Listen To Your Heart
Written By: FlexRhysode1
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is going to be the last chapter for a couple of weeks. Don't worry, though. I'm not ending it. I just need to finish writing in my Naruto story. My other readers wish for it, so I shall keep them satisfied as well as you. I'll do my best, however, to update both stories regularly.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Bleach, or the Characters within it, or the song 'Listen To Your Heart' by DHT. All rights go to their respective owners, namely DHT, and Tite Kubo.
Bleach: Listen To Your Heart
Ichigo couldn't remember half of his dreams…but he knew that they were good. He knew for a fact that almost all of the ones he did remember had Rukia in them. He had slept really well, but had woken up early. He just lay in his bed, holding Rukia tightly to his chest…afraid to let her go. He didn't want everything that had happened end up being nothing except for one of his dreams.
Her light breathing was rhythmic, soothing, and it made him want to drift off to sleep once more. But he fought it. Somehow, they had moved around without waking each other up, so they were facing each other but still holding each other. He gazed at her face, anxious to memorize every detail. Her small pink lips were just right. They weren't too full, neither were they too thin. Her eyelashes were long and curved, her nose was petite.
Everything about her seemed so small compared to others. She was small…but he knew better than anyone what kind of surprises came in small packages. He never would have thought that after how rough Rukia could be, that she had such a soft side. It was like they were perfectly alike: Both putting up tough facades to hide the true gentleness and vulnerability within.
Ichigo smiled softly at Rukia's pale face, and wanted to hold her forever…to never let go. The world, Soul Society, all of it could just vanish and he wouldn't care as long as he had Rukia by his side. His right arm, because he was lying on his left side and using his left arm as a pillow, was on Rukia's waist. He gently caressed her, and her peaceful breathing hitched slightly. A faint smile appeared on her lips, and she sighed. He smiled too, and was surprised when Rukia nestled as close as she could to him. Her whole body was pressing hard into his, and he knew what she wanted, even if she was asleep. He wrapped his arm tight around her, keeping her against him in a tight hug.
He looked at her face again, now that it was so close to his. He whispered, "No matter what Rukia…no matter who or what comes along…I will always protect you. I'll give anything for you…even my life. I promise." He said softly, and her only answer was to throw her leg over his hip and keep him close to her.
He closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of her warm body against his. He wished he didn't have to go to school…he would much rather sit at home with Rukia. Speaking of school…he wondered what time it was.
His question was answered as Yuzu barged into his room, holding an alarm clock in one hand and a plate of food in the other. "WAKE UP ICHI…" She yelled, but trailed off when she saw he wasn't alone in his bed. The alarm clock fell and hit the floor, bouncing a few feet away. The plate however, when it fell, did not bounce. It shattered, sending food and pieces of plate everywhere.
Karin walked in as well, "Yuzu, you don't have to…yell…" Karin trailed off, aware of Ichigo's companion.
Ichigo's eyes widened. 'Oh shit.' He thought, and Yuzu seemed to be frozen in shock. Rukia's eyes snapped open at that moment, not groggy from sleep. She was suddenly aware of two Spiritual Presences in the room…and realized that it was Ichigo's sisters. She saw the look on Ichigo's face as he was frozen with shock at being walked in on by his sisters when he was with a girl.
Rukia grimaced. This was not good. "Have you girls managed to get Ichigo up yet?" Came the voice of his father…approaching his bedroom door.
Karin sprang into action. "Yes! He's up and about! He's about to get dressed for school, let's go back downstairs!" She cried, and tried to keep her father away from the door. It didn't do any good, though. He pushed on, and walked into Ichigo's room. His jaw dropped when he saw Ichigo lying in bed with a girl.
Ichigo groaned aloud. "Oh shit." Rukia looked over her shoulder, eyes wide as she noticed Isshin Kurosaki. She immediately sprang from the bed, and Ichigo hastily stood as well, though with much less grace.
They all stood there, Ichigo and Rukia blushing while the Kurosaki family stood and stared in disbelief. Ichigo cringed, waiting for the explosion from his father…but was surprised when Isshin cleared his throat and turned to Yuzu and Karin. "Ahem…uh…let's go finish eating and getting ready." He said, and instantly, they all disappeared. Isshin ran downstairs, dragging Yuzu and Karin with him.
"Well…that was embarrassing." Ichigo sighed, and Rukia nodded. They were both thinking of how to proceed next. "Uh…Do you have a school uniform?" He asked finally, and Rukia nodded. "I had a spare in the closet." She said. Her original had been taken from her in the Soul Society.
"You can go head and change in here. I'll go and change in the bathroom." Ichigo said, and quickly gathered his clothes and left the room. He walked down the hallway to the bathroom and proceeded to change, wondering what his father would say to him once he was downstairs.
He changed into his uniform quickly, and then exited the bathroom after throwing his dirty clothes in a hamper in the bathroom. He walked over to his door and knocked. Rukia called, "You can come in."
He entered the room, and smiled at Rukia. She smiled back, and then walked up to him. She gave him a quick peck on the lips, and then exited the room. "I'm going to finish getting ready in the bathroom. I'll see you downstairs?" She asked. He nodded, and then exited his room. He decided he'd let Yuzu clean up her mess, as he stepped over the alarm clock and shattered plate still on the floor.
He sighed as he walked down the stairs and into the living room. He was greeted with the sight of everyone gathered around the table, whispering. He raised an eyebrow and grumpily called out, "Is there any food for Rukia or me?"
Everyone's heads jerked up and stared at him. Yuzu blushed, and Karin gave him an undecipherable look. Isshin, however, stood. "Yes, yes of course." He murmured, and quickly fixed two plates. The air seemed almost physically thick with tension and embarrassment.
Rukia descended the steps after a few awkwardly silent minutes, and stood next to Ichigo. Ichigo had not sat down yet, but rather stood in what was like a silent standoff with his family. Everyone glanced at Rukia nervously, especially Ichigo. He wondered how they were going to explain this without the use of the Soul Society or the existence of Hollows and Soul Reapers.
"I must beg your forgiveness." Rukia finally said softly, and Ichigo looked down at her in alarm. There was the faint glistening of tears in her eyes…and he realized she was using that fake voice that she used at School. He tried not to grin. Here it was…his escape.
Isshin and Yuzu were both taken aback by Rukia's tears. "I'm so sorry. I realize how it must have looked up there…but I beg your indulgence. Allow me, please, to explain my actions." She sniffled, and Isshin awkwardly took a step forward. His first reaction to tears was to rush forward and embrace the person, but with Rukia…he just stood there.
Rukia took the silence as him allowing her to explain. "You see…last night I was out around the town. It was late at night…I think around ten o'clock or so. I had no place to go…because I live alone usually in my apartment. But I was just thrown out of my apartment for being unable to pay the rent this month." Rukia tearfully explained, and already Ichigo could see his father and Yuzu being drawn in. Karin simply stared. Ichigo stared away, trying to play the part of the embarrassed tough kid who had been found doing something kind and gentle.
"Well…I had no food, no clothes, no place to go…and all I had left was my school uniform and my white Kimono. I was so confused, I didn't realize where I was going until it was too late. I bumped into a large group of men…" She paused, stifling a sob. Immediately, Isshin and Yuzu picked up on the unsaid message. A large group of men against a young lady wandering the streets at night…could only mean one thing. Isshin's face was one of indignant fury, and Yuzu a gaze of wonder and pity.
"I ran when they started making rude comments…" Rukia shivered slightly here, "but they caught up with me and forced me into an alleyway." She cried, and Ichigo took his cue. He caringly put his left arm around her shoulders and made soothing noises. She continued through her tears. "They…they tried to…they tried to…" But she failed in being able to go on. Ichigo continued for her, picking up on it. He was surprised at how natural this seemed.
"I went out last night to get some air on the roof…when I heard her muffled yells. I ran around for a bit before finding them…and I put the sick bastards down. I recognized Rukia from school, we even have the same class." Ichigo said, and Isshin nodded with tears in his eyes. He could almost hear his dad's thoughts, "That's daddy's boy, Ichigo!"
Yuzu was sobbing, holding her father. Ichigo felt bad about this…but how else was he supposed to get out of this? By telling them he fought evil spirits and cleansed them? No way. That would land him a one-way ticket to grounding for life.
"I got her clothes back on her, and brought her back up to my room. I couldn't think of anything to do besides try to comfort her, dad. I'm sorry I didn't wake you up, but I just wasn't sure what to do…" Ichigo murmured apologetically.
Rukia managed to take over in a trembling voice. "And so Ichigo held me and comforted me through the night, and I guess I fell asleep in his arms…" She said quietly, and sent Ichigo a look of shy adoration. His father fell for it like a fat kid taking free cake.
"SAY NO MORE!" Isshin yelled, tears streaming down his face. Yuzu was crying as well and cried, "Daddy…can…can we help her? Maybe let her live with us?" She cried, and Ichigo looked away now. He was really embarrassed now, even though the upside was that he got to hold Rukia.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see Yuzu and Isshin clash in a hug. "OF COURSE! I WAS JUST THINKING THE SAME THING!" He cried, and Rukia cast Ichigo a sly look and flashed him the thumbs-up. Ichigo shook his head.
"Stop it! They're gonna see and realize…" He muttered out of the corner of his mouth, but then saw his dad and little sister hugging the poster of his mother on the wall. His dad was crying, "Look Mother! Daddy's got three daughters now!" And Yuzu cried with him. Ichigo shook his head.
"Never mind. They won't notice." He muttered, and sighed. His family was unbelievable. He caught Karin eyeing him with amusement, but he wasn't worried. Karin would figure it out on her own anyway…plus she would cover for him.
"Rukia, Ichigo…" Isshin sobbed, looking over at them. He wiped his tears on his Hawaiian print shirt, leaving dark splotches. Before Ichigo could stop him, he had flung himself over them and held them in a hug. "You two head to school now…I'll make sure that everything is ready for Rukia when you get home! Don't worry now! Eat your breakfast on your way to school!" He said, and Yuzu quickly fixed Rukia a lunch and then handed Ichigo's his. Then she passed Ichigo and Rukia Tupperware containers containing their breakfasts.
"Go on now, don't be late! I'll see you when you get home!" Isshin called as he ushered them out of the house, obviously eager to set up Rukia's new lodgings. Ichigo and Rukia walked a short way before they turned to each other with eyes widened in surprise.
"Woah…" Ichigo muttered, and Rukia chuckled.
"That was much more than I was even hoping for. You didn't do too shabby, Ichigo." Rukia complimented casually. She started to eat her breakfast, and Ichigo just stared blankly ahead as they walked towards Karakura High.
"There is no way…no way…that should have worked." Ichigo muttered, and Rukia shrugged. "Just be thankful it did. Imagine how embarrassing it would be to tell your father I willingly slept in your bed." She said. She laughed when she saw Ichigo's face turn bright red.
"Relax! Now that that is out of the way, we don't have to worry so much anymore about being caught together. It'll be perfectly normal for me to tell them the story how I was rescued by you and your father offered me lodgings." Rukia said airily, and then added as an afterthought at Ichigo's frown. "And of course how I fell in love with the rash hero who rushed a group of men and rescued me."
Ichigo's frown lightened and he gave her a cocky grin. "Darn right." He laughed. She smiled fondly at him. She knew he knew she was referring to the story…and real life a few weeks ago.
He paused suddenly, and she stopped walking. She looked back at him with a questioning look. "Are we going to officially announce we're a couple?" He asked…and Rukia thought about it.
She started to walk, and Ichigo jogged a few steps before catching up to her and walking at her side. He watched her face, which was thoughtful. He noticed she bit ever so lightly on her bottom lip. He flushed red as he realized it kind of turned him on.
She glanced up at him, and he looked away quickly. She grinned slyly and laughed. "What's wrong? Getting hot and bothered?" She teased.
Ichigo immediately exploded, jumping backwards and yelling, "What the hell?! What's that about? You-you-you can't just say that like it's nothing! We just started last night, and saying something like that this early can ruin things!" He yelled, eyes wide in fright and shock. Rukia laughed at him and continued walking. He caught up with her again, panting slightly after his outburst.
"Of course…I'm sorry. At least I didn't use the more…crude language I've learned." She said, earning a look of horror from Ichigo. She quickly changed the subject back to the question. "And…I'd say yes. Why not just tell people if they ask about it? I'm not going to lie and say we're not…especially after what we've been through." She said, referring to the past few days. They both knew now that life had been a living hell for each other, being apart from each other.
Ichigo finally returned to normal…and sighed. "Okay…but be prepared for some annoying wheedling. I'm not exactly the most likeable guy…and I know for a fact that you'll be a target for gossip now." Ichigo warned her. Rukia gave him a grin that made him shiver in fright.
"Don't worry…I can take care of things myself." She said, and Ichigo casually inched away from her. She laughed, however, and grabbed him by the arm and pulled him towards her. "Oh relax, Ichigo! It's not like I'm going to be spreading things…or beating the girls who ask questions into unconsciousness!" Rukia laughed.
Ichigo chuckled slightly…and then grew nervous when he saw the building of Karakura High in the distance. 'Well…here's what I wanted. Now the real question is how I'm going to handle it…' Ichigo thought. Rukia seemed to be thinking along the same lines, with the look on her face so unsure and yet resolved. He took his right hand out of his pocket, and interlaced his fingers with hers, squeezing her hand gently. She looked up at him and he gave her a small grin.
"Don't worry. We've both faced worse things than school and gossip. This should be a breeze compared to all the things we've gone through before." Ichigo reassured her, wishing he could believe what he was saying. Rukia gave him a grateful smile, and he caressed the soft skin of her hand with his thumb. He drew strength from her…knowing that today of all days he would need every bit he could get.
It was September 2nd, the second day of school. It was also one of the worst days Ichigo had ever had to endure. He had always had the eyes of the 'faculty' on him for his orange hair…and now he had the eyes of both faculty and students on him all day. They were watching him like hawks, keeping their eyes on the newest bit of juicy school gossip.
The only reason he was the center of Gossip, as was Rukia, was because someone had noticed them holding hands in the streets on their way to Karakura high…which had led to some major rumor spreading as soon as school had started.
He kept his eyes determinedly on the teacher at the front of the class, not letting his gaze stray left nor right. He tried desperately not to look to his right especially…where Rukia sat. He was doing his best not to feed the rumors that were already flying around the school: how Rukia was only dating Ichigo because she was pregnant, or how Rukia only dated people who stood out…and Ichigo with his bright orange hair was candidate number one, or even how Rukia and Ichigo were simply faking a relationship because they were secretly gay with Orihime and Uryu. Ichigo had lost his temper when he heard the last rumor, and had ended up almost beating up the person who said it into a pulp.
But, Rukia showed no emotion to these rumors. For her, it was expected. She knew for a fact that almost every girl in the class secretly liked Ichigo, if not just for his 'bad boy' persona. She knew that they were spitting out nasty rumors in the throes of their jealousy, so she didn't mind. The only thing she did mind was that some of the rumors that had some extremely inappropriate content, had earned Ichigo some more attention from some of the less respectable girls. The girls who went from guy to guy, and were considered the sluts of the school. Right now, at least two girls were eyeing Ichigo like a slab of meat.
Ichigo was waiting for the Lunch bell, anxiously watching the clock tick away the seconds before he could sneak off away from all the others and just have time with his friends. Finally, the shrill bell rang, and Ichigo bolted from his chair. He quickly stuffed his school supplies into his bag, hastily walked out of the classroom and went to his locker. He deposited his belongings, grabbed his lunch, and then went to the usual spot he met his friends for lunch.
He was the first one there, but was followed closely by Rukia. They stood facing each other, on the school roof and standing next to the chain-link fence on the roof. They stood in front of each other, holding their lunches nervously. They hadn't gotten too much of a chance to talk because each time there was a break, they were surrounded by people demanding to know the truth's behind the rumors.
Ichigo gave her a small smile, and she smirked back. "So…crazy day, huh?" He asked. Rukia shrugged indifferently and sat down. She unpacked her lunch, and Ichigo sat next to her.
"I expected it to happen, I just didn't expect it to happen so soon." Rukia admitted, though without an air of regret or surprise. She took everything in stride quite easily…another reason Ichigo loved her.
Ichigo saw Chad lumber over towards them, and waved at him. Chad was followed by Keigo and Mizuiro. Keigo ran towards them, breathing heavily. "Dang you guys move fast!" He panted, and Chad and Mizuiro quickly unpacked their lunches as they sat down next to Ichigo and Rukia.
"Yo." Ichigo said, before stuffing his mouth. He knew what was coming. But thankfully, as Keigo opened his mouth, an airy and familiar voice called out, "Ichigo, Rukia! Hey!"
He glanced over at the door that led up to the roof, and saw Orihime and Tatsuki coming over. He waved at them, issuing a muffled, "MMF!"
Orihime laughed lightheartedly, as she pulled a certain bespectacled young man with her from inside. He was half-dragged to the group, yelling to be released. Orihime did release him, and he sat down with the group grudgingly.
Ichigo swallowed his food and regarded the Quincy. "Uryu." He said casually. Then he smiled at Tatsuki and Orihime slightly. "Inoue, Tatsuki." He welcomed them, and they smiled and greeted him back.
Uryu Ishida simply pushed up his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose and said in a calm voice, "Rukia…Ichigo…" Then he trailed off and everyone dug into their lunches. They were silent for a while…which threw Ichigo off.
Finally…the impatient Keigo burst out, "So is it true?!" He practically yelled, startling everyone. They all jumped, but they all looked at Rukia and Ichigo. Even Chad seemed interested. He fixed Ichigo with his left eye, which was only just visible through his curly hair.
Ichigo glanced at Rukia quickly, then back to Keigo. "Is what true?" he asked.
Keigo sighed, exasperated. "Dude! Don't play stupid! The rumors! THE RUMORS!" He cried dramatically, earning him a glare from Ichigo. "Are you and Rukia officially together?" Asked Keigo slowly. Ichigo started sweating…and it wasn't from the hot afternoon sun.
Rukia spoke up, knowing Ichigo would have trouble admitting it. "Yes. Ichigo and I are officially a couple." She stated, acting giddy with emotion. Ichigo almost puked. He hated her fake voice sometimes.
Orihime giggled, Tatsuki stared wide-eyed, Chad nodded and continued eating, Uryu actually jerked in surprise, while Mizuiro nodded in congratulations, and Keigo screamed his disbelief.
"WHAT?!" Keigo screamed, jumping to his feet. "HOW DID YOU GET SUCH A BABE, ICHIGO?!"
A vein throbbed at Ichigo's temple, and he resisted the urge to punch Keigo for being loud, and for calling Rukia a 'babe'. Orihime smiled brightly. "Congratulations! I always thought you two would be perfect! Now all I have to do is fix Tatsuki up with someone!" Orihime giggled, and Rukia laughed.
"Been playing Matchmaker, Orihime?" Rukia giggled, and Orihime nodded. She pulled out a notebook. "This is filled with the names of all my girlfriends, and who I want to pair them up with! You two were number one! So, now onto my second target: Tatsuki!" Orihime declared proudly. Ichigo watched her with wide eyes, disbelief clear. Tatsuki blushed and looked away from Orihime, trying to ignore the eager look in Orihime's eyes as she tried to think of a guy for Tatsuki.
Keigo broke in, popping up in front of Ichigo's face. "How'd it happen? How'd it happen?!" He cried, anxious for the details.
"Well…you see…" Ichigo began…trying to think of a lie. He couldn't tell Keigo about Soul Society, nor Mizuiro or Tatsuki. He had to think of a suitable lie that was close to the truth. "I kinda just realized I really liked her over the school year…and she went away for the summer. I went and visited her, and tried to bring her back and tell her. She didn't come back though, seeing as I was too stupid to tell her. But, she realized she like me a lot too, and came back. We hooked up last night." Ichigo summarized, leaving out the details of anything Soul-related. Rukia nodded almost imperceptibly at his side, acknowledging it would be a good enough cover.
"Well…why didn't you come back for the first day, Rukia?" Tatsuki asked. Rukia thought about it for a minute.
"Well…to be honest, I wasn't sure if I wanted to come back. I had previous obligations, and people needed me. But, after not being able to get Ichigo out of my head, I decided to come back. I missed him too much, so yesterday I made the necessary arrangements and came back last night. Ichigo and I bumped into each other…and one thing led to another and now we're together." Rukia stated, and then held out her juice box to Ichigo. He laughed softly.
Ichigo took the juice box in one hand, the straw in the other, and murmured, "You still can't get it? Wow…" he chuckled, and then with a swift movement, he pierced the hole where the straw was supposed to go. Rukia smiled and took the juice box, sipping on it happily. Ichigo watched her for a moment, and then looked back at his friends. Tatsuki and Orihime both wailed, "Awww! That's so cute!"
Ichigo blushed and decided his lunch decided closer scrutinizing. Keigo was staring in disbelief at them. "So you guys just got together…just like that? That easy?" He asked, and Rukia nodded. Ichigo sipped his juice box, not looking up.
"SWEET! NOW I CAN GO TELL THE HOT GIRLS WHO SAID THEY'D GO OUT WITH ME IF I GOT THE INFO!" Keigo yelled, grabbing Mizuiro and bolting off. Ichigo sprang to his feet, yelling in rage, "Get your asses back here now! Keigo, I'm gonna kick your ass so hard you won't be able to sit in class for a year!"
Rukia calmly reached up, touching his hand gently. He took her hand, and sat back down with a huff of indignation. "Those idiots." Ichigo spat, and Tatsuki cracked her knuckles.
"I'll get 'em." She intoned, and a strange fire seemed to have lit around her. She stood, and slowly stalked off, radiating a killing intent so strong it most likely would have made a Hollow soil itself. Ichigo shivered and said, "Dude…demonic."
Orihime nodded, wide-eyed, and then once it was just them…spoke. "So…what really happened?" She asked. It was just the group who had gone to rescue Rukia, so no lying was necessary, and they didn't have to worry about speaking softly. No one else was on the roof.
Rukia smiled softly. "Just what we said. Except for a few…other things." She said, and everyone looked at her. She glanced at Ichigo, and he knew she meant his reckless behavior…and then his fight last night with his Inner Hollow.
"Go ahead and tell 'em, Rukia…" Ichigo murmured. He stood, and then turned around. He didn't want to see their faces when they found out about his Hollow self. But they had to know, in case somehow he did lose, and they had to fight it.
Rukia began, starting at explaining how they were trying to replace three Soul Reaper Captains. She explained a bit about the meeting, and then she launched into detail as she recounted the veiled Messenger coming in with the Crystal Ball, what she had seen, and then hers and Renji's talk. Ichigo listened intently, not having heard this before. Then, Rukia explained about how she realized Ichigo's feelings for her, and then her feelings for Ichigo, and then about how she talked to her Captain. Then she explained how she came back, talked to Uruhara and got a Gigai and then she stopped. She looked back at Ichigo with an uncertain look.
Ichigo knew she was unsure about telling about his Inner Hollow. Heck, he was. It was his problem, after all. He could feel everyone's eyes on him, and he sighed. "Tell them, Rukia. They probably felt the surges last night anyway." No one noticed Uryu's surprise at his last sentence.
"Now that you mention it, last night I did feel a lot of Ichigo's power. I just thought he was fighting a Hollow…" Orihime murmured, and Chad nodded. "It seemed like quite a battle though, just from the massive amount of power I felt." Chad replied.
Rukia nodded hesitantly…and then told them everything she could remember. Every detail, every word exchanged, all the way to the point of where they went to his house. She stopped there, though, and Orihime was sniffling. "That is so sweet!" She cried, and Rukia laughed gently. Uryu and Chad watched Ichigo, who kept his back to them for the moment.
Rukia stood, gently laying her hand on his shoulders. His arms were folded across his chest, and he looked out over Karakura town. Ichigo spoke in a gruff voice, addressing his friends. "So…if I ever lose to that…thing. You guys need to know about it. You will need to kill me, it, right away. If I act violent or out-of-sorts and unlike myself…you need to immediately take action. Don't let your guard down, just attack…and do your best to kill me." Ichigo said, and Rukia glared at Ichigo's back. Then she grabbed him by his hair on the back of his head, and forcefully shoved him face-first into the chain-link fence.
Ichigo yelled in pain, and everyone jumped to their feet. "What the hell Rukia?!" Ichigo yelled, and Rukia hissed in his ear. "You…won't…lose!"
Ichigo tried to say, "But I have to consider the possibility I might-AUGH!" He was shoved harder into the fence, with Rukia mercilessly pushing on him.
"To contemplate the possibility is to invite the possibility to become reality. You won't lose. I won't let you." Rukia whispered fiercely. Orihime nodded at Rukia's words.
"That's right. I won't let it happen either, Ichigo." She said, resolve shown in her posture and the hardness in her eyes.
Chad stood and nodded. "I've got your back…like you've got mine." He said, giving Ichigo the thumbs-up.
Uryu stood, and pushed his glasses up to the bridge of his nose. "I can't let a Hollow take over you, so I'll have to help fight it." He said, and Rukia released Ichigo. He massaged his face, which was now imprinted with Chain-link marks, and turned to his friends. Rukia stood by them, crossing her arms defiantly over her chest.
"Don't think for a second that we'd let you down. We're here for you, like you've been there for us in the past!" Rukia said, glaring. Ichigo let his hands fall to his sides, and gazed at his friends. He was about to thank them, when the rooftop door slammed open again, and Tatsuki came out dragging a moaning Keigo and protesting Mizuiro.
"I keep telling you! Keigo just grabbed me, I had nothing to do with it!" Mizuiro was shouting, waving his hands and arms wildly and almost in tears. Apparently, he had seen what Tatsuki could do to people…like Keigo.
Tatsuki dropped both of them in the middle of the group, cracking her knuckles once she had let them go. "I wanted to hit Mizuiro too, but I decided I'd let you guys beat him if you wanted." She hissed, glaring at the unfortunate boys. Mizuiro was let off the hook, but Keigo got another beating. By the time the end of lunch bell rang, Keigo had multiple lumps, while everyone else finished their lunches happily. Ichigo went back to class that afternoon, grateful for his friends…and feeling much better about any outcomes of battles with his Hollow Self. He was also feeling really happy about tomorrow…because it was Saturday. Saturday and Sunday would be days he could spend all day with Rukia…and he looked forward to it.
Ichigo sprang backwards, evading a blow from a Hollow easily. The Hollow was strange, seeming half-slug and half-snake. Where it slithered, a trail of slime was left. It had ten tentacle-like arms, and a mask that was completely round and bulbous and had no markings. It had two circular holes for eyes and a thin gash for a mouth. One of its ten arms retracted from its attack, and Rukia yelled, "Ichigo! You shouldn't even have to retreat a single step!" She yelled. She stood off to the side, arms crossed over her chest. Personally, she was extremely proud of Ichigo's massive improvement so far. She was afraid she wouldn't have much to teach him, but he still lacked common sense and some strategic planning. So, instead of teaching him moves, she had decided to teach him common and tactical sense. She was in her 'drill sergeant mode', harsh and unforgiving.
Ichigo glared at her quickly out of the corner of his right eye. "I know! I'm sorry, it's instinct!" He yelled back, springing forward and slashing with Zangetsu. He hacked off five arms easily from one side, and then brought his vertical slash back up by twisting Zangetsu so the blade was now pointed up. He brought the sword up, effectively removing the other five arms. The Hollow reared high into the air and shrieked in pain.
"If it's instinct, then we shall have to override that instinct! Instinct can be good…but it can also be a hindrance. You might act on instinct when you should be planning and thinking, therefore effectively killing you long before your opponent takes action!" Rukia yelled, glaring back. Ichigo sprang into the air, and split the Hollow's mask in half, effectively purifying the Soul and sending it away. The Body of the Hollow dissolved, leaving only Rukia and Ichigo.
Ichigo's Shihakusho (Soul Reaper Uniform) fluttered gently in the breeze, and Ichigo holstered Zangetsu. He sighed, and raised his face to the bright blue heavens, closing his eyes. Friday evening, 5 o'clock…he should be home by now. He leveled his head and opened his eyes, turning to Rukia. He ran a hand through his hair, and Rukia continued on her little rant.
"You should not retreat when you can dodge a blow like that without really trying! You should advance! Press your advantage and attack!" She said, and Ichigo nodded. He walked over to his body, which was slumped over on the side of the street, and then synched into it. He stood, once more in his body, and dusted off his bottom.
"Let's get home. The Old Man will be worried about his new daughter." Ichigo said, and Rukia gave him a brief nod. They walked together down the street, towards the setting sun. It bathed them in a warm orange glow, and Ichigo was glad that today hadn't been as hot as a couple days previous.
Ichigo asked suddenly, "Rukia...you have your powers back, right?"
Rukia didn't even react. She just nodded, and they kept walking. Ichigo thought for a moment, and then continued his line of thought. "If you have your powers, are you allowed to use them fight Hollows again? Or are you just taking an instructors approach from the sidelines?" He asked.
She looked at him, wondering where he was taking his line of questioning. "Yes, I'm allowed to use them. Though I don't think I have much of anything to teach you. After all…you did beat my older brother." She replied.
Ichigo nodded absentmindedly. "I trained hard with Urahara. He was amazingly tough…and I feel he was holding back still. But…have you achieved Bankai yet?" He asked, gazing at her.
Rukia's eyes darted away quickly. "No…I haven't achieved that yet. I have only achieved Shikai." She said, and Ichigo nodded. "I see." He replied.
"Well…then there's no other way to go…" Ichigo said, and set his jaw thoughtfully. "Seeing as you're teaching me stuff…I think I'll try to teach you Bankai." He said, and Rukia froze.
"What?" She gasped. Ichigo stopped, and turned around to face her. He had a cocky half-grin on his face. "You heard me. You teach me tactical stuff…and I'll teach you Bankai."
Ichigo turned, and started walking. His grin only got wider when Rukia ran after him, yelling, "What? How do you expect to do that? Ichigo? Answer me! ICHIGO!"
That's the end of the chapter, guys. :D Let me know if you liked the little hook I threw in at the end.
SPOILER FROM ENTER THE ARRANCARS ARC
Okay, I know that Rukia's got her all-white Zanpakuto, which is an Ice and Snow type. I was under the impression that was her Shikai, otherwise she would have said clearly, "Bankai." Instead of her sword name and then initiating the First Dance. That really confused me though! No one else's Shikai had a secondary attack! Well, I'm not sure if the Getsuga Tenshou is a secondary attack for Zangetsu, actually. It could be, of course. But with Rukia's First Dance of her Shikai…that would lead me to believe that there was more than a secondary attack. A second dance, and possibly even third or fourth dance would be possible, from the phrasing of the attack. Under that thought process, I was thinking of making Ichigo have several different attacks with Zangetsu besides the Getsuga Tenshou. And then I have another Idea for a secondary Bankai attack. Do you, as readers, think I should pursue the secondary (and possibly third or fourth) attacks for Rukia and Ichigo, and for Ichigo's Bankai? Or should I leave them as they are? Except for, of course, Rukia's Bankai.
Sorry for the long rant, but I wanted to explain my thinking before the question. So, if you guys think I could and should give both of them secondary attacks, lemme know. Your input just might very well affect the storyline! GASP!
So, Review, please! :D