Chapter 56: Familiar Faces

The earthquake, it turned out, was the result of something far worse than Kirara had expected. When Ichigo, Chad, Orihime and even Tatsuki were all absent the next day, she went straight to Kisuke to demand answers.

She didn't like the answers.

The earthquake was the result of the arrival of not one, but two Arrancar appearing in town. One had stolen the souls of hundreds of people around Karakura Town, killing them instantly. Tatsuki had been within range, but thanks to the tiny amount of power awake inside of her from being so close to Ichigo for years, she had survived.

What had almost killed her, however, was the weight of the combined power of the two Arrancar, who unlike Grand Fisher, were awakened. Chad had been defeated and almost killed in one blow, and Orihime had been badly injured. Even Ichigo had failed to stand up to them, as his Inner Hollow once again tried to take control.

'Damn idiot, Ichigo. This is exactly why you should have come to us,' Kirara was still angry five days later when her classmates finally returned to class. Ichigo took one look at her and his expression turned stormy. She hadn't tried to approach him, and he'd ignored her in turn.

"Kirara?" she blinked, snapping from her thoughts as Mizuiro addressed her. "You alright? You seemed ready to fight someone," he commented as they hung out in the corridor, having headed down from the rooftop before lunch ended.

"Did I?" she then grinned at him. "Just thinking about that test we had this morning," she answered. His eyebrows furrowed.

"You're a bad liar," he told her honestly. Kirara kept her grin on her face, well aware that Hibiki and Keigo were watching as well. She shrugged.

"So I've been told," was the only response she gave. The sharp young man rolled his eyes, well aware that he wouldn't get anything more from her. Kirara was a nightmare to get any real information out of. He met Hibiki's gaze, and the shy brunette just shrugged to show she was thinking the same.

'When summer ended, she was really close with Orihime and those others. Now she won't even go near them. Ever since that new guy showed up,' Hibiki thought to herself as she watched Kirara out of the corner of her eye. She was listening to Keigo, who had started telling a story quickly to stop a tense quiet falling over the group. 'He's not been back, but Kirara knows him somehow,' she mused, remembering how the two had left class together.

Hibiki remembered the look on Kirara's face when the strange new student had hugged Orihime and been overly friendly with her. It had been almost dangerous. Plus, Kirara had followed Ichigo out after he'd dragged him away, and had returned still looking annoyed. 'Nothing is making sense around here anymore,' Hibiki sighed as an uncomfortable feeling rested on her chest while her stomach squirmed.

"No, I'm serious!" Keigo spoke loudly, and Hibiki looked up at him. Mizuiro looked exasperated, using his phone while Kirara laughed. "Mix two parts ginger ale and one part probiotic soda at the soda fountain, and then voila!" he exclaimed with overeager joy. "It'll taste like hair tonic! Isn't that amazing?" he grinned widely at them.

"I have one question," Kirara started as they stood in the corridor. Hibiki was blinking rapidly as she tried to process what Keigo had told them. "How do you know what hair tonic tastes like?" she asked.

"And why is it a good thing?" Hibiki's question made Kirara's eyes light up. Hibiki blushed, still unused to speaking up around others. It was easy to relax around Kirara, but she was still getting used to others.

"Just leave it to you, Mr. Asano," Mizuiro said, not looking up. "It's probably your tongue," he said, and Kirara laughed. Hibiki stifled a giggle of her own, and Keigo's beaming smile vanished as he staggered back from them.

"What? Why are you suddenly being so formal?!" he demanded in horror. "Was I so irritating that you wanted to put some distance between us?" Keigo gasped, for once managing not to scream. Mizuiro looked up from his phone suddenly, but it wasn't to acknowledge his best friend. Kirara had looked in the same direction, her laughter fading.

"What's wrong?" Hibiki asked, following their gaze.

"Our classroom seems a little noisy," Mizuiro commented. Keigo looked around quickly as he and Hibiki heard the shouting at the same time.

"You're right. Okay! I'll go and scout the area!" Keigo ran towards their classroom and flung the door open as they watched. "Hey! Who in the world is stirring things up without me?!" he demanded.

"Of course that's what he's worried about," Kirara rolled her eyes. However, when Keigo suddenly lost his boisterous attitude and squealed, they all frowned.

"Huh? What the hell are you looking at?" someone inside the classroom grabbed Keigo by the tie and yanked him forwards. "I'll grind you up, make meatballs, fry you crisp into a minced fish and eat you up, damn you!" he roared.

His grip on Keigo's tie was suddenly broken when a hand grabbed his wrist and twisted, before a sharp elbow slammed into his chest between his ribs. Keigo yelped again, terrified, and Kirara shoved him back to stand between him and his attacker.

"Back the hell off," she growled. The moment she got a good look at the man, however, Kirara's anger vanished and horror took its place. "Oh, shit," she swore as Ikkaku coughed violently before looking up. The moment his eyes met her big blue ones, he straightened up. He'd only seen her the once - right as she had sent Natsuki flying with one powerful kick, but he'd learned all about her after.

"You!" his voice carried an echo, and Kirara recognised another voice. She glanced over his shoulder, and spotted Yumichika standing staring at her too. For a long, tense moment, they just stared at one another.

"Who is this?" Kirara almost laughed when she spotted the boy who looked too young for the uniform he was wearing spoke up. However, he carried an air of authority about him, and his green eyes were intelligent. Kirara knew he wasn't to be underestimated.

So instead, she drew herself up and smirked at them.

"Suppose that's what I get for being distracted. Can't believe I missed you Shinigami stinking up the classroom," Kirara laughed. The boy's eyes narrowed suspiciously as the beautiful woman beside him watched carefully. They all wore the school uniforms, as if they'd attempted to blend in. 'Idiots. The Gotei 13 is a mess thanks to Aizen,' Kirara scoffed at the state of them.

"What are you doing here?" Yumichika demanded, and she turned her smirk on him.

"Careful, feathers. That scowl will give you wrinkles," her taunt made his eyes widen. "As for your question," she turned to the white-haired boy who watched her like a hawk. "I'm Kirara Yamada," she saw the surprise flash in his gaze.

"Yamada?" the strawberry-blonde who stayed at his side repeated, as if this was familiar. Near the back, Kirara recognised Renji, who was holding up Ichigo's body, and he was staring at her as he recognised her too.

"The Ryoka who vanished after Aizen's escape from the Soul Society," the white-haired boy recognised her name. He had been in recovery at the time, but he'd taken the time to read up on everything after he'd woken up.

"'The Ryoka who vanished', I like that term. Makes me seem mysterious," Kirara knew she was being reckless, but she was angry. Angry at Ichigo for being an idiot, and angry at herself for being too focused on Ichigo to realise that she was walking into a lion's den.

"Do not let her leave. The Captain-Commander has questions for her," the boy ordered. Kirara smirked; she knew he was the one in charge.

"Does he now?" Kirara tilted her head. "Sorry, but the old man ain't getting shit from me," with that, she planted her feet and grabbed the arm reaching for her from behind.

There was a yell and a loud crash as the man who had tried to grab her from behind hit the ground. The students still watching gasped and jumped at the impressive display of strength. "Honestly, Haru," Kirara leaned over the stunned man who moaned where he lay. "Did you really think you had me there?" she taunted him.

"K…Kirara…" Haruki coughed as Kirara backed away. She rubbed her left shoulder as she stood over the man on the ground. He looked in good shape; fully recovered after what had happened with Aizen. The uniform he wore looked bizarre on him, and it almost made her laugh as she studied him. Winded, Haruki could only glare weakly up at her for going as easy on him as she had done when she had trained him.

Keigo, Hibiki and Mizuiro moved out of the way, staring at her as she started to walk backwards. They had no idea what was going on, but had seen how easily she had taken out the man who had crept from the shadows to try and ambush her.

"'Don't let her leave'," Kirara repeated, and laughed. "Like it was ever your choice to make," she backed up until she was against the wall behind her.

"You realise that there are far more of us than you?" Yumichika challenged, and Kirara's amused blue eyes darted to him.

"What, not going to fight me one-on-one? Not very Squad 11 of you," he scowled again before he could stop himself. "Either way, I don't plan on fighting you. Unlike you Shinigami, I don't care much for fighting," Kirara taunted them.

"You really think you can escape?" the boy demanded. His body was tense, reminding Kirara of a coiled spring. He was waiting to pounce.

"You really think you can catch me?" she challenged, glancing at Haruki as he got back to his feet. Determination blazed in his eyes. "Then I welcome you to try," with that, Kirara slid open the window behind her back.

"Kirara!" Hibiki gasped. 'We're on the third floor, does she really think she can survive that jump?' her mind was a swirling mess. She didn't understand a word they were saying, but it looked as if Kirara was in trouble. Her hand itched to go for the goggles swinging on her bag.

"If you ever encounter someone who calls themselves a Shinigami, hide. Do not reveal yourself or your abilities to them. They can't be trusted," the warning echoed in Hibiki's head, and she stilled. She didn't know what a Shinigami was, but it seemed Kirara did, and she didn't seem to hold them in high regard. This was completely different to how she'd been with Ichigo when he wasn't acting himself.

"Don't worry about me," Kirara soothed without looking over. "The only way these idiots could catch me is if I let them," in a blink, she was standing on the window ledge. Keigo made a choked sound as Mizuiro stood frozen.

"Stop her!" the white-haired boy ordered. Haruki was the first to move, launching himself at Kirara. However, she laughed, and pushed off the window. Hibiki's hands flew to her mouth, but she watched as Kirara didn't descend. Instead, she seemed to move upwards, before vanishing.

"She's fast!" the beautiful woman standing with the boy didn't move, even as Haruki, Ikkaku and Yumichika all followed out the window.

"Matsumoto…" Hitsugaya scowled up at his Lieutenant. She looked down with an innocent look.

"What? She's too fast for me. There's no way I could keep up," she shrugged. He growled quietly, and when he turned his gaze on the three spectators in the way, they quickly turned away and rushed off.

Kirara pushed through the air, having pulled her phone from her bag as she moved to send a warning out to the other Vizards in case they were out around town. There were far too many Shinigami hanging around now, all of whom seemed to be highly ranked. They had to lie low, and for once she was the one to say it.

Once the message was sent, Kirara shoved her phone away and suddenly leapt higher into the sky, letting Haruki sail past her. Kirara grinned and turned around, now leaping backwards to continue moving. Subtly she moved, angling the direction she was heading in. She refused to lead him straight to the warehouse.

"Kirara!" he shouted as he angled himself back to her. "Stop, please!" he pleaded with her. Kirara slowed her movements, and finally did as he asked, which surprised him. She didn't talk, just watching him with that same annoying smile. His anger grew. "Why? Why did you leave again?!" Haruki demanded.

"I had to. It's not safe for me there," Kirara said simply.

"What are you talking about? Capt-Aizen left," Haruki shook his head, correcting himself. He didn't miss the flash of anger that crossed her face at the slip.

"I'm not referring to Aizen," Kirara answered, and looked up as Ikkaku and Yumichika appeared. Still in their Gigai, they were even slower and sluggish. Unfortunately for them, Kirara was well used to her own Gigai by now. "I'm going to ask you this once. Leave me alone," she warned them.

Just looking at Haruki brought back memories of Sokyoku Hill. Of his attempt to stop Aizen ending in him almost dying in Kirara's arms. The nightmares still woke her in the night.

"We can't do that," Ikkaku growled, and Kirara rolled her eyes.

"I'm not going to fight you, Baldy," he jerked at the nickname, and fury made his face turn a comedic shade of red. "Ask Feathers what I think about fighting," Kirara gestured to Yumichika.

"Perhaps we should ask Natsuki," he said, and Kirara laughed suddenly at the mention of her. There was a hint of relief as well - she was okay too.

"You seem very close with her. Odd for Squad 11," her accusation made him tense. The scowl was gone, replaced by a cold look, but Kirara could read his body language a mile off. It almost made her laugh again. Ikkaku gave his friend a wary glance, keeping quiet.

"Kirara, please. Come back with us. You'll be safe," Haruki pleaded with her, taking a step towards her. Kirara's expression hardened.

"So oblivious even now," she said, but felt a flicker of relief. It seemed that Natsuki hadn't told any of them about what she'd seen. "I'm not going back. You lot have more important things to worry about than 'the Ryoka who vanished'. Two Arrancar in town shows that Aizen is already on the move, and it won't be long before he's ready," Kirara's warning was cold.

"Ready for what?" Ikkaku asked carefully. Kirara turned to him, meeting his gaze evenly. While he couldn't sense any power from her, Ikkaku could feel that she was dangerous. Especially while they were in Gigai.

"War," Kirara's answer was simple, and silence descended on the three. "I mean it. Don't try to find me again. If you do…" her smile was dark as she trailed off.

"Kirara!" Haruki shouted, but she was gone. "No, I won't let you escape me that easily!" he growled, giving chase and ignoring shouts from the two who stayed behind. He desperately followed, but Kirara grew further and further away no matter what he did. His Gigai was slowing him down, making him yell in frustration.

Kirara glanced over her shoulder at the shout, and tried to fight off how impressed she was at his determination.

"You've gotten faster," she murmured. "But I already said it. You won't catch me," Kirara promised. For the first time since she'd returned from the Soul Society, Kirara pushed herself to move as fast as she could, vanishing from Haruki's sight in a heartbeat.

"Dammit…" Haruki cursed, gasping for breath as he finally stopped. He'd lost her again.

Taking a detour to make sure that she wouldn't be followed, Kirara finally arrived back at the warehouse and slammed her hand on the barrier. She practically fell through it, staggering inside before her shaky legs finally gave in, and she breathed heavily.

"Kirara, there you are," Rose's relieved voice came from her right, and Kirara looked up as he knelt beside her. "Are you alright?" he asked, studying her for any sign of trouble. She nodded, letting herself catch her breath before she spoke. Rose waited patiently, giving her a check over even after she had nodded. He'd not seen her so out of breath in a long time.

"I'm fine," Kirara finally spoke as her breathing evened out. Her lungs were still burning and her legs shaky, but she managed to smile. "Had to shake some persistent pests. Used as much speed as I could in a Gigai, but it's…taken its toll," she chuckled. Relief and concern warred on Rose's face at her words. "Is everyone back?" Kirara asked quickly.

"Yes, you were the last one to return," he confirmed. Kirara let out a relieved sigh, her shoulders sagging. "What happened? Your message was rather vague, it didn't give a lot to go on," Rose said, still kneeling beside Kirara as she recovered. He himself had been out when he'd gotten the message from Kirara, warning him to get back to the warehouse immediately.

Kirara didn't reply straight away. She reached out to put a hand on his shoulder, using the man as leverage to push herself back to her feet. Her legs still felt like jelly, but they supported her as she lifted her hand.

"Shinigami. Six of them in the classroom, and I'm pretty sure I felt Rukia Kuchiki's presence when I was headed back here," Kirara only answered once the others were gathered downstairs, just as curious as Rose. Her words had Hiyori curse loudly.

"What the hell were they doing in your class?" Kensei scowled at the idea.

"Looking for Ichigo, I'd imagine. His soul was already out of his body when I got there, so he was probably with the Kuchiki girl," Kirara replied, sitting on a rock in the underground training area. Her legs still felt shaky, and she cursed how weak her Gigai was. "I recognised all but one of them, and that's where the real problem is. The 3rd and 5th seats of Squad 11, both strong and annoying. The 4th Seat of Squad 4-"

"Squad 4? Even a Fourth Seat isn't really a problem," Mashiro shrugged, and Kirara snorted.

"You would think, but that Fourth Seat is the kid I trained myself," she warned them grimly. Nobody spoke; remembering what she'd told them about Haruki during her return to the Soul Society. "Then there's that Lieutenant from Squad 6, Abarai," Kirara continued, and everyone went tense. "I only saw her briefly, but I think the other is the Squad 10 Lieutenant," she said, thinking of the beautiful woman who had restrained Ichimaru before his escape.

"Two Lieutenants, and a handful of seated officers. That's truly concerning," Hachi frowned, not liking it at all.

"Must be a response to those Arrancar that showed up the other day. With how embarrassing the kid did against them, they must be backup," Kensei considered aloud, and they had to agree. Kirara shifted uncomfortably, still annoyed at herself for walking straight to them.

"What about the other?" Lisa asked, and Kirara glanced at her. "You said there was one you didn't recognise," she pointed out.

"He's the one we need to worry about," she answered, thinking about the boy with intelligent eyes and the air of authority around him. "He looked like a little kid, but he was the one giving the orders, which leads me to believe that he's a Captain," they all sighed at the warning. High-ranking officers were bad enough, but two Lieutenants and a Captain was a pain in the ass for them.

"They knew who you were, won't they try to find you?" Mashiro asked, watching Kirara carefully. She frowned, folding her arms as she thought about it. She knew Haruki would try, for sure. She still remembered his angry, frustrated shout when he hadn't been fast enough to catch her.

"Doubt it," Love spoke up, earning their attention. "They're here for the kid and for the Arrancar. Finding you in their class was unexpected, but they won't waste time trying to track you down if they didn't try before," he said confidently.

"It's just a matter of lying low for a while," Shinji finally spoke, having been listening carefully as he worked it out in his head. "That idiot Ichigo is running out of time. He'll come to us eventually, so we just have to wait, and stay out of their way," his words were more of a warning, and they nodded.

"Great," Hiyori muttered, irritated at the idea of so many Shinigami running around town. Kirara couldn't blame her for it; all of them were now tense at the idea of being right under the noses of those who would kill them if they had the chance.

As they all moved off to try and settle down in their own ways, Kirara watched them and let herself relax at last. Rose had fetched his guitar and was working on his latest composition, while Love complained about the noise until he distracted himself with the manga he'd stolen from him.

Lisa had returned to one of her magazines, reading it in front of the others. Kensei had gotten annoyed at her for it, and had stomped off to train with Hiyori as Mashiro watched and made her way through the collection of snacks she'd brought with her. Hachi had vanished to check on the stray cats he fed, with the intention of working on some of his own Kidos after.

"You alright?" Shinji's voice was quiet as he leaned on Kirara's shoulder, yawning widely.

"I'm fine," Kirara replied, but the irritation hadn't gone from her voice.

"Idiot. It's hardly your fault," Shinji said. Kirara almost smiled at how easily he worked out what was bothering her. Instead of acknowledging his words, she just leaned her head against his.

"Guess I'm done with school at last," she said softly, but there was no sadness behind it. With everything going on, she was glad to be getting away from it. She had to focus on her own training and be ready. She couldn't afford to keep monitoring Ichigo all the time.

"Good," Shinji yawned again. He had been deliberating saying it to her, but he still remembered the last time he'd tried to stop her. "Maybe I won't be woken so early anymore," his words made Kirara roll her eyes, but as she started to speak, he moved. Kirara looked down as his head rested on her lap, and he instantly started to doze.

"The next time you make a comment about me always sleeping…" she started, squashing his nose with her finger. Shinji squirmed, and grabbed her hand. He opened his eyes and grinned up at Kirara. "I'm going to have to call you a hypocrite," she warned.

"I'm overworked, Princess," he replied, sounding completely serious. Kirara snorted.

"Underworked, more like," she retorted, and pulled her hand free to cover his face before turning her attention to where Kensei and Hiyori were sparring.

'Kisuke's already admitted that the Arrancar are stronger than he expected. I need to get stronger. I won't let it be a repeat of the Soul Society,' Kirara vowed to herself. Hearing the soft breathing, she looked down and smiled as Shinji dozed comfortably. Brushing his hair from his face gently, she knew what she had to do. 'I'm going to have to practise. I won't let anyone else die. I'll do whatever it takes,' Kirara promised herself. 'It's been a long time. I'm going to need some help,' she thought, looking down again. 'It's worth it,' Kirara admitted to herself.

"About time," the quiet, deep voice in the back of her mind echoed, and she rolled her eyes at the smug tone she sensed from her Zanpakuto spirit.

'Oh, shut up.'

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