A/N: Thank you for those who reviewed! I dedicate this chapter to you guys!
Chapter Four: Karakura Hospital
Rukia hauled her deadened form off the ground and followed as the two carried Kaien towards the ledge of the bridge.
"Any last words?" Toshiro muttered.
Rukia hesitated before shaking her head, "No."
So with one final heave they pushed Kaien's souless body into the water, hearing a lonely splash as it hit the surface a few seconds later. Rukia's fingers curled into a fist as she watched the body sink to the bottom before immediately pushing herself away. Even from a distance, she saw it. The small folded picture resurfaced from the waters portraying the happy faces of a dead husband and wife.
December 13, 2012
1000 Hours
A vise like grip tightened around Rukia's heart, suffocating her from the world. The feeling was its own kind of sickness that infected her soul, corrupting her mind. With her eyes witnessing so many deaths, she was left in some estranged shell shocked phase, leaving her quite speechless. However, her face was expertly controlled in which all emotion and thoughts were trapped under an ice numbing mask. No one knew what to do as a sudden wave of defeat and exhaustion overcame them. The three survivors sat despondently in the truck, allowing themselves a moment to grieve for their fallen companions. It was as if a hollow black hole replaced the dead survivors, sucking them up in an eternal sense of denial as well.
Uryu broke the delicate silence, "So what happens now?"
Half of the survivors were eliminated within the first hour of their escape, and the three remaining were apprehensive in continuing with their intended mission. It was all a risk, but then again life was a risk now that zombies roamed the streets.
"We stick to the plan," Rukia said stoically.
They had to finish what they started, or at least have some sort of goal. It was her only drive left, and if she didn't have a purpose then life was not worth living.
"I hate to be a pessimist, but don't you think that would be hopeless," Ishida said skeptically.
Toshiro lifted his head and spoke coldly, "But we have to try."
Uryu pursed his lips to prevent himself from saying anything. They wouldn't listen to him anyway. He knew what they would find at the hospital, and it was not going to be pretty.
"Fine, I won't stop you, but first, I need to visit my home," Ishida calmly said.
When no one commented, Ishida took the liberty to start the engine and they continued across the bridge silently. Rukia stayed in the back of the truck, where she simply stared out into the river that left a scar on her heart. The rising sun was warm, but it did not reach her soul and she was left feeling lost. Rukia missed him, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt that ate her away. She couldn't save him.
Rukia was pulled away from her heavy thoughts when Ishida turned into an unfamiliar street. The neighborhood held a superior pristine in which everything was neatly trimmed and freshly painted. Uryu's house was certainly on the richer side of town, and one could only admire how after an apocalypse the street still looked neat and orderly. This excluded the fact that zombies still wandered around the freshly trimmed lawns, and how a brand new Mercedes met headlong with a BMW at the nearest crossing. The engine was abruptly cut off and Ishida jumped out while wielding his crude bow and arrows.
"You two can stay in the car," Ishida murmured.
"I highly doubt that will ever happen," Toshiro scowled.
Ishida glared, "I'm serious. This is a personal matter, so just stay."
Rukia revealed a disagreeing frown, "We stick together. It's not a good idea to be alone, Ishida sempai."
There was a heated look upon his face, as if he were trying to conceal displeasure or maybe even…embarrassment. Rukia stubbornly refused to split up, and eventually the Ishida gave up in defeat.
Shuffling his feet the eldest student growled, "Follow me."
They entered a modern two story house that was painted a crisp white. First they found themselves in a fancy anteroom, where on the right an elaborate study room could be seen through a pair of French doors. Inside was normal, if not a little too plain and there were barely any pictures in the house at all.
"There still should be food in the kitchen if you're hungry. I need to get a few things upstairs," Ishida pointed them towards a kitchen down the hall.
With a dry grin, he stated, "Don't follow me...I'll be sure to scream if I happen to walk into anything scary."
After shooting him an un amused stare, she followed his directions into the spotless kitchen, were stainless steel pans hung low over a little island table which was surrounded by fine granite counters and dark wooden pantries.
"Ishida has a nice place," Toshiro commented absently.
Rukia slid open a pantry door and couldn't help but crack a smile to see that it was packed with preserved food.
"I love Pocky…" Toshiro said before he had time to regret it.
While Toshiro was quietly munching on a box of Pocky, Rukia stocked up on as much as she could carry in her backpack, throwing in canned goods, chip bags, water bottles and once she was done, her bag weighed almost as much as she did. Soon afterwards, Ishida appeared in the kitchen completely garbed in a unique white suit sporting a short cape. Along with his outfit, he carried a large smart bow that was decorated in crosses.
"Um…Ishida sempai…Why are you dressed like that," Rukia asked.
While adjusting his glasses, he stated in an obvious tone, "This is the traditional Archery uniform, and despite its looks these cloths are quite comfortable."
Rukia stopped herself from making a remark about Ishida's style and instead she asked, "Are we ready to leave yet?"
"There's one more thing I need to check, and then we'll leave," Ishida muttered as a look of suspicion crossed his face.
Rukia followed him this time, and so did Toshiro (however he still managed to sneak a few more boxes of Pocky into his pockets). Ishida hesitated in front of the study room before seeming to make up his mind and he entered. Inside there were expensive mahogany bookcases covering the walls along with impressive medical degrees. On the shelves that accompanied the books were busts of nameless men, and crosses. Ishida walked to the middle of the desk and picked up a neatly folded note that was written and signed by Ishida Ryuken.
Dear Uryu Ishida,
You may have noticed that I have left. I have been taken by the governmetn to the NIH (National Institute of Health) order to investigate the spontaneous disease that has sprouted in small areas of the city. If you have any sense at all, I suggest that you avoid human contact for a while because I'm afraid the situation will only get worse. In the event that the government has failed to confine this disease, find me at all costs. If I do not see or hear from you, I will assume with much disgust and disappointment that you have perished.
From,
Ishida Ryuken
12.10.12
"Well that's was a heartwarming letter," Toshiro commented as he finished reading the note.
Ishida smirked dryly, "He has a tendency to get a little over emotional."
Rukia read the letter twice and frowned, "I don't understand. Did the government know that this would happen?"
"I'm assuming they did," Toshiro scowled.
"Those bastards didn't even do anything about it! They knew...and they didn't warned us," Rukia hissed.
"You have to understand Rukia, what could they have done? If they tried to warn everyone, chaos and panic would ensue the streets. All they could have done was hope that they could sequester the disease," Ishida explained.
Rukia spat bitterly, "Well that obviously didn't work out either."
"We can't do anything about it now, Rukia. We just have to survive," He said grimly.
Rukia became quiet as she struggled to control her fustration. She needed to blame someone for everything that had happen, and all the built up emotions threatened to spill. How did this happen? Zombies could not have just sprouted from the ground...there had to be a cause, and Rukia needed to know.
She exhaled deeply, "Your right, all we need to focus on now, is to survive..."
That is what she will do. Her job was to survive for her sister and her brother, so she could not give up...not so early in the game anyway.
Uryu straightened his glasses in an official manner before changing the subject, "I will accompany you to Karakura Hospital, but afterwards, I'm afraid we must split up. I must pursue NIH and find my father."
Rukia looked up sternly and said, "Then we'll come with you."
"Ishida frowned, "Why would you do that?"
"I think we can fit the NIH into our busy schedule. Besides, I would like to understand what caused this apocalypse to happen," Rukia said nonchalantly.
When Ishida did not argue, Toshiro asked, "Then it's a plan?"
Ishida scoffed in annoyance, however there was a spark of amusement in his eye as he complained, "Must you two be so bothersome."
"We can't help who we are," Toshiro explained sarcastically.
"Well now that we understand each other better, let's continue," Rukia sighed.
The three exited the house with caution before hastily driving towards the Karakura Hospital which was thankfully close by. Soon enough, Rukia could see the tall building in the distance decorated in multiple blue crosses that matched Uryu's uniform. With their revolving lights still turned on, ambulances were parked in hazardously along the front of the building accompanied with police cars. A massive pile of bagged bodies lay forbiddingly in a disgusting heap, attracting a buzz of flies and other smell of decomposing flesh was penetrating, and she gagged from the intensity of it. As Rukia and Toshiro gazed at the nightmarish display, Uryu parked in front of the automatic doors and hesitantly turned off the engine. Everything became silent, and the ambience was unsettling. With a weak heart, Rukia took the lead and jumped out of the truck with her katana unsheathed. She knew in the far corner of her mind that it was foolish to separate from the group, however this was something she needed to do on her own. Clenching her weapon tightly, Rukia didn't wait for the others as she rushed inside. There were no receptionists, and the hallways were completely deserted. To her dismay she discovered that the elevators were not operational, so she sprinted up three flights of stairs with her fingers crossed.
Room 306. Room306. Room 306…please be there.
The hallways were deserted, and with an uneasy heart she skidded to a halt outside Room 306. With the anxiety stirring inside her, her hand reached for the door. Everything was there; the soft pastel walls, the silent monitors, and the vase of lilys sitting next to the hospital bed, but the room was empty. The room was very empty. Rukia's eyes finally rested on the unattractive splatter of blood decorating the pillow, and the blankets that were tossed violently to the floor. She numbly approached the blood stained sheets and reached out to touch it. The material was coarse with the blood matted into uneven patterns, and she stared unblinkingly at the scene playing before her eyes. Then her hand found a crumpled note laying beside the pillow, and she opened with a petrified heart.
Dearest sister,
I'm afraid that things are changing. Bad things. The hospital is quickly falling to shambles, and it's because a virus is spreading. I think they're going to get rid of all the sick patients...I've heard gunshots, and I'm afraid. I hope you receive this letter, Rukia, because I want you to know I love you. Tell Byakuya sama that I love him too. Be safe…and I'm sorry I couldn't be there to say goodbye.
Love,
Kuchiki Hisana
The note trembled between her fingers and quickly succumbed to a crumpled item in her clammy hands. For several minutes she was shaking uncontrollably, staring at nothing except the image of her dead sister in her mind. Swiftly, with cool, calculating movements, she roughly tossed the paper ball into a nearby trash bin. Rukia's hurt gaze turned into one of steel as her heart strained under the dead weight of sorrow. The death of her sister finally killed her. Somewhere deep inside her, the last bit of her heart frosted over, leaving her with nothing. She was dead inside. She was a zombie.
No one could save her…there was no one left.
Rukia felt like lead as she leaned against the pastel walls, feeling empty, yet burdened under so much pain. Finally she had no strength left to stem to tears welling up in her large eyes, and the first wave of sadness shook through her whole frame. Rukia held tightly to herself as she cried pitifully for herself. Shutting her eyes tight, she choked on the violent sob that never seemed to end. She had never felt so empty and alone in her entire life, and she felt vulnerable. It was her against the world, and she was losing. Was there a point to live if you had nothing to live for? Rukia rubbed the tears away with the palm of her hand and glared. She hated crying more than anything, but now the bought of foolishness was over she felt different. The funny thing was, Rukia had no more tears left, infact she felt nothing at all. Everything was just too surreal, and it was as if her life had been swept away within a blink of an eye. She was dreaming, she had to be. This...all of it wasn't real, and when she wakes up from this nightmare, she would visit her sister in the hospital, and see her everyone's smiling faces at school.
Everything is just a nightmare.
Suddenly, the door behind her opened with the hinges creaking eerily and she spun around. Rukia's katana was drawn as she lethally raised the blade.
"Chotto matte!"
Rukia blinked over her glazed eyes as she inspected the person standing before her. He was a lean teenage boy that could easily tower over her. The teen was wearing a bloody school uniform and carried a metal baseball bat over one shoulder. He wore an impressionable scowl and possessed familiar features such as a straight nose, high cheek bones and broad shoulders. Her gaze was currently captured on his bright orange hair that protruded in all directions, mimicking the way a sun would cast its rays. Rukia tore her eyes away to stare hostility at the person. However those large brown eyes glared back just as fiercely, as if challenging her.
The realization tackled her from nowhere.
Rukia stumbled backwards onto the hospital bed, suppressing a gasp. It was…it couldn't be…no, it was defiantly impossible. The man was Kaien…Kaien was the man. He was the zombie…but no, the man held small differences in his face, like his eyes, hair, and most of all, his scowl. The stranger recoiled in surprise at Rukia's startled actions and hesitantly reached out a hand to help her up, replacing his scowl for a confused frown.
The stranger asked, "Are you okay? Hey, what's the matter with you?"
"Who are you," Rukia asked coldly.
Rukia's arbitrary actions puzzled the nameless man, however he quipped back just as rudely, "Why should I tell you?"
"Because I won't hesitate to kill you," Rukia lied as she raised her sword once more.
She griped the handle of her blade tightly with both hands and plastered a vicious expression on her empty face. He looked closely at her and tried to analyze her motives. However in the end he shook his head disbelievingly.
He scoffed, "Okay, so you're threatening to kill me? Well, go ahead, I doubt you have it in you, midget."
Rukia's cold facade wavered as she asked incredulously, "What did you call me?"
"What, you have a problem with me, midget? I said go ahead, take a swing at me," The stranger roared beseechingly.
This man, who looked so much like Kaien managed to elicit a tiny spark of hope in her, but even so, a movement of indignation possessed her first.
She twitched in deep ire before shouting, "Don't call me midget, fruit loop!"
He yelled defensively, "Don't make fun of my hair!"
"Then don't call me midget," Rukia growled.
The man retorted, "Then what can I call you by?"
"Nothing," Rukia said bitingly.
A tense moment passed before he continued, "Okay then…next question. What are you doing here all by yourself?"
"Who said I was by myself? Besides, it's none of your business," She whispered dangerously low.
Ichigo glanced behind her and noticed the dried maroon stains splattered over the pillows.
Witnessing the dark incident, he spoke quietly, "I'm sorry."
Rukia was taken by surprise at the sudden apology, "What did you say?"
"You heard me. I said I was sorry for whatever happened. Don't you dare think that you're the only one that's lost someone important, dammit. Because you're wrong," He said.
Rukia said nothing as she stood there, frozen is silent contemplation and shock. She met the stranger's eyes and held his gaze for a moment. His amber eyes were sad, and Rukia could see the regret burrowed deep inside his soul. He was a person just like her, with friends and family that perished in the flames of the apocalypse. She was hurt, just like him.
The stranger ran an irritated hand through his hair and sighed, "Look, this ridiculous. What the hell is your problem?"
"I have my own reasons of being cautious. Lately, it's been hard finding trustworthy people," Rukia said slowly.
He frowned before saying, "Let me assure you, I'm the good guy."
When Rukia said nothing in return, the man rolled his eyes and offered his hand, "Let's introduce ourselves from the start-"
He was cut off by a bellowing car alarm that came from below.
Rukia's eyes widened with unease, and she made a dash past the orange haired teen before sprinting down the stairs. She didn't have a clue where Ishida or Toshiro was, and instantly regretted leaving their side in the moment of her insecurity. Rukia burst through the stairway door and stilled in horror at the scene before her.
A city bus crashed into the hospital parking lot and was in the process of spewing out scores of zombies from the doors and windows. Cars were skewed into a mass of metal with some on fire and others crushed into undistinguishable items. In the middle of the chaos was a sleek onyx porsche that unleashed a shrill alarm, beckoning the zombies' attention. This would not have been a problem if it hadn't been for a little girl trapped inside the pandemonium.
Someone shouted from behind, "Karin!"
The painful strain of his voice tugged on her emotions, and she watched as the orange haired boy pushed past the doors and ran fearlessly into deaths arms.
"There you are Rukia," Ishida appeared beside her, along with Toshiro.
Ishida continued, "We heard the alarm, what the hell is going on?"
"They're in trouble," Rukia whispered.
He was an unknown stranger, not to be trusted. Why should she help him? Rukia watched with apprehension as he ran past the chaotic flames while swinging his metal bat in defense. The car was rocking back and forth as the ravenous undead stared hungrily at the trapped girl. The man was nowhere close to reaching his goal, rather fending off for himself against the endless mass of zombies. She thought of Kaien, and what he would have done. The answer was obivous of course. As the stranger was being surrounded, Rukia finally made up her mind.
"I have to help him," She took off and entered the swarming dead.
With her katana unsheathed Rukia dashed to the stranger's aid, hacking through flesh along the way. She finally spotted the person's bright orange mane and easily joined his side.
"What are you doing here," He shouted angrily at her.
Rukia guarded the stranger's side from a vicious attack before yelling, "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm saving your sorry ass!"
"I didn't ask for help, midget," The man grunted as he swung his baseball bat at the nearest zombie.
Rukia beheaded another undead before saying, "Well too bad."
"Do you mind if we join the party," Ishida asked above the noise.
As Toshiro and Ishida arrived, the four stood back to back as they fought against the hoard. The group inched their way towards the car, carefully evading the teeth and claws of the undead while they fought valiantly against the enemy. Ishida's bow proved to be more efficient than his old one as he sent torrents of arrows across the sea of zombies, while Toshiro fought off the close range attackers with ease. Luck, however did not help the girl trapped inside the car, and in Rukia's peripheral vision, she witnessed a tinted glass window shatter. The girl successfully peeled herself away from the searching hands and began pounding the end of a monkey wrench at the zombies. Beside her the orange haired boy was distracted by the cried of the young girl, and Rukia could almost hear him hold his breath.
"Fuck," The stranger cursed.
Rukia glanced to the side and saw with dismay that his weapon hand been knocked aside. She could see him tumble to the floor as another zombie took advantage of his vulnerability. He didn't give up and continued to fight with his raw hands. Rukia couldn't help but admire the person's determination. She was afraid though, she was scared of losing this perosn in front of her eyes. She couldn't afford to lose anyone, and the pieces of her heart were dwindling down to nothing. Quickly, she arrived at his side by gracefully sweeping her blade across the onslaught of zombies while helping him up at the same time. His metal bat was lost among the eager shuffling of feet, and Rukia attempted to guard his vulnerbility. Finally an idea came to her when she remembered the ebony katana lying dormant at her side. Delivering another swift blow to a pair of zombies, Rukia separated the second blade from her side.
"Hey, fruit loop! Here take this," Rukia tossed the sheathe towards him.
He caught the bundle and stared at the sword in wonder, "Jesus, you're telling me you had this with you the whole time?"
Rukia ignored him and said, "Do you know how to handle it?"
He shouted, "Hell yeah!"
With one swift movement, he unsheathed the dark sword. A bright flash of light entered his eyes as he beheld the sword, along with a sense of hope. Suddenly he was faster, stronger, and more powerful than before as he displayed extraordinary attacks on the mass of undead. He beheaded each adversary with clean sweeps of the hand, almost moving at a lightening speed. Rukia couldn't help but steal multiple glances at his experienced form and the determination captured in him.
"You know, it never occurred to me. I don't believe we've formally introduced each other yet, midget," The orange haired teen shouted over the moaning dead.
Rukia scowled, "It's not midget! My name is Kuchiki Rukia."
"Nice to meet you, Rukia. I'm Kurosaki Ichigo," He grinned.
The two shared a moment of gratitude as they held each other's gaze. However he moment was cut short by the advance of zombies, and they continued fighting. Finally, the action minimized and Ichigo was able to reach the porsche. He hastily unlocked the car doors, swept aside the broken glass, and once he faced the younger girl, he did not hesitate to embrace her with a surge of desperation. Once the moment was over, everyone stood silent as they surveyed each other for bite wounds, as if out of habit. Nothing was detected, and the group let out a silent form of relief.
Ichigo was the first to speak as he looked gratefully at Rukia.
"Thanks for saving my sorry ass," Ichigo smirked.
He continued, "Oh, and here. This is yours."
Ichigo offered Rukia the soiled katana with hidden remorse. She saw with a mysterious sort of pride, that the sword belonged to him. He looked longingly at the blade as he waited for her to retrieve it, however, Rukia shook her head.
"No, you can have it. I don't use it anyways, besides it serves you well," She said as she pushed the katana back to him.
"I…don't know what to say," Ichigo smiled excitedly.
Rukia scoffed, "A thank you would suffice."
Ichigo placed a rough hand on top of her head, causing Rukia to stiffen in remembrance. This was something Kaien would do, and it sent torrents of pain into her heart at the thought.
"Thanks. You're not so bad for a little brat," Ichigo commented.
The shock dispersed as she swatted Ichigo's hand away, "What? I'm not little! I'm sixteen for Kami's sake! If anything, you're the brat, fruit loop!"
"What? I said thank you, midget," He quipped.
"Shut up," A voice scolded from the car.
Rukia broke away from her glaring contest at Ichigo and instead gazed at the young girl that sat silently in the porsche. She was a middle schooler who styled her black hair in a simple pony tail with her bangs cropped to the sides. A bag was hauled over her shoulder where miscellaneous items bulged out, along with scavenged first aid equipment. The girl wore a rather uninterested expression, however a haunting look was captured behind her dark eyes that held corrupt memories.
"Sorry, I don't think everyone has properly introduced themselves," Rukia began.
"My name is Rukia, and this would be Ishida and Toshiro," She pointed out her companions.
"Ishida Uryu? I didn't even see you...Well of course you would be able to survive a damn zombie apocalypse," Ichigo smiled happily at the spectacled man.
Ishida narrowed his eyes before sneering, "I do not wish to speak to you, Kurosaki."
"Doesn't seem like you've changed much," Ichigo commented.
Ishida scoffed in return, "Well neither have you I suppose."
Rukia blinked in confusion, "Wait, how do you both know each other?"
Ichigo smirked dryly, "Ishida and I are childhood friends, we have a history don't we Ishida kun?"
Uryu promptly ignored him in favor of retrieving his arrowheads from the skulls of the dead while Ichigo chuckled behind his back.
"You both have my thanks Rukia...Toshiro. By the way, my name is Kurosaki Karin," The dark haired girl said.
"You're welcome," Rukia smiled.
Toshiro grimaced, "It's Hitsugaya."
"What's wrong with Toshiro?" Karin quirked an eyebrow.
He replied, "I barely know you, and besides, it's more respectful to call me by my last name."
Karin scoffed, "Hey, we're the same age. If I call you Hitsugaya, then you have to call me Kurosaki san."
"What are you talking about? I'm fifteen and a highschooler, how old are you? eleven?" Toshiro glared indignantly.
Karin rolled her eyes, "I'm thirteen. I was only kidding, don't get so defensive Toshiro."
Karin giggled and Toshiro only pursed his lips in slight annoyance before looking away.
Moments later he announced, "I see more of them coming. We better split up before they get to us."
"Where are you guys going," Ichigo asked curiously.
"We're looking for the NIH," Rukia responded.
Ichigo mused about the destination for a moment, " The National Institute of Infectious Diseases...Really? Is Ishida's father there?"
Uryu scolded over his shoulder, "You are not coming with us!"
"Aw, why not Ishida kun? It would be a little road trip just like old times," Ichigo grinned.
He turned to Rukia, "I hope you don't mind if I tag along. Besides, my old man might be there too."
"Let's go Rukia, Toshiro. I will not travel with him," Ishida pointed to Ichigo with distaste.
He walked angerily towards the antique truck, slammed the door and proceeded to start the engine. The car gave a weak splutter and Ishida attempted to start it once more, but with more desperation than the first.
A string of curses followed by the coughing of the engine could be heard.
Ichigo called out smugly, "Hey Ishida kun, do you guys need a ride?"
"No," Ishida growled from inside the car.
It was only a moment later when the truck exhaled one last time before sinking lifelessly to the floor. Ichigo rounded his car and started the engine, while Rukia and Toshiro joined Karin in the back seat. He pulled the black porshe next to the ancient truck and casually rolled down the windows.
"Need some help there," Ichigo asked innocently.
Ishida growled, "Urasai."
He kicked open the door, picked up Rukia's book bag, and with a final glare at the orange haired man he claimed the front seat before promptly ignoring everyone.
With everyone seated comfortably in the car, Rukia couldn't help but feel slightly reassured that maybe, just maybe, she stood a chance against the world.
With smirk, Ichigo asked, "So, does anyone know how to get to NIH?"
A/N: Wow, I just finished exams and it's finally summer! I'm celebrating with this knew update. Those of you who like this story and read it, please don't hesitate to leave a review. If I receive enough feedback, I will continue writing, if not then I have other stories that I need to continue too. So please, if you like this story and wish for more, leave a comment. ^_^
The NIH is also known as the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and is actually located in Japan.