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Chapter 38: The Time Approaches

In the air above, Rose and Kensei sparred, pushing each other to try and gain the upper hand. As their clashing Reiatsu kicked up a strong wind, Kirara lay watching from the ground, her hands behind her head. Rose dodged Kensei's powerful strike, swinging his Zanpakuto down at Kensei's back. Kensei blocked with his tiny Shikai, and spun around, kicking out at Rose.

'The time approaches…' the deep voice echoed in the back of Kirara's head. The dark haired Vizard didn't reply as Rose side-stepped to avoid Kensei's kick.

'The last while has really sped by, huh?' Kirara finally responded to the Spirit. Her vision flickered, and when she blinked, she found herself in her Inner World. She smiled softly, looking up to the dark sky. The stars shone brightly, and when she looked down, she found that the fog had completely faded, leaving her world clear again.

'Indeed it has Kirara,' she looked to the cloaked Spirit who lurked in the shadows. His golden eyes gleamed brightly, as bright as the stars ahead. 'But now we must be ready,' he warned. Kirara nodded, looking away. She reached back and pulled at her hair, which had no trace of white left in it.

"We will be," she spoke softly, and gave a small laugh, closing her eyes. "A lot has happened over the last 100 years, huh?" she mused lightly. Kokoro no Kage didn't respond. He disappeared back behind the tree, and a quiet chuckle echoed around. A small wind picked up, causing the leaves on the trees to rustle.

'Yes, a lot has happened...' from the other side of the tree, Kirara's Hollow-self stepped out. 'Eh Princess?' Kirara didn't respond, still not opening her eyes.

Kirara walked through the forest of her Inner World, her head lowered. The stars above were dull, and a small fog that coated the grass, leaving it damp as dew clung to the blades of grass.

'Well well...back again Princess?' a warped chuckle echoed through the silent world, and Kirara stopped abruptly. Her head lifted to reveal her tired expression and bruised face, but her eyes were blazing with determination.

"Don't call me that," Kirara's voice was as tired as she looked. Her Shinigami uniform was ripped and dirty, but this took precedence over finding new clothes.

'Eh?' the Hollow blinked, tilted her head slightly in a manner like Kirara's. It only served to make Kirara clench her fists. 'What's up with you Princess? You're awfully moody. Ohhh,' her smirk grew wide with gleaming eyes. 'Does that mean you're...ready?' she asked. Kirara didn't answer, instead she drew her Zanpakuto. 'Oh...finally you're gonna be fun,' the Hollow drew her own as her black and golden eyes gleamed.

Kirara took a breath, letting her emotions settle as she calmed her breathing. She watched her smirking Hollow-self with an impassive face, falling into her fighting stance and pointing her Zanpakuto at her. The Hollow mirrored her moves, but seemed to become even more excited.

At first, neither moved, until finally one made a move. The ringing of clashing metal echoed through the forest as the resulting wind battered at the trees, and both pushed against the other. 'So you got some strength, so what?!' Kirara leapt back as the Hollow lashed out at her. 'This world is mine! This body is mine! It's all mine!' she laughed maniacally as she followed Kirara up and through the air.

"You really talk a lot," Kirara muttered, using Shunpo to dodge her. She reappeared behind her Hollow-self, who spun around at the last second to block.

'What are you gonna do, huh? You gonna take me out and take over again?' the Hollow sneered at Kirara as she shoved against her.

"Damn straight I am," Kirara replied, and the Hollow's eyes widened. She let out a choke as Kirara's fist slammed into her gut hard. She moved with the Hollow, and slammed her leg into her hard enough that she crashed to the ground. Kirara followed her down as the Hollow slowly pushed herself up, covered in dirt and blades of grass.

'Can you really handle having me inside you? Being a monster? Face it Princess, you can take me down, but you'll never be normal again,' Kirara stopped in midair at the Hollow's hiss. She let out a cry as the Hollow grabbed her by the front of her Kosode and yanked her around, tossing her into a tree. Kirara sank to the ground, coughing up blood from the blow. 'You're pathetic, Princess. You'll never win because you ain't got what it takes to rule. You can talk a good game, but at the end of the day, you can't follow through,' tears streamed down Kirara's face at the cruel words spoken from her mouth; her face. 'So that's why you're not gonna fight back. You're gonna let me take over, and rule. Because I am the better choice. I'm not the one hating myself,' the Hollow approached, lifting her sword.

"I told you before..." Kirara muttered, coughing up more blood.

'Huh? I can't hear ya,' the Hollow raised an eyebrow at her, stopping.

"I said..." Kirara started, speaking louder as she looked up. "I told you before. You talk too much!" Kirara was on her feet and in front of the Hollow in an instant, kicking her hard. The Hollow choked, crashing to the ground as Kirara stood over her. "I'm a monster? I'll never be normal again? Who the hell cares?!" Kirara kicked her again, and her twin flew across the clearing, smashing through a tree.

Kirara landed in front of her as the Hollow gasped for breath, in a great deal of pain. She looked up, her black eyes wide as Kirara stared her down impassively again. "Yes, it's all true. I'll never be rid of you, not completely. But see, the thing is," Kirara sank to her knees in front of her. "As long as I remain in control, you'll never be able to rule. You'll never be able hurt anyone I care about, ever," Kirara vowed. The Hollow stared at her for a long second, before sighing and closing her eyes.

'Urgh...you're so sickening, you know that?' she asked with a growl. Her hair began to turn black with the ends remaining white, spreading down as colour filled her face. 'Fine. You win. For now. But like you said, it's only while you remain in control. I ain't gonna pass up any opportunity to dethrone you, Princess,' she opened her eyes, which were turning blue like Kirara's. She gave another wide smirk. 'I can't wait for that to happen. Because I have my eye on that blond knight of yours. I reckon we'd play very well together,' she winked, before shattering as Kirara frowned, not understanding her words. The fragments of the Hollow flew away on the wind, disappearing behind a tree.

'Kirara...' she heard the voice of her Zanpakuto in the back of her head, and sighed, standing up. As soon as she did, she dropped her Zanpakuto, and fell, twisting sideways.

When she landed, she felt pressure on her face suddenly disappear, and light stung at her eyes.

"Oi, Yamada," she heard the familiar voice call. "You ain't dead, are you?" Kirara slowly opened her eyes, and rolled onto her back to look up at Kensei.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Muguruma, but not quite," she gave him a small smirk, and he rolled his eyes.

'Don't think I won't be here, waiting on baited breath for ya to slip up, Princess,' she closed her eyes as she heard the warped voice. 'Cause I will be. The moment ya give in to your weakness, I'll be there, ready to dance with your knight,' Kirara gave a small chuckle.

"Bring it on," she murmured, before the darkness swallowed her up.

Kirara woke with a start as she felt Kensei's Reiatsu pulse nearby. She let out a wide yawn, stretching, before relaxing again. In a corner of her sleepy mind, she realised she now had a pillow of some description under her head.

"Good dreams?" she opened her eyes to see Shinji looking down at her. She blinked sleepily up at him, not seeming to be completely awake as she reached for his hand, which had been idly running through her long hair. She sat up suddenly, sitting close to him.

"I dreamt about my fight with my Hollow," she told him softly.

"Oh yeah?" Shinji's brow arched slightly as he watched her curiously. Kirara nodded, and laughed.

"I never really caught on before, about her," she looked away, up at the fight still going on above. Neither were willing to give in. Kirara's smile softened, turning slightly sad, before she looked back at Shinji. "She calls you the Blond Knight," she laughed quietly, and Shinji's already arched brow rose even more.

"Huh..." his voice was low as he watched Kirara. She tucked her hair behind her ear, blushing at her own admittance as she turned away. He then reached out, pulling her closer. "He calls you The Lady," his whisper made Kirara laugh, before he turned her head and kissed her. Kirara reached up, her fingers grabbing at his sleeve as he pulled back, and pressed his forehead to hers, keeping his hand on her face.

"Shinji..." Kirara murmured, opening her eyes. She could sense the urgency behind his movements. They were all on edge. "I-"

"Hey! When the two of you are done being gross!" Shinji sighed and pulled away from Kirara, his hand dropping down. He turned to look to scowl at Hiyori irritably. She then gestured to Kensei, who was dusting himself off. Nearby, Rose was being healed by Hachi, covered in bruises. "You're up dumbass," she said in a short tone. Shinji sighed, getting to his feet.

"Alright..." he lifted his Zanpakuto. He shot another glance at Kirara, who was watching him. The corner of her mouth was curved up as her eyes, often half closed in an almost sleepy expression, showed her amusement. He leaned down slightly, ruffling her hair, before pushing up into the air. Kirara watched him follow Kensei up, and gave a small laugh.

"He's such an idiot," she sighed, shaking her head slightly.

'So you keep saying...' Kokoro no Kage huffed, making her smile widen. Kirara lay back down, her hands behind her head as she watched Shinji and Kensei sparring. She let out another yawn as Shinji moved around Kensei to dodge the powerful punch thrown his way, before she closed her eyes again.

"You look like hell," the blunt statement made Kirara blink, but other than this, she didn't react as Yoruichi took a seat beside her. They sat on the edge of a cliff in the middle of a large rock formation, overlooking the massive training grounds.

"Your compassion astounds me, Yoruichi," Kirara's voice was quiet, and she didn't look up. "What do you want?" she asked in an irritated voice.

"It's been three days and you've not spoken to anyone. Call me crazy, but I think people are starting to worry," Yoruichi shrugged.

"Not in the mood to talk to anyone," Kirara muttered. Her legs dangled over the edge, and she was hunched forwards, her elbows on her legs as she rested her head in her hand.

"Urgh, you're all as bad as each other," Yoruichi gave a loud sigh. Kirara didn't respond, but her eyes narrowed very slightly. "I'm leaving tonight," the ex-Captain's words finally had Kirara looking up in surprise. Yoruichi took in her haggard appearance more easily, now that she got a good look at her.

Despite cleaning up and dressing in clothes from the world of the living - Kirara still looked terrible. She had dark lines under her eyes, and bruises and cuts lined her exposed skin. She was clearly not sleeping – or eating – properly.

Yoruichi glanced away, trying to hide her feelings of guilt. If she hadn't sent Kirara out with the others, her now ex-Lieutenant wouldn't have ended up harbouring a Hollow inside, on the run for her life. "Let's face it, you lot need some time alone, and I can't stand the idea of being cooped up here," Yoruichi shrugged nonchalantly.

"Right…" Kirara returned to gazing out at the view. When she didn't say any more, Yoruichi sighed and stood up. "Why us?" Kirara's question was so quiet that at first Yoruichi thought she'd imagined it. When she looked around, she found that Kirara had pulled her legs in close, her chin on her knees. Tears were swimming in her eyes, but didn't fall as she stubbornly blinked them back.

"I can't answer that," Yoruichi shook her head, her voice quiet too. "But would you prefer he singled all of you out? Or that you were victims of circumstance?" she asked carefully. Kirara sighed.

"I hate your logic," she muttered, and Yoruichi almost smiled. "It's just taking some getting used to…I need some time away from everyone," Kirara told her softly. Yoruichi watched her for a moment, before turning away with a small chuckle.

"Hey, there is one thing you can be happy about," she commented, and Kirara frowned, not understanding. "You have Hirako here with you," she smirked.

"Don't be disgusting," Kirara muttered, and Yoruichi chuckled, walking off. She didn't notice the tears finally fall down Kirara's face, and she pressed into her legs to hide them. "How could I ever think of that…when this thing is inside me?" she wondered aloud, her voice shaking as she pressed her face harder into her legs.

A week had passed since Yoruichi had left, and five days since the group had left Kisuke and Tessai to set up shop in Karakura Town. They'd holed themselves up in a building in town, and kept to themselves, avoiding even each other as they came to terms with what had occurred only a week ago, but felt like much, much longer.

When the door to Kirara's makeshift room burst open, she groaned, pulling the sheets over her head to block out the light streaming in.

"Oh no, get your lazy ass up," she frowned when she heard Kensei's rough voice.

"No," she heard him growl at her stubborn reply, before the sheets were grabbed roughly and yanked off her. "Hey! I could have been indecent!" Kirara exclaimed, sitting up as he rolled his eyes.

"You're whining more than Mashiro. Get your ass up or I will drag it down," he warned her.

"Why?" Kirara threw herself back down, burying her face in the pillows.

"Because I said so," Kensei snapped, already back at the door. "So get up!" Kirara groaned, but pushed herself up. "Get dressed and meet us down stairs in five minutes with your Zanpakuto, or I'll be back up here," he warned her, slamming the door shut again. Kirara stuck her tongue out at the door, before sighing.

"Who'd have thought it'd be Kensei who decided to get us going?" she murmured, shaking her head. Grabbing her clothes, she made her way downstairs to the training area, where almost everyone was already gathered. They glanced at Kirara as she walked towards them, yawning.

"Huh. Would'a thought the Princess would have been last to-" Shinji was cut off abruptly when he yelped in pain as Kirara's foot slammed into the back of his knee, and he stumbled, falling forwards. She walked past him without looking at him, and stood beside Rose. He glanced over to Shinji with a mildly concerned look when he glared up at Kirara, who scowled back at him.

"What are we doing here?" she asked as Mashiro ran up to them, followed by Lisa and Hachi.

"I'm sick of us moping around this shithole, so we're going to get the fuck over it," Kensei's abrupt tone made them all bristle, but nobody spoke. That alone was proof that they needed to stop what they were doing.

"And what are you proposing we do?" Shinji got back to his feet, dusting himself off. His voice wasn't challenging, only curious.

"Sparring," Kensei answered as if this were obvious. "So, who's first?" he asked, his arms folded as he frowned at them in a challenge.

"I'll do it," Kirara volunteered almost immediately. She couldn't help but agree with Kensei. She hated moping, and that was all she had been doing. That was exactly what would cause her Hollow to return to the surface. Kensei's brown eyes rested on her for a moment, before he turned away.

"Okay, let's go," he called, and she followed with a small smile. Following his instructions, Kirara faced him in the air while the others took a seat around the area; far enough away that they shouldn't get caught in the crossfire, but close enough to watch.

At first, neither moved, but as Kensei tensed, Kirara suddenly flickered out of sight. She reappeared directly in front of him, her knee coming up to collide with his stomach. Kensei almost doubled over as his breath escaped him, but he forced himself to move as Kirara's follow up attack came at his head. Kirara shot higher into the air when Kensei moved around her, grabbing for her. She dodged, not drawing her Zanpakuto as she evaded his attacks.

Kirara then reappeared behind him, swinging for his leg, only for Kensei to twist and throw a punch at her. Kirara raised her arms to block it, and was shoved back several feet. Shaking out her arms as they sang with pain, she moved to the side to avoid his next punch. However, she failed to catch his next one, which threw her backwards through the air before she could catch herself.

The air was tense as they pushed at each other, slowly descending to the ground. Kirara was fast, but Kensei's strength vastly surpassed hers, giving him the upper hand. Kirara dodged most of his attacks, and her elbow clipped his chin. When he stumbled in surprise, Kirara turned, her leg slamming into his side and throwing him down. She followed as he struggled, only to catch himself. He grabbed her leg before she could move, and swung her through the air. Kirara threw a punch as she recovered, only for his to pass it.

There was a loud crash as Kirara smashed through a rock on the ground, creating a small dust cloud as everyone winced sympathetically.

"That was amazing!" Kirara laughed as the dust faded to reveal her standing. Blood ran down her face, and dust clung to her hair and clothes as she laughed. Kensei rolled his eyes as he studied her, and everyone else relaxed slightly, the tension slowly starting to fade from them all.

"You're an idiot," he decided.

Kirara was woken from her dream of the past when she felt herself being hoisted into the air. She rolled in, leaning against Shinji's chest as he carried her easily.

"You really shouldn't sleep there you know," his voice was soft as Kirara let out an indistinguishable mumble. She yawned widely, not opening her eyes.

"You said that about the riverbed too..." she murmured.

"And the school...and the park...and that tree," Shinji listed, and Kirara bumped her fist against his chest, too sleepy to put any effort into it.

"...can walk y'know..." she mumbled instead, and heard him give a low chuckle, not responding to her. After a minute, he dropped her onto the bed, and she stretched, immediately making herself comfortable again.

"I do have to wonder how you ever get anything done...you sleep so damn much," Shinji commented, before moving away. Kirara's hand shot out, and she caught his sleeve. When he stopped, she sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Kirara then looked up, not speaking. "Well...move up," Shinji muttered, lying down beside her and pulling her close.

"Tomorrow..." Kirara whispered as she rested her head on his chest.

"Yeah..." Shinji nodded.

"Shinji, I..." Kirara started, and he rolled over, watching her without giving any expression away. "Don't do anything stupid out there," she looked away, and he snorted.

"That's my line, Kirara," he hummed.

"I'm serious Hirako," Kirara looked up, frowning at him.

"So am I, Yamada," Shinji retorted, poking her nose. "I've already seen you covered in blood twice, let's not go for third time lucky," he told her as she rubbed her nose.

"How about I'll be careful, if you are?" Kirara suggested, grinning at him. Shinji rolled his eyes.

"Deal," he nodded, kissing her forehead. Kirara put her hands to his face, and pulled him down into a kiss as he pulled her even closer.

Walking down the stairs as she pulled on her hoodie over her top, Kirara felt nerves in her stomach that she hadn't felt in a long time. It was still early; the sun had only just begun to rise, yet the Vizards were all awake and ready to go.

When she stood beside Rose, adjusting her Zanpakuto strap to sit comfortably over her shoulder, he patted her head with a faint smile. Even he couldn't hide his feelings about what they were about to do. Kirara offered a faint smile back, tucking her hair behind her ear. Nobody spoke as Love walked over as well, as silent as the rest.

Chewing on her lip, Kirara looked around at the warehouse that had been their home on and off for the last 100 years. It was where they had first learned to control their Inner Hollows, and even though they had wandered around the world, it had always been their home.

"Man...we sure owe Kisuke," Shinji finally broke the silence, sitting on the metal stairs nearby. He spun his hat on his finger, deep in thought as he kept his eyes on it. "Oh...and Sosuke Aizen too..." he added. Nobody spoke, but glanced to each other before he finally got to his feet. His Zanpakuto hit the ground as he did, echoing through the Warehouse. "Let's go," he called, stepping out into the morning sun as the others followed.

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