Ultrabross's Vision

CHP 8: Reality Check

Losing balance Ichigo fell back with Kon ending up over the top of him. The stuffed lion tightened its grip over his shirt pulling itself closer to his body, "How could you do such a thing leaving me all crammed in that dark space with no food or water?! Such actions are inhumane! How would you like if someone lef…" Ichigo knocked him back with the flick of a finger giving him no chance to finish, "Stop complaining; as if you need food or water to survive. I never included you with the items I chose to bring, which means you packed yourself."

Ichigo pushed himself off the ground sitting over the bed's edge. There was nothing more Kon wanted than to kick and punch at Ichigo like a younger brother or sister would to an older sibling when things didn't go their way. He contained himself from resulting to such actions, knowing full and well what Ichigo said was true, "Ok so maybe I snuck in at the last moment but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have known. You left me to suffer! Have you no human dignity?!"

Barely looking down Ichigo didn't alter his posture even slightly, "You have quite the imagination, but please do enlighten me the last time I ever showed signs of being psychic. In fact quit crying like a small child and putting the blame on me, I'm not the one that decided climbing into a crowded space and not saying a word was a good idea. Serves you right the way I see it." Ichigo fell back over the bed in the position he had been moments ago.

Kon stepped across the carpet with a strange urge to bull rush and take down the orange haired substitute shinigami but was aware the result wouldn't end in his favor. Instead he crawled up the bed situating himself beside Ichigo's head, "Details…where are we!?" Kon looked around the space that was much different to that of Ichigo's room, "I overheard your conversation with the shinigami captain but didn't catch much details!"

"Is it really necessary for you to yell in my ear? Keep it down I'm trying to think." Ichigo spoke softly closing his eyes

"What about Rukia is she somewhere nearby?!" Kon inquired jumping up and down, "My sweet loving Rukia, oh how I've missed you." The mod soul thought.

"You can be such a nuisance I swear. Obviously your eavesdropping skills need work. Toshiro made it clear the Gotei 13 voted in favor of me taking on this mission alone which I really don't want to talk about now so don't ask for details."

Kon reached out grabbing at Ichigo's ear pulling back, "We're best buds, keeping secrets isn't something we do. Tell me about the mission now!"

Extending his arm outward Ichigo grabbed Kon by the back of his neck tossing the stuffed lion off the bed, "What part of I'm trying to think did you not understand?" Ichigo opened his eyes gazing at the ceiling. Kon hopped back onto the bed without a moment hesitation.

"Why must you treat me this way, you and I are equals? Whenever you go out to fight your battles I always take good care of your body!"

"Equals," Ichigo went soundless for a couple moments before laughing, "You made my day that is one of the funniest things I've heard in awhile." Ichigo was unable to hide his grin.

Kon ran across the bed with the idea of stomping at Ichigo's stomach. A knock at the door stopped him from any further action, in which Ichigo placed a hand over the area of Kon's mouth, "You be a good lion and do what other stuffed animals do best."

"Which is?"

"Look pretty and don't make a move or sound," Ichigo quickly flipped Kon onto his back, "Stay put and be a good lion or else…" He gave the mod soul a splitting death glare before turning and walking toward the door.

"How's it going Ichigo?"

Tsukune stood beside a girl exhibiting long pink hair that bypassed her waist. It was the same girl he had rescued from the clutches of the hollow; that he was sure about. Apart from that, a good question to ask was how they knew the room number of his dorm. He hadn't given that information to a single student…yet here they were. She was beautiful the first time he set eyes on her during the attack, but seemed more so in that moment.

"I hope now isn't a bad time but I'd like to introduce you to Moka San. She and I happened to be passing by so…"

"Hi Ichigo nice to meet you," Moka spoke cheerfully cutting Tsukune off. He wasted no time properly introducing himself to her as well.

From on the bed Kon's eyes opened to the female voice curious as to whom she was. For as long as he knew Ichigo one thing for certain was the substitute shinigami always found himself surrounded by pretty girls. Whether it was intentional or coincidence didn't concern him; all that mattered was to somehow have them in his clutches. Ichigo's body blocked most of the doorway which prompted Kon to move across the bed trying to get a view of her.

"I appreciate you stopping by, but do you mind me asking how you figured this was my room?"

"It was Ling Ling, or in other words the sister to Fan…"

"I've already met with her." Ichigo replied not allowing Tsukune to finish. His fists tightened getting the vibe the zombie being was following him! Did she and Fang Fang's hunger for recruiting him shift to desperation? With those two nothing would surprise him, even something absurd as inspecting his every move from a distance.

"Is everything ok," Moka moved in closer, "You look worried."

"Just a lot on my mind." Ichigo quickly came up with on the fly.

Though there was little space between the vampire and shinigami, Kon had the perfect angle. His eyes sparkled at the prospect that was Moka Akashiya! Kon's eyes voyaged downward from her face, and if it were at all possible for him to drool he would have! Just the sight of them pumped him, "I mmmmus must have them!" A menacing smirk formed over his face staring directly at her chest. They weren't quite the size of Orihime's but were more than satisfying enough. Kon slowly made his way off the bed making certain to stay out of sight slowly creeping toward Ichigo and Moka. In that moment he didn't care what the consequences of his actions could lead to.

"Moka San and I were just on our way to library to hang out and possibly study. We'd be grateful if you decided to come along. If not than I guess we'll see you tomorrow."

Ichigo threw his leg back kicking Kon in the face sending the mod soul a couple ft back the other way. The stuffed lion yelled aloud as his stomach collided with one of the four wooden legs of the bed, "What was that?" Moka asked trying to look over Ichigo's shoulder. He moved over blocking her view from seeing inside.

"It's nothing really," Ichigo said innocently, "Just a small project I'm working on. I have yet to stop it from making all these weird noises." Ichigo began closing the door but was stopped by Moka placing her hand over it.

"If you let me have a look I might be able to help." She spoke moving in closer.

"Thanks for the offer but it is best I take care of it myself." Ichigo placed a hand over her shoulder smiling, "You two go on ahead, I might catch up with you later."

Tsukune and Moka turned away with the pink haired vampire waving as they journeyed down the hall. Ichigo then let out a breathe of air he had no idea he'd been holding back, closing the door, "Sometimes I wonder if you deliberately try and make life more difficult for me. My true objective is to hunt and destroy the hollows lurking within this realm! Your stupidity and lack of common sense baffles me to no end."

Kon stood from the ground dusting off, "Come now you don't really mean that," Kon ran across the carpet wrapping his arms around Ichigo's ankle, "How long have you known the girl?"

Ichigo looked down not particularly fond of Kon's tone. He knew exactly what was on the perverted mod souls mind, "Do you listen ever? I was just introduced to her." Ichigo pronounced rolling his eyes, and though he'd never admit to it; Ichigo knew Kon would come in handy. There would be times he'd likely have to skip class time to battle against the enemy. With Kon around he wouldn't be marked absent. There was also the luxury of Kon taking notes for him whenever he was away.

"Wait here, I'll be back soon." Ichigo informed exiting the room with a piece of paper in hand. Kon attempted calling out to him but it was already too late with the door closing shut.

With a couple turns down the hall Moka and Tsukune exited the main building walking across the grass. Due to the distance of the library they decided cutting through the school lawn would get them there sooner than through the building. A slight wind propelled to the west blowing Moka's hair that way. There were only a couple students around, none in which looked their way.

Willing to take advantage of the moment Moka took hold of Tsukune's hand. He gazed over noticing her cheeks turn a rosy red. She then wrapped her other arm around his, "It's so nice to have a little alone time with you away from everyone else." She leaned her head over his shoulder. They passed the group of students running around the lawn engaging in different activities.

"Akashiya Moka?"

Tsukune and Moka stopped at the sound of someone calling out her name. Behind them stood two students; one standing at 5'8, dark silver hair, brown eyes and the other 5'10, black spiky hair and green eyes. Both wore similar outfits to Tsukune and Moka, "Who are you guys? And how do you know Moka?"

Never before had Tsukune seen the two, and didn't like the expressions on their faces. "I'm Kikael and this is Jiro." The taller of them spoke taking a step forward, "We're freshmen to the academy but have heard various stories about Moka before enrolling." Kikael took another few steps circling both Tsukune and Moka a couple times over, "What do you think Kikael?" Jiro asked.

"They weren't lying about this bitch's body or beauty. She's got the whole package!"

Moka's grip over Tsukune's hand tightened feeling herself become panicky. Tsukune couldn't believe his ears either! Just who did those guys think they were addressing her in such fashion, "What did you just call Moka San?" Tsukune asked knowing he couldn't just stand still and say nothing. Both first year students chuckled at the fright in his voice, "If you don't mind, we'd like to spend some time alone with Moka."

"Now isn't a good time, she and I are headed to the library. Maybe another time… let's go Moka San." Tsukune pulled her close by leading them away from the area. They were separated from one another before traveling even five yards, "Your little trip to the library will have to wait," Kikael pulled Moka up against his body running a hand over the side of her face, "Don't tell me this wimp here is your boyfriend?" He asked blocking Tsukune out completely.

"Take your hands off her! She doesn't know either of you!" Kikael removed his hands off Moka punching at Tsukune. The strike was enough to knock him to the ground.

"Tsukune!" Moka shouted but was held back by Jiro, "Don't get involved…Kikael can be crazy when he gets this way."

As he had a little while back Tsukune was seeing stars. He positioned himself over his knees and hands looking up at Moka and the two others, "Why are you doing this…isn't it clear Moka San doesn't want to ha…" Tsukune this time was kicked in the face. Both Kikael and Jiro laughed watching his face come into contact with the dirt.

"That's enough! Put an end to this and I'll do whatever you say, just don't hurt Tsukune!" Moka shouted trying to break free of Jiro. His hold was much too great for her to overcome, "Don't worry sweet stuff Kikael won't kill your boyfriend, maybe just rough him up a bit."

Kikael grabbed hold of Tsukune's hair pulling him upward and punching him back to the ground. Tears formed in Moka's eyes watching the man she loved being beaten and there was nothing she could do to help, "Why don't you fight back?!" Kikael got down on his knees grabbing Tsukune by the neck and continuously punching at his face. Tsukune dodged and blocked a couple of the attempts but the others connected directly with his face drawing blood!

"What a pussy, why is a hot piece like you dating a weakling like him?" Jiro asked making sure his grasp was tight around her wrists. Moka began crying feeling completely helpless…if only she had some way of awakening her inner self. And for whatever reason Tsukune didn't unlock any of his hidden strength hidden within the holy lock; perhaps it had something to do with the fact she wasn't the one being harmed. In a split second Kikael was pulled off Tsukune and thrown back in the opposite direction.

"That'll be enough of that." Someone reached down helping Tsukune up.

"Ic…Ichigo." Moka managed to say with relief; tears still running down her cheeks. Ichigo wasn't one to stick his nose into someone else's business, but when observing the scene from afar he knew something wasn't right, "You have five seconds to let the girl go."

Jiro perceived the determination in Ichigo's eyes immediately releasing his hold on Moka in which she instantly sided with Tsukune and Ichigo. Kikael rose from the ground cracking his knuckles, "Tsukune, Moka," Ichigo spoke without looking at either, "You better get going. If these two want a fight they found one." Ichigo slowly lifted his sleeves causing Jiro to gulp.

Neither Moka nor Tsukune could comprehend why he would put himself in harm's way for either of them. Both barely knew the guy, and yet somehow he was trying to protect them. Moka wasn't going to have any of it, "Don't do this! You have no reason to get yourself beaten up all because of me, I'll do what the…"

"Enough Moka," Ichigo glared back at the vampire, "I saw and heard almost everything these guys said and did to the two of you. My only regret is not jumping in sooner," He shifted his focus back to the first years, "Guys like this are what make me sick. Things are likely about to heat up so you and Tsukune should get going."

"Ichigo…" Moka whispered feeling all sorts of emotions rise.

Kikael unexpectedly applauded Ichigo, "Quite the speech, but even dumber for threatening someone like me. What do you say you and I take this out to the woods and settle this in our true forms?" Kikael then looked into Moka's eyes, "We'll have to talk some other time beautiful."

A chuckle escaped Ichigo's lips, triggering Jiro to take a couple steps back.

"What is so damn funny?!" Kikael asked.

"You're better off fighting against me in human form that I can guarantee. Unless of course you'd like an early funeral…if that's the case than go right ahead and follow me." Ichigo said advancing toward the woods.

Tsukune and Moka remained still throughout the entire ordeal. Jiro seized hold of his best friend's shirt, "I don't like it one bit, this guy is way too confident and look at his size. Let's get out of here while we still can; Moka can wait for another time."

"Tsukune!" Two girls called out before Kikael could make a move.

"Mizore, Kurumu." Moka voiced looking out in the distance.

"You're right…we'll take care of this some other time." Kikael replied running off with Jiro at his side.

Ichigo noticed their actions from the corner of his eye, stopping dead in his tracks, "Tsukune are you ok?" Mizore was concerned with the amount of blood falling from his mouth and nose. It was also the first time he had seen her since the attack with the hollows. Ichigo made his way over to the group uncovering a piece of cloth from the side pocket of his jacket, "Go ahead and use this to clean yourself up. Good thing I happened to be carrying it."

"Can somebody explain to me what happened, and why he's here?" Mizore asked pointing at Ichigo.

Tsukune used the cloth removing all blood off his face, "Don't be rude, if it weren't for Ichigo things could have turned out a lot worse." Moka emphasized. Both Kurumu and Mizore eyed down the substitute shinigami.

"You guys take care," Ichigo walked away from the group, "I've got a form to submit."

Both Kurumu and Moka wanted to stop him from leaving, with reasons of their own but Tsukune was the main focus, "I feel kind of lost…what's been happening in the last few hours?" Mizore asked.

The instant Moka's hand came into contact with Tsukune's shoulder he shrugged her off, "Sorry Moka San, I need some time to think and be alone. If you still want to go to the library, just take one of the others in my place. Please none of you try and follow me."

All three girls watched him scamper off with his head held down. He made a vow to protect and be at Moka's side but yet he was unable to do a thing! Had it not been for Ichigo the first year student would have continued to beat on him! He was unable to defend Moka or himself. The thought of it burned him up inside, knowing he needed to get stronger. How could Moka ever see him as a true man unless he was able to protect her with his own two hands?! The thought boiled his blood!

To Be Continued