"The what?" Soi Fon asked confused.
"The Black Wrangler…oh come on you've heard of the Wrangler haven't you?!" Yoruichi asked curiously as Soi Fon blinked confused.
"I'm afraid I don't milady." Soi Fon replied as Yoruichi sweat dropped.
"Ah it doesn't matter my friend. What does matter is that I finally caught up with you and I think my quest is complete." The Wrangler said proudly.
"Really?! Do tell!" Yoruichi exclaimed as the hawk gave a smirk.
"Not yet, I would rather wait for young Ichigo Kurosaki to arrive first with his Quincy friend." The Wrangler said as it quickly landed on Soi Fon's shoulder and Yoruichi quickly leapt to the opposite shoulder.
"Hyah! Onwards and into the shop!" the Wrangler said as Soi Fon and Yoruichi glared at the hawk.
"That may have worked on me when we were children but don't do that to Soi Fon." Yoruichi said as the Hawk sweat dropped.
"Oh. My bad." The Hawk said with a blush before flapping off and landing onto the ground. The hawk then started to glow bright green. Soi Fon was stunned as she watched the hawk morph into a strikingly gorgeous woman with fair skin and raven black hair. She then started to glow blue and clothes appeared on her. She was back in the cowgirl attire she had confronted Ichigo with earlier only the sunglasses were sitting on the neck of her shirt collar and the bandana was down beneath her chin. Her eyes were a shining bronze.
"I see you've mastered the art of Gigai shaping." Yoruichi said as the Wrangler nodded and removed her hat.
"Yep. It's difficult and I only do it with clothing when I have sufficient strength. Otherwise I just skip the clothes like you do." The Wrangler said as Yoruichi leapt to her shoulder from the still stunned (and now disappointed) Soi Fon. However Soi Fon's disappointment was side tracked when she saw a semi-familiar symbol stitched into the back of the Wrangler's jean jacket.
It was very similar to the symbol of one of the 13 court guard squads but the symbol inside the diamond was completely alien to her.
"Fascinating. I knew it was difficult but the theory was always there." Yoruichi said as they headed into the shop.
"Well-well-well. What have we here? If it isn't the Wrangler herself." Urahara said as he saw them enter.
"Ah the boy wonder. It's been a while Kisuke." The Wrangler said as she kicked off her boots, revealing the white tabi socks underneath.
"It's certainly been a long time since I've been called the boy wonder. Come on in, make yourself at home." Kisuke said with a smile as he motioned around the room.
"Who is this woman Lady Yoruichi? And why does she have the symbol reminiscent of one of the thirteen court guard squads on her back?" Soi Fon asked curiously.
"She's clueless isn't she?" Kisuke asked with a chuckle.
"I'm used to it." The Wrangler said as she glared straight at Soi Fon.
"You can also drop the charade Captain Soi Fon…I'm well aware that you and Yoruichi were sent to see why I've suddenly reappeared and that you were playing dumb upon learning who I was." The Wrangler said as Soi Fon stood surprised.
"How did you know?" Soi Fon asked as she then glanced towards Yoruichi with a confused look.
"Ah but that would be telling. And you can count Yoruichi out of your list of suspects anyway. She didn't even know I was coming." The Wrangler said as Soi Fon crossed her arms.
"Then why are you here? General Yamamoto wants to know why you've suddenly reappeared after one hundred years." Soi Fon asked as the Wrangler chuckled.
"I'm saving that answer for later. But for now I need a nap. I literally flew here and my wings are tired." The Wrangler said as Urahara called for Uluru.
"Uluru would you please show this nice woman here to one of the back rooms and get her a blanket and some pillows?" Urahara asked as Uluru nodded and led the Wrangler out.
"So what are your orders Lady Yoruichi?" Soi Fon asked as Yoruichi pondered for a moment.
"We do nothing for now. Wrangler's always been a mystery when it comes to predicting her movements. You never know when or where she might show up." Yoruichi said as Soi Fon sighed.
It was going to be a while before she got any info from this mysterious former Soul Reaper.
Later…
"Man I can't believe it! Practically the whole day has been shot because of that stupid meeting!" Ichigo grumbled as he and Rukia walked back towards his house.
"Hey lighten up! That was nothing compared to the meetings I've had to attend. Captain Ukitake is usually sick so the third seats have to take over the meetings and they never stop bickering. It usually takes about thirty minutes to get through the roll." Rukia said as Ichigo grimaced.
"Now I hope the furthest I get when it comes to the Soul Reapers is Deputy Soul Reaper. I don't think I could stand the meetings…besides your brother hates me." Ichigo said as Rukia sighed.
"Byakuya acts the same way towards you that he does me…along with everyone else…so it's not hate." Rukia said.
"Whatever." Ichigo said as they rounded a corner and heard the distinguishable howl of a hollow. Ichigo quickly used his badge and headed off towards where the Hollow was, accidently leaving Rukia behind to hold his body.
"HEY! ICHIGO!" Rukia shouted angrily as Ichigo ran off towards where they heard the howl. Just as he rounded the corner to see a massive Hollow about to crush a confused little girl, but what made Ichigo's blood run hot was that it was no ordinary girl…it was Yuzu, his little sister.
"YUZU!!!" Ichigo shouted in horror as he raised Zangetsu and prepared to unleash his attack but suddenly he heard someone shout…
"Dekiagari-SHUI-KASAI!!!" (See A/N at the bottom)
As soon as he heard the words, a deafening boom was heard and a thin beam of pure white light pierced clean through the Hollow's mask, splitting the mask and the whole hollow into two.
Ichigo raced to the unconscious Yuzu but just as he finally reached her, he saw a familiar figure appear with a smoking Winchester Model 1866 shotgun with a sawed off barrel in one hand and her left hand ungloved while she knelt down over Yuzu.
"GET AWAY FROM HER!" Ichigo shouted but the Wrangler ignored him and held her hand over Yuzu's unconscious form. A glowing blue light appeared in her hand and Yuzu let out a soft moan.
The Wrangler stood up and put her glove back on. She then attached the shotgun to her back and flash stepped away, leaving Ichigo to care for his sister. Fortunately Rukia arrived with Ichigo's body soon after. He quickly reentered it and picked up his sister.
"Ichigo?" Yuzu asked softly before passing out again.
"Ichigo what happened?!" Rukia asked as Ichigo started looking around at the tops of the surrounding buildings as if looking for something.
"I think that Wrangler woman saved Yuzu's life." Ichigo said curiously as Rukia blinked.
"Are you sure?" Rukia asked as Ichigo nodded.
"Yeah. She saved Yuzu." Ichigo said as he looked down at his young sister unconscious in his arms.
"We better get her to your house so your dad can treat her." Rukia said as Ichigo nodded.
"Right let's hurry!" Ichigo said as they ran off towards Ichigo's house, unaware that they were being watched from the top of a nearby building.
A mysterious figure in pure white robes and holding a hollow like creature on a glowing blue leash made of spirit particles.
"Ah there it is. The one the master foresaw that will bring about our return to the world of the living. Soon our numbers will increase by the billions." The figure said with a chuckle.
Later…
Ichigo stood outside Yuzu & Karin's room, watching as his dad wrapped bandages around the poor girl's head. Karin was standing nearby along with Rukia.
"Why didn't I get there sooner? I should have done something more." Ichigo kept repeating over and over in his head. Finally he turned and headed down towards his room but paused half way. He stood there for a moment before punching a hole in the wall out of bottled up anger.
"Ichigo!" Rukia and Karin exclaimed in unison having seen him deck the wall. Ichigo absently removed his fist from the wall and glanced at the blood dripping from his fist without emotion.
Isshin emerged from Yuzu's room with one hand in his pocket and the other holding the first aid kit.
"Ichigo." Isshin said to his son who looked at him over his shoulder, "She's going to be fine. You got to her in time."
Ichigo silently grabbed the first aid kit from his dad's hand and headed into his room to tend to his own self-inflicted wound, closing the door behind him.
"I called a few friends of mine and Ichigo's to let them know what happened, so they may or may not drop by sometime soon." Rukia said as Isshin nodded with a smile.
"It's good to hear Miss Kuchiki. If anything it will help boost Ichigo's spirits. I don't get why he's so upset, he didn't do that to her did he?" Isshin asked as Rukia shook her head.
"I don't know what happened to her. But if I know Ichigo he would never even fathom such a thing." Rukia said as Isshin nodded understandingly.
"I understand Miss Kuchiki. I'm going to go down stairs and get her an ice pack and some pain killers and be right back." Isshin said as he headed down stairs.
"I'll stay here." Rukia said as she looked back in at Karin as she sat next to her twin sister. Rukia entered with a caring smile.
"Don't think I don't know what you're thinking Soul Reaper." Karin said without averting her eyes from Yuzu, causing Rukia's eyes to widen.
"Yeah I know what you and Ichigo are. I overheard you two talking about it accidently…but hey it's cool, your secret's safe with me. Just don't tell Ichigo that I know okay?" Karin said as Rukia sighed and smiled slightly.
"H-how long have you known?" Rukia asked.
"A few months…and I know Toshiro's a Captain and that Rangiku woman is his lieutenant." Karin said as Rukia crossed her arms.
"Who else are you aware of?" Rukia asked.
"Hmm…that red haired guy with the tats that nearly killed dad with a shotgun once…I think that's it." Karin said as Rukia rolled her eyes.
"Yep that's Renji…Renji Abarai and he's my older brother's Lieutenant." Rukia said as Karin continued to look at her unconscious sister.
"Good thing Ichigo got to her in time. Otherwise she would be dead." Karin said as Rukia nodded.
"Yep that is a good thing." A voice said from the window sill. It was Yoruichi in her cat form.
"Did that cat just talk?!" Karin asked in disbelief.
"Yep, this is Yoruichi Shihoin, former Soul Reaper Captain of the 2nd squad." Rukia said as she opened the window.
"Despite my appearance and voice, I'm actually a beautiful woman." Yoruichi said as she jumped down onto the bed and sat down next to Yuzu's sleeping form.
"Is she kidding?" Karin whispered into Rukia's ear. Rukia shook her head.
"Hmm…most interesting." Yoruichi said as she looked at the young girl.
"What is it Yoruichi?" Rukia asked.
"Can't you feel it? Yuzu's spiritual pressure has somehow manifested itself. At first I didn't know if she had any or not but now I'm certain that she has spiritual energy flowing through her. But to have grown to this level so quickly?! It's most curious…but-." Yoruichi said as Rukia looked surprised but Karin looked confused.
"I don't get a thing that she's saying." Karin replied. But before anyone could say anything, Yoruichi turned and glanced towards the door before turning towards and scrambling out the window. Sure enough Isshin returned with a small tray with a paper cup of pills, a small glass of water, and an ice pack resting on a rag.
"Come on, let's let her rest." Isshin said as he closed the window and locked it. He then shooed the two out of the room and turned out the light with the door cracked open slightly.
Ichigo was laying on his bed, staring up at the ceiling in thought as Rukia entered.
"Are you okay?" Rukia asked softly as she entered.
"Who is she? This woman? This Black Wrangler? Where did she come from? Why is she here?" Ichigo asked as Rukia sighed.
"Ichigo are you sure you saw this woman?" Rukia asked and sat down at his desk.
"I'm sure of it Rukia. I saw her with my own eyes twice in a row and I know I didn't imagine her Rukia! You believe me don't you?" Ichigo asked as Rukia pondered.
"At first I suspected that it was all just part of a plan to try and skip out on the meeting but…now I'm not sure anymore." Rukia said as Ichigo rolled onto his side while facing away from her.
"Why won't anyone believe me?" Ichigo asked before he heard a tapping on his window. He sat up and looked outside to see Orihime, Chad, and Uryu with Renji, Toshiro, and Rangiku standing in the street. Ichigo slowly headed down stairs and met the group outside.
"We heard that your sister got beat up by a-." Orihime said but was interrupted by Uryu…
"Beat up by some bully out there." Uryu said as Ichigo nodded.
"Yeah. But someone else stopped the bully before I could do anything." Ichigo said as everyone's eyebrows arched.
"Someone else? Are you back at this Wrangler story again Ichigo?" Toshiro asked, sounding unconvinced.
"I didn't imagine it Toshiro! Why doesn't anyone believe me?!" Ichigo asked in frustration as Rangiku shrugged.
"It just sounds kind of farfetched is all." Rangiku said as Ichigo grumbled.
"I believe you Ichigo." Uryu said as Ichigo blinked in surprise at the Quincy.
"Really? I'm surprised that you would Uryu." Ichigo said as Uryu pushed his glasses up.
"You forgot my explanation earlier today Ichigo. It's not beyond the realm of truth and you haven't lied about things like this before to us, so I believe you." Uryu said as Ichigo gave a slight smile.
"Thanks. You guys want to come in or do you want to stay outside all night?" Ichigo asked as the group shrugged and headed inside.
Suddenly…
"WHOA ICHIGO! Who's your friend here?!" Ichigo heard as soon as Rangiku cleared the doorway.
"UGH! DAD!!!" Ichigo growled as he ran inside to see Isshin standing slack jawed at the sight of Rangiku.
"Well done son! I knew you had your old man's charms for attracting the ladies but I never knew you of all people could score one like this!!! I'm proud of YAGHCCT!!!" Isshin gloated as he got a swift kick in the jaw from Ichigo.
"GET YOUR PERVERTED MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER DAD!!!" Ichigo growled as Isshin did a back flip onto his feet.
"Who's the perverted one? Me for appreciating true beauty or you for scoring her!?!?" Isshin shouted as he pointed to Rangiku who blushed and laughed at the prospect.
"WILL YOU SHUT UP!?!?" Ichigo shouted as he and his dad collided into a one on one, all out brawl. The seven on lookers were frozen in shock and disbelief.
"So that explains Ichigo's skill with martial arts. He has to use it to survive his dad." Renji said as Rukia nodded.
"You should be here when he wakes Ichigo up in the mornings." Rukia replied as an annoyed Karin approached with a soccer ball in hand.
"Ugh, on behalf of the entire Kurosaki family, allow me to apologize for my idiot dad's behavior." Karin said as she set the soccer ball on the floor.
"SHUT!!! UP!!!" She shouted as she kicked the ball straight at the two quarreling men, sending them both into the wall. Isshin was sandwiched against the wall and Ichigo.
"Nice kick Karin." Toshiro said as he blinked in surprise.
"Thanks Toshiro, come on let's leave those two to their fighting." Karin said as she shoved her hands in her pockets and led the group upstairs to Ichigo's room.
"Yuzu is sleeping in hers and my room right now so we shouldn't disturb her." Karin said as the others nodded.
"So where are Yumichika and Ikkaku?" Rukia asked as soon as Karin had left the room.
"Ikkaku is pinned down by the sister of that friend of Ichigo's and Yumichika is being a total perv and watching the spectacle." Rangiku said as Ichigo trudged in.
"Mizuho… (Shudder) man can she pack a punch…I know why Keigo lives in fear of her. It's like pissing off a younger Kukaku Shiba only without the Kido powers. She also has this fetish for bald men." Ichigo said as he sat down on his bed.
"So how are you Ichigo? Are you okay with everything that's happened recently?" Orihime asked meekly.
"Yuzu's tough. She'll pull through with flying colors." Ichigo said with a sigh.
"There is something different however. I sense a strange spiritual pressure coming from her room." Uryu said in thought.
"Probably Karin. She can see spirits too." Ichigo said as Uryu shook his head.
"No she's down stairs…could it be possible that the hollow attack caused Yuzu to gain spiritual awareness?" Uryu asked as Toshiro pondered.
"It might be possible. Rangiku I want you to send a message to Captain Kurotsuchi of the twelfth division and ask him if it is possible for one to gain Spiritual awareness via hollow attack." Toshiro ordered as Rangiku nodded.
"We should probably ask Mister Urahara if he knows anything about it." Renji suggested as Ichigo flashed back to the scene when the Wrangler created the strange blue glow to appear between her hand and Yuzu's unconscious form.
"I think the Wrangler might have something to do with this." Ichigo said as Toshiro scoffed.
"I am going to remain doubtful of this "Wrangler's" existence until I see her with my own eyes." Toshiro said as Ichigo groaned.
Meanwhile, perched on the roof of the house next door, overlooking Yuzu's window, sat a certain Great Black Hawk with Yoruichi in her cat form and Urahara.
"So…you awakened her Spiritual powers. I gotta admit, that's pretty cool." Urahara said as the Wrangler nodded in her hawk form.
"Not really. I had just enough strength to return to this form. I don't suppose you have a Gigai I could borrow Kisuke?" The Wrangler asked as Urahara nodded.
"Sure but why?" Urahara asked curiously.
"You'll see." The hawk said with a mischievous smile on its beak.
"By all means." Urahara said with a smile.
End Chapter 3.
A/N: The translation of the Japanese above is: Ready, aim, fire.
I got it from a site that translates one word at a time and gave multiple matches for each word so I'm not sure if I'm using them in the right context or not…so if you can tell if I am or not please tell me.
