…
…
There were flashes of memories.
You…
…
…
Numbers.
Blood.
Snow.
A bright smile.
"Ichigo, I need you to do something for me."
A dark smirk.
Clenched fist.
"Mom!"
"Run!"
What is this?
…
…
His eyes flashed before widening with shock.
"You…"
The beauty did not reply. She, she was stunning, with wide silver eyes, thick russet hair, sweet face, and body of a goddess. Yet, there was a sense of air around her, an aura, that clearly stated she was innocent – maybe it was the way she pressed her bare knees slightly together, or maybe her wide, wide eyes, or angelic, smooth face with ivory skin and delicate bones. She was small, not at all intimidating, but as she stood in front of the fires, and her hair billowed around her, catching around her ears and face and slim shoulders.
The next second, he jerked upward, staggered, but managed to slide against the ground, and catch her in his lap and chest when she fell. Her curves pressed against him wasn't the best thing at the time, with his seventeen year old body and all, but when another threatening explosion erupted from the tunnel and little scraps of stone and debris scattered around the two, Ichigo did not hesitate to scoop his arms under her legs and neck, cradling her gently yet firmly to his chest.
When he was finally able to get his legs to move, he made it through the dark streets, jogging. He'd completely forgotten his school bag, which meant he would get yelled at tomorrow, but the thought only went through his head for a couple of seconds before he glanced down at the girl in his arms.
Bad idea.
From this point of view, he could see a healthy amount of cleavage. Ichigo looked away, but instantly felt the hot blush running up his neck and dusting around his face. He really was an idiot. But just with one glance, he could tell what she was wearing. It was thin, and not at all warm enough to keep her safe in the night. It was snow white, but not as good as her supple skin. It was loose on her, like an oversize shirt. The bottom had been burned off, so it barely reached her upper thighs, revealing her slender legs, which were covered in thigh-high black socks. She was shoeless and the only thing that could possibly protect her from the cold was the long-sleeves that enveloped her hands and his own body warmth. When he decided they were far enough from the dangerous fire, he stooped down to his knees, and her fine hair swept around her as he brought her to the ground.
"Oi," he called, shaking her gently. She was awake – her eyes were wide open and staring into his now. It was unnerving to have those large, ashen eyes on him. Licking his dry lips, he shook her shoulders again, "Oi. Are you…" he swallowed, "okay?"
Slowly, she blinked, and her thick lashes swept against her cheeks. At that moment, she appeared like a nova – shining, blinding, and so very bright, the beauty of the sun, but fragile, like one wrong move would break her.
Flash.
—"Tell me. How does it feel to lose everything?"—
Ichigo blinked rapidly as the girl in his arms moved slightly. She jerked and then coughed, her small body jolting forward as she hacked. Guessing it was the smoke still lodged in her system, Ichigo patted her back gently, the fiery strands passing through his fingers. When she finally regained herself, he watched as she slowly lifted her gaze to see Ichigo.
She moved again.
"Ow!"
Ichigo flinched away from her and rubbed his now stinging arm. She'd pinched him.
He tried to stop himself from snapping at her, forget the beauty. Grinding his teeth together, he glared at her as she blinked her big silver eyes, "What the hell was that for?"
"So…" She murmured, eyes staring up at him, "you're not one of them."
He was thoroughly confused, but he did not want her pinching him again. Nodding, he was dumbfounded when she gave a bright smile, overbearingly beautiful in his eyes. A nova, an bizarre sparkling star that outdid the sun.
"Good," she said a moment later. She held out her small hands – such tiny things to Ichigo – and pulled back her fingers to show a small sphere. Ichigo stared down at it, mystified. It looked like a small ball, a little bigger than her palm. Without saying anything, she shoved the weird ball into his limp palms. He hurried to get a proper grip on it. Bringing it close to his face, he stared hard down at the sphere, tiny. The dark essence inside of it reminded him of a lava lamp and the stars of the night. Pink, violet, navy, and black, the night mixed into this small thing.
"What is this?" He glanced up, only to see her closer than before. He inhaled sharply. Somehow, his gaze had gone back to her body – heavy cleavage, delicate collarbone, and ivory skin. Pushing down the overbearing blush, he pocketed the ball subconsciously and stripped from his gray jacket, draping it around her slim shoulders. She pulled her arms through the correct holes and stared down at the clothes curiously. "Better?" He asked quietly, and she gave a small smile.
"Un!" she mulled it over, "I-It's very warm."
"Good," a small smirk lit up his face. He looked over her head and saw the fire, smaller than before, and licking at the ground and tunnel. Scowling, he stood and then held out a hand for her. It was late, and it was getting darker. "C'mon. It's cold out here." He had no idea where he could possibly take her besides his house, which would cause a ruckus, but he wanted to bring her with him. The sensations coursing through his body were baffling. She brought unfamiliar memories, unfamiliar feelings.
Hesitantly, she took his outstretched hand. Something passed through him when their skin touched, but he did not want to say anything. He tugged her upward easily and she struggled on her feet.
"W-Wait!" She cried, surprising Ichigo, "T-The Hogyoku…"
Ichigo blinked, "Eh?"
"We have to deliver it to Urahara-san."
"The Ho…gyoku?" He stammered, struggling with the peculiar word.
"We might be able to if we try," she murmured, locking eyes with his. "But…if we don't try now, we might regret it some other time."
"What…what are you talking about?" He whispered. The air changed, shifted, and her hair whipped around her shoulders and face, and enveloped him in her sweet scent. She was so small, delicate, and draped in his big jacket with white coverings. He had many questions now.
Who was Urahara?
What was the Hogyoku?
Why was she so beautiful?
—Fallen snow—
—Bloody body—
—"Mom!"—
With a sharp gasp, he gripped her hand tighter.
Memories.
But whose?
"Tell me," he swallowed thickly again as the air grew stronger, crushing them, "who you are."
She gazed up at him, and then opened her plush lips.
A hand came out and took a hold of her hair. The mystery redhead cried out and Ichigo jerked in surprise. She was yanked backward roughly by the back of the head, and stumbled towards the guard.
Ichigo – without thinking – lunged forward, keeping a tight grip on her hand. With a wild glance, he saw they were now surrounded. Men dressed in darks goggles and thick, gray clothing – like guards or part of the army – were around them, carrying mysterious weapons. The one who'd grabbed the girl released her a second later, and another thrust the butt of his gun into her stomach.
The redhead beauty yelped again and fell face-first into the dirt below. Instantly, anger lit up inside his body, protective, and instinct was brought out. Before he knew it, his fist plowed into one's face, knocking the man to the ground. Next, his eyes landed on the fallen girl, so fragile in the world of Hell.
—"If you cannot save your own mother, how do you think you will save yourself?"—
He gritted his teeth. "Leave her alone!" Without warning, a hand clamped onto his wrist before he could hurt another. Ichigo growled lowly. Just then, a fist plunged into his stomach and the fierce pain ignited through his body. He fell to the ground hard, on his face, and curled his arms around his throbbing stomach. They'd probably bruised his ribs. "D-Dammit…"
A pair of dark brown shoes stepped into his line of view. Struggling, he turned his head a bit so he was able to see the person standing over him. He was older, and quite large and strong. He was bald and dark-skinned, with serious golden eyes, and dressed in a white lab coat. Dragging his strange eyes down Ichigo's fallen form, he murmured in a deep tone,
"Who are you?"
Ichigo did not reply. Instead, he hoisted himself onto quivering arms and struggled to lift himself upwards, "What's it to you, bastard?" Suddenly, a foot slammed into his back, forcing him back to the ground.
"You will speak to Zommari-sama that way!" The soldier hissed down at the teenager.
"That is enough," Zommari – apparently that was his name – spoke quietly and tucked his strong arms behind his back, "It is not needed."
"Yes, sir," the soldier nodded and went back in line, but not without throwing Ichigo one more glare.
Turning to look at the girl, who was struggling to move, Zommari said stiffly, "Do we have it?"
It? Ichigo thought. These people are disgusting.
"Yes, sir," Another soldier replied politely, "It is still alive, but the Hogyoku is not on it."
Ichigo's lips curled down. Currently, the small sphere was in his pocket. The way her large silver eyes had stared up at him, so very trustworthy, made him curl into himself, hiding it from anyone's view.
Zommari suddenly leaned down and took a hold of her thick hair. Orihime cried out and wiggled weakly, "Tell me where it is."
Again, that violent feeling of fury pulsed through Ichigo. He got to his knees with a burst of power, "Let her the fuck go!"
"Shut him up," Zommari ordered quietly. Ichigo tensed and then grunted when a fist swung into his face and he was knocked onto his back. Panting roughly, Ichigo tried not to move when the guard aimed that weird-looking gun to his head, nudging his temple.
"Move again and I'll kill you," the man said tensely. Ichigo clenched his jaw as his fingers twitched, itching to wrap around someone's throat – preferably Zommari.
"Tell me," Zommari snarled, shaking the girl now by her shoulder and hair, "I won't let you walk this earth any longer!" He lifted his hand and struck her across the face. Orihime whimpered stridently and something twitched inside of Ichigo. Before he could even move though, a foot knocked into his back, his spine, and he cried out, shuddering from the intense pain.
"Fuck!" He growled, his body pounding in different places. "J-Just leave her alone…"
"Don't be fooled by its looks, boy," another soldier snapped above him, "Let us do our job."
Standing, Zommari released the girl and stood, tilting his face to the side to crack his neck, "Take it back to the headquarters." He turned to the guards, "Do not let her get away."
"Hai, Zommari-sama!" They all answered in unison. Ichigo watched in despair and rage as one stooped down and roughly took a hold of her left arm while another grabbed the right. They dragged her away on her stomach and soon vanished from Ichigo's sight as they turned a corner.
"Stop…Dammit! Stop—" Zommari's shoe struck Ichigo's stomach, pinning the young man to the ground. Ichigo snarled, glowering up at the stranger hatefully, spitefully.
"Why don't you lie there and worry about school tomorrow? You are sure to be late." The dark-skinned man teased before removing his foot from Ichigo's kidney. The guards chuckled and followed the man, and ducked exactly where the others had gone.
With that, Ichigo's sight began to darken. He fought against the night, and tried to regain consciousness, only for his eyelids to close, and take him down with them.
—Blood under his shoes—
I will protect you…
…
…
"Has she been captured?"
"Eh? You mean Inoue?"
"She couldn't have…"
"Dammit!"
"Where is she?"
"Can you get sighting on her?"
"I'm working on it!"
"Wait…What is that?"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…"
A light smirk.
"You know this kid, Urahara?"
"Let's just say he's an old friend."
…
…
There was a burst of sapphire light.
Ichigo's eyes snapped open. With a sharp gasp, he sat up, attempting to catch his breath.
Just a dream.
No.
He glanced around, his eyes widening. He was a few yards away from the river, and he could smell the smoke in the air. It had to be a dream, none of that shit could've happened, could it?
Only one way to figure out.
Digging his hand into his right pocket, he pulled out the first thing he felt. His eyes bugged when he came out with the blush-purple sphere. It shined brightly in his hand, like the stars above. Staring down at it intently, he tried to decide whether or not any of this was just his imagination.
"We might be able to if we try. But…if we don't try now, we might regret it some other time."
He tightened his grip around the ball. "That girl…"
They took her.
He had no idea how his injuries were gone, or where they'd taken her. Standing, he stretched out his limbs, and was mystified to see no bruises, no scratches, anything that was misplaced. Pocketing the Hogyoku-thingy, he shook his head and tried to think of a way to get out of this mess and find the girl. He did not know her name, and still, he could not mull over everything properly with all the loose ends and anger still in his system.
They hit her.
His fists crunched.
Before he knew it, his body was moving and chasing after whatever his heart told him to. His body was moving on its own, and his heart raced. He did not fight whatever was leading him, but his mind was telling him something was wrong. Scowling deeply, his body turned in time around the corner.
This is…
Fire erupted, and he turned his head in time to see a giant explosion burst from inside the city. Ichigo's eyes widened when the air blurred, and then it formed a giant, dark body, bigger than any skyscraper he'd ever seen. It appeared like the monsters in the stories his father used to tell – huge, dark, and a white, skulled mask. It was miles and miles away, but Ichigo could easily see it stomping around the city. He could also hear the shrill screams, the scatter of buildings falling. Right now, he had no idea how to handle this.
"Oi, oi!"
"Who's the kid?"
Ichigo's head shot up. There were four soldiers standing in the large alley he'd been watching in. He could tell they weren't from the last batch, but he glared at them just the same way.
"What're you doing here, boy?" One stepped closer, nudging his strange gun at the teenager, "Shouldn't you be at home?"
"Who the hell are you to tell me what to do?" Ichigo snapped back darkly, crunching his fists even tighter.
Another chuckled, "Wanna a fight? Zommari-sama said we could kill whoever lingered too long. I think you go at the top of the list, kid." He raised his gun, only for bright lights to flare. Ichigo jerked in surprise as the walkway lights on the ground flashed and he was able to see much more clearly.
"Ara, ara~" A playful voice teased, "Must we all be so rude to each other?"
Ichigo turned his head towards the voice, only to see a man right beside him. Ichigo shouted in shock and reeled back. The man was fairly tall, a little shorter than Ichigo. He was holding a cane and dressed in dark green shirt and pants, with a jacket-like cloth. A striped green and white bucket hat was on his pale blonde head, and he was sporting a big, silly smile.
"Who the hell are you?" Ichigo asked, flabbergasted with the turn of events. This night couldn't get any more weirder.
Apparently, he spoke the words too soon.
"I-Is that Urahara?!" A soldier shouted.
The others glanced at the man in astonishment. "He's one of the targets!"
"Get him!"
"So lively," Urahara sighed, his smile widening. With casual grace, the older man turned to Ichigo, "Ichigo-san, do you mind holding my hat?" Ichigo jolted at his name, but did not reply. The Urahara fellow placed it on his head without his consent and then, he was gone. With amazing speeds, the blonde unsheathed his sword, which was hidden in his cane, and grinned at the soldiers.
Ichigo watched with astonishment as the guards fired their weapons, and pulses of crimson blasted onto the ground. He dodged out of the way in time one to sink into the ground, as though it were hot lava. When he looked back to Urahara, he had already sliced through a soldier, and he fell with a splatter of blood. Ichigo's stomach – surprisingly – did not churn. Neither did his senses. It was as if he'd seen this before, been through this before.
When Ichigo felt unfamiliar arms wrap around his midsection, Ichigo's body acted without his consent. His elbow jerked backwards, and hit a face, causing the person to grunt. His legs bent and his hand wrapped around an arm, throwing the person over his shoulder and in front of him.
The soldier groaned in pain, completely unconscious already. Ichigo stared down at his body in wonderment, eyes growing wide as his hands twitched, wishing for another person to fight, his body practically begging for it.
"Well," Suddenly, Urahara popped up beside Ichigo. The orange-haired jumped in surprise and stumbled a step back, "If it isn't Ichigo-san~!"
Glaring at the blonde man, Ichigo muttered, "How do you know my name?"
"So suspicious~"
"Oi! You alright, Urahara-san?" A voice called from upwards. Ichigo glanced behind him to see an old building, tall and with broken windows. A hand was waving from the third floor and the blonde waved back.
"I'm alright, Tessai!"
"Hey, answer my questions!" Ichigo snapped at him. The peculiar man glanced over at Ichigo, plucked his hat off his head, and placed it on his own with a wide smile.
"How mean. Ichigo-san doesn't remember me." Sheathing his sword, he placed the cane back on the ground , holding as if he really needed it. Ichigo's eyes narrowed.
"Of course I don't. I've never even met you, getaboshi," Ichigo said, crossing his arms over his chest and then grimaced. Getaboshi? Where had that come from? Urahara also seemed surprised, eyes slightly widened under the shade of his hat before he smiled fondly.
"Getaboshi, huh?" His smile widened, "I haven't been called that in a while, Ichigo-san."
"Dammit!" Ichigo raged, "Stop saying weird shit and tell me how you know my n—"
"Oi!"
His eyes snapped up, and then down. She was short with slender violet eyes, and a slim figure. Dressed in small jeans shorts and off-the-shoulders black shirt, she glared up at him, her short black hair that barely reached her chin blowing with the harsh wind. She held out a thin hand, "You have the Hogyoku, right?"
Ichigo burrowed his hand into his pocket and pulled out the odd sphere. The black-haired girl snatched it away, and sneered up at him, "Don't be so reckless with it."
An arm suddenly propped on her head. Ichigo looked over slightly to see crimson red hair over the girl. He was a man and had strange tattoos. Ichigo watched as he rested his elbow on the girl's raven head lazily, cradling his chin with his hand, "Oh, leave the guy alone, Rukia. You can be so harsh sometimes."
A red tic made itself known of her temple. With a swift uppercut, she threw the man to the ground, "Renji! Get off of me, you pompous ass!"
Suddenly, there was a click from behind him. Ichigo tensed and slightly turned his head, only to see a girl, about his age, with dark hair wrapped up in a neat bun and dark eyes. She was aiming a gun at the back of his orange head, glaring at him.
"Are you the one who infiltrated the Western Tunnels?"
Before Ichigo could even think about stopping himself, his body whirled around and took a hold of her wrist, twisted it an odd angel, and then struck the area in the center of her elbow, causing her to screech and drop the gun into Ichigo's waiting hand.
What the hell…?
Ichigo watched with astonishment as his hands worked quick, removing the magazine from the gun, tossing it casually onto the ground, and his fingers did quick work of dismantling the gun into small pieces. It was silent for a few moments.
"Sugoi…" Renji muttered, now cupping a hand over his bleeding nose. "He got Momo…"
"And disabled the entire weapon." Rukia mused, eyeing the orange-haired severely.
Ichigo nearly yanked his hair out, "I-I'm sorry! I don't know what the hell happened! Are you alright…" He sweat-dropped when 'Momo' stood nonchalantly and popped her arm back into the correct socket. She did not make a sound, but the entire group could hear the bone make the disturbing sound.
"It's been at least six years since someone took my arm out." She smirked cockily and glanced down at the gun, "Too bad. That was my favorite one. It was a Mamba Pistol Parabellum. Pretty hard to get when you're fourteen."
Ichigo gawked at her, "You're fourteen?"
Before she could answer, another voice spoke, "Kurosaki Ichigo." Hesitantly, Ichigo turned his head to see a dark-skinned young woman, violet hair pushed into a high ponytail, a sharp face, with intense golden eyes. Placing a hand on her hip, she smirked at the orange-haired, "Oh should I say Hichigo? I forgot if your father changed it or not since Masaki died." She shrugged her slim shoulders, "Well, whatever."
Ichigo blinked at his mother's name.
—"If you open your eyes, Hichigo, maybe you'll see what is in front of you."—
As this all happened, Urahara watched carefully. When he finally stepped forward, all eyes snapped to him, "I think you're overwhelming the poor guy." Stepping in front of Ichigo, he allowed his teal eyes to meet his. "This must be a bit much for you, right, Ichigo-san?"
Ichigo swallowed. "Y-Yeah…"
"It's been nearly eleven years, hasn't it? Since we've seen each other, I mean." Urahara mused, smiling again, "I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't remember Yoruichi-san or I." He placed a hand on the orange-haired's shoulder, "Don't worry. I'll explain everything—"
A giant explosion to the right interrupted the getaboshi. Renji hollered in surprise and Yoruichi dodged out of the way in time as glass shattered from the building over them. To Ichigo's surprise, a large man launched himself from one of the windows, two children in his arms, a girl and a fiery haired boy.
"Tessai!" Momo called, "Take Ururu and Jinta out of here!"
"Hai!" The man bowed quickly as the redheaded child wrestled and the girl whimpered worriedly. Before Ichigo knew it, they were out of sight. Urahara did not miss a beat.
"Rukia-chan, explain it for us, would you?"
The black-haired girl nodded, and Ichigo watched as she lifted her wrist, showing some kind of high-tech watch. Clicking a few buttons, a small screen – the size of a laptop – appeared in front of her, like a hologram. Raising her slender hands, she pressed a few buttons, and words suddenly appeared onto the thin, levitating screen.
"Looks like Zommari couldn't wait. He really doesn't want Orihime to leave the tube. They haven't gotten her to the HQ yet, but it appears that she's running down the Main right now."
"Eh?" Renji exclaimed, "That's all the way in town!"
"And it looks like they've already started attacking in town. Soifon reported saying that they've already released five Shriekers across Karakura and two Acidwires."
"Dammit," Momo muttered, looking up at the pixel-screen, "We're gonna have to hurry."
"Yoruichi," Urahara glanced at her, "You know what you have to do."
Yoruichi gave a sarcastic salute, "I'm on it." And she was suddenly gone. Ichigo jerked in shock as the air changed, and a flash of purple dashed across the alleyway, up the wall, and vanished.
This is…
"We'll have to get to the city," Renji put in. He stooped down and opened a duffel bag Ichigo had failed to notice. Unzipping it, Renji stood the next second, coming up with a long gun. He yanked on the lever in the front and grinned widely, "Guess I'll have to use this then."
"Don't play thoughtlessly with it," Rukia scolded gently, already typing away on the blue screen in front of her.
"Aye, aye, captain!" He said in rough English. She glared at him in reply. The redhead turned towards Ichigo and crooked a brow. Digging back into his duffel bag, he came up with another gun, smaller.
He tossed it to Ichigo, who's hands opened in invitation for it.
What's going on?
"How…how am I supposed to work this?"
"Well," Renji placed the large gun on his shoulder lazily, "It's pretty simple. It's just a Beretta Px4 Storm, so it won't be too difficult or strong to use. Push the lever in front of the trigger, click off the safety, and aim. Just remember," Renji's big grin widened, "it's not bullets in that thing."
Rukia rolled her eyes, "Renji likes to experiment."
In response, Renji puckered his lips towards the petite woman, "You know you love it."
Rukia slammed the back of her fist in his face, silencing the tattooed-man, "Not on your damn life."
Renji shook it off and gave a thumbs-up to Urahara, "I'm off!" He jogged away from the scene, only to glance up to his left, eyes to widen, and then turn back in the other direction, back towards the group. Everyone watched, mystified, as Renji sprinted back to them, and past them. "On second thought," he panted, "I think I'll go this way." And he was gone.
Ichigo frowned. "Wha…?
"Watch out!"
There was an almighty roar and another explosion. Rukia dodged out of the way in time, knocking herself into Ichigo in the process. They both fell to the ground below, and the unconscious, bleeding men a few feet away were vaporized. To his surprise – again – Momo was already setting up her Minimi, and she pointed the light machine gun outwards, placing her eye behind the sight.
"Oh, look at that," She mumbled, "It's Fishbone. Pretty sharp if it found us so easily."
"I agree," Rukia nodded. She wrenched long, throwing knives from her knee-high socks. Returning her attention back to Ichigo, she glared at him, "We're going to clear a path for you. Don't get lost on the way."
Ichigo grimaced, "Where exactly am I going?"
Before either could answer, there was a rumble in the ground and Ichigo looked up just in time to see the large monster, just as the one in the city, and it roared down at them, dirt and rubble flying up as it rampaged.
"Go!" Momo grunted and her gun went off firing. The bangs were enough for Ichigo's ears to burn, but what had him mystified were the glowing, white-blue bullets the size of his thumb erupting from the weapon. The monster roared its anguish as bullets lodged themselves into its arms and it stumbled back, creating huge indentions in the ground. Rukia suddenly launched off the ground, at least fifty feet above them, and her two knives struck the yellow eyes.
While the monster thrashed and howled, Ichigo staggered to his feet, his heart racing.
"Ohoo~ Ichigo-san!"
Ichigo looked over at the man, who was sitting lazily on the ground, waving a fan at him, and smiling from under his hat, "W-What the hell is that?" Ichigo managed to grind out.
"Didn't I tell you?" Urahara's smile widened, "I'll explain it all later." Casually, he tossed the glowing sphere towards Ichigo, "I'm entrusting you with it and her life. Try not to fail me."
"Fool!" Rukia shouted and Ichigo watched as she landed on the ground, knives sprouting from her long sleeves, "I've made the path now go!"
"Right!" Ichigo made sure his legs were steady and then did unthinkable. Dodging past a falling piece of concrete, Ichigo ran onto the battlefield, past Momo, who watched with astonishment and then hurried to shoot under the monster's foot when she saw what he was doing.
Smart kid.
Just in time, Ichigo tumbled under the monster's stomping foot and moved out of the way in time for it to fall onto its back. With that, Ichigo was gone. Rukia tapped a few buttons on her watch, and they all watched as the monster vanished, now defeated.
Urahara dusted off his hat and smirked, "Good job, you two."
"Whatever," Momo sighed, strapping the gun on her back.
Rukia glanced to where Ichigo had gone, "So…is he really Masaki's son?"
"Oh, that's right. You two are too young to remember. But, yes. I am sure." Urahara explained briefly.
Momo nodded, "He must be. Did you see how fast he broke my arm, and took apart that gun? He's dangerous."
"And he doesn't even know it yet," Rukia shook her head sadly.
"Just like Masaki-chan," Urahara put in.
As there was another explosion from the east and a building fell, Rukia sighed, "Well, we better get going. Momo, get Ikkaku to bring the tank around."
"Right."
Urahara stared up at the night sky, Masaki-chan, it's starting.
…
…
Where am I going?
What am I doing?
I don't even know how to work a gun!
But his body moved, and his heart raced. His mind was in a frenzy, but his spirit seemed to know exactly what to do. Before he knew it, he was already jogging down the south walkway. He was in the city already, and the destruction was mind-boggling. There was fires practically everywhere, licking at stores and people were running around, panicking, screaming.
A large truck was turned on its side, and he saw unconscious people on the ground, unaware if they were dead or alive. Ichigo blinked when he saw the soldiers scattering around. When one shot a woman and a teenage boy dead, Ichigo gasped and quickly ducked behind an alleyway. He hurried down the narrow path, and came up on the other side of the street, only to see a fence blocking his way.
This side wasn't any better.
He was quite shocked when something hit the ground hard, creating little spider-webs under its large feet. The monster was smaller than the others, but with the same yellow eyes, mask, and large teeth. A strange sound was coming from its throat – and Ichigo could detect it was giggling, cackling actually, as it bounced on its toes.
Shoot it.
With that thought, Ichigo raised his gun and fired. He somehow stayed upright and the force of the weapon sent excitement through his body. The crimson bullet sprang from the gun and went directly through the target's head. The monster howled, and glanced around wildly for the attacker. When its eyes locked onto Ichigo, it roared its vengeance. Before Ichigo could even think about aiming, a flash of purple and orange sprang forward and the monster's bone-head knocked to the side.
"What're you doing, Hichigo-chan~?" Ichigo diverted his gaze upwards, and he saw Yoruichi standing on the monster's head, supporting herself with one hand, her feet in the air. "Shouldn't you be rescuing the princess?"
"My name is Ichigo!" The orange-haired shouted up at her with clear frustration on her face as he lowered his gun, "And I'm working on it…"
Her golden eyes twinkled, "Of course you are."
"GET OFF OF ME!" The monster roared, throwing its strong arms about.
Yoruichi sneered up her top lip, "Shut up, you annoying pest!" She flipped onto her feet, dodging from its big hands, and then brought her foot down in amazing strength. The monster's large chin hit the ground and it evaporated the next second before completely vanishing. Yoruichi pushed the purple hair out of her face, and smirked at Ichigo, "Don't fall behind." And with a flash of orange, she was gone.
"Dammit," Ichigo snarled under his breath, leapt easily over the fence, and then he followed after her. Any soldier he saw, he shot down without another thought.
What am I doing?
What am I doing?
Who am I?
—A hand on his cheek—
—"Why would you ask such a question? You're Hichigo. And you're my beautiful son."—
Ichigo gritted his teeth together as the flames grew and ate at the city.
And in those flames, she stood.
She did not tell him her name, but he knew it already, just by looking at her, just by speaking with her, just by touching her.
"Orihime!"
With a sweep of amber hair, the girl turned.
(Shining, blinding,
and so very bright,
the beauty of the sun,
but fragile, like one wrong move would break her)
The monster in front of her roared, and raised its fist.
I will protect you!
With a burst of unknown, overbearing power, Ichigo ran forward.
Her lips parted, and her eyes widened.
—"Hichigo, if someone can't reach you…you force them to."—
His arms were around her the next second. They skidded onto the ground, flopped, but Ichigo forced himself to keep his arms locked, tight, and squeezing to her to his chest. The two tumbled down the destroyed, fiery street, and came to a slow stop. Still, Ichigo did not let go.
She was still draped in his large jacket, and smelled so sweet. When he looked down, his body aching, she blinked slowly, her long eyelashes brushing against her cheeks. He should've been embarrassed that he was so close to her, but he couldn't find anything in him that would push him away from her.
Suddenly, she beamed at him, so bright and happy that he flinched back from the intensity. "Thank you."
"Are…" he panted harshly, "Are you alright?"
"Un!" She nodded, gripping his dark blue school shirt with her small hands. When another brash roar went through night air, Ichigo sat up, bringing her with him. Slowly, she turned her head and saw the giant monster leering down at them.
"Hollow…" She murmured, bringing herself closer to Ichigo.
Ichigo grimaced, "Is that what they're called?"
"I am not…strong enough," she whispered, her eyes lifted to his, locking, "But can you…use me?"
Ichigo blinked, "Use…you?"
Without saying anything else, her eyelids fluttered closed, and there was a subtle glow coming from her back. Hesitantly, Ichigo reached around and grimaced when he felt the warmth radiating from her back. To his surprise, her back arched like an elegant bow, and a wrinkle developed between her delicate eyebrows.
The jacket slipped from her slim shoulders and fell to the ground. Sapphire petals flew around the two, creating a spiral, blue whirlwind that soared around them, and flew up towards the sky, spreading the clouds to reveal the shining stars.
"Use me," she whispered, tilting her head back, her long, thick hair tumbling down her slender back. Ichigo's eyes widened as her hands moved to her chest and then spread open, revealing the glowing blue circle embedded in her chest.
Something ignited into his body.
Flash.
—Numbers—
—Blood—
—Snow—
A bright smile.
— "Ichigo, I need you to do something for me."—
—A dark smirk—
—Clenched fist—
— "Mom!"—
—"Run!"—
…
…
I will protect you!
…
…
Ichigo's hand shot forward, and delved into the glowing, deep hole in her chest.
Orihime cried out sharply, her back arching again.
The hollow paused, curious.
A blast of dark red power formed around the hibiscus, sapphire flowers, and shot upwards into the sky, spreading the clouds and igniting something deep inside both of them.
…
…
"Ichigo."
His gaze shot to her.
Ashen-silver met intense amber.
"Orihime."
Together, they said,
"I reject."
The world, it seemed, was in their hands.
…
…
Urahara brought down the rim of his hat as the golden power etched through the sky, spreading, following over dark crimson and the sapphire petals.
"Urahara,"
"Yes, Yoruichi-san?"
Sharp golden eyes glanced over at him, "You know this isn't normal, don't you?"
"Ne, Yoruichi-san, remember when Masaki made that promise to us?"
"That was years ago, boke."
Unsheathing his sword as another Shrieker screeched and rampaged towards them, Urahara smiled brightly.
"I think she's keeping to her word."
With a small shake of her head, Yoruichi smiled softly, fondly, "Both of you are nut-jobs."
"Hai, hai…"
…
…
I hope you liked it. Um…I think I got this idea from…darn, what's it called. I haven't watched it in months, I think Guilty Crown. It's not entirely based off of it, but I got most of my ideas from it, well, for this chapter. Future chapters will probably be nothing like the anime or manga. Guilty Crown is pretty good from what I remember. Anyway, I've always loved high-tech animes with guns and technology and random robots. I hope you liked the way I wrote it. it's difficult to describe my imagination and point-of-view but I tried.
Please review. Still very nervous.
-Star