Ultrabross's Vision

CHP39: Taken off Guard

Kurumu, Ichigo and Moka followed the older individual down another alleyway. When they passed through he pointed to a lone home inquiring it was his, no more than forty to fifty yards away. By then it was already too late, her walk speed slowing and legs feeling rubbery. Next came blurry vision and soon after came a splitting headache, questioning whether she'd be able to make it all the way on her own. Just as she took another couple steps Moka stumbled forward simultaneously losing consciousness. Lucky for her Ichigo noticed just in time catching her in mid air before she hit the ground.

"Moka!" Ichigo shook at her, "Are you alright, what's going on?"

"Don't worry about that, let's first get her inside." The older man of average height spoke. He wore dark gray overalls, black sneakers with a white under shirt. He stood at 5'5, brown hair surrounded by considerable amounts of white with a beard and mustache included.

It wasn't long before they were inside following him into the living room. Compared to outside it was much warmer and had a fire place running. No one more than Ichigo was interested to hear his story; an entire town of people gone except him just didn't seem right. He set her over the nearest couch positioning a hand over her forehead but didn't appear overly warm like he was expecting. Kurumu immediately dropped to her knees situating close to Moka's side and couldn't figure what happened. One moment the vampire was perfectly fine and the next down and out.

"I'm sure your friend will be fine after a good night's rest, she's probably just exhausted is all. How long have you kids been traveling for?"

"Longer than necessary." Kurumu replied with her back to him.

They were some of the stranger individuals he'd come across far as what they wore and even appearance. With that in mind through his years had been around and seen others even more peculiar than the three. Where they came from he was unsure but with all the factors in place knew it was somewhere far, "Wait here I'll be back in a minute."

Ichigo watched him turn a corner and was out of sight from that point, "What do you think is wrong with her? You've known and been friends with her longer than I have, any ideas?"

"You're asking the wrong person, she seemed fine moments before her collapse. Your guess is good as mine." Kurumu shrugged her shoulders.

The man returned in a matter of seconds with a wet rag, handing it to Kurumu insisting she place it over Moka's head. As she attempted to do so the vampire's eyes opened shooting Kurumu a death glare, "Are you trying to kill me!"

Kurumu fell back, her mouth partially dropped open. Moka's eyes then fell upon Ichigo, "You knew as well Ichigo, the purity of water doesn't agree with my system and direct contact with it acts as a poison toward my body!"

Ichigo scratched at his hair taking another two steps toward the couch.

"Yeah you're right, guess I forgot about all that. Why didn't you say something earlier, from my perspective you seemed fine? Then again I guess this should come as no surprise since you have that whole tough bad girl personality!" Ichigo said.

In any other scenario she would have been up in his face but was much too drained in the circumstance laying still. The home owner was lost as to the context of their conversation and even wondered if they were entirely serious.

"Well I'm gonna call it a night now, you kids rest up now. Down the right hall there are two rooms, you can discuss amongst yourselves how you want to go about sleeping arrangements. If you need me for any reason at all I will be upstairs turning in for the remainder of the night. Holler if you need anything and I will be down fast as I can."

Ichigo called out to him just as he made his way for the steps, "Hold on a sec, you promised you'd tell us about the story of why you're the only one here."

"Oh yes, that's correct I did say I'd tell you."

He leaned against a wall just beside the steps and for awhile didn't say anything.

"Well as you may or may not know this kingdom of Qedal is ran by an appointed king. But recently things have turned violent between both sides; those in support of the king and those that aren't. Recently the king declared those against his rule be wiped out, no exceptions."

"So a Tyrant?" Ichigo questioned.

"Some might say so and others not, really depends on who you ask. Much of what he does in running things is considered brutal by many. Others under his support however argue his approach is necessary and there is no other way. There's been plenty of bloodshed on both sides and there have been no signs it will be stopping anytime soon. This entire kingdom has fallen into such a mess since he took the crown."

"Sounds like a nightmare," Ichigo crossed his arms, "But that still doesn't answer why this is practically a ghost town and why you're the only one here."

"Patience I was just about to get to that. Too make a long story short, this land and twenty miles in any direction from here has been a main battleground for supporters of the king and those against his rule. With that in mind the townspeople fled for new land doing anything to avoid being engulfed in this pointless civil war. I however decided to remain here, my family has walked this land for generations and I will remain here even if it comes at the expense of my life."

Kurumu and Moka listened in to the conversation as well.

"Is his brutality the only reason so many have not taken a liking to this guy? That alone is legitimate, just curious is all." Ichigo notified.

"Glad you asked," The older gentleman cleared his throat, "Rumor has it he possess a mystical power which grants him the ability to capture souls of the dead. It is also said he takes them under his guidance and in essence has the ability to control them into doing his dirty work."

"People actually believe that." Ichigo said.

"Yes of course and with good reason, he has displayed tremendous strength on various occasions. It's difficult for me to say if true power or illusions, only those closes to him know for sure. Some believe it myth while others refer to him as an evil sorcerer; take it whichever way you want. That's as much as I can tell you, try and rest up." He again faced the opposite way heading up the stairs.

"Hey what about a name, you never mentioned the name of the king." Kurumu emphasized.

"Huh I guess you're right it must have slipped my mind. He is commonly addressed as Lord or King Ultrabross. Remember, if you need anything I'm not far. If you're hungry and want something to eat go ahead and help yourselves."

Just as he disappeared up the stairs Ichigo spotted a massive grin over his face but didn't think much of it.

"So Ultrabross, uhm ok nice name." Kurumu somewhat giggled.

"So I'm assuming you two will share one room and I'll take the other. If not I can sleep out here on the couch while you both occupy the two rooms. It's really up to you, I'm cool with whatever." Ichigo situated both hands behind his head.

Kurumu and Moka gazed at each other and appeared to have the same idea without saying a word, "No that's ok, Moka and I will share one room while you take the other. But before we make a final decision we should at least take a look at these rooms shouldn't we." Kurumu grinned.

She skipped down the hall leaving behind Moka and Ichigo. Kurumu switched on the lights to both rooms quickly skimming over them both and back under a minute, "All looks well. Moka and I will take the one on the left, but if you're wondering both virtually share the same design and layout."

"Sounds good to me, if that's what you want no complaints here." Ichigo implied.

Moka slowly rose from the sofa feeling some dizziness doing her best to shake it off as she took small steps. Rain never usually had such a tremendous affect on her. The best thing for her to do at that time was to get out of the wet clothing, "You look to be struggling…want some help?" Ichigo asked.

She forced his hand away heading down the hall on her own. Ichigo shrugged his shoulders following after her but stepped into the room across from theirs. The sight of the bed with soft pillows and covers was welcoming especially after the long day of battle he endured.

"Well I think Moka and I are gonna call it a night, so see yah in the morning Ichigo." Kurumu waved before shutting the door.

Ichigo didn't take long stripping down into his boxer brief shutting off the lamp and getting under the sheets. He fell asleep within minutes.

XXX

Awaking from deep sleep his eyes fell upon the ceiling above, but there was no clock around so had no idea of the time. He placed both hands behind his head, wondering when the mission would be over. It began with Youkai academy and the new form of hollows making their presence. It had been quite some time since he'd been home and was sure everyone was worried about him; probably no one more than his two sisters. With that in mind he missed all of them as well but understood there was no returning until the mission was complete.

"Trouble sleeping, you have time to talk?"

The hairs on the back of Ichigo's neck stood seeing as she got in the bed next to him, "Mm Moka what are you doing in here? For how long?!" Ichigo asked sitting up while at the same time moving over.

She wore a long gray tea-shirt.

"Just entered a second or so ago and is probably what caused you to wake. Kurumu-chan fell asleep almost immediately and has been sleeping like a baby since. I should be exhausted and asleep after all we've been through in the past hours but for some reason I can't fall asleep."

"Tsukune," Ichigo looked her in the face, "Is he on your mind? That's probably why you aren't able to sleep, but don't worry I already said we'd get him back. Return to your room and try to get some shut eye. We don't know what we might go through tomorrow and it's best to be at full energy with that in mind."

"Who said anything about Tsukune? Yes I'm worried about him but that has nothing to do with anything concerning me. Tsukune is stronger than you might think and will be fine. There's a possibility he's with that Batman person and Gin, and even if he isn't Tsukune will be ok."

Ichigo took his eyes off her leaning against the back board, "Ok then if not him than what's on your mind, maybe the stress from the whole ordeal. That's understandable but I can't help you with that. Hate to kick you out so suddenly but how about we resume this conversation sometime in the morning. No matter how tough it might seem you need to try and get some sleep."

"But I'm thirsty…" Moka whispered.

"Why the hell are you telling me for, didn't you hear the old guy? He said we could help ourselves to anything in the kitchen!"

"You misunderstand." Moka said moving closer.

By the look on her face Ichigo knew exactly what she referred too.

"Look we've already been over this and it doesn't matter how much you keep trying, my answer will never change! Go suck on Kurumu's blood, I bet it's just as exquisite. Really how would you feel if people went around tasting you? Trust me, you wouldn't like it!" Ichigo declared pushing at Moka's shoulders with minimal strength trying to force her out of the bed.

She remained firm staring at him for a couple moments, "Kurumu-chan is a succubi; their blood is hardly as appetizing as humans and other species. Taste me…is that what you want Ichigo? I've seen the way you've looked at me during our time alone together."

"I don't know what you're implying but I haven't looked at you any different than I do anyone else, and why the hell would I want to taste you? Newsflash, I'm not a blood sucker and or vampire like some people. Really though you need to get out of here so we can both get some rest."

"You can keep a secret can't you?" Moka asked.

"It depends, but yeah sure." Ichigo scratched at the side of his head; no idea what she was getting at.

"Good." She smirked.

She threw herself beside him leaning her head toward his, only to be stopped as her face came within inches of his, "What part of no didn't you understand, I'm not food!"

"Who said I was after your blood…" She murmured.

His eyes broadened biting at his tongue, "What! What did you just say?"

"Ichigo, Ichigo can you hear me?" A voice spoke from the side of the bed, creeping out Moka. Ichigo however recognized the voice knowing it came from the substitute badge.

"Urahara is that you? Why are you contacting me, is something going on?!"

"Oh no, well nothing we weren't able to handle and it's good to hear you're alright on your end. I knew you would be, but as we both know there are those that worry about you."

"Kurosaki-kun it's so great to hear you, we were all worried sick. When will you be back, oh please say it's soon, but more importantly don't get yourself hurt and come back in one piece. I miss you a lot." A female voice interrupted.

"Inoue, you're there too!" Ichigo said.

"Yes and Ishida-kun was here a little while ago but had somewhere to be so didn't stay long." Orihime informed.

"Anyhow I don't know all the details of your trip, but how have things been with the hollo…"

"Now isn't a good time to talk. All you need to know is I'm doing fine and will be back soon as I can. If anything comes up contact me right away, and if not I will be back soon." Ichigo gulped cutting off Kisuke.

The last thing he wanted was Moka knowing more about him and his enrollment into the academy was for reasons entirely different to everyone else.

"Ok bye Kurosaki-kun and take care."

Orihime's words were the last heard before Ichigo ended the conversation, setting the substitute badge back where it had been. It was no surprise Moka had questions and was evident by the expression she gave off.

"What was that all about? Who were they?" Moka asked.

"Associates of mine back from my home world."

"The girl," Moka moved a strand of hair from her face, "What is the relationship between you two? Inoue is what you called her right, yes."

Ichigo raised an eye brow wondering why Moka would care to know something such as that. Not only that but something about her tone screamed how could he put it…jealousy.

"Just a really good friend."

"You sure that's all she is, the way she talked to you seemed to imply otherwise."

"Think what you want but it is as I said. Why am I explaining myself to you anyway, my personal life isn't any of your business."

Moka rolled her eyes looking away from him for a couple seconds before looking back, "What about me? I want you to answer truthfully. Am I just a friend, or is there something more? I asked before but you didn't answer."

"You a…"

Ichigo froze as Moka ran a hand over his right leg grinning seductively! He had no idea what to make of it assuming she had to be messing with his head as she had so often did since awakening from her sealed form. If it meant tasting his blood she'd go to extreme lengths to do so. Before he knew it she was in his lap, arms wrapped around his neck gazing into her blood red eyes. It was like staring into the eyes of a snake just before it struck. What happened next he didn't know was real or a dream. It was not what he expected and instead of his neck it was her lips she pressed against his own. Ichigo with no idea what he should do found himself kissing her back. The kiss deepened, during which Moka's tongue journeyed into his mouth! He didn't know what to think but knew things couldn't go any further.

"What the hell, you just kissed me and stuck your tongue in my mouth! You stuck your tongue in my mouth!" Ichigo shouted.

"Ssshhhh, keep it down you will wake Kurumu-chan." Moka placed a finger over his lips, "This little incident stays between us. Speak a word of it and you won't live to see another day."

"But why?! Why did you kiss me?"

"Stop acting like you didn't like it, I know we both feel the same way. With me it's complicated though, especially with Tsukune in the fray. My feelings toward him are similar to those I have for you if that makes sense."

"Why are you telling me this, and I never once said I viewed you as more than a friend."

"You're a bad liar Ichigo, either that or you're choosing to ignore your feelings," Moka pushed away from him getting out of the bed, "Remember this remains our little secret. Good night, and sweet dreams." She shut the door on her way out.

Ichigo ran a hand over his face and didn't see how he'd possibly be able to sleep after that. No matter which way he looked at it he couldn't believe what just happened, and could only imagine how things would be between them after the encounter. He fell back laying his head over the pillow, "What the hell just happened…"

To Be Continued