Ultrabross's Vision
CHP17: Framed
A day passed bringing about the night of the dance. Going through his clothing within the closet he had a hard time figuring what to wear. The types of clothing he packed on such short notice weeks ago didn't exactly fall into the fashion model category of things. He pulled a pair of dark blue dress pants and matching jacket along with a white long sleeve dress shirt from the closet. Next he selected a dark purple tie setting them all over the bed. Ichigo gazed over at the clock relieved to see he still had plenty of time. Parts of him were still excited over the victory a day ago. He and his teammates did exactly what they needed to remain ranked number one within the club.
No point in waiting around, Ichigo dressed into his selected attire standing in front of the mirror. He remained there for several seconds making certain nothing looked off. Perfect wasn't his thing as long as he was presentable was all that mattered. He then headed for the door, both hands in his pockets, "Aren't you forgetting something?!"
Kon stood with on the bed with his little plush arms hanging down by his sides, "Yeah that's right." Ichigo walked across the carpet lifting the stuffed lion off the bed, forcing his fingers down its throat. During this time Kon fought against him trying to throw out different alternatives but Ichigo wasn't hearing any of it. In a single pull he forced the mod soul pill from inside the stuffed lion placing it into his side pocket. His biggest hope was Kon wouldn't make a fool out of him if it came to it. Making certain the substitute badge was securely connected to his belt Ichigo exited the room.
Not long after he stepped onto the lawn outside he came across a familiar face, "Kokoa Chan…what are you doing out here all alone? Why aren't you dressed for the dance?" Ichigo noticed Kokoa wore her usual clothing she had most days.
"Not really my thing," She crossed her arms, "For the sake of pride I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a dress in a room full of people."
"That or you couldn't find someone to go with." Ichigo mumbled.
"What was that?!"
He slowly walked waving her off, "Even if you don't want to dance or participate in any of the events I hear they're serving food, snacks and drinks. You should come for the heck of it; you might actually end up having fun." It couldn't be heard in voice, but Ichigo felt the same way. He'd rather be studying or fighting against hollows than attending a dance or anything party related.
Ichigo stepped into the large gymnasium greeted by loud music and lots of people. Moving in between people he made his way to a far corner of the room leaning against a wall where a bar area happened to be set up, "Something to drink?" The bar tender asked. Ichigo only half heard due to the loud music, "Nah I'm good, maybe later."
It was seriously one of those things he couldn't wait till ended. Not even a minute later the main doors swung open, and for most time seemed to slow. Ichigo himself bit down on his tongue while many others stopped what they were doing. There might as well have been a red carpet at her feet! Various male students whistled but she seemed unaffected by it. Her pink hair was tied in a white bowtie, predominately red dress with black as secondary, white gloves that extended to her elbows, red lipstick and black eye shadow. The dress itself was barely an inch off the ground. By her expression it appeared she was in search for someone. Lots of side comments came from singular individual, but she didn't hear a single one because of the music. Her eyes coming into contact with Ichigo she couldn't help but smile. His heart rate jumped seeing as she came his way.
Slowly taking one step after another she stopped in front of him, "Congratulations on your victory. Sorry I didn't speak to you after the game yesterday, had a lot to do. Anyway have you seen Tsukune?"
"Can't say that I have," Ichigo ran a hand through his hair, "You look uhm really ah pretty." Those words were harder to say than he thought especially seeing her like that. She closed her eyes blushing and didn't say anything for awhile.
"Thank you Ichigo." She flashed her eye lashes.
"Moka San!" A familiar voice called out over the music.
She turned from Ichigo looking into the crowd. It didn't take long for her to spot him in the crowd wearing a black tux, white under shirt and black tie, "Tsukune…"She murmured, a sparkle in her eyes. Moka walked meeting him halfway bringing their hands together, "You look beautiful Moka San." Tsukune leaned whispering into her ear.
"You look really good as well Tsukune," She complimented. For an extended period they looked each other in the eyes losing sight of everyone else. It almost felt as though they were the only two people in existence. She drifted forward burying her fangs into his neck which he gladly accepted re positioning to grant her easy access. Ichigo watched from afar raising an eye brow, "Wow and here I was thinking I was the only one she saw as lunch."
The thought of having his blood sucked away on a daily basis didn't sound like fun, which is why after the first time he made it clear to her. Still he wondered how long it had been going on between her and Tsukune. But with his personality type and close relationship with Moka, Ichigo saw why Tsukune wouldn't deny her. After finishing Moka looked Tsukune in the eyes expressing gratitude for his willingness to share his blood with her. He was taken off guard as she brought his hands up near the Rosario, "Ura Chan made me promise her five minutes. She wants to mingle around for a bit if that's ok with…"
"Of course it's ok Moka San." He gently removed the Rosario from around her neck, bringing out inner Moka. She leaned in rubbing her face against his whispering his name.
"You actually showed I had my doubts you'd skip the event all together."
Ruby approached with Yukari at her side, both dressed in purple dresses. Different tones and variations of colors separated them, "How long have you been here for?" Yukari asked.
"Just got in here a little over a minute ago and spoke with Moka. Other than that I haven't really had time to do anything else, if you're looking for either of them they're right over there." Ichigo pointed to a specific area.
Seeing them all close and cuddly brought chills up Yukari's back feeling sick to her stomach. Oddly enough it was the inner side of her. In a rupture of speed Yukari went after them with only the thought of breaking them apart on her mind. She pulled at Moka's dress from behind breaking her away from Tsukune.
"We still have about ten minutes before the DJ arrives with his crew," Ichigo said sitting over one of the stools. Ruby did the same positioning herself beside him, "The event doesn't officially begin until their arrival. So until than I'm just goanna wait here."
By looking through the entire space it was obvious more than half the scheduled students attending the dance had yet to show. Unexpectedly Ruby's hand came into contact with his, sending electricity through his entire body, "Instead of sitting let's go out onto the dance floor and warm up." She hopped off the stool taking his hand into hers pulling him along, "What's the point of attending a dance if you're just going to sit around."
"Wait hold on!" Ichigo fought back, "I neglected to mention I really have no experience with this sort of thing."
Ruby forced him out of the stool displaying a small grin, "That's ok Kurosaki San. I'm inexperienced as well, but this'll be a great opportunity for us to learn together." Ichigo still tried to fight against her decision and it was in that instant his substitute badge alerted him of a hollow. Forcing his hand from hers he faced the opposite way, "Please don't do anything stupid till I get back." He thought silently with Kon on mind. Pulling the pill from his pocket, Ichigo took a deep breath swallowing it whole.
Immediately his soul was disconnected from his body taking on a form of its own. Spotting an open window above, Ichigo leaped through it in route to the enemy. Ruby placed a hand over his shoulder becoming worried, "Is everything ok?" She asked with concern in her tone.
Little did she know it was no longer the person she believed it to be. With a wide creepy smirk Ichi/kon faced Ruby, "I'm perfectly fine darling," He kissed at her left hand bringing it to his lips and as unanticipated as it was Ruby didn't mind it, blushing as a reaction.
"What do you say I show you some of my moves gorgeous?"
She took her eyes off him for a few seconds as her face became redder, "Where is all this coming from, this isn't like you at all? Didn't you just say you didn't know much about dancing?"
"Did I now?" He twirled her around pulling her in close, "That was only to throw you off. But enough talk…shall we dance?"
His way of speaking and posture sent shockwaves through her body. She had never seen this side of Ichigo and in many ways wish it had come out a lot sooner. She followed his lead step for step. On the other side of the room Moka and Yukari were in the middle of a conversation involving Tsukune. He saw it more as an argument but both denied it to be so demanding he stay out of it. Out of nowhere someone darted by falling over the feet of someone, spilling his soda all over Tsukune's shirt.
"Oh I am so sorry." He apologized standing.
"It's no big deal," Tsukune patted him over the shoulder, "Nothing a quick trip to the bathroom can't fix."
Still in their heated conversation neither Moka nor Yukari noticed Tsukune walk off exiting through a side door. He walked down the hall turning a corner in search for the nearest bathroom. As he bypassed one of the storage rooms the door swung open and he was pulled in. There was literally no light or windows, giving him no way of seeing. Next came a clicking sound which insisted the door had been locked from either in or outside, followed by a light switching on.
"You!" He stumbled backwards leaning against the door, "Nagirrom Sensei! I mean Morrigan San." He remembered the reveal of her real name.
"I'm flattered…you remember," She applauded advancing toward him.
"What do you want with me?" He asked becoming nervous. Tsukune knew of her true form and by the way she looked at him was afraid she might try and seduce him. She stopped a couple inches of him running a hand down the right side of his face, "Did I mention how good you look in that outfit?"
Tsukune quickly slapped her hand away, "Answer my question, what is it you want?!"
With her back to him she walked the other way, "Straight to the point type guy, I was really hoping we could mix business with pleasure." Morrigan could see by his expression he didn't take lightly to her joke, "Don't get all upset I was only kidding; besides you're hardly my type." She pulled up a chair which happened to be in a corner of the room, "Wanna have a seat?"
"Thanks but I'll pass." He replied harshly crossing his arms.
She instead took a seat resting one leg over the other, "You don't have to be so tense, I have no intention of harming you. Your friends however are an entirely different story. I'm going to tell you everything."
Tsukune raised an eye brow wondering what she meant.
"As you should already know I've had my eye on you the whole time I've been working here at the academy. More importantly I've observed the relationships surrounding all your friends. I'd say it's a fair assumption to assume you're the center of their world. They adore and cherish you like a king, and I wonder how they'd react if it were taken from them."
"Wait didn't you just say you weren't going to hurt me?"
Throwing her hair back she had exhibited an expression of annoyance, "Do not interrupt Aono Kun. Your supposed death will lead to the attack of a student and that is when all your friends will perish. There is nothing better than seeing friends turn on one another and ultimately massacre each other. If he does manage to survive the encounter with all your beloved friends, which I believe he will…it'll then be I that finishes him off."
"What are you talking about? None of what you're saying makes sense!"
"I'm talking about Ichigo Kurosaki," Tsukune felt a strange shiver travel through his bones. What in the world would she want with Ichigo, "I will first make certain most your friends are present and then your staged death will take place. Ichigo will be the one to slay you right in front of their little eyes. I can only imagine how they'll react, and to spice things up I will lead them straight to the real Ichigo."
Tsukune became more confused wanting to know what she meant by real Ichigo. Did she plan to use a clone of some sort, and why Ichigo, "What is your reason for telling me all this, if you're planning to kill us all!"
"I already told you I won't harm a single hair on your body, and the reason I've told you everything is really quite simple. When you awake I want you to feel the pain of knowing you had knowledge of the situation beforehand but couldn't do a damn thing to stop it. Your friends will all be dead by the time you regain consciousness, all thanks to my brilliant plan. The best part is I barely have to get my hands dirty. Not to mention there will be no way of linking any of this to me."
"You're sick!" Tsukune looked away from Morrigan trying to force the door open, "I have to get to the others and warn them." He thought silently. Before he was able to reach for the lock Morrigan knocked him out with a strike to the back of the head. His body fell over tumbling to the ground. She then uncovered a small beaker from inside her pocket unleashing the dust inside it all over his face, "That'll keep him out for at least five hours. Everything will be long over by then."
With a key in hand she unlocked the door stepping out into the hall and locking it once more, "Now to take care of that mod soul. We can't have two Ichigo's running around…that would only complicate things." Bats formed around her body and when they disappeared her clothing had changed. She wore dark black shades, a hat, gray sweater and other clothing to help conceal her physical features. She headed straight for the gymnasium.
Moka and Yukari had since terminated their argument in search for Tsukune. It didn't take long for them to realize he was missing following his departure. They looked all over but didn't appear he was anywhere in the room.
"Have either of you seen Tsukune?" Moka asked watching Ichi/Kon twirl Ruby around.
"I thought he was with you." Ruby replied.
By the statement alone she knew neither had seen him. Through the main entrance another familiar face from their group entered. Her hair was tied up like it was most the time. She wore a light blue dress coming down to her ankles and white gloves similar to that of Moka's, "Kurumu Chan." Moka spoke walking her way, "Did you happen to see Tsukune on your way here?"
Like Yukari she was surprised to see the Inner side of Moka standing before her. She also found it strange she'd be looking for Tsukune seeing as he was the only that could remove the Rosario from around her neck. Moka saw the look of confusion in her eyes, "If you're wondering how I'm out and about, it was Tsukune's doing; but shortly after we lost sight of him."
Ichi/Kon and Ruby came to a stop as the music changed to something else, "That was fun. If it wouldn't be too much trouble would you be so kind as to go and get me something to drink?"
"It would be my pleasure."
He left her on the dance floor maneuvering between all the bodies around standing in front of the bar. Not even a second later he felt a sharp pain in his side. Next thing he knew his vision went blurry and the last thing he saw was a smiling woman whose eyes were hidden by dark shades. He lost consciousness falling beside her in which she casually pulled him alongside her to the nearest exit, "Now the real fun begins." She snickered.
Finding a secluded location to dump the body, she did so preparing for the next part of her plan. For the next five minutes Moka, Kurumu and Yukari did nothing but try and search for Tsukune. Ruby helped out as well while at the same time tried to track down Ichigo. After agreeing to get her a drink he was nowhere to be found. Soon it became apparent neither was in the room and they started to wonder if maybe the two ran off somewhere together.
All together they exited through the main entrance to a slightly cool breeze. Dead leafs blew back and forth out in the distance, "Hey Everyone!" Across the lawn approached Fang Fang and Mizore. Fang Fang wore a suit similar to that of Tsukune's but had an orange tie, whilst Mizore wore a snow white dress and yellow flower behind her left ear.
"What're you all doing out here? The party's inside!" Fang Fang said with much energy running toward the door.
"We're only out here because we lost sight of Tsukune and haven't been able to figure out where he went," Fang Fang stopped at Yukari's words, "Ruby San says the same about Ichigo. I doubt either would do something like this on purpose, especially not Tsukune. I don't know about the rest of you but I don't see how this'll be any fun without Tsukune."
"You're over reacting," Fang Fang interrupted, "I bet if we step back inside they will show back up in the next couple minutes. If we spend too much time looking around we'll miss the dance completely. I for one don't want that to happen."
From atop the roof she removed the shades from her eyes licking at her lips, "This is perfect and there are enough of his friends to witness his death firsthand." She snickered pulling the hat from her head. The intensity of her energy rose as with her focus; if she was to pull it off there could be no mistakes on her end.
"I'll be inside if anyone needs me. I'm not goanna waste my time searching for two individuals who'll turn up inside if not already." Fang Fang stressed revolving the opposite way as a thunderous bang caught everyone's attention, "What in the world was that?" Fang Fang asserted.
"I don't know but we should probably go look and find out." Kurumu said having interest.
She was the first to run out toward the forest with everyone following close behind. Not far in it appeared two persons were in a skirmish of some sort. It was hard to make out who they were or even what they looked like due to all the trees and distance.
"I won't let you hurt Moka San or any of the others. You won't lay a finger on a single one of them, yah hear!"
Moka's heart jumped! She'd heard the voice more than enough times to know it was Tsukune! What was he doing in the woods and who was the other with him? Everyone else felt the same as Moka, more than certain it was Tsukune.
"Oh but it is over for you. I will take care of your friends very soon as well. I only pretended to be your friends so that I could get close, and when it came time for the kill would be that much sweeter!"
Mind bobbling as it may have seemed each of them believed the second voice to be Ichigo. Desperation set in for Moka as she took off at full speed feeling panic come over her entire body. The others did so as well but were unable to keep up with Moka, "Ichigo don't do it!" She screamed.
Their suspicions were confirmed as both Ichigo and Tsukune came into view. To her horror Tsukune was held up high by his throat. Ichigo wore something completely different to what he had been when she conversed with him in the gymnasium; a black robe of some sort with a long blade.
"Mmmoka Ss San," Tsukune struggled to say held up high, "Don't gget involved…"
"That's right Moka skank, take another step and I'll cut your pretty little boyfriend in half."
"Not goanna happen!" She continued on at top speed.
The following moments were surreal feeling as though time itself stopped. It was like someone pulled the heart from her chest crushing it in the palm of their hands! She fell to her knees as Ichigo's blade passed through Tsukune stomach, simultaneously slicing him in half! Loads of blood spilled across the grass as Ichigo laughed obsessively. Kurumu and the others witnessed it as well; lost for words, confused, angry and sad all at once.
With a powerful thrust of Ichigo's sword Tsukune's body disappeared as the light which came from the blade made contact with his body. Similar to Moka, Kurumu fell to her knees feeling as though half her soul was ripped in half. Tears came to the surface from within pouring down her cheeks. Eyes broadened and all Fang Fang gulped. He didn't know what to do or say.
"Why Ichigo?" Moka trembled all over but found the strength to stand, "Why the hell did YOU DO IT!"
Laughter is all she got out of him infuriating her more than she already was, "I warned you not to take another step, but cha didn't listen," Ichigo went on to give every single one of them the middle finger before taking to the air, "You want some, then come get some bitch!" His gaze focused on Moka.
He then flew off in laughter. Moka tightened her fists ready to go after him, "Wait Moka…wouldn't it be better if we brought this to the headmaster's attention? He'd know how to handle this." Fang Fang suggested not wanting to get into it with Ichigo.
"The bastard killed Tsukune! I will be judge jury and executioner!" Moka said running after Ichigo so not to lose track of him. Kurumu stood to her knees wiping the tears from her eyes; the sadness quickly shifting to anger and fury, "Moka's right! It is our job to make sure he dies a painful death beyond imagine!"
Wings sprouted from Kurumu's body as she took off after Ichigo as well. It didn't take long for Yukari, Mizore and Ruby to do the same. As much as he didn't like it Fang Fang followed after them.
XXX
Skipping around in circles the hollow spat an acid like substance from its mouth taking on the color of purple. Like he had done with most hollows Ichigo easily dodged the attack. Though they were said to be highly advanced compared to typical hollows, each one he came into contact with lacked any true competition.
"Stay still so I can kill you dead. I don't recall ordering fast food!" The hollow roared.
"That's really unfortunate, because that's exactly what I am." Ichigo continued to elude trying to make some fun out of it. He got so caught up in the battle he almost forgot about the dance. As much as he trusted Kon, he didn't like the idea of leaving him alone for too long.
Blitzing the hollow at top speed he destroyed it in several swings of his zanpakuto. He touched down over the ground placing the blade in its usual resting place, "It's time I ge…" His thought came to a close spotting someone fly overhead. Wings fluttering around the area of her torso and she appeared to be wearing a light blue dress, "Kurumu? No it can't be…what would she be doing out here?"
"There he is I found him!" She shouted.
"Wait what the hell! That really is Kurumu Chan, and why do I get the feeling she's referring to me? I shouldn't even be visible to her in this form." He shrugged the idea off with the only thought of returning to his body.
Just as he turned the other way a woman came at him from within the air; red dress, silver hair tied in a white bowtie and those blood colored eyes! Something seemed odd however. Her eyes showed she was in suffering, maybe even ready to cry.
"Akashiya Mo…" Her foot connected with the side of his face sending him flying the opposite direction into a tree. Just as he pulled himself out Kurumu came down on him from the top. He easily dodged the blades which sprouted from her fingers. Out of rage she continued swinging at him, "What the hell is this all about?!" He grabbed her wrists keeping her from moving. She tried flapping her wings to get away but he was much too strong, unable to get him to budge even the slightest.
"Kurumu what's wrong?" He asked more serenely noticing the tears forming in her eyes. It was the same sadness he saw in the eyes of Moka. Something happened while he was away, and it couldn't have been good. Aside from them being able to see him in spirit form there were more important matters.
With great awareness Ichigo released his hold on Kurumu throwing her the other way and flipping backwards as ice razors spurted straight at them. Not long after he noticed the ice blades formed around Mizore's hands figuring her to be the one that just attacked.
"Ok I give up…can someone tell me what the hell is going on?!"
Upon setting his eyes on Yukari and Ruby, it looked as though they were ready to attack him as well. So much hatred and fury filled their eyes and it seemed like it was all directed at him!
"Stop playing innocent, we all saw what you did! How dare you try and act like none of it happened," Moka marched forward becoming even more fiery, "I'll have you know I planned to spend the rest of my life with Tsukune, and you took that away from me! I'm goanna tear you to shreds son of a bitch, and let the vultures feast on your carcass!"
Mizore and the others could hardly believe their ears. They never heard her speak that way and didn't expect Moka to express her feelings for Tsukune out loud, especially not the inner side of her. Of all the people they knew there wasn't a single individual more prideful than herself.
"Wwh…What?!"
Ichigo's reply coupled with his expression showed he was overly surprised. It wasn't the look or demeanor of a person guilty of the things being accused of, "Look I don't know what happened and I can assure you I had nothing to do with this."
It didn't matter what he said or did, all of them saw it with their own two eyes. Moka believed his current actions were to talk them down and then attack when they least expected, "How does this make us any better than him if we do this?" Fang Fang moved passed Yukari, Mizore and Ruby, "Listen to me Moka San; this is something that should be brought to the headmaster…"
"If you want to leave than GO! Nothing will bring Tsukune back, and Ichigo is to die now!" Moka ran at him, whilst Kurumu did the same from his left side.
"Someone must be setting me up I'd never hurt Tsukune," Ichigo grabbed hold of Moka's fist and Kurumu's ankle, "And I don't want to hurt any of you we're friends. Please trust me and understand I'd never do any of what you're accusing me of."
Moka hissed swinging her leg around, "Know your PLACE!"
Ichigo had time enough to toss Kurumu the other way with a flick of his wrist and catch Moka's kick! The force barely made him budge standing firmly, "His strength is incredible! What exactly is he?!" Moka thought silently. It was hard to deduce his true form because as far as appearance, it hadn't changed one bit. The only thing strange was the clothing he wore in addition to the blade behind his back. She gasped as he gently lowered her leg, "Moka listen to me," He spoke softly looking her in the eyes, "I didn't kill Tsuk…"
He was interrupted by more of Mizore's ice blades coming straight at him. Using flash step Ichigo re appeared behind Mizore forcing her arms behind her back, "I'm not your enemy Mizore Chan! Damn it I swear I had nothing to do with it."
Everyone's heart skipped a beat! His speed was so fast not a single of them was able to keep up. From out of nowhere a cluster of crows appeared from the sky above blazing down toward Ichigo, "Take your hands off her!" Ruby yelled.
Ichigo pushed off Mizore dodging the crows which relentless followed him. He had no idea Ruby controlled the crows by way of her talismans, "At this rate I'll never get through to them…guess I've got no other choice."
He touched down over the grass with tremendous force. With his eyes closed Ichigo focused his energy raising his Reiryoku to higher levels. Not long after the crows dissolved into thin air with everyone falling to their knees. Though she was airborne Kurumu plunged to the ground on her stomach unable to move.
"What the hell is this?! I can't move a single muscle!" Moka groaned. It was as if the gravity around them changed dramatically.
"Neither can I!" Yukari added.
Ichigo's eyes opened to see that not a single of them could move, "I'm sorry about all this, but you guys really didn't give me a choice. If I were really a killer like you guys are pointing me out to be couldn't I do it while you're completely defenseless like now?"
"Don't listen to him!" Moka snapped, "We all saw what he did…he's just playing with us!" The last of her words was hardest to say. It was gut wrenching to come across two individuals more powerful than she in almost back to back nights. Her pride had taken a real beating, but was ready to lash out and snap his neck the first chance she got. Her eyes broadened seeing as Ichigo came her way taking a knee.
Mizore tried hard to move not wanting to see Moka killed right in front of her like Tsukune. The others tried moving as well having no luck, "Tell me what happened," Ichigo rested his hand over her shoulder, "Maybe this whole thing is some sick joke. I bet cha Tsukune is probably somewhere laughi…"
"Don't you dare speak HIS NAME! Tsukune would never kid around with something like this you psychopath! Take your disgusting hands off me!" She demanded. There was nothing but hatred she felt for him.
Ichigo did as she asked standing upright taking a deep breath, "I'm going to allow you all to move now, but I want you to promise you won't attack." He waited several moments but didn't hear a single word out of them.
"You have our word." Fang Fang spoke up.
"Speak for yourself…" Mizore mumbled.
In a long sigh Ichigo lowered his Reiryoku to where he had it before their arrival. He was fully on guard expecting them to attack. Had he left things the way they were it wouldn't have helped his cause for claiming to be innocent. Retreating crossed his mind but knew that wouldn't look good either, "I didn't want to believe it, even after I witnessed it part of me wants to believe you," All of them looked around trying to locate where the voice came from, "Even now I hate that I've got to take you down."
"Gin Senpai!" Kurumu hollered spotting him step from behind a tree.
He wasn't alone however, beside him was Haiji both dressed for the dance, "You posses decent strength and speed but it is nothing I can't handle; especially on a night like this," Gin looked up to the sky with a grin in the corner of his lips, "There's nothing better than a full moon on a cloudless night."
Gin transformed into his werewolf form whilst Haiji did the same into his Crow Tengu form. Both had secretly followed behind Moka and the others into the forest, witnessing Ichigo dismantle Tsukune from a distance.
Ichigo took to the air as Gin blitzed at speeds faster than a bullet. Haiji flew into the air going after the shinigami as well. Kurumu took off at him from behind hoping to catch him off guard. In blinding speed Ichigo first went after Haiji twisting his wings around and kneeing him in the beak before following up with a knife hand to the back of the neck, which sent him face first into the ground KO'd, "Kurumu stay out of this, I really don't want t…"
Gin leaped thirty feet into the air wrapping his arms around Ichigo's neck in an attempt to strangle him. Maintaining his hold over Kurumu he threw his head back causing Gin's grasp to loosen and then elbowed him in the stomach with force. The werewolf had no choice but to let go and as he fell Ichigo grabbed his ankle. Using the same arm he threw him overhead striking him down with a backhand to the jaw. To Ichigo's surprise he collided with Ruby taking out Yukari and Fang Fang as well! The collision resulted in debris rising.
"Damn it! I didn't mean for all of them to get caught up in that…had a feeling I put too much into that one."
Kurumu pulled away accidently getting her dressed ripped in the process. She then flew down positioning herself next to Mizore and Moka, "You two stay back I'll finish him!" Moka said with less confidence than usual.
"That's absurd we have to fight him tog…"
Mizore and Kurumu's heads were bashed together from behind losing consciousness. Moka tried to look back but had her body forced into the ground. She was then KO'd by three strikes to the back of the head.
"Nagirrom Sensei!" Ichigo watched her take out what remained of his friends.
"Seems they left you in the dark on some things. First my name is Morrigan Aensland an S class succubus warrior and ruler of Makai," Ichigo watched as she transformed into her true form sporting the purple nylons with bat patterns, bat ears sticking out of her torso and head along with everything else, "If you haven't figured it out I'm the one that set you up. Follow me if you want answers."
She took off into the air flying away. Ichigo soared along from behind making sure to keep up. Morrigan soon stopped after they were a good distance away, facing the Shinigami, "Now I'm sure you've got questions Ichigo Kun and I'm here to answer them. All I ask is that you don't say a thing till I finish sound fair?"
Hovering in place with his arms crossed Ichigo didn't say a word. He was interested to finally here the story behind what had truly happened.
"As you know I am a succubus and specialize in the area of dreams, souls and illusions. Framing you really wasn't much work. You see…my illusions are more powerful than any typical succubi. Anyone caught in it will smell, see, feel, hear…"
"In other words your illusions affect all five senses. That's quite clever." Ichigo emphasized.
"You catch on fast, but it's to be expected coming from you. Of all my students you were one of the sharpest thinkers. Anyhow with the illusion in play I made it so it appeared you butchered Tsukune with that blade of yours. And because of my succubus being I could feel your presence further in the woods so led the vampire and everyone else directly to you. It was only natural they'd attack, and want you dead. True Kurumu is also a succubus, but at her age and experience she'd never see through any illusion of mine."
"Bastard!" Ichigo's fists tightened.
Morrigan threw her hair back, "Now that I've destroyed your image it is time you die. I want to see the true extent of your power, if you plan on surviving a battle against me you will have no choice but to comply."
Ichigo reached back grabbing hold of his Zanpakuto aiming it directly at her, "Making a fool out of me and harming all my friends in the process was the biggest mistake of your life! What did you do with Tsukune?"
"Isn't it obvious," She moved a strand of hair off her face, "I killed him."
"For the sake of him and everyone else…I'm goanna send you straight to hell!" Ichigo took off toward her swinging his Zanpakuto.
She easily dodged his attempts chuckling as she did so. Some of his swipes she even blocked with her wings which took on the form of blades. He didn't ask, but was positive there was a lot more to what she was doing. No one would go through all the trouble just to setup a showdown to the death. Discovering what that hidden information was could be close to impossible, "What's wrong Ichi, having a hard time landing a blow?" She teased sticking her tongue out at him.
"Shut up…" He uttered continuously swinging the blade.
Aiming to slash at her throat his Zanpakuto was caught by her bare hands, "What!" His eyes grew in size.
"Really is this all yah got sweetheart? Pathetic!"
She threw several rounds of punches to his stomach and swung her left leg around knocking him to the ground fifty feet below. He rubbed at the side of his head, a small grin creeping onto his face. Taking off back into the sky he leveled himself with Morrigan putting some distance between them,
"For someone completely outmatched in every way possible you seem confident. I can assure you that won't last for long." Morrigan said.
"That's where you're wrong," Ichigo pointed his blade at her for a second time. She observed a blue energy form around his body, as his Reiryoku took a massive jump. Ichigo watched carefully realizing his Reiatsu didn't seem to affect her at all, "Hhhmmm this might actually turn out to be fun." Ichigo thought to himself.
It didn't take long for her expression to change. Her overly certain look seemed to have doubts, "Listen carefully cause the roles are reversed. I'm the teacher and you're the student, and tonight's lesson is how to take a good ass kicking."
Ichigo again came at her, but this time with increased speed, strength and precision. She found herself falling back in defense as he slashed at her arms, legs and chest drawing blood. With his free hand he punched her out of the sky into to ground below creating a large crater! The force and pressure from the attack forced more than three trees out of the ground, damaging others within the vicinity.
He kept his eyes on everything down below seeing as she stood dusting herself off, "She's a tough one I'll give her that most wouldn't be able to stand following something of that level." He gave her no time to get settled zooming down atop her.
She dodged at the last moment while at the same time blocking with her left wing. He kneed her in the stomach finding an opening using his left knee and then sliced at her waist drawing a lot of blood. Morrigan stumbled back falling against a tree, "Ok you win." She took a seat under the tree.
"Wait hold on, what do you mean I win?"
"As a reward I'll give you the chance to make love to me," bats surrounded her entire body and the moment they took off she lied over the grass completely nude, still with the wings visible on both sides of her torso and head. She rubbed a hand over the area of her crotch, "Better get to work before I change my mind." She winked licking at her lips.
Ichigo immediately looked the other way feeling like he might have a panic attack, "What the hell are you doing?! I thought you wanted to kill me and now you wanna have ss ah eh." He didn't want to say the words out loud, the situation was already plenty weird.
"Sex? Wow I had an idea you were a good boy but not to this extreme!" She laughed aloud kicking her feet in the air. Her plan worked to perfection and with his back to her the bats again covered her body re dressing her as she had been, "You're naïve Ichigo Kurosaki!" She jumped up kicking him with so much force he passed through four trees taking them all down.
Too her surprise he got up shaking it off like it was nothing. He blitzed at top speed head butting her through another two trees which she quickly took to the air after passing through them, "How in the world is he this powerful?! He's only a substitute Shinigami. His Reiryoku is much higher than it should be!" She mumbled to herself.
"That was cheap." Ichigo made his way up in front of her, "Using your body to try and throw me off balance was a dirty move."
"When you're a master of seduction like myself there isn't a reason I shouldn't use the whole package. The offer still stands if you're interested." She teased striking a seductive pose.
Ichigo faced palmed shaking his head back and forth, "It's always me caught up in this stuff. Now it's got to the point of being an opponent. Just great, I wonder what'll be next." He grumbled.
Seeing that he appeared to be off guard Morrigan zoomed planting him into the ground below. He grabbed hold of her neck before she was able to finish what she had planned. He punched her in the stomach various times finishing with a kick to the chest which sent her soaring off him. While she was in mid air, and hadn't fully collected herself he took advantage by slicing away at several parts of her body.
She bled from the wounds, Ichigo noticing her speed slowing because of it. Finding himself behind her, he grabbed at her hair spinning her around and launching her into the ground forty ft below. Debris rose from the area and this time she was slow to get up and even staggering. He slowly hovered down in front of her, "So had enough ye…"
Ichigo fell off balance as a splitting headache seemed to come out of nowhere, "Let me have a piece of her," A voice spoke clearly in his head, "Let me deliver the final blow and show her our true power."
"No way, this is my fight I don't need your help!" Ichigo yelled aloud. It was clear who the voice belonged to. It was none other than the hollow side of him, or more accurately Zangetsu. It was one of the stranger times for him to try and get involved seeing as Ichigo was in control of the fight.
"What's up with you?" Morrigan asked breathing heavily.
Ichigo continued talking with himself, and Morrigan saw it as a great opportunity to…escape! She took off into the air, Ichigo noticing straight away, "Wait where the hell are you going?"
"This was fun Ichigo, hopefully we can do it again sometime." She realized if things continued on she'd lose her life. In her current state she wasn't at full power, and was overwhelmed by that of Ichigo's. For a substitute Shinigami he was loaded, "Never imagined a Death God could posses such a high Reiryoku in Shikai. I'm lucky this one is nothing more than a substitute. At least now I know the full extent of his power, my colleague will no doubt want the details of this fight." Morrigan spoke silently.
Ichigo watched her disappear out into the clouds in a mass of bats, feeling a strange emptiness inside him. The voice of Zangetsu was no longer present inside his head. Her plan to battle against him turned out to be a success and turned all his friends against him. How was he to continue at the academy? Word of what he supposedly did would spread all across campus in a hurry. His image would be crucified and could only imagine what type of punishment would be handed out to him.
Returning to his dorm didn't seem like the greatest idea, having a feeling an ambush might be waiting. Slowly hovering down he sat over a large boulder, and in that instant his badge went off and a voice spoke, "Ichigo can you hear me?"
"Yeah I'm here," He pulled the badge up closer to his lips, "I can hear you loud and clear. Whatsup?"
"We're calling to let you know Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi systems detect no further hollow existence in the yokai realm…you're now free to return to Karakura town if you so choose; unless of course you're up for another mission."
Ichigo could tell by the voice it was Toshiro. Talk about great timing, it was probably the best thing that could happen to him after the night's events, "What's this other mission about?" He asked, but was almost certain he would choose to travel home over taking on another mission.
"Research and development located the second location where the other hollows were sent off. If you decide to accept the task I'm certain you'd have it finished in much less time than it took with your current mission. For starters it doesn't require you to attend school or anything of the sort. If not then we wi…"
"Don't worry, I've got it covered." Ichigo told. The extra mission would give him time to reflect on things. He hated how everything ended but because of it, his disappearance from the academy would lead to fewer questions. They would believe he took off following the murder of Tsukune, and in a sense was better that way. Once he left the realm, he'd never see a single of them again. All that needed to happen now was to collect his body, Kon and the rest of his belongings and be on his way.
"Looks like I won't have to say goodbye after all." He whispered.
To Be Continued