Ultrabross's Vision

CHP50: Down and Out

They assessed the situation taking steps backwards. The young girl was little but could also be very dangerous. Her expression and demeanor were more than intimidating and knew they'd have to stay on guard and be ready for anything.

"You asked for my name yes well just call me Vixy Bloom. Why such frightening eyes don't you wanna play? You were all smiles just a second ago, what changed huh?" She walked towards them as they moved back the other way.

"Look if this is your space and home like you stated than we're sorry for invading. But if you could be so kind and direct us in the direction of the nearest exit we'd greatly appreciate it. But if not I'm sure we'll find our way but you take care now." Yukari forged a smiled pulling everyone back.

"Don't tell me you're leaving already, hehe the fun has not yet even begun. You're my guests and won't be going anywhere unless I say so!"

The door slammed shut behind them as Vixy's eyes glowed purple. She mumbled something they were unable to make out and was probably more of a chant. The space around them grew exponentially and before they knew it additional walls rose from beneath their feet. Each of them was speechless and the one thought they shared was not to get separated through whatever was happening. They held onto one another tightly. After nearly a minute the change appeared complete; twenty foot tall walls surrounding them. Vixy was nowhere in sight and hadn't a clue as to what was happening.

"Oh yeah look at the fear in your eyes, it makes me feel all tingly just looking at you all. As you've noticed, the scenery has changed and if you want to survive and make it out of this place, you'll have to play through my maze. But I must warn you…There will be plenty of obstacles you must overcome hehe."

Vixy's voice was loud and clear, but no clue as to where it originated.

"Look we really don't want to fight; we're only here to rescue a friend. We are not your enemy!" Yukari shouted.

"Sorry but that's not the way it works. Play to win and your freedom or fail and die! I'll be waiting for yah…if you make it that far ahaha."

That was the last they heard from her before silence fell over them. Just as it had been on their way through the halls was drawings and paintings of such things one would associate with a child. Releasing from each other took a look at the different options as to which path they might take.

"Any idea which way we should go? I vote straight." Mizore said.

"Straight seems like a safe bet, let's just hope it leads us to you know who. We need to get to Moka and can't waist time doing so." Ruby replied.

Each agreed and with that began their way down the path in front of them.

How much of it he'd be able to decipher and understand was the least of his worries. The upload took longer than anticipated but at the same time was no surprise. It was after all alien tech so differences were expected. With that set of business accomplished there was only one thing to do…escape! But that alone wouldn't be enough. The enemy held the keys to what he needed most; that being the passage back to his home world. That alone wasn't enough. He needed to know in depth what Ultrabross had planned, especially in regard to his world. If the king had plans in negative light regarding his world, would have to do something about it.

The coast was clear and everything more quiet than he imagined out in the hall. It was the complete opposite to what he expected; that of course being not a single guard in sight. Gaining access into the main database was far too easy and not a single guard around. That meant either a setup or something was happening throughout the base. Minutes ago ringing ensued from the various intercoms, which could have meant lots of things.

There was a variety of ways he could have went about things from there, but escaping seemed to be the most logical of them. Confronting Ultrabross at that time, and in his own fortress wasn't an ideal move to make. Relocate, find out what he could on the information obtained, devise a plan, and then return. With that in mind Batman stuck to the shadows searching for an exit.

XXX

"Ichigo, Ichigo snap out of it, now's not the time to be feeling fatigue! We've got to take this guy out and keep moving. If you aren't feeling up to it I'll take him on myself but…"

Ichigo positioned a hand over her shoulder in which she went silent. Slowly pushing up ran his opposite hand over his forehead, "Don't worry about taking this guy on your own…in fact you'll strictly be a spectator." The death god voiced standing.

"I'm no doctor but I'd hardly say you're at one hundred percent, if anything I should take him. Save your strength for what's ahead, this guy is obviously an under link."

"Under link huh, well you talk big but I am not one to take lightly. You will soon learn that in just a few moments, unless you have enough brain capacity and make the right choice and give up."

"Give up isn't exactly in my vocabulary and is never an option. I'm gonna drop you where you stand, it's simple as that." Ichigo unleashed his blade.

Before Kurumu spoke or had the opportunity to make a move Ichigo blitzed the enemy. Captain Crash dodged at the last instant aiming the palm of his hand. Air pressure from seemingly out of nowhere formed. The blast/attack didn't connect with the intended target.

"Dammit!" The captain shouted.

Ichigo re appeared behind the enemy knocking him to the ground with a sharp elbow to the back of the neck. Familiar with the abilities a shinigami possessed didn't stay down for long, rolling over and jumping to his feet. Kurumu stood still unsure if she should get involved or not. It looked as though Ichigo had everything under control and didn't want to get in the way. Captain Crash pumped his fists while at the same time whistling and soon after steam and smoke slowly formed around him. Ichigo again blitzed with no intention of finding out what he might do next. That time unleashed his blade slashing away at the enemy before punching him into a wall.

Pulling himself out CC shook off the cobwebs looking to lock in on his opponent but the side of his face was met by the shinigami's fist. That time he went soaring clear across the room face first into the wall. There was no movement from him, and appeared KO'd.

"Let's get going before this guy decides to wake and waste more time." Ichigo said.

She'd seen him in action dozens of times already and still couldn't believe how much physical force he put on display. In a quick nod followed him down the hall and could feel Moka's presence strengthening with each step. There was a massive door with locks that blocked their path, but Ichigo was having none of it. With all the strength in a single arm forced it open without much effort.

"Moka-San!" Kurumu shouted.

The silver haired vampire stood in the mid section of the room but wasn't alone, which came as no surprise. In front of her was Feyaglia, qisk and another standing 6'1, short spiky dark green hair and silver eyes. Armor covered his chest and silver gauntlets, with dark boots and purple cape. His arms were crossed with a noticeable smirk.

"Well, well look who decided to drop in unannounced. Hhhmm there really is no reason to put it that way however, especially since I've been expecting you…your entire group for that matter. Kurono Kurumu and Kurosaki Ichigo, welcome to my home and headquarters. As we speak I'm sure three of my top generals have made contact with the rest of your friends. How long they will remain alive I cannot say, but hey you've done well to make it this far just as I predicted you would."

"You sure talk big, who the hell are you anyway?" Ichigo inquired.

"Since your arrival into this kingdom must have heard my name once or twice. The people are separated and have different views of me as with any leader. Leading by force is the only way to get things done the way you want and eliminate all obstacles that might oppose you."

"That didn't answer my question." Ichigo said.

"Isn't it obvious boy…I'm Ultrabross, king of this entire land! There is nothing that goes on that I don't know about, I've got eyes and ears all over."

Things quickly went quiet resulting in a stare down between Ichigo and Ultrabross. Kurumu's attention was strictly on Moka, but had her doubts a direct attack would result in her favor. Much as she wanted to make a move knew it would be best to follow up with whatever Ichigo had in mind. By far Ichigo had proven to be their most powerful member/weapon. There was really only one thing left to do, considering talking and negotiating wasn't an option. Ichigo reached back grabbing hold of his Zanpakuto's handle.

"Must we result to violence Kurosaki, how about we talk this over like gentlemen?"

"Give back Moka, return she and everyone to the Yokai realm and maybe I'll consider it. Morrigan and even the hollows presence at the academy was all your doing I'm sure. I don't know what your query is with the Gotei Thirteen, but is clear I've been your target."

"Ichigo what are you talking about? Who are the Gotei Thirteen?" Kurumu questioned tugging at his uniform.

Ultrabross let out a slight chuckle.

"So even your friends are in the dark as to what you truly are huh? Anyhow that is unimportant and to be frank you're only a part of what I have planned."

"What!" Icigo said in confusion.

"Yes, the vampire is very much a part of things as well. I won't get into all of that now but nothing to that had to do with the choice of targeting Yokai academy was accidental."

"Then you are the one behind the hollows. What's the point to all this? What do you plan to accomplish." Ichigo asked.

Ultrabross laughed crossing both arms.

"You sound just like the bat. I had to first gain you and the Gotei Thirteen's attention by dispersing a couple of my beauties on your home earth. Things worked out even better than I envisioned and knew they'd research and ultimately track the hollows to Yokai academy. And of course who better to send than the substitute sh…"

"Shut up!" Ichigo interrupted.

It was also in that moment he underwent the same pain he experienced in the previous room right before Captain Crash showed; except for some reason that time, the effects seemed 5x compared to then. He tried looking up but his head was throbbing uncontrollably and vision growing blurry and even darkening. He had no idea what was happening to him and if had to guess knew it couldn't be good. It felt as though he might even blackout, just as he had in the battle against the arrancar. He dropped to a knee.

"Oh my is it time already, hhhmm this is happening at a much faster pace than anticipated. But I'm not complaining, this is excellent! You sealed your fate the moment you entered this building. The transformation will commence soon." Ultrabross could hardly hold in his excitement.

"Bastard, what the hell did you do to me?!" Ichigo punched into the ground shattering the tile beneath his fist.

"Me, haha," Ultrabross ran a hand over the left side of his head, "I'd say you played an even bigger role in your demise than I did. You see those hollows you've been attacking are ultimately what have put you in your current state. The Gotei Thirteen should have fully researched these beasts before sending you on a wild goose chase just like I knew they would."

"What's happening to him?!" Moka jumped forward but was immediately pulled back by Qisk.

Kurumu was no different, just as in the dark to the situation as Moka.

"Ichigo what does he mean by hollows and the Gotei Thirteen? Weren't you attending Yokai academy like the rest of us to ready yourself for living amongst the humans?" The succubus asked.

"Silly child, Kurosaki had his own agenda when enrolling into the academy. Not a single staff member was aware; I observed things in depth from here. His objective was simply to destroy the hollows that were lurking around the academy, beasts which I sent there myself. But you're probably wondering why the academy wasn't in uproar…well simply put there is only special beings that can spot them with the naked eye."

"Shut up, that's enough!" Ichigo shouted, now on both knees; his eyes looking to the ground.

"You are in no position to be giving orders boy. As I was saying only specific individuals can spot hollows. None come to mind more than that of a shinigami." Ultrabross said.

"So are you saying Ichigo is a…" Kurumu froze.

"Yes, a substitute Shinigami." Ultrabross replied.

"Ichigo is what he says true? Were you not attending the academy with the same intent as every other student…are you truly a shinigami?" Moka asked.

Ichigo gave no answer and for what felt like a minute no one said a word.

"Just as with hollows a shinigami is invisible to most beings. There are rare exceptions but the only reason your group is able to see him in his current form is thanks Morrigan. Back when she framed him for Aono Tsukune's false homicide altered your visual prowess. I'm no expert far as her abilities so cannot say for how long it'll last. Far as the Gotei Thirteen, you ladies needn't concern yourselves wondering about them. Soon as I've wrapped things up here look to wipe them out of existence." Ultrabross chuckled.

"Bastard," Ichigo pushed up attempting to stand, "If you think for a second I'm gonna let you get away with this you're sadly mistaking. You said something about I did this to myself, what exactly did you mean?"

Ultrabross scratched at his chin letting out a sigh.

"Stop me if I'm wrong, but didn't something feel strange after the slaying of each individual hollow? It was as if a piece of it combined with your being and the other eighty percent vanishing into nothingness. Listen carefully because I'm only going to say this once. This next part is why it had to be you and no one else. You're a Death god, yes…but also possess hollow attributes because of the incident with your mother before you were born."

"So are you gonna go through my whole life story?" Ichigo interjected.

"Anyhow it is because of that my experiment would only work on you. Conveniently you were also a shinigami; capable of slaying a hollow which was also essential to my plan. You see it is because of the hollow aspect of yourself that you're the only one that would work for this. No other member to the Gotei Thirteen or lower ranks would have been compatible with the combining attributes of these lovely beasts. With every hollow you took down a small portion of them merged with your spirit's source slowly eating away at your conscious. There's no way you could have known and unfortunately for you it's too late! It won't be long now before you fall into an eternal sleep, in which the hollow side of you will awaken and I'll have full control over."

"But…but that doesn't make any sense." Ichigo said.

"Perhaps this next bit will shed some light on the darker areas you're having a hard time understanding," Ultrabross looked to one of his nearby guard's, "Could you be so kind and bring the cube to me. The time has come, we've waited long enough."

"Yes sir." The guard bowed exiting out a side door.

The guard left but returned just as quickly holding the square shaped object that began to crack and from inside was a red glow.

"Ahh yes, excellent." Ultrabross said taking the cube from his hands.

Ichigo raised his head gazing at it for a quick couple seconds before slightly falling forward. Looking at it directly brought about a strange sensation, feeling as though he was being drained. It was different for the vampire and succubus but whatever it was stemming from it gave off a bizarre aura.

"This here holds the power and strength of over four hundre d hollows and soon to be many more. You thought by cutting them down would purify and send them to soul society, but that isn't the case. And before you ask, yes I rounded up nearly two million of hollows you and your establishment have known for centuries and altered them accordingly. Instead of being reborn in soul society, once cut down their souls gathered here within the Vertaq cube. As of now enough hollows have been accumulated to activate it. I will unlock and absorb its core and then the power of each hollow will be mine. Not only that, but from this point on any of my remaining hollows that are destroyed…their power will become one with me directly haha."

"I don't get it. Let me get this straight…when these hollows of yours are destroyed they become one with that cube and once the core units with your being become yours. Question is why me, there are dozens out there with the ability to slay hollows?" Ichigo inquired.

The shinigami could drastically feel himself fading and knew it wouldn't be long before he lost consciousness.

"Did you not pay any attention to what I said moments earlier? Believe what you will, but in ways you could prove more dangerous to my operations than any captain within the Gotei Thirteen. What you lack in experience and wisdom, make up for it in your other strengths. You're what I like to call the wild card Kurosaki Ichigo, and with you out of the picture things will go smoothly. I'm quite aware what you're capable of and the many battles you've fought, overcoming the impossible numerous times over. However your luck has run out, you will become my pawn and help me become this era's greatest ruler. I will be known as Ultrabross the hollow god!"

Ichigo tried standing but was no use. The last of his strength was gone as he fell forward face first onto the ground out cold.

To Be Continued