Ultrabross's Vision
CHP38: Lone Resident
Two persons walked side by side and for the past hour or so had wondered around unsure where the selected path would take them. To that point they had not come across any inhabitants of the strange world and had no real sense of which way they should go. One thing for certain was the surrounding was nothing like the Youkai realm or Gotham. Both shared a similar feeling that they needed to track down the succubus; she'd be their only legit way of returning to their respected worlds. Another feeling shared was the unfortunate reality they'd been sucked into something they believed had nothing to do with them at all.
All Gin knew was Morrigan's interest seemed to be with only Ichigo. No matter how many times he replayed the scenario in his head there didn't appear to be a way he could have stopped things from happening the way they did. Moka was so fixated on following Ichigo through the vortex and Tsukune of course went after her. If that wasn't bad enough Kurumu followed them and was pulled in upon trying to stop her. There was no way he'd let the three of them go at it alone and if could do it all over again probably wouldn't have changed a thing. At most he would have at least tried talking Moka out of her decision. At that point it was much too late and there was no point in complaining.
"Ok so I know we haven't said much since we got here, but I have a few questions. I want to get a few things out there just so there's a clear understanding between you and me. The first being your connection to the succubus, I've been under the impression you and Kurosaki are associates of some sort. If so, how deep and why haven't you tried contacting him?" Gin asked.
The dark knight led the way prolonging on with Gin tagging on close behind, "I'd hardly consider us anything of such. He showed up in town around twenty four hours ago with a mission on hands and was the first we met."
"What do you mean the first time you met, that's not the impression I got observing you two converse back and forth. From my perspective and everyone else's we were sure Gotham or whatever it's called was Ichigo's home town and world. Maybe if I explain things from my end you will understand better. You see Morrigan had it out for Ichigo for the past couple weeks since the beginning of the semester."
"Semester?" Batman questioned partially looking at Gin.
"Yeah that's right, it's in a realm located away from society; an academy for individuals like myself that would be considered different. Humans generally refer to us as monsters and that's the academy's main purpose, help us to integrate into the human world after graduation. That's beside the point though, to make a long story short Morrigan turned my friends and me against him. A couple hours after the encounter we ended up following him through a portal that led to Gotham. We assumed he was returning home seeing as it would be impossible for him to hang around after what happened."
"As I stated before Ichigo isn't a resident to Gotham and claimed he was from another world entirely. His timing and reason for being in town did add up to a degree. A new breed of creatures I had never set eyes on appeared in the city no more than a month ago. According to Ichigo they were called hollows or lost souls and it was his job to purify and send them back to soul society?" Batman informed.
Gin raised an eye brow and by his expression alone the caped crusader knew he was lost.
"I can't confirm if any of what he said is true. Gotei thirteen is what he called them; the ones that sent him, a legion of shinigami just as Ichigo. Restoring the balance between the living world and after life is his job from what I collected. Morrigan is the same…I encountered her for the first time shortly after speaking with Ichigo. Put that with what you said it makes sense why Morrigan was in Gotham. She must have a personal vendetta against Ichigo, or it might run deeper."
"So what Morrigan said about Kurosaki is true…he's a death god!" The werewolf murmured.
Both prolonged down the dirt path, Gin placing a single finger over his chin. There was so much that just didn't add up. Ichigo was a student at Youkai academy, yet now it was revealed to him he was not only a shinigami but working under an organization called Gotei Thirteen. Who were they and how powerful were they? Gin heard stories of death gods but had never actually come across one and considered them a myth much like the general public within the youkai realm. What really got him thinking was what Ichigo allegedly told Batman.
No matter which way he thought about it nothing added up. On hindsight it appeared Ichigo retreated from the youkai realm under the assumption everyone was out for his head. But was it possible that wasn't it at all? It was Ichigo's first year at the academy but didn't come in as a freshman, but rather a junior. Why was he attending Youkai Academy in the first place if he had a mission to eliminate a collection of beasts called hollows? Gin wondered if there was something else happening behind the scenes that brought him to the academy aside from being a student. It was all so strange and really had no clue why Ichigo enrolled in Youkai Academy, and asking the Dark Knight was out of the question. His knowledge on the matter lacked just as much.
As they continued a sign of some sort came into view. It was difficult for either to make out what the sign read, but the arrow beneath it pointing forward seemed to imply something was up ahead. Gin hoped it was a town, and though it wasn't a ticket home it was an opportunity to at least discover more about their surroundings.
XXX
Ichigo and company had walked miles and over a mountain side something came into view Kurumu thought they might never see, "Am I imagining things, or is that a town! Hurray we've finally come across some form of civilization!" The succubus was grabbed from behind as she attempted to run down.
"Are you crazy, you can't just go rushing down there like that," Moka pulled her back, "We don't know anything about this place or the people in it. Before making a move we should sit around and observe."
"Oh really, and what exactly are we observing. I'm sure if we go down there and introduce ourselves and tell them we're travelers they'll understand and lend us a hand."
"That's not always how it works Kurumu-chan, we could be taken prisoner or worse. Things aren't always what they seem." Moka replied.
The three stood silent for various moments staring down over what looked to be a village or town. Oddly enough it was overly quiet, and in Ichigo's mind was much too quite. He wondered if something was going on; no matter the time of day or night things just didn't get as quiet as they were. The feeling was shared between them all.
"Ok I don't know if it's just me but I don't hear or see anyone, don't you find that a little bit strange?" Kurumu looked to Moka and Ichigo.
"Maybe so but that still doesn't mean we should go storming in." Moka replied.
"I think it's worth checking out, if anything happens I'll be sure to protect you both." Ichigo said with sarcasm in his tone.
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Moka as Ichigo made his way down the hillside, the vampire firing back with a death glare. The stuffed lion mod soul peeked out of the side of Ichigo's pocket taking a look for himself, it was like a ghost town if he ever saw one. As they traveled down the dirt road they looked from side to side, left to right through the numerous windows. It didn't appear anyone was around and the thought of it especially freaked out Kurumu.
"Hello is anybody here!" The succubus shouted.
Moka immediately rushed to Kurumu's side placing a hand over her mouth to keep her from saying another word, "What do you think you're doing, did you not think for a second the residents of this town might be asleep?!"
Kon had seen enough burying himself into Ichigo's pocket. The atmosphere and overall surrounding as a whole was like something out of a horror flick. It was like a nightmare he wanted to so desperately wake up from but couldn't. Kurumu quickly forced Moka's hand away from her mouth glaring at the vampire. Even after that there was no apparent movement or sounds coming from inside the surroundings buildings. Kon again rose from the side pocket glaring at the western looking town, "Really Ichigo we should leave this place before it leaves us for dead."
Ichigo could hear the tremble in the mod soul's tone choosing to ignore him like he normally did. For minutes they continued on before Ichigo came to a complete stop, Kurumu and Moka doing the same behind him, "Ichigo what's wrong?" Moka asked.
The death god didn't answer right away and instead turned his head looking in all directions. The detection or lack of had been present the instant they set eyes on the town. With that in mind there was something he felt, vague as it had been it was still something. Another couple moments of silence passed and Ichigo looked to Kurumu and Moka.
"I didn't say anything before but since we arrived I haven't felt even a pinch of Reiryoku resonating from this town; that said I think it's safe to say we might be the only ones here." Ichigo notified.
Kon slipped back into the pocket and was sure he wouldn't pop out again anytime soon whilst Kurumu bit down at her tongue.
"Reiryoku, what do you mean by that? Can't say I've ever heard that term?" Moka questioned.
"We shin…I mean I am capable of sensing life forms. Almost every living organism or being possesses Reiryoku. To put it simply it is the soul energy or overall energy one has stored within its, his or her body. Every living thing has its own unique Reiryoku, in fact I've almost memorized that of you both. Levels of Reiryoku can change over time if one pu…"
"Ok ok, we get the idea. You're able to sense living things and souls; as a succubi stuff such as that is my specialty. To be honest I have a lot of growing and practice to do before I prefect it. That leads me to my next question, you're aware Moka is a vampire and I a succubus but what about you? Is there a reason you haven't told us, we're supposed to be friends right. I think it's time you come clean and lay it all on the table." Kurumu said.
Ichigo crossed both arms looking back and forth at them. Pros and cons were present whether he chose to speak or not.
"If I recall it was against Youkai Academy's rules to reveal such information. Moka's other half tried sucking my blood so was when I became aware of what she is and really had no clue what you were until you all attacked me. So to be fair you guys never really shared your true forms, it only happened because well…why am I even trying to explain myself! You'd be better off knowing less about me, just trust me."
"Youkai Academy really?! Is that the best you could come up with, last I checked we're worlds away from there and when the hell does anyone listen to all their stupid rules anyway?! You can trust us Ichigo, whatever you say stays here between us k. Isn't that right Moka we won't say a word."
Moka nodded with half a smile, an expression Ichigo didn't exactly find trustworthy.
"Say what you want, hate me if you will but I'm not saying a word. If we're truly friends and you trust me than what you know now should be enough. Until we find Tsukune and return you all to the Youkai realm I will do my best to protect you."
"You all, what about you? Most the school year still remains, don't tell me you're just going to drop out. We now know you didn't kill Tsukune and that Morrigan is the true enemy. Everyone understands that now and things can go back to the way they were." Kurumu said.
"It's not that simple and I'm not going to stand here and explain it to you either. The only thing you need to know is I enjoyed the time I spent there, especially in the company of you all."
Kurumu stomped forward as Ichigo took a couple steps back the other way. Just like that light rain began trickling down from the sky.
"So far we know you're able to detect spirits, a physical force to be reckoned with, speed I was unable to keep pace with, carrying a blade and strange uniform. Any guesses Moka, we know a lot about him but none of it matches up with Youkai we're accustomed to." Kurumu's eyes fell upon the silver haired vampire.
"I want to know just as much as you but if Ichigo doesn't want to tell us then that should be the end of it. At some point I'm sure he will open up but until that happens, let's stop nagging him. However there is one thing I'd like answered," Moka looked Ichigo in the face, "Do you really not intend on coming back with us to the academy when this is all over?"
"Yes." Ichigo answered immediately.
"Why?" Moka asked.
"Are we really going to go through this, I already said there would be no explanation, it's better that way trust me."
The rain picked up coming down harder, Kurumu and Moka with their eyes on Ichigo. He sighed looking to the ground just as Kurumu slowly made her way toward him, "The good thing about men is the predictability." She spoke softly.
"Predictability, what do you mean?" Ichigo inquired raising his head to an expression he'd never witnessed Kurumu show towards him.
"Yes that's right Ichigo, I'm sure you're just as perverted as the next one." She slowly unbuttoned her top, a seductive smirk taking shape over her lips.
"Kurumu-chan stop!" Moka darted through the rain.
"Stay out of this Moka, there is no other way to get what we want!" Kurumu shouted gazing over her shoulder, "Now where were we?" She looked back at Ichigo with a sparkle in her eyes.
"Wait what are you doing, did you even put thought into this. Stop now before this escalates to a point of no return." Ichigo gulped seeing as she undid yet another button.
"I said stop Kurumu-chan!" Moka pulled at the succubi's shoulder forcing her off balance, "Ichigo has made it clear he doesn't want to discuss anything involving this topic, now drop it!"
Kurumu couldn't help but giggle pulling out of Moka's grasp, "Am I just imagining things or is that jealously I hear in your voice? By all means go ahead and seduce him yourself, all you had to do was say you had a thing for Ichi and I would have let you have him from the get go. Oh I wonder how Tsukune would react if he knew about this lovey dovey affair of yours." Kurumu laughed.
Moka wanted nothing more than to strangle her on the spot but looked away doing her best to hide a blush.
"Oh look at this, the almighty S class vampire is speechless boy did I hit a nerve or what." Kurumu snickered and couldn't possibly enjoy herself more than in that moment. If there was any way or anything she could do to shift the odds of gaining Tsukune's affection in her favor she'd do it.
Moka tightened her fists marching toward Kurumu, but was beat to her as the stuffed lion soared out of Ichigo's pocket, "I'm sorry I can't resist they're too lovely!" Kon spoke in mid air as he planted his face in the mid section of Kurumu's cleavage. She screamed aloud pulling him away and though he held on tightly his efforts weren't enough. She threw him to the ground jumping back in disgust, "I remember that thing! Yes it was Yukari-chan and I that came across it in your bag pack some time ago. What the hell is that thing anyway?!"
Kon rubbed at his head before running over and climbing up Ichigo's left leg and eventually into his pocket.
"Guess you haven't paid much attention, that thing is the mod soul that was controlling Ichigo's body not long ago. Apparently it can take over and communicate with us through non living objects as well." Moka said.
Just as Kurumu got ready to speak she was cut off by a set of footsteps approaching from the north. Everyone looked in the particular direction and before long an older individual appeared from behind one of the buildings, "Thought I heard voices over here, where you kids from? I haven't ever seen a single of yah."
Ichigo didn't know what to say and neither did Moka; if they were to speak the truth he'd surely think they were crazy. Aside from that how was this man standing before them? Ichigo was certain there were no traces of Reiryoku in the area.
"Uh we're travelers from a really far place, yes and we're kind of lost." Kurumu came up with off the top of her head.
"Oh if that's the case then why not follow me inside and get out of this mess, it probably won't pass for a couple hours. You youngsters shouldn't be traveling this time of night."
Ichigo scratched at the side of his head walking forward, "That's very generous of you but we cannot accept."
"What are you talking about, of course we can!" Kurumu jumped in frowning at Ichigo.
"Then it's settled, follow me right this way. Don't worry I won't bite, I'm just a wary old man living in this town all alone."
"Alone?" Moka asked.
"Yup that's right, I'll tell you all about it when we get inside."
Kurumu had no problem following the unknown person, but Ichigo and Moka had their suspicions. Unsure as they might have been, they followed closely behind Kurumu. If there was one thing Ichigo knew it was to keep his guard up at all times.
To Be Continued