm not human…well as human as I was when I was little and before they caught me for their own sick pleasures. The second reason and the last reason I will share with you is this."
Piercing everyone with her heavy yet hollow stare, she spilt the truth that had some cry out in surprise, others fire more questions, and others still voice their concern.
"I'm pregnant."
With that one sentence, everything had just changed. In the moment those words left her mouth, the situation had completely evolved into something greater.
Because the moment she spilt that secret, gashes and deep scratches appeared on her body.
The moment she let them know, her eyes rolled in the back of her head and blood rushed out of her mouth.
The second the last word came out, blood ran swiftly over her, every wound, recent and old, opened up and let the thick liquid quickly stain her in the crimson color.
When the last rush of air was passed, her spiritual energy sky-rocketed and a huge blaze of light encased her, her screams of pure agony and torture shaking the very walls of the room and the shop itself.
Cries of her name rang forth and slowly the light faded, leaving the slightly blinded occupants to blink rapidly, clearing their vision to see what happened. After a few brief agonizing moments of blinking the lights and spots in their sight away, the group looked towards her and gasped.
There lay Arena, in a bloodied gypsy top and hakama style outfit that was torn and shredded to oblivion, with a drawn zanpaku-tou in her limp, blood stained hand. But that was not the main reason why they gasped at the sight. It was the small bump that could be seen now briefly pulsating, whatever was inside her stomach obviously causing the internal bleeding that forced the blood out of her mouth.
And the small violet-eyed girl that stood over her with a bloodied dagger in her hand, those same violet-eyes starting to mist over and her thick silver streaked dark hair curling around her while the hand that held the dagger started to rise and headed straight for Arena's chest, speeding towards her heart.
A roar of anger screeched through the room and blood spurted through the air, staining anything it touched the same crimson that leaked from Arena's limp body.
-And the ocean Waves cried as the blood Moon hovered over-
So what do ya think for my first battle scene eh? Love it or hate it? All comments, suggestions, and views are gladly encouraged and welcomed. Hope you all liked it!! Don't forget to R&R, arigatou!!