Ultrabross's Vision
CHP27: Search Time
Waking from deep sleep Tsukune stretched leaning upward from the couch. For the most part he slept peacefully through the night but was sore in different areas of his body. Kurumu was still fast asleep beside him but on the other side of the room Gin paced back and forth in front of a window. Tsukune yawned standing and walking next to the window, "Think we should wake Kurumu Chan? The sooner we get going the better right?"
"Let her sleep for a little while longer there's no rush. We've got a long way to go before reaching Moka. She is very far from here but from what my scent of her tells is good. It doesn't appear she's done any traveling from last night and is somewhere in the same vicinity."
"Be honest, what are our chances of tracking her from this distance?"
Gin leaned against a wall just beside the window, "Hard to say until we leave here. There are so many different smells and scents throughout the city but what I can say is if we manage to reach a six to four mile radius of her in my current form we shouldn't have a difficult time finding her."
The sound of that didn't make Tsukune feel any better. Of them all he had the most urgency to reach the vampire suffering from images inside his head of the last time they were together. From the get go he felt something wasn't right about those men claiming to be friends of Ichigo. He couldn't stand the thought of Moka being harmed or in pain somewhere far and all alone. Had Ura Chan been in control he wouldn't be worried and in ways would feel sorry for the ones that tried laying a hand on her. But it was the outer side in control and because of that couldn't stop worrying.
She wasn't much of a fighter and didn't have much going for her far as battle experience. Just as his fists clinched Kurumu rose from the couch rubbing at her eyes and blinking a couple times. Gin walked her way with crossed arms, "How'd you sleep?"
"Ok I guess." She fell back stretching.
Gin sat beside her resting an arm over the couch.
"Mind telling me about last night?" He grinned.
"What are you talking about?" She looked away from him.
"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. Of all people I'm one of the last you can sneak past without my knowledge."
By his tone alone she knew he wasn't bluffing. She saw no reason to discuss what she went through the night previous. Even now she thought about the clay monster and the other called Batman. Were there others like them out there? Finding Moka was the first thing that needed to be done but after the past night's events the world in question interested her greatly. On another note she still hadn't figured the true nature of Ichigo's true form. What Kurumu did know was he possessed extraordinary physical force which was put on display during his confrontation with them all back in the yokai realm. All at once they attacked applying no damage on him at all.
"Ignoring me are we? Guess I shouldn't be surprised."
"No it isn't that, just have a lot on my mind is all. Last night I couldn't sleep so went out to get some fresh air. I ran into no trouble before you ask, just hung over the rooftops taking in everything. I'm ready to go whenever you guys are." She said quickly, no interest in discussing what she went through.
"Good than let's go now. Moka has been out there alone for far too long, it's time we find her." Tsukune implied approaching.
Gin and Kurumu stood from the couch and together they exited the building. Before making a move at any particular direction they looked around in every direction. The town was filled with various trouble makers and didn't want to come across another of them. From that point Gin led them in the direction where he believed Moka's scent to be strongest. All Tsukune could think of was seeing and holding Moka in his arms, Gin only thinking about how in the world they'd get home. Like the rest of them he wanted to find Moka and wanted to leave immediately afterward.
Whether they saw Ichigo again wasn't important to him only caring about returning to where they were supposed to be. At some point their absence at Yokai Academy would be known and could become somewhat problematic. Kurumu on the other hand wanted to find Moka but had other things on her mind. She wondered if maybe she'd come across other creatures and in ways looked forward to it.
XXX
With a tray in hand the butler of arguably the richest man in Gotham walked the halls. It was quite a bit of steps to travel up from the kitchen but he'd grown used to it over the years. There was no better job or person he'd rather work for than the face of Gotham himself. He was practically family so none of what he did felt like work but more so chores. On the tray was a glass of orange juice, toast with eggs and bacon. He opened a door with one hand and held the tray in the other.
"Master Bruce it is nearly eleven. I took the liberty of making you some breakf…" Alfred stopped in mid sentence.
The curtains were open the bed already made with Bruce nowhere in sight. Alfred knew him better than anyone having a pretty good idea where he went. Closing the door he walked down the hall opening a hidden panel punching in a set of numbers. The machine then scanned his eyes in which the wall behind him slid open revealing a hidden elevator. Alfred entered the elevator and in a single click was on his way down. The wall immediately slid shut following his departure.
"You're not one to rise early everything ok sir?" Alfred inquired stepping through the elevator doors.
It didn't surprise him to see Bruce sitting in front of massive computer screen. From what he could tell it looked as though he was working on more than one thing at a time, three separate windows active on screen, "Good morning to you as well Alfred." He spoke not looking away from the screen. Other than the time something else the butler found strange was how Bruce was dressed. He wore a pair of black slacks, black dress shoes, a white shirt with purple tie and black jacket hanging over the chair.
"Hope you don't mind me asking sir but are you headed somewhere soon?"
"Yes I'm scheduled to attend a board meeting in the next hour. Before then there are some things I'd like to wrap up. Whether Deadshot is involved in this little war is unknown but I did find out something else interesting uploading a great portion of his database onto my own. There's a good chance he's responsible for the deaths of the governor's son in law and the other police officers that were killed at the GC art building over one month ago."
"What gives you that idea?"
Bruce pointed to a single window on the screen, "Inside these separate folders contains in depth information on each individual victim from their daily routines, where they worked and just about anything else you can think of. Aside from that he also had blue prints of the building which the murders took place. I also came across seven potential hideouts and my guess is he's staying in one of them."
"And your plan?"
"Tonight I go after him, and this time I will find him. He will answer for his crimes and I will figure his involvement if any." Bruce stood from the computer chair.
Across the floor he situated around his main work station, "I took a closer look at the chemicals and found neither to be lethal on its own but mixed together a different story. Still have yet to discover the different ingredients inside them but I intend to find out."
"How about breakfast sir?" Alfred positioned the tray out in front.
"Just set it over the counter."
XXX
Yukari and Mizore walked together through the halls of Yokai Academy, heads bowed over. Lunch period was just beginning and they hardly said anything the entire day. Even as they entered the lunch room neither had an appetite so instead exited through a side door out onto the lawn. What they went through the previous night wasn't known or discussed outside of the ones that were there. They sat over a bench beneath a tree and in the next minute the one they had been awaiting came into view stopping in front of them.
"What's the latest did you speak with the headmaster?" Mizore asked taking a stand.
Ruby exhaled shaking her head back and forth, "Unfortunately he's running late and won't be arriving until later tonight. I have no details as to why there is such a long delay. For now we wait and go about the day as we normally would. Not that it's a big deal but I hope neither of you minds I told Fang Fang and Ling Ling of what happened."
"And how did they react?" Yukari asked.
"Like expected if anyone heard a story like that. Both had a hard time taking it in which is understandable. Keep an eye out, Fang Fang said he'd be looking for you two during this period. Unbelievable as the past couple hours have been nothing can be done to change it. The headmaster is our only option of fixing this issue and until his arrival it is out of our power."
"What about Nagirrom San the teacher from advanced mystery art? Didn't Tsukune say she was the one that instigated all this confusion in the first place! If it wasn't for her Ichigo wouldn't have left in the first place and we wouldn't have lost Moka, Tsukune, Kurumu Chan and Gin Senpai!" Mizore stomped her foot.
"Funny you ask that was my last stop before coming to meet up with you. A substitute has taken over and according to him she called in sick yesterday and is again a no show except this time he got no call from her. Don't know what any of it means but to stay safe we should all keep our guards up. There's no telling if that woman will be out to finish what she started."
Yukari stood from the bench standing next to Mizore, "Wasn't it Ichigo-kun she was after? If that is true maybe she left and we don't need to worry. If anything we should be more worried about Moka San and the others. If they're indeed with Ichigo they could be in serious danger."
"What do you mean neesan could be is serious danger?"
Mizore, Ruby and Yukari faced the young vampire with fiery orange hair tied in pigtails. They weren't sure how long she had been standing there but could see the worry in her eyes. Ruby rested a single hand over her shoulder biting back. The same thing was felt between she, Yukari and Mizore…should they or should they not explain what happened.
"Kokoa Chan I'm sorry to say but…" Ruby's head dropped with closed eyes.
"But What? It's Ichigo isn't it, he did something to her didn't he?!"
Ruby looked to Mizore and Yukari not sure what to say. Given she was already there and knew something was wrong ruby saw no point in keeping any of what was going on secret from her.
"It isn't what you think I'll try my best to explain so listen carefully." Ruby said.
XXX
Ichigo dried his face in front of the mirror folding and placing it back over the railing. Out of the bathroom and down the hall he came across Moka in the main space now dressed back in her school uniform sitting over a stool near the kitchen area. She took a sip at the glass of ice water setting it back over the countertop.
"I feel for something sweet don't you have cake or anything like that around?"
"I don't know why dontcha try giving it a look."
"Don't you think I've done that already why else would I be asking?"
Shrugging his shoulders Ichigo entered the bedroom through the automatic doors recovering a jacket from his suitcase, shoving Kon into the side pocket. Back into the main room his eyes ventured to the Rosario and lifted it from the computer desktop, "You think now would be a good time to put this back on?" Ichigo placed it out in front of her.
"Why are you so obsessed with getting rid of me?"
"What gives you that idea, I thought you were supposed to have this thing on at all times or something? That doesn't seem to be the case at all right now. Anyway I'm out of here, be back soon as I can." Ichigo dropped the Rosario in her lap heading for the exit.
Moka popped up from the stool running after him, "If it is Tsukune you're going after than I'm going with you, no way am I staying here."
"No I already said you will be staying. Sorry Moka but you'd only get in my way and slow me down and I can't have that. I will complete this a lot sooner without you tagging along. Stay here and do girl things like painting your nails, makeup and whatever else girls like to do."
Moka hissed getting in his face, "What thus far gave you the idea I'm like other girls! What so do you think I play with dolls to?!" She grabbed at his shirt fiercely shaking him back and forth.
"Hold on you said that not me. Besides what does you coming along accomplish? You aren't familiar with the territory and you lack the speed to keep up with me! If you think I'm going to carry you along you've got another thing coming. I'll cover a lot more ground without you so stay out of the way."
"I'm coming no matter what you say! Tsukune is more important to me than you or anyone else could know and until I know he's ok I refuse to sit around in your place and wait."
Ichigo forced her hands off his shirt dusting himself off as they both headed for the exit. There seemed to be no reasoning with her and what agitated him most was the reality she'd get in the way of his mission of eliminating hollows. Finding Tsukune was 2nd nature in his book and hoped he might come across the Yokai Academy student during his travels. With Moka at his side it negatively affected what he had planned. As they exited through the mountain side Ichigo rolled his eyes. He had the feeling it was going to turn out to be a really long day. Ichigo felt as though he wanted to punch something to help soothe his frustration. Even if he did he knew it wouldn't do much to change the way he was feeling.
"You ok? You seem really tense." Moka asked giving him a quick look.
"What's it to you?" Ichigo asked continuing on.
It was Moka's turn to role her eyes not liking the tone of his voice. Moka followed him down the hillside with the city clear in view. Had he been alone and in spirit form his progress would be much greater, likely already a couple miles into Gotham. He might have possibly crossed paths and eliminated another hollow.
"Wooh are we finally alone good!" Kon popped out from his side jacket situating over his shoulder, "What's on the agenda now where are we headed?!" Kon asked with excitement.
"Idiot we aren't alone." Ichigo face palmed.
Moka stood off to the side of them wide eyed, " Is that a talking teddy bear?" She asked holding back laughter.
Kon leaped onto Ichigo's opposite shoulder feasting his eyes on the beautiful vampire, "Oh yeah Christmas came early!" He threw himself forward into her chest cuddling up between her breasts. The action caused her to squeal.
"Kon what the hell! You can't just launch yourself onto every pretty girl you see. Moka is a friend get off her!" Ichigo threw out his hand and to snatch away the stuffed lion and instead found his hand over her right breast! Ichigo bit down at his tongue whilst Moka's cheeks went red, Kon standing over the top of Ichigo's head snickering.
"Mmmoka I'm ss…so sorry." Ichigo couldn't think of anything else to say pulling his hand off her chest.
Moka looked off to the side, her cheeks becoming even more red, "It's ok it wasn't your fault." She said sheepishly. Her emotions of embarrassment quickly shifted to anger toward the stuffed lion over his head. Kon nervously chuckled and before he could make a jump Moka snatched him out of the air. Kon struggled to get free but couldn't.
"What is this thing Ichigo?" Moka glared down over the lion in her hand.
"His name is Kon, he's a mod soul and anything further than that I'm not discussing." Ichigo informed.
She knew enough about him far as he saw things. He didn't want her finding out more about him than she already knew and becoming aware of the ones he worked for behind the scenes, "Hey Ichigo help me she looks really angry!" Kon panicked struggling to break free.
Moka tossed him upward throwing out her foot and kicking him like a soccer ball.
"Know your place!"
He traveled nearly forty yards before colliding face first with a tree, "Tell your friend to keep his hands to himself cause next time I won't be so nice."
"That was her being nice…" Ichigo murmured wondering what she'd do next time. Her actions further confirmed how much different she was to the outer side.
"By the way what did you mean by mod soul?"
"None of your business." Ichigo replied.
Moka pulled at Ichigo's ear stopping his progress, "Wrong answer that's not how you should talk to me I'm your guest."
"Ouch are you really going to use the guest card the whole time you're here?" Ichigo pulled away from her rubbing at his now sore ear, "That's no way to ask for information and if you be and good girl I might just comply."
She followed Ichigo down the hill throwing her hair back as he recovered Kon off the grass, "I'm seeing stars all over." Kon mumbled.
"That thing isn't even a person how's that possible?" Moka asked.
"Ignore Kon he doesn't know what he's talking about half the time. Where is the Rosario, did you bring it along?" Ichigo asked.
"It's right here wanna see?" Moka lifted open her shirt.
"No!" Ichigo jumped back, hands out in front of him, "I don't want you stripping down or any of that stuff ehh."
Moka grinned moving in next to him, "Does that mean you don't think I have a sexy body? I'm certain you'd change your mind with a quick peek." She whispered into his ear.
Ichigo hurriedly pushed away from her shoving Kon into his side pocket, "This is getting too weird let's talk about something else. In fact how about we don't talk at all, conversations with you seem to go south every time."
She smirked following him down the hill and onto a side road. Moka wanted to get back with Tsukune more than anything but slowly grasped her outlook and feelings for Ichigo were changing. She didn't know what to make of it but did enjoy his company.
To Be Continued