CH24-Kari
My hearing blocked by the cries of the Hollows I growl at how vulnerable I am. Unsuspectingly they stop and I warily raise my head. Gasping I jump up onto my feet and turn in a circle. How did they sneak up on me? Hollows line the meadow, all glaring at me hungrily. "And we meet again, Kari." Spinning around I unwaveringly face the terrifyingly familiar voice. "You again? You just keep showing up like an annoying fly." I glare at him as a creepy smile spreads across his face. "I'm so glad that you remember me."
"I'm afraid you aren't associated with good memories Ichimaru." I judge his stance and whether or not I have time to ditch my body, but the Hollows will probably tear it up. "Ah yes, our little disagreement in that clearing," Shaking his head he shrugs his shoulders, "Oh well." Lifting his sword it flies at me. Crap this attack again. I can't dodge it, not in my body anyways. Watching it I don't let fear show on my face as it comes at me. Putting my arms in front of me I prepare to prevent serious injuries to myself when something blocks my view.
The blade sticks out of someone's chest and when Ichimaru draws back the blade the person crumples to ground. "Toushirou!" I lean forward and catch him just before he hits the ground but look up and find him standing over me. Gently setting down his Giaga I look up and find him unharmed. A sigh of relief escapes my throat but to soon. The Hollows crazily advance towards him. In one movement I leave my body, draw my Zanpakto and face the Hollows. Out of nowhere Renji and Ichigo jump into the middle of the Hollows and take all of their attention. Why do they always have to end up saving me? Sighing I move next to Toushirou who pushes me behind him.
Shocked I stare at his back as he takes a protective stance in front of me. What does he think he is doing? Chuckling draws my attention to the other side of the clearing, "Better listen to your babysitter Kari. Wouldn't want you getting killed now would we?" My anger rises at his comment and I tighten my grip on Niricame. Sensing my emotions the ribbon on the hilt ignites and wraps around my hand forming a fingerless glove. I feel the flames on my skin but it doesn't burn me.
Trying the same move again I easily track it despite its speed. The second my thought reaches her she responds. Leaping from the sword she runs at blade, turning at the last second to face the side she jumps at it and closes her jaws around it. Struggling a little against his spiritual power she has difficulty bringing it down. Increasing my spiritual pressure she stops it and slams it into the ground. Toushirou gazes at me and I almost start laughing at the shock and curiosity written on his face. "I've been practicing." I shrug and send a smug look in Ichimaru's direction.
"My my, it seems that you have gotten stronger." His Zanpakto returns to normal size but teeth and burn marks are visible at the tip. "Niri-" I begin to call out an attack when she turns and stalks towards Ichimaru. "Huh?"
"Kari please control your Zanpakto." I look at Toushirou who is glaring at me. "I try I really do, but she is a lot like your lieutenant who has yet to finish that paperwork." Shaking his head he looks away. Still advancing on him she bares her teeth and growls but Ichimaru just stands there. "Your sword is going to get killed."
"Finished already?" I glance at them as they stand by me, still behind Toushirou. "Ya it was easy. But anyways are you going to do something?"
"She won't die she will just return to the sword till her power restores. But if that does happen two things will result from it. Either I will lose the connection to her spiritual power or it will combine with mine which might make me pass out." I state matter-of-fact and return to watching Niricame. "Has this happened before?" All three of them say at once and look down on me. Reflexively my shoulders sag under their gaze and I shuffle my feet uncomfortably, "Not with an ex-captain but often enough with Hollows." Again they roll their eyes together and face the enemy. Niricame still advancing and I can only hope that she doesn't burn down the forest.
Ichimaru turns to leave and uses a flash step but she is a step ahead of him. A wall of fire shoots out of the ground just barely missing him. Falling back into his original spot I know what he is doing. "Renji, Ichigo, as soon as the fire dies she can't put another one up. He will make a run for it then and you will have to go after him." They nod in agreement ready for the chase.
Niricame leaps for his throat and the fire dies. Spinning he turns and runs with Niricame, Renji, and Ichigo close behind. "Great, she's gone." I wave my hand towards where she disappeared in the brush. "Oh well at least this time I wasn't late." I roll my eyes and nudge his giaga with my toe. "You better get back in before it loses anymore blood."
"Then what, you're going to carry me?" He steps close to me and I look up into his eyes. "Or drag you. Either way we need to get back to the Soul Society." Both of us jump into our giaga and I carefully place his good arm over my shoulder and lift him up. Wrapping one arm around his waist I manage to support him. Guiding him gently I feel guilt at forcing him to enter that body but we don't have any other choice. "Now isn't this touching?" Fear roots me in place, not for myself but for Toushirou. Without any hesitation I push out and my body goes limp, dragging Toushirou down with it. Wincing I whisper a sorry but turn to defend us, and maybe to end this for good."