Hollow Hero

Faith

Pony awoke the next morning still held protectively in Izuku's arms. It was just after dawn, and the sky's were clear, but Pony didn't care. Looking at Izuku's sleeping face, Pony smiled and kissed his cheek, “I'll find a way. I don't know how, but I don't want to give up on either of my dreams. My old one, to be the strongest, or my new one… to have you by my side. I don't know if I-” Pony shook her head, “I want to find out though, and I'll find a way. Because I don't want one without the other anymore. After all, how can I be the strongest… if I let what I want slip through my fingers.”

A short time later, Izuku awoke and found Pony still cuddled in his lap, so he carefully lifted her up, and dashed over to the hotel they were using as a base. Finding the residue of their presence was easy, and it made him chuckle that he would have to warn them about it for the future, but for now Izuku just sent Reiko a text to open their window, and a minute later he jumped through it.

If Reiko was surprised, she didn't show it, and like a true gentleman… Izuku ran away again without any explanation, but he did leave Pony one last kiss on her temple before he disappeared. Pony didn't wake up until she smelled cup raman, and heard slurping sounds. Turning to look, Pony saw Reiko sitting on a chair cross legged as she ate her breakfast. They had tried to cook on one of their first nights in the living realm, and had agreed that much fire wasn't supposed to happen or was a good sign. Seeing Pony awake, Reiko smiled, “So… was your second date as good as your first?”

Pony blushed, “Ya… I guess it was. I think I finally got what I wanted.”

Seeing that her friend had a lot on her mind, Reiko decided to change topics, “I made the report like you asked, and we're getting more support. They're sending a seated officer to help, so all of this will be over soon and you can show your boyfriend around Soul Society. With how strong he is, I'm sure your squad would happily take him in.”

Much to Reiko's surprise, Pony paled and looked visibly worried, “Did they say who!”

Reiko tilted her head, but before she could answer a knock came at their door, and Reiko smiled, “That's probably our new teammate. Please be nice, this is our chance to make some connections among the higher ups.”

Pony paled even more, and when she heard Reiko shriek she came rushing to find out what was happening. As soon as she saw who it was, Pony froze and stammered, “I-Ibara?!”

Ibara Shiozaki currently looked like a teen their age with waist length green hair made of vines with the top braided into a vine crown around her temples. She wore modest black clothes that hid her toned physique under a loose blouse and a tasteful skirt. As soon as Ibara saw Pony she spread her arms wide, “Pony, thank the Soul King. You look to be unhurt. I read the reports you submitted and the recording Reiko sent. I'm so happy to see my best friends are safe.”

Pony swallowed a lump in her throat, “Bara, what are you doing here?”

Ibara struck an official pose, “Eighteenth seat, Ibara Shiozaki, at your service. I'll be taking over this mission, and I couldn't be happier. I get to work with my best friends again, and you even managed to find my lost cousin. Truly I am being blessed.” Ibara's face fell, “It pains me that it came at the cost of two valued comrades, but I will avenge Lorna and Vana if I am ever faced with that wicked monstrosity of a hollow.”

Reiko gasped, “What happened? They were so strong. What kind of hollow can just take out two seated officers?”

Ibara sighed, and her face darkened, but Pony spoke up first, “We should wait for Izuku. He knows the area better, and he's a lot stronger than me.”

Ibara's eyes widened at Pony admitting anyone was stronger than her without looking frustrated or ready to fight. Ibara noticed that instead Pony had a new warmth in her eyes, and a faint smile had replaced her surprised face. Reiko giggled, “Oh ya, Bara… our little Pony finally fell in love, and it's really cute. Izuku is totally smitten with her.”