March 25, 2014 - Tuesday
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Freezing. Bleach is the property of Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Dentsu, Viz Media, and Studio Pierrot. Freezing is owned by Dall-Young Lim, Kill Time Communication, Funimation and A.C.G.T.
Chapter 7: Home of the E-Pandora
"Alright, who installed the outdoor freezer?"
Seemed like the appropriate comment for the current time and situation. Even towards the end of June, Alaska's temperatures could still go down into the negatives. It was a bright and sunny day, but the freezing blow of the Arctic wind destroyed any impression of summer. It was cold, windy, and patches of ice and snow could be seen on the mountains in the distance.
"...Seriously, why would anyone call us to a base on this ice-cube?" A cold gust of blew, causing Ichigo to close one eye as in blowed over his face. "You hanging in their Chad?"
The two stepped off the ramp, leading out of back of the tiltrotor. The rest of the West Genetics students were a couple of yards ahead of them, while Chad and Ichigo hung back and moved at their own pace. Ichigo focused on the group directly ahead of him and noticed it was the group with the two second year girls and first year boy. Satillizer, Rana, and Kazuya if he remember right. They had their hands wrapped around their arms and were shivering, not that Ichigo could blame them.
"I'm fine. I'd be more worried about them." Chad nodded his head in the direction of the trio.
"They'll be fine." Ichigo replied. "You and I both know Pandora are tough. Even those Limiters got more than they let on to believe."
He pulled the zipped of his coat all the way up, shoved his hands in his pocket, and walked towards a pair of jeeps that were parked at the end of the runway. Chiffon,Elizabeth, and Cathy along with their Limiters, were already seated in a jeep that was speeding away towards the large dome building in the middle of the base, that Ichigo guessed was the main building. Kazuya, Rana, and Satellizer were loading into the last vehicle when Chad and Ichigo arrived.
"Oh." Kazuya looked over his shoulder at Chad and Ichigo. "Ichigo-san. Sado-san. If you want the front seats, we can move back." he said nervously. The jeep had three rows of seats; the driver and shotgun and two rows passenger rows with three seats. Rana and Satellizer were already in the middle row and looked surprised at Kazuya's statement.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow. Why was he so willing to give up his seat to them? He'd never spoken to this kid before, but yet the Limiter was acting like he wanted to treat Ichigo and Chad like high-ranking people. Sure they were his upperclassman and the other Limiters at Genetics had looked up to him or hated him; one of the two. Though still, the upperclassman treatment wasn't the kind of thing Ichigo was use to.
"It's cool man, we can just ride in the back." Ichigo waved it off cooly. "You've already sat down, so their's no point in you getting up for our sake."
"Are you sure Kurosaki-san? It won't be-."
"It's Ichigo. Call me Ichigo and drop the honorifics." Kazuya gave him a surprised look. "I never cared for titles, so you don't have to address me like that. That is as long I can call you Kazuya."
There was a pause and Kazuya looked dumbfounded. His fingers fidgeted and he looked hesitantly at Rana and Satellizer before speaking. "Sure...Ichigo. I'm good with that if you are."
"Hey, are you getting in or not?" the driver snapped impatiently. He drummed his fingers on the wheel.
Ichigo nodded before opening the jeep door and climbed in. He scooted over to make room for Chad, who pulled the door to.
"You might want to button up. It's going to get breezy." the driver said before starting the vehicle and shifted it into drive. The engine roared to life and the jeep lunged forward and sped towards the large dome building.
'He was right about it getting breezy.' Cold air roared in Ichigo's ear and the group sat in silence for a while before he spoke up. "So you're Kazuya Aoi right?"
"You know my name?" The Limiter turned around in his seat and stared with widened eyes at Ichigo.
A faint smile formed on Ichigo's lips. "Chill out man, it's no big deal. I heard your name back when they called us at West Genetics and I was there with you guys on the whole flight here. We haven't spoken until today, but it's nice meet you." He offered his hand which Kazuya shook firmly. "You already know me and Chad's name, so I guess their's no need for an intro."
"Nice to meet Ichigo!" Rana had turned around in her seat and was smiling cheerfully at Ichigo. He blink when she leaned forward and in a sing-song voice, she continued. "I'm Rana Linchen, second year student from Tibet." She playfully poked the shoulder of the silent blonde Pandora sitting next to her. "And is Satillizer, who you might know as the Untouchable Queen."
Satellizer shyly turned her head and glance at him. "Uhm...nice to meet you..." She quickly turned back around and faced forward, earning a raised eyebrow from Ichigo.
"Ah Satellizer! Don't just turn away as soon as you're done talking like that." Rana gave her an exasperated look before shaking her head and sighed. "Sorry Ichigo, but Stella is a little shy around people and since you've come to school, you're celebrity status isn't making it much easier."
"Celebrity...what do you mean by that? I'm no one famous."
"You haven't been paying attention to what's been going on around you, have you?" Chad said.
"Eh?"
"You've been one of the main topic of discussion for the last couple of weeks. Ever since you showed off your Freezing field, there's been a lot of talk about you."
Ichigo blinked. "Eh...if that's true than how come I've never noticed?"
"You're dense sometimes." the Fullbringer said bluntly.
"..."
"..."
"Good think it was you who told me." He crossed his arms and looked absent mindly at the mountains.
"Why's that?"
"I'd probably beat anyone else's ass if they called me dense, but since it's you, it might be true..."
A couple of moments later the jeep came to a slow stop in front of the main building and the students piled out. The front doors automatically opened when they approached and a welcoming blast of warm air greeted them, along with middle-aged woman who looked like she'd be more at home behind a desk then waiting at the door.
"Ah more Genetics student, good good." She waved them inside and gave a short bow. "Welcome to Alaska. More students from West Genetics Japan I take it?" She pointed down a hall that had several doors on each side, the doors on one side marked with "Male" and the other with "Female". "Those are dressing rooms that are open for your use. You may change out of your uniforms into some normal clothes. When you're done, there is an assembly on the second floor. Just take the flight of stairs." She pointed to the stairway past the changing rooms.
They gave her their thanks and split into their separate rooms.
Ichigo opening the door of one of the dressing rooms, poked his head and gave a quick sweep, before walking inside and tossing his duffel bag on to a bench in the corner. He unzipped the bag and eyed its content.
Students were only allowed to wear the school uniform on campus, so Ichigo had grown accustomed to having only his black uniform set. Nevertheless Kisuke had insisted on getting Ichigo some everyday clothes. He returned to his room after class one afternoon to find a cardboard box full of clothes. With a chibi head wearing a striped hat and "to my latest pupil" written on the box, it didn't take a genius to guess who sent it. Inside were several pairs of jeans and t-shirts. At least he remembered Ichigo's style.
Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a fresh pair of jeans and a plain blue t-shirt with the number 15 displayed on the left sleeve. While he changed, several thoughts ran across his mind. That lady had said there was an assembly taken place. He'd been told little on why he'd been sent to Alaska other than it was a Chevalier order. Would this meeting explain exactly why him, Chad, and the rest were there? He threw on a light brown over his shirt before zipping up his bag and leaving the room.
Chad, Kazuya, Rana, and Satellizer were already waiting by the stairway when he walked into the hallway. He hadn't taken that long had he?
"Sup, you ready?" Ichigo straightened his collar as he looked at each one of them individually. The two Pandora and Kazuya had changed into what he assumed was their normal clothes, while Chad had changed in a pair of blue jeans and sleeveless shirt like the one he'd wore on their first trip to the Soul Society.
His questioned was answered by Rana, who was rocking back and forth of her heels excitedly. "Oh I really wish I knew what's going on up there." she exclaimed. Her eyes drifted up as if she could see through the ceiling to the second floor. "What do you think it's about Satellizer?"
"How should I know? If we want to know, we'll have to go to the second floor."
"Good point, we're wasting time by staying here." Ichigo said before making his way up the stairs. "I need to know what this whole thing is about..."
"So all the hand selected students have arrived?"
"Yes Dr. Ohara. Genetics has agreed to send all the Pandora you requested, along with the two "special cases" that were noted. I'd get ready ma'am, it's almost time for the assembly speech."
The middle-aged woman, Scarlet Ohara, turned around in her rolling chair and looked at her assistant. "Time already is it? I'll prepare shortly, but first I want to look over the files on those "special cases" one more time. It's by sheer luck that a contact of mine stumbled across them while running through Genetics data base." Her assistant handed her a holo pad and she looked to see it displaying profile pictures of two individuals. One was a photo of a large boy of Hispanic descendant.
"Yasutora Sado. Age: 17. Country of Origin: Japan. Personal background: unknown." She skimmed over some of the data before coming to the part she was looking for. "In an encounter with Chevalier Pandora, Sado displayed unknown armor on his arms that looked similar to a Gauntlet Volt Weapons." A male creating a Volt Weapon? Impossible. But the report did say he displayed some sort of special ability. What it was was unknown. With him in Alaska, she could get a better reading of him and he may be proved useful.
Doctor Ohara flicked her finger across the holo screen and the picture of the second boy enlarged. The boy in the profile picture scowled back at her as if she'd gotten on his bad side. "Ichigo Kurosaki. Age: 17. Country of Origin: Japan. Personal background: known." Ohara raised her eyebrow slightly. His background history was unknown too? Brushing through more data, she got to the part that made Ichigo Kurosaki a "special case". "Can create a Freezing area without first needing to establish an Ereinbar Set. In addition to a report that he can also activate and use a Volt Weapon." According to reports there was only one other Limiter that could use Freezing without an Ereinbar Set, Gengo Aoi's grandson Kazuya Aoi. While she knew Kazuya was able to create his Freezing field thanks to his Stigmata body, the origin of Ichigo's power was still unknown even to her. A male that use an Ereinbar less Freezing area and create a Volt Weapon. Discovering the source of his power may be a key element in moving her plan forward.
Turning the holo pad off before handing it back to the assistant, Scarlet Ohara leaned back in her chair and to a few moments to ponder. 'There can't be any screw ups. I have to make sure this meeting with the Genetics students goes off on the right foot or there will be a major setback to the plans.' She turned back to her assistant. "I'll be ready shortly..."
"Ah!" Rana squealed as she looked around the auditorium filled with students and tables packed with food. "It's like a party or something. I wasn't expecting this at all."
Ichigo nodded in agreement. From the outside it looked like a gloomy military base, but the atmosphere in the room gave no feeling of anything military related. People were milling around room, talking or eating, and the smell of food finally took its effect on Ichigo when his stomach let out a low growl. His hand went immediately to his stomach as he looked around to see if anyone had heard. He managed a sigh when no one seemed to be paying attention. It had been a long flight and he hadn't eaten a full meal since leaving the school, just a few packaged snacks on the tiltrotor. He felt himself subconsciously drifting towards one of the tables until his attention caught by a unnervingly cheerful voice.
"There you are Ichigo!" Chiffon waved Ichigo over to a table where Cathy and Elizabeth were already waiting. She smiled warmly at him and offered him a glass. "Champagne?"
He eyed the drink, but shook his head. "Sorry, I'm underage."
"It's ok, since different countries have different legal ages, you can drink as long as you don't drink too much."
"And drink too much would be?"
"Getting so drunk that you'd make a scene. Though I doubt that would be your style." She laughed at that as if it was a secret joke before offering the drink again.
Seeing nothing better to do, he shrugged and gently took the glass from her. Raising it up to his lips, he took a small taste of it before finding it alright enough that he took in a bigger sip. That's when he noticed the three Limiters. standing behind Cathy. Elizabeth, and Chiffon. All three of them were looking at Ichigo with analyzing eyes as if to trying to find out what made him tick.
Bring the glass his lips, he gave them one of his famous scowls. "Sup."
The dark-haired one with a small ponytail behind Elizabeth spoke. "Hey Mr. Kurosaki." A faint smile formed on his face. He walked up to Ichigo and offered his hand. "We never did talk on the ride over here, but I'm Elizabeth's Limiter, André Francoise."
Ichigo took a second to glance at the hand before reaching out and shaking it. "I'd prefer if you just called me Ichigo." The French Limiter grinned before nodding his head.
André waved his other hand in the direction of the other two Limiters. "You probably already know Cathy Lockheart's Limiter, Kyoichi Minase. The other is Chiffon's Limiter Eugene."
"There's no way I could forget you Ichigo." Kyoichi laughed. "Your Freezing field shattered mine like glass and knocked me out cold. Landed me in the hospital for a couple of days."
"Ah..yeah sorry about that." Ichigo awkwardly scratched the side of his head. "I did plan for that to happen like that. It just kinda did."
"Don't sweat it man. In a mock battle you do what you have to to win. It was worth it though, because after watching a replay of the match I got a better look a your Freezing area. Can I asked how you created it without an Ereinbar Set?"
'You wouldn't believe me ever if I told you. Few people would believe that a near mad scientist stuck me with a needle and injected liquid Stigmata. No way I can tell him that' Fate seemed to have taken pity on Ichigo, because right at that moment the lights of the auditorium dimmed down and a single spot light focused on a stand set up on the middle of the stage.
Narrowing his eyes in the dark, Ichigo could make out a woman walking across the stage till she was standing behind the stand. She adjusted the microphone and gazed out at the crowd of students. "Welcome to Alaska, Pandora and Limiters from across the globe. I would first like to thank all of you for coming here at the request and taking the time off from the frontlines of the war with the Nova. I am the chief researcher of the E-Pandora Project here in Alaska. Scarlet Ohara."
There was whispering all around the room. Ichigo looked to his side to find that Chad had walked up beside him and was watching the woman named Scarlet Ohara closely. The whispering of the room died off when she began speaking again. "The official name of the project is the "Evolution Pandora Project". As the name suggests, the purpose of the project is the continued improvement and evolution of Pandora. For years only woman with compatibility with Stigmata since birth have been able to become Pandora. This limited the number of people able to serve and the few that are are more or less destined to battle against the Nova. Just being born with bodies compatible with Stigmata, you've sacrificed so much to protect humanity and this planet. Never thinking twice about it. I have my deepest respects to you, no just as director of this project, but also as a human being. But in spite of everyone's effort, the Nova threat only seem to rise and the lacking number of compatible people add to the crisis. However thanks to you we have found an escape from that. A chance to allow ordinary people to become Pandora! The E-Pandora Project takes on the burden you've carried and the data you've shared and leads us towards a chance at making an artificial body compatible with Stigmata. If this project succeeds, the average person will be able to host mass-produced Stigmata and fear of finding compatible people will be over. The time for humanity to share your burden has come. All of you have had many sacrifices, but I ask that you endure once more! For our species sake! Will you lend me your strength and support!?" With that, she stepped back from the stand and took a breath.
Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap!
The whole auditorium erupted in a wave of applause. Even Ichigo felt himself begin clapping. And why not? It was a good speech, and even though he couldn't honestly say he understand ever thing she'd talked about, it sounded like a noble cause. If she needed the data from Pandora and Limiters than he was obligated to help.
Dr. Ohara looked speechless as the reaction she was receiving. She probably had been nervous about it before, but now the words claim out stronger than before. "Today's dinner party is not military related. I set it up to show my gratitude to every one of you. Please enjoy tonight and work together with us tomorrow." With that, she gave a wave at the crow before silently walking out the spotlight.
Afterwards the auditorium reverted back to the carefree mood it had been before. Ichigo, who wasn't know for eating a lot or having a big appetite, took the time to make sure his plate was covered with food. The Nova could wait til tomorrow; hunger was his enemy today.
Satisfied with plate of food, Ichigo spotted Chad over by the punch bowl, along with Kazuya, Satellizer, and Rana. Chad was having a conversation with Kazuya, which from a distance looked pretty odd. The large Fullbringer towered over the Limiter and one could guess that Kazuya probably felt a little intimidated despite having a smile the whole time. Almost directly next to them, Rana was having a field loading her plate only for it all to disappear quickly before piling it high with food again. A smile tugged at Ichigo's mouth as he watched Satellizer scold the air headed girl. Besides Kazuya, Rana seemed like the only other person that could get that girl to talk.
"Sup." he greeted as he joined Chad and Kazuya. He leaned against the table and turned over his food with a pair of chop sticks. "So what did you think of Scarlet Ohara's speech?" He plopped a piece of sweat&sour chicken in his mouth. "You think the Pandora's data will really be any help to them?"
"From the way Dr. Ohara was talking, it should." Kazuya said. "Just think of what would happen if ordinary people could become Pandora. It would give us a major advantage against the Nova."
"But do you really think it'll happen just like that?" Chad questioned.
"What do you mean?"
Ichigo sat his plate down and crossed his arms. "What he mean is that it sound to good to be true. When something sounds to good to be true than there's usually some kind of catch. She only mentioned positive stuff which leaves me wondering what she left out."
"So you noticed it to."
Looking over his shoulder for the source of the voice, a well endowed red-head girl walked up and gave Ichigo an amused look. "I was thinking the exact same thing after she gave the speech. I'm amazed that you noticed too."
Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "And you would be?"
"Her name is Roxanne Elipton." Chiffon said. She walked over with Elizabeth trailing behind. "She's the ranked #1 Pandora at Genetics America and ranked #2 in the World Top Five."
Gasps could be heard all around and even Ichigo's eye widened. "No kidding, you're the second ranked Pandora in the world?" Roxanne nodded with a look of pride. "So who's number one."
"That would be me." Chiffon added.
"What!?" He wheeled around a pointed an accusing finger at her. "Your number one and all this time you've never said a thing!?"
Chiffon gave him an innocent smile. "Well it never came up and you never asked?"
She had a point. "Still that kinda a big thing to keep from someone. I knew you were the top ranked in the school, but in the world." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I mean that's not your average title."
"Ha! It's good to see you haven't change Chiffon. It's been awhile since the last World Assembly and the last time we fought. I got me good during that match." She turned and looked at Ichigo and the rest. "Besides Chiffon I don't know who any of you are."
"Since it's been long-awaited, I'll introduce them." Chiffon offered. "From West Genetics Japan we have Elizabeth Mably, a Third Year and her Limiter Andre Francoise. Rana Linchen, a Second Year. Satellizer El Bridget, a Second Year and her Limiter Kazuya Aoi."
"Hey wait, Kazuya's not her Limiter!" Rana protested. She ran over and hugged Kazuya's arm much to Satellizer's shock. "She hasn't even preformed a Baptism with him yet, so there's no way she can claim him."
"Now hang on just a minute. Whether or not we've preformed a Baptism or not is none of your business." The two Pandora glared daggers at each other while Kazuya remained silent with a nervous smile on his face. Even Ichigo felt a small amount of pity for the dude. No one would want to get in the middle of that tension.
Luckily it didn't last long thanks to Roxanne pointing at Ichigo and Chad and asking. "What about you two?
Taking that as her cue, Chiffon turned her attention from the love rivals back to introductions. "These are the latest students to enroll at West Genetics. Fourth Year Limiters Yasutora Sado and Ichigo Kurosaki."
"Hey." Ichigo nodded
"Nice to meet you." Chad said politely.
Roxanne looked at the pair with keen interest. "Fourth Year Limiters huh? So where's your Pandora partners?"
"Neither of us has one." Chad informed her.
"Don't have one? But you're in your last year of school! How can you not have a Pandora already?" She tapped her finger on her chin as she thought. "Well neither of you are lacking in the looks department so that can't be it." The Strawberry's face turned a light shade of scarlet while his scowl deepened at Roxanne's comment. "I haven't know you very long so I can't say anything about you personality wise, but from first impressions you both come off good there too." With an exasperated sigh she shrugged in defeat. "I give up."
"You know you didn't have to go through all that." The orange-haired teen ran a hand down his face as if he was trying to wipe away the fading blush. "You didn't enter a Genetics school til a couple of weeks ago so we haven't exactly had the time to get a partner."
Chad leaned over and in a low whisper asked. "Are we planning on getting a Pandora?"
"...What!? No! Yes! I don't know! Why would you ask me that right now?" Ichigo hissed. He gave the others the "give us a second" sign, much to their confusion, before turning around, throwing an arm over Chad's shoulder, and bringing him into something like a huddle. "Just let me handle this and I'll say we're just their average Limiters. Remember how I said we'd make things up as we go, well this is what I meant. Saying we're getting a Pandora partner is normal and won't draw attention." He narrowed his eyes. "Damn it I'm starting to have to thing up plans like Uryu. He's the one that likes making up schemes."
"They seem like nice people. Starting things off with lies doesn't sound like a good idea."
"Better starting a relationship on lies than possible being thrown in a rubber room later on. Unless you want to explain our situation to them and be called a whack job. Be my guest."
"..."
"I'll take that as a no..."
Pulling himself away from Chad, Ichigo turned back to the group. He ran his hand through his hair nervously before shaking it off. "Sorry about that, we just needed to discuss something private. Now what were you saying about the project again, Roxanne?"
"The project? Oh yeah, from what I hear the Dr. Gengo Aoi was in objection of the project?"
"Aoi..Aoi.." Ichigo mumbled before looking at Kazuya. "He a relative of yours?"
Kazuya looked just as shocked to hear the name before nodding. "Yeah he's my grandfather. He's chief scientist at Chevalier and the creator of the Pandora and Limiters." Since the start of the Nova conflict Gengo Aoi had been dedicated to the survival of humanity and taking the fight to the Nova. It only seemed like a twist of fate that both his grandchildren ended up also in the fight. But from the way the E-Pandora Project sounded why would Gengo be against it? Kazuya wanted to know. "Why did my grandfather object to the project?"
"Apparently he believed the project lacked morals." Roxanne continued. "Since it wasn't funded by Chevalier until recently, all the money was coming from Scarlet Ohara herself. Because of the nature of the project it's likely that human experiments took place before Chevalier took over."
"Human experiments?" Chad asked. "Are sure?"
"Well we can't say we're for sure, but more than likely yes. With a lack of money they would need to do more extreme things to get the result they seeked." She smirked and looked over her shoulder. Ichigo followed her line of sight and noticed what she was glancing at. In the far side of the auditorium their was table surround by a group of girls. If they had been mixed in with the crowd they wouldn't have stood out, but their table was far out from the rest and each one of the girls silently glared at them. Only one didn't seem to be staring at them, a girl around Ichigo's age with platinum white hair except for crimson colored bang covering her forehead.
'What's their problem?' Ichigo thought, his eyebrow twitching slightly. 'Why do they look so pissed off?'
"But after looking around for a while it seems like it was just rumors." Roxanne continued without taking her eyes off the girls. "But they don't look like they'd be very welcoming to us. We are the guests of honor to this party right?..."
After the dinner party finally ended, the Genetics students were directed towards the dormitory at a different section of the building. After been given a key card and directions, Ichigo and Chad searched and found their dorm room not far from there West Genetics classmates. Since both didn't yet have a Pandora partner, they'd be sharing the same room just like back at school. The only down side was they could occasionally hear Rana and Satellizer arguing down the hallway over who was going to share a room with Kazuya. It had been annoying at first, but Ichigo had managed to block out the noise when he wanted to.
It was later in the evening when Ichigo heard a knock on the door. He looked up from his sports magazine at the door while Chad got up from the desk he'd been writing on and walked over and opened the door. Standing in the doorway was smiling Chiffon.
"Hello Chad." She looked across the room at Ichigo. "Ichigo. Do both of you have bathing suits?"
Ichigo raised an eyebrow at her odd question. "I packed one in my case before I left. How bout you Chad." The giant nodded. "Why do you want to know?"
"Well it just so happens there's a pool in this building that the Chevalier is letting us use. Me the girls are going down to relax and I just thought maybe you guys might want to join us." She smiled and added. "There's even a free drink bar and hot tub by the pool."
"There's a pool here." Ichigo asked in disbelief. That didn't sound very military-ish. "Well I don't have anything better to do. What about you Chad?"
"Could be fun."
"Alright that settles it," Ichigo tossed the magazine aside and got to his feet. He walked over to his dress and rumbled through before finding his red swim shorts. Throwing that, and a towel off the floor, over his shoulder before heading towards the door with Chad in tow.
"... Damn I forgot about this."
With a hand covering his eyes and another his nose, Ichigo instantly turned around and faced the drink bar. "Why do you insist on doing that?" he almost roared.
"What do you mean?" Elizabeth asked sweetly. She was currently standing by the hot tub completely in the nude...as usual. "Does it really make you that uncomfortable? I thought boys your age would love to see a beautiful girl in nothing but her skin."
"Not the point! It's just kinda weird that's all! Haven't you ever heard the term modesty is a virtue?" He peeked through his fingers to see Chad had also averted his gaze. Despite his dark skin, a visible blush could be seen. At least he wad handling it better than he was.
"You boys can turn around now." Chiffon called. "Elizabeth is in a swimsuit now."
Breathing a sigh of relief, Ichigo turned around and found Elizabeth, now wear a yellow bikini, soaking in the hot tub with some kind of fruity drink. She winked at the boys as they slips into the side of the tub opposite of her. As soon as his entire lower body was submerged in the water Ichigo instantly felt relaxed. "Damn." he muttered. It felt almost as good as the hot springs that were in the underground lair back in Soul Society. Next to him Chad grunted in agreement.
"Would you like a drink?"
Ichigo looked to see Cathy standing over them, wearing a white bikini with blue stripes, hold out two iced drinks. "Thanks." he reach out and took one while Chad took the other. "We haven't had a chance to talk to much lately Cathy."
"Sorry that my fault." she said as she slipped in the hot tub. "I've just been taking some to set up and adjust. Also tomorrows carnival has gotten me a little excited."
Ichigo took a sip before asking. "There's carnival tomorrow?"
"Yeah, they're holding mock battles to measure and record the data. Sorta like one you and me were in. It's going to be between the Original Pandora and the Evolution Pandora."
"Evolution Pandora. Ordinary people becoming Pandora." He sat his drink on the edge and sank lower into the water, his scowl seemingly deepening.
"I know that look Ichigo." Chad said between sips. "You're thinking this E-Pandora Project isn't such a good idea. But remember they said that it would help solve the shortage of Pandora."
"Yeah I know and I probably shouldn't be thinking negatively about it. I barely know or understand that much about the project so I don't have any reason to judge it yet. I just can't shake this weird feeling." He picked up his drink and began slipping again.
"Well if my data can help make even better Pandora, than I'm more than happy to cooperate." Cathy stated without hesitation.
"Glad you have a better attitude about it than me." Ichigo remarked. "But I'm more interested in how the E-Pandora will compare with the Originals tomorrow..."
"We will now be having the mock battles between the Original and Evolution Pandora in an exhibition carnival." called a voice of the PA system.
Up on a balcony over the arena floor, Chad watched as two girls walked onto the stage from opposite sides. Next to him, leaning over the railing, was Chiffon, Elizabeth, and Cathy. But the orange haired Substitute was nowhere to be seen.
"Are you sure you don't know where he is." Cathy asked Chad, a hint of worry in her voice.
"No, he told me at breakfast he had to do something, but he never said what." He looked at her with a calm stare. "I'm sure he'll show up sometime. I doubt he could get lost."
The green-haired girl simply nodded, before returning her attention back to the mock battle were the girls had already taken their positions. On one side was a brown-haired girl wearing a the standard Genetics uniform the Pandora had been given when they arrived in Alaska. Across from her was a black-haired Indian girl. Instead of a Genetics uniform, she wore what Chad assumed was the E-Pandora training wear or something. In each hand she held a ring blade.
"The first match with pit Anna Parker of Genetics Britain," the PA announced, "against Evolution Pandora Rattle. Battle Start!"
"Volt Weapon: Deploy." Anna Parker raised her hands and instantly two daggers materialized in hands.
Seeing that, the E-Pandora Rattle raised her ring blades into a defensive stance and back pedaled, putting distance between her and the Pandora.
But something was off. Chad focused his attention of Rattle and noticed the weapons in her hands. "Her weapons." he said to himself, but Elizabeth noticed.
"It seems E-Pandora can't materialize their own Volt Weapons."
Just than Rattle dashed forward with incredible speed and began slashing wildly at Anna. The latter dodged each strike easily though before she started deflecting and the sound of metal on metal could be heard. The two jumped and slid around the ring, sparks igniting ever time the two's weapons clashed. Eventually Rattle broke contact and was pushed back, her shoes digging into the ground as she slid.
'She's getting tired.' Chad thought when he noticed her breathing becoming heavier. 'She was doing ok so far, but I doubt it'll last much longer.'
Much to his shock, Rattle disappeared in a flash of blue, reappearing and disappearing as she circled Anna like a shark.
"She can use Acceleration huh?" Chiffon commented. "I'm surprised she can use a high-end skill, but she's lagging too much before uses. Her moves are too predictable."
As if on cue, Anna's Volt Weapon's disappear and she punched the air directly in front of her. Her fist landed a hit on a reappeared Rattle, the force sending her flying backwards and landing in heap. The girl tried in vain to get up, but ended slumping back to the ground in heavy breaths.
"Match End."
'She didn't do half bad, but against a normal Pandora that wasn't enough. I hope the next one does better.' Resting his chin on his palms, the Fullbringer watched as the second pair enter the ring. A black-haired Pandora with a ponytail at one end and a E-Pandora with short violet hair on the other.
"Second Match. Jung Ara of Genetics Korea verses E-Pandora Gina Purpleton. Match begin."
Jung Ara raised her hands. "Volt Weapons: Deploy." In a moments notices a pair of steel gauntlets covered her hands.
Gina, on the other, twirled a bow staff over head before taking an attack stance. The next second the two disappeared in an Acceleration Turn. Flashes of blue covered the entire area floor and after images of the two could be seen ever now and then. Finally appeared above the floor, bow staff over her head, and brought it down with a yell. Jung intercepted the staff with a punch, snapping the weapon in half and causing Gina's eyes to widen in shock. A split second later Jung brought her leg up and kicked the E-Pandora sending her crashing the floor. Seeing her opponent of the floor, the Korean jumped up and landed right next to the fallen girl, her fist just inches from her face."
"Match End."
"And another one bites the dust." Elizabeth stated with a neutral voice. Her eyes followed Gina while she walked off stage and joined the over E-Pandora. Rattle came over to help support her and both looked up to the white-haired girl from the day before. They said something to the girl that Elizabeth couldn't make out right before she walked onto the stage floor.
"Third Match. Evolution Pandora Amelia Evans verse..." The PA went silent. Across the floor a figure walked out of the shadows of the tunnel leading to the area. He was a tall boy with bright orange hair and was wearing a black vest over a black t-shirt and jeans with the Genetics symbol. He walked silently onto the stage opposite of Amelia. He stared at her with an unreadable expression, his body posture slightly slouched with his hands in his pockets.
Whispers and shouts erupted in the stands among the Pandora and Limiters. Even quiet Chad shook his head to make sure he wasn't dreaming and stared eyes wide at the boy. Next to him Chiffon and Elizabeth were stuck in a state of shock.
"Evolution Pandora Amelia Evans verses Japan's West Genetics Ichigo Kurosaki..."
"Is this a joke?" Amelia asked, hot anger seeping into her words.
"You've got no idea how much I wish it was." Ichigo ran a hand through his hair and let out a heavy sigh. Why him? Why did he have to be here and do this? This was the complete opposite of not drawing attention. The only reason he was down here was because that woman Scarlet Ohara. After calling him to her office early that morning, she'd explained that she wanted him to participate in the mock battles.
"Do what ever you need to do to win." she said. "Use you Volt Weapon, but not your Freezing field."
"How do you know ab-."
She raised a finger to silence him. "I just do. I want to see you ability against one of my E-Pandora. That's all I ask."
That all she asked huh? Ichigo gritted his teeth and his left eye twitched. She had said she didn't want him to use his Freezing. How she knew about his Zanpakuto and Freezing was a complete mystery, but that could wait till later. He didn't know what game she was playing with him, but he might as well play along. He'd kept his secret since he arrived and it had slowly been eating away at him.
"Why you?" Ichigo's thoughts were shattered and his attention returned to the E-Pandora, Amelia Evans. She narrowed her eyes at him and her curled hands shook. "Why would they send a boy as my opponent. Is someone trying to mock me?"
"Amelia." She looked over shoulder and saw Dr. Ohara walk towards the stage, the E-Pandora stepping out of the way for her. She looked Amelia straight in the eyes and said. "Remember what I said, do you utmost. Don't hold back at all because he's a male. Attack him with everything you got."
"But Dr. Ohara..." Amelia's words cut off as the doctor turned her back to her and walked away. Feeling lost of words, Amelia turned back around to Ichigo who hadn't moved an inch. On other days she would have found him very attractive, but right now the unreadable expression of his face on seemed to get under her skin.
"You ready?" he asked, studying her closely.
"Don't know what the doctor's thinking, but she told me attack you without hold back." She brought her hands up and a long staff with a spearhead materialized. She pointed it directly at the Substitute. "I'll make quick work of you and be done with it. I don't blame you if you walk off now."
Pulling his hands out of his pockets, Ichigo rubbed them before cracking his knuckles and taking on his usual scowl. "Same to you." This earned a dirty looked from the E-Pandora, but Ichigo continued. "I see you can create your own Volt Weapon. Compare to the last two, how strong are you?"
The question seemed to catch her off guard, but she quickly covered it up. "Why do you ask? You'll find out as soon as we start."
"Humor me. I need to know how much effort I need to give."
"Well if you want to know that badly...I'd have to say I'm three times stronger than they are."
Satisfied with the answer, Ichigo stood up straighter and managed a weak smile. "That so? Well ready when you are."
The E-Pandora regained her stance and waited.
"Battle Start."
Without a second thought, Amelia rushed forward with Acceleration till she was directly in front of Ichigo. "I'll to keep the wound light." she said as she swung the staff. The spearhead was millimeters from the teen's shoulder when he disappeared in a flash. "What!?" She looked around for opponent who was nowhere to be seen.
"I'm right here."
Amelia's eyes widened when she spun around to find Ichigo standing directly behind her, a bored expression on his face, looking as if he hadn't even moved.
"What was that technique? That did even look like Acceleration."
"Your right it's called the Flash Step. And with it...you won't be able to land a single hit on me."
"We'll see about that. I don't know how you did that, but I won't let a boy belittle our work." Gripping her Volt Weapon, Amelia disappearing into a flash of Acceleration Turn before attack Ichigo from the front.
What he did next surprised everyone. Instead of dodging with Flash Step, he calmly raised his hand and block the blade with the back of his hand.
The crowd went silent. All eyes were on the spearhead that had been stopped dead by Ichigo's hand. But no one looked more shocked that Amelia who stared, mouth gaping, at the impossible action. He'd stopped her Volt Weapon with his bare hand. This guy wasn't Limiter so what the hell was he!
"You look more surprised than I expected." Ichigo said, making her swallow. "This isn't the first time I've blocked a blade with my bare hand." In one fluid motion, Ichigo slammed the flat of his palm into Amelia's midsection, sending her sliding and tumbling across the floor.
"Amelia!" Gina and Rattle yelled from the sidelines. There was desperation in their voice that made Ichigo hesitate.
"Well damn, now I look like the bad guy." he muttered.
Across the floor Amelia was beginning to return to her feet. Blood was running from her forehead and mouth, but besides that she looked unharmed. She reached down and picked up her Volt Weapon before taking up her original stance.
'I can't keep do this to her.' His eyes searched the upper stands til he found Dr. Ohara. "I request this match be called off!" he yelled. "I have no intention of beating up on a girl. It's clear to see we're on different levels. I don't want to cause her anymore pain than need be."
The doctor stared down at him with a frown. "I still need more data. The match will continue until she in incapacitated."
'Incapacitated!?' he screamed in his head. 'She wants me to knock her out cold?' He looked directly at Amelia and noticed the glowing corrosion lines that were beginning to appear on her face. 'Those Acceleration Turns have done a number on her. If this keeps up, there's going to be permanent damage to her body.' "Are you consent to continue?" he asked her. "I don't want to force you to fight."
For the first time since he saw her, the E-Pandora smiled. It was a small smile, but it was better than the depressed frown she'd shown so far. "You're a kind person. Kinder than I originally gave you credit for. But do you know how much torment that kindness is giving me? I don't know what your abilities are, but as an E-Pandora I have to see this through to the end." With that, she disappeared in a mass of Acceleration Turns.
Ichigo's eyes darted all around the ring. It wasn't just Acceleration Turns, it was Double Acceleration. Closing his eyes, Ichigo focused and followed her spiritual pressure. It zipped around him endless until it stopped and appeared by his left side. Summoning Zangetsu, Ichigo opened his eyes raised the sword. There was the sound of metal on metal, with Amelia's spear locked with Ichigo's Zanpakuto.
"How? How do you have a Volt Weapon?" Her eyes trailed down the black and white blade.
Instead of answering, Ichigo pushed her back, breaking contact. She feet slid against the floor, but she remained standing.
'I'll end this now.' He whipped the point of the blade from the ground up in a swift movement, creating a concussion force that slammed into the E-Pandora. Her body disappeared from view for a brief second, but reappear when the concussion blast die down. Her body was slumped motionless against the floor with steam rising off her skin and clothes.
"I may have over did it a bit." Ichigo said looking at the beaten body of his opponent. 'I hope I didn't hurt her that badly.' Planting Zangetsu into the ground he made his way towards her, but stopped when she arm twitched. 'Seriously?! That hit should have given her a concussion and possibly broken some bones. How can she still move?' He watched in amazement as she slowly got to her feet. Was she really that determined? 'If she willing to push her body that far than I guess I'll have to deal with her mind.'
"Match end."
"Huh?" Ichigo turned and looked up at Ohara. "What? You decided now to stop? Why?" Was she playing games with them? Waiting until she was beaten like a bloody pulp before stopping.
"I said to fight until she was incapacitated." Ohara informed him emotionless words. "Look at her."
Following her gaze, he looked closer at Amelia. He noticed her eye, despite being open, where glazed over. She was standing despite being unconscious! "What... the hell?"
"Amelia! Amelia say something." The E-Pandora rushed on stage and quickly surrounding their friend, calling her name and cradling her. Moments later a stretcher arrived and the white-haired girl was carefully layed on it before being rushed away.
"Why?" Ichigo whispered to himself as Amelia was carried away. He couldn't take his eyes off her. Despite all the force he'd put on her, she'd refused to stay down. What was the point? Why'd he have to do all that to her.
Letting out a heavy sigh, he placed his hand of Zangetsu's hilt, letting the blade slowly fade out of existence. This hadn't been the way he'd expected to reveal his powers...far from it.
To Be Continued
Author's Note: Down. Finally flipping down. I started on Saturday and finally finished today. Longest chapter I've ever written.
So the E-Pandora arcs started up and I know a lot of you have one major question. When is Ichigo going to show off his awesome Soul Reaper powers. Don't worry, when the Nova show up he's going to go full force on them and kickass.
Just to let you know, IchigoxAmelia will be the main paring in this story. Ichigo will have over interests, but that will be the main. Now getting beating down badly may not be the best way to start a relation between two, but that just how things go.
I feel this chapter was sloppy despite all the time I put into it. I hope my editing fixes most of it though.
Don't expect many updates till the end of May. I'll try to update once in early May, but don't expect any other til Summer Break lets out.
Review, Follow/favorite if you haven't and I'll see you next time. Later.