Episode 14: Hunger I

The hole in my chest seems to grow larger as I have consumed the hollow Acidwire. My hunger, my pain, only grows larger by the day. I fear Ichigo may not be adequate for easing this suffering.

I have left quite a mark here. The buildings have almost been razed and these pathetic souls are now broken, possibly none more so than Orihime, who has just seen her brother eaten by a 'monster'.

"Maybe I can ease your pain as well." I reach over and try to grab Orihime but she cowers back pouring tears of anguish over her brother. I manage to snatch her before she falls off the edge of the building. "It will be alright, you will be reunited with your brother very soon."

"KYAH!"

I was oblivious to the Substitute's presence and so he manages to slash me from behind. "You never cease to get in my way Shinigami substitute!" I throw Orihime away, ignorant of the fragility of these humans, and pursue Ichigo once again.

I have him trapped and so drive him onto the plaster. I have him in my grasp. He coughs and spits out powdered blood.

"This is the end Kurosaki Ichigo, your friends are all wounded, and noone can help you now."

He closes his eyes and enters a mode of unconsciousness.

I HAVE WON!

All that remains is too devour his soul. The pain heightens as I bring him towards me. His reatsu still provokes me, and his method of obtaining Shinigami infuriates me. He is despicable and so deserves nothing more than to be considered hollow feed.

His body roasts in my mouth for a few seconds before I clamp down my jaws, his bones crunch down and cut into my cheeks. He is tough yet he soothes my pain as he enters my throat and becomes part of the digestion. He was one of my main enemies, but now he is simply another one to add to the tally of souls. My first Shinigami as well!

Orihime gasps as she realises her friend is now gone the way of her brother. "MONSTER!"

I'm repulsed by an enormous surge in power. An orange aura flares around her body as she sends powerful winds towards me.

"Shit what did I do to her?" I try to shield my eyes from the blinding vision. Once it fades I notice several flares orbiting her body. Her once submissive and weak expression has turned into a burning and passionate determination...to seek vengeance for her fallen friends.

"I'm not sure what you are, but eating my brother and best friend...IS UNFORGIVABLE!"

She calls out the name of one of her sprites and in a flash it charges towards me, leaving a clean gash to my abdomen.

"GAH!" I wince as I try to stem the blood flow.

She walks toward me with newfound confidence. The death of her friend has awakened some sort of strange power in her.

"KOTEN ZANSHUN...I REJECT!"

I would have died if it weren't for the quick action of...well I can't quite see who but someone is lifting me away into the night sky.

I look up to see a familiar hollow. "Sh...Shrieker."

"You did it...you actually killed a Shinigami like we ordered...you have completed the punishment and can return to Hueco Mundo."

"Th-thank you..." I want to feel grateful that I can return to my sanctuary. However devouring Ichigo has again left me with a sense of unfulfillment. I believe this hunger I keep feeling may represent my grief for my brother. I am envious of his citizenship to soul society whilst I live my eternities as a measly beast. Eating souls is my way of feeling slightly better about my predicament. However I am again feeling nothing but regret and remorse for my actions.

As we delve into the black portal I share one last glance at this little town I'm leaving behind. I can still see little Orihime, crushed and sunken in defeat. I may leave this place, but I have a feeling it won't be for the first time...

That's right I ate Ichigo! He's gone...dead! Don't like it? Then too bad it's my story! How much will the story diverge now? If you are loyal you will continue on to the next chapter...