ANF-Byaruki is back again. I apologise for the late update and the removal of the previous chapter. I've made changes to the previous chapter and it is more or less the same as this one. As promised, this chapter was lengthy. If possible, I will upload the next chapter by today. Sorry for keeping you guys waiting. I was having my End of year examinations. Was a pressure on me. Now that it's over, I'm officially back to writing! Thanks all readers who reviewed, love you guys ! - ANF-Byaruki
Rukia struggled to get up but it was too late, the Cero was just a few metres away from her.
Things were a blur when Rukia opened her eyes. But soon her eyes adjusted to the new surroundings. The first thing she saw was a woman running out of the room.
Soon another figure stepped into the room. "Good morning, Kuchiki-san. How are you feeling now?" The always cool-as-cucumber Unohana Taicho greeted.
"I think I'm fine. Just that my limbs are a little bit stiff.", Rukia responded while mulling about what happened.
"Well, that is expected. You have been lying here for five days straight.", Unohana smiled.
Rukia eyes widened. What happened.. why was she –
Suddenly she remembered. I was fighting the Menos Grande and.. it blasted the Cero at me. I couldn't get away in time. I'm supposed to be gravely injured or even dead.. but why? She checked her arms and legs for injuries. All she could find were mild injuries, nothing extravagant enough to threaten one's life.
"Yes. You should be fatally injured or even dead but you were saved by someone in the nick of time.", Unohana said, somewhat reading her distraught mind.
"Someone?.."
"Yes, someone."
"Who?" Rukia queried.
"That I cannot say."
Rukia's head shot up before frowning. "Why not?"
"I was instructed by your savior not to reveal his identity."
"Oh.. then.. it's alright." Alright my ass! I have the rights to know.. sigh whatever. It doesn't change the fact that I was saved, again.
The captain smiled, "Thank you Kuchiki-san for not pursuing and putting me in a difficult position."
"It's nothing. By the way, Unohana-Taicho if it's alright with you, can I take my leave now?"
"Sure, Kuchiki-san."
"Thank you for the hospitality Unohana-Taicho.", Rukia bowed slightly as Unohana gave her a smile before leaving the room.
Rukia wasted no time to get to her barracks. She was still concerned with the issue on who had saved her. This mysterious savior, why did he not want her to know his identity. She had a feeling that her taicho knew who it was.
"Ukitake-Taicho.", Rukia greeted.
"Oh ! Kuchiki, how are you?" Ukitake queried with much concern as he turned back after arranging the flowers.
"I'm alright Taicho. Arigato Taicho."
"Ah.. Since you're back, I ought to inform you that our duties were directed to the eleventh squad."
Rukia looked down. "It must be my fault.." Rukia muttered.
Ukitake smiled. "It's not your fault Kuchiki, don't take it too hard on yourself. Right off the bat, our squad was never in-charge of these things.", Ukitake consoled her.
Rukia nodded, "I have something to ask you, Taicho. Do you know who saved me?"
Ukitake thought hard before replying a 'No'. Rukia thank him and ran out to find Renji.
"Renji!" Rukia scanned the room but found no sight of him. "Must be off somewhere training…" She sighed. She had wanted to ask Renji but oh well.. since he's not here then it's okay.
Rukia found that things in Rukongai have not really changed. She had nothing to do in soul society and felt like visiting Rukongai after so many years. The first few districts were always so peaceful. Unlike the 78th district Inuzuri, south of Rukongai. She missed the real world. She have so many companions there.. the warmth and joy that was always present. Kuchiki Rukia.. you have forgotten your roots. You were never human.. Nii-sama was right.. you have spent too much time in the human world that you behaved like one. Rukia shook her head.
While walking through the district she spent her childhood at, she came upon the graves where her friends were buried. Even that time, I got protected. I didn't even change after becoming a Shinigami. It was late in the afternoon, the sun was setting soon. Deep in her thoughts she was suddenly jolted out of it when she heard a whimper. Sensing something wrong, she made her way towards the source of the wail.
Rukia kicked the door opened and found a group of barbarians holding the fragile-looking boy of azure blue hair by his collar.
"A-A Shinigami!" One of them panicked.
"Heh! So what!" The other man spit. "We'll clobber both of them up!" He gave an evil grin.
In a flash, Rukia knocked down all of them. The man grabbing the boy by his collar threatened to harm him if she comes any closer.
"What a fool.", Rukia disappeared behind him and attacked the back of his neck.
"My elder brother.. He pointed towards the door."
"Hide in here, and don't come out no matter what.", Rukia ordered in a warm tone.
The boy nodded and did as instructed.
"Are you alright?" Rukia asked when she spotted a young boy with fiery red hair.
The boy was shivering from shock. Rukia patted his head, "Everything is fine now." She took him by his hand and called the younger brother to come out.
The elder brother spoke, "Y-You're a Shinigami aren't you?"
Rukia blinked, "Yeah."
"Teach us how to fight!" Rukia furrowed her eyebrows upon hearing that. She could see the adamant look in his eyes.
"Oh.. so you expect me to teach you when I don't even have a single clue of who you are?" Rukia smiled.
Both of them looked at each other and the elder brother answered, "Hiroto and my younger brother's name is Rai."
"And? What are you doing here?"
"We.. we were finding food and just wandered into this run-down house.."
"More like stealing isn't it?" She grinned.
The elder brother frowned, "So are you going to teach us or not?" He demanded.
When Rukia gave no reply. He grabbed his younger's brother wrist and started to walk off.
Rukia appeared in a flash at the door. "I didn't say that I won't teach you. But you have to tell me the reason though."
"I want to be strong. Protect those close to me.. from those damn adults who bullied us whenever they want.", he gritted his teeth. "You won't understand."
Rukia smiled slightly and rested both her hands on their shoulders. "Alright then, I'll give you two choices. Either you find me at the hill by the river tomorrow or spend the night with me."
Both of them looked at each other with a blank look.
"So what's the decision?" Rukia queried again to get their attentions.
"We'll spend the night with you.", Hiroto replied looking away. Rai gave Rukia a hug to express his gratitude.
"Let's find a shelter then.", Rukia stood up.
Rukia ran at a pace they could catch up and they reached this open field. "Today we're just going to practice taijutsu."
"Hai!"
They spent the whole of the day training on taijutsu. Surprisingly these kids picked up fast and sparred with each other. Rukia then challenged them to spar with her. If they could dodge three hits from her, she would treat them to Ramen. Hiroto took on the challenge and sparred with Rukia first. Unexpectedly, Hiroto managed to overcome her challenge. As for Rai he took on two hits and lost to the last one.
"That's all for today." Rukia spoke as both of them were trying to regain their breathing. But Hiroto protested, "Teach us some more techniques!"
After his persistent beseeching, Rukia gave in.
After a few hours, Hiroto completed most of the taijutsu techniques. Rukia noticed that it he has the potential and reiatsu in him. His eyes and actions reflected great determination. "That's all for today. Hiroto, come with me for a second. Rai you may want to carry on practicing."
"Hai!" Both of them responded.
"Hiroto, do you only want to protect those close to you?"
Hiroto shook his head. "If I can, I will reach out to those in need too."
"I see.. any thoughts on becoming a Shinigami?"
"Yes but not now.. our powers are still at its lowest. Besides.. Rai is still young. I can't possibly have him stay here while I enroll to the academy myself. We'll wait until both of us are of age then we'll go in together."
"That's not a bad idea.", Rukia agreed.
"Is life better after becoming a Shinigami?"
"For most people. Yes. But another thing Hiroto.. If you want to be a Shinigami, be prepared to give in your life anytime."
Hiroto nodded. "Can we follow you for today?"
"Sure, I'm not intending to head back to soul society either. Besides.. I still owe you a bowl of Ramen didn't I?", Rukia smiled.
Hiroto gave her a warm smile and they wrapped up the day and headed towards the Ramen store in the first few districts.
"Taicho, did you see Rukia anywhere? I can't find her.", Renji asked.
"No.", Byakuya replied emotionlessly.
"Damn.. I wanted to go out with her after I finished my paper work.", Renji sighed.
"Abarai, do you wish for more work? You are a disturbance right now.", Byakuya stated.
Renji bolted out of Byakuya's office immediately.
"Che… always threatening me with paper work.", Renji grumbled under his breath.
When they reached the Ramen store, Rukia ordered two extra large bowls and a medium sized-bowl of Ramen. When it was served to them, Rai headed for the medium sized-bowl when Rukia's hand grab his wrist.
"Not this one, Rai. This is mine. The extra large bowls are for both of you."
Both of them blinked in surprise and glee at each other. Rukia laughed at how they dig into their food. "Ahhh I'm full, I'm full.", Rai exclaimed patting his stomach.
"Thank you for the meal, we haven't had one like this ever before.", Hiroto uttered while looking at his empty bowl of ramen.
The following days, Rukia trained them on how to control their reiatsu. Then their hado and bakudo. They seemed to catch on pretty fast, now all they have to do is to practice continuously. .
"I heard that Shinigamis have their own zanpakuto of different types.", Rai remarked.
"Yes, but not all Shinigamis in seireitei have their own zanpakuto."
"Shinigami-san, what is your zanpakuto type?"
"Hmm.. mine? It's a ice-snow based zanpakuto."
"Waa, that's cool!" Both of them responded in unison.
"How do you get it?"
"I can't tell you how to get it. Different people have different way of getting their zanpakuto out. Communicate with your heart and you will surely find it one day. Do you know what?" Rukia smiled. "Your zanpakuto reflects your soul."
"I wish that one day I would get my own zanpakuto.", Hiroto and Rai smiled at each other.
"I'm sure you will, after all you were trained under Kuchiki Rukia." She laughed heartily. "Just kidding!"
All of them laughed and Rukia still have not told them that she would be returning back to Soul Society the next day. "Alright! To celebrate your successes so far, let's go for a super extra large bowl of Ramen, shall we?"
After finishing their dinner, Rukia broke the news to them.
Rai started sobbing. "Don't cry Rai, we will surely see Nee-chan again.", Hiroto consoled him.
They headed towards a park which was dimly lit. Rukia sat on the fence and looked up at the brilliant moon hanging against the starry dark sky.
"Rukia-onee-chan, I'm going to be like you someday. I promise."
Rukia lifted up her eyebrows and smirked. "Oh? You still have a long way to go." She laughed. "Just kidding!" Rukia exclaimed when she saw Hiroto's sad expression. She gave him a hard pat on his back. "You'll make a fine Shinigami. I'm sure of it."
Hiroto leaped off the fence and punched his knuckles at Rukia with an unwavering determination in his eyes. "I will!"
"Rai. You too!" Hiroto added on.
That night, Rukia bought two ornaments and gave it to Rai and Hiroto as a memoir. "We'll see each other one day. Hopefully in Soul Society.", Rukia ruffled their hairs.
The next day, Rukia left after writing a letter. She didn't want to disturb their sleep and left the letter in Hiroto's clothes.
Letter contents
Hiroto and Rai, I'm sure someone would be sent from Soul Society to escsort you to the academy. We'll surely see each other there. It was great to have pupils like yourselves. To be frank, you guys are the first I have taught who are so talented and hardworking. Don't you get complacent after reading this ! You still have lots more to work on! If you want to find me in Soul Society, just go to the 13th squad barracks. If I'm not there, look for Renji from the 6th squad. He's a very kind person, you'll like him. Hope to see both of you soon.
Rukia ended the letter with a chappy drawing and a blue and fire-red haired rabbits.
"Sorry for disappearing without telling you a word, Nii-sama.", she bowed upon seeing Byakuya.
"Where have you been, Rukia."
"I.. I was in Rukongai."
Byakuya's eyes twitched. "Explain yourself."
How am I supposed to go about this.. Tell Nii-sama that I went to Rukongai because I can't find Renji? Because I miss those bunch in the real world? Argh whatever Rukia, Nii-sama hates waiting better give him a reply that will make him satisfied.
"Nii-sama, please do not hold it against me. I-I.. went to Rukongai because I don't have much companionship here in Soul Society."
No companionship? Wasn't Abarai one of her companions? I don't understand. "What do you mean?"
Rukia! Stop frustrating yourself. Just say it out. "It's just that Renji was busy with his trainings and Ichigo and the others were not here in Soul Society.. it's been a little lonely here in Soul Society." Rukia murmured the last sentence.
Byakuya's ears twitched upon hearing that Kurosaki lad's name. So you still can't forget him, Rukia. Byakuya felt something tugging at his heart. Probably because we've been living together under the same roof for over 50 years and yet she was more acquainted with Kurosaki Ichigo than me. "I see.. I have something to discuss with you tonight. Catch a nap, you look lethargic."
"Hai Nii-sama, thank you for your concern.", Rukia retreated back to her room.
Byakuya flinched when he heard that Rukia said that she have no companionship in Soul Society. Did he gave Renji too much work that Rukia felt left out? Byakuya mused for a moment.. Why was Abarai the ONLY person I brought up.. does she really feel that lonely in Soul Society? Despite her being a Kuchiki, having a large mansion and status to herself? Byakuya just don't understand why.. Was he not caring enough for her? He thought he had spoke to her more often than before.
Rukia was in deep sleep when she felt someone nudged her. "Rukia-sama.", Rukia slowly opened her eyes. "Yes Lori?"
"Kuchiki-sama request for your presence at the dinner table now."
Rukia nodded in acknowledgement and let Loki manage her apparel.
It barely felt like an hour.. Rukia stifled a yawn.
"Nii-sama.", Rukia greeted, still looking lethargic.
Byakuya nodded for her to proceed. Rukia sat down and asked after dinner what was it that he wanted to tell her.
"Rukia. I've received a notice from the Elders stating that we are both due to go to Osaka in two days time. It was suggested that we will firstly visit Urahara Kisuke and seek accommodation at a hotel room."
"Hotel room?" Rukia exclaimed and clasped her mouth when she realized that she had practically shouted at Byakuya.
"Sorry.. Nii-sama"
"Yes. Hotel room.", Byakuya sounded uncomfortable at that. "Urahara will elaborate more to us when we reach there."
"Hai Nii-sama. Thank you for informing me."
Rukia bowed and was about to return to her room when Byakuya stopped her in her tracks by asking her whether she would like a walk with him in the garden.
"Are you still bothered by Kurosaki Ichigo?"
Rukia was apprehended, "Somehow, yes.. Nii-sama."
"Do you have feelings for him?"
"What?" Rukia laughed. "I think you got the wrong idea Nii-sama."
I was wrong?
"I only view him as a very close friend, as well as an elder brother. So it was natural for me to feel sad over his loss as well as his presence which I was very much used to."
Byakuya felt compelled to ask her what she thinks of him. But he reasoned with himself that there is no such needs. What she thinks of him doesn't matter. However his heart does not seem to be in sync with his mind. Was he trying to be denial? No that can't be. The great Kuchiki Byakuya was trying to be denial? That would make him the laughing stock of Soul Society.
"Nii-sama?" Rukia's voice rang through his head and he immediately snapped out from his inwards thoughts.
"Are you alright Nii-sama?"
"Yes. I'm returning back to my room now. You should do so as well. Goodnight, Rukia."
"Goodnight Nii-sama.", Rukia smiled, looking at his back.
There you go ! ;) I hope it wasn't shabbily done up. Are you excited about what would happen? Reviews are appreciated. Subscription as well :D
