[Spiritual Cases Arc] Part 112: Control

Hours had slipped by since the group had convened at Urahara's shop, each moment feeling heavier with anticipation as they awaited any sign from Yato. They breathed a collective sigh of relief that no disturbances had arisen thus far, though the tension lingered in the air like a palpable presence.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the surroundings, a sudden spike in spiritual pressure from a trio of distant individuals jolted their attention. Recognizing Yoruichi and Captain Soi Fon's reiatsu, the group realized the two were facing off against Baishin.

Ichigo: "Looks like they found Baishin..."

Rukia sat in quiet contemplation, her eyes fixed on Yato's unconscious form, a mixture of concern and determination evident in her expression. She silently prayed that the Hollow's influence wouldn't overpower him.

Rukia: 'Sode no Shirayuki... can you hear me?' - Her voice was filled with urgency as she reached out to her zanpakutō.

Sode no Shirayuki: 'Yes, Rukia-sama.' - The zanpakutō responded promptly, its tone calm yet attentive.

Rukia: 'Can you see what's happening with Yato...?' - Her words hung in the air, laced with concern for her friend's well-being.

Sode no Shirayuki: 'I'm sorry, Rukia-sama, but no. The portal connecting our inner worlds remains closed... but... I can sense that Ōkagetsu is safe through the threads that connect us... so Yato must be as well...' - Despite the reassurance, there was a hint of uncertainty in the zanpakutō's voice, mirroring Rukia's own unease.

Chad: "What should we do now?" - Sado's voice caused Rukia to refocus her attention on the conversation around her.

Tatsuki: "This Baishin guy... I know that Sensei and Senpai are tough, but I'd feel a lot better if we could take him out as soon as possible. One less headache to deal with..." - Tatsuki's arms crossed firmly over her chest as she spoke, her voice tinged with a blend of confidence and frustration.

Uryū: "But what about the Bounts?"

Kurōdo: "We're not detecting their presence at the moment, so we don't need to worry about them for now."

Nemu maintained a stoic expression, her demeanor unwavering as Orihime diligently tended to her injuries, the gentle glow of her healing powers casting a soft light on the scene.

Nemu: "I'll stay here until Yasakani-sama wakes–"

Suddenly, Rukia gasped, her eyes widening in alarm, her gaze fixed on Yato's prone form. The sharp intake of breath drew the attention of the group, their eyes following Rukia's gaze to Yato.

Yato had opened his eyes, but the sight that greeted them left a chill in their hearts. His once calm eyes now held a haunting darkness, the stark contrast of black sclerae against white irises sending shivers down their spines. Strange black markings adorned his face and arms, twisting and curling like sinister tattoos etched into his skin. His complexion appeared paler, almost ghostly, adding to the eerie aura that surrounded him.

An ominous Reiatsu began to emanate from Yato, its presence palpable in the air, sending a ripple of unease through the group. And then, as if emerging from the depths of his very soul, a white mass began to materialize beside the left side of his face, slowly taking shape into what resembled half of a Hollow mask.

Tatsuki: "What the hell..."

Ichigo: "Come on, Yato, snap out of it!"

Yato pushed himself into a sitting position, his movements fluid yet unnaturally graceful. His friends watched in silence, a sense of dread settling over them as they witnessed the transformation unfolding before their eyes.

Rukia trembled, her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she struggled to contain the rising tide of fear and helplessness washing over her.

Rukia: "Yato... no..." - Her voice quivered, her eyes brimming with unshed tears as she reached out to him, her heart aching with anguish.

As Yato's hollowed gaze fell upon his friends, a sinister grin twisted his lips, sending a chill down their spines. The tension in the room reached its peak as they prepared themselves for a confrontation, their resolve faltering in the face of the darkness that now consumed their friend.

Ichigo: "Damn It..." - He spoke as he reached for the hilt of his zanpakutō.

Tatsuki: "I can't believe it's come to this..." - She clenched her fists, activating her powers, causing her eyes to shift to an intense golden hue.

Chad: "Hm..." - His right arm began to form the black armor with various magenta patterns.

Even as her hands trembled, Inoue stepped closer to Uryū, her concern evident in her expression, while the Quincy wore a stern look, frustrated by his inability to act in that moment.

Rukia and Nemu stood in silent astonishment, their eyes fixed on Yato.

The mod-souls Ririn, Kurōdo, and Noba looked on in horror, uncertain of how to assist given their limited mobility within their plushy bodies.

Urahara appeared outwardly calm, but any keen observer would notice him gripping his cane a bit tighter, a subtle indication of the tension beneath his composed facade.

With reluctant determination, they braced themselves to confront Yato, steeling their resolve against the encroaching darkness.

But just as they prepared to take action, Yato's distorted voice cut through the tension, breaking the oppressive silence that had settled over the room.

Yato: "Hey, uh... what time is it?" - His voice, though distorted, carried an unmistakable note of confusion, drawing startled glances from his friends.

Rukia's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected question, her mind reeling as she struggled to process the sudden shift in Yato's demeanor.

Rukia: "Wh-what...?"

Ichigo: "Yato...?"

Tatsuki: "Did he just...?"

Uryū: "What's going on...?"

Orihime: "Y-Yasakani-kun...?"

Chad: "Is he...?"

Their voices overlapped in a chorus of confusion and disbelief, their minds racing to make sense of the surreal situation unfolding before them.

Nemu: "06:40 p.m."

Yato blinked, his expression momentarily perplexed as he surveyed the room, oblivious to the turmoil gripping his friends.

Rukia's breath caught in her throat, a surge of hope washing over her as she watched Yato's confusion give way to a moment of clarity.

Rukia: "Yato...?" - Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper as she dared to believe that her friend was still there, buried beneath the darkness that threatened to consume him.

Yato: "I, uh... forgot I had to go to my part-time job..." - His voice trailed off, the remnants of his previous transformation fading into the background as a flicker of recognition crossed his eyes.

As if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, Yato reached up to touch the side of his face where the Hollow mask had begun to form, his movements casual and nonchalant. His fingers brushed against the white mass, and with a swift motion, he pulled the mask away, breaking it into pieces that dissolved into motes of spiritual energy.

The room fell into stunned silence as Yato examined the broken remnants of the Hollow mask in his hand, his expression one of mild curiosity tinged with confusion. As soon as the remnants of the mask vanished, all the markings on Yato's body disappeared. His eyes returned to normal, and he no longer appeared pale.

Yato: "Huh... That's weird..." - He muttered to himself, his voice carrying a hint of bemusement as he glanced around at his friends' shocked faces. - "Did something happen while I was out?"