Chapter 11: diamonds are forever
Nightmare stood up and got off of the table. He had complete control over Grimmjow's hollow form, but it became slightly mutated, his facial features stayed the same, but the jaw bones that adorned his face lengthened out, with the two end fangs growing much linger, and the back spike sticking out further, twin rows of curved spikes morphed out of his back.
Nightmare stretched out his arms and legs trying to get a total feel for his newly possessed body.
"So.. Ollivante, is it still here?" Nightmare asked in a sinister voice.
Ollivante bowed and replied, "it is master.."
She walked into a room and came back with a sword in its sheath, Nightmare's eyes were fixated on the sword, a sadistic smirk writhed across his face as he drew the blade out, a medium sized double edged broadsword with a black handle and deep purple cross guards.
Nightmare laughed sadistically, "perfect, just absolutely perfect, now I will take back what should've been mine, beginning with the life of Grimmjow JaeggerJaquez."
Ollivante looked up at her master, "sir, with all do respect, even with his latent shinigami power, he is getting stronger every day…"
Nightmare looked down at his fraccion with disgust, " You think I did not anticipate it, do you think me deaf and dumb Ollivante! Now, I have an important mission for you."
Ollivante bowed to her master, "what is your wish?"
Nightmare stood infront of her, "I need you to go back to the world of the living, and kill the female soul reaper."
Ollivante smirked, "It will be a piece of cake sire."
Nightmare became serious. " Do not underestimate her, she is as strong as most lieutenants in the Soul Society, if not stronger, I've watched her invade this place with the orange haired soul reaper and she defeated the 9th espada on her own, do not take her lightly. Oh and kill the orange haired one too, they are always together. With out them in the picture, things will go smoother."
Ollivante stood up and grinned, "understood master Nightmare."
In the world of the living…
Ichigo sat in his car with Rukia's body sitting on his lap, watching from a hillside
Rukia and Sado charged at the incredibly large snake like hollow. It looked down at the two pint sized warriors compared to it and roared viciously, it spawned a dark mass of energy in its mouth and hurled it at Rukia and Sado.
Sado pulled his right arm back and punched forward with incredible force, sending out a large dense beam of energy at the hollows attack. The black mass was engulfed by the power of Sado's attack. Little did the snake know, the petite female soul reaper was running up its back at blazing speed, yet it did in fact know she was there as its large skull adorned head snaked back and launched a dark mass at Rukia.
She used her newly improved flash step to evade it as she turned the blade over in her hands and plunged it right through the hollows fore head. The hollow wailed in pain, as Rukia still holding on smirked.
"Dance! Sode No Shirayuki!" Rukia shouted.
Her sword turned completely white with a long white streamer trailing off the end of its handle, the white blade caused Ice to engulf the gargantuan sized snake hollow and with one swift strike, Sado crushed the beast into many fragments.
As they slowly and finally decended down the skyscraper to the ground, Ichigo arrived holding Rukia's body close to him in his arms. "Hey guys, how did that all go?"
Sado just nodded, Rukia walked up to him saying, "it was just like any other hollow, just this one was difficult because it was as big as that building."
Rukia jumped back into her body that Ichigo was still holding, when her eyes opened, the first thing she saw was Ichigo's smoldering amber eyes looking at her, a smile across his face. Rukia looked at him, confused, "Um Ichigo, you can put me down now…" she said.
Ichigo looked up, "ummmmm, nah!" He replied laughing.
Sado looked at both of them, There is something here I haven't seen before, Ichigo said he wouldn't put her down…. I don't think Ichigo accept girls more to this extent, unless there is something more developing between those two.
Ichigo turned around with Rukia still in his arms and walked to his car. Rukia pouted a little, "I have legs Ichigo, I can walk." She said.
Ichigo smiled, "yeah I know, but you look so damn cute."
Rukia looked up at him confused, did he just say what I think he said!
"You really think im cute? The Ichigo I remember so long ago wouldn't dare say those words." Rukia spoke in a playful manner.
"Don't push it midget, or ill drop you." Ichigo responded, she knew he was kidding, especially with the smirk on his face.
The group got into the car and Ichigo noticed the time as they began to leave, "Wow school is almost over with, no point in going back there, hey Chad you want me to drop you off at your place?" Ichigo asked.
Sado looked at him and said one word, "fine."
Ichigo raced over to Sado's apartment and dropped him off there, when Rukia got back in she stared at Ichigo with her deep violet eyes.
Ichigo noticed this and looked back at her, he fought back a chuckle. "What is it midget?" he said.
Rukia continued to look into his eyes, trying to look into his very soul, "You seem so different, so… alien, Ichigo." She said in a soft voice.
Ichigo turned off the car still in the apartment parking lot and leaned over at Rukia, "Whats so different about me?" he asked.
"Well to start, you don't really have that old attitude of yours towards girls… especially Yoruichi." Rukia replied.
"Well if Yoruichi didn't flash her crotch at me all the time, the nerve of that woman, but yeah I suppose." Ichigo retorted.
Rukia giggled, he was right. "And then add on the fact you have been acting really weird towards me lately…"
Ichigo cocked an eyebrow, "oh. How so shorty?"
Rukia looked into his eyes ands told him outright, "You act like we are more than friends Ichigo."
Ichigo stared into her eyes once again. He didn't know what to say about it, she continued…
"Whether it was when we met in the park, or last night sleeping in my bed.. I've noticed something about you, how you act towards me." Rukia spoke softly, but the next few words were softer. "To be honest, I kind of like it."
Ichigo's eyes glowed looking into her eyes when he heard her say those last few words.
"The way you hugged me at the park, Ive never felt so warm, so safe in my life Ichigo, and even last night, compared to when you were having that nightmare, you slept so peacefully. I want to know Ichigo, what do I mean to you?" Rukia softly said.
Ichigo just completely lost it inside then and there, "I-I uh, I don't… even know where to begin Rukia." Ichigo stuttered.
Rukia saw the discomfort in his eyes he had a lot of trouble trying to say anything, but he continued on, and Rukia lost herself when he uttered a few words, "You are my hero Rukia…" Ichigo muttered.
Ichigo spoke up, " If it wasn't for you, I never would be who I am today, I never would have done everything I did, with all the times I was down you were there to pick me back up, you are my inspiration Rukia, if it wasn't for you I could have never done what I did, I would have never had the courage to."
Rukia couldn't take her eyes off of him as they drove off to the middle school to pick up Karin and Yuzu.
As they drove Rukia thought to herself, to think I thought of him as the hero of our worlds, he is why I am still alive to this day, he saved Soul Society countless times, and he saved Karakura town, and he told me Im his hero, I seriously think theres more, hes not telling me something, but I don't want to push him over the edge….
Ichigo and Rukia pulled up and picked up Karin and Yuzu on time, and headed back to the clinic, when they got there Isshin was outside finishing up bagging the leaves in front of their house.
Isshin turned around and waved at the group as they pulled up. Ichigo opened his door and yelled, "Hey dad, I'm going downtown to the mall, alright!"
Isshin cupped a hand on the side of his mouth, "Well if you are Take Karin and Yuzu with you! Ill give you all some spending money!"
Ichigo ran in the house with Isshin to grab the money, but before he could get the money from his father, Isshin spoke up. "Ichigo, what exactly do you want at the mall, you barely ever go there."
Ichigo took the money and turned around saying, "im just going there tooo…. Pick up something."
As Ichigo was about to exit the house Isshin said something that made Ichigo stop right in his tracks.
"Are you sure Rukia would like it?" Isshin said.
Ichigo looked up at the car, Karin was yelling at Ichigo, Yuzu sighed and Rukia laughed at Karin for yelling at Ichigo in a harsh manner. His eyes intensified for a split second before they closed as he said, "I don't know what your talking about dad…"
With that he left and Isshin stood there pondering on it, he thought, Well I hope she likes it too Ichigo, go get'er son.
Isshin last heard the Blue Muscle car leaving the driveway in its usual obnoxious roar as he closed the door to the garage.
"Hey Rukia, Karin Yuzu, we each got 50 dollars to spend, so buy what you will." Ichigo told them as they entered the mall.
Rukia entered the building along side Ichigo, she marveled at its ridiculous size, three floors of shops as far as her eyes could see, Karin ran off to the large sports shop near the back, looking through all of the professional soccer gear, cleats, balls, bags, jerseys you could name the player they had it.
Yuzu Ichigo and Rukia walked passed a store filled with, fluffy white and pink bunny memorabilia.
Yuzu tugged on Ichigo's shirt, "Ichi! Lets go in there."
Ichigo looked over at the bunny filled store, Oh no! Rukia will go nuts….
Rukia gaped, "Oh…. My…. Word…. CHAPPY!"
Yuzu and Rukia flew into the store at such a speed its almost like they went mach one. Rukia was in heaven there and then, "So many bunnies, so little time, Yuzu, look at this, they even have chappy bracelets!"
Rukia put one on and showed Yuzu, Ichigo stood outside scratching his head, Well at least this will give me time to get the things I need.
Ichigo went deeper into the expansive building and found a shop with all different parts and shiny accessories for cars. Ichigo walked in and a athletic built man stood behind the counter said, "hello how may I help you?"
Ichigo walked up to him gawking at all the chrome, well at least I get my present I bought first. "Yes im here to pick up my order." Ichigo said.
The man brought out his logbook, "what's your name sir?"
"Kurosaki, Ichigo." Ichigo replied.
"Lets see here hmmm kurosaki… kurosaki… ah here we are, you ordered a Whipple twin screw supercharger for a 2009 Dodge Challenger, nice choice, let me go and grab that for you."
Ichigo received the box that contained his chrome part for his car, paid the rest of the bill off and proceeded out of the mall and stowed it in the trunk of the car. Ichigo went back inside. Well now for the truly important item.
Rukia looked out of the chappy store watching Ichigo walk up to the second floor and into an expensive looking jewelry store. She then continued with her chappy adventures
Ichigo walked into the jewelry store called Bauhm's and Frederickson, looking around at the lit up glass containers filled with gorgeous, sparkling Diamond rings, watches, and necklaces.
Ichigo smirked widely as he looked at all the glistening diamonds, he approached a thin woman in a black designer jacket, he put his hands on the glass countertop as the prestigious dressed woman turned toward him. "Hello, good afternoon sir how may I help you?"
Ichigo looked around the showcase and the woman tilted her glasses.
"Oh I remember you, you must be that Kurosaki boy I hear a lot about!" the woman said.
"uhmmm, who are you may I ask?" Ichigo asked, curiously and creeped out at the same time.
"I'm Chantelle Arisawa… Tatsuki's mother." The woman exclaimed.
Ichigo then totally recognized the woman, how did I not see that!
"How can I help you hun?" Chantelle asked.
"Yeah ummm….." Ichigo said looking around, he then noticed a piece and his eyes glistened at it, this is the one!
"This one." Ichigo pointed at a necklace that Chantelle pulled out of the case.
It was a silver necklace, a thin, but elegant band that wrapped down to a crescent moon pendant littered with diamond, the moon shined brightly in the light, reflecting vibrant rainbow colors.
"This piece is very beautiful, very well cut diamond." Chantelle added.
Ichigo smiled, "this one ma'am, ill take it."
Chantelle smiled, "A good choice mister Kurosaki, should I throw in a gift card for your lucky lady."
"Sure I guess," Ichigo said.
Ichigo finished his business with the jewelry store and headed down stairs and saw Rukia sitting down on a bench chatting with Yuzu.
Ichigo walked up and sat next to them as Karin showed up as well carrying a brand new world cup edition soccer ball.
Rukia looked up at Ichigo. "Hey what did you get at the jewelry store Ichigo?"
Ichigo felt his cheeks become slightly red, "ummm… its.. a secret."
Rukia studied him carefully, is that embarrassment, what could he be embarrassed about.
Ichigo and company left for home, for it was getting dark out. They pulled up to Rukia's house. Rukia got out of the car Karin hopped into the front seat with her soccer ball.
"Hey, Rukia, we gotta wear blue tomorrow ya know." Ichigo yelled.
Rukia nodded and proceeded inside her house she closed the door and sunk to her knees next to the door smiling.
"I think I truly get it now Ichigo." Rukia whispered to herself.
She got up and looked out her window at him getting out of his car with the jewelry bag in hand.
"You care a lot more for me than I ever thought. Well if that's true. " Rukia smiled looking at them entering their house. "I love you too…"
She closed the blinds and got ready for bed.
She slept tossing and turning, thinking on everything that was said between her and the orange haired boy. Just then.
Beepbeepbeepbeep.
Rukia's eyes shot open as she felt a strong spiritual presence emerge in the town.
"Shit the park!" Rukia exclaimed as she got up and exited her body.
She was about to leave for the park but Ichigo was at her front door.
"Rukia hey open up!" He yelled.
Rukia opened the door in her soul reaper form, and Ichigo looked down at her, "you felt that too huh…. Ill go with." Ichigo said.
Rukia placed a hand on his chest. "no Ichigo, not this time, you sensed that spirit energy, if you go with, I don't know what will happen, and I don't need you getting yourself killed." Rukia said in a very serious voice.
"but I-" Ichigo tried to say.
"but nothing Ichigo, just stay out of this one!" Rukia said.
She wrapped her arms around him and departed for the park.
Ollivante stepped out of the garganta, she surveyed the surroundings and sneered.
"Hah, perfect, they will surely come running soon." Ollivante said.
"Well lucky for you the wait is over!" A felame voice shouted.
Ollivante just barely had enough time to draw her sword and barely hold off an attack from Rukia. They stood there swords locked staring each other down.
"Well if it isn't the female shinigami, isn't this a surprise." Ollivante chuckled.
"I'm surprised to see any arrancar are still alive after me and Ichigo exterminated them." Rukia smirked.
"You talk of it like it was a genocide, well ill pay you back for that!" Ollivante yelled as she broke the stand off and charged at Rukia.
Rukia had her guard up Ollivante veered to the right and tried to slash at her with an uppercut, but Rukia parried very well and slid the blade down to the flange of her opponents sword and cut her across the chest.
Ollivante backed off for a second, noticing a few drops of blood hitting the ground she looked down and saw her chest was cut open slightly.
"My my, your good you know that, I can see why the espada fell to your blade. But then again, I'm as powerful as some espada come." Ollivante sneered.
Rukia was slightly shocked as Ollivante performed a sonido to get behind Rukia, Rukia dodged just in time, but still received a slight graze across her back.
Rukia turned around and faced her opponent, they both swung thewir swords, and both of them landed direct hits, Ollivante cut rukia in the leg, and Rukia cut Ollivante across the abdominal region.
They both breathed heavy, Rukia thought to herself, I need to study her moves, she may have strong spirit energy, but her movements are sluggish, I just need to find the perfect opening and….
"RUKIA!" A familiar voice rang through her ears.
Rukia turned around and saw on the hill Ichigo standing on top of the hill shouting at her.
"Ichigo you dumb ass I told you to stay away from this, I don't need you getting killed!" Rukia shouted.
Ollivante looked between the two bickering at each other. Ah this is the orange haired soul reaper I was going to kill as well, I don't sense any strong spirit energy from him, hahahah hes an ordinary human what a joke.
Rukia turned towards Ollivante and her eyes widened in shock and fear. Ollivante was charging a Cero and it is pointed towards Ichigo.
"Good bye soul reaper!" Ollivante said cheerfully.
"Ichigo… NOOOOO!" Rukia yelled.
The next thing Rukia knew she hurled herself in front of the blast and took it full force to the back, which caused her to pass out momentarily.
Ichigo you fool, why did you come here, why couldn't you just stay home, why…. Why….
Rukia said to herself, she couldn't see the world, she was in side her inner world, thinking, not realizing her now unconscious body was being beat to hell.
I failed…. I failed Ichigo, im so sorry…
Rukia….. Rukia wake up… wake up….. cmon wake up!
Rukia was woozy for a moment but finally came too. She was lying on her back facing the sky, the night sky.
What the hell? Rukia thought, noticing something not normal above her.
She noticed black pulses of energy expanding outward in all directions, and she was entirely confused of the situation. But she heard some one approaching her, she could hear the footsteps, they were slightly heavy, but when she could fully hear, she also heard the rustling of cloth in the wind, and the sound of chains clanking and rattling.
She looked around and saw a taller figure wearing sandals and black GI pants.
She looked further up the person's body and saw a ragged Black Jacket with a blood red inner lining, a white martial arts sash whipped in the wind along with the jacket, and a midnight black sheath hung from the sash.
Her eyes couldn't believe herself for what she saw next. Looking at the mans torso area the figure wore a black hood and she noticed both of the sleeves of the jacket were gone the torn areas ragged, and the exposed right arm was wrapped with black chain links that spiraled up the figures arm, the hands were covered with a black mma glove and the chain spiraling his arm looped low and attached itself to a black and red katana handle with a black flange with four thick, rectangular prongs bent out pointing in different directions like a swastika and a long liquid black blade that gleamed in the moon light.
She looked at the figure in its entirety. That sword, ive seen that sword before… that's….. that's…
Her eyes widended as the last few words ran through her head. THAT'S ICHIGO'S BANKAI!
She rubbed her eyes as the figure dropped its hood and revealed a tall upturned collar and messy Orange hair.
"ICHIGO! WHAT THE HELL!" Rukia coughed trying to sit up.
Ichigo turned around and Rukia saw that his jacket was open showing his muscular toned body with the end of the black chain wrapped over his right shoulder and connected to a black knob like pin on the chest area of his jacket.
Ichigo looked into her eyes and Rukia looked into his.
"I'd imagine your surprised by this eh, Rukia." Ichigo calmly said.
Rukia struggled to sit up. And Ichigo held his left hand up. "stop, Rukia, don't move, just lay there and rest, ill take it from here, im sorry I disobeyed you Rukia, but I forgot to tell you something…" Ichigo was about to finnish but Ollivante interrupted.
"what the hell is this trick! I sensed no spirit energy from you earlier, what are you trying to pull HUMAN!"
Ichigo turned and faced Ollivante, he could see fear in her face.
"this is no trick Ollivante…." Ichigo said pointing his liquid black blade at the arrancar.
"This… is the true form of TENSA ZANGETSU!"