Chapter 4
'Getsuga Tenshou!'
Rukia heard Hichigo yell as his Getsuga Tenshou sliced through his opponents mask. Rukia didn't take long to cut down the hollow she was fighting either. She couldn't help but notice how much Hichigo enjoyed fighting, or how his eyes seemed to shine in a dark sort of way. He didn't feel evil, but at times he could certainly look it.
'Ah, that was too easy. Wish we had some Menos or something to make it slightly more challenging.'
Hichigo sighed.
'So, what now?'
'Hm, well the king should be coming back any second now so, hopefully we will see each other again soon.'
'Yeah that would be good, I wanna get to know you. Make sure properly that this isn't an act and you're not going to appear one day and terrorize any souls.'
Hichigo laughed but soon started to frown as the mask began to crack.
'Times up. Bye, Bye Rukia.'
He waved a hand and Rukia smiled back at him. The mask shattered and the black and gold eyes faded to their usual brown.
As soon as Ichigo had returned to normal, Rukia had almost instantly shunpo'd up to him and held her zanpakuto threateningly to his neck.
'BAKA! Why didn't you say anything!? You had me terrified at first! I thought you would become evil and Soul Society would have to send all its captains to come kill you or something horrible and…'
She suddenly quieted down.
'Promise me you won't end up like Kaien…'
'Kaien?'
'…Just an old, um, friend of mine… He became possessed by a hollow and…'
She trailed off, lowering her zanpakuto.
'And?'
Ichigo asked quietly, trying not to be too forceful.
'I killed him. I could've done something. There must have been another way, I would have found another way!'
Rukia turned so she was facing the other way. Ichigo put a hand on her shoulder.
'It wasn't your fault. You probably just did what you thought was best at the time. Sorry I didn't tell you about Hichigo and I'm sorry that I scared you, but I promise I won't let myself end up like Kaien.
She shot him a sideways glance and smiled.
'Thanks. You're a good guy Ichigo…'
Rukia put her zanpakuto away and began walking in the direction of Ichigo's house.
'Oh and your majesty, just filling you in on the fact that you're gonna have to get Zangetsu and rip Hichigo to shreds.'
Rukia laughed as she turned the corner and out of sight. Ichigo's eyes widened.
'Sshhiiiittt.'
Ichigo moaned and put his face in his hands.
'If you can hear me in there, then start planning your funeral!'
'It would be yours too remember?'
Hichigo grinned as he stared up at the sideways clouds.