Bleach Anime Special
By Tayla Drago
Episode #3 – Orihime Inoue and Mako Sumira
Rushing for Ichigo and Rukia to stop Acidwire who's Sora Inoue 'Orihime's dead older brother' who's now a Hollow to go after his sister and her best friend Tatsuki; same with Mako too since she and her other step-sister Zena have powers as well, but...a little different on her end.
Mako: (Ichigo, what are you? Who's Rukia? I have to see this whole thing for myself to prove to Zena this time.)
Having just been attacked by Acidwire, Ichigo Kurosaki wonders why Orihime Inoue's brother would come after him, prompting Rukia Kuchiki to admit she does not know before theorizing that a powerful Hollow who wants to devour Ichigo's soul is sending several Hollows after him from the shadows of Hueco Mundo.
Ichigo: Hollows will attack their own families?
Rukia: Hollows are fallen souls. Souls that were not guided into the Soul Society by a Soul Reaper. Abandoned, they fall and close lose their hearts and become Hollows. Now that this Hollows ha failed to devour your soul, I'm sure he will go after his sister, the person he loved the most when he was alive. Remember the bruise we saw on Orihime's leg? That mark could only have been left by a Hollow. That's why I asked you if she had any family. If what you said was true and the only family she has was the one older brother, then I'm sure. He's after Orihime!
After Rukia notes that this would explain the sudden appearance and attack of Sora Inoue, Ichigo grabs her by the collar and demands to know what he should do before asking if he cannot kill Sora, only for Rukia to push his hand away and point out that Sora will be left wandering around forever and will undoubtedly attack again if Ichigo does not kill him. Suddenly, Rukia realizes that they do not have time to worry about Sora, and when Ichigo questions why, she reveals that Orihime herself is in danger, leaving Ichigo shocked. So that's how Orihime got the bruise on her leg. With Rukia seeing that Orihime was in danger, this has Ichigo worrying.
Ichigo: Orihime...! We better hurry!
Young love, huh? Meanwhile, at Orihime's apartment, having finished the food Tatsuki Arisawa brought her, Orihime states it was delicious as Tatsuki suggests they have dessert. While Orihime offers to bring out some leeks and bean jam, which she claims go great together, the face of Orihime's stuffed teddy bear Enraku face suddenly tears open as he falls off Orihime's shelf. Noticing this, Orihime crawls over to the fallen bear and picks him up while wondering how he became torn up like this. As Tatsuki walks over to Orihime, they both hear a distant crash followed by another one, prompting Tatsuki to wonder what it is as Orihime stares in confusion. Elsewhere, as he leaps from rooftop to rooftop while carrying Rukia on his back, Ichigo expresses shock at the concept of Hollows targeting their own kin, which Rukia states happens frequently. When Ichigo asks what she means while running along telephone wires, Rukia details how Hollows are fallen souls who were not guided to Soul Society by a Shinigami or protected from Hollows, causing them to become Hollows themselves, before explaining how Acidwire will go after the soul of the one he loved most in life now that he has failed to devour Ichigo. Reminding Ichigo of the bruise on Orihime's leg, Rukia states this is a mark left by a Hollow.
Ichigo asks if this means the car accident was Acidwire's fault, and as Rukia notes this may be the case, he leaps off the telephone wires over nearby building. Back at Orihime's apartment, as she and Tatsuki hear something approaching, Orihime notices a drop of blood falling on her carpet and looks down to see blood coming out of Enraku and pooling in her hand. As a scared Orihime wonders what this is, Acidwire's hand suddenly bursts out of her back, causing her to fall back with a lifeless look on her eyes. Tatsuki calls out to Orihime, only to be sent flying into the wall by Acidwire, whom she cannot see. Landing on the ground, Tatsuki notices her shoulder has been injured and wonders why there is blood before being flung along the length of the wall. As she gets to her knees, Tatsuki begins to faintly see Acidwire in front of her, causing her to wonder with fear what he is as Acidwire forces her to the ground. While Tatsuki gasps for air, Acidwire looms over her as she presses her hand into his chest. On the other side of the room, a frightened Orihime wonders what is happening and what Acidwire is before seeing her own body lying on the ground near Tatsuki and Acidwire. Recognizing herself, Orihime notices a Chain of Fate on her chest and begins tugging on it. Arriving to try to throw rocks at the Hollow, Mako arrives to Orihime and Tatsuki's rescue.
Acidwire: Who dares hit me?!
Orihime: Who's there? Huh? Mako?
Throwing the rocks didn't have any affect on it to just get slow down only, this Hollow means business.
Mako: Orihime's a ghost? What's going on? And Tatsuki!
Orihime: Please, Mako! If you can see what's happening, save Tatsuki!
Getting Tatsuki out of danger right away before Acid Wire gets to her next, for Mako was a skillful at working out to pull Tatsuki's body and Orihime's body 'to be a ghost with the chain connected to it out of danger'.
Tatsuki: Orihime...! Be careful...
Mako: Tatsuki's fine, she's out cold. And how do I get your ghost form back into your body?
Acid Wire: Get away from her!
Attacking Mako to move away from his powerful striker from his long arms to spit attacks for a human with skills to sense this Hollow for the first time.
Mako: Hey! Watch it!
Acidwire: Orihime's mine! My sister to by her side...I'm her brother!
Mako: You are Orihime's brother...?
Striking again to cause the room to shake to make Mako lose her balance, and then another acid spit gets on to Mako's shoulder to be screaming in pain.
Acidwire: Gotcha...
Mako: AAAAAH! Crap, this hurts so much! (I can't get back up...!)
Not good for Orihime to be seeing this for Acidwire had his sister now in grave danger.
Orihime: What...is this? What's going on? Tatsuki! Mako! What is that-that monster?
As Orihime notes she cannot breathe, Acidwire presses his hand into Tatsuki's throat, causing Orihime to snap out of her daze and run headlong into Acidwire's arm, freeing Tatsuki. Orihime runs over to Tatsuki and puts her hand on Tatsuki's arm while calling out to her, but Tatsuki only sees the imprint of a hand on her arm, causing her to recoil in terror and tell Orihime to stay away from her. While Orihime asks Tatsuki what is wrong, Acidwire tells her it is useless because Tatsuki cannot see or hear them as Tatsuki falls over. When Orihime asks how he knows her name, Acidwire wonders if she has forgotten his voice and tries to get her to recognize him.
Acidwire: Have you really forgotten me?
However, Orihime fails to recognize him and tells him to stay away, prompting Acidwire to proclaim that he is saddened by this as he swipes at Orihime.
Orihime: That voice...Sora? Is that...you?
Acidwire: Orihime, come with me now. Back to when it was just you and me, happy together.
Almost going to take Orihime's ghost away for Mako couldn't do anything but to grab hold of her key chain wolf without getting melted but the other things around the house hold.
Mako: (Stop...Don't take her away...! I have to fight back...but how? I have to save Orihime's brother and stop the evil ghost...)
Holding on to her luck charm to start glowing up...Mako sees flashbacks quickly...from a woman to be happy with a child, her lover, and another one in her life to be her boyfriend, then being left out to the World of the Living to get taken in by two elderly of her step-grandparents, along with Zena 'who was left differently than Mako was'...The past was left unknown for now, for a half human to have other powers from within this one to be awaken next. Suddenly, Ichigo arrives and blocks Acidwire's hand with his Zanpakutō before declaring that he is Acidwire's target as he pushes Acidwire away. With Acidwire reeling back in pain, Ichigo slashes at him, only for Acidwire to retreat into Hueco Mundo through a portal of darkness.
Ichigo: Don't touch her...! (Tatsuki all right, and the same with Mako from looks of thing.)
While Ichigo notices Tatsuki laying nearby and laments her getting caught up in this, Orihime recognizes him and wonders why he is here, prompting Ichigo to ask her how she can see him, which Orihime does not have an answer for.
Mako: Wait...! (I feel something coming from my key chain?) Ichigo!
Ichigo: Huh? Mako, you can see me?
This was something for Rukia and Ichigo to notice.
Mako: I see Orihime as a ghost too like my sister, what about it? Oh! Right...I wasn't suppose to tell you guys about ti but us.
Rukia: She and Zena are sisters who can see and hear these things like Ichigo? (I never realize it until now.)
Noticing the Chain of Fate on Orihime's chest connected to her body, Ichigo recalls hiding behind a pole to avoid being seen by pedestrian, which prompted Rukia to explain that Shinigami are spiritual beings that can only be seen by other spiritual beings before stating that it is impossible for ordinary people to see him in his Shinigami form. As Ichigo realizes Orihime is currently a spiritual being, Acidwire confirms this and emerges from a cloud of pink mist behind Ichigo while revealing Orihime is currently a spirit before claiming that she is dead. Yelling in anger, Ichigo runs at Acidwire and slashes at him, only for Acidwire to easily dodge him. Acidwire maneuvers around Ichigo and grabs Orihime's Chain of Fate before rising up, causing Orihime to be pulled along with him. When Ichigo turns around and slashes at him, Acidwire blocks with his tail before smashing it into Ichigo, who is sent flying through the wall and out into the street as Rukia watches from below. Stopping himself in midair, Ichigo curses as Acidwire tells him to not move while holding up Orihime in his hand. As Rukia watches in shock, Acidwire slams his tail into Ichigo from above, sending him crashing into the street below, before retreating into Orihime's apartment as Rukia tells a motionless Ichigo to hang on.
Acidwire: You dare get in my way!
Ichigo: I won't apologize. This is my job as a Soul Reaper. If you want to kill Orihime, you're gonna have to kill me first!
Acidwire: Graaahhh! Orihime! It's your fault I've become this monster! I should kill you first...I'll kill you!
Seeing this, Orihime demands that Acidwire let her go because Ichigo is hurt and begins struggling, only to stop when Acidwire asks once more if she has forgotten him. As she looks into Acidwire's eyes, Orihime recognizes her brother. Meanwhile, in the street outside, Rukia tells Ichigo to wake up as he gets to his knees with blood on his face and tells her to shut up. Berating Ichigo for speaking this way, Rukia asks him where he was hit, prompting Ichigo to state it does not matter because he is okay. Rukia states this is good and reminds Ichigo that Acidwire is a monster even though he was once Orihime's brother before asserting that he no longer has a Human heart. Back in Orihime's apartment, Orihime asks Acidwire if he is really her brother. When Acidwire confirms this, Orihime claims he is lying because her brother would never do what he is doing, but Acidwire reveals he has grown lonely because Orihime has been forgetting about him bit by bit before stating that Orihime praying for him every day after his death is what gave him peace while he watched her. Noting that Orihime became friends with Tatsuki about a year after he died, Acidwire points out how she began praying to him less often after this before recalling how she stopped praying for him altogether after she entered high school. As Orihime tries to tell him he is wrong, Acidwire grabs her by the shoulders and demands that she never betray him again if she has even a shred of feeling left for him. Ordering Orihime to just listen to what he tells her, Acidwire promises to devour Ichigo and end this quickly before preparing to go outside. However, when Orihime begs him to not harm Ichigo anymore because he has nothing to do with this, Acidwire confronts her and angrily blames her for his transformation into a Hollow before grabbing her with both hands and promising to kill her first if she does not listen to what he says as he begins to choke her with his fingers.
Ichigo: Do you know why big brothers are born first? There's a reason. They're born first so that they can look out for their little brothers and sisters, and protect them. And here you threaten to kill your own sister? Even a dead man doesn't ever have the right to say that!
Wow, he was right about what Ichigo just said there.
Acidwire: Shut up! Raaaaaahhh!
Suddenly, Ichigo leaps back into the apartment and tells Acidwire to stop before stabbing his Zanpakutō into Acidwire's tail, causing Acidwire to flail in pain. As Ichigo continues to stab his tail, Acidwire drops Orihime and attempts to grab her once more, only for Ichigo to move between them and cut off Acidwire's hand. With Acidwire rearing back, Ichigo kneels beside Orihime to check on her before standing as he asks Acidwire if he knows why big brothers are born first. Claiming that this happens so they can protect their younger siblings, Ichigo declares that Acidwire should not threaten to kill Orihime even if he is dead.
Orihime: No, Sora! Stop this!
As Rukia enters the apartment, Acidwire proclaims that Orihime is his and reveals that he raised and protected her since their parents abandoned them when she was three. Extending his hand to Orihime, Acidwire promises to spare everyone else present if she comes with him, but Rukia warns Orihime that this is a trap since Acidwire no longer harbors the feelings of a big brother. Upon seeing Orihime's hairpins, Acidwire recalls fond memories of raising and growing up with her as a Human and begins screaming in pain as he bashes his head into a wall. With a crying Orihime calling out to him in concern, Acidwire pulls back and proclaims that she belongs to him.
Ichigo: Don't!
Rukia: Ichigo!
There has to be something to do! Well, for Mako to remembers something from her past a little, with the key chain was her luck charm to hold in her hands to say these words too. Trying to get back up on her feet and in pain to not back down from a fight like this.
Mako: (This is bad...! This dead brother guy will kill his only sister, Ichigo, Rukia, and Tatsuki! And maybe me too! But I can't back down! I need to fight back...I just felt something about my past. I want to learn more about it and I bet Zena does too. Then please, help me...! (The flashback showing me something about my key chain to say these words in German...) OK then...Ah, Zeige Dich (Show yourself), Omega!
From Ichigo trying to keep Orihime away from Acidwire's grasp while Rukia keeps Orihime's body and the out cold Tatsuki safe, things were about to turn ugly.
Ichigo: Leave her alone-!
Seeing a sudden appearing, Mako was back up for her pain to heal up from within the water from Orihime's home was a wolf called Omega and came from Mako's key chain. Black fury, some red spots, red yes to be a female, purple claws, chain around her neck, and had powers of water like the entire colors change up randomly. Making wolf to dog sounds only to obey on what Mako commands her to do.
Mako: A water-like wolf? Wait, from my key chain...It's alive.
Trying to strike again at Ichigo and Mako...
Ichigo: Mako!
Acidwire: Stay out of this!
Attacking, only for Omega to summon waters to spray something all over the Hollow's face to have something from Sora's spirit and the other evil one was weaken a little. Then attacking a bit to leave sharp water gun hits really fast.
Mako: Wow...Did I do that? (My key chain's alive to make water so powerful to cut through and blinded this ghost...I guess I'll worry about my skills later, if it'll save everyone and stop this thing first.)
Somehow, the water was helping Sora break free from her skills somehow...That's when Acidwire recalls how he raised Orihime almost from birth after fleeing their abusive parents and asserts that she can die for him if she will not live for him before attempting to devour her.
Acidwire: I was 15 when she was born, and I raise her when our parents abandoned us. To me, she has been more like a daughter than a sister.
Mako: Hey! My key chain wolf type name is Omega and she is helping Sora regain his memories!
Now she just figured it out to leave Rukia a bit more surprised. Acidwire lunges at Ichigo, who blocks Acidwire by the teeth with his Zanpakutō and declares that Orihime does not belong to anyone before pushing Acidwire out into the street. As Acidwire flies into the air, Ichigo leaps after him and prepares to strike, but hesitates for several seconds, prompting Rukia to tell him to finish Acidwire off. Suddenly, Acidwire uses Vitriol Shot, covering Ichigo's hands in green acid that burns his skin. While Ichigo drops his Zanpakutō in pain, Acidwire slams his tail into Ichigo from above, forcing Ichigo to the ground, before lunging at him once more with his mouth open.
Orihime: Sora...This is all my fault. The reason you're this way. It's because of me, because I begged you not to leave me alone. That's why...you weren't able to find peace. And it's all my fault.
Acidwire: Oh, Orihime...
However, at the last second, Orihime intercepts Acidwire's bite with her body, to the shock of both him and Ichigo. Falling to her knees, Orihime apologizes to her brother for begging him to not leave her alone the day that he died and states that this is why he could not rest in peace before noting that she has always sensed him beside her. Theorizing that Acidwire protected her from being hit by the car yesterday by pulling her leg to get her out of the way, Orihime points out that he will never be able to rest if she keeps depending on him before revealing that this is why she wanted to show him that she is happy and that he does not need to worry about her. Orihime tearfully says that this instead made him sad and lonely as she collapses, prompting Acidwire to claim this is not true as his mask begins to disappear and reappear. When Acidwire begins to scream in pain, Ichigo wonders what is going on as Rukia explains that Sora is currently fighting the Hollow within him. Noting that Sora did not become a Hollow by choice, Rukia ruminates that he was likely taken over by a Hollow, which Ichigo expresses confusion at, and points out that Ichigo was his original target before explaining to him how a Plus who is devoured by a strong Hollow is subsequently controlled by that Hollow.
Ichigo: That hairpin she's wearing was a present from you, wasn't it, Sora? She told me that once. That's why she wears it every single day.
Acidwire: ...
Mako: Yeah, she also told us...Orihime wanted to move on to still think of you but also to not have you worried. (Now I see...My lucky charm was always with me a lot to become my weapon. It makes a water spell and illusions on others who are good, and the bad ones to be taken down.)
Well, the Hollow Acidwire was half way dead to have Sora's spirit free thanks to Mako's help.
Rukia: You did it!
Mako: I did? Wow. I really did help. Thanks, Omega. I guess we can be friends from these types of trouble.
Laying out how a Hollow who is after Ichigo took control of a soul that Ichigo would be reluctant to fight and forced him to attack, Rukia states that Sora is desperately fighting that Hollow for his sister's sake. Suddenly, Acidwire's mask shatters completely, causing Orihime to shed a tear as she sees Sora's face before falling over. While Ichigo rushes to help Orihime, Rukia tells him to stay calm and reveals that the Chain of Fate still connecting Orihime's soul to her body is preventing her from dying. Rukia walks up to Orihime and bluntly tells Sora to get back as she prepares to heal Orihime with her Kaidō. Soon to be taking Ichigo's Zanpakto sword near his neck to finish the job.
Sora: Young lady, thank you for freeing me. It's enough time to do this now.
Ichigo: Huh? What are you doing?
Sora: I only have a short time before the Hollow overwhelms me again and changes me back into a monster. So while I'm sane and can still think clearly, I'll end this.
While Rukia places her glowing hands over Orihime, Sora sees the hairpins in Orihime's hair, prompting Ichigo to note that Orihime told him Sora gave her those hairpins before stating that this is why she wears them every day. Hearing this, a solemn Sora pulls Ichigo's Zanpakutō out of the ground nearby and holds it up to his face while noting that he will soon revert to a monster even if he stays here before stating that he wants to disappear while he still has a measure of sanity as he holds Ichigo's Zanpakutō up to his own throat. A startled Ichigo tries to dissuade Sora from going through with this, but Rukia stops him. Continuing to heal Orihime, Rukia says that Sora is making the right decision because Hollows can never return to what they were previously before telling Ichigo to let him pass on. Ichigo tries to protest, but Rukia assures him that purifying a Hollow is not killing it because their soul is cleansed so they can enter Soul Society, which is why Shinigami exist. As Ichigo looks up at him, Sora smiles and nods before preparing to purify himself, only to stop when Orihime calls out to him.
Rukia: He's made the right decision. Once you become a Hollow, you can never go back to what you were again. Mako's powers seems to help save the good to get rid of the evil. So it's okay. (Incredible...)
Mako: Really? Oh, I sure hope so.
Rukia: Ichigo, you'll learn that exorcising a Hollow is not the same thing as killing it. You're cleansing its soul and allowing it to enter the Soul Society. That's why Soul Reapers exist in the first place.
Opening her eyes, Orihime states that Sora gave her the hairpins on the day that he died and that they had a fight because she thought they were childish. Orihime recalls how she let Sora go to work that day without saying anything to him and notes that this was the last time she would see him alive before sitting up and telling Sora to have a nice day.
Orihime: Wait, I have to tell you something. This hairpin...Remember the argument we had about it the day you gave it to me? I said I didn't like it because I thought it didn't look grown up enough for me. I know I hurt your feelings and you left without saying anything else. And that was the last time I saw you alive. So now I want to say what I should have said to you when you went off to work that day. My brother, have a good day.
Sora: Thanks, Orihime.
Telling Orihime he is off, a smiling Sora impales himself with Ichigo's Zanpakutō, causing him to dissipate into motes of light that fly up into the sky as Ichigo's Zanpakutō falls to the ground. As she watches this, Orihime turns to Rukia and begins crying into her chest. This was sad to have Orihime crying and back to her body now for Rukia to heal up Ichigo, her, Tatsuki, and Mako...As well as Omega returning into her form for now until Mako calls out to it again.
Mako: Wow...Well, that just happened. And a lot to learn about on my end, what these powers really are. I still want to use them for good.
Afterward, Rukia uses her Kikanshinki on Orihime and Tatsuki too 'just in case', though its effects do not last due to her Reiryoku. Huh? And what about Mako?
Ichigo: Memory replacement...? And that's how you got to my school then.
Rukia: It's harmless, don't worry. Now for you...Ah, Mako Sumira, right?
Mako: That's me! Look, I want to help you guys sometimes on these Hollow things and I won't tell. Well, me and my sister won't.
Instead, Rukia hands Mako something of two machines.
Rukia: A device that'll contact only me for you and your sister Zena. If it's true you have powers like Ichigo to be different for the both of you...Then we could use all the help we can. But don't tell anyone about this. Just keep this whole thing between us, and I'll explain tomorrow. Just don't take on the Hollows without our help, it could be dangerous.
Ichigo: Are you sure, Rukia?
Rukia: Mako risk her life to aid Orihime in the end with this type of power for a human to awaken too, so I trust her. Who knows what Zena's powers might be. I can sense things from afar.
Ichigo: I get it. (Orihime, I'm glad you and Tatsuki are all right.)
Touching her hair to mean something to him...Oh...
Mako: You saved your girlfriend at least, Ichigo.
Ichigo: Shut up! She's not-!
Mako: Admit it! Okay, I'll go home now, sleep, and tell Zena what happened. I promise not to say a word. Nice work tonight you two. Good night now. (Wait until I tell Zen everything.)
Taking off with her weapon now and the devices to give to Zena and herself for Rukia could call to ask for their help, with Rukia getting some sleep and Ichigo back to his body too and fully healed, all was well.
Ichigo: Mako's weird, but a good kid.
Rukia: You seem very close to Orihime, Ichigo...
Ichigo: ….! I, I mean...I like her more than-! Look, I'm tired. Let's go to sleep. Maybe doing this whole Soul Reaper job isn't so bad at all.
Sleeping in their own beds 'and Rukia in the closet was all good now'.
Rukia: I knew you would like it. (Not bad, Ichigo, you're getting the hang of everything. And the twin girls of Sumira step-sisters...Zena and Mako, just who are they?)
It was hard to tell, but it shows Rukia's pure heart on wanting to help them out. A lot to be done and a lot learn, even with Mako holding on to Omega key chain and Zena felt everything that happened to her sister to all be true, she too had powers differently. But what kind? The next day, at Karakura High School, Orihime insists that a sumo champion came to her apartment and blasted a hole in the wall with a gun, to the disbelief of Ryō, Mahana, Michiru, and Chizuru. While Mahana tells Orihime to make her story more realistic and suggests the idea of a professional wrestler causing a brawl outside, Chizuru states that she likes Orihime's silly imagination as Orihime asks Tatsuki to back her up, which Tatsuki does, to the surprise of the other girls. Watching this, Ichigo asks Rukia if this is the result of what she did yesterday, which she confirms. The night before, Rukia uses her Kikanshinki on Orihime, who passes out. When a shocked Ichigo asks her what she is doing, Rukia explains that she has erased Orihime's memories of tonight's events and replaced them with new ones, to Ichigo's surprise. Dragging Tatsuki over to Orihime, Rukia admits that she cannot choose the new memories before stating that they will find out what they have to deal with tomorrow. In the present, Ichigo asks Rukia if this is what she used on his family the other day, which she confirms. As he looks over Karakura Town, Ichigo admits that he cannot promise to risk his life for a stranger, but asserts that he is also not the type of scum to passively watch someone get hurt in front of him before agreeing to help Rukia perform her Shinigami duties as he holds out his hand, which a smiling Rukia shakes while stating that she is counting on him. More on that but this time with her than Mako having something of a toy plushie becoming a full grown wolf. So stick around for more.