Ultrabross's Vision
CHP23: Surprise Awaken
Moka's hold over him grew tighter, Ichigo remaining still. Her being in town somewhat complicated things and in ways would slow the completion of his mission. Not even for a moment did he believe anyone was around during the closing moments of his entry into the vortex. Returning her and Tsukune to the Yokai realm wouldn't be much of a problem. All it would take is a simple call to the Gotei Thirteen through his substitute badge. The whole thing was crazy and he wondered just how much things would change with her being around, feeling it wouldn't be for the good.
"I still can't believe you followed me all this way just to apologize. You said Tsukune came with you correct? How did you two get separated?"
"It's really a long story but we need to ge…" Moka was unable to finish dropping to her knees. Her exposure to so much water in the form of rain began to affect her.
Ichigo didn't know what was going on but felt getting her back to the base was the best short term answer. She looked exhausted and needed rest. He reached down helping the vampire to her feet, "I promise to find Tsukune but for now I'm goanna take you back to my place. Unless you have some idea of his whereabouts maybe then…"
"I don't." She replied sadly.
Ichigo looked around knowing he couldn't fly off with her in the current vicinity. It was also time Moka knew more about him if any of it was to work out. He glimpsed out to the west figuring it couldn't be more than a mile or so they'd have to walk before reaching an area less populated in which he could fly her back to the hidden headquarters.
"Follow me this way Moka…there's some things you need to know about me."
She followed close by down the street listening as Ichigo gave detailed information about his true nature. He was certainly different from a lot of the other monsters at Yokai academy. She found him to be the most interesting, never before encountering a Death God.
XXX
Bleach colored skin, red lips and green hair the Arkham escapee leaned against a wall. He was still dressed in the same asylum clothing since his runaway. Moments later the door in front of him flew open. Only a single individual entered carrying with him a purple folded jacket, green under shirt, purple tie, purple pants, gloves and dress shoes, "We got exactly what you requested sir," He set the clothing over a tabletop, "Everyone outside awaits your orders so get dressed quickly."
He closed the door on his way out rejoining the rest of the group. The shackles that had been around Joker's ankles had since been removed shortly after his arrival to the warehouse. Stripping down and dressing into the outfit he felt incredibly refreshed, ready to wreak havoc. It had been months since he was last free but felt more like years. Positioning in front of a mirror he fixed his collar re adjusting his tie and joining everyone in the next room.
"Glad you all continued on while your uncle J was locked away in the loony bin," Joker spoke happily with outstretched arms skipping around the tables throughout the room. Weaponry of all sorts they collected was left out in the open, most of which on the tables, "Wooh what is this?!" Joker lifted a single weapon off the table.
"That's an Aqceull blaster. It operates using concentrated laser beams to the point of annihilating an enemy completely. However it has yet to be tested on a human, but that won't be for long."
A grin took form on the side of Joker's face, "You're absolutely right about that." Joker pulled the weapon off the table raising the power meter to its max! A number of members inside the room stirred clear of the Joker knowing just how crazy he could get. His maniacal laughter soon filled the air aiming the weapon at various individuals throughout. A portion of them ducked for cover wherever they could find it and others shielded themselves behind each other.
"Think about this for a moment, you can't do this Joker please!"
The Joker constantly laughed aiming the weapon in all directions. His eyes ventured to the nearest exit spotting a single person trying to make a run for it. In a quick chuckle he pulled back on the trigger. A bright beam discharged from the weapon immediately making contact with the target's body melting the skin right off his body down to the bone. Joker dropped the weapon back over the table clapping.
"That's what I'm talking about, just the type of fire power we've needed," Joker looked around at what appeared to be a very unsettled nervous crowd. Some were located against the walls, others close to the additional exits and the rest more on guard than usual, "No need to freak out boys that was simply a test run. Besides we were overscheduled on members. At least now we'll have breathing space and more room to operate hehe."
It took time before the comfort level dropped to normal. Joker ordered the body be removed, and the three closes to the body did just that through a side door. Everyone felt more relaxed but knew at any moment the Joker could go off again. Most the time it was for a good laugh which to normal people was completely insane but with him it was natural. Altering plans at the last moment was something the clown prince of Gotham did on a regular basis. Anything to accomplish a greater punch line was the entire world to him.
"What now boss?" One out of the group broke the silence.
"You ask what now hehehe…what other than throw a home coming party for our reunion. The flying rodent and I haven't clashed in quite awhile and everything must be perfect for our run in. Batsy always has a new trick or two up his sleeve which is what a love about him, never predictable. I'm guessing by now he's already learned of my escape and is plotting his next move. I love it that way, always putting fun into what would be a useless city otherwise."
"That's great and all boss but what about Scarecrow, Penguin, Black Mask and the others. While you've been locked away each of them has made a great push gaining territory throughout town, some of which belonged to you at a time." Another of them informed.
Taking the info in Joker paced back and forth, a gloved hand to his chin.
"Knocking those pieces off the chessboard doesn't worry me. You better not blink before you know it things will go back to the way they were just before my most recent lockup. Gotta admit the food there seems to get worse the more I go back."
The Joker's laughter sent chills up their backs. Far as Appearance he was nowhere near the Dark Knight but in his own horrific way was just as frightening and intimidating. There were times many of them didn't know what to do or say around him in fear they could lose their life at random in any given moment if the Joker saw fit.
A knock at the main entrance got everyone's attention and to their surprise the right hand woman/main accomplice to the Joker stepped through.
"Thirds a charm I knew we'd eventually find you puddin!" Harley ran through the front entrance throwing her arms around him.
"Harells long time no see, you lose weight? You look thinner." Joker pronounced.
After short exchanges and greetings it was back to business. Gotham's number one criminal had a lot on the agenda and so little time it seemed.
XXX
For over thirty minutes she flew atop the city getting a great view of the city. She had yet to find the one she came after but in ways was the last thing on her mind. During her short tour around she came across a five star club deciding to put her objective on hold and have some fun. She rid herself of the wings over the sides of her head and torso changing her clothing standing in human form. She got in easily without ID using her charm on the doorman.
A black SUV traveled down the street toward the particular club, "Any word from Danny? He said he'd call once he wrapped things up on his side. That bastard is unreliable as hell."
"Give Dan boy till tomorrow. He's been answering to some Floyd Lawton. Danny has been freaked out of his mind since then. I wouldn't worry about it too much Leon, this is our night to chill and mingle with some fine bitches."
The SUV Stopped in front of the club. One opened the door with the others getting out at once. Grim gave the driver a small tip for his services informing they'd be about three hours. The place was crowded inside but didn't bother them. The music was loud to a point it would be difficult to converse with someone across the room.
"Leon my man let loose a bit. We is here to have fun and dats exactly what we're going to do."
Paj asked for them to keep pace and follow, which they did through the crowds of people. Leon grinned at the sight of women pole dancing. Spectators held out money for extra services. Leon didn't think twice taking a seat near the front and rubbing his hands together! When they told him it would be boy's night out, he could only imagine it'd turn out this fun! Grim got the attention of a brunette, waving cash in her face.
Leon held out some money of his own buying himself a personal lap dance. Grim and Paj shook their heads in approval. A woman on the dance floor caught Grim's attention with a single wink; long green hair, black boots, dress, gloves and stockings. He Patted Paj over the shoulder, "Dis one is mine." Grim whistled.
"Take as long as you want we got all night."
Paj journeyed across the room taking a seat at the small bar area ordering a drink.
"Hello there handsome I'm a girl that loves to have a lot of fun. There is no other with moves like me, on or off the dance floor."
"When you mean off does that mean the bedroom? What's your name gorgeous" Grim kissed at her right hand.
"Morrigan and if you stick around long enough and you might find out," She pulled him in close, her lips beside his right ear, "I give the greatest ride ever but sadly most experience it only once."
Paj sat for over twenty minutes having a few drinks. He looked to the dance floor spotting Grim with the same woman. Leon looked to be involved with another group of guys in a game of cards.
"Not a bad night, think all of us needed this."
He took another sip almost wetting his pants as glass shattered from above. Everyone looked up to a caped individual gliding into the middle section of the dance floor.
"It's the Batman!" Someone yelled.
Batman identified two of the people he was in search for. Everyone in his way moved as he walked toward the bar. Before Paj could do a thing Batman's hand was already around his neck!
"Deadshot? Where is he?! Act like you don't know what I'm talking about and we'll start with broken ribs and make our way from there." Batman commanded lifting him up high.
The music came to a stop, everyone's attention on the Dark Knight. Paj's mouth dropped open with nothing coming out, terrified out of his mind.
"Let him go or I'll…." Grim appeared from behind.
Batman dropped Paj to the ground spinning and knocking the weapon out of Grim's hand KO'ing him in a single strike. Paj tried grabbing Batman from behind but was backhanded and fell unconscious. Much of the crowd cheered. Seeing the Dark Knight in action first hand was rare for them all. Leon and ten others came from behind. Batman disarmed them of their weapons taking each of them down under thirty seconds.
"Answers now Leon, or the other arm is next. I know Deadshot is mixed up in this fiasco involving Penguin, Black Mask and the others. You're going to tell me where to find him!"
With zero defiance Leon told him everything he knew, lacking Deadshot's location. Grapple gun in hand Batman exited through the way he came to an applauding crowd. She never expected anything like it and something about a man dressed as a bat effortlessly taking down a so many men at once turned her on.
"This is my kind of party." Morrigan whispered running to the nearest exit.
She wanted to know more and the only way to do that was to follow him.
XXX
Voyaging to a spot on the outer edges of the city Ichigo took Moka into his arms taking a final look around. He made certain no one was around before making his next move, "As I explained before you're the only one that can see me so I'm goanna have to go about this really fast ok."
"Ok." She nodded her head.
Moka understood from the eyes of everyone else it would look as though she were flying through the air on her own; the downside being extra unwanted attention that could lead to many things, newscasters' coming after them was the first that came to mind. The last thing Ichigo wanted was to accidently lead anyone to his temporary establishment. Both arms wrapped around his neck, Ichigo lifted her off the ground using both hands.
"Hold on tight."
"I will…" She replied softly a bit nervous.
In a prompt blast of speed Ichigo took off into the sky. Seeing the clouds as an advantage Ichigo passed straight through. Their chance of being spotted dropped off by a decent percentage. For awhile Moka's eyes stayed closed afraid to look down. She imagined they had to be over a thousand feet in the air. Slowly opening them the first thing that came into view was the moon. It wasn't full but still beautiful. Her eyes concurrently peeked downward getting a visual of the city through the scattered clouds.
It was in that moment she truly realized just how large the city was. Her gaze swung to Ichigo whose eyes were out in front, focused on getting them to their destination fast as possible. In a way she found the whole thing romantic. It was like any girl's dream come true being carried off by her lover hundreds of feet into the air on a beautiful night. Topping it off was how safe she felt in his strong arms. She blushed soon after, Ichigo noticing from the corner of his eye.
"Everything ok?" He asked having no clue what was on her mind and wasn't sure if he wanted to know.
"Oh it's nothing." She replied hurriedly cheeks turning even redder.
Guilt crept into the back of her mind with the thought of Tsukune surfacing. She removed the thought from her head wanting to enjoy the moment. She knew there might not be a whole lot more opportunities to experience it again. Ichigo checked the map confirming he was headed the right way. He knew it would take time before he grew accustomed to the ins and outs of the city. She enjoyed the ride for what it was worth, slowly feeling her energy return that had been lost during the downpour.
In no time the mountain side came into view. Luckily they were away from the crowded city so didn't worry much about being seen. The grass and overall turf was still damp. Ichigo set Moka on her feet stepping out in front. Doing as the Caped Crusader instructed Ichigo stepped over the hidden panel and straightaway the entrance unlocked.
The solid entrance closed shut behind them heading down the same dark pathway. Like before lights shot on beneath their feet brightening the area. As they entered the main facility Ichigo flipped on all the other lights. Moka looked all around never imagining Ichigo's home would turn out the way it did. She felt the whole area could really use a woman's touch, "Nice place Ichigo." Moka said trying to sound as convincing she could. It never occurred to her he was so computer/technology based.
"I wouldn't call this place my home, more of a place I'm working out of." Ichigo entered through one of the automatic doors, Moka witnessing him rejoin with his physical body.
What he had told her about himself was true and hard as it was to believe she now saw it with her own two eyes. Ichigo pushed off the bed stretching his neck and arms joining her in the main room. Telling her the truth about the whole situation was an idea, but at the same time would take time to explain and would likely lead to a cluster of questions. Questions he didn't want to answer. To that point she'd already known too much about him and wanted everything else to stay secret.
"Go ahead and make yourse…" He stopped in mid sentence perceiving her shiver, "You must be cold, here let me take that."
He helped her remove the green jacket off her shoulders. Her clothing was still soaked from the rain and now began taking a toll on her body. She followed him into a backroom where her jacket was thrown into a dryer. Ichigo pulled a blanket from a closet off to the side, "This'll help keep you warm for the time being."
"Could you turn away for a moment I'd like to wash some of my clothing if that's ok."
"Yeah sure thing." Ichigo looked the other way.
Moka stripped down to her panties and bra, tossing her socks, skirt and other clothing into the washer. His back still to her Moka pulled the cover out of his hand positioning it over her shoulders and body, "Ok you're free to look now." She smiled.
Ichigo looked her way starting up both machines leading her back into the main room. She found a place to sit over a chair with four wheels beneath it. Ichigo left her alone heading straight for the bathroom. He spotted a bucket beside the bathtub lifting and filling it with hot water. He returned in front of Moka setting it down just below the chair.
"What is this for?"
"It'll help warm you up a lot faster if you stick your feet inside." Ichigo replied.
Moka giggled causing Ichigo to raise an eyebrow, "Vampires are weaGrimed when exposed to water silly. We went over that in the first semester of Yokai Academy during review." She again smiled.
It was the thought that mattered, and she was quickly seeing another side of Ichigo she hadn't. During the time she spent hanging around with him back in the academy she'd already gathered he was a kind person, even though he wasn't afraid to speak his mind. This however was different. Not long ago she and everyone else were out to kill him and even with all that he was treating her as if she were royalty.
"Sorry about that guess I wasn't really thinking."
He pulled the bucket away but was stopped by Moka, "Hold on a sec." She spoke softly. Ichigo's eyes broadened watching her reach down into her bra, "What in the world is she doing?!" He thought to himself. She pulled out a small plastic bag signaling for Ichigo to place the bucket where it had been. She then sprinkled what was inside the plastic bag into the water before dumping her feet into it.
"Wait hold on what just happened? I thought you said water had a negative effect on your body?"
"Alone it does but when mixed with herbs I'm completely fine. How else do you think I'd wash up and bathe?"
Ichigo was quiet for a second gazing up at her, "If there is anything else you need at all don't be afraid to ask and I'll do what I can to help." He pushed off the ground but tripped over the bucket falling forward and putting out his hands to stop a huge collision.
It took him a couple moments to realize but after he did bit down on his lower lip! The Rosario that hung over her chest was now in his left hand no longer connected to the choker around her neck! From what he'd been told by Yukari the night after his encounter with Inner Moka, Tsukune was the only one capable of awaGriming her by removing the Rosario from around her neck. So what the hell was going on?! His heart jumped grasping her hair turned from pink to silver and parts of her body growing in size. Before he knew it his eyes were in deadlock with those same red eyes.
Ichigo remembered them well and of all the Yokai students that were out to put him down no one had more hatred for him than she. He remembered her clearly state she planned on spending the remainder of her life with Tsukune and would annihilate him for taking that away.
"Ooopps uuuhhh," Ichigo chuckled nervously, "My mistake…let's get this back on."
He attempted to reattach the two parts but was stopped by Moka's hand forcing his away, biting at his tongue. The intensity and awkwardness grew with every second that passed. Sweat ran down the side of his head looking to ground with no idea what to say to her. She used her free hand compelling him to look her in the face. He couldn't help but feel shockwaves travel through his body.
To Be Continued