Ultrabross's Vision
CHP40: Undercover
Together they walked arriving into town in which the sign miles back directed them. However what was left of it was hard to call a village or city, the area had been completely devastated. Flames and debris surrounded much of the space in front of their eyes. As they walked further and through the demolished area what looked to be bodies came into view under the ruble. Whatever happened there didn't take place long ago, the flames still burning bright. The circumstances didn't seem to be getting any better and the chance to at least discover where they were essentially went up in flames.
The moment they emerged from the lake separated from Tsukune, Gin since never picked up his scent. Besides his current situation the werewolf wondered how Moka, Kurumu and Ichigo were doing. He held faith they were out of Gotham and found a way back to the youkai realm. With Ichigo there it was likely, especially since he was the one that opened the vortex bypassing the academy's barriers in the first place. If so that left only him and Tsukune and the issue was first finding Tsukune and then a way out of wherever they were. Similarities were shared between the current location and the human world Gin had been accustomed to, but just as many differences.
A thunderous sound struck no more than five hundred yards from their position and had to have come from over the other side of the steep hillside not far from where they stood, "Whatever happened here appears to have prolonged out that way. We might be disembarking on a battle." Batman said.
"Maybe but I think it's worth checking out. We've made no progress in the hours we've been here, and I still have no sense of which way that woman took Tsukune. Possibly if we talk around someone might have a map out of this place and we get lucky and someone knows the woman that took off with Tsukune and can point us in her direction with a good description."
"The chance of that happening would be one out of a thousand; very unlikely she's known to the public. We can head that way but before we do let's be clear on one thing, we're not to involve ourselves for any reason. Whatever the conflict or problem has nothing to do with us, our goal is your friend and finding a way out of this world."
"Wouldn't have it any other way let's do this." Gin cracked his knuckles.
Together they walked the long distance and turned out just as both had predicted. Groups of individuals engaged one another with explosives and other weapons. One after another they fell, some continuing to fight even when they could barely move. Gin scratched at the side of his head, "This is madness, what in the world could have them…never mind it could be just about anything. I guess calling for a timeout and asking for directions is out of the question."
Batman had no idea what their next move should be but it was apparent hanging around the battleground wasn't an option.
"You two over there! Pro KH or against answer now and do it fast!" Someone appeared from behind them.
Gin and Batman immediately turned around facing the unknown individual. He carried a foreign weapon neither had ever set eyes on, "What if we picked option C, neither?" Gin smiled.
"Wrong answer!" The person raised his weapon.
Just as it appeared he was going to fire, a blade ripped through his chest dropping the weapon as blood splattered everywhere, Gin and Batman jumping back so not to get caught in it. Both realized the weapon was part of what looked to be her wings, the familiar foe hovering overhead. She forced the extended area of her left wing out of the victim returning it to its usual size.
"Well well look what we have here Feyaglia was wrong in claiming you two as dead. It's crazy isn't it, I left the fortress for a little fresh air and what do you know I pick up two recognizable energy signatures. Memorizing soul energy is a specialty of mine, just as any other succubi." She smirked.
"Morrigan! Wait what the hell are you doing here, we left you back in Gotham what happened to Kurumu, Moka and Ichigo?" Gin questioned.
"And you expect me to answer that? Last I checked you're enemies of mine." Morrigan fiddled with her fingers.
"What about Tsukune, obviously you've seen and spoken with Feyaglia who took off with him. You can at least tell us if he's ok or not! Why did she take him in the first place, what do you people want with him?"
"Leverage or convincing for the soon to be queen. Your little friend is just an insignificant piece to the bigger picture. Once his value runs its course well…" She situated a finger over her lips.
Gin took another couple steps fists still clutched, "Leverage for the queen? Sorry I don't follow, and the bit about his value running out well that won't happen. You're gonna tell us where he is or so help me you will end up head first in the dirt."
The individual lied out on the ground coughed blood attempting to stand. Morrigan glared marching forward stomping her boot over the side of his head into the ground, "I don't recall ever asking you to move, now be a good boy and die already." She applied pressure shoving his head further into the surface.
"That's enough he's defenseless." Batman exclaimed.
Both Morrigan and Gin looked his way displaying similar expressions.
"This man was ready to kill you both moments ago and now you're defending him." She pushed down further.
"I said enough!"
Batman was certainly one of the more irregular persons she'd come across, but did as he asked removing her foot from the resident's head.
"Why get all worked up, this man is good as dead anyway. I simply would have put him out of his misery sooner." Morrigan declared.
"Back to the topic at hand, take us to this stronghold of yours. Either that or return Tsukune to us and avoid a fight. If you refuse to comply then we'll have no choice but to beat you into submission. I don't like harming beautiful ladies like yourself, not to mention you were my art instructor for some weeks."
"Well then come and show me what you've got."
"Fine have it your way but you can't say I didn't warn you." Gin shoved one foot into the ground ready to charge her, Batman getting in his way.
"Hold on," The Dark Knight extended an arm stopping Gin from making another move, "I am neither your enemy nor ally. Those beasts that appeared in Gotham which Ichigo later identified to me as hollows. If not for them I wouldn't be mixed up in this."
"Your point?" Morrigan asked with crossed arms.
"It's the same thing I mentioned to you back in Gotham. I have no query with you or your establishment. Long as your activities stay out of my city and world I will not pursue you or your associates. That said I know you and your friend possess the ability to jump dimensions."
"And are suggesting I send you back home?" Morrigan questioned.
"Yes." Batman answered.
Silence fell over them all and by then there was no further movement from the individual on the ground. Gin felt it was safe to assume he was already dead. Morrigan threw her hair back looking bats in the face, "You're very much a random factor, well that was until you successfully demolished the first of the hollows dispensed to Gotham. I cannot do such a thing until he has a word with you."
"Who is he?" Batman asked.
"Who the hell cares, forget trying to negotiate with her bat! This woman is a succubus, there's no talking through her." Gin zoomed past Batman.
He threw his arms around her waist trying to smash her into the ground, but quickly flapped her wings with Gin in her clutches, "Bad move wolf boy." She ascended higher and higher an idea coming to mind. A large boulder came into view, diving toward it from sixty feet high! She smashed Gin's body through the large rock shattering on impact. Just as swiftly had her eyes set on the caped crusader.
She darted his way taking to the air, Batman unleashing two separate batarangs with different functions. Talking things over would have sufficed far as he was concerned but didn't appear she was interested in doing so. As the gap closed between them he threw the first of his projectiles, which she dodged. He chucked the second an instant later, Morrigan catching it. The batarang immediately blew up in her grasp, in which she slowed up.
"Have you not paid any attention to my strength? What makes you think such items will harm me?" She again came at him but with increased speed.
As Morrigan closed in on him he flipped over kicking off her back, but she quickly spun around in mid air grabbing at his cape. From there she swung him around before eventually throwing him downward connecting with the grassy surface. Batman immediately tried going for another weapon but had the air knocked out of him as Morrigan kneed him in the stomach from above, propping herself atop him.
"Well that didn't last long did it? I could take you back to base now or even kill you but what purpose would that serve, especially when I could have a little fun with you before. But first things first, I've been interested since the moment I saw you in action; just what is behind that mask of yours." Morrigan smirked.
She situated her knees over his arms as he tried stopping her from advancing. No matter how hard he struggled it was no good, she was physically on a much higher level than himself. The bright electric shock from the mask didn't stop her from removing it fully. For the first couple moments she iced over but didn't know why, staring into his dark blue eyes, "Oh." Was the first and only thing that she spoke.
"So this is what you hide beneath that mask, wow never imagined you'd be this eye-catching. Now that we've gotten that ferment out of the way there's countless directions I could go next. How about I do you here and now, tell me what's better than making love on the border of a battleground?" She grinned seductively.
"You're mad, sick and twi…"
She quieted him with a finger to the lips, "Your opinion of me or what I do doesn't matter. When we succubi set our eyes on something we want, we get it. I told you that before didn't I, pssh of course. I don't know how you get in and out of this armor, but let's hope you have a zipper located somewhere in a particular if you know what I mean." She chuckled evilly.
Before Morrigan could make another move she was knocked off the Dark Knight several yards to the left colliding with a lone tree.
"You two were getting a bit too cozy, so don't mind me intervening." Gin stood over Batman, his eyes on Morrigan.
She pushed out of the tree having left behind a sizeable dent, "No need to get rough wolf boy, there's plenty of me to go around. Try not to be shy, if it's a threesome you wanted than by all means you should have just said so."
"Haha as if, wishful thinking. You're beautiful on the outside but that's where it ends and I will have no regrets beating you to a pulp. What do you say Batman," Gin's gaze fell upon the caped crusader, "What do you say we take her out tog…wait what the!"
The Werewolf jumped back with a clear visual of the unmasked vigilante. Batman instantly flipped to his feet pulling the mask back over his face, looking at Morrigan.
"So it's a first for you as well, yup your bat friend is quite something in the looks department much like yourself. I hate running out on guests but I should really get back and report this latest development." The succubus took to the air as Gin tried running after her.
"Where the hell do you think you're going, we aren't finished here yet?!" Gin shouted.
She glimpsed over her shoulder looking down at them both, "Oh don't worry, I will undoubtedly see you both again real soon count on it. Bye bye." She waved before ultimately disappearing through the clouds.
She traveled at a pace neither would be able to keep pace with. Gin felt if in full werewolf form would have no issue keeping up with her on foot, but doing that would mean leaving behind Batman. The last thing he wanted was separating from the only person he knew, even if it was barely.
"We will head the same way she flew, if we close in on this headquarters she spoke of there's a chance you could pick up her scent. It is crucial we get to them before they come to us with reinforcements." Batman said.
"Agreed." Gin replied.
As they walked down the set path Gin looked to the blue colored moon. If the time cycle was anything like the Youkai realm and human world daybreak would be no more than a couple hours.
XXX
It took nearly an hour for him to fall asleep after the occurrence but once he did slept soundlessly through the night. It wasn't until a loud thump out in the hall awoke him and even then was too exhausted to move or get out of bed so stayed still. His eyes remained open shortly before closing within the next seconds. Small amounts of light peered through a window in a far corner of the room but didn't bother him in the slightest. The front door to the room swung open.
"Rise and shine Ichigo time to get up!" Kurumu reached into the bed pulling at his shoulder.
He shrugged her off burying his face into the pillows, "Not now just a couple more minutes." Ichigo mumbled. Kurumu pulled the cover off his body but did nothing. He remained in the same position and didn't appear would move anytime soon.
"Come on you said it yourself we were in for a long one today, sleeping around isn't gonna get us any closer to finding Gin Senpai or Tsukune. It might not mean much to you but they mean the world to me and I refuse to rest until I know they're safe."
Ichigo raised his head from the pillow looking her in the face.
"You speak as if they've been captured when in reality that might not be the case. There's a possibility they're lurking around somewhere in a similar situation to ours. Feyaglia is tough but between Gin, Tsukune and Batman it wouldn't surprise me if they out muscled her."
"Assumptions without actual facts; until we know for sure we should assume the worst." Kurumu replied.
He fell back resting his head over the pillow, "If you want to think negative then go right ahead, but doing that won't help. I imagine this world would be comparable in size to my home world and if that's the case then we've got one hell of task on our hands. The least we can do is being fully rested and ready to tackle this task head on at one hundred percent."
"Says the guy who could care less about eit…"
"That's not true and you know it." Ichigo shot before she could finish.
Kurumu had nothing else to say so faced the exit, "Well whenever you're ready I prepared you some breakfast with Kuaiz's help."
"Kuaiz…who's that?"
"The owner of this place, the man that was so kind to let us stay the night. Oh yeah Moka is out there as well, so please do hurry." Kurumu stepped through the entryway out into the hall.
"Moka…" Ichigo murmured.
The events of the past night came back to him clear as daylight. The same question he asked himself before falling asleep again came to the forefront; how would things between them be? It was a long leap past the friend zone and only hoped they could continue the journey without discomfort. What was he even to say to her? Or maybe it was best they pretend none of it ever happened. Movement started up from some of the clothing at the bed's side, Kon popping out of a jacket pocket. He climbed into bed beside the death god.
"Details I want details, tell me what happened I must know!" The plush lion jumped up and down.
"Details of what, I don't know what you're talking about." Ichigo replied.
"Don't play dumb you know exactly what I refer to. Ichigo and Moka sittin in a tre…"
Ichigo punched Kon directly in the face sending him soaring off the bed into a nearby wall, "Obviously you probably heard all there was to hear and there's no point in me explaining it to you." Ichigo rubbed his hands together getting out of the bed and into his pants and the rest of his clothing. He sighed looking to the exit walking toward the door.
"Ichigo why must you be so mean?" Kon complained throwing his arms around Ichigo's ankle.
"Why are you such a nuisance?" Ichigo replied.
Kon punched at the lower section of Ichigo's legs but paid it no attention. Ichigo quickly made up the bed before exiting into the hall in which Kon again climbed up his leg and into one of the pockets. Down the hall and around the corner Ichigo entered into the kitchen and was greeted by Kuaiz and Kurumu.
"Your two friends here told me the three of you planned to leave here soon as you could. I don't know much about what you kids have been through in your travels, but I know a weary bunch when I see em. If you aren't yet ready to go please do feel free to rest here a couple more hours and regain your strength." Kuaiz smiled.
"Yeah sure." Ichigo replied.
He pointed Ichigo out in the direction of the table where Moka sat. Ichigo took a seat across from the vampire where the plate of food awaited him.
"Well I've got some things that require my attention but if you need me just holler, I won't be far." Kuaiz exited the kitchen leaving them.
Kurumu sat off to the side of Ichigo, "I vote leaving immediately just as soon as you're both finished eating. There is no need to hang around here longer than we already have." Kurumu said.
Ichigo and Moka shared a quick glimpse before Ichigo instantly looked away. He stared at the plate of food before again looking her way. Both tried speaking at the same time which brought about a chuckle from Moka prompting her to blush. Kurumu noticed the strange exchange looking back and forth between them, blinking a couple times, "Ok is there something I missed, what's going on with you two?"
"Nothing!" Both answered at once.
The immediate and seemingly rushed reply really got the succubus thinking, raising an eye brow.
"It's really nothing Kurumu-chan, Ichigo and I are just tired from the past several hours is all right Ichigo?" Moka looked his way.
"Yeah sure." He replied lifting his utensils off the table.
Kurumu again looked at them both and wasn't convinced. Something about them just seemed off but couldn't pin point what, "Uh huh, sure if you say so." She sat back resting one leg over the other.
Upstairs Kuaiz double checked making certain none of the three were around even though he knew they weren't. He entered a room down the hall closing and locking it, not a single window in the dark space. It was pitch black but not for long as a monitor started up brightening the quarter. Not long after a face appeared on screen.
"This better be good Kuaiz I've got a lot on the schedule, go ahead and speak."
"Oh don't worry this will be worth your while. A group of three turned up in town and bought into my tale, and even agreed to stay the night here. But more importantly I believe one if not two of them are of relevance to you. I could feel his unique spirit energy right away and was later confirmed by one of his lady friends to be Ichigo Kurosaki. The Death god shinigami you've had so much interest in."
"Excellent I knew I could count on you if they so happened to pass through your territory. Try and keep them there for long as you can but if they start becoming suspicious then let them go. Tracking them when the time is right will be no problem. Keep in contact and send updates if necessary."
"Yes of course, King Ultrabross."
To Be Continued