Ultrabross's Vision
CHP22: Reunited
Through the entire ride Ichigo kept quiet, eyes out the window for most the time. He couldn't say for sure but guessed they were no longer in the city limits, driving through what looked to be a forest like area. Gotham however was still in view as they passed up a steep hill surrounded by trees and large rocks. He wondered how much longer till they reached wherever the caped crusader was taking them. Far as he was concerned they were headed the wrong way. Knowing hollows as much as he did, he knew each and every one of them was lurking in the city somewhere. Human souls is what they thrived on devouring.
On numerous occasions through the ride Ichigo felt the urge to speak up but had the feeling he'd get no answer like he'd gotten in the first two attempts. He felt just about ready to jump out and head back the other way. The Batmobile came to a screeching halt eliminating all his thoughts, "We're here," Batman pressed at a button, the top sliding open. Both exited the vehicle onto the damp surface from the thunder showers that took place earlier.
"We're in the middle of nowhere…what could be his reason for bringing me here." Ichigo thought trying to make sense of it.
He followed Batman to the mountain side unsure what he was up to. Ichigo raised an eyebrow surveying the Dark Knight step in front of a solid wall/the side of the mountain. Due to the darkness he couldn't say for sure if there was a hidden panel Batman stepped over, because out of nowhere a scanner emerged from the mountain side. Its bright light scanned over Batman's entire body from head to toe, "Identified as Batman, disengaging security locks." A robotic voice spoke, Ichigo not sure where it came from.
The mountain side proved to be a lot more than just that, turning out to be a hidden passageway. A large portion of the wall ascended upward making for a perfect entrance, "Follow me this way." Batman pronounced glimpsing at Ichigo.
Curious as to what was inside Ichigo followed after him. Aside from that he still had a hard time figuring why the masked man brought him to the isolated location, "Processor, disable all security measures."
"Request fulfilled, all units disabled." The same computerized voice notified.
On their way down the hall green lights hidden beneath the surface brightened the path. It was still too dark for him to see what was ahead. As they went further lights from above snapped on brightening the dark space. Before he knew it they stepped into a decently sized space containing locked away armory and what looked to be a super computer. Batman started the computer in a single click. Ichigo still had a hard time figuring why he was brought to the enclosed location.
"What is this place…your headquarters?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes and No. I've put together several hidden strongholds throughout all of Gotham. If an enemy ever infiltrated my prime base of operation I'd have others to work from."
"In other words this is one of your backup facilities." Ichigo implied.
"Correct." Batman replied clicking another button.
A massive hologram of the city took shape in the middle section of the room immediately after. In certain sections of the hologram were red dots. Ichigo followed him in front of the hologram.
"If you didn't already figure it out this is an exact replica of Gotham. The 3D triangle hanging over the top here represents our current location. The red marks represent areas I lost track of hollows during short encounters. Whether they're still lurking in these areas is unknown." Batman handed Ichigo a small device from inside his belt.
"What's this?"
"By pressing the small button you will get a smaller version of the map in front of us. My reason for bringing you here is really quite simple…this'll be where you'll stay for however long you're here."
"Wait wha…"
"When I asked how long you'd been in town your answer was a couple hours. That probably means you had nowhere to go in the first place. No need to thank me or dispute my choice. My city my rules and long as you don't cross the line this'll be a smooth transaction. There is a small kitchen area over there across from it is a bathroom. Over there is a bedroom through the automatic doors and the room beside it contains different utilities concerning first aid."
Batman walked toward the computer with Ichigo following, "If you ever need to contact me just hit the green button. If I don't answer right away I'm probably busy. I've already disabled all security measures so you shouldn't have any problems getting around. Whenever it comes time for you go there is a small platform you must step over on the left side of the ground. Same goes for re entry into the base. Go ahead and make yourself at home." Batman shut off the hologram in a single click.
He then headed for the exit.
"Hold on why are you doing this?" Ichigo asked going after him.
"Good luck on your mission Kurosaki." Is all Batman said walking down the dark hall.
Ichigo wanted to say something else but had nothing, listening to the entrance door open and close. Getting into the Batmobile he drove out onto the road in route to the cave. Ichigo didn't know what to think about the latest development, almost not believing what was happening. He realized there was no reason to complain so instead decided to do a small tour of the place.
It took nearly twenty minutes before he arrived on the secret road driving through a waterfall and parking over a large platform. The top of the vehicle slid open with Batman hopping out and making his way down a runway past a large T-Rex statue and coin positioned off to the side. He stepped in front of a computer three times the size of the other in the hideout he left. He quickly started up the computer taking a seat and removing the cowl off his face.
"Good evening Master Bruce, I must say you've turned in early tonight. It's only a little after one in the morning." An older gentleman spoke exiting an elevator in a far corner of the cave.
"Hello to you as well Alfred," Bruce replied not taking his eyes off the screen, "This night is long from over and I'm only back so soon because of this." Bruce uncovered three concealed beakers containing different type chemical fluids inside them, "I followed one of Harley Quinn's pupils to a warehouse carrying with him a stolen briefcase from Star Labs new facility. I managed to get a sample of each chemical inside it. One thing doesn't make sense however…"
"What is that sir?"
He stood from the computer chair walking over to his small examination area.
"Harley killed her own men. Something like that isn't her style and then there are the chemicals. She left them with all her men except for the two that accompanied her away from the warehouse. Why go through all the trouble of obtaining the chemicals, leave them inside the warehouse when she knew the building was set to blow and in the process destroy the chemicals. Possibly she's not the one responsible for the explosion, and if that's the case I need to figure out whom."
Half the fluids contained in each beaker were inserted into a machine, the beaker themselves left over a table. The analyze period could took up to periods of five minutes to thirty. He walked across the room returning to the bat computer.
"CPU a visual of center Aothforty Six."
"Password required." A computerized voice notified.
"Gotham Underscore CitywaveXT." Bruce spoke.
Just like that eight views of the hideout he'd left the substitute shinigami came into view; two of which displayed views of Ichigo lied out over a bed. Scratching at his chin with two fingers Alfred approached the caped crusader from behind, "If you don't mind me asking sir, who is that?"
"Ichigo Kurosaki. To make a long story short he's got unusual business here in the city and because of the circumstance I've got him staying in one of my backup bases. He has nowhere else to go and as a bonus it gives me the opportunity to keep a close eye on him without his knowledge. I could go into details but unfortunately time won't allow for that."
"You don't trust him?"
"Of course not, and until I've cleared him of all suspicions I have it will remain that way."
Bruce reached back pulling the cowl back down over his face heading toward the Batmobile, "I've got something else to take care of. If you aren't otherwise busy keep a close eye on my guest and the results of the chemicals. When I get back I will take a closer look at them myself under the microscope if need be."
Batman jumped into the vehicle taking off in a matter of seconds.
Having situated all his belongings in a corner of the room, Ichigo remained over the bed. In ways he was surprised by how much energy he had. He'd been through quite a bit in the past hours starting with his departure from the Yokai realm. Eyes on the substitute badge he sat up. Without a second thought Ichigo separated from his physical body exiting down the same dark hall used during his first entry. He carried with him the small hologram map.
Aside from that and the substitute badge he left everything else behind, the solid wall rising as he stepped over a platform. Ichigo took to the sky flying at near top speed once outside. With Batman's info regarding past sightings of hollows coupled with his ability to track them would make his job a lot less difficult. While airborne he switched on the map, looking it over and determining which marked area was closes. He only looked over it for a couple moments making a quick decision. By now the excessive weather had stopped. The sky however was still covered by dark gray clouds.
Ichigo had a pretty good idea of where he wanted to start ripping through the sky. It took time seeing as the spot in question was on the other side of town. For the most part it was quiet, which was very surprising compared to most every other area in town. He hovered down over one of the buildings. Shutting down the map Ichigo looked around. He could almost feel a strange presence, and even the shinigami badge was giving off sounds.
"One is close I can feel it," Ichigo looked in all directions, "I can't pinpoint where."
Staying sharp he kept his eyes open, one hand over the handle of his Zanpakuto. Screams around the corner gave him exactly what he wanted. Ichigo dove off the ledge pulling out his Zanpakuto and turning the corner through the air. Just as he had thought it was a Hollow paying little attention to the victim it went after.
"Slow down brat and I promise to make my feast of your soul a lot less painful."
Its left arm extended grabbing at the girl's hair spinning her in circles throwing her against a brick wall. She tumbled over the ground without any further movement. Before it had a chance to make another move Ichigo came at it from behind raising his Zanpakuto. The hollow moved out of the blades path at the last instant.
Ichigo wanted to check on the victim but felt he needed to first eliminate the hollow. He hovered back the other way putting added space between him and the enemy. The hollow in question had silver eyes that glowed, web like feet and hands enabling it to easily stick to walls like a spider. It wasn't the largest of hollows he'd come across but was still a decent size.
In addition to its chalk white mask was the deer like antlers over the head, same color as the mask, "A shinigami in Gotham city! This is a pleasant surprise…or even better a delicious one!" The hollow licked its lips lashing out at Ichigo. Using flash step Ichigo easily side stepped the beast observing it touch down over the concrete sidewalk. Without warning it leaped into the air discharging hidden claws from inside its fingers. Ichigo head butted the hollow into the ground after grabbing at its neck.
"Not bad shinigami but this part of town is my playground and I aint letting anyone come here and start having their way with me! Especially not some stinken shinigami!"
The hollow looked away from Ichigo taking on the stance of a Gorilla, running across the street. It stopped in front of a parked car easily lifting it over its head. Eyes on the Death God it launched the vehicle upward. One hand out in front Ichigo was ready to stop the vehicle's momentum but as it came within inches of him the hollow let loose an energy blast from its mouth. The attack blew the vehicle into pieces, resulting in a massive explosion with lots of flames.
"Ahahaha didn't see that coming did yah?! Stupid shinigami all strength and no brains and look where that got you," The hollow laughed more watching the fiery remains drop over the street. Rubbing at its stomach the hollow looked around, "Now where did my supper end up." The hollow uttered referring to the victim it had been chasing after.
"Pst…you forgetting something?"
Goosebumps took form as the hollow slowly revolved around to a perfectly undamaged Ichigo, "But how?"
"Come on you can't really believe I didn't predict what you had planned. Something like that has no chance unless you're a lot faster on your execution." Ichigo said punching the hollow, the strike's force sending the beast clear down the block. Shaking its head back and forth in hopes of regaining clear vision and balance the hollow pushed off the ground. Unfortunately Ichigo stood in front of it, his Zanpakuto held up high.
"Hold on if you let me live I promise to tur…"
The hollow was not given the opportunity to finish, the blade of Zangetsu slicing through its head. Like all hollows it vanished. Ichigo exhaled looking to where the girl laid unconscious. From where he stood it didn't appear she had a chain hanging from her chest giving him the idea she was a live one. Still something about it seemed off, from his standpoint it seemed as though she was able to see the hollow. Then again he came across a non shinigami that was able to clearly see him in spirit form, granted up till that point didn't know a whole lot about Batman. Was he just a human dressed as a bat or something else entirely? All signs and energy signatures Ichigo felt around him pointed to human, but couldn't say for certain.
He was just about ready to leave and go after the next hollow but decided to check on the girl before making his departure. The closer he got Ichigo felt a strange sensation travel throughout his body. The clothing she wore was all too familiar but there was no way it could be…his eyes broadened spotting her hair! It was the same color and length as a certain someone; pink and extended all the way down her lower back. He bit down seeing as she began moving and eventually pushing up on her knees.
She sat back rubbing a hand over her head, "What the hell, it is her!" Ichigo thought silently perceiving the Rosario positioned over her cleavage. He wasn't sure what to do, the thought of taking off before she noticed him was the first action that came to mind. Did she somehow follow him through the portal produced by the Gotei Thirteen? If so he had no doubt she wasn't alone. Others from her group were probably nearby, following after him to take revenge on Tsukune's death. They wouldn't listen to reason the first time and saw no reason why that would change. Just before he could make his move her eyes came into contact with his.
"Ichigo," She stood to her feet a little wobbly. For several moments they stared at each other, Ichigo keeping lookout for a potential ambush. Strangely he didn't sense anyone else around, questioning if she came on her own. A smile slowly took shape on her face as she ran toward him, "Ichigo!" She shouted cheerfully.
She forgot all about the hollow that had chased after her. Mouth partially dropped open Ichigo didn't know what to make of her tone. Before he knew it her arms were extended as if she was ready to give him a hug. Unsure what she had in mind Ichigo jumped back ten yards the other way. Moka immediately stopped in place remembering back to their last encounter. From Ichigo's view of things she and the other Yokai students were out to kill him all because of Tsukune.
"Ichigo please hear me out, I'm sorry about everything that went on and that was said. Ura Chan and the others didn't mean any of it."
"What are you talking about?" Ichigo placed his Zanpakuto back in its resting place. There were numerous questions he had, the main being how and why she was in Gotham.
"Tsukune's death was an illusion setup by one of the teachers working at Yokai academy. Truth is Tsukune is alive and here in this city. It's a long story but basically we followed you through that portal. There was no way I'd let you leave on a bad note like that," She again ran toward him this time successfully throwing her arms around him, "I'm so glad I found you Ichigo."
Moka leaned her head against his chest, both eyes closed and feeling the most secure she had since entering the unknown world. Uncertain of what to say or do, Ichigo simply wrapped one arm over her back. One second she and everyone else were trying to kill him, and now the complete opposite. The only thing she wanted now was to relocate with Tsukune, but for the moment was thrilled she accomplished what she set out to do in finding Ichigo.
To Be Continued