Chapter 10: Assault on Sacred Ground
Hey everyone! It's me, sakuraphoenix, and I'm back with a new chapter! I know my updating speed has been, well, a little haywire, but hey, at least I am. Anyhow, disclaimer time!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. I also do not own Shizuku. Credit goes to Lyokowarrior1994
Enjoy!
Ever since the cemetery incident, Ichigo and I have been hanging out more often, but just as friends and nothing more. Just as we entered the classroom, Orihime popped up out of nowhere.
"Bwahahaha!" Orihime said while doing that stupid laugh and pose from Spirit Hunter
I had a look on my face as I backed away from her like she was carrying a deadly disease.
"Huh? Ichigo, Karen, you two barely reacted at all. Don't you two even know where it's from?" asked Orihime
"Uh… Spirit Hunter?" Ichigo and I asked in unison
"Yeah, isn't that show just the best? Come on then Ichigo, Karen, join in with me." Said Orihime
She was about to do it again when Tatsuki stopped her. Thank goodness.
"Oh, hey Tatsuki. What's the matter?" asked Orihime
"Let's go already. You can 'bwahahaha' with me. Now move!" exclaimed Tatsuki
Ichigo and I had a look on our faces. Not that I blame him, he hates that show just as much as me.
"Yo Ichigo, Karen. Keigo here." Said Keigo
"And Mizuiro." Said Mizuiro
And Chad was there too. They were all doing the stupid pose.
"Bwahahaha!" Keigo and Mizuiro laughed
I swear, these two know how the tick me off.
"What do you mean you two aren't going? It's the best TV show in Japan! And it's gonna be broadcasting live from Karakura. You live in this town dudes, you have to be dead to miss it." Said Keigo
"Guess that makes me a zombie." Said Ichigo
"And I guess that makes me a vampire." I said
"Get lost." Ichigo and I said in unison
"But I already went through the trouble of asking Rukia and Shizuku to go!" exclaimed Keigo
Speak of the devil, there they are.
"Hi Ichigo." Rukia said while performing a curtsy
"Good morning Karen." Said Shizuku
Oh brother.
"Come on Rukia, Shizuku, mwahahaha!" Keigo exclaimed while he did the stupid pose
"No, I'd be too embarrassed to do it." Said Rukia
"And it's not my thing." Said Shizuku
"Aw please you two!" exclaimed Keigo
Becoming quite the actor and actress now are we Shizuku, Rukia?
Later…
"Remind me again why I agreed to come to this stupid live broadcast Mana?" I asked
"Because you didn't want your family out of your sight for very long." Said Mana
"Exactly." I said
"Good evening everyone! This week's episode of Spirit Hunter is brought to you live from an abandoned hospital in the town of Karakura! Where the tortured screams of the dead can be heard echoing through the hall!" exclaimed the male announcer
"Who knows what horrifying sights we'll witness here this evening." Said the female announcer
"And now folks, let's give him a warm welcome. This century's premiere spiritualist, and messenger from hell, Mr. Don Kanoji!" exclaimed the male announcer
He then dropped in from the helicopter that was flying overhead.
"The spirits are always with you!" exclaimed Kanoji
When he landed, everyone, most likely except for me and Ichigo, were chanting his name.
"And how is everyone tonight? Hold onto your seats my babies, it's time again to hear the spirits cry!" exclaimed Kanoji
"So tell us, what do you think of this place? Well?" asked the female announcer
"The stench of the spirit world hangs in the air around us. I'd have to say that…" started Kanoji
"Smells like bad spirit!" the audience finished
He did the stupid laugh and pose again, with the audience following his example. I swear, these people need to get a life.
"And we're cutting to commercial." Said one of the cameraman
Man, I hate these stupid shows about spirits.
"Yeah, sure, I'm normal, but what about the rest of these weirdos?" wondered Ichigo
"Talking to yourself. People are going to think you're crazy Ichigo." I said
"Watch it Karen." Said Ichigo
"She's only saying." Said Mana
"You brought your Mod Soul with you?" wondered Ichigo
"You never know when a Hollow could show up. Actually, when it gets to the stupid part, I was going to let Mana take my place while I patrol." I said
"You trust me that much?" asked Mana
"You haven't done anything stupid like Kon." I said
"True." Said Mana
"Ichigo, what's wrong?" asked a female voice
"Karen? Are you okay?" asked a male voice
We turned around to see Rukia and Shizuku! Oh come on! Seriously?-! The stupid laugh and pose again?-!
"Hey, what's with the serious look? As long as you two are here, you might as well try and have fun." Said Rukia
"Shut up, I'm always like this." Said Ichigo
"Between all of your school work and your duties as a Soul Reaper, you two must be exhausted, and there will be hard battles on the road ahead. Use tonight to enjoy yourselves a little." Said Shizuku
"Huh?" I wondered
"By the way, tell us, what is this festival all about?" asked Rukia
"You mean you two showed up without even knowing?-!" Ichigo and I exclaimed in unison
One long explanation later…
"Seriously, you'd think there'd really be spirits in an old deserted hospital like this one?" asked Ichigo
"What are you getting at?" asked Shizuku
"Well, if there had been spirits here, you Soul Reapers would've helped them cross over already, right?" I asked
"Well not necessarily. Jibaku spirits are often tied to places like this. Jibaku spirits are ghosts that dwell within the earth, so it's very rare that Soul Reapers are able to pinpoint their location. There's only one reason a Jibaku would reveal itself, when it notices humans are invading its territory." Said Rukia
The scream of a Hollow then filled the air. My hair practically stood up on end.
"That's the cry of a Jibaku. So there is one here." Said Shizuku
"Wait a sec, how do you know that sound's not a Hollow?" I asked
"There are certain paths along which Hollows come to be. One path is when a Jibaku spirit, with its fierce attachment to the world is left alone and becomes a Hollow, much like this spirit here." Said Rukia
"So then he's a…" started Ichigo
"A Whole on the verge of becoming a Hollow. A demi-Hollow." Said Shizuku
"Yeah, well he sure feels like a Hollow to me." Said Ichigo
"You can say that again, except he's not wearing one of those masks, and the hole in his chest hasn't opened all the way." I said
"The hole in a Hollow's chest shows that the heart has been lost, leaving nothing but raw instinct. The white skull-shaped mask is all that shields those bare instincts from the outside world. Neither are necessary is the heart is still intact." Said Rukia
Rukia then pulled out a sketchbook. But when I saw the drawings, my face somewhat paled.
"Upon death the chain of fate is severed from the body. Usually the spirit waits for a Soul Reaper's guidance. But if they have regrets in this world, they become bound to the source of their pain." Said Rukia
Ichigo completely ignored her, so she slapped him on the head with her sketchbook. Good thing I was about to ask her 'why her drawings suck so bad'. Now, I don't think so.
"So that means this demi-Hollow's heart is chained to the hospital." Said Rukia
"This hospital belongs to me! I'm not giving it up for anyone! Don't even think about trying to come in here! I'm gonna be filthy rich off this place!" exclaimed the demi-Hollow
"Yeah, well, whatever he is, he sure sounds like a dumbass." Said Ichigo
"Coming back from commercial." Said the cameraman
The lights then flashed on.
"Oh, I think the show's about to get started." Said Rukia
Ichigo and I sighed as Kanoji got into his pose.
"The spirits are always with you." Said Kanoji
He started laughing, and everyone joined in, well, minus the only sane people around here. However, Rukia and Shizuku joined in with the laughing.
"Hey, knock it off!" Ichigo, Mana, and I exclaimed in unison
"Don't worry. It takes months for a spirit to transform into a Hollow." Said Shizuku
"Now then, the time has come once again for Don Kanoji to take the stage." Said the male announcer
"You can just feel the excitement in the air." Said the female announcer
"We don't want the spirit to become agitated with this many people around." Said Shizuku
"He's right. We'll do the Konso after the show." Said Rukia
"Yeah, but…" I started
"Spirits go through so much pain when they transform into Hollows, they fill the night with terrible screaming. I mean, does it look like that demi-Hollow is suffering to you two?" asked Shizuku
"Huh? And who the hell are you?-! You think you can come in here and defile my hospital?-! You got some nerve buddy. And what's with the crazy friggin' hat?" asked the demi-Hollow
"My guess is no." Ichigo said while sweat-dropping
"More or less a severe case of anger management issues." I said while sweat-dropping
"There, you see? Unless someone deliberately messes with that opening in his chest, he's still got another six months before he becomes a Hollow." Said Rukia
And we turned as we heard the sound of screaming coming from the area where the demi-Hollow was.
"What the hell does he think he's doing?-!" exclaimed Ichigo
"The fool! All he's doing is speeding up the creation of a Hollow!" exclaimed Shizuku
He then jumped over the fence. That idiot! I handed Mana over to Shizuku as I chased after him.
"Come on, knock it off!" exclaimed Ichigo
"Ichigo! Are you nuts or something?-!"I exclaimed as I jumped the fence
Then we were jumped by security.
"Over here! We've got to get you two out of your bodies!" exclaimed Rukia
Shizuku and Rukia were then jumped. So much for plan A.
"Let us go!" exclaimed Ichigo
The chains around the demi-Hollow were beginning to break. Not good.
"No!" exclaimed Shizuku
"Get your hands off us!" I exclaimed
Suddenly, I found myself on the ground, with Ichigo right next to me.
"Who did that?-!" Ichigo and I exclaimed in unison
"Hello." Said Kisuke
"Mr. Hat-and-Clogs?" asked Ichigo
"Kisuke?" I asked
"Don't just stand there like a log you two, get to work already." Said Kisuke
Oh yeah. I forgot. My bad.
"Right!" Ichigo and I exclaimed in unison
We then ran to stop Kanoji.
"Stop it!" Ichigo and I exclaimed in unison
When I was close enough, I rolled up my right sleeve, and threw a fast one into Kanoji's face!
"What's wrong with you kids?-!" exclaimed Kanoji
"Well, what'd ya know? You can see us." I said
"Of course I can. I'm the century's premiere spiritualist! Oh wait, I get it, you two are dead, but you're fans, aren't you?" asked Kanoji
That got Ichigo mad enough to get into Kanoji's face.
"Don't make us kill you." Said Ichigo
The sound of another chain breaking reached our ears. Uh-oh.
"Don't tell me, are we too late?" asked Ichigo
"I'd say yes." I said in a small voice
The Whole then blew up.
"He's gone." Said Ichigo
"Yeah! Mission accomplished baby!" exclaimed Kanoji
'No! He's wrong! The Whole's reforming to become a Hollow! He's close by!'
It's that voice again.
"Look out Karen! Ichigo! Above you!" Shizuku and Rukia exclaimed in unison
We saw the Hollow being reformed on the roof of the hospital. Not good.
"Wh-what is it?" wondered Kanoji
"A Hollow. We hope you're ready." I said
"Oh, I feel it. I feel something that reeks with a stench of a super-dangerous spirit. Now I understand. You're that other spirit's evil lord, and you've come here seeking vengeance." Said Kanoji
"Nice try jackass." Ichigo said while sweat-dropping
"If this weren't a serious matter, I'd burst out laughing." I said while sweat-dropping
"The pain. Must devour!" exclaimed the Hollow
We were about to get into action when I felt something on my shoulder.
"Hold on!" exclaimed Kanoji
He pushed us back. He's either really brave, or completely stupid.
"Run boy! Come on you bad spirit! Don Kanoji, the premiere spiritualist of the century is ready!" exclaimed Kanoji
"Who are you?-!" exclaimed the Hollow
Ichigo then drew his zanpaku-to, and charged at the Hollow
"What are you doing?-!" exclaimed Ichigo
Looks like its bark was worse than its bite. He then threw back, big time.
"Kids, why didn't you run?" asked Kanoji
"Hey look buster; you're the one who should be running!" I exclaimed
"Huh? Me? Run? What are you saying?" asked Kanoji
Now I had my sword pulled out, and began slicing the Hollow, which was as slippery as an eel. Then it was about to attack Kanoji, but Ichigo got him out of the way while the Hollow dove into the wall.
"A golden chance!" exclaimed Kanoji
"Oh no, you're coming with us!" I exclaimed as I grabbed him by the collar
I dragged him into the hospital, while shattering the glass doors.
"Wait! Why are we running away kids?-!" exclaimed Kanoji
"Because we heard some idiot say we should run." Said Ichigo
"I know, but I was talking about you kids, not me. Kanoji runs from no one!" exclaimed Kanoji
Let's see how he likes drywall for dinner. I tossed him like he was a bowling ball into the wall.
"Alright, can you explain this one to us? Why should we run away and you stay behind to fight?-!" exclaimed Ichigo
"Well I… I have to stay because… because after all, I'm the hero." Said Kanoji
"Huh?" Ichigo and I wondered
"Listen little man and woman, do you have any idea the ratings my show pulls in for the network?" asked Kanoji
"Why the hell do I care?" Ichigo and I asked in unison
"I'll tell you why you should! I've got 25 percent! One in every four households is watching my show!" exclaimed Kanoji
Why the hell am I even listening to this guy?
"And many of those viewers are… children. Those children watch my adventures, and their hearts are inspired. They see me stand up to evil spirits, and learn what true courage is. So don't you get it? With all those kids out there watching my show, running isn't an option, understand?" asked Kanoji
"Don Kanoji, you're right." Said Ichigo
"Wait, he is?" I wondered
"You two bet I am, now let's get out there and crush that monster." Said Kanoji
This guy has a brick wall around his brain thicker than the one Umi has! I grabbed him back the back of his shirt this time.
"Think you idiot! You can't do that! What if the audience gets mixed up in it? That thing is going after people with high spirit energy, like you, me, and Strawberry over there." I said
"How many times do I have to tell you?-! Don't call me 'Strawberry'!" exclaimed Ichigo
"Not my problem that you got named with a girl's name!" I exclaimed
"Why you…!" exclaimed Ichigo
"Let's leave this for another day. The point is, there's no question that it's gonna come after us, but we need to fight it in here, so no one in the audience can get hurt!" I exclaimed
"Kids, I am amazed, for you to have thought things through like that in the heat of battle. Kids…" started Kanoji
Ichigo put his hand out, and turned around. We then hear the Hollow's roar.
"He's here." Said Ichigo
The Hollow burst from the floor.
"I'll devour you!" exclaimed the Hollow
"Let's do this!" Ichigo and I exclaimed in unison
I managed to draw my blade, but Ichigo had his stuck in the wall, so to speak.
"Not enough room!" exclaimed Ichigo
We'll need to get to the roof if we're going to have a fighting chance against this thing. Then it spat something, which attached itself to Ichigo's hands and zanpaku-to.
"AH! What is it?-! I can't make it get off!" exclaimed Ichigo
The Hollow was about to attack him, when Ichigo stuck his zanpaku-to in the Hollow's arm. It then began to go berserk.
"AH! Hold on a second!" exclaimed Ichigo
It burst through the hospital's walls, and made its way up. Time to get up there myself.
"Time to get moving." I said as I ran up the stairs
I made it to the roof when I saw that Ichigo and the Hollow were having a Mexican stand-off. Then Kanoji pushed me aside.
"Hey kid, are you alright here?" asked Kanoji
"You again?-!" exclaimed Ichigo
The Hollow then began to charge at Kanoji.
"Hold it Kanoji! Run!" exclaimed Ichigo
It threw Ichigo to the railing, and then spat more of that gunk onto him. It then was about to attack, but then Kanoji put his cane in the middle of its outstretched mouth.
"K-Kanoji?" wondered Ichigo
"Are you hurt kid?" asked Kanoji
"You can't handle him! Get the hell outta here!" exclaimed Ichigo
"No! I know my own strength, and I know the difference between my enemies' powers and my own. I must say, you two made quite the impression on me today. Putting the safety others first. That's great. You, she, and I are three of a kind. What's say we be friends?" asked Kanoji
Gag me for crying out loud.
"Oh, uh, that's alright, really." Ichigo and I said in unison while sweat-dropping
"Kanoji ultimate attack! Cannonball!" exclaimed Kanoji
What's that little thing gonna do? Answer: Blow up the gunk. His cane then broke, and the Hollow pushed him aside.
"Kanoji!" exclaimed Ichigo
"Even if this body is obliterated, so long as I can serve as a shield to the children of tomorrow, I shall carry no regrets for the life that I've made." Said Kanoji
He then made the thumbs-up sign. So uncool.
"Good luck." Said Kanoji
He then collapsed onto the ground. He was about to attack him, when I drew my zanpaku-to in front of it.
"Sorry pal, but this is the end of the line for you!" I exclaimed
I sliced it in half, and that's all she wrote.
"Well done! That was great! Magnificent! Just magnificent!" exclaimed Kanoji
"Kanoji, don't get too excited." Said Ichigo
"Huh? Why not kids? You just defeated this monster. This is a time to rejoice!" exclaimed Kanoji
The Hollow began to disappear, and just before we did, the man we saw earlier appeared, and soon disappeared in a shower of cherry blossom petals.
"It can't be. He's the one who… wh-what?" wondered Kanoji
"When you first met him, he was a demi-Hollow. But when you messed with the hole in his chest, he became a Hollow. With the chain linked to his soul broken, the hole in his chest was able to completely open. Thus, he became a monster devoid of emotion, a Hollow." I said
"That hole, so then… no. So if that's the case, what is it I've been doing all this time? Oh no. I'm so ashamed of myself." Said Kanoji
He started crying, and the audience was becoming restless, at least, that's what I thought.
"Hey, come on. Quit your crying hero. Let's go. Everybody's waiting." Said Ichigo
He walked over to see the audience, apparently not knowing what to say.
"What's wrong? You better answer them. It's part of a hero's duties, isn't it?" I asked
"Kids…" started Kanoji
He then walked over so the audience could see him better.
"Mission accomplished! Bwahahaha!" laughed Kanoji
For once, I don't mind the stupid laugh.
"Kids that was a magnificent battle. I stand in awe of your courage, and I'm amazed by your power. I hope you two will lend me that strength in the future." Said Kanoji
He extended his hand as a gesture for friendship.
"Um, yeah sure, once in a while." Said Ichigo
"What he said." I said
We all did a three-way handshake.
"Thank you. From now on, you two will be, my number one pupils." Said Kanoji
"That's a demotion!" Ichigo and I exclaimed in unison
That's a demotion indeed. Believe me, it wasn't easy typing this chapter. Please review, and until next time, I'm sakuraphoenix, saying I heart you, signing off for now. Kan dao ni!