(MINOR REVISIONS IN CASE ANYONE WONDERS WHY THIS WAS UPLOADED AGAIN)
Alright… so… here we…
Goooooooooooooooooooooooo!
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"Ruby-san… I thought we could be friends. She just ran off like that." Yukari spoke sadly, the atmosphere in the room somber and quiet. Everyone was surprised that Ruby had left just like that, especially Yukari since she had finally found another witch like her.
Everything was quiet for a while before a voice spoke up, "So, we're just going to leave her like this then? I've experienced something like this already and the only way to clear this up is to go get her."
Everyone turned to Ichigo, thinking about what he had just said. They all looked at each other as they wondered what to do. Would Ruby even hear them out if they tried to go get her? Suddenly a chuckle interrupted their thoughts as the bus driver with glowing eyes stepped into the room.
"You better hurry up then. The master is finally taking action. I'm guessing it's going to bring an army to destroy the city, and that army includes Ruby." He stated, shocking those present in the room, "She is going to destroy the city and kill all humans just to protect the ranch."
"The relationship between humans and witches is deeper than you think. What are you young ones going to do?" He asked, his beaming eyes bearing down on them.
It was Tsukune who stood up as he offered his thoughts to the group, "Well, I agree with Ichigo and Mr. Bus Driver. We won't figure out anything by just staying here and besides, we know where they live right?"
"Tsukune is right," Mizore pitched in, "We can't just let a massacre happen because we don't know whether or not Ruby wants to come back with us."
Ichigo gave a tiny smile, happy that the group was banding together. He looked at the faces of the others and noticed they now held brighter, more determined looks. Finally, he placed the icing on the cake as he said, "Alright, let's go back to the Witch's Ranch once more and go get Ruby."
And with that, the group left to get ready. They all changed into more fitting clothes, since they were still in their robes, while Ichigo went to get Zangetsu from the bus as well.
---
"I-I have returned… my master…" Ruby spoke hesitantly as she glided down, landing on the sunflower patch behind her master.
"Ruby, it seems you have been defeated by mere humans." Her master grimaced as she sent a vine towards Ruby, snaking it around the drink Ruby had unconsciously brought with her. Then she yanked it out of her hand before holding it in front of herself, eyeing Ruby with a grim look.
"I've heard everything from the crows." She stated as Ruby grew nervous.
"M-Master, that is…" Ruby stopped when she could feel her master's anger.
"And it seems you have been warmly taken care of by those humans!" She seethed as she crushed the can into oblivion.
"What a shame, I thought I'd taught you well enough." She berated Ruby, a hateful look in her eyes as she stared at her, "Do you know how many witches have been killed because of humans? That includes your parents!"
Ruby's master dropped the can as she pulled out a book from under her cloak. "You already know how much I hate humans." She stated as she transformed her left arm into vines, which wrapped around Ruby's neck, choking her, "You're a disgrace to the Witch's race. It seems like you need to learn some lessons again."
"P-Please forgive me master!" Ruby choked, "I can't… breathe…"
Suddenly a trembling noise caught the attention of the master, who loosened her hold on Ruby. She turned around just in time to see a school bus leap into the air before falling down and screeching to a stop a few meters behind them.
"What is this? A bus?" Were the master's confused words as she looked at the yellow box with wheels.
"Hehe… we're here. Quite fast eh young ones?" The bus driver announced as he stepped off the bus.
"Y-You're crazy! I thought I was going to die back there!" Tsukune retorted as he wobbled out.
"Even Grimmjow isn't as crazy as this bus driver…" Ichigo murmured beneath his breath as he too got out of the bus.He probably should've just shunpo'd to the Witch's Ranch.
Ruby simply looked on, surprise on her face when she realized it was the group that had saved her before. What were they doing here?
"So it was you bunch," The master spoke up to the group, "Seems like you've taken good care of my Ruby."
Suddenly, an explosion of energy shot out from her as she demanded with an authoritative voice, "What are you here in the Witch's Ranch for this time? Did you come here to become my foot soldiers?"
"What a strong aura… this must be the master Ruby commented about." Moka thought as she felt the strong energy wash over her.
"Hey, old man and bastard hollow. Did you feel that?" Ichigo spoke inside his mindscape.
"I did Ichigo. Whatever this 'magic' is, it seems to disrupt our reiatsu." The old man replied as he contemplated their situation.
"Che, you're both being scared off by something like this? How pathetic a king and a roommate I have!" Ichigo's inner hollow grinned.
Ichigo ignored his inner hollow's quip for the moment. If this 'magic' did indeed disrupt reiatsu… then it would be dangerous going bankai since he might accidentally lose control.
"That's not entirely right Ichigo. You should have more control in Bankai since it's a compression of your power."The old man explained.
"I agree with oldie. You shouldn't go masked though… unless you want me to control the fight?" His inner hollow said in a suggestive voice.
"Hell no." Was Ichigo's only reply. This only caused his inner hollow to grin even wider.
"Aww… you're no fun kingy! But remember, you HAVE to let me out every once in a while. That's the agreement!"
"Whatever." Was Ichigo's finalreply as he cut off the mind-link and focused on what was going on outside. He hoped no one had noticed him space out.
Suddenly he felt Yukari grab his left arm, feeling her tremble slightly. After that, he heard the master witch speak up.
"I see… shame." The master said with pity in her voice before she unleashed even more of her power. It seemed Ichigo had missed something.
"THEN YOU ALL HAVE TO DIE HERE!" She yelled as she raised the book over her head, chanting a spell. Suddenly the earth beneath them trembled as monsters tore open the ground beneath the sunflower patches. They poured out from the earth in multitudes, their figures made of vines that were slim and dangerous. Their extended mouths held rows of sharp leaves as three glowing eyes on either side of their 'head' glowed. Their appearance was similar to a Venus fly trap with a muscular form.
"Th-They're coming from the sunflower patch!" Moka pointed out, earning a chuckle from the master witch.
"Sunflower patch? No my dear, look more closely. This is not a sunflower patch at all!" The master replied as she lifted up her arms, which seemed to cause even more monsters to come out from beneath the ground, "You see, plant manipulating magic is my specialty. These sunflower patches are monsters I've grown with all my care!"
"These are my man eating plants!" She said as she made a gesture with her hand. At once the monsters began closing in on the group. "Now's a good chance for me to analyze their combat skills… EXTERMINATE THEM ALL!"
As one of the monsters leaped up to attack the group, Ichigo for some reason couldn't help but be reminded of Byakuya. It also felt like she was doing this out of something akin to duty or pride. If so, then talking would not be a solution. He would have to beat her first. So he stepped in the way of the monster, its lithe form crashing down upon him with claws extended. As the claw plowed down, Ichigo managed to block it with his forearm.
Everyone was surprised, including Ichigo, but not for the same reason. Everyone was surprised that he had blocked it so easily. Ichigo was surprised because he had actually felt the attack. No cut had been made, but he had still felt it nonetheless. He could feel the reiatsu in his arm move about, almost as if trying to get out of the way. Ichigo's scowl deepened before he pushed back the monster, which let out a hiss as it flew backwards. Slowly, he reached for his back, ready to bring out Zangetsu.
"Wait! Don't attack Ichigo!" Tsukune yelled out, stopping said person.
"Eh? Why?" Ichigo questioned, not understanding why he needed to.
"Maybe if we talk… we'll be able to reach some sort of common ground. We don't need to fight do we? Is fighting the only solution?" Tsukune begged to the Shinigami, who simply stared at him, wondering what to do. But he didn't have much time to ponder as he sensed an attack directed at the completely human boy. Ichigo outstretched his hand, managing to stop the vine that would've pierced Tsukune's heart.
The master frowned at her failed attack. "What are you boy? You're no human to be able to stop a fast attack like that."
Ichigo cut the vine with Zangetsu just as it had finished unwrapping itself. The sword suddenly caught the Witch's eye… she recognized it. It was a vague memory, but she remembered another being wielding that same kind of sword, though not exactly in that shape.
"You…" The master pointed a finger at Ichigo, earning confused stares from the group, "You are… I know what you are."
At those words, everyone's ears became sharp as they listened. Could it be that the master witch knew what Ichigo was? Ichigo wondered this too as he began to panic slightly at the situation.
"You… you're a… dimensional soldier!"
"Aha! Called it!" Tsukune suddenly said as he got up. The serious atmosphere seemed to have disappeared for the moment as Tsukune did a victory dance.
Of course, Ichigo had to go and trample on Tsukune's parade. "I have no idea what the hell a dimensional soldier is. I was raised here on earth in a place called Karakura town." Ichigo replied as his annoyance filtered through his voice. But secretly he was beyond relieved. At least she hadn't said Shinigami.
"Aww…" Tsukune groaned as he hung his head, Mizore patting his back in a comforting manner.
Then the serious atmosphere came back when Ichigo began raising his reiatsu, preparing himself to fight. "Tsukune, I know you don't want us to fight." He began, earning the attention of everyone in the area, "You're probably thinking this will only hurt Ruby even more. It might, and I apologize. But look at her master."
Tsukune did as Ichigo asked and stared at the Master Witch's eyes. Tsukune had to fight off a shiver as an indiscernible amount of hate and loathing shonethrough those eyes. Simply by looking at them Tsukune felt like he was drowning in cold contempt.
"Do you understand now Tsukune? Wordswill never be able to reach her." Ichigo's steadfast voice made it sound like he knew what was going on. Suddenly, Tsukune remembered the bus driver's words on how the relationship between humans and witches was deeper than he thought. Could it be… that Ichigo understood this and he didn't?
"Ruby." Ichigo called out, startling the girl at the sudden shift in attention, "I need to defeat your master, but I promise you that I won't let anything happen to the Witch's Ranch. I won't because I do understand you Ruby, I know what it's like to want to protect something sacred and important to you."
Tears filled Ruby's eyes as she looked between her master and Ichigo, feeling torn. She remembered the beautiful master that she used to have, one who was in sync with nature. Master Yukata had been radiant and wonderful, teaching Ruby all sorts of wonderful things about witches and their connection to nature. Now she was only a shell of her former self, twisted and corroded. But she still loved her master. She was her mother after her real parents died. She hoped that maybe… that maybe she'd change her mind.
Yukata seethed as she saw those words affecting her student's mind. She turned angrily and faced the troublesome group as she lashed out in anger, "You make me sick! Trash like you can never get along with witches! Foolish humans, die already!"
By now the group had spread to avoid being grouped together and caught under an attack, but that plan backfired when she spotted Mizore and Tsukune separate from the group. Two of the man eaters were sent to Mizore and Tsukune, who got ready to defend themselves. But the two creatures didn't even make it halfway before they were impaled by black steel wings.
"Stop! Stop hurting those people!" Ruby cried out in despair as the tears ran freely down her face. She had had it. She didn't want fighting anymore, she just wanted there to be peace! And as her wings slashed down all the man eaters close to her, she hoped her master would realize her feelings and stop this fighting.
"Ru-RUBY!" Yukata spoke through clenched teeth as rage became her blood. How dare her student betray her like this?
"Master," Ruby spoke softly despite knowing how angry her master was, "Is it really out of control already? Is it true that a battle is the only way to settle this?"
Memories of her parents flooded back to her. They hadn't wanted humans and witches to fight. They had wanted the two races to co-exist. Ruby needed her master to hear her heart, her true desire. She turned to her master with sad eyes, making Yukata's anger temporarily recede.
"I-I want to try and believe Ichigo-kun and the others." She spoke from her heart what she was truly feeling. Her heart lightened when she felt her master's aura slowly recede. But her hope was in vain as one of her master's vines pierced her through her shoulder, narrowly missing her heart. Shock and sadness filled her as she fell to the floor, coughing up blood.
"Ruby! Ruby!" Everyone cried out as they rushed out to her. Ichigo gritted his teeth in anger as his reiatsu flared, hoping to scare the master witch. But it had no effect on her. Her own twisted mind prevented her from seeing anything else besides her goal for revenge.
"Everyone… is a fool!" She cackled as her arms outstretched, calling forth more monsters, "Everyone… such foolish pests… I will DESTROY EVERYTHING MYSELF!"
"Ruby, how dare you betray me for those insolent humans! Now nothing is going to stop me from destroying you all… you're all going to die!" Yukata hugged her book that had a red centerpiece on it close to her chest. It glowed ominously as it cast a light on all the sunflower patches. Whereas before only a few monsters had been called at a time, it seems like now the entire army had been summoned. Hundreds upon hundreds of man-eating monsters surfaced, all snapping their jaws viciously as their angry hisses filled the air.
"Awaken my army of man-eating plants!" She all but laughed as the plants snapped their jaws, almost as if they were anxious to fight, "Devour those humans so not even their bones are left!"
The group minus Ichigo was struck with a sudden terror at seeing the sea of plant monsters. There were so many that they couldn't even see where they ended. They spread out in every direction, covering every single inch of the land.
"Now I'm going to bathe the city in a sea of flame with my plants." Yukata cackled ominously as she caressed her book, "But before that, I have to get rid of you pests. Now die!"
"No!" A voice called out. It was Ruby, who was desperately trying to get back on her feet despite her wound.
"Master please," She begged despite all the things that had been said, "please don't be angry. Ever since I met Ichigo-kun and his friends I've sensed the possibility that humans and witches can co-exist together. If you destroy them now along with the city, that possibility will be shattered forever. Please… you mustn't fight."
"Ruby… what has happened to you?" Yukata spoke sadly, "You forget that I took care of you like my own child."
Suddenly her voice grew menacing as her pupils dilated, showing nothing but hate. "Why? WHY WOULD YOU HELP THE HUMANS?"
Finally she lifted her book, sending hordes of monsters towards the group as she yelled, "YOU'RE A DISGRACE!"
Ichigo had enough of this. He had been hoping that since Yukata had raised Ruby that the master witch would have some sentimental feelings for Ruby and end up calling off the attack. But the only feelings she had were of violence and revenge. There was only one thing left to do and fortunately for Ichigo, he was good at it. It was time to fight!
But it seemed he wasn't the only one as Kurumu transformed. Her wings sprouted from her back as did her tail, while her nails grew in length. Razor sharp claws extended from Mizore's arms as she too got into a battle stance. Even Yukari was willing to fight as she pulled out a wand and tarot cards to aid her. Ichigo smirked, looks like he would have reinforcements.
"Getsuga Tenshou!" Ichigo yelled out as he sent the attack horizontally, taking out the monsters within the arc's range and even a few past due to the force behind the attack. Kurumu jumped to Ichigo's side and sliced those monsters that happened to get too close to her Destined One.
"Heh, thanks Kurumu." Ichigo grinned as he sliced four monsters with one swing.
"Anything for you Ichigo!" Kurumu retorted happily as she ironically mowed down five more plant monsters.
"Me too!" Yukari quipped up as she joined the team. She launched her tarot cards, slicing those in half that were unlucky enough to get caught in the way of the attack.
Mizore had replicated herself using the water vapor in the area. The clones and her ran out and met the enemy head on. It was claw versus claw with Mizore in the lead. So far none of the clones had suffered any casualties and Tsukune and Moka were alright, though, Tsukune was regretting not being able to do anything.
But then he remembered something. He remembered the badge Ichigo had given to him. He pulled out the thing, and remembered Ichigo's instructions for how to use it. Just as he was about to go through with it, he remembered that his soul would jump out of his body. That would mean while his soul was fighting, his body would remain unprotected. And if it died, he died too. Angrily he put the thing away… he would have to rely on Mizore once again for protection. There was one thing he could do however.
Slowly he helped Ruby up and pulled her as far away as he could from the action. Even if he could not fight, he would at least try to keep someone safe. He placed Ruby close to a tree so that she could rest her back on it. She smiled gratefully as she leaned back and watched the fight. She couldn't believe how strong they were… especially Ichigo. It seemed he was fighting the hardest. Some of his attacks could take down twenty or thirty monsters at a time. Truly, the boy was amazing… and he was doing it for her… for the sake of protecting her home. Despite the pain, a tint of pink painted her face as she looked on at the boy fighting.
Then she clutched her wound as pain shot through her body. It was a searing jolt that made Ruby want to vomit. Tsukune leaned down and placed a hand on her shoulder as Ruby bent forward. Beads of sweat dripped down her face as she slowly straightened up, the pain receding slightly.
"I'm glad you guys are helping me out." Ruby suddenly said, surprising Tsukune and Moka who were there with her, "I hope that… Ichigo is able to defeat my master and protect the ranch like he said he would."
Tsukune gave a small smile as he replied, "Don't worry, he will."
Ruby also smiled as she continued watching the others fight.
---
Many bodies lay dead, their corpses unmoving as Ichigo, Kurumu, and Yukari stood at the center of the chaos. Mizore and her clones had their own pile as well, though, the clones were slowly melting from the activity and the original didn't have enough energy to make more.
"So, given up already?" Kurumu spoke up as she stood there, proud and tall, "No matter how many of these you send at us, you can't defeat us!"
Suddenly she leaned in towards Ichigo, who blushed when he saw how her clothes stuck to her skin due to her sweat. It seemed today Kurumu was wearing a pink bra, Ichigo noted as his face turned completely red. "I-Ichigo" She spoke tiredly to the blushing boy, "I said that to her… but I'm actually extremely exhausted right now… I'm about to fall on my face."
Hearing this, Ichigo calmed down his mind, shaking away any weird thoughts. It looks like the rest of the battle would be up to him.
"Got it. You can leave the rest up to me. I'll protect you." He stated before he quickly added, "A-And the others as well!"
Kurumu gave a tired giggle as her knees buckled beneath her. Ichigo managed to catch her by the arm before she hit the ground, earning a touching smile from the Succubus that made Ichigo's heart pause a beat.
"Oi, now's not the time to be playing lovesick puppy kingy!"Ichigo's inner hollow reminded him as he suddenly felt a spike of reaitsu come from the witch.
"It seems… you still don't understand anything at all…" Yukata stated as she pulled the book closer to her and began chanting. Soon a bright light erupted from the book, blinding everyone.
When the light faded away, the group was surprised to find themselves not in the forest anymore. Instead, trash and garbage lay strewn everywhere, not a hint of green to be seen. Seeing the shocked looks on the group's faces, Yukata laughed at them.
"Do you understand now? Do you know where this dump is?" She said as she pointed to a sign behind them, "This is the thing the humans are trying to build at my ranch."
"The humans are trying to build a trash site at the Witch's Ranch." She stated clearly so that no one would mistake what she had said.
For a moment, her voice grew softer as memories began resurfacing in Yukata's mind. "Do you understand my pain and how it turned into anger and hatred? I've lived for 100 years, ever since this city was a town and humans didn't even step onto this ground."
"Now it may look like nothing, but I used to have friends in this ranch, ones that were driven out by the humans from their shelter… they had no other place to go. For us, this ranch was our last paradise.
Her voice turned sorrowful as she continued, "These humans that came after us destroyed the forest and killed creatures in front of us and now… they want to turn this place into a trash site! Do not MOCK US!"
Just as Ichigo was about to reply, he became surprised when Tsukune walked next to him and fell to his knees in a pleading gesture. Yukata noticed this and felt anger well up in her chest.
"You're asking for forgiveness? You fool! Even if you beg for forgiveness now nothing is going to happen!
"Please forgive us." Yukata momentarily paused, hearing the sincerity in the boy's words.
"I never realized that humans were hated this deeply. I've always been surrounded by my friends, so I couldn't understand anything. I… I didn't know what was going on at all. Please forgive us. If we can make up for it, I'll do anything for this ranch."
Ichigo and everyone else were astonished by Tsukune's words. And for a moment it seemed that Yukata was pondering his words. Everyone relaxed their guard a bit, thinking that they had finally gotten through. But this lapse in judgment only served to make a hostage out of Moka when a vine wrapped around her neck, yanking her towards the master witch.
"Moka!" Ichigo yelled as he tried dashing in, but stopped when Yukata raised a hand.
"So… you're willing to do anything for the ranch?" Yukata chuckled darkly as she tightened the vine around Moka's neck, "Crimes must be punished then. If you want to save this city, then this girl must die!"
She sneered when Ichigo and Tsukune prepared themselves for something despite their prone position, but she halted them with her words, "Don't even try to stand up. Stay there and watch closely as I finish her off! If you can do that, I'll rethink about my plan to attack the city! I'll let you have a taste of what it's like to lose someone important."
"You won't." Ichigo replied, earning the attention of Yukata, "I know people like you. Even if you killed Moka, you'd still burn the city. I'm going to stop you now."
"Bankai!" Suddenly a torrent of energy escaped Ichigo as he was bathed in a dark and menacing energy. The monsters in the area howled as the ones touched by the black energy shriveled away. Dust was kicked up, obscuring the vision of everyone in the area.
But Yukata had 100 years experience. She knew this would've been some ploy to rescue the girl. As soon as Ichigo had finished those words, she had pressed her book to her chest and chanted a spell. The spell finished just in time as Ichigo pulled Moka away and pointed Tensa Zangetsu at Yukata.
"It's over, give it up." Ichigo stated. His chain giving off that trade-mark rattle, but it had no effect on Yukata, who was too far gone into her hatred to hear or see anything else.
To Ichigo's surprise, Yukata simply chuckled. Ichigo felt multiple presences behind him before he turned around to slice the monsters that had been aiming for Moka, who was currently tossed over his shoulder. Moka couldn't help but be a little peeved, this was not how you carry a girl.
But this little distraction proved to be vital as the remaining monsters all rushed to Yukata, merging with one another during the process before fusing with her as well. Ichigo couldn't do anything to stop it since he needed to protect Moka. It was too late when he slashed down the last monster.
"I knew it. Even after begging for forgiveness, you will turn against us in desperate situations! You are no different than trash!" Her body was raised high into the air as the bodies continued to collect below her, changing, fusing, and forming a completely new monster.
"Oh no! She must be using that magic!" Ruby exclaimed as everyone felt unease at Ruby's words. They knew it must be something strong.
"I have lived for 100 years. Through years of experience, I'll show you my true magical strength. I'll make you regret you had made me serious!" She spoke triumphantly as her body twisted and distorted before disappearing beneath the mass of bodies. Ichigo Shunpo'd back to the group when the monsters expanded and threatened to consume him and Moka as well.
"You mustn't master! Don't use that spell!" Ruby begged to no avail. An ensuing explosion of light and noise drowned out Ruby as everyone became blinded momentarily. What was happening now?
"Ruby, I can no longer go back now." Yukata spoke sardonically. The monster she had merged with was now taller than any skyscraper in the city. Its lumbering form was that of the regular man-eating plants. The only difference is that it towered high into the air with many appendages supporting it. Multiple mouths protruded from random parts of the monster's body, but the two main ones were located at the front. One was situated at the top and the other in the chest. The one in the chest was open, with Yukata and her book attached to the inside.
Then an appendage-like hand grew out of the monster and lunged towards the group. "Watch out!" Kurumu yelled as the group ran, hoping to get out of the impact range. Everyone did, minus Ichigo who did not budge as the hand came down upon him.
"Ichigo!" Kurumu cried out, fearing that her love had been crushed.
"Hehe, Impressive isn't it?" Yukata cackled as she stared at the group, which looked like mere ants from her point of view, "You cannot hope to defeat my century of experience!"
A strange trickle of energy flowed into the appendage that had barely missed the group. Yukata gave a curious look as the appendage began bubbling. Suddenly a vortex of black energy erupted through her monster's hand before blowing it completely off.
"I swear, it's like fighting Yami all over again. Fighting one-on-one is my forte, not this!" Ichigo muttered beneath his breath before he looked up, trying to spot Yukata. When he did, he launched himself into the air at a startling speed and stopped right in front of the Master Witch.
"W-What are you?" She demanded after having seen his power.
"I'm what's going to end this hatred of yours." Ichigo replied as he brought up his sword, calling upon his reiatsu and gathering it into his sword.
"Getsuga," Ichigo said as he began his swing, "Tenshou!" Finally the crescent form of the attack glided towards Yukata, impacting against her.
The whole of the monster lurched back as the attack hit Yukata directly. Ichigo purposely held back to half of his current power so as not to accidentally kill her. The smoke faded and with a grin stood Yukata, her body completely distorted and twisted and yet, unharmed.
"W-What?" Ichigo questioned, wondering how she seemed perfectly okay. Though he had purposely weakened his attack, he had managed to destroy a small portion of the monster behind Yukata. Some of his dark reiatsu still burned its way into the monster, that didn't even flinch.
Yukata cackled as her body regained form. "That was an incredible energy! What was that? Oh… how tempting… I think I'm going to absorb and seize your power!"
Ichigo smirked when he sensed multiple attacks coming from all directions. Now would be his chance to test out this new defense he had come up with after fighting Byakuya. "Tsukigata Tate!" He called out as he drew upon his reiatsu and gathered it, shaping it into shield of black reiatsu that protected his entire right side. But most of the vines were coming from the bottom so he angled it downwards and made it face backwards. Now he was able to fend off the remaining vines without having to worry about his back. If he could see himself, he would've vaguely resembled a turtle with a too large shell.
The attacks were close now; he could almost feel their magic messing with his reiatsu. He took a breath and let his muscles go lax. He counted: seven above, twelve in front and below, four at the right and left where his shield just barely protected and probably thirty from the bottom. He smirkedas the attack pressed upon him and his arm stretched out. It dove down, up, and horizontally, creating wide arcs as it slashed and cut down any vine thatveered too close. The vines that had touched his shield immediately shriveled away as their life force was drained. Some of his shield's reiatsu even crawled up the vines a short distance, destroying any vines within close proximity of the affected ones.
Pieces of vines fell, landing with loud thumps. The others stared in awe at Ichigo for having taken down the attack with such ease. Kurumu felt happy, but not as happy as she had been when she first experienced his power. She had been infatuated with him because of it at first, but now she was more worried about his safety and not so much entranced by his abilities. In essence, she cared more about his well being rather than his power. This was a large step from who she used to be before.
As for Moka, she could feel his energy inside of her. She could feel the unearthly power flow through her veins! Could it have been the blood she had drank from Ichigo? It must've been because her body felt like it was brimming with his familiar power. If it hadn't been for her soft demeanor, she probably would've been cackling, feeling as if she could do anything.
Meanwhile high above where the main battle took place, Yukata hissed as Ichigo stood there in the air, smirking triumphantly. "I think I heard wrong, because I thought you said you would absorb me?"
This infuriated Yukata to no end as she ordered her behemoth of a monster to take a swing at him. The monster maneuvered to attack, but Ichigo easily Shunpo'd away and reappeared in front of Yukata after the attack had missed.
"What are you?!" Yukata seethed angrily at the boy.
"Like I said earlier, I'm the one who is going to put an end to your hatred." Ichigo said as he brought his sword to the front. Suddenly he saw a light being reflected and he looked down to see what it was. It was the book she had been carrying earlier. Ichigo almost wanted to smack himself. Her defeat had been so obvious. All he had needed to do was destroy her book! All witches needed a magical item to manipulate their magic, and this book was Yukata's source.
Ichigo smirked when he saw Yukata had caught on to his intentions. "N-No!" The older witch pleaded.
"Too late!" Ichigo said as he raised the sword over his head, preparing to slice the book cleanly in half! Just then, he heard an all too familiar noise, one that he had heard multiple times during his fight with the Arrancars.
It was the opening of a Garganta. Everyone turned to face the sudden tremor thatseemed to shake the very air. What looked like static seemed to rip the space in the air into a horizontal line. Slowly it opened as a white mask protruded out from it. Then another… and then another… and then another.
"AUHhOoOoO!" The Menos' agonized wail filled the air, as they ripped the Gargnta wider.
"W-What is this?" Moka ask as she trembled. She had never seen anything like this before. These creatures… they stood even taller than Yukata's form, who also seemed to be taken back by these new monsters.
"Menos…" Ichigo whispered beneath his breath. The Menos weren't what concerned him though. He knew something else was coming out of that hole for that many Menos to appear, though.
Could it be…?
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AHHAHAHAH! Cliffhanger!
Tsukigata Tate: Crescent Shield. Invented by Ichigo who was sick of having to defend from Byakuya's annoying 'Chire' attack.