Ultrabross's Vision
CHP56: Outmatched
The selected group of minions re appeared, but none familiar with the surroundings. That however was no surprise given it was their first setting foot in town. Based on inspection appeared mid-day, a slight time deferential to the previous location. Each gazed around considering where they should start, but in the end didn't matter. The objective was drawing out whoever the Gotei Thirteen stationed in town.
"Well would you look at this," Sister Day revolved around, everyone else doing the same, "It's the karate fighter from earlier in our quarters Brother Night."
"Right you are Sister Day but am oblivious to the others." Brother Night added.
Morrigan took a couple steps positioning in front of the group. Her usual confident grin taking shape over her lips.
"Haiji Miyamoto, Batman and the mod soul. Very nice of you to join us." The succubus said.
"Mod soul," Feyaglia moved up next to Morrigan looking directly at Ichi/Kon, "He...he looks just as Kurosaki! The hell's going on here?!"
"It's just as I said," Morrigan went on, "If you paid any attention to the overview concerning shinigami would know of their abilities to separate from bodies and or gigais. That there is in fact Ichigo's body but under the control of a modified soul. You've fought against Ichigo, and should have taken notice of this."
"So what's the plan...kill them?" Vixy Bloom inquired.
"Yes of course," Morrigan cracked her knuckles, "But leave them to me, these small fry are nothing. I'll catch up soon as I'm finished."
"Alright but make it quick," Feyaglia turned her back facing the opposite way, "We're on a timed schedule and would hate to disappoint the king."
The others were hesitant, particularly Brother Night and Sister Day. Both wanted to get even with Haiji from the earlier encounter. Even so put their vendetta aside following after Feyaglia toward the town. Morrigan stood her ground eying the three enemies before her.
"Well isn't this interesting. Don't know how you three managed to follow us through, but shall most certainly enjoy your demise. Pssshh you shouldn't have come here," Morrigan's gaze fell upon the Dark Knight, "You made a huge mistake. There's a reason I let you slip past me earlier, I like you. But I've got no choice but to kill you now, and I most certainly won't lose sleep over it."
"Enough of your banter!" Haiji stepped forward, "At the academy went by Nagirrom, which we know was a false identity. Why? Why go through all the trouble? More importantly I want the whole damn scoop! From Kurosaki and to whatever else, I know this whole thing isn't just about him!"
The succubus laughed running a finger over her lips.
"You aren't in a position to make demands and even if you were wouldn't talk. Even with your combined efforts, you three stand absolutely no chance against me. So question is, which of you would like to die first?" Morrigan threw her hair back.
Ichi/Kon ran a hand through his hair and even scratched at the side of his head.
"Well ah...I'd like to go last if at all possible."
He quickly positioned behind Haiji and Batman who paid him no attention. The action instigated additional laughter from the succubus.
"So what's the plan, attack her head on?" Haiji questioned in a whisper.
"Not smart. A direct attack isn't in our best interest." Batman replied.
Morrigan enjoyed the uneasiness in their eyes and overall postures. Haiji tightened his fists as she moved forward, and though Batman declared direct combat was bad appeared there were no other options. Just as he shoved a foot into the ground, a loud explosion in the distance caught his and everyone else's attention. Morrigan revolved around eying flames and smoke coming from town.
"Looks like the party is underway." She chuckled.
"Damn you all! You won't get away with this!"
Haiji charged forward punching at Morrigan with her back to him. At the last moment caught hold of his fist lifting him up and over her shoulder and planting him face first into the ground. She held onto his wrist forcing the heel of her shoe into his neck.
"You should know better than to attack your superior. I was your sensei once Miyamoto, and if you expect to pass my class with flying colors should retain from violence." She grinned.
"Huh, making jokes at a time like now, huh...real cute."
Haiji powered out of her grasp and too Morrigan's surprise transformed. She dropped back putting distance between them. For several moments didn't move and instead looked the karate club master up and down from head to toe. She giggled removing a strand of hair from her face.
"Well, now isn't this interesting. So what the hell are you, a falcon? Forgive me for not studying up on lesser more insignificant beings."
"You calling me insignificant," Haiji tightened his fists, "Great, so you know how to push a guy's buttons. Oh how I'm gonna enjoy knocking that smug look off your face, nothing will be more satisfying than that. And after I'm done knocking you around and left in a bloody mess your friends are next."
Morrigan applauded throwing her hair back.
"Oh yes! Please talk dirty to me, I love it!"
Haiji shoved one foot into the turf taking off at the succubus. Ichi/Kon and Batman observed from the side, but cries and screams from the nearby town captivated the Dark Knight's attention. He had once again found himself in unfamiliar territory and to that point hadn't confirmed if he was back in his world or not. With how things went was highly doubtful. Both he and Ichi/Kon watched as Haiji tackled Morrigan to the ground, the karate master gazing over his shoulder.
"What are you two doing standing around?! Go after the others, I can handle her. We'll let the chips fall wherever and evaluate the situation afterward." Haiji expressed.
Morrigan threw her legs forward forcing Haiji off her.
"Overconfident little pest! As if you could take me all by yourself!"
"Watch me." Haiji jumped into a fighting stance.
Batman didn't believe Haiji could defeat her on his own, but had no intent going against his wishes either. It wasn't Gotham, but innocents were in danger so felt the need to act. Just as he took off toward town, his path was blocked.
"And just where do you think you're going? I promised I'd take care of you all and ta..."
Morrigan was cut off as Haiji threw out his right arm, releasing what looked to be air pressure! The attack sent the succubus tumbling over the ground.
"You aren't one for listening are you, I said your fight was with me." Haiji glared down on her.
Taking off the other way, Batman took advantage of the opportunity and Ichi/Kon followed. Morrigan glared as they took off but made no effort to follow. She instead focused her attention on Haiji.
"You will die now, and once I'm done here they will be next. What do you think of that?"
"Overconfidence will be your downfall. Only one of us will die and guarantee it won't be me. But talk is cheap, we'll see just whose the last one standing when set and done."
The succubus grinned, feeling similarly to her foe. No less than half a mile away a woman stepped out of a bakery. She carried a bag of freshly baked bread, a hand over her heart. Just as several others took notice of the destructive sounds and additional smoke in debris throughout the air. She bit back with a singular thought coming to mind.
"Could it be...Kurosaki-kun!"
The thought excited her, and even if a dangerous situation had to see him. It had been quite some time since out of town on a secret mission. She took off in the direction of where the commotion seemed to originate. Her heart raced faster than it had in recent memory. Details of his mission were kept to a minimum and heard little from anyone. Back the other way Ichi/Kon and Batman caught sight of the group. They were outnumbered and a direct attack wasn't ideal. Even so had to do something about their attack on townspeople.
"What's the plan?" Ichi/Kon looked to the Dark Knight.
"Don't have one, I'll figure it as we go." Batman replied.
He had one idea in mind, that being to lead them away from town. That was however easier said than done. Instead was left with one option and perhaps during the encounter might find an opening. He aimed for the one closes, chucking a single explosive! The projectile connected with Qisk and was blown off his feet into the air. He tumbled several times before coming to an eventual stop on his side.
"Look at this, it appears two of those twerps escaped Morrigan." Jascar looked to the two.
Qisk pushed up spitting at the ground in absolute disgust, his glare falling on the two.
"Think you might have pissed that guy off." Ichi/Kon looked to Batman.
It might not have shown on his face but clear through his tone was nervous. One out of the group stepped forward positioning in front of the two. She stood at 5'5, short blond hair, brown eyes, green high knee boots, light blue skirt and tank top with a dark green jacket to top it off. The jacket was left unzipped looking back and forth at the enemies.
"Leave these two to me."
"Stand aside Jascar! It is I they directed their attack, so if anyone will take care of em, it'll be me!" Qisk argued.
She glared at him rolling her eyes, but never altering her stance or position. Qish snarled tightening his fists and as he took one step Feyaglia's hand touched down over his shoulder. She shook her head and though wanted to jump in knew better. When Jascar had her mind set on something wasn't a good idea to try and get in her way.
"Enemies of Ultrabross will not be tolerated and neither will setbacks." Jascar implied.
"What's your objective here?" Batman questioned.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Feyaglia took a step forward throwing her hair back, "Better question is how you were able to successfully escape one of Ultra-sama's cells. You're the first to accomplish such a feat. But of course we don't expect an explanation. Truth is master had no intention of keeping you alive."
Batman didn't reply but the reveal came as surprise. He'd dealt with dozens like Ultrabross and none were negotiable. The youngest of the group positioned beside Jascar pulling at her skirt.
"What is it Vixy?" Her tone revealing annoyance.
"I wanna have some fun! Let me put them through one of my mazes and see how long they survive. It'll be so amusing seeing them run around like little mice trying to avoid their ultimate fate!"
"Tempting, but no."
Without hesitation Jascar shoved one foot into the ground blitzing. She collided head first with Ichi/Kon, spinning and kicking Batman. Both tumbled and rolled coming to a stop yards away. Batman looked up and taken off guard as a boot to the face sent him soaring several feet. Jascar appeared over the top of him airborne, planting him into the sidewalk with a knee to the chest. Her gaze quickly fell on Ichi/Kon who had barely just started standing.
As with the dark knight was stunned by her sheer speed and quickness. Before he could react was lifted off the ground by the throat. She kneed him in the stomaching before tossing him several feet into the air. She blitzed upward and with the heel of her foot planted him into the ground. Ichi/Kon pushed off the ground, Jascar taking notice. She opened her mouth, firing off a purple energy wave! The blast connected with Ichi/Kon mid-way through the air. He took the attack head on dropping to the ground with minimal movement.
She gazed back and forth between them, a chuckle escaping her lips. Batman had barely just pushed up, Ichi/Kon positioning on his hands and knees.
"You can't be serious," Jascar laughed throwing her head back, "These two are pathetic, but I guess it's too be expected. The real challenge won't come until after the shinigami's arrive I suppose. I was at least hoping for a warm up, but this is highly disappointing."
Ichi/Kon pushed up standing, grinning at the strength Ichigo's human body had grown over time. Batman did the same a couple yards from him. It quickly became apparent it wasn't a battle they could win, much too Batman's dismay. They were already struggling with just one and unknown how much strength each possessed individually.
"How about a truce?" Ichi/Kon inquired.
The suggestion brought about laughter throughout the entire group. Ichi/Kon tightened his fists taking a step back.
"Or not." He whispered.
The situation didn't look good for either but refused to throw in the towel and give up. It was in that moment questioned Batman's decision to go after the group. Even as they stood, more and more civilians took off retreating from the area.
"Psshh, that's what we should be doing." Ichi/Kon thought silently.
A handful of buildings in the area were on fire and would spread if not attended to.
"Well then," Jascar marched forward, Batman and Ici/Kon dropping back in defensive stances, "There's no point in letting this linger, wouldn't you agree? Victory is already ours and won't waste time on ants. Any last words?"
For several moments neither spoke until Ichi/Kon eventually looked to the caped crusader.
"If you've got something up your sleeve, now's the time to do it."
Batman didn't reply and gave no eye contact, instead glaring at Jascar.
"Retreat." Batman murmured.
"What?!" Ichi/Kon replied.
Without warning Batman threw down a collection of smoke bombs, the atmosphere quickly clouding up. Ichi/Kon had no idea where to turn and run, the smoke hindering his vision much as it did the enemy. He made the logical choice running in the direction opposite the enemy. Unfortunately he only took a couple steps before grabbed by the throat. He tried fighting out of it but slammed to the ground. Batman suffered a similar fate, pulled by the cape and taken down. When the smoke cleared Jascar stood atop the dark knight, one boot forcefully positioned over his chest.
"Now, now that wasn't smart at all. Did you really think such a pathetic tactic would succeed?"
She applied additional pressure causing him to grunt, and grinned as a result. Ichi/Kon situated on a knee just yards away spitting blood.
"Enough messing around, need I remind you we have a schedule to keep. Kill them both now or I do it for you!" Qisk glared.
Jascar rolled her eyes gazing back at her teammate. He annoyed her but even so, knew what he said was true. Ultrabross was undoubtedly watching from afar and wouldn't be pleased with delays. Batman took advantage seeing as her eyes were off him. He pulled a small gadget from his belt and exploded on impact with her face! The liquid like substance burned her eyes and fell back rubbing at them, Batman rolling over and jumping to his feet. He unleashed two additional explosives tossing them directly at the enemy.
The impact of the explosion dropped her to the ground, but didn't stay down long. She cursed under her breath pushing up and blitzing forward. With an elbow to the chest sent Batman soaring into Ichi/Kon, both tumbling over one another.
"Enough of this!" She hissed opening her mouth.
Batman immediately jumped out of the way anticipating what was to come. As expected an energy blast dislodged, but one with much more force and power than the one previous. Ichi/Kon realized at the last second, but by then too late. The blast connected head on, the force sending the caped crusader into the air. Jascar's vision slowly grew clearer as the attack concluded.
"One down, one to go."
The moment of victory was short lived however.
"Oh my..." Sister Day positioned a finger over her lips.
The entire group was stunned! A golden triangular shield had appeared around Ichi/Kon and protected him from the attack. Based on previous research Ichigo didn't possess such an ability far as their knowledge.
"What the hell's going on?" Qisk raised an eye brow.
Ichi/Kon was equally as surprised, but that confusion soon disappeared. He felt tears surface in his eyes, it had been so long since he'd seen her! Feyaglia took notice of this, gazing over her shoulder spotting a young woman at 5'2, long orange hair and wore a sky blue t-shirt, brown boots and purple skirt. Strangely her hands were positioned out in front of her.
"You there," Feyaglia went on repositioning, "Who are you?"
The individual in question looked at Feyaglia directly, and almost certain was an enemy. That in mind stayed silent after thinking it over. Feyaglia chuckled advancing toward the woman.
"Orihime get outta here!" Ichi/Kon shouted.
She bit at her lower lip, but didn't budge. Feyaglia grinned taking another couple steps toward the woman.
"Orihime is it? Yes, you should listen to your friend and get lost or suffer the same fate. You're not an interest of ours but if you insist on interrupting will be dealt with accordingly. This is your first and only warning girl!"
Orihime ignored the enemy looking to Ichigo.
"Kurosaki-kun who are these people?!" She shouted across the way.
Ichi/Kon shook his head, contemplating how he'd explain the situation to her quickly as possible.
"I...I don't know what happened to Ichigo," Ichi/Kon paused for a moment lowering his head, "He went after them but never resurfaced. But I'm sure there's nothing to worry about, it is Ichigo after all."
She raised an eye brow puzzled and was so for several moments. But in a single instant understood.
"Kon! Kon is that you?!"
He simply nodded confirming what she already knew, the reveal causing her heart to drop. She hadn't seen Ichigo in months and had only spoken to him once since his mission kicked off. Even then wasn't given much info regarding the task. She was hesitant to lower the barrier and the idea taking off and leaving Kon never occurred to her. There were so many questions she had and hated being in the dark.
"Enough of this." Jascar turned to the intruder.
With her mouth open dispensed a blast, Orihime too slow to react. She was dropped to the ground as the blast collided with her chest. The force field immediately ceased as Orihime rolled over. The attack wasn't lethal, but experienced pain in her upper chest. Ichi/Kon immediately ran to her side, Jascar observing with annoyance.
"Orihime, are you ok?"
Ichi/Kon placed a hand over her left shoulder, helping her stand. The bag of freshly baked bread remained on the ground. Batman watched from afar gathering the woman was an ally to both Kon and Ichigo.
"How powerful are they," Orihime whispered looking to Kon, "Can we defeat them?"
"Don't know, I don't want to stay and find out. If Ichigo was here, yes but as is should probably retreat. These guys mean business."
Batman considered taking off but didn't feel the moment right so stood his ground. Not only that, but loathed the idea leaving Kon behind. Jascar removed a strand of hair from her face eying the two. She took a deep breath sucking in a tone of air dispersing yet another blast. It was clearly much larger and more powerful than the previous. Just as Orihime aimed to activate Santen Kesshun, someone appeared in front of both she and Ichi/Kon. The individual stopped the blast using one hand redirecting it upward into the sky.
Vixy Bloom stood wide eyed, others of the group just as astonished. Jascar hissed as she stared at the individual directly and after a few moments chuckled. It wasn't long before others of the unit caught on realizing who stood before them. His hair was messy and light-blond with strands framing the sides of his face and hanging between his eyes. He wore a dark coat, with a white diamond pattern along its bottom half, with a dark green shirt and pants underneath. To top it off was the brown wooden sandals and a striped dark green and white bucket hat.
"Great for you to join us Urahara Kisuke...maybe now things will get interesting." Jascar grinned.
To Be Continue