Ultrabross's Vision
CHP48: Inside Headquarters
As ordered, Feyaglia led Batman to one of the cells seizing his belt locking the door on the way out. On her way down the hall spun and fiddled with the belt before gaining interest and curiosity. She looked in different directions confirming no one around before attempting to open a single pouch. It turned out more difficult than one might think and as she pulled harder and harder received an electric shock. In a silent scream lost hold of the belt ending up over the concrete surface. She waited seconds before picking it up and continuing down the hall.
"Hhhm it's nothing special anyway."
She lost fascination for what might be inside taking it to the nearest storage facility. On her way out was greeted by some of the security guarding the specific area. Word of her latest mission spread fast and were the first to congratulate her for a successful finish. Nearly five minutes of being laid out Gin's eyes shot open having no recollection of what happened. It took several seconds before memory of the battle came back. As he pushed up settling over his knees became aware of the steel constraints around his ankles and wrists. After that the memories of what happened slowly came back to him.
He couldn't recall much of what happened in the last couple seconds leading to him blacking out. Whatever the case was obvious he and Batman weren't on the winning side of things; the surrounding all but confirmed that. That in mind wondered what became of the masked vigilante. It was likely he was locked up elsewhere in a room similar to his. Gin couldn't even begin to think up how he might escape but whatever it was needed to happen soon. The longer he stayed was unsure how long they'd keep him alive. The cell in particular had no windows and covered by what he assumed to be steel walls.
Within an opposite cell block the silver haired vampire paced back and forth. No matter how much she tried telling herself everything would turn out fine had a difficult time believing it, only time would tell but things seemed only to be getting worse. What bothered her more than anything was Tsukune's well being and not knowing what became of Ichigo. The Arrancar returned alone with no mention of Kurosaki. It was obvious the bleach colored enemy got the best of him, but if he was alive or dead was the real question. All those thoughts circulating through her mind brought about unbearable intensity. The instant she was placed inside the cell was unable to sit, never really considering the idea.
During deep thought eyes fell upon the Rosario inside her shirt. She had been awaken and on the outside for longer than she would have imagined. And even as she considered possibly reconnecting it felt the time wasn't right. They were in enemy territory and at any time a battle could ensue and or an opportunity for escape, both she excelled in over Omote. Everyone separated from each other worsened the situation and still was unsure of Gin's status. She and her friends had already endured crazy experiences but nothing quite like what they went through now. Moka was startled by the entrance door flying open.
"Tsukune!" She shouted.
He was tossed to the ground, Morrigan entering behind him closing the door as she did. Moka and Tsukune immediately ran toward each other embracing in an extended hug. Moka even felt tears begin to form in her eyes doing what she could to hold them back. He was equally as happy to see her and after a couple seconds more holding each other stepped back.
"I'm so sorry you ended up in this place Moka-san. I promise we'll get out of this somehow…where are the others?"
"They're all in this world and doing fine, well at least from the time I separated from them. Believe it or not Ruby-san, Mizore-chan , Haiji senpai, Yukari-chan and Akua-neesan all turned up here sent by the head master. Gin-senpai is the only one I'm unsure about. You and I are the only ones they've taken as prisoners far as I know." Moka said.
"What about Ichigo, what happened to him?"
Tsukune had seen a little of what the death god was capable of having somewhat a hard time picturing how Moka was captured if present.
"I, I'm really not sure," Moka's head lowered and looked to the ground as she did. For a couple moments was speechless, "She arrived with another during which he and Ichigo took off to fight elsewhere. When her partner returned Ichigo did not…whether he's dead or alive I don't know. Other than that everyone else was fine and fought their hardest to keep them from taking me but in the end wasn't going to be enough. I gave myself up to spare them any further pain."
Hearing that sent a strike of electricity up his spine, knowing that if someone was powerful enough to defeat Ichigo didn't like their chances of escape. Moka however did specify she wasn't sure if he was alive or dead so was still room to be optimistic.
"Ok times up." Morrigan grabbed Tsukune by the shoulder marching them toward the exit.
"Wait I still have more to say to Moka-san!" He argued trying to wrestle away from the succubus.
"If you weren't already aware I've already broken the rules by letting you two see each other. Another couple minutes and the guards in charge of these parts will back and I have no interest in trying to explain myself."
"Just a couple more minutes, that's all I ask." Tsukune said.
"Sorry no can do lover boy, if not for me you wouldn't have gotten to see her at all." She pulled at his arm forcing the door open with a keycard. Just as the door was about to close Moka called out to the succubi.
"Morrigan," She paused for an instant thinking about what she wanted to say, "Thank you."
The succubus froze for a second but said nothing closing the door behind them. Tsukune was defiant for the first couple steps as Morrigan forced him along. He was back inside his cell in no time left alone with his own thoughts as he had been since taken prisoner. Seeing Moka did brighten his spirit somewhat but would have been more thrilled had it not been under such circumstances. The rest of their friends would no doubt put together a rescue operation and only hoped they could pull off the impossible. It was also in that moment he thought about what Morrigan did. Bad as she might seem definitely had a good side.
Down a couple halls she found herself walking within a separate cell block. Like everyone, heard about Feyaglia and Qisk's successfully completed mission. If the second part of what she heard proved true the two captives they brought in would be held in the particular section. Being a succubus had its benefits and at that time worked perfectly sensing his specific spirit output. She used the top level security keycard entering one of the many cells. He faced her instantaneously as the door closed.
"You…" He uttered.
"So we meet again, somehow I knew it would be so. I'm sort of surprised Feyaglia and Qisk managed to make it back with you and wolf boy alive. I mean especially with Qisk assigned to that mission, that man can be pretty ruthless let me tell yah. And I've only been part of this firm a little over a dozen months." Morrigan went on.
"What do you want with me?"
"Why so solemn Batman, I thought you'd be happy to see me. If I were you would try and get accustomed to this place because you're going to be here for a while. It's unfortunate you got caught up in this all especially since you never were in Ultrabross's plans, but I'm sure you know that by now. It's funny how things work; your home world and city being chosen at random I mean."
"You still didn't answer my question." Batman glared.
She took another couple steps toward him exhibiting a menacing expression.
"I'd say you being here has proven a great treat even if unforeseen. And I look to take full advantage; I've done everything Ultrabross has asked of me and then some and deserve compensation. I knew I would have you the moment I set eyes on you back in Gotham."
"Then you thought wro…"
"Ssshhh there will be no more of that," She pressed a finger over his lips to keep him from finishing. Morrigan moved in closer bringing her lips inches of his in which extended a hand out at her waist, "Just shut up and kiss me and then everything will become clear." She leaned forward closing her eyes as she did.
"Computer systems and database where would it be from here, I know your boss didn't just come up with this plan over night."
The sound of his voice stopped the succubus in her tracks, annoyed as she watched him step off to her left.
"You're killing the mood." She rolled her eyes.
"Answer the question!"
"Why does it matter, it's not like you have any chance of breaking out of this place. Still if it makes you happy has all that information stored near the maintenance center and is heavily guarded. Even if you did somehow break free of this cell, which you won't would never get passed the guards monitoring dock B Eleven. Anyway enough about that, where were we." She grinned seductively.
Before she could make a move the front entrance to the cell opened, Morrigan biting down over her tongue. Ultrabross stood in the doorway alongside two guards.
"Aensland I don't recall ordering you to accompany this prisoner or any other so may I kindly ask what you're doing here?"
A look of guilt crept onto her expression as she slowly stepped away from Batman and toward the exit, "Sorry my lord, it won't happen again." Morrigan bowed before taking off passed him.
Ultrabross stared her down as she did, wondering just what she was up to. If there was any of his subordinates he lacked trust in it was her. His plans however were close to completion and at that point wasn't much that could stop it. In the following seconds instructed his men wait outside which they did closing the door on their way out. His appearance standing at 6'1, short spiky dark green hair and silver colored eyes coupled with boyish looks proved again appearance alone wasn't enough to tell a person's character.
"Alone at last caped crusader, I have questions for you and expect answers. First off I don't know how you were capable of spotting the hollows and even you probably have no idea. That however isn't what I'm interested in; I want to know the secret behind how you managed to wipe out the couple that you did. How did you accomplish the feat, tell me Dark Knight?"
The next few seconds shifted to a stare down. A snicker eventually escaped the king's lips, "Is this really the route you want to go, you should keep in mind I hold the fate of your life in my hands. If you're unwilling to cooperate I cannot guarantee your longevity, however if you do would be willing to send you back home in a heartbeat. Not that it really matters I just find it fascinating someone of your abilities could achieve something like that. It's especially intriguing you had no prior knowledge or encounters with the beasts."
"What's to say you won't kill me regardless if I talk or not. I've dealt with people like you in the past and one thing I learned is negotiating is fruitless. Killing me would be much simpler and logical for people like you then wasting the time and effort of sending me back." Batman said.
"Quite knowledgeable and experienced I see, but I can assure you I'm a man of my word. Collaborate and you're good as freed, I'll even have one of my best underlings escort you back to ensure safe travels."
"What's your end game? What do you have planned, I'm not convinced for a second you don't have something huge charted out."
"It's pretty simple Batman, what ruler wouldn't want to expand his throne and power. Soon galaxies will know my name and will be unmatched by any other; the ultimate power force if you will. It's simple really, anyone whose willing to live under my rule without fight is free to live on and those that aren't will be put out of their misery." Ultrabross said proudly.
"You're crazy as the rest that have shared the same dream. You lack the power for world domination, let alone galaxies. If for a second you think this prophecy of yours will be a reality you're sadly mistaking."
Ultrabross turned the opposite way before letting out his laughter. It was obvious where the caped crusader stood on the situation. And with that in mind was clear he wouldn't answer a thing Ultrabross wanted.
"Maybe not at the moment, but this power you believe I lack won't be for much longer. This conversation of ours is over for now, but when I or an assistant of mine returns you better be ready to talk. I'll give you a little time to think it over and make the right choice, because if not your existence in this world will no longer prolong."
Those were the King's last words as he exited through the door. The two guards standing outside followed him down the hall in route to his quarters. It was during that time they crossed paths with Morrigan; Ultrabross stopped dead in his tracks.
"Glad you didn't go far," He placed a hand over her shoulder, "You haven't exactly been one of my most reliable or trusted warriors but have completed every task assigned to you. I think I have a pretty good idea of what you were doing in his cell just moments ago, but that's not important. You're with your own agenda and can't be controlled fully I understood that much before I decided to bring you aboard."
"Is there a point to this?" Morrigan asked.
"Give it another hour or so and I'd like you to return to his cell. Do whatever it takes to get the information I seek out of him. He's not one to talk easily but you possess exactly what we need." Ultrabross grinned gazing over her body before his eyes ultimately fell upon her chest.
"What are you getting at?" She crossed her arms.
"Don't play dumb, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I want you to finish what you started right before I walked in on you…seduce Batman and force the information out of him. You're a succubus and it's your specialty, peek into his mind if you must. There is nothing a human male can do to combat against your abilities. Once you've done that kill him, I will have no further use for him after that."
Ultrabross and the two guards bypassed Morrigan making their way down the hall. She threw her hair back somewhat frowning, hating to be ordered around. At times questioned why she agreed to join his ranks in the first place. Still it got her away from her duties as ruler of Makai and out on an adventure. Just as his quarters came into view Ultrabros smirked, "Oh the time has come, I can feel it. Everything is just right for the transformation to begin, I had no idea it would be this soon." The king rubbed his hands together.
"Transformation…what do you mean by that sir?"
"Order the warriors guarding the borders of this fortress to lower the barriers." Ultrbross commanded.
"But sir are you po…"
"Of course I'm positive do not question a direct order. The next phase of my plan is ready to go underway."
"As you wish Ubross-sama."
Both bowed before heading in different directions to alert the different generals in control of the barriers around the castle. Ultrabross knew exactly what it meant when the barriers fell, and was almost certain the shinigami would sense the presence of his friends and be on the way in no time. Just the thought of it got him all excited, anxious for his plans to progress further.
XXX
Ichigo, Ruby and the others waited around as eventually one after another those that had been knocked unconscious rose. Even then had no idea where they'd go from there. He hadn't the slightest clue where they took off with Moka, and didn't help in the least he was blacked out in the duration of that time. No matter how much he tried thinking something up led to a dead end. The situation was bothersome whichever way he looked at it.
"So it happened like that, Moka-chan just gave herself up without a fight! Gee I know she wanted to protect everyone but that's just crazy, there's no telling what might happen to her now."Haiji punched at the dirt.
"That may be true but getting angry about it won't help the situation. It was obvious the combined power of those two was above and beyond what we could handle and Moka-chan knew it. We should know better than to question her decision and instead be thinking how we're to get her and Tsukune back." Kurumu said.
"That's nice and said but can't forget we haven't a clue where to begin looking for them. Even the…" Ruby stopped in mid sentence as something beeped in her pocket. She pulled it out and to her surprise the small device given to them by the head master was active.
Shortly after Morrigan and Ulquiorra took off with Moka Ruby turned to the small item and for a little while had a signal before eventually disappearing. But to their luck was up and running again and not only that but Ichigo was also able to pick up the direction of Moka's reiryoku!
"Great news everyone, I don't know how or why but this thing seems to be operational again! We better hurry before it decides to revert back to its prior function!"
The energy and excitement was felt throughout, everyone gathering around Ruby except Akua and Ichigo. Seeing it for themselves was re assuring and went without saying as they began their journey using the small item as a guide. They had no idea the path would lead them miles through forest and mountains. The only thing left between them and Moka was a large castle sure to be packed with security.
"Question is how we go about sneaking in? I doubt they'd welcome us through the front door." Mizore said.
"There's got to be dozens of ways in, just look at the size of that place. We'll find a way in no problem, but before we do should discuss how we're going to do things from here." Ruby added.
"What do you mean by that?" Yukari asked.
"It might suffice if we split into two groups, we'd be able to cover more ground that way. Only downside is we'd lose strength in numbers." Ruby replied.
Ichigo took four steps popping the mod soul pill into his mouth separating from his body.
"Kon I want you to stay here and look after my body. The trees, bushes and boulders will keep you hidden. In the meantime the rest of us will do what we can to retrieve Tsukune and Moka quick as possible and get the hell outta here. If we're lucky Gin will be in there as well. And I say we enter together as a group. The last thing we need is more of us being taken prisoner." Ichigo said.
"I was thinking the same thing." Haiji cracked his knuckles.
"Well then if we're done talking let's get moving." Akua marched passed everyone.
"Hold on we haven't even come to a conclusion as to where we will enter yet." Yukari blurted.
"And you think standing here and talking about it is going to get us any closer to nee-chan. Time for talk is over we must step into action." Akua took off without looking back.
There wasn't time to talk it over so Ichigo and company followed after Akua before she could get far. Ichi/Kon did exactly as asked staying put and only hoped they'd be back soon in one piece. They kept a distance from the fortress as they circled around, spotting an ideal entrance. Ichigo led the way and amazingly the door was left unlocked which worried the death god somewhat. With that in mind kept a close lookout and fully on guard.
"Ruby, which way?" Ichigo asked, letting her step ahead.
"We've got ground to cover, but she's definitely somewhere that way." Ruby pointed to a flight of stairs to their left.
To Be Continued