Chapter 15
The Heart of Danger
Aaron couldn't sleep. He was tired; his eyelids were as heavy as lead. For the past couple of hours, he had done nothing but lie in his bed and yawn like someone who hadn't gotten a wink of rest in days. Still, sleep refused to come to his side. In light of what he would be doing and where he would be going in due time, he guessed all this made sense.
"...I should've gotten some sleep," he muttered, stroking his bloodshot eyes. "Then again, there's no way I would've been able to. ...I'm too damn nervous."
Tossing between his sheets, he relaxed and concentrated on a nearby digital clock. It was close to 1 AM, the very same time Kisuke Urahara had informed him to be ready for some kind of message. While Aaron of course couldn't be certain, he had a hunch it would pertain to his upcoming trip to Soul Society to rescue Kana Mitarashi and Rukia Kuchiki. He still had to meet up with the other members of this would-be rescue team.
"W-Why 1 AM though?" he said alongside another drawn out yawn. "Couldn't Urahara have picked a more reasonable time?"
He supposed not. Expecting the shop owner to do anything 'normal' was perhaps asking too much.
"I...guess it's really gonna happen. I'm really gonna go to Soul Society."
As much as the place had cluttered his psyche ever since Kana had been apprehended by Byakuya Kuchiki and Renji Abarai, he could hardly claim to know much about it other than what she and Sasune had told him. It really would be like traveling to another world. Without question, there would be Shinigami there, Shinigami as strong as the ones who had effortlessly defeated Ichigo Kurosaki, Uryuu Ishida, and his older brother, Sasune. Aaron had ten days of training with Urahara under his belt, but would it be enough?
"Well, it's not like I have to beat up everyone there."
Indeed, he theorized it better to avoid combat as much as possible during his mission.
"Heh. Ichigo would never go for something like that. He'd hate sneaking around like some rat."
His fellow Shinigami was more of a man-of-action, a person who blindly rushed into danger with a smile. Aaron might have envied him for this if it weren't for this same temperament being a tad bit suicidal.
He sat up on spur of the moment. The idea of sleep was nice, but he was fretting too much to get any. As such, he flipped on his bedroom light, allowing said illumination to momentarily sting his pupils while they adjusted to it. Seconds later, he unleashed a bloodcurdling shriek. He wasn't alone in his room. No, a pair of gleaming, golden eyes were gawking back at him from a corner of his room.
"Hello, Aaron Higuchi. I did not think you were still awake," said Sharpscale, the Adjuchas-level Hollow Aaron had encountered days prior. It was oblivious to the panic written on the teenager's visage as it added, "Is something the matter?"
Izumi, armed with a baseball bat, burst into the room just then.
"Y-You alright in here, bro?! What's the problem?! Is someone trying to rob us again?!"
She too hollered out in terror upon glimpsing Sharpscale.
"Are you two quite alright?" asked the Hollow honestly.
"H-How long have you been here?!" asked Aaron, struggling to breathe properly.
"Since early this evening. There was nothing else for me to do since the two of you retired for the night, so I thought I would try to get some rest myself. However, it is far too quiet here in the Human World. I'm far too accustomed to the restlessness of Hueco Mundo. My apologizes. I never meant to upset you both."
Aaron brushed the cold sweat dousing his forehead away. "It's...no problem. Just promise me you'll at least say something if you're nearby next time!"
"Of course."
"W-What do you mean it's 'no problem?!'" hollered Izumi. "I think there's a huge problem! In case you've forgotten, there's a freakin' Hollow living in our apartment!"
Aaron replied, "Chill out already. It's not..."
"How in the hell could you expect me to do that?! Have you lost your mind, Aaron?! You should've already plunged a knife into this thing's heart already!"
"I do not have a heart. I am actually searching for it, hence the reason I'm here in the Human World," remarked Sharpscale.
"Shut up! No one was talking to you! Besides, I've heard that story way too many times already!" Izumi shifted her aggression back to her younger sibling. "Y-You can't just keep this thing like some pet! Get rid of it already!"
"First of all, Sharpscale isn't a pet. He's...an acquaintance. Secondly, you really do need to relax. Sharpscale promised me he wouldn't cause any trouble while he's here in the Human World, and so far, he's done exactly nothing to make you act so paranoid. You don't have to worry about him eating anyone either. He said he only eats Hollows."
Sharpscale nodded. "That is correct. You see, in order for me not to revert back into a Menos Grande, I must..."
Izumi became pale. "Yeah, yeah! I get the point! I really don't want to have to picture something like that! Ugh! It'sway too early in the morning for this crap!"
"Go back to sleep then," said Aaron indifferently. "You're the only one making a big fuss outta this."
Snarling, Izumi replied, "Watch it, little bro!"
Aaron paid her threat no mind. Rather, he got up and made his way over to a window, opening it. A strong breeze rolled in.
"W-What are you doing?" asked Izumi apprehensively. "Don't tell me you've got another 'acquaintance' on the way!"
"I doubt it. Urahara told me to leave my window open and wait for something or another at about 1 AM."
"You think he'll show up riding a big piece of paper again?"
"I shall keep a sharp eye out for anything suspicious, Aaron Higuchi. If anyone so much as threatens you or your sister, I will cut them down without fail," said Sharpscale.
Aaron answered, "You...don't have to go that far. And please, stop using my full name. It's weird. Anyway, you don't have to worry about Urahara. He's pretty trustworthy. ...For the most part."
"Huh? I...think I see something coming!" said Izumi, pointing outside.
Aaron rotated his head. "You do? Where? I don't..."
He eventually located what his sister was referring to. Although he couldn't quite make it out, something was flying toward his bedroom at a remarkable speed. He made haste to duck as the object whizzed past him and into a wall, splattering a red substance that looked an awful lot like blood. It began to form into legible writing, and Aaron, Izumi, and Sharpscale inched closer to it
"I-Is this some sort of joke?" wondered Izumi.
"If it is, I ain't laughing," replied Aaron, gulping.
The blood or whatever it was made out, 'Please meet at the Urahara Store immediately!'
Aaron, smacking his lips, stated, "I knew Urahara had to be behind this!"
"I sure hope this crap is washable or else Mom is gonna kill you!" said Izumi.
"Tsk! Urahara's gonna pay to get a new wall installed! I'll make sure of it!"
"Oh, look. I think it's trying to say something else."
It was indeed, this time reading, 'P.S. If you think this message looks like something out of a horror movie, you have no sense of humor!'
Simultaneously, Aaron and Izumi scrunched their eyelids and said, "...Stupid."
Their opinion on the matter was irrelevant in the face of one, very important fact: it was at last time for Aaron to depart. He slung a heavy backpack over his shoulder and took a deep breath. He then absorbed his surroundings, thinking this might be the last time he saw them or anything else in his world.
"You know, you don't have to go through with this, Aaron. It isn't too late to change your mind," Izumi told him. Her shaking voice implied she was just as skittish.
"Sorry, sis. If I really didn't want to do this, I wouldn't have wasted my time working so hard to become stronger. Don't worry. I'm not doing this alone. I'll have Sasune and Mitsumi with me. I even managed to convince Sharpscale over there to help."
"G-Good! That means it'll be outta the house! That guy gives me the creeps! I would've lost my mind if you'd have left me here with him!"
"My apologizes. I did not mean for my presence to cause any problems," said the Hollow with a solemn bow.
"And stop saying you're sorry! It's really annoying!"
"Sorry, I..."
Aaron cut Sharpscale off. "Even Ichigo and his friends will be coming to Soul Society with us, Izumi, so there are plenty of people to watch my back and vice versa."
Izumi came to the conclusion that no matter what she said, she wasn't getting her brother to change his mind. He was stubborn to a fault. Then again, so was she.
"Aw! Get over here, you big dummy!" she said before throwing her arms around him. In a softer voice, she added, "...I want you to promise me that you'll run if things become too much for you to handle. I know you think you're some big shot hero, but there's nothing wrong with running if you have to. No one will think any less of you. Just come home in one piece, with or without Kana, okay?"
"No need to worry about that. Me and Kana will be home soon."
"If you are ready to go, Aaron Higuchi, I will you take you to where you need to go," stated Sharpscale. "Grab onto me."
Aaron raised an eyebrow. "What, can you teleport or something?"
"I can do nothing of the sort. I will simply use Sonído."
"Wait, what's…?"
Izumi gasped and fell to the floor in shock when Aaron and Sharpscale vanished into thin air behind a resounding boom. The noise was so loud, it set off car alarms outside and roused dogs all across the neighborhood into barking.
"W-What the hell was that all about?! Ugh! Dealing with a little brother like Aaron is such a pain!"
Her expression softened. It finally hit her that her dear, younger brother would be gone for the foreseeable future. She couldn't watch after him this time either.
"...That idiot. Will he really be alright?"
#
"Huh?! W-What the heck just happened?!"
Aaron gradually opened his eyes. They were greeted by near darkness. He was outside now, and gazing up, he could see a multitude of stars in the night sky. Directly before him was a place that made him shudder instinctively: the Urahara Store. It didn't take long for him to flash back to the ten, hellish days of training he spent there.
"W-Wait, the Urahara Store?! How did I get all the way to Karakura Town?!"
"I used Sonído," stated Sharpscale. "This is the right place, correct?"
"Y-Yeah. Thanks. I'm...guessing that Sonído or whatever is like Shunpo."
His mindset shifted away from the matter and to the plethora of people staring at him like he were a ghost.
"Yo, Higuchi! I knew you'd show up sooner or later!" said a beaming Ichigo Kurosaki.
Aaron smiled back. "Heh! There's no way I'd miss this for the world!"
Along with Ichigo was Uryuu Ishida, Sasune's younger brother. The remaining individuals were two Aaron wasn't familiar with: Yasutora Sado and Orihime Inoue.
"Are these friends of yours, Kurosaki?" he queried.
"Yeah. They'll be coming to Soul Society with us!"
This came as a mild surprise to Aaron. He knew Ichigo would have allies accompanying him, yet Chad and Orihime weren't what he imagined. Considering Chad's size, Aaron was confident he would be able to handle himself just fine. Orihime, on the other hand, didn't appear as if she could even hurt a fly. Aaron kept this to himself however. If Ichigo thought her fit to go to Soul Society, then it was likely the orange-haired teen knew something Aaron didn't.
"Oh! So you're the one Kurosaki was talking about? It's nice to meet you! I'm Orihime Inoue!"
"...Yasutora Sado," said Sado. "Just call me Chad."
"I'm Aaron Higuchi. Nice to..."
He paused, gagging on his tongue even. This reaction stemmed from him catching wind of Uryuu's outfit. To call it 'strange' wasn't doing it justice. The white, draping robes seemed ceremonial in nature—the blue cross decorating it led Aaron to this conclusion—and even came complete with a short cape.
"...What?" the Quincy asked in response to Aaron's unwavering gaze.
"N-Nothing! Nothing at all! I was...uh...just thinking that it's nice to see you again, Uryuu!"
Uryuu pushed his glasses closer to the bridge of his nose. "...I see. I don't mean to change the subject so abruptly, but would you mind explaining what that is behind you?"
Aaron blinked, perplexed at what Uryuu was referring to at first. He then remembered Sharpscale was with him.
Orihime gasped, saying, "A-A Hollow?!"
Chad took a fighting pose, adding, "Looks like it managed to sneak up on us."
"Is that so?! Guess we'll have to take it down before heading to Soul Society!" declared Ichigo.
"H-Hold on a sec!" Aaron formed a blockade in front of Sharpscale using his own body. "I think there's some sort of misunderstanding! This Hollow isn't our enemy!"
"What are you saying? It's a Hollow. Of course it is," said Uryuu coldly. "I don't know why you're going so far to defend that monster, but it really would be better if we disposed of it as soon as possible."
The Quincy was beginning to sound extraordinarily similar Konoka in Aaron's opinion. It was clear to him that he had to defuse the situation and pronto. So, he opted to fill everyone in on the details of Sharpscale's arrival in the human world, not to mention the Hollow agreeing to help rescue Kana and Rukia.
When he finished the story, he noted the baffled looks he received.
"You're telling me there's a such thing as a good Hollow?" said Ichigo skeptically.
"I think it could be possible!" said Orihime enthusiastically. Aaron was grateful that at least one person there had an open mind.
"...Thinking about a Hollow watching my back makes me anxious," admitted Chad.
"Indeed. The thought of a Quincy such as myself allying with a Hollow is enough to make me sick," stated Uryuu with a sharp glare.
Without warning, someone proclaimed, "What doesn't make you sick, dear brother?"
Dread rose like lava bubbling to the surface of volcano in the pit of Uryuu's stomach. He didn't even have to swing his head and check to know Sasune Ishida was close-by. The older Quincy wasn't alone, walking side-by-side with the Red-Haired Beast herself, Konoka Mitsumi.
Konoka whistled and then stated, "Man. Some group we've got here. I didn't think there would be this many people stupid enough to go along your plan, Higuchi."
"Don't be rude, Miss Mitsumi," said Sasune in a scolding tone.
"Tsk. Whatever. What the hell was up with that stupid, bloody message Urahara sent? That shit nearly gave me a heart attack!"
"Y-You got that too?" said Aaron, chuckling weakly.
Sasune set his focus on Uryuu, saying, "Yo! How's it going, little brother? You've been staying out of trouble, right?"
Becoming even more incensed, Uryuu retorted, "Y-You've got a lot of nerve speaking to me so casually! What in the hell do you think you're wearing?!"
The inquisition puzzled Sasune. Nothing about his attire was distressing to him. Aaron, glancing his best friend over, wondered if Uryuu was upset because he and Sasune were wearing almost identical attire. In fact, the lone difference between them was that Sasune's was black with a red cross adorning it.
"Wow! I never imagined this! I'm so flattered you'd want to emulate me, Uryuu!" said Sasune, wiping a tear from his eye.
"W-Why you…! I'm not imitating anyone! You're the one that's…!"
"Hahaha! Yes, this is a perfect start to our adventure, dear Uryuu!"
Clearly, Uryuu's complaints were going into one of Sasune's ears and out the other. If it weren't for the group needing his older brother's skills, Uryuu would have killed him on the spot.
"Idiot..." said Konoka in a hushed tone while she palmed her hand over her countenance.
"Ah! It's you! You're Sasune, right! It's good to see you again!" said Orihime. "I'm so glad you and Uryuu changed your minds about coming with us to Soul Society!"
Sasune opened his mouth to formulate a response. Nothing but gibberish came out though.
"How'd you manage to do that?" Konoka asked Orihime. "Seriously. I wanna know the secret to gettin' this lunatic to be quiet for even five seconds."
"Seems like you guys already know Sasune. Well then, the other person here is Konoka Mitsumi. She might not look it, but she's probably the toughest one here," said Aaron.
"Heh. You're makin' me blush over here, Higuchi."
"Wait a moment! Are you the same Konoka Mitsumi that is the current head of Mitsumi Coffees Incorporated?" asked Uryuu.
"Hmm? Yeah, I guess so. Why you askin' all of a sudden?"
The usually calm and collected Uryuu seemed ready to burst at the seams with excitement. This abrupt and unexpected shift in disposition weirded Konoka out.
"...I am a huge fan of your company's products," he explained. "I cannot begin each day without a cup of Mitsumi brand coffee."
"O-Oh. Y-You're welcome?"
"You know, she's not gonna give you free samples just because you're sucking up to her like this," said Sasune, smiling slyly. "Her company does make some mighty fine coffee though!"
"...The beans are always fresh," said Chad.
"Yeah! It's really good!" added Orihime for good measure.
Konoka, unsure as to how or why the conversation had become all about her, opted to change it as she leered at Sharpscale. "...I see you're still keepin' this thing around, Higuchi."
"Yeah, it's gonna be hard for us to pick up chicks if you insist on having that buzzkill around, Chocolate Thunder!" added Sasune adamantly.
"J-Just chill out already, you guys!" shouted Aaron. It wasn't like him to lose his composure like this, but he had just about enough of everyone speaking so negatively. "I understand that Sharpscale is a Hollow! Even so, that doesn't automatically make him a bad guy!"
"It's clear that you, for whatever reason, trust that monster. However, I'm certain the same can't be said for the rest of us," remarked Uryuu. "You shouldn't just expect us to go along with a Hollow of all things helping us without us making a fuss. It's ridiculous. Most of us have been fighting these creatures our entire lives. They've caused us nothing but grief, so it's only natural for us to feel the way we do. While I haven't the slightest idea what you're motives could be, all I ask is that you stop being so selfish."
Selfish? The word made Aaron recoil as if he had been struck across the mouth. He surveyed those gazing back at him and could immediately tell their opinions were mostly in line with Uryuu's. Perhaps he had been self-indulgent in believing Sharpscale aiding them in their quest to save Kana and Rukia would be no issue.
"Might I get a word in edgewise?" Sharpscale cleared its throat and took center stage. "I would not expect total strangers to trust me so quickly. It would be most troubling if you all did so. Therefore, I have a simple solution to our predicament: if you all truly do not have any faith in mine or Aaron Higuchi's word, feel free to cut me down right now. I have no desire to impede your mission any further with my presence."
Aaron decried, "Y-You don't have to go that far, Sharpscale!"
"Listen to me, Aaron Higuchi. Your mission to rescue your friends is far more important than my own desire to track down my heart. That is why I'm suggesting you all finish me and be done with it. You filled me in on what you're trying to accomplish. I can see the resolve in your eyes. You would give anything to have this Kana Mitarashi back, anything in the world. As such, you don't have time to waste debating over me."
Aaron was taken aback. No matter the situation, Sharpscale was always like this: utterly selfless. Aaron learned this firsthand mere days ago.
#
Six days prior, Aaron found himself trekking down a tranquil street of Hino with no destination in mind. It wasn't often he got out of the house, and he wouldn't have even done so if it weren't for his mother having their apartment fumigated for insects. There were no bugs, just a Hollow his older sister mistook for a giant one. Her getting not that great a look at Sharpscale before passing out likely had something to do with it. She told the tale to their mother, who in turn hastily phoned the local exterminator.
"Great. My friggen home is basically a quarantine zone," grumbled Aaron beneath his breath. With his hands in his pockets, he trudged down another corner, sighing over and over. "And if that weren't bad enough..."
He carefully peered back at the tall, trench coat-wearing individual marching at his rear. The disguise, if one could even call it that, barely hid Sharpscale's intimidating frame. The same could be said for the pair of sunglasses covering its yellow eyes. Although Aaron had repeatedly assured it such a get-up was unnecessary, the Hollow stubbornly chose to do what it felt was best.
"Thank you for allowing me to accompany you today, Aaron Higuchi," said Sharpscale. The Hollow jerked about, finding its coat both itchy and uncomfortable. "Hopefully, today's search for my heart will be productive."
"Eh? Oh...t-that. Right. I guess...we'll just have to see."
Sharpscale nodded, taking sincere comfort in Aaron's less than enthusiastic reply. The Hollow's bizarre mission had been the absolute last thing on Aaron's mind, and he honestly had no intention of doing anything about it, not today anyway. All he desired was a walk to clear his mind, a distraction to get his thoughts off Kana and Soul Society for even a moment.
"Do you really believe we'll be able to find my heart in a place like this?" asked Sharpscale as it and Aaron passed a candy store. "Oh, how do I look, by the way? Human?"
"N-No..." admitted Aaron sheepishly. "But it really doesn't matter. No one but me can see you, remember? That's why I was telling you to forget about a disguise."
Realizing the dark-skinned teen was on to something, Sharpscale happily removed its clothing.
"Good. I was growing rather hot."
"...I bet."
Groaning out of earshot, Aaron couldn't help but feel irked that Sharpscale had been following him around since the previous day. On the other hand, the circumstances were the fault of no one but himself. He was the one who informed the Hollow he would help it, after all. Nevertheless, he yearned for some way to get rid of the troublesome creature and fast.
"Is something wrong, Aaron Higuchi?"
Aaron stopped in his track. "...Would you please stop addressing me by my full name? And...no, nothing's the matter."
"I see. Well, if you do not mind, I suggest we start our search there."
Sharpscale aimed a scaly finger at a small playground complete with slides, swings, and other exhilarating things children enjoyed. Numerous, giggling kids were taking full advantage of them at the moment.
Aaron snapped his fingers. "Ah! I remember this place! Ma used to take me and Izumi here when we were little. I used to cry a lot because Izumi would always push me off the swings so she could get a turn."
"Yes, that...does indeed sound like your older sister."
"You've figured that out already after only a day? You're pretty good."
"Thank you."
Aaron saw no harm in taking a quick peek around the park. While he was positive they wouldn't bump into the object Sharpscale longed for, their search would at least sate the Hollow's curiosity and his boredom.
"Hmm?"
A ball rolled up to his feet, inducing him to reach down and hoist it close to his face. Afterward, a little boy rushed up to him and held out his hands longingly.
"Oh, is this yours? Sorry."
Aaron handed the ball back without much of a fuss.
"Thanks, mister!" the boy exclaimed before running back to his friends.
"A question," began Sharpscale. "What are those children doing?"
"Huh? What do you mean? They're playing. Looks like kickball. That brings me back to having to suffer through that game during elementary school," Aaron replied.
"'Playing?' Interesting. I am familiar with the term, but what those humans are doing over there looks nothing like the 'playing' we Hollows do in Hueco Mundo. 'Playing' usually ends up with one or even two of the beings involved being killed or eaten."
"T-That doesn't sound like playing to me..."
"Yes, I agree. You humans do it in a much more...pleasant manner."
It was hard for Aaron to imagine Hollows doing anything other than preying on helpless entities. Indeed, he had grown accustomed to thinking of them as nothing more than mindless, bloodthirsty monsters. Sharpscale was the total antithesis of this however. It was suave, intelligent, and surprisingly sensible. Were there other Hollows like it, or was it considered an oddball in its home world?
"Hey, gimme back the ball!" yelled one of the children in the background.
"No way!" answered another, holding the ball in question out of reach. "It's mine!"
"Nah uh! It's not even your turn to kick, stupid!"
"They're arguing. Well, that's something I understand well at least," said Sharpscale.
Aaron stated, "Heh! Yeah, I guess humans and Hollows have that in common."
The kid's squabbling escalated, with the ball being thrown with force toward Aaron. Though caught off guard, he grabbed it prior to it breaking his nose.
"S-Sorry, mister!" said the boy from earlier.
"Don't sweat it! Just be more careful next time! And try to share!"
Aaron started to toss the ball back, but his arm paused when he saw the boy leering in Sharpscale's general vicinity.
"Do you and your friend wanna play too, mister?" the child asked.
"'F-Friend?' Aaron didn't comprehend the meaning of this until seconds later. "W-Wait, y-you can see him?! The guy standing next to me?"
The boy nodded. "That's a funny costume he's got on! Halloween isn't for another couple of months though!"
"Curious. This boy must have high spiritual power if he can see me," said Sharpscale.
"Y-Yeah. People like that aren't common around here," said Aaron.
"Say, is that another friend of yours?" the kid queried.
"Come again? What do you…?"
Trepidation washed over Aaron, compelling him to turn around. Awaiting him was a Hollow other than Sharpscale, one he recognized as Fishbone D, the very same Hollow that attacked the night he first became a Shinigami.
"H-How in the hell did that thing sneak up on me?!" he questioned.
The creature roared, sending shock waves across the area. Aaron was almost swept off his feet, though he was far more worried over the now panicking youngsters.
"Y-You guys need to get outta here and quick before…!"
Fishbone D beat him to the punch, charging past him and making a beeline for the kids.
"D-Dammit! I'm gonna have to…!"
In horror, Aaron came to the realization he had no way of transforming into a Shinigami.
"Y-You've gotta be kidding me! I've got power again, but I still can't use it?!"
He searched around ahead of cursing his rotten luck. In the past, Kisuke Urahara would come to his aid in a dire situation like this one, but the shopkeeper was nowhere to be found this time.
"Ugh! There's gotta be some other way to get outta my body!"
Fishbone D was ready to pounce on its unsuspecting prey.
"D-Didn't you all hear me?! Run! Run, dammit!" cried Aaron. The kids heard the desperation in his tone but were too frozen in fear to do anything. "W-What the hell am I supposed to do here?! There's no way I can fight that Hollow like this!"
"Allow me," said Sharpscale.
"Y-You? What are you gonna do?"
Rather than clarify, Sharpscale decided to let its actions do the talking. As Fishbone D hovered over its quarry, Sharpscale landed inches away.
"Stand aside."
Fishbone D did nothing more than howl at the demand.
"I see. You're nothing more than a Hollow of low intelligence, aren't you? How unfortunate. You'll make an unworthy opponent."
These less than kind remarks prompted Fishbone D to swing one of its huge fists. It slammed into the spot Sharpscale stood, leading Aaron to believe the his new friend had been destroyed already. However, he soon spotted Sharpscale casually standing on Fishbone D's arm.
"...You can't even comprehend how outmatched you are. Allow me to show you."
Living up to its brash speech, Sharpscale sent its foe flying into a close-by swing set using a swift kick to the head. With Fishbone D down, Aaron saw an opening.
"Now's your chance! Get outta here!" he implored to the children once more. This time, they got the message loud and clear, scrambling out of the park and toward safety. "Thank goodness! That's one problem out of the way. Guess I'm just gonna have to leave this to Sharpscale."
The heavy blow it took wasn't enough to finish Fishbone D. With some difficulty, the creature got back up and howled at Sharpscale for causing it to miss out on its meal. Sharpscale didn't so much as flinch, daring the other Hollow to try something as it stood firm. Fishbone D was happy to oblige, running with a full head of steam. Sharpscale sidestepped it and responded by driving its iron-hard knuckles into Fishbone D's chest. The Hollow demolished another portion of the park when it was violently thrown aside by the attack.
"I wonder. Shall I devour you?" Sharpscale extended its index and middle fingers, channeling blue spirit energy through them. "Then again, there may be no point. There is always the chance a being such as yourself would actually weaken me."
It unleashed what Aaron was certain was a Cero. Fishbone D, becoming aware of how much danger it was in, moved its body enough to avoid most of the blast. Nonetheless, its left arm got caught in it. Blood trickled from the wound, whereas Fishbone D let loose a cry of anguish that reverberated throughout.
Aaron shielded his ears. "I knew it. Sharpscale is no pushover. Something tells me he isn't even going all out right now."
His thoughts drifted from the Hollow and to the boy standing in the distance. It was the very same child who had been able to view Sharpscale as clear as day.
"Y-You! Why are you still here?!" cried Aaron. "Listen, you can see that other monster, right?! It's gonna kill you if you don't get outta here!"
"I-I just forgot my ball!"
"Huh?! Forget about that! Just hurry up and go!"
The boy squealed in delight after discovering his prized ball. As he knelt down to retrieve it, Fishbone D zeroed in on him. It wasn't going to allow its prey to escape a second time. Opening its massive jaw, it formed and then fired a red Cero, something that made Aaron's eyes enlarge in shock.
"T-There's no way a Hollow like Fishbone D should be able to do that! W-Wait! Maybe...it's one of those strange Hollows Urahara was talking about that have been popping up all over Hino!"
He saw no point in resolving the matter now. His legs, acting on instinct alone, propelled him toward the boy in an effort to save him before the Cero could do its work. Gritting his teeth, Aaron gathered he wouldn't make it, even as he sped up.
Crimson light bathed the boy, and he dropped his ball as he watched the Cero grow closer and closer. He slammed his eyelids shut, not wishing to see what would become of him. Despite this, he reopened them moments later when he remained in one piece. He understood why; Sharpscale was there and keeping the Cero at bay. The Hollow grunted as the red ball of energy shoved him back.
"Are you alright?" it asked the boy like it were in no danger. Too petrified to speak, the boy simply nodded. "Good. I apologize for my delay in getting here. I never anticipated that Hollow over there using Cero. How curious."
"Get outta there, Sharpscale! You'll be destroyed at this rate!" cried Aaron.
"Oh? You seem to be underestimating me some, Aaron Higuchi." Pausing, Sharpscale added, "...Do you know the reason Hollows such as myself have holes in their chest's?"
"What? What does that have to do with anything?!"
"I'd prefer it if you simply answered the question."
"Tsk! B-Because they've lost their hearts! The hole symbolizes where it used to be!"
"Very good, Aaron Higuchi. I see you are well informed," replied Sharpscale. The Cero began to burn at its fingertips, but it ignored the searing pain. "While I do not have a heart like you, Aaron Higuchi, I can still feel things such as anger, sadness, passion, and even love. I suppose you must find it strange to hear such things from a Hollow, especially since you are a Shinigami. Indeed, we should be mortal enemies, shouldn't we?"
Aaron leered away, feeling guilty out of the blue.
"There is no need to worry. I feel no malice against you or any humans for that matter. Though I am not certain why, I feel as though I can trust you completely, Aaron Higuchi. I feel you will not lead me astray."
The Cero gained more traction on Sharpscale, threatening to immolate him at a moment's notice.
"W-Would you stop talking nonsense and just save yourself already!" hollered Aaron.
"Y-Yeah, mister! I-I don't want you to die!" added the boy.
Paying their concern no mind, Sharpscale continued with, "...I fought my way to Adjuchas-class by devouring many Hollows over the years. Still, I never once felt whole. That is the reason I am searching for my heart. I will only truly be complete then. Perhaps then I will know the meaning of peace, just like everyone in this world. I believe that is the reason I am drawn to you, Aaron Higuchi. You are a kindhearted individual. I wish to become like that someday."
Aaron wasn't sure what to say.
"How about I end this then? I believe I've made you all wait long enough."
Sharpscale opened its mouth and literally inhaled Fishbone D's Cero. Moments later, it spat back a much larger blast, one that reduced Fishbone D to ashes. Aaron braced himself from the explosion, noting that he would have missed the end of the battle if he had so much as blinked.
"W-What the hell just happened?! How did he do that?!"
Sharpscale, brushing its mouth clean, stated, "...Ah. My mistake. I said I was to devour that Hollow, yet I went and destroyed it like that. No matter."
Hearing someone exhale sharply, Sharpscale faced the boy he had just saved. Appearing terrified out of his wits at first, the kid quickly calmed and even smiled from ear to ear.
"T-That was amazing, mister! You're really cool!"
Sharpscale, embarrassed, rubbed the back of its head.
"H-He really saved that kid." Aaron placed a hand on his pounding chest, believing his heart would burst out if he weren't careful. Apart of him wondered if what he witnessed really transpired. "...Sharpscale really isn't like most Hollows, is he?"
As the boy kept doting over Sharpscale, Aaron couldn't resist cracking a grin.
#
Back in the present, Aaron affirmed that while it was true that he and he alone trusted Sharpscale, his reasoning was valid. The Hollow was no threat, but he hadn't the time or the patience to waste explaining this to Ichigo and the others. His expression became firm. So did his resolve.
"Sharpscale is coming with me to Soul Society whether you guys like it or not! Yeah, I get that I'm being selfish saying something like that, but I don't care! If anyone has a problem with this, they're just gonna have to kill him and me!"
"I see someone is already fired up for the trip! That's good!"
Those present at Urahara Store knew the person that had just said that well. Kisuke Urahara, beaming like something funny had been stated, stepped out of the darkness of his store to greet his guests.
"It looks like everyone is here! Come in! Come in! I'll explain how you all will get to Soul Society! I'd advise you to heed my words carefully since there's a chance you may die before ever reaching your destination."
Urahara's thought process was broken by Sharpscale's presence.
"...Is this a new friend you've brought along?"
Rather than answering, the others swung their heads at Aaron, who growled.
"Y-Yeah. Sharpscale is with us...er...me. You don't have to worry about him, Urahara."
"How do you do? I've heard great things about you, sir," said Sharpscale. It shook Urahara's hand firmly. "I hope my being here isn't a problem."
Judging by the way Urahara's smile widened, everyone guessed it wasn't.
"Nice to meetcha, Mister Hollow!" the shop owner proclaimed. "The more, the merrier! Well, now that we've gotten that out of the way, I'll ask you all to follow me."
All, save Aaron, did so.
"Haha. Urahara's a weird guy. I didn't think he'd be so okay with a Hollow being here."
"Are you alright, Aaron Higuchi?" asked Sharpscale. "Come along. We're being left behind."
Aaron nodded. "Let's go then!"
#
Urahara led the group bound for Soul Society to his secret, underground training area. Just being there again sent shivers down Aaron's spine. It was an all too unwanted reminder of the infernal training he and Ichigo had to go through in order to become Shinigami once more.
"T-Too bad Kurosaki didn't blow up more of this place back then..."
"You say somethin', Higuchi?" asked Konoka.
"Huh? Oh, don't...mind me. It's nothing."
It sure felt like more than 'nothing' to Konoka, but she let Aaron be.
"Wow! This place is amazing! I didn't know there was such a large, underground space!" said Orihime agreeably. "This is so cool! It's like a secret base!"
Ichigo, unconvinced, just said, "...Really?"
"It is rather impressive," said Konoka. "Must've cost a fortune to dig out."
"Actually, I'm one hundred percent sure this was done illegally," said Aaron. "Um...i-if anyone asks, you didn't hear that from me."
Out of the blue, Tessai Tsukabishi came over and grabbed Orihime's and Konoka's hands. Weeping joyous tears, he said, "I-I'm so touched you both think so highly of my work!"
"Heh! It's nothing!" retorted Orihime.
"D-Don't you think you're too big to be doin' all that cryin'?" said a frowning Konoka.
Someone, that someone being Sasune, had been too quiet for Aaron's liking. As weird as that sounded, it also usually meant something was amiss with Quincy. Aaron deduction was spot on; Sasune was ogling Orihime intently.
"You know, you should just ask her out already," teased Aaron.
Sasune's cheeks took on a reddish tint. "S-Shut up! I'll do it when I damn well feel like it! These things take time! Besides, what do you know about asking people out?! I haven't seen you make a single move on Miss Mitsumi yet!"
"H-Huh?! W-What are you talking about?!" Aaron was blushing too now. "I-It's not like that between us at all!"
"Would you two stop all that muttering over there?" voiced Uryuu. "You're making me quite anxious."
"W-We are not doing anything of the sort!" countered Sasune.
Konoka, overhearing this, stated, "Tsk. Yeah, right."
Sniffling, Sasune mumbled, "Y-You guys are so mean sometimes..."
He turned to the nearest person for comfort but regretted this after seeing it was Chad of all people. The brown-skinned giant stared down at Sasune in total, awkward silence, making the Quincy sweat bullets.
"Okay, everyone!" proclaimed Urahara, clapping his hands. "Please look over here! It's about time to go!"
Everyone looked alright and were awed when a massive object spawned out of thin air. The doorway—at least, that's what the others presumed it was—was shrouded in wrappings and gave off an aura none of them could put to speech.
"A Senkaimon!" exclaimed Sasune.
"That's correct, Mister Ishida! You're rather well informed, aren't you?" said Urahara. His face then soured. "Now I won't be able to explain myself! Then again, I still have to tell you all how to go through this pathway without dying!"
Before that, there was one matter he had to attend to. He made his way over to Ichigo and then suddenly jabbed his cane into the back of the teenager's skull, drawing his Shinigami form out of his body. He repeated the process with Aaron.
"...He's been completely separated," said Uryuu as Chad hoisted up Ichigo's limp body.
"Oh! Does that mean you can't enter this Kurosaki over here, Kurosaki?" asked Orihime. She jabbed her finger at the body's cheek to garner a reaction.
"Of course. ...Why are you guys touching my body so casually?" said Ichigo, who was somewhat annoyed.
"Huh. I think you've gotten fatter now, CT," said Sasune, inspecting Aaron's body.
Aaron pouted his lips. "It's just your imagination. Man, it feels weird being a Shinigami again. Kind of like taking off a bunch of heavy weights."
Konoka, pointing at his sword, said, "...It still looks pathetic, especially when you compare it to Kurosaki's."
"Y-You don't have to say it like that, Mitsumi..."
Aaron became dejected yet forgot all about Konoka's teasing after a walking, talking stuffed lion hopped on Ichigo's shoulder.
"That body will soon be temporarily mine, so you guys shouldn'tshould just touch it all willy nilly!" it declared to Orihime, Chad, and Uryuu. It flashed a thumbs up, adding, "But you can touch it, Inoue! I don't mind!"
"K-Kon?! Why are you here?!" asked Ichigo.
Meanwhile, the others were having a hard time swallowing the reality a toy was alive.
"Why are you even asking such a thing, Ichigo?!" said Kon passionately. "Of course I'm going with you to Soul Society! Are you trying to leave me behind?! As a man, I will go through any hardships to…!"
"A-Am I losing my mind? I-Is that...thing really talking?" asked Konoka.
"First, it was a talking cat! Now we've got talking, inanimate objects?!" cried Sasune.
Aaron said, "Well, considering everything we've seen over the past, couple of months, I guess something like this really shouldn't be that shocking."
Though it was hard to tell thanks to his stone-like countenance, Chad was enthralled by Kon, so much so that he snatched him up by his tiny legs and dangled him close to get a better look. Kon shrieked at the top of his voice.
"W-Why are you here?!" he queried. "N-No! Waaaaaah!"
"Hey, lemme see that thing," said Konoka. She held out her hand, but Chad was reluctant to do as she asked. In the end, he did so, and Konoka squinched her eyelids. "...Is there a battery in here or somethin'?"
"R-Release me! I'm not something you fawn over or dissect!" the stuffed animal howled. It relaxed and even started to blush once it got a clear glimpse at Konoka. "Y-You're beautiful! You can inspect any hole you want on me, baby!"
"...He's all yours, big guy."
Sticking her tongue out in disgust, Konoka hurriedly tossed Chad the lion, much to Kon's chagrin.
Urahara waved his arms and said, "Okay, okay, everyone! Please look over here again! I'm beginning the explanation of the Senkaimon!"
He guided them over to the doorway, where Aaron gazed up at it, finding it strangely intimidating. He felt as if it would swallow him whole if he dared to take his eyes off it.
"...As you all know, Soul Society is the world of spirits and Shinigami," Urahara began. "Taking that into consideration, you must be a soul in order to go there. Because of this, the only ones at the moment who are able to travel freely through the Senkaimon are Mister Kurosaki and Mister Higuchi since they are Shinigami. For the rest of you, your souls would be separated from your bodies upon entering the doorway, but you would still be bound to your bodies by the Chains of Fate. That's why there's a need for a spirit converter! It's a device I created that turns living matter into spirit energy! This will allow the rest of you to travel to Soul Society in your current forms!"
"I get it. We don't have to leave our bodies. We just have to use this Senkaimon thing," said Uryuu.
"Fascinating," stated Sasune, stroking his chin. "I was wondering how we were going to solve that tidbit."
Konoka shrugged. "I really don't get what the hell you all are goin' on about, but I guessing this means we can get to this Soul Society place without a hitch, right?"
"If that's the case, let's stop talking about it and get going already!" declared Ichigo.
"Now this is the important part!" Urahara nonchalantly drove his cane into Ichigo's side to settle the teen down, an act that made everyone else grimace. "You see, while we've established that there's no problem going through the doorway, there's still the matter of you all being allotted enough time. You'll merely have four minutes to make it through to Soul Society through the Senkaimon."
That came as nothing short than astonishing to the others. Four minutes wasn't enough time to accomplish much of anything, let alone making it to Soul Society in one piece.
"...Something tells me this time limit is rather important," stated Aaron.
"I'm afraid so, Mister Higuchi. Once those four minutes are up, the Senkaimon will close, and you guys will be forever locked inside the Dangai."
"The what now?" said Konoka.
"The Dangai. It is the place between here and the Soul Society."
"That...doesn't sound too pleasant. I only packed enough clothes for a week," said Sasune.
"Would you be quiet already?" said an exasperated Uryuu.
Urahara said, "In order to prevent enemies such as Hollows from getting through, the Dangai is filled with a current known as the Wresting Flow, which can stop souls from moving. Even if you get just a single foot caught in it, the chance of leaving the Dangai in time will be next to impossible."
"Tsk. I knew I should've just stayed at home. This is bullshit," moaned Konoka.
"Wait, you said this Wresting Flow thing was made to prevent Hollows from passing through the Dangai, right? Does that mean Sharpscale won't be able to get through even with this Senkaimon of yours?" inquired Aaron.
"It shouldn't. The Wresting Flow will treat you all like enemies regardless of whether you're a Hollow, Shinigami, or human," explained Urahara.
"Dammit! Just our luck!"
"What...should we do then?" asked Orihime.
A deep, masculine voice stated, "It's simple: just move forward."
The black cat known as Yoruichi appeared, glancing over those present with its piercing, yellow eyes.
"Didn't I tell you? The heart and soul are connected. What's important is what your heart believes in. Only those with a strong resolve may follow me to Soul Society."
Neither Aaron, Konoka, or Ichigo had heard a word Yoruichi had to say. They were far too busy peering at the cat like they had seen a ghost.
"A-A talking cat?!" they exclaimed in unison.
"Oh man! I've really seen it all now!" cried Aaron. "I think we are going crazy!"
"At least...it's not a stuffed animal?" said Konoka. She didn't sound all that convinced with her own statement.
Yoruichi sighed. "My appearance shouldn't be that surprising. Don't act like such children."
"Well, well, well! We meet again, you little furball!" Sasune, scowling as hard as he could, marched over to Yoruichi and knelt down to meet the kitty eye-to-eye. "I've still got a score to settle with you, you son of a…!"
Yoruichi, having no patience to deal with him, chomped down on his finger. Everyone protected their eardrums from his hair-raising scream, whereas Sasune was assured he would die from the anguish.
"W-What was that for?!" he demanded to know.
"...Fantastic. And here I was hoping you of all people would stay home," said Yoruichi harshly. "I don't feel like babysitting you for the duration of this trip."
"'B-Babysit?!' Why you little…!"
Aaron hastily shot his hand over Sasune's mouth. "Uh...I don't mean to interject, but...what's going on? I kinda got lost at the talking stuffed animal part."
Urahara, picking up Yoruichi for all to behold, was more than happy to oblige.
"This here is Mister Yoruichi! He's gonna be your guide during your trip to Soul Society! This kitty here is very wise, so all of you take care to listen to what he has to say! That goes for if you run into any trouble too!"
"Kisuke, you apparently forgot to mention there would be others besides Ichigo and his friends tagging along," stated Yoruichi. Irritation coated the feline's comment, a facet that made Urahara want to duck for cover.
"Er...m-my apologizes! It must have just slipped my mind!"
Yoruichi very much doubted that. Sighing again, he swiveled his head at Aaron, Sasune, Konoka, and Sharpscale.
"Well, all of you seem prepared for what's to come, so I won't bother berating you.
Ichigo stepped forward. "I'm glad to hear it! Just so you know, everyone that's gathered here have already made up their minds about going and are determined to see it through!"
"...You should very well know, kid, that if you lose, you will never return."
"That's fine!" proclaimed Aaron. "We all trained way too hard to even think about losing!"
"That's right! We've no choice but to win!" declared Ichigo.
Yoruichi, smirking, replied, "...Well said!"
Urahara and Tessai figured now was as good a time as any to activate the Senkaimon. They took up positions on opposite sides of it and got to work. The moment they did, a brilliant illumination radiated out of the pathway.
"Are you ready?" asked Urahara. "The moment we finish opening it, you guys will dash through."
"I suggest we hold hands for safety! I'll take it upon myself to hold all the girl's hands!" said Sasune, snickering. There was nothing for him to laugh about though when Chad, thinking his plan was a good one, presented his hand. "Y-You…?! N-Nevermind! I think we'll be fine on our own after all!"
"That boy is rather peculiar," said Sharpscale.
"Heh. You think so too?" answered Aaron.
Ichigo was almost ready to go. As he leered back at Kon, who had been tied and gagged at some point, there was one, last matter he had to settle with the stuffed animal.
"Kon! ...Please take care of my family!"
"...Family, huh?" muttered Aaron. His own loved ones entered his mind, especially his mother. He pondered if telling her the truth about his absence would have been the right thing to do. After all, there was a high probability she would never see him again. "N-No! Now isn't the time for regrets! I'll see her again! I'll see everyone again, but only after we finish rescuing our friends!"
"Hey, CT. What are you gonna do with your body?" said Sasune just then.
"Yeah, it's kinda empty right now," added Konoka.
"Eh? What are you…?" Aaron paused and even blinked. "W-Wait! You're both right!"
It was lying on the ground in a crumpled mess, coming off as rather pathetic in his honest opinion.
"No need to worry about that, Mister Higuchi! I'll look after it until you return!" said Urahara.
"That...kinda makes me more worried, but thanks!"
With that, there was nothing else holding Aaron and his allies back.
The Senkaimon fully opened, and Yoruichi shouted, "Let's go!"
The cat needn't say this twice. Everyone ran with a full head of steam after it and into the shimmering doorway, vanishing behind a blinding flash.
"...Do you think they'll be okay, Boss?" asked Tessai, hoisting Aaron's body over one of his massive shoulders.
Urahara reached out to touch the Senkaimon. The portal rewarded him by singing his limb, and he shot it back at once. Like he were in a trance, he grey eyes surveyed his smoldering fingertips ahead of him clenching his fist tightly.
"...I guess we'll have no choice but to have some faith in them, Tessai."
#
After having a bizarre sensation he was unable to describe come over him, Aaron's foggy vision cleared up enough for him to see that he and everyone else were now somewhere else, somewhere most perplexing. Purple and rocky walls made up the spacious yet dark corridor his group were now in. However, the instant he moved a muscle, the walls began to 'melt.'
"Eh? What's going on? Is this the Dangai? It's...not really what I was expecting."
"T-Tell me about it. This seems like something out of a horror movie," said Sasune.
"I feel an ominous presence here," said Sharpscale. "Almost like a voice telling us to leave this place at once."
"S-Stop sayin' shit like that. You're really creepin' me out," muttered Konoka.
Uryuu added, "I agree. The sooner we're out of here, the better."
The walls began corroding even faster, alarming Yoruichi.
"Come on! Don't drag your feet! The Wresting Flow is closing in!"
Everyone charged as hard and as swiftly as they could after the black cat. Ichigo was startled that everything behind them was collapsing into itself.
"If you've got time to look back, run faster! If we get caught by the Wresting Flow, it's all over!" yelled Yoruichi.
"You don't have to be so mean!" said Sasune, gasping for air. He exhaled strongly for a different reason afterward, that reason being a portion of the wall beside him half near collapsing on him. "Whoa! That was a little too close for comfort!"
"Fool! Unless you want to die, shut that fat mouth of yours!"
A portion of Uryuu's outfit got caught on the Wresting Flow, snagging him back.
"I-Ishida! I-Idiot! It's because you're wearing that stupid ass outfit!"
Ichigo brandished his Zanpakutou and readied to jump into action. Aaron did the same.
"H-Hold on! Don't use your Zanpakutou!" warned Yoruichi. "The Wresting Flow traps souls! If you use your sword, you won't be able to escape it!"
"Then what should I do?!" asked Ichigo.
"Dammit! He's gonna die at this rate!" cried Aaron.
"H-Huh?! What the…?!" Konoka growled when the Wresting Flow ensnared one of her legs. She jerked and struggled against it to no avail. "L-Lemme go already, dammit!"
Aaron decried, "M-Mitsumi! Hold on a sec! I'll…!"
Chad dashed past him and came to Uryuu's aid by ripping his clothing off the Wresting Flow. He then wrenched Konoka's limb free using his raw strength.
"Oh! Thanks!" said Uryuu.
"Yeah, we owe you one!" added Konoka.
They shouted out in terror once Chad hoisted them onto his shoulders.
"...Let's go," the giant stated before catching up to the others.
"T-That...might be a bit much," said Aaron gingerly. There was no time to argue the matter. The Dangai was becoming more and more unstable with each passing second. "U-Urahara wasn't kidding about this place! Where the hell is the exit?!"
"P-Put me down, Sado!" exclaimed a squirming Uryuu. "I can run by myself!"
Konoka cried, "Yeah, you big bastard! I don't need your…!"
She misplaced her train of thought. Something was approaching from the distance, something huge. Uryuu took heed of it too.
"W-What in the world…?"
"I-Is there somethin' other than that stupid Wresting Flow here?!" asked Konoka.
"I believe so. Whatever it is, it's closing in at high speeds," stated Sharpscale.
A blinding light from the same, unknown object filled the Dangai. Sharpscale hadn't been kidding when saying their pursuer was fast; it managed to clear the gap between them in less than five seconds. Because it was now so close, everyone was given an unobstructed examination of it. It was even larger than its silhouette had led them to believe, and it took the shape of bullet train molded in the same material as the Dangai. The aforementioned light stemmed from the golden eye on what everyone presumed was its head.
"W-What is that?!" questioned Uryuu.
"It's the janitor! It comes out every seven days!" said Yoruichi. "Dammit! Why'd it have to be today of all days?! I-It doesn't matter! Just keep moving!"
"Man, h-how can that big thing move so quickly?!" questioned Aaron.
"Need...inhaler!" Sasune wheezed. He felt his pockets for the item but found nothing. "Ugh! I would leave it at home at a time like this!"
"Just forget about it, Sasune! Focus on surviving!" cried Uryuu.
"That's easy for you to say. You aren't the one with crippling asthma!"
"You're gonna be crippled if you don't move your ass!" said Aaron.
"Come on! I think I see the exit!" shouted Ichigo.
"Eh? Exit?" repeated Aaron. He made out another source of light, this one in the direction he and his comrades were fleeing. "Haha! You're right! We might make it outta this after all!"
The janitor had other ideas. Although its prey presumed it impossible, it gained even more speed.
"J-Just incase we die…!" Sasune began to say.
"B-Be quiet! We're not gonna die!" snapped Aaron.
"That's right! We'll make it to Soul Society, no matter what it takes!" shouted Ichigo.
"I-I realize we shouldn't despair, but that damn thing has almost caught up!" cried Uryuu. "T-There's no way we'll make it in time at this rate!"
Konoka, gritting her teeth, stated, "You're meanin' to tell me we're gonna bite the dust without even makin' it to this Soul Society?! I think that pisses me off more than dyin'!"
The desperate situation prompted Sharpscale to make a tough, albeit hasty choice.
"I will hold off this janitor while the rest of you move forward."
Aaron replied, "N-No, Sharpscale! Don't try anything stupid!"
"...I already told you, Aaron Higuchi, that my own goals are nothing compared to yours. If I must perish to assist you, then so be it."
"Quit fooling around! There's no way a single individual, even a Hollow, could hope to slow down the janitor!" said Yoruichi. "Didn't I tell you all to just keep running?!"
Running was no longer an option. This led Orihime to try something else. She faced the janitor fearlessly, reaching for her blue hairpins.
"I-Inoue…?!" cried Ichigo.
"Huh? What's she up to?" queried Aaron.
She screamed, "Hinagiku, Lily, Baigon! Santen Kesshun! I reject!"
A triangular, orange shield materialized before her, and the janitor slammed headfirst into it. The force from this blasted everyone forward and out of the Dangai's exit like a bullet out of a gun. The group crash landed in a wholly different area though hadn't got their bearings back to determine where just yet.
The billowing smoke around their crash site cleared as Orihime inquired, "Is everyone okay?"
She had employed her Santen Kesshun as a sort of flotation device, cushioning the other's fall. Even so, her groaning allies were laid out around her in various, humorous poses. Ichigo in particular caught her eye.
"Wow! The way Kurosaki fell is so artistic!"
With his legs hovering over his face, Ichigo replied, "...You talk too much, Inoue."
"Agh!" Uryuu sat up and stroked his aching neck. "I really didn't think we'd look this pathetic."
He retrieved something out of his bag.
"I didn't think I'd have to use the spare cape so soon either..."
Ichigo and Chad were left speechless that he would even think to bring a backup.
"Ha! Speak for yourself! Though I'm pretty sure I broke my ass, I look as spectacular as always!"
"...Your nose is bleeding," replied Uryuu in a monotone voice.
"Eh?!"
As the red substance oozed out of his nostrils, Sasune hid his injury with his sleeve and chuckled reassuringly.
"Do you want me to heal that for you?" asked a concerned Orihime.
Becoming worked up, Sasune struggled to retort, "Er...umm...t-that's okay! T-Thanks for offering though! I'm sure I'll...uh...be fine! Yeah! Y-Yeah..."
"Hey, can you just stick around him all the time? You're the only person that can get him to shut up like this," said Konoka, only half jokingly.
Orihime giggled anyway. "I guess everything worked out in the end! No one is seriously hurt either!"
"WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT IT?!" roared Yoruichi as he angrily thrust his skull into Orihime's eye. While the teary-eyed girl held the afflicted area, Yoruichi went on with, "Did you even listen to what I said about the janitor before?! You're lucky it was only your shield that touched it! If it were your body, you'd be dead!"
"S-Sorry..."
"Hey, don't be so hard on her! We're alive, aren't we?" said Sasune.
"Don't even get me started on you!" Yoruichi headbutted him as well. "None of you seem to get how serious this is!"
"Gah! M-My ribs!"
"Allow me to commend you, human. What you did was quite brave," Sharpscale said to Orihime. "You have my respect."
"Um...I-I'm not really sure how to take that coming from a Hollow, but thanks!"
"Seriously! Just relax already!" said Ichigo to the still fuming Yoruichi.
"I still can't believe we got through that in one piece." Aaron dusted off his black robes and made sure he didn't have any injuries he wasn't aware of. "Okay, any clue where we are? Is this Soul Society or what?"
Uryuu responded, "I think I can see through the dust now."
The haze uncovered old-fashioned, Japanese homes and edifices.
"Are we in the right place?" asked Ichigo.
"That's right. We're on the outskirts of Soul Society, a place known as Rukongai to its inhabitants. Further ahead will be the Seireitei, which Rukongai surrounds," said Yoruichi. "At the moment, we are in the First District, which has the least laws and wealth but most souls when compared with the Seireitei."
"You sure we're really in Soul Society, little kitty? The way this place looks, it's like we stepped in a time machine!" stated Sasune.
"Don't be ridiculous! There's no way such a thing would be possible," yelled Uryuu.
"Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if something like that did happen," kidded Aaron. "It'd be a good thing too. We'd have more time to save Kana and Rukia. Still, this place doesn't look anything at all like I thought Soul Society would."
"Doesn't seem like anyone's around," said Konoka.
"Heh! Maybe they've hidden because of Sharpscale over here!" said Sasune.
Yoruichi replied, "While rare, Hollows have been known to roam Rukongai, so I'd imagine the villagers here are quite used to seeing them."
"Try not to gobble up anyone while we're not looking," said Konoka with a smirk.
Taking her seriously, Sharpscale was quick to reply, "You have my solemn vow that I will do nothing of the sort."
"Aw! You really are a good Hollow, aren't you?" said Orihime. She patted Sharpscale on the head affectionately, making the recipient's face flush.
Ichigo caught wind of another street. "Hey, that one isn't that different from the streets we live on back home!"
"Oh, that one..." began Yoruichi. The cat gagged on its tongue when Ichigo bolted for boulevard without warning.
"H-Hold on a sec, Kurosaki!" shouted Aaron. "Where the hell is he going?!"
"I got it! That's where the Shinigami live, right? I'll check it out first then!" exclaimed the orange-haired teen.
Yoruichi declared, "I-Idiot! You can't just go off wherever! You'll die!"
The feline's warning froze Ichigo in his tracks, and he gradually wheeled his head toward it. Soon after, a plethora off wooden walls fell from the sky, nearly squashing him like a bug.
"Kurosaki!" shouted just about everyone.
"O-Okay! Shit like that definitely doesn't happen onour streets!" exclaimed Sasune.
The previously stated walls formed into a gate, one that cut Ichigo and the others off from the Seireitei.
"...S-Something's coming!" Aaron declared.
"Seriously?" Konoka curled her lips. "Somethin' else?"
"He is correct. ...We had best prepare ourselves for combat," said Sharpscale gravely.
The dirt and debris kicked up by the gates scratched at Ichigo's throat, making him cough uncontrollably.
At the same time, a voice above him stated, "It's been so long. So, there's someone who wants to pass through the White Way without a pass."
The orange-haired Shinigami looked and saw a literal giant in Shinigami robes hovering over him.
The very same giant added, "I finally have something to do. I'll treat you well, kid!"
The being brandished an oversized axe and then brought it down toward Ichigo, rending the ground near the teenager asunder.
"Hehehe! Bring it on, kid! Attack from whatever angle you'd like!" said the giant.
An astonished Uryuu said, "S-So big! With such a huge body, there's no way he's human!"
"Who the hell is that guy?!" wondered Sasune.
"His name is Jidanbou," replied Yoruichi. "He is one of Soul Society's elites and also one of the guards of the Four Gates enveloping the Seireitei. His is the West Gate, which is also known as the White Way."
Uryuu nodded. "I see. So, we'll have to beat him to enter the Seireitei."
"That's right. It won't be a simple task however. In the three hundred or so years that Jidanbou has been guarding the White Way, not a single person has beaten him."
"Three hundred years? I'd be bored outta my mind if I had to do some crap like guardin' a stinkin' gate for so long," said Konoka, frowning even harder.
"Jidanbou has always been a gate guardian, so it is all he knows. I doubt he has many complaints with his job."
"Is he really as strong as you say?" queried Uryuu.
"Haha! As if! The little kitty here is just a little chicken!" Sasune, whisking his fingers through his jet black hair, made his way in front. "Stand aside, stand aside! Allow me to take care of this riffraff and break this so-called undefeated streak of his! I'll have that big baby crying and on his knees faster than you can say Hollow bait!"
Yoruichi was less than awed by his confidence. "Fool. You'll do nothing more than ensure you're own demise. Move from that spot, and I'll kill you myself."
"Tsk! You and that Jidanbou don't scare me! Size doesn't matter to me!"
"Oh no? How about herculean strength then? One swing from Jidanbou's axe and you will vanish from this world."
Sasune became as pasty as a ghost. "Uh...y-you can fight the giant in my stead, Uryuu! I'll...uh...allow you to have glory this day!"
Uryuu growled like a rabid dog. "Idiot!"
"In case I haven't made this clear enough, none of you will be fighting Jidanbou!" said Yoruichi. "Ichigo! Come back! We'll retreat for now and come up with a new plan! Hey, Ichigo!"
Not only did the person he was calling ignore him, but so did Orihime and Chad as they ran to Ichigo's side.
"Hello! H-Hey! Didn't you all hear me?! Chad?! Orihime?! Come back here!"
"Heh. I had a feeling they weren't just going to run," said Aaron.
"Yeah. They're lunatics alright." Konoka rubbed the back of her head. "Count me out though. I ain't got no interest in chargin' head first into my grave like that."
"Wow. I...don't think I've ever heard the Red-Haired Beast speaking so rationally!" said Sasune.
"Meanwhile, I'm shocked you even know what 'rational speaking' sounds like," remarked Uryuu.
"H-Hey! How come all of you are picking on me so much today?!"
"Because it's too damn easy," Konoka was more than happy to inform him. "And fun."
"I do not mean to interrupt your discussion, but did anyone just see that?" said Sharpscale, pointing at a far off house.
Aaron answered, "See what?"
A girl who didn't appear older than ten years old peeked from behind the building but shot back behind it after Aaron zeroed in on her.
"Who the…?"
Jidanbou drove his trusty axe into the earth, creating a wall that blocked off Chad and Orihime.
"A-Almost forgot about that guy..." muttered Aaron. "Uh...whoever you are over there, little girl, you better run for it while you can! This place is dangerous!"
The last thing he expected was the receiver of warning to blow him a raspberry, but that's precisely what she did.
"Stupid Shinigami!" she declared prior to fleeing the scene.
Annoyed, Aaron was compelled to go after her. "W-Wait up! Tsk! Who the heck was that?!"
That was precisely what he intended to find out. Sharpscale, becoming interested himself, wordlessly followed.
"Huh? I miss somethin'?" questioned Konoka. "...Well, it ain't like I got anything better do."
She too went on her merry way.
Sasune, not one to be left all alone, cried, "W-Wait for me, you guys! You know you can't do anything without me anyway!"
"Just what do you guys think you're doing?!" asked Uryuu.
Sasune winked. "Don't worry about it, little bro! Just look after Orihime while I'm gone! Don't try to steal her while I'm not here me either!"
"W-Wait just a moment! You...you can't just wander around Soul Society on your own! Did you hear nothing I said before?!" hollered Yoruichi. By this point, the cat was out its wits end. It was as if he were speaking another language when it came to dealing with these teenagers. "I said wait! C-Come back!"
Again, the feline's words fell on deaf ears. Aaron and his friends were gone.
"Tsk! Kisuke said nothing about me having to babysit a bunch of impatient whelps!"
END
