I'm back. I'm so sorry. I moved and i didn't have internet for a long time, but now that i do i'll be posting!
ok, this is a super duper huge chapter because it is the movie Memories of Nobody. i didn't want to split it up, because i didn't see a point in it. So, i hope you guys like this chapter. i worked hard on it.
I also know it may seem weird, but i'm just going in the order that the movie came out, not based on what's happening. So just act like it fits in there from where i left off, because i kind of made it fit. I hope that makes sense. _
Yura woke up to alarms. "Will someone shut those off?" She groaned then stood up. She jumped at the sound of excessive knocking. "Hey! Cut it out!" She opened her door and came face to face with Matsumoto. "What do you want?"
"To tell you what's wrong, of course. You're just as important as I am so you should know everything."
"Well, can I get dressed first?"
Matsumoto pushed past Yura. "Fine, I'll tell you while you get dressed." Matsumoto sat on Yura's bed.
Yura sighed. "Fine, talk." Yura turned around so she could get dressed.
Matsumoto's eyes widened when she spotted Yura's back. At the base of her back, Matsumoto spotted something written in ink. It wasn't something that she'd seen before. The sign was a backwards lowercase Y with a line going horizontally through it and another line going diagonally through it from lower-left to upper-right. She was about to question it, but decided now wasn't the time.
"So, you hear the alarms."
Yura rolled her eyes. "Yeah, ok, so?"
"We don't know exactly what's going on, but…Soul Society and the World of the Living are on a collision course."
Yura looked at Matsumoto after she was dressed. "What? How is that possible?"
"We don't know yet. But Toshiro and I are getting ready to head to the World of the Living. We both thought that you might want to come along."
"Go on a trip with you and Captain Hitsugaya? Thanks…but no thanks."
"Yura, you have to go. You know you want to, but why won't you?"
Yura looked away and crossed her arms. Matsumoto probably knows why Yura won't go, but she should still make it clear. "Remember when you told Captain Hitsugaya my secret and I went to go talk to him? Well…we haven't talked since then. And I honestly don't plan on talking to him now."
Matsumoto stood up. "You don't have to. But come on, Yura. I know you want to go to the World of the Living and now's your chance."
Yura thought about it. Then she looked up again. "Will I get to hit Ichigo?"
Matsumoto shrugged. "Whatever you want."
"Then what are we waiting for! Let's go!" Yura grabbed Matsumoto and dragged her out of the room. "So, where to?"
"Sokyoku Hill."
"Hang on then."
Yura tightly held on to Matsumoto and took off using her Flash Step. When they stopped they were already at Sokyoku Hill. Matsumoto's hair was messy and she was dizzy.
"Your Flash Step is fast."
"Yeah, I know."
The two walked further up and found Captain Hitsugaya waiting. "It's about time."
Yura rolled her eyes. "Well, what do you expect?" She asked, her eyes narrowed.
"You to be faster."
"But that didn't happen, did it?"
"Can we just go?" Matsumoto cut in.
Toshiro nodded and walked away for a while. Yura turned to Matsumoto. "See what I mean? There's no way this is going to work out."
"You're gonna have to try."
A few minutes later the Sekaimon was opened. "Let's go." Toshiro said. He walked through with Yura and Matsumoto following. Then it closed behind them.
When they walked out of the Sekaimon, they found themselves in front of Urahara's Shop. "What are we doing here?" Yura asked.
"This will be our meeting point." Toshiro said as he walked in.
Yura and Matsumoto followed and found themselves in a small, tacky shop. "It's amazing how people just let themselves go." Yura muttered.
"What do we have here?" Yura looked up to see a guy wearing a green and white stripped hat and loud cogs walking toward them. "Ah, Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Matsumoto." He turned his head and studied Yura. "Yura Yamoda. I remember you."
"Yeah, and I'm getting annoyed at how many people remember me. But, it's great to see you again, Urahara."
"We're going to go find Ichigo Kurosaki and bring him back here so we can tell him what's going on."
"Right, and while you two do that, I'll just wait here." Yura said as she walked to the back.
"But, Yura-"
"Save your breath, Matsumoto. Just go on." With that, Yura walked all the way to the back of the shop and Toshiro and Matsumoto left.
About an hour later, Toshiro and Matsumoto were back with Ichigo. They had walked into a room and gotten settled. "Ok, so what's going on?" Ichigo asked.
Before anyone got to respond, one of the screen doors opened. "Ichigo!" Ichigo looked up and was suddenly attacked by a blue-haired girl.
"Hey! What was that for?"
"To relieve me from my boredom. It's the only reason I came. Just so I could hit you. And it's pretty awesome to be in the World of the Living."
Toshiro sighed. "If you two are done, I'd like to explain things quickly."
Yura stood up and glared at Toshiro. "Yes, mom." She rolled her eyes then sat down next to Ichigo. Ichigo threw her a questioning look, but she only shook her head.
"Ok, so start explaining." Ichigo said.
"At 12:50 today, a town from the World of the Living suddenly appeared above Seireitei. We also detected a trail of Spiritual Waves flowing into the World of the Living. Shortly after that, we lost all of our communications between the two worlds."
"So…what's it all mean?"
Yura sighed. "You're kidding, right?"
Toshiro sighed and closed his eyes. "This guy is clueless."
"Just relax. Allow me to clarify a few of these concepts," Tessai held out a notebook and began to flip pages. "You see, our universe has two worlds which are the World of the Living, where we are, and the Soul Society. Between them is the Dongai Press of this world which serves as a tunnel as well as its main purpose to keep the two worlds from colliding, see? You went through it one time, or you forgot. It doesn't matter. At any rate, about three days ago a new dimension appeared between the Dongai Press of this world and the World of the Living. It began to expand rapidly, bridging the gap and adhering to both worlds. At this point it appears that the area it attached itself is acting like a lens. Now you see, the World of the Living looks as if it's located within Soul Society, which is in a different dimension. In other words, it just looks like a mirage."
Yura rolled her eyes at the long lecture Urahara just gave only to really say the image of the town looks like a mirage.
"The Stealth Force was sent out to investigate this newly created dimension. But they failed. So now, we're investigating the Spiritual Waves into the World of the Living. It was decided that I would head up the operation."
Ichigo leaned forward. "Hold on a minute. Why were you picked?"
Matsumoto put her hand over her mouth. "Because all the other Captains backed out." Yura snickered at that.
Toshiro scoffed at Matsumoto. "Let's just stick to the details." Matsumoto giggled.
"That must've been what those white things were."
Yura sat forward. "What white things?"
"You saw something unusual?" Toshiro asked.
"Yeah. They were these white ghostly things, must've been hundreds of them, wearing these red pointy hats."
Yura raised an eyebrow. "Red pointy hats?" She looked at Urahara. "Any idea what they are?"
"It sounds like Blanks." He responded.
"And that means the Valley of Screams." Toshiro added. Ichigo and Kon looked very lost.
Yura laid back. "Oh, the Valley of Screams. That makes sense."
Ichigo looked down at her. "You know what that is?"
"Of course I do. I've been around a long time, Ichigo. Longer than Captain Hitsugaya, I should brag. I should know these things." Toshiro glared at her, but no one other than Ichigo seemed to sense the tension between the two.
"Time for explanation number two. Ready, Tessai?"
"Uh-huh."
"I know I'm not." Yura mumbled.
"As you already know, souls migrate between the World of the Living and Soul Society. From time to time, however, there're souls who, for some reason, become detached from the cycle of transmigration while in the Dongai Press of this world. These souls wander aimlessly through the Dongai Press of this world and are slowly drawn to the other over a period of time. As the souls come together it causes a new dimension, hence the Valley of Screams. In the Valley of Screams, the souls separate into memories and energy. Then return to the cycle of transmigration," Urahara leaned forward. "Are you following me so far?" He asked.
"I'm not really listening." Yura mumbled.
Ichigo jumped back. "Yeah, I got it."
"So Ichigo, from the description you gave, it sounds as if what you witnessed were Blanks which are souls with no memories."
At the sound of this, Yura sits up. "What happens to the memories? They must go somewhere." Ichigo said.
"Well, they merge together into one entity and return into the World of the Living. It's called the-"
"Shinenju." Everyone turned to Yura. She looked around at them, but her expression was serious and full of knowledge. She sighed. "It's a jewel that acts as a collection of memories, isn't it? I've heard of it before."
Urahara nodded. "Right. In any case, the appearance of the Valley of Screams and itself is in a matter for concern is it's a natural common phenomenon. Yet, there is a problem. This time, the Valley of Screams has connected Soul Society to the World of the Living, something which has never happened before."
"It's not just some weird natural phenomena?"
"There has never been a natural phenomenon that has created a tunnel linking two worlds. That's what's going on here. There's no doubt that someone's doing this deliberately." Toshiro argued.
Yura sighed. "I hate to agree with you right now, but it's just not possible that this could just…happen. We need to find out whoever's behind this."
"Hey! That's right." Kon jumped down off of Ichigo's shoulder.
"What're you doing?" Ichigo asked.
"There was some guy wearing strange armor standing in the middle of all of those white things! I saw him myself."
"Strange armor?" Toshiro asked. "Do you remember any specific details about the armor?"
"Of course! I've got a memory like a steel trap. Uh, now let's see. It was kind of uh…well…"
"This is gonna take forever." Yura muttered. Urahara turned and put on a black glove. Then he poked Kon on his head and the Soul Candy popped out of him.
Tessai reached down and picked it up. "I'll just take this and analyze it."
"Yes, please do. If it's being done intentionally, I doubt that whoever's behind this has honorable motives." Urahara said.
"So what do they want?"
"At this point, it's difficult to know of any certainty. But still, I have this feeling. It concerns a Shinenju. It must've returned to the World of the Living and that's what they want. That theory makes the most sense. We'll analyze the data and try to identify the enemy. I want you to keep watch over the town, Ichigo. I'm certain it's only a matter of time before they appear again. While you're at it, keep your eyes open for the Shinenju."
"Yes, because that won't be hard at all." Yura said sarcastically. She stood up and stretched. "Am I allowed to stay here and make sure Ichigo doesn't screw up?"
Toshiro and Matsumoto stood up as well. "Only if you want to. What do I care?" Toshiro said, as he and Matsumoto began to leave. When they did, the room was silent.
"Well then. It's good to see you again, Ichigo. Good night."
"Wait, but Yura."
She looked at him. "Yes?"
"What's going on with you and Toshiro?"
Her face turned grim. "Nothing happened between Captain Hitsugaya and I."
Ichigo blinked. "You…called him-"
"That's his name, isn't it? I'm only doing what I'm supposed to do and that's using the appropriate identification. It's nothing, Ichigo, I assure you. Go on back to what you were doing. Goodnight." With that, she opened a screen door and found herself facing a long hallway. She walked all the way to the end and found an empty room. "This should do." She walked in and took a deep breath. She sat on the blankets that were in the middle of the floor. "He's so frustrating sometimes." Yura muttered.
Then why do you speak of the boy?
"To remind myself how frustrating he is?"
That's so childish of you. You still have feelings for the boy.
"Do I not tell him that I don't want to be friends with him? Because I can assure you that I did."
It's not that I don't believe you. But I honestly think you still have feelings for him. The thing is, you love to be playful.
"It's who I am, Dena."
The voice in her head hesitated at the sound of its nickname. But you're also too serious in life.
Yura sighed. "Are you telling me that this is a pick and choose? Stay serious or stay playful?"
I'm saying be neutral. Be everything. Not too much of one than another, but all the same.
Yura rolled her eyes. "Yeah, whatever. I'm tired. I'm going to take a nap." Yura lay down on top of the blankets and stared up at the ceiling for awhile. Then, she slowly closed her eyes.
Yura!
Yura's eyes snapped open and she sat up. "Something's not right." Yura stood up, hand on sword, and hurried out of the room. She quietly walked out of the shop, and when she got out, used Flash Step. "Do you know where, Denakuma?"
It's hard to say…go right, here.
Yura listened and followed Denakuma's directions the rest of the way. After about fifteen minutes she stopped. "Is this the place?"
Yes. Right inside.
Yura was just about to push open the door when she heard fast approaching footsteps. She turned around and saw a bright head. "Ichigo?"
The figure slowed its pace. "Yura? Is that you?"
Yura rolled her eyes. "No, it's a Hollow. What are you doing here?"
"I sensed something so I-" His sentence was caught off by a yelp.
He and Yura both took off and found themselves in a cemetery. "There." Ichigo called. "I'll distract him. See if you can save Senna." Yura was just about to ask who Senna was, but Ichigo already took off.
"Now, let's go, shall we?"
"Hold it." The guy looked down and spotted Ichigo. "Where do you think you're going?"
Yura was hiding behind a gravestone, waiting for the right moment. "Who the heck are you, anyway?"
Ichigo grabbed his zanpakuto and the wrappings fell off of it. Ichigo looked Yura's way and gave her a small nod. Yura quickly jumped out. When she came down, her zanpakuto was already in her hands. She slashed down and cut the guy's arm off. He yelled as his blood sputtered everywhere.
"No one wants to be showered in your blood. Disgusting people." Yura said as she stood up from her crouch.
Ichigo looked at Senna. "What's with all the wandering off?" He asked her.
"I just…why don't you mind your own business!"
"Afraid I can't do that. At least not until you've kept your promise."
Yura looked at Senna then at Ichigo. "A loud one you have here." She said.
"Eh, she's just a stowaway. Picked her up on the street."
Senna gritted her teeth in frustration. Yura turned back and watch as the guy struggled to get up. She couldn't help but to laugh. "I would apologize for cutting you arm off, but I couldn't let you take the girl."
The guy stood up. "You're gonna pay for that. I'm gonna-"
"You're gonna what? Slice me with those things you carry around? I highly doubt that."
"Why you-"
"Enough." Yura, Ichigo and Senna turned around and looked at the other four. "Patience. The time has not yet come." Then they disappeared.
"The time? What's he talking about?" Ichigo asked.
"Crap." And the other guy disappeared. "Hey, wait a minute." Ichigo called out.
Yura shook her head. "I was so looking forward to killing that guy. Oh well. You can't always get what you want."
"Hey." Ichigo said as he noticed Senna trying to sneak off. He turned on her. "What's the big idea of letting me pay for lunch and then running away?"
"I wasn't running away!"
"Then what were you doing?"
Yura sighed and leaned against a gravestone. "I have a feeling this is gonna be awhile." She muttered.
"My entire family is buried in this cemetery."
"You expect me to believe that."
"Well, what do you know? Kurosaki's not that gullible after all." Yura said.
Senna giggled then turned back to Ichigo. "I'm telling the truth. I remember it all. I do. I remember when I was alive, thought it's still kind of hazy." Yura and Ichigo exchanged glances. "I had to come and see for myself. My house used to be around here too. Tell you what, let's pick this up tomorrow. I promise I'll help ya. Alright?"
Yura pushed herself off the gravestone. "See, Ichigo? She promises. Can we go now?"
Ichigo grabbed Senna's shoulder. "You idiot. I'm not gonna just abandon someone who was just attacked."
Yura raised an eyebrow. "Then what are you gonna do with her?"
"The only thing I can do."
Yura narrowed her eyes then understood. She laughed. "Are you seriously gonna keep her at your house?"
Ichigo's eyes widened, then he became serious again. "It's the only thing I can do."
Yura sighed. "Then take me with you. I'm not completely comfortable staying at Urahara's."
Ichigo sighed then nodded. "Fine then. Let's go."
When they got to Ichigo's house, Yura had gotten a gigai. She was wearing a gray sweater and jeans.
"You're seriously wearing that." Ichigo said.
"I'm not fan of skirts. So what? This is more comfortable if anything."
"I meant a gigai."
"Oh, well yeah. I'm sure if you can see us before becoming a Substitute Soul Reaper then someone else in your family can. I'm not taking the risk."
"I doubt they will be able to see you."
"But like I said, I'm not taking the risk."
They walked through the door. "Dad! Karin! Yuzu! Get down here!"
Yura leaned close to Ichigo. "What are you doing?"
"Well, I have to find a way to get you guys in here, don't I?"
"What's this?" They looked up. Yura was facing two little girls and a grown man. Ichigo's family, obviously.
"Dad, I found these two being attacked by some bad guys. I helped them and they said they don't have anywhere to stay. I was wondering if they could stay here just for tonight until they solve their problems."
"I don't know about this bad guy story. It sounds fishy." The dark haired girl said.
Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I know it sounds pretty wild, but it's true and it's just for one night."
"I'm Senna." Senna said, without any emotion.
Yura sighed. "Yura."
The girl with the sandy-blonde hair leaned forward. "My name's Yuzu. It's a pleasure to meet you two."
Senna bowed and Yura only stood there. "Karin, can Yura sleep in your room?"
Yura leaned in close to Ichigo again. "I'm not sleeping in her room."
"Why? You two have a lot in common." Yura rolled her eyes. "Yuzu, you don't mind if Senna sleeps in your room, do you? And she probably wants a bath."
"Bath?" His father asked. Ichigo ignored him.
"Ok." Yuzu said.
Senna and Yura followed Ichigo upstairs. "Nice family you got there." Yura said.
"Shut up." Ichigo opened up one of the doors and walked in. He turned on the light. "You guys can hang out in here until everything's ready."
Yura looked around. "This is your room? It's so…plain and bland. Never mind. It fits your personality perfectly."
"Boys' rooms are always this way." Senna said, agreeing with Yura. Massachusetts
Ichigo sat in a chair and Senna sat on his bed. Yura stood in the middle of the room and looked around. "Give me a break."
"Whatever. It seems like you've got a nice family, though."
"You think?"
Senna giggled. "Yeah. My dad was way different."
Yura looked at Senna. "Oh yeah? What was your dad like?" But Senna wasn't paying attention. Her expression was horrified. "Senna?"
Senna gasped. "What?"
"Is something wrong?" Ichigo asked.
Senna shook her head. "It's nothing."
"So, do you have any idea as to why those guys wanted to take you away? Did they say anything?"
"Yeah, what did they want?" Yura asked.
"Oh…I think he said a guy named Commander Gan-somebody wanted me brought to him."
"Yeah and what else?"
"That was it! If you hadn't come by when you did, I might've learned more."
Ichigo stood up. "You're crazy!" Senna kicked off her shoes and fell back on Ichigo's bed. "Hey, what are you doing? You can't sleep in here!"
Yura rolled her eyes and sat on the floor. "I can't believe I wanted to come here." She mumbled.
"There's nothing wrong with it."
"What? Are you kidding? Stop kicking your legs around and put your shoes back on!" Yura then stood up and hit Ichigo in the head. "Hey, what was that for?"
"You're annoying, for one thing. Second, she's not exactly doing anything. And third, you might wanna open your door."
Ichigo gave her a questioning look then heard voices outside his door. He groaned and stood up, still rubbing the side of his head. Then he pushed open the door to reveal his sister and father. "What's going on out here!"
"I told you, you shouldn't have done that." Karin said.
"The bath is ready whenever Senna is."
"You guys…" Ichigo turned around at the feeling of a hand on his shoulder. He looked at Yura. "What?"
"I don't think she's up for a bath right now." She motioned toward the bed and Ichigo looked to see Senna fast asleep on it.
Ichigo sighed. "Don't wake her up. Just carry her to the room." Yura said.
"Fine."
Yura watched as Ichigo picked Senna up in his arms then walked out of his room. Yura stretched and rubbed her eyes as she began to grow tired. She yawned and leaned against one of the walls with her arms crossed. She looked around the room and tapped her foot.
"What are you doing?"
Yura turned around to see Ichigo walking in. "I'm not doing anything."
"Then go to Karin's room and go to sleep."
"I told you, I'm not sleeping in there."
"You can't sleep anywhere else."
Yura narrowed her eyes. "Let me sleep in here."
Ichigo sighed and then he opened his closet. "Rukia slept in here when she was staying."
Yura looked around the small closet room and sighed. "Guess it's better than sharing a room with your sister. Ok, fine." Ichigo turned and walked over to his bed. "Don't turn around."
But Ichigo didn't listen. "Why wouldn't I-Ah! Put your clothes back on!"
Yura was taking off the sweater she was wearing. She rolled her eyes. "I told you not to look. I'm wearing the under shirt, don't worry. Haven't you seen Yoruichi naked, anyway?"
Ichigo glared at the back of Yura's head. "It's not like I intentionally wanted to see her. She teases me like that." Yura shook her head and continued to take off her sweater. Ichigo's eyes widened when he noticed the symbol on her back. He narrowed his eyes to see the tattoo more clearly. "Does Toshiro know you have a tattoo?"
Yura quickly straightened her back and turned on Ichigo, her blue hair flying all around her. She put her hand on her back. "No one knows about it. I can't believe you saw it!"
"Well, it's kind of out. Why do you-"
"It's nothing. Just…nothing. I swear."
"You having a tattoo can't just be nothing."
She turned back around and threw her sweater in the closet. "Maybe some other time I'll tell you the story." Then she turned on him again. "Why would you mention Toshiro when you saw my tattoo?"
Ichigo shrugged. "Because, before you're…fight, I guess, you seemed to tell him everything. What's up with you guys anyway?"
"Long story."
Ichigo sat on his bed. "I have time."
Yura sighed and sat in the closet. "Which story do you want to hear first?"
"What's going on with you and Toshiro?"
Yura looked away. "I told Matsumoto my secret. About me being able to see into someone's past. I explained how it works, that it comes along with the power Denakuma gave me. And…the only person whose head I can't get into…is Captain Hitsugaya."
"Wait. Why can't you get into his head?"
She looked at him and shrugged. "I don't know. That's what I'm still trying to figure out. I've been in your head and-" "
You've seen my past?" Ichigo's expression was dark and Yura knew what he was thinking about. The night his mother was killed.
"Uh…yeah. I-I did. I'm sorry. I had no right to-"
"No, it's ok."
Yura was confused. "But, I intruded on your personal life. I had no right to do so."
"Yura, it doesn't matter. Continue."
She wasn't sure. Ichigo seemed like he let loose something terrible and that it was his fault. The expression he got when she told him…it was full of pain and regret. Yura knows that feeling. But she continued anyway. "So…of course before that happened Matsumoto had come to tell me something. But I had to look in her head to know what it was…" She looked away again.
"Did you find out?" Yura nodded. "What was it?"
She took a deep breath. "That the Captain of Squad 10…actually likes me. And I don't mean…just as friends."
The room was silent for a minute. Then Ichigo spoke, "Yes, because I had no idea." He said sarcastically.
Yura glared at him. "Just because you kept joking around with us didn't mean anything."
"And you like him back, don't you?"
She crossed her arms, leaned back against the wall and looked away. "I did. But I haven't finished my story."
"Then continue. This is quite interesting."
Yura shook her head. "Anyway, after I told Matsumoto not to tell anyone about my ability she told Captain Hitsugaya. I couldn't blame her, though…at least, not completely. I went to talk to Captain Hitsugaya about exactly what he knew…and he kind of hit nerve. So I told him that I didn't want to be friends anymore and we haven't talked since. That's about it."
"So, you technically dumped your boyfriend?"
Yura gritted her teeth and glared at Ichigo. "I'm trying to be nice to you for once, but you're not exactly helping right now, are you? And for the last time, he's not my boyfriend! He never was and never will be! Do you understand?" Yura's eyes flashed blue.
At the sight of them, Ichigo cringed back a little. Yura was staring at Ichigo. She relaxed a little. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
Ichigo shook his head. "Stop apologizing. Ok, so that's that story. What's your tattoo story?"
Yura stood up and turned around, lifting her shirt enough that Ichigo could see the tattoo on her back. "Denakuma marked me with it. I was training with her once and I felt something burning on my back and…the result is this tattoo. Not too much of a story."
"She marked you? I've never heard of such a thing." She pulled her shirt down and turned around to face Ichigo.
"Well, now you have. Wanna know what it felt like?"
"Not really."
Yura smirked. "You don't have a choice." In one swift move, Yura grabbed Ichigo and turned him over onto his stomach.
"Hey! What are you doing?"
"Shut up." She lifted up his shirt and snapped her fingers. Sparks flew from her fingers every time she snapped them. Then she pressed the tip of her finger to the base of Ichigo's back. He yelled. Yura removed her finger and held her hand on the black mark that was now on Ichigo's back. "Calm down. It'll go away. I promise. You just have to relax."
"So, that's what it felt like."
"Try feeling that pain for about five minutes. Here, keep pressure on it." Yura got up and walked out of Ichigo's room.
She walked into the bathroom straight across and grabbed a towel. She soaked it with cold water then ran into Ichigo's room. She squeezed the towel over his back and the water dropped onto the black mark. Smoke rose up from the towel then she pressed it to the mark.
"Why did you let me feel that?"
"So you know what I go through, Ichigo. I know your pain. I know your feelings. And I know why you fight. It's to protect those around you so you won't lose them. You're one of those people who choose your own life over others'. You're one who steps up and stands for what you believe in. Even when you're on the brink of the death…you never give up."
Yura's purple eyes flashed blue again, but not out of aggressiveness. It was something else that she held inside of her. Pain filled eyes looked anywhere, but at Ichigo. Talking about this was hurting her as much as it did when it actually happened. Her chest hurt and tears threatened to spill from her eyes. She took a shaky breath as she wrapped her arms around herself.
"Yura?"
She slowly looked up at Ichigo. His expression was full of concern. She slowly shook her head. "I'm sorry. I just…I don't know what…" Yura couldn't get her words out. Her head was full of painful scenes. Her entire life was painful.
"You need to sleep. You look worn out." Ichigo said.
Yura shook her head. "No, I'm fine." Ichigo looked at her a little longer then stood up. Yura felt arms beneath her as Ichigo picked her up.
"You're so stubborn." He said as he carried her over to the closet.
"You're no different." He put her in and she laid across in it. "Ichigo," He looked at her. She closed her eyes and smiled with a single tear falling from the corner of her eye. "Thanks for listening." Ichigo smiled then closed the closet door.
Yura woke up to ringing. She groaned. "Why can't I ever wake up naturally?" She put her hand in her pocket and came back out with a phone. She flipped it open and put it to her ear. "Yamoda."
"Yura, it's Matsumoto."
"Matsumoto. What is it?"
"We need you to come to Soul Society."
"Now?"
"Yes. Immediately. It's an emergency."
Yura sighed. "Ok, I'm on my way." She hung up.
She slowly opened the closet door and peeked out. Ichigo was fast asleep. She opened the door all the way and jumped down. She walked over to his desk and wrote a quick letter as to why she was gone. She stuck it in the closet. Then she turned around and walked over to Ichigo's bed. She carefully jumped up, being sure she wouldn't wake him up. She slowly opened the window and jumped down. She landed soundlessly on the ground. She looked up at the open window and smiled, before using Flash Step.
She stopped outside of Urahara's Shop. She looked up at the sky to see it already turning blue. She looked back at the shop. She slid the door open and walked in, closing the door behind her. The shop was completely silent. She listened carefully for any sign of movement. She looked up when she heard tiny footsteps on the floor. She narrowed her eyes, ready to attack. Then she relaxed when she saw a black cat. She sighed.
"Hello, Yoruichi."
The cat sat there, its tail moving around. "Yura. You're here."
"Yes, I am. Where's Urahara? I need to leave my gigai here and I need to go back to Soul Society."
"Wait a moment." Yoruichi turned around and ran into a room. Yura waited as patiently as she could.
A few minutes later Yoruichi came back in human form with Urahara following. "What's this about?"
"I don't entirely know, but I'm needed in Soul Society immediately. In the tone Matsumoto had when she called…I have a feeling it's about the Shinenju."
"Do you really think so?"
Yura nodded. Then she jumped out of her gigai and the body fell to the floor. "Do you mind opening the Sekaimon?"
Urahara looked at Yoruichi. "Go open it." Yoruichi nodded and took off. Urahara grabbed Yura's gigai. "You can't just leave this lying anywhere."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm not Ichigo. I don't dump the body in public."
Urahara smiled. Then Yoruichi came back. "It's ready." Yura nodded.
"Good luck." Urahara said, with a tip of his hat.
Yoruichi led Yura to the back of the shop where they walked into a large room. Yura faced the doorway that connected the World of the Living to Soul Society. It opened and light poured in to the room. "Go quickly. It won't hold long."
Yura nodded her thanks then ran in.
Yura appeared on top of the hill. She smiled, but it fell when she remembered why she came back. She used Flash Step, as usual. She made it to Squad 10 Barracks and saw Matsumoto.
"Matsumoto!" Matsumoto turned around just in time to see Yura use Flash Step to get to her.
"Good, you're here. Toshiro's in a Captain's meeting right now, but should be out soon."
"Like I care about that. This is about the Shinenju, isn't it?" Matsumoto turned serious and nodded. "What is it?"
"We think we may have located it."
"And?"
"We're going after it today."
"Actually, we're going after it now."
Yura turned around. "Rukia."
Rukia walked toward the two. "We know where the Shinenju is…and it's Senna."
Yura's eyes widened. "Ichigo…he doesn't know. Why didn't we realize this sooner?"
"We weren't sure. But now that we are we need to go after her."
"Ichigo won't hand her over. Not without a fight at least. You know he won't."
"He'll need to. It's important."
"I understand that, but-"
"You obviously don't understand it if you're arguing about it."
Yura swallowed and looked down. "I'm only saying what's true." Yura turned around and found herself facing Toshiro Hitsugaya.
"No. You're saying what you want to say."
"Then if I am, you'd stop procrastinating and go after the Shinenju. Shouldn't you be on your way?" Yura tilted her head and her eyebrows rose.
Toshiro stared at her a while longer, before moving on. "We should go. And you will help capture her. You have no choice."
Yura glared at him. "Fine. But I don't appreciate this being held against my will."
"It's not being held against your will."
"That's not how I see it." Then the four of them took off.
Yura didn't remember all that happened in between. She was too focused on the fact that Senna was the Shinenju. But she should've seen it before. She said she remembered when she was alive. That she remembered everything. She was always in deep thought. She was remembering memories, but they weren't hers. Yura felt like an idiot. She'd usually be able to point things out like this. The next thing she knew, Yura was standing to Matsumoto's left, staring straight ahead at Ichigo and Senna. She didn't want to, but she knew she had to. It was important. Especially when someone was after Senna.
Ichigo stepped forward. "Captain Ukitake. What are you all doing here? Rukia. What's this about? Yura." Ichigo looked at Yura. She tried to give him an apologetic look, but she knew it failed.
"Ichigo."
Renji stepped forward when Rukia hesitated. "We're here to carry out a level 1 order from Central 46. You're to hand over the girl immediately."
"What?"
"Ichigo. I've searched every record of the 13 Court Guard Squads, Stealth Force and the Kido Force as well as the Soul Reaper Academy. There is no Senna listed anywhere. I also verified that the zanpakuto the girl uses, was swallowed up by the Restrictive Current in the Dongai Press of this world one-hundred years ago along with its owner. In other words, there is no way her zanpakuto can exist."
Senna stepped forward. "But that's not possible. What you're saying isn't true. I am a Soul Reaper, I know it!"
"Then when did you come to the World of the Living? How long ago?" Renji asked.
"It's all confusing. I remember walking up by the banks of that river two days ago. And I'm not confused about my name. I know it's Senna. I remember that river. When I was a little girl I…" Her words faltered. She looked so scared and hadn't a clue what was going on. "But…I…and then I was alone. There was no one else."
"Don't you see? All those different memories are mixed up in your head."
"I know it's hard to comprehend, but the very thing we've been searching for, this Shinenju is actually you." Captain Ukitake said.
Yura could tell by the look on Senna's face that she didn't want to believe it. She didn't want it to be true. She was so confused and it's hard to process. "Is it true?" She asked shakily.
"The Valley of Screams became visible twenty-four hours ago," Toshiro said. "We concluded that the man behind it is Ganru and his motive is to destroy the worlds. In order to achieve his objective, he intends to utilize the Shinenju. The Shinenju's Senna. By order of the Soul Society we will now take you into custody!" Everyone, including Yura, got into position to capture Senna.
"But…but what gives you the right? What have I done? I'm just one person. How could-"
Ichigo put his arm in front of her. "Just hold on. You can't do this."
Rukia stepped forward. "Ichigo, what are you doing?"
Yura wanted to do something to stop this. She was a Soul Reaper so she had to follow orders, but she saved helped save Senna and that shouldn't mean she should have to do this.
Where's the girl that always stands up for those around her? She heard Denakuma in her head.
"No matter what this girl is, it doesn't change the fact that she exists at this moment. Look, she has feelings and emotions and thoughts and dreams just like you do. But you wanna ignore all that and lock her away, right? As far as I'm concerned, you're no different than them! So you might as well forget about because I'm not handing her over to you."
Yura swallowed. Captain Ukitake looked down. "Sorry, but we have no time to debate this with you, Ichigo."
Renji stepped forward. "Step away! Move, Ichigo!"
Yura took a deep breath. Then she used Flash Step. She appeared in front of Ichigo and Senna. Everyone was shocked. "Yura!" Ichigo said.
"Oh shut up. Appreciate some help once and awhile, will you?" She turned her head a little. "And I'm sorry. I didn't want this to happen." She faced forward again and pulled out Denakuma.
"Do you understand what you're doing?"
She scoffed. "Do you know what I'm not doing? I'm not helping them take Senna. I understand that we have to…but you're right. She's no different than any of us."
"Yura!" Yura looked up at Matsumoto. Both she and Toshiro were focused on her. She was betraying them and not following orders. But who is she to follow orders?
Stand up for what you believe in, Yura. Just don't get killed in the process. Yura smirked.
Then, her expression dropped when she heard something. She looked up, just in time to see that group from the cemetery appear out of nowhere and drop down. "What is that?"
Yura glared. "You've got to be kidding me." She muttered.
One of the guys was carrying something huge on his back. Then, tons of rope flew out, connected to metal claws. They rapidly flew toward everyone. As soon as they made contact with the ground, they exploded. Smoke was everywhere. Yura covered her mouth and coughed. She looked up and could see the silhouettes of the Soul Reapers and that group.
"Ah, crap. Ichigo, protect Senna." Yura jumped up and over the smoke cloud. She saw Renji get attacked, then Matsumoto. She saw Toshiro go toward the guy, but Yura was faster. She pointed her zanpakuto at the guy and struck him. He moved, but not before he was hit with the lightning bolt on his arm.
Toshiro looked up at Yura. She quickly glanced at him, and then moved on. She watched as all of the ghost around them turned into Blanks. Ichigo pushed Senna away just in time before a guy grabbed her. The same guy who's arm got cut off by Yura. They rolled off, but Ichigo turned into a Soul Reaper. Yura pushed herself down and she landed next to him, zanpakuto ready to strike.
"You should really leave this to me and go protect Senna."
"Kon's watching her."
"What's a mod-soul going to do?"
"Let's hope a lot."
"Well like I said, leave this to me. I'm gonna finish this guy and he won't be so lucky as to just getting his arm cut off like you're probably thinking."
The guy smiled a not so welcoming smile. "Hey kid, it wasn't time for us before, but it is now!"
"You got that right! But you won't be so lucky. You'll die for sure this time!" Yura said. She took off using Flash Step. She swung her zanpakuto hat him, but he blocked it with his curved blade. Yura gritted her teeth and pushed back.
You're not trying, Yura!
"Sorry to say, but shut up for once." Yura's eyes widened when she saw the Blanks come together to reform the guy's arm. "Oh, come on!" The guy lunged for Yura. She held out her zanpakuto to block his blade from making contact with her. He kept pushing forward, and Yura was backing up.
You're showing weakness and not strength! Call forth your full power, Yura. Call it!
Yura closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them, her eyes were a bright but violent electric blue. The guy stopped and took a step back. Yura's Spiritual Power flashed all around her in light blue. Ichigo's eyes widened.
"Ichigo! Don't worry about me. Just keep fighting and try to ignore me as hard as you can."
"But-"
Yura's Spiritual Pressure got stronger. She could sense that everyone had stopped fighting just to watch. She smiled. "Ban…kai!" The sky suddenly began to darken as dark clouds rolled over the sun. The clouds were quickly moving over the area in which everyone was fighting. Everyone was looking at the storm clouds and then their gaze shifted over to Yura. Yura smiled again. "Gekido Denakuma!" Yura felt a violent but soothing buzz throughout her entire body.
That's what I'm talking about.
Yura smiled. Yura looked around, her eyes still an electric blue color. She spotted Ichigo a few yards away. Suddenly a lightning bolt hit Yura. When it cleared away, she was gone. Ichigo's eyes widened. Then a bolt of light hit the area near Ichigo. He jumped, but was shocked to see that Yura was standing in place of the lightning bolt.
"That's called power, Ichigo. Now I suggest all of you get back to what you were doing while I finish off this guy."
The guy Yura was against smirked. "You think you can beat me with that?"
"Yes, I do." As Yura charged, everyone got back to their fighting. Yura pointed her zanpakuto at the guy and instead of from the zanpakuto, a lightning bolt struck a few feet away from the guy. Yura noticed that lighting was flashing everywhere, and she felt right at home. She was just about to strike again when she heard Ichigo. She stopped and looked up. "Senna!" Senna was going after one of the guys that was in the sky. Yura's eyes widened. Senna didn't know who that was, but Yura did. "Senna, don't!"
It was too late. Senna was grabbed by him. Everyone that was in the same armor took off. Yura was too shocked to strike anyone down with lightning, even though the lightning seemed to become more aggressive. A lightning bolt struck, not even a foot away from Yura, but she barely blinked. She's familiar with what's going on now. Now that she's gotten a better look at the armor she knows what group they belong to. She heard Captain Ukitake speak, probably saying who they were, but she didn't process the words.
She was focused on Ganru holding Senna. "I wouldn't know about that," he said. "We are from the clan of darkness. The Dark One."
Yura watched as Toshiro went after them just as the Blanks were flying up too. But the reaction that caused was a huge explosion. Everywhere the Blanks made contact, there was another explosion. Yura jumped just in time to avoid one.
"Yura!" Yura looked up and her eyes widened at the sight of Ichigo. He was wearing a long black flowing coat and his zanpakuto was pitch black. He was looking down at her. "That's your definition of power. This is mine. Are you coming?"
Yura was still shocked at the sight of Ichigo. But she quickly pulled herself together and smirked. "You know it." They both took off at their fastest.
Yura's now purple eyes were narrowed as she was rapidly flying through the cold air. The dark clouds in the sky were still giving off lightning as it flashed everywhere. Then, Yura and Ichigo both whizzed past the Dark One. They both turned around and glared down at the group. "All right, put the girl down now!" Ichigo said.
Senna lifted her head and looked up at the two. Then she started pounding against Ganru. Yura looked at Ichigo. "I'll distract him and you go after Senna." Ichigo nodded. "Alright, you'll know when?"
"Yeah, I will."
"Senna!" Yura called. Senna looked up at her. The group, except for Ganru, took off after Yura and Ichigo. But a lightning bolt struck Yura and she was gone. A lightning bolt struck just behind Ganru and Yura was position to strike. She let out a battle cry. Ganru turned around, and just as he did Ichigo took off.
But Ganru somehow knew. He quickly hit Yura in her shoulder and turned around just in time to stab Ichigo straight in the stomach. Yura was watching this happen as she plunged to the Earth.
Yura! You need to summon the lightning. Quickly!
Yura closed her eyes. A giant lightning bolt struck Yura. Then it struck near Toshiro and she was lying on the ground. He knelt down next to her. "Are you ok?"
She tightly shut her eyes and turned her head. "What do you care?" She whispered. He was about to respond, but instead took off just as everyone else did.
Yura could feel the blood pouring down the side of her face as well as the power from her Bankai fade away. She took a shaky breath and curled into a ball. Her right hand traveled up her left arm to her shoulder. She grabbed what was stuck in her arm and pulled it out. She yelped. She dropped it and put pressure on her shoulder as blood started to pour down her arm. Her head began to hurt and she felt the world spinning. Not like when she goes to visit Denakuma. She heard someone land not too far from her and then she heard shuffling footsteps.
"Yura!" She slowly opened her eyes to see Rukia kneeling next to her.
"I'm fine," she managed. "Where's Ichigo?"
"We need to get him healed. Can you stand?" Yura slowly sat up, hand still on her shoulder. "What happened?"
"He stuck something…in my shoulder. Don't worry. It should…wear off soon. I can help you carry Ichigo to…Urahara's."
"Are you sure?"
Yura nodded. "Positive." She looked up at the sky to still see traces of clouds and lightning, but they were small. "Bring Ichigo over here. Quickly."
Rukia took off and grabbed Ichigo. Then she brought him back. "What are you going to do?"
"Just hold on to him." Yura grabbed Ichigo's limp arm and summoned lightning. "Hold your breath and close your eyes." She told Rukia. When Rukia did as told, a lightning bolt struck the three. Yura imagined Urahara's shop as she closed her eyes. When she opened them, they were sitting right in front of the shop. "Open your eyes. Go inside. Call Orihime and get Ichigo healed."
"What about you?"
Yura tightly closed her eyes. "I'm tired of people worrying about me. I'm fine. Ichigo's the one that needs healing." Rukia nodded then ran inside the shop. Yura was taking deep breaths. The pain in her head increased and she was getting dizzy. She opened her eyes and looked up at the sky. "I couldn't save her. I'm sorry…Ichigo." Then, Yura blacked out.
"She'll be fine. Something was injected into her blood and put her to sleep. But because she was already bleeding, most of it came out. With the help of Orihime she should be fine."
Yura woke up and was facing everyone. She sat up. "Yura."
"What's going on?"
Rukia sighed. "When I came back, you had passed out. We got Ichigo healed and we got you healed just now."
"Where is he?"
"Waiting for us. He's going to look for the passage into the Valley of Screams." Yura stood up. "Wait, are you sure-"
"I said I'm tired of people worrying about me. I'll be fine. Ichigo's right. We need to find the passage." Rukia nodded and stood up. Yura looked at Orihime. "Thank you." Orihime nodded. Rukia and Yura ran out of the room and out of the shop.
Ichigo was waiting for them, just like Rukia said. "You're better, I see."
"You're one to talk. I'll be fine as long as we keep moving."
"Right." Ichigo took off and Rukia and Yura followed. They were running and jumping on top of buildings, trying to get to wherever as fast as they could. Ichigo dropped down and landed in front of the entry way to the festival they found. Yura landed behind him then Rukia landed. They walked in and looked around for a trace of anything.
Police were observing around, trying to figure out where the explosions came from. Ichigo looked around, back and forth. Then he jogged over to a crate where a red ribbon was attached. He picked it up in his hand and looked at it.
"Ichigo?"
"Ichigo, I never should've-"
"It's not your fault, Rukia. It's neither one of your guys' fault. You did what you felt was right." Yura was gonna say that she didn't feel right about it, but decided it was best not to. "Senna is strong-willed, stubborn and a little crazy, but she was trembling," He pounded his fist against the crate. "She was so frightened and confused. She had no idea who she really was. I just couldn't see that. I failed and wasn't able to protect her."
Yura pressed her lips together. Ichigo turned around and began to walk away. "Ichigo, what's wrong?"
"Don't worry. Just come with me." Yura and Rukia followed and they went into Flash Step. When they stopped they were facing a Ferris Wheel. Yura looked all around. "Come on. We're going up there." Ichigo left and Yura and Rukia fell into step with him.
Yura found herself crouched on top of one of the cars on the Ferris Wheel. They were approaching the top of the Ferris Wheel. Yura's eyes widened when her gaze fell on the river. "What is that?"
Ichigo and Rukia followed her gaze. "That's it." The three of them jumped off and took toward the river.
They stopped in mid air above the river. "Look at that. It's the same phenomenon that's visible from the Soul Society."
"I'm going in."
Yura and Rukia turned to him. "Are you sure about that?" Yura asked.
Ichigo nodded. "Rukia, contact Urahara ad tell him that we found it."
"Ichigo, it's not safe. Wait for the others."
"I'm going now! Tell the others. Go. I'm gonna save Senna." He jumped down toward the opening.
"No Ichigo!" Rukia went to jump after him, but Yura held her back.
"Don't. He needs to do this. It'll help him."
"How?"
Yura smiled without looking at Rukia. "It'll help him stand up for what he believes in. And realize his pride in others. Just let him go. We need to tell the others immediately. The faster we do that the faster we can help him."
"You seem to know so much about him."
At this, Yura looked at Rukia. "I know him and I know his feelings. It's the same thing I've felt ever since my father disappeared." Rukia's eyes widened. "But that doesn't matter. Ichigo believes he can save Senna and we need to support him. His heart doesn't just belong to him, but all of his friends. Just listen and let's go tell everyone. Ok?"
Rukia wasn't sure about this. She knew what Yura meant, but for Ichigo to do such a thing that could get him killed…Yura's right. He'll do whatever just as long as those around him are safe. And Rukia saw that in Yura when she risked her life to help save Senna earlier. She was a worried person, but rarely showed her emotions. She'd dangerous when she uses her power, and even if it seems she can't control it, she can.
But the power hungry look was something else Rukia noticed. When she released her Bankai she wanted to fight alone. She wanted to do everything by herself. The way her eyes glowed like the lightning she summoned to fight her enemy…Rukia didn't want to admit it. She never would. It was even hard to admit it to herself…but she was scared of Yura.
"Come on. We'll go to Urahara and tell him and the others"
"What are we going to do once we tell them?"
Yura hesitated. She looked up at the orange and pink sky. "We're going to try and help as best we can, understand? We need to go now." At that Yura quickly took off with Rukia following.
What are you going to do now that you've found the entry way to the Valley of Screams?
"I'm going to help Ichigo as much as I can. I won't give up. He needs all the help he can get."
After a few minutes they made it to Urahara's shop, barging in. "What's this all about?" Yura looked up to see Urahara.
"We don't have much time. Ichigo has located the entrance to the Valley of Screams. We need to go to Soul Society so we have a chance of helping him."
Urahara smirked and looked down. "I know you people too well. Yoruichi's opening the Sekaimon now. You should go before it closes."
Yura smiled, and she and Rukia rushed to the back.
Yura and Rukia were running as fast as they could. "I'll go tell the Captains' what we've found." Rukia said.
Then she departed. Yura ran to Squad 10 Barracks and found Matsumoto in Toshiro's office, just like she hoped. "Yura! You're here. What a surprise." Matsumoto stood up from her position on the couch.
"Kurosaki has located the entrance to the Valley of Screams."
"He has?"
Yura nodded. "He went there to save Senna. You know that we have to save her."
"We can't do much."
"Then try!"
Matsumoto seemed taken aback. The anger and fear she saw in Yura's eyes was unexpected.
"We can't do anything."
Yura bit back her outrage. "Fine. Don't do anything." Yura walked out.
After Yura's long walk, she had found Rukia watching as everyone prepared to try to stop the collision of the two worlds. They hadn't spoken a word to each other. Then, Renji joined them.
"I have to-"
"I'm going too!" Yura and Rukia looked at Renji. "I'm not about to let him take all the glory again."
Rukia let out a small laugh and Yura smiled. "We all know that if we don't do something, Ichigo getting the glory or not, he'll get himself killed." Yura said.
"Then we should go as soon as possible." Rukia said.
"Right there with you."
The three of them walked through the doorway and found themselves on a bridge. "Rukia, Yura."
"Renji."
Yura walked over to the railing. "Anything happen?" She asked.
"Nothing. How'd it go?"
"They refuse to send anyone to help and they're going to release the Kido Cannon to destroy the Valley of Screams." Rukia said.
"If they do that what'll happen to Ichigo?" Orihime asked.
"He'll be fine, because we're going after him." Yura said.
"You have a plan?" Ishida asked.
"Don't worry about it. We'll come up with something." Rukia said.
"You wouldn't stand a chance going in by yourselves. We've already put the team together." Yura looked over the edge and had to contain her smile.
Matsumoto showed up beside Toshiro. "And I'm coming too!" She giggled.
"Would you quit fooling around? Let's go." He quickly glanced at Yura before jumping in.
"Right." Renji and Rukia said.
Yura jumped on top of the railing. She turned around before jumping in. "Please Rukia." Orihime said.
"Don't worry."
Yura smirked. "We'll bring Ichigo back in one piece. Hopefully." With that, Yura fell backward with Rukia and Renji following.
Yura flipped so she was facing the entrance. Yura caught up with Matsumoto. "What made you want to help?"
"I wanted to help. I just said there wasn't much we could do."
"But you're doing a lot. I appreciate it."
They fell through the entrance and landed on rock cliffs. Yura looked around and her eyes widened at the tree-like structure in front of them. She heard Toshiro yell out his zanpakuto's command and name and an ice dragon appeared. She looked around and her eyes found Ichigo. She smiled.
Ichigo turned around and looked at the entire group of Soul Reapers that had formed.
You need all of your strength, Yura. Concentrate. This won't be an easy battle.
Yura blocked out everything that was going on and concentrated on her power. After a while, Yura opened her eyes. She felt the electricity run through her veins and the power that surged through her.
"Let's do this!" She heard Toshiro yell.
"Right!" Everyone yelled.
They each took off using Flash Step, but Yura hesitated. She turned and looked at Toshiro who was looking back at her. "This doesn't exactly mean anything, but thanks for helping." She said.
"Yura-"
She shook her head. "Win the battle first. Then talk." And she took off.
As she took off down the hill, Blanks came after Yura. She took out her zanpakuto. She held it out to the side and it sparked a few times. Then she swung it over her head and aimed it at the Blanks. A lightning bolt flew from the blade, hitting every Blank in its way. She flipped over some of them, striking them from above. She landed and swung her zanpakuto, cutting those around her in half. She swerved around and spotted one of the guys from the clan. The same one she's fought twice.
She smirked. "Must be my lucky day." She used Flash Step and headed toward him.
She stopped and was right next to Ichigo. "Hey, Ichi."
"Yura. What are you-"
"Enough questions. I'm gonna finish off that guy, ok?"
"But what about-"
"Ichigo! Grab on!"
The two looked up to see Renji. His zanpakuto was in Bankai form. Yura smirked. "Your ride is here. I'm assuming Renji will take care of the other one while I take care of Double-Blades here."
"You have a nickname for him?"
"Shut up and go already!" Ichigo jumped on Zabimaru and rode him. Renji and Rukia appeared next to Yura. "Do you two think you can work together and take out the one with those giant barrels or whatever?"
"Why?"
"Because I need to finish off the other guy." Rukia and Renji looked at each other, then nodded. "Good. Lets' go." Yura took off using Flash Step and ended up behind the guy.
"Hey!"
He turned around and smirked. "You again? Don't you ever give up?"
Yura closed her eyes and grinned. "I'm not one to give up. Believe me." She opened her eyes. "Will you die this time?" She asked as she pointed her zanpakuto to her side.
The guy positioned his circular blades in his hands and positioned himself. "No. But you will!" He threw one of his blades at her. It was inches away when she disappeared. She appeared behind him and swung her zanpakuto, cutting his back. He yelled and swerved.
Yura smirked but her expression fell when a few Blanks came together to reform his blade. Then he lashed out. Yura held out her zanpakuto and blocked each blow.
"Why. Won't. You. Die!" He yelled.
Yura jumped back. When she looked up, her eyes were blue. "Because I'm powerful." She narrowed her eyes and held out her zanpakuto to the side. "Bankai!" The sky began to turn dark with clouds. "Gekido Denakuma!" The clouds began to roll in quicker and lightning was forming. Once the clouds were hovering over the entire area, lightning struck all around. A lightning bolt struck right in front of Yura, but she didn't budge. "This isn't Denakuma's full power. This is only the start of her rage!"
The guy gritted his teeth. With a yell, he threw one of his blades at Yura. Yura smiled and a lightning bolt struck the blade just as it was inching closer to her. Then Yura turned serious. She twirled her zanpakuto in her hand then plunged it into the ground. A huge lightning bolt struck the sword sending lightning in different directions. There was a small explosion and the smoke covered both Yura and her opponent. When the smoke cleared away, Yura found herself on a cloud. She noticed that her zanpakuto was gone, but she smiled and looked up.
When she spoke, her voice was more powerful, "This is my world you have entered. Prepare to die, for there is no possible way you can survive." Yura realized that the power she got her voice from, was Denakuma. Their voices were mixed and it made her seem like a bigger threat.
Yura's opponent was panicking. There were no Blanks around for him to reform his other blade, so he was stuck with the one. He smirked anyway. "How are you supposed to fight me without a sword, girl?"
Yura smiled. "Believe me. I don't need it to kill you."
Before he could respond, Yura was gone in the blink of an eye. She appeared behind him, and he turned around. He slashed his blade at her, but she kicked up her leg and kicked his hand away. Yura grabbed his arm that held the blade, and twisted it. He yelled, but it was quickly drowned out by the lightning that struck near them.
"You lose." She said. She grabbed his blade and sent a strong electric current to it. She could feel it traveling from his blade to his arm all the way through his body. She pushed back and he began to violently twitch. She held up her hand. "Denakuma has transferred her full power into me. So I guess you can say…I'm Denakuma."
Her blue eyes flashed brighter. She charged for him at full speed and she swung her arm across his stomach, her fingers pointed straight out. She landed in front of him on one knee, arm still out. Her opponent let out a blood curdling yell. "Shut up and die already." Suddenly he burst into dust. Still crouched down, Yura summoned a lightning bolt and it struck her. When she opened her eyes, she found herself back in the Valley of Screams.
"Where did you come from?"
She stood up. "Somewhere. I took care of that one guy with the blades. He died a horrible death, but at least he's off our hands. How was your opponent?"
"You're talking to me again."
"That's not the answer to my question."
"He was easy enough to take care of. That's three down."
Yura looked at Toshiro. "Three?"
"Soi Fon took care of the woman. She's gone. I don't exactly know how Renji and Rukia are holding up. I saw them battling one of them."
She turned her head away. "Hm. Let's just hope Ichigo can save Senna." The two were quiet for a while.
"Where's your zanpakuto?"
Without looking at him, Yura balled her hand into a fist and sparks flew around it. "Denakuma transferred her full power to me. Until her Bankai fades away, I still have it."
"So what you did when we first fought them…that wasn't her full power."
Yura smirked. "Of course not. I rarely use her full power because it overtakes me. But when I need it, I need it." They were focusing on the tree-like structure. "Do you really think Ichigo can save Senna?"
"We can only hope so." Yura gasped at the sudden feel of a strong Spiritual Pressure. She stepped forward, but felt a hand on her shoulder. Electricity shot through her arm.
"Don't. This is his fight. He'll be fine."
But Yura only shook her head. Denakuma could sense emotions in someone else, including pain. The lightning storm from her Bankai picked up, making lightning strike everywhere. It struck near her and Toshiro jumped, but she only stood there. Inside of her, she could feel Denakuma howling. Everyone was scared, even if they didn't seem like it. They didn't know what was going to happen. Yura swallowed hard.
Then she gasped and looked up. To her it looked as if purple goo was oozing out of a ceiling and dark lightning was striking, mixing with her own from Denakuma. Yura knew what it really was.
"They've fired the cannon." Matsumoto said.
"It won't be long before the entire dimension collapses!"
A bright light formed behind them. Instead of moving back, Yura stepped forward. But she was suddenly pulled back. "I don't think you should that." Matsumoto said. "We need to go."
"Do you really believe he can save her?"
"Kurosaki is strong. But we need to go, now."
Yura hesitated, then nodded. She let Matsumoto pull her through the entrance to the World of the Living. Before she knew it, Yura was back in the World of the Living with everyone. She was looking down at the river from her position in the sky. Water splashed everywhere. She took a deep breath. Then there was another explosion from the river, and Ichigo came out with Senna. Yura let out the breath she was holding and smiled. She, Rukia, Renji, Senna and Ichigo floated down to the bridge and landed. Everyone welcomed them back and congratulated them.
Yura felt Denakuma's power slip away from her. Her eyes turned back to their normal purple and her zanpakuto appeared at her side. Ichigo turned to her, Rukia and Renji.
"Rukia, Renji, Yura, thank you."
"You idiot. It's not like we did it for you." Renji said.
"We really only wanted the glory." Yura said, with a smile. She touched Ichigo's arm and sent a small electric current through it.
"Hey."
"Nice saving you did there, Ichi."
Ichigo stared at her then smiled. Then he turned around and pulled something out of his shirt. "Senna, I forgot. I still have your ribbon."
Everyone noticed that Senna was looking over the railing down in the river. Then the ribbon slipped away from Ichigo's grasp. Yura's veins buzzed.
It's not over yet.
Yura looked up. "Ichigo…"
"What's this all about?" Rukia asked when she fell.
"It isn't stopping." Renji said.
"Then what's going to happen?" Orihime asked.
"This isn't good."
Senna jumped. "Senna!" Ichigo followed.
Yura watched as they hovered over the entrance to the Valley of Screams. "Senna has to sacrifice herself." Yura muttered under her breath. She watched as Senna and Ichigo were talking. Then Senna turned away and there was suddenly a bright light.
Rukia and Yura walked to the cemetery in silence. They pushed open the door and walked down the long rows. They found Ichigo as he fell to his knees. "The energy form the Blanks is slowly dissipating. Soon it will all be gone. Once that happens, everything about Senna will fade from our memories. She was never alive in our lifetime so we can't remember someone who didn't exist."
Ichigo stood up and slowly turned around. "I know she'll be gone soon, but right now…I can still hear her voice."
Yura wanted to cry, but held herself together. Ichigo began to walk and Rukia and Yura followed. "We need to go back to Soul Society. We agreed to make sure you were ok before we left." Yura said.
"There was no need for that. I'll be fine. I can walk you guys to Urahara's shop."
"Are you sure? You look like you should go home and…get some sleep."
Ichigo side glanced at her. "I'll be fine. Honest. I can walk you guys there and see you out." Yura and Rukia exchanged glances, but kept walking.
The rest of their walk was full of silence. They got to Urahara's and stopped outside. Yura took a deep breath and looked at Ichigo. "We can always stay if you want. We don't mind."
Ichigo only shook his head. "You two should go. I just…need some time to think."
Yura wasn't sure, but nodded anyway. She gave him a quick hug. "We'll see you soon. Promise." She let go. She and Rukia walked inside the quiet shop. On her way to the back of the shop, Yura could already feel Senna slowly start to slip away from her mind.
They walked into a room and found Urahara. "Ah, perfect timing. The Sekaimon is ready whenever you two are."
Yura nodded. "Get us out of here." In a few minutes, the Sekaimon opened. Without a second glance, Yura and Rukia stepped through.
Yura found herself walking into Captain Hitsugaya's office. He looked up from his work. Yura gave him a small and sad smile. "What are you doing here?"
Yura looked away. "I hope you know that…just because you helped out, we're still not exactly on friendship terms. I'm still confused about a lot of things."
"We won't remember anyway."
She looked at him. "I know. I just thought I'd let you know before we completely forgot."
"I appreciate it."
Yura clicked her tongue. "I should probably go. Thank you, again, Captain Hitsugaya." With that, Yura turned around and walked down the hall to her room. She walked in and lay on her bed. As she closed her eyes, the last memory of Senna drifted away from her mind.
Author's Note: Long chapter, right? So, what did you guys think? I hope it was ok. I feel like i didn't do enough or something. But, anyway. Can you believe this was 34 pages? i couldn't believe it. And i kept it this long because i feel like i owe u guys for being long, but the stupid internet...anyway, i hope u guys visioned Yura's tattoo just as i vision it. If not, ask me for a picture. I've been thinking about changing my proifle picture to her tattoo...i want her tattoo so badly.
Oh, btw. Yura's Bankai, Gekido Denakuma, it means Rage of the Lightning Demon, just in case u didn't know. Did u guys like her Bankai? Or was it too much? be honest. i don't mind. even if it's too late to change it. lol.
I'm just babbling, i'm sorry. but before i go, i wanna thank TheKeeperofKingdomHearts1 for being the first person to vote me writing this chapter. And my best friend, Lynn, for being the second person (some friend, huh?) jk. REVIEW!