Do you realized what I go through to make you guys happy? A lot... a lot. Yeah, a ton. That thesaurus website is my new best friend. If it weren't for that site, I'd have NOTHING. Anyway, would you look at that? Chapter 9! This is the first story I've actually ever gone through with that had a plot to it. I am very impressed at myself. A great thanks to those who leave awesome reviews. That's pretty much everyone! XD Anyway, I bet you're all wondering, "Just where is Ichigo taking Rukia? Is he suicidal!?" well, you're going to find that out RIGHT NOW in chapter 9 of The Stray!
Sprinting through the darkened and smokey woods was like hell. Byakuya could barely keep his eyes open in the clouded woods as he followed Renji closer towards the fire. He was still skeptical about all of this. How did Renji know where Rukia may be? This didn't make any sense to him, and in the situation he was in now, he doubted Rukia was even alive...
"Byakuya, heads up!" Byakuya gasped at Renji's warning and shut his eyes just in time to avoid a wave of sparks flying in his face. "We're almost there! Just keep running forward!" he heard Renji again.
Blinded and disoriented by panic, Byakuya started running off course and into the fire. He could hear the crackle and feel the searing heat burn his skin and he thought he was going the wrong way. He stopped and rubbed his watering eyes. He couldn't see. He had to find Renji and get back on track.
'Damnit! I can't see a thing!' Byakuya cursed under his breath. The heat seemed to intensify and radiate off his skin, a sign he had run closer into the fire than he was supposed to. When he cracked an eye, he was met with a dangerously bright light and soot to the eye. Byakuya winced again and staggered sideways before he felt something ram into him. He hit the ground, but before he could recover, he felt something pull his arm and drag him to his feet.
"Wake up, man!" that was Renji. After his daze subsided, Byakuya found his balance and began running with Renji as the red-head tugged his arm. "C'mon, Byakuya! Get going!" Renji continued to shout. Byakuya could see clearly now how close the fire really was. It was only yards away and it had taken over the once quiet and docile forest he lived in.
'I can't imagine how Rukia must feel lost in this disaster...' Byakuya thought as he got back on track and continued to run after Renji. It looked like there was no possible way anything or anyone could survive this. The fire was eating away at everything. Each tree was being devoured mercilessly by the flames and it looked like nothing could stop it.
"Renji!" Byakuya yelled to his friend. "Where are we going!" Renji looked back at him.
"Just follow me and don't question!" he yelled through his heavy panting. Byakuya was unable to say anything. He trusted Renji's judgement, but he had a deep feeling of doubt on the pit of his stomach about this. Just where exactly is he going?
While running, the fire had increased in speed and was quickly swallowing the woods around Byakuya and Renji. The air became heavy with black smoke and Byakuya's lungs were quickly overwhelmed. The trees that towered above them combusted in flames and began to creek in pain. Byakuya didn't exactly know yet, but he had a feeling–a bad feeling–that something was about to happen.
"Stay close! The fire's getting out of control!" Renji called to Byakuya over his shoulder as they ran faster. Byakuya took his word and stayed near the red-haired man. The heat simmered Byakuya's skin and he began to sweat. He panted heavily as he found himself running and winding his way through the flaming forest. His mind started to wander as the lack of oxygen got to his head. All he could think about was Rukia. It killed him to know she was lost in this sea of Hell or possibly dead. If she died in this, he'll never forgive himself.
A loud crack made Byakuya's heart skip a beat and he realized, just barely, what was happening. He had fallen behind Renji and saw he was a number of yards ahead of him. The trees around them were being licked by the flames and right above them, a blackened pine was about to come crashing down right onto Renji.
With a sharp inhale of breath, Byakuya yelled, "Renji! Above you!" but Renji hadn't heard his yell and didn't stop running. At that moment, the pine tree that was still being whipped by flames gave a loud crack and started to lean, cracking loudly and collapsing forward. "RENJI!" Byakuya shouted, but the tree had fallen and crashed, sparks and ash exploding in a cloud of black. The massive cloud of soot sped through the area with remarkable speed and hit Byakuya like a truck. He winced as the black dust stung his eyes. His throat closed when his airway came into contact with the poison and he coughed hard, trying desperately to breathe. For a complete minute, the world around Byakuya stopped and he didn't notice the fire surrounding him. He recovered from his suffocating haze and looked forward as the cloud of soot dispersed hardly at all. He squinted as he saw the collapsed tree with small flames still lively on the burnt and scorched bark. That's when he came back to reality and panicked.
"Renji..." Byakuya breathed hard. He ran towards the tree in dismay, tripping over rocks and other debris, as he blindly ran towards the burnt log, hoping his friend was still alive. He couldn't lose Renji too. One is bad enough. He couldn't lose his only other friend in this damned world.
When Byakuya reached the tree, he pulled away some of the branches and limbs; some burned to white, crumbling ash, while some still healthy, spared from the wrath of the flames. Byakuya found himself panting hard and his strength increase as branch after branch he pulled away, ignoring the hot, smoldering bark singeing his skin. The pine needles that remained pricked and punctured his skin and the melting sap stuck to him like glue, but nothing could phase Byakuya and stop him from searching for a sign that Renji was alive.
'C'mon, Renji. You can't die on me now!' Byakuya thought as he climbed onto the tree, yanking madly at the limbs. 'Give me a sign, damnit... anything! Anything!' Byakuya grabbed a branch that was overgrown with pine needles and pulled hard. It didn't budge, but he had to get it out of the way. If it meant finding Renji under this rubble, then it had to go.
"C'mon, damnit!" Byakuya yelled as his frustration boiled. The fire was getting closer and time was running out. It wouldn't be long until the fire engulfed the downed tree and possibly Renji. With one last frustrated tug, the branch snapped and Byakuya was sent flying backwards. He landed on the ground with a loud grunt, his back making a loud crack as he made contact with the hard dirt. A sharp pain shot up his spine, and Byakuya was stunned, momentarily paralyzed among the smoke and flames. He panted hard for air, choking in the poisoned atmosphere. He could hear the flames coming closer; cackling and lashing outward at everything in its path. Byakuya felt defeated. He felt worthless. He couldn't protect anyone close to him. Even his friend.
As Byakuya lied on the ground, trying to ignore the pain in his back and plan on what to do next, he thought he heard something. He froze and listened again. After a few heart-stopping seconds. He heard it again. It was a moan. A moan of anguish. And it was coming from under the tree.
"Renji!" Byakuya rasped. Ignoring the sharp pain shooting up his spine, Byakuya struggled to his feet and climbed back on the tree. He heard the moan again and knew it was Renji. "Renji!" he called, pulling more branches away. He heard him moan again and he took a step forward. "Keep moaning! I hear you!" Byakuya gripped a burnt branch and snapped it, chucking it away. Once the next branch was removed, he saw familiar red hair. "Renji!"
"Byakuya..." Renji groaned. He looked up and Byakuya gasped. Covered in black ash and soot, Renji lied there among the burnt debris. Renji had a long cut down the front of his forehead where his red headband once was. Blood was spilling from the wound like a creek. His long hair was strewn about the branches that were trapping his body and his clothes were torn, open cuts and scrapes bleeding from them. His arm, which was severely scraped, was slung over one of the tree's limbs pinning his body down as it rested on the rest of the branches. Renji had a grimace of agony on his face and Byakuya knew he was trying to hide it.
Jumping down to Renji's level, Byakuya pulled at one of the limbs pinning him down until it cracked and he was able to bend it backwards. Renji struggled to crawl put from the debris, wincing hard and groaning. "Renji, don't move!" Byakuya yelled at him, but by the time the words left his mouth, Renji was already staggering to his feet away from the tree.
"Don't... don't worry about me." he rasped. He was in obvious pain. "We have to find Rukia before it's too late. We're losing time." Renji looked over his shoulder to see the fire raging towards them. Byakuya untangled himself from the charred tree and hurried to Renji's side.
"You can't make it like this." Byakuya said to him. Renji panted hard, glaring at Byakuya, one eye shut tight in an attempt to keep the blood from his wound out of his sight.
"Don't doubt me, Byakuya." he wheezed. The smoke was becoming thicker. "We need to find her..." Byakuya understood that Renji was just as determined to find Rukia, but in his condition, he doesn't know if he'll make it the next five minutes. However, Byakuya's known Renji for a few years now. He knows he's headstrong and will go on no matter how battered and beaten he is.
Byakuya paused for a moment before looking Renji in the eyes. "Are you sure you can make it?" he asked him. Renji gave him a bloody smirk.
"Like I said, don't doubt me, Kuchiki." Renji sneered. In the next second, Renji began to weakly run forward again. Byakuya was stunned to say the least. It was like Renji wasn't even hurt. Like a tree never fell on him just minutes ago. It made Byakuya chuckle. It showed just how strong his friends are. Something he hadn't noticed in a very long time. "Get moving, Kuchiki!" Renji yelled at him, and not a moment later, Byakuya was following Renji's lead.
All Rukia could remember was looking down at the river many feet below her with horror in her eyes. A split second later, she found herself being wrapped by Ichigo's arms and swept off her feet. She didn't have time to struggle or even argue with Ichigo. He was much stronger than she was and the next thing she knew, she felt herself free fall to the water below.
Everything in Rukia's mind went blank and her stomach rose to her throat. The entire time she felt herself falling, it was like the world itself stopped. Her body was frozen and her face was pressed against Ichigo's chest. All she saw was black and felt his arms tighten around her for the most terrifying four seconds on her life.
In an instant, Rukia was met with a blast of icy-cold water. On impact, her mind went black. She suddenly felt her body start doing cartwheels underwater as the current swept her away. Her body went into a sudden shock, her lungs pleading for air; her heart racing so madly it pounded against her chest so hard she could hear it. Rukia was lost. Her entire world was turning and flipping upside down. She's never experienced this kind of feeling. A feeling of helplessness. A feeling of life slipping away right through one's fingers.
Ichigo emerged in the slightly aggravated current and struggled to keep his head up. In the dark night, he looked amongst the rapids, not a sign of Rukia to be seen. He had let go of her as soon as he hit the bottom of the shallow river by mistake. "Rukia!" he shouted, feeling a wave splash in his face. He spit out the water and felt himself slip under. He emerged again with a loud gasp, fresh air finally entering his lungs. He looked around frantically for the short girl he's been fighting so hard to be with. She was nowhere in sight, and Ichigo instantly panicked.
"Rukia!" he called again, fear deep in his voice. Though the river was not that deep, Ichigo knew Rukia wasn't tall enough to keep her footing on the bottom. He knew she wouldn't last in these waters. "Rukia, where are you!" Ichigo screamed out, his eyes shut tightly in pain. "Rukia, answer me!" he cried again. He lost his footing again and his head went under. Underwater, Ichigo tumbled and let out shouts of horror that were deafened by the water. It was just like when he was fourteen. Back at his hometown when he finally escaped all the accusing voices that said he killed his family. That he was the murderer of Karakura. That he was responsible for the deaths of the people he loved the most. This was it... he was going to die. His life was finally about to end.
Ichigo's eyes suddenly opened wide when he heard a sharp piercing scream under the water. That was Rukia! She needed help! She'll drown if he doesn't get to her!
With multiple chaotic thrusts and turns, Ichigo finally found himself upright and started kicking madly like the day he jumped in that river. Sure enough, his foot hit a hard surface and he launched himself upward. His head sprung out of the water and he inhaled a large amount of air. Ichigo panted hard as he started swimming with the current, trying desperately to locate the sound of Rukia's voice. "Rukia! Where are you!" he yelled to the smoggy sky. He inhaled again and held his breath, diving underwater. His chest started to ache from what he was put through. Holding his breath was proving difficult. Ichigo knew he was reaching his limit fast, but he had to find Rukia.
The scream sounded again and Ichigo's eyes widened when he realized just how close she was. 'I'm almost there! Hang on, Rukia!' Ichigo thought as he pushed off another hard surface and inhaled for another large breath of air his lungs so desperately needed. "Rukia!" Ichigo screamed again. He couldn't let her go. Not again. Not like he did before.
"Ichigo!" he heard her scream as clear as day. Ichigo turned to see Rukia yards away downstream. Her head was bobbing helplessly above the water. Her arms were flailing in the rapids and her screams were cut off by the waves that slammed into her. Ichigo was barely holding out himself. He couldn't imagine how Rukia was feeling at this moment. "Ichig-!" a wave knocked Rukia forward and pushed her under the water, dragging her downstream. Ichigo's heart skipped a beat.
"Rukia, no!" Ichigo cried out. He started to paddle himself with the current of the river, trying to get to Rukia as fast as he could before it was too late. He should've known not to jump from that cliff, but it was a last resort and their only chance at survival.
Diving under the water again, Ichigo painfully held his breath and flailed relentlessly with the current to get to Rukia. He heard her faintly scream and his heart started to beat rapidly. He was almost there. He could tell she was becoming weak. This was bad. He had to reach her.
Ichigo rocketed himself upwards and gasped for air. His lungs were on fire. He couldn't take any more much longer. He had to keep going. If he didn't, he and Rukia will die.
"Ichigo, help!" Rukia screamed. She was close. Real close. Ichigo looked down and he was just an arm's reach away from her. She was flailing helplessly amongst the rapids that were pushing them forward. If only he could reach her, damnit!
Ichigo leaned forward in a desperate attempt to grab Rukia. "Rukia, reach for me!" he yelled. Rukia's eyes locked with his and she reached out weakly to grab him, but just as Ichigo was just centimeters from Rukia's fingers, she slipped under. "NO!" Ichigo screamed. She was gone. In a split second, faster than he could blink, she was gone. "Fuck!" Ichigo roared. A new power suddenly rose within him and he gritted his teeth hard. He felt his chest grow heavy with passion and his heart flutter anxiously. He wasn't going to lose Rukia. Not the only one left in the world he loved! He couldn't save his family, but he had to save Rukia! Without even knowing, Ichigo grabbed onto a boulder in his reach and climbed onto it. with impressive speed, he gained his footing, and launched himself into the water head-first where he last saw Rukia's hand get sucked in.
With his chest filled with air and adrenaline pumping through his body, Ichigo swam like an expert through the water, extending his arms as far as he could to reach out and hopefully grab her. Though, while underwater, all he grabbed was rocks and trunks and other rubbish that wasn't Rukia. With his anxiety growing came anger, and Ichigo started to swim furiously through the water, praying to God that he'd be able to get to Rukia. 'C'mon! Don't let me lose her!' Ichigo shouted mentally, grabbing nothing as he desperately reached for Rukia. 'Don't let me lose her too, Kaien! Please, let me get to her!' Ichigo squinted hard and felt his hand clamp shut. He was surprised to realize that he gripped fabric. It was Rukia! 'Yes!' Ichigo pulled his arm back and felt her body slam into his. She felt limp. Not a good sign.
Ichigo wrapped his arms around Rukia's small frame again and started kicking madly, trying to find a hard surface to kick at. He needed to get to the surface so they could breathe. He was running out of air fast and his body was shutting down. Ichigo started to panic and kicked hectically, trying to get to the surface, but then the unthinkable happened. Ichigo's ankle got stuck in between what felt like rocks. Ichigo's mind started racing and his grip around Rukia tightened. He let out a loud shout as he tried to pull his left ankle free of the trap. He kicked hard at the rock to no avail. Everything he was doing wasn't working. 'No! I have to make it to the surface! I don't want to die! Not now!' Ichigo panicked. He shook his head under the water and pressed his free foot to the rock and pushed. He pushed as hard as his body would let him and after what seemed like an eternity; with a split-second sharp pain that shot up his foot, he was free, and Ichigo swam up to the surface.
Ichigo popped out of the water and inhaled so hard he choked on the air. Panting hard, he slung the limp Rukia over her shoulders and treaded the water until he got to the slanted embankment of the river. With one hand, Ichigo pulled himself up onto the grass while he held Rukia in place on his back with the other. He was exhausted to say the least, and when he finally had his entire body on land, he collapsed to his side, heaving hard for air. Rukia rolled off of him and he heard her moan. She was alive... thank God...
Ichigo heard her cough so hard she started to gag and could only guess that she was coughing up the river water she possibly swallowed. After a few gasps and coughing, Rukia looked to Ichigo, noticing he was lying helplessly next to her. "Ichigo...?" she moaned. Ichigo didn't move. He was still trying to get his breathing back on a normal track. "Ichigo, are you all right?" she pushed herself to her knees and crawled over to him and rolled him over. Ichigo panted a few times before coughing like he had been smoking for thirty years. He didn't sound good. "Ichigo, sit up." Rukia ordered, pulling Ichigo forward. Upon being upright, Ichigo leaned forward and grabbed Rukia, pulling her into a tight hug. Rukia was surprised at first, but then curled into him. She was glad he was okay.
"Rukia, I'm so sorry..." Ichigo wheezed. Rukia patted his back. "I shouldn't have jumped like that, but..." Ichigo cut off when he wheezed again. His chest felt like it was closing. He couldn't breathe.
"It's all right, Ichigo. Don't talk. I can tell it hurts." Rukia whispered. The thunder above rumbled lightly and the scent of smoke was beginning to die down. Rukia noticed this. Ichigo was right. They did get away. Ichigo suddenly let go of Rukia and struggled to get up.
"C'mon... we have to go." he rasped. Rukia got up and watched sadly as the boy she knew, who was once strong; stronger than she could never understand struggle to his feet. It broke her heart. Once he got to his feet, he panted a few times, trying to get air into his body. He looked weak and pale, drenched to the bone with his hair sagging just over his eyes. His eyes... oh, his eyes. They were dull like concrete. There was no shine what so ever in the spheres Rukia loved to stare at. Ichigo looked defeated. He looked like he was about to drop dead, and that's what Rukia feared the most.
"Let's go." Ichigo looked at her before taking one shaky step forward and falling forward and collapsing to the ground.
"Ichigo!" Rukia exclaimed, running to his side. Ichigo heaved for air before straining to his hands and knees.
"I-I'm all right... I just tripped. I'm fine." Ichigo lied. He got to his feet again and took a step forward, this time crying out in pain and falling to the ground in a wet heap of agony.
"Ichigo!" Rukia fell to her knees and put her hands to Ichigo's heaving side. He was panting heavily. This wasn't good. "You're not fine, and I don't think you just tripped." she said, grabbing his arm and rolling him on his back. Ichigo winced hard and groaned, mucous building up in the back of his throat. "Where does it hurt?" she asked him. Ichigo swallowed hard.
"My... my ankle..." he rasped. Rukia looked down to Ichigo's left ankle and gasped. The skin on his ankle was shredded and blood was pouring form the fleshy scrape. On top of that, it was bent slightly awkward. This wasn't good.
"Ichigo, I-I think your ankle is broken." Rukia whispered in horror, but Ichigo shook his head.
"N-no, it's not. I can still move it, but... it just hurts!" he cried. Rukia sighed. She needed to get him out of here, but she didn't know the way home. Ichigo supposedly did, but he was in no condition to walk. He suddenly sat up and breathed hoarsely, worrying Rukia.
"Ichigo, you shouldn't move." Rukia tried to urge him to lay back down, but Ichigo wouldn't listen.
"I wanna go home, Rukia..." he whispered. Rukia looked at him, her eyes warming with the threat of tears. She wanted to go home too. She wanted to get back to Byakuya and just hug him and not let go. She missed him so much. She almost wished she would've never left home. With a sigh, Rukia looked at Ichigo. He looked sickly. He needed help, and fast.
"Okay..." Rukia breathed. She then moved closer to him and slung his arm over her shoulders. "I'll help you walk. Just show me the way." she smiled at him. Ichigo worked up a weak smile himself and struggled to his feet once more, wincing and gasping in pain as his ankle sent surges of pain through him like bullets. "Easy, Ichigo." Rukia steadied him as best as she could, but it proved difficult with her nearly a foot shorter than him.
They started to slowly walk and limp forward, Ichigo grunting and panting heavily in pain. With each step they took, Rukia heard Ichigo's breathing get hoarser and hoarser. This was really bad. He was struggling to breathe like he was having an asthma attack. He must've inhaled too much smoke. Rukia heard the mucous bubble in the back of his throat and make him sound raspy. It killed her to hear him like this. She just prayed he'll make it in time to get to a hospital. The last thing she wanted was to have her only friend die in her arms.
The dark clouds cease to disperse and only grew more agitated with the smoke and ash rising to the air. The thunder died down in its volume, only rumbling and making the earth shake just a bit. The fire was slowly dying down, the heat still making the area unbearable and the soot making the air cancerous. Every bit of life that was once in the area was now blackened and turned to white, smoldering ash.
Byakuya ran alongside Renji through the smokey woods, sweating profusely and struggling to breathe. They've been running; trying to out-run the fire and get to the destination Renji was going to. They were hot, and in pain. He noticed Renji slow down and pant in pain. The gash on his forehead was turning into a sticky ooze on his face and he saw he was limping slightly. He trusted Renji to get him to where Rukia would possibly be, but not if it meant that he was going to collapse from pain and loss of blood.
Suddenly, Renji stopped and put his hands to his knees as he wheezed hard. Byakuya stopped next to him, trying hard himself to catch his breath, but it was clear Renji was at his limits.
"Are you all right?" Byakuya panted. Renji didn't answer at first, his legs starting to shake.
"Y-yeah, I just need to catch my breath..." Renji rasped, one eye winced in pain. His overgrown hair was sticking to his face and forehead from his sweat and blood. Byakuya's never seen him this beat up before. It was kind of unbelievable. Byakuya sighed and looked around. They fire was nowhere to be seen, but the heavy stench of smoke still drowned the atmosphere and made Byakuya sick.
"Renji, why don't you go west and go back to the car with Yoruichi." Byakuya suggested. Renji looked up and gave him a disgusted glare.
"After coming all this way? Hell no!" he shouted. Byakuya was surprised. He's never seen Renji snap like this before. Renji stood up and staggered backwards a bit, unsteady on his bloody leg. "You probably don't know, Byakuya, but when I first met you guys, Rukia became my best friend. I told her if she ever needed me, I'd be there for her no matter what was going on." Renji growled. Byakuya was speechless. "Everytime you would leave, I would come over and be with her so she wouldn't be lonely. So she wouldn't feel alone."
"Renji, I don't-"
"I took her mind off of you when you were gone." Renji cut Byakuya off. "But I knew right off the bat, I'd never be able to replace you, and when she got sick that one day, you were all she wanted. The entire time she lied on that cot in the hospital, she cried for you, Byakuya." Renji finished with a tired sigh and continued panting. Byakuya had no idea. He always thought Renji came over to enjoy her company, but now he knows it was much more. "The point is, Byakuya, Rukia needs me. She needs us." he finished. Byakuya started at Renji's face. It was contorted in pain and determination. With a nod, Byakuya and Renji set off down the path again.
Above them, the clouds angrily growled with thunder as they floated along, and a new smell filled the air.
"I smell rain." Byakuya panted. "It's about fucking time!" not long after Byakuya's statement, the first drops of rain started to hit the ground. Within seconds, it began to downpour, soaking and drenching everything as the tiny droplets of water pounded at the littered black ground. Renji chuckled next to Byakuya.
"It's finally raining. It's finally fucking raining!" he yelled. The rain soaked both of the men to the bone within minutes and the blood ran down Renji's face, his hair sticking to his cheeks and forehead. It's as if all the pain was washed away from his body as the water dripped off of him.
The land that was once engulfed in fire let out loud, torturous hissing as the flames slowly perished in the rain. Smoke filled the area as the flames shrunk and became no more and the thunder rumbled weakly as the sky cried. The ground became mushy in the mixture of ash and soil, and puddles started to form. In minutes, the rain started to pound mercilessly at the earth, taking out the fire and cooling the earth. The heavy stench of wet ash made Byakuya's stomach churn. It was the smell of death to the forest that once was.
As Byakuya and Renji ran, their footsteps were stamping on the ground and sending mud flying everywhere. Both of them were drenched and soaking wet. There was a sudden drop in the temperature and they felt cold. Renji still had blood running down his face, getting in his eyes and blinding him. But he kept running with squinted eyes as the rain pummeled his face, trying to make out the area. Rukia needed him. She needed Byakuya.
"Renji," Renji heard Byakuya pant. Renji turned to him, barley seeing him through his drenched bangs. "What about Ichigo?" he asked. Renji paused. That was a good question. Was the ginger even here in the town anymore? Was he even alive? Renji looked forward and hastened his pace.
"I honestly don't know how to answer that, Byakuya." Renji said truthfully. "For now, just follow me!"
The clouds that once carried lightning and promoted destruction were now reduced to crying. The rain came down hard with full force, drenching the land and putting out the fire at an impressive pace. Fog and smoke-filled the atmosphere and made the air smell damp and rancid. The fire sizzled and fizzled as the water doused it, relieving what remained of the trees of their agony. The ash became piles of mush and clung to everything.
A white sheet of fog and foul steam made the area cloudy and the current of the river picked up its pace, making it roar in protest. In the denser part of the woods, where the fire did not yet reach, the trees and bushes dripped of the water the earth so desperately needed. The bark of the hardwood became soaked within seconds; the branches that held so many leaves bobbed up and down in weight, dropping its load of water. The creek that flowed ever so gently quickened in stride, trickling noisily. The water became muddy as a result from the river miles upstream transferred it's polluted substance of ash and debris downstream. It was quiet, besides the hard patter of the rain hitting the surfaces of the nature all around, and the occasional weak rumble of the thunder, which was still present.
Rukia panted as she dragged Ichigo through the steadily rising waters of the creek became calf-deep. The rain had soaked them both to the bone, drenching their clothes and making movement even more difficult. Ichigo was barely moving, dragging his feet as he hung off of Rukia. His breathing didn't improve since they had started walking over an hour ago. If anything, it became worse. He wheezed for air, mucous gargling in the back of his throat. His lungs felt like dead weights in his chest. It's as if they turned to stone and stopped working. His ankle was throbbing with pain and the dirty water stung the bloody lesion. It was near impossible for him to walk, or in this case drag his weight with Rukia pulling him. Ichigo knew his body was at its limit. It was about to give out.
Rukia was growing more and more fatigued with every step she took. Her body was tired, her mind was tired, and she just wanted to sleep, but something inside of her kept her going. Ichigo needed help. If he didn't get to a hospital soon, he would die, and that's something she promised herself she wouldn't let happen.
A distressed groan came from Ichigo and suddenly, all his weight was on Rukia's shoulders. Startled by the sudden shift in position, Rukia gasped and tried to pull Ichigo upward and prevent him from face planting into the water. "Ichigo, no!" she cried. Ichigo fell to his knees in the water and rasped, the mucous irrigating in the back of his throat. "Come on, Ichigo. Just a little further. You said so yourself." Rukia whimpered. Not that far back, Ichigo kept repeating,
"Just a little further. Follow the water, Rukia."
And she did. She followed his directions, but he would just keep saying, "We're almost there. You're almost home." but all Rukia saw was unscathed woodland and this creek that seemed to never end. Now she was in the middle of nowhere. She was lost, and she was about to lose Ichigo.
"Please, Ichigo. Get up." she pleaded. His body shuddered intensely, the rain pounding on his back. He was racked with pain, and it was clear to Rukia that he wasn't going to make it much longer. "Ichigo, I'm begging you. Don't make me leave you here. I don't even know where I am." Rukia felt tears spring from her eyes. Undiluted fear filled her body. She was scared. She was scared and helpless, and wanted to go home and get Ichigo help. Thankfully, Ichigo strained himself to get to his feet. He coughed hard, black mucous erupting from his mouth. This wasn't good. He wasn't going to last much longer.
With a shaky step forward, Rukia proceeded with Ichigo. The rain was making water drip down her forehead and blind her. Her hair was a sloppy mess that clung to her face and neck. Ichigo's hair shielded his eyes from the pain she knew lied within them. The rocky, unstable bed of the creek made it hard for Rukia and Ichigo to walk. They tripped and stumbled constantly, threatening to make the two collapse.
Rukia's breathing became uneasy as she reached a shallow pool; the water barely being above her ankles was flowing steadily on. Not far from where she was standing was a sandy bank, thick and clumpy from the rain. With a huff, she pulled Ichigo forward until she reached the edge of the small pool. At this point, both Rukia and Ichigo were heaving hard, and once Ichigo felt the shift in the ground, he collapsed and rolled onto his side, coughing painfully hard.
"Ichigo...!" Rukia fell to her knees and put her hands to Ichigo's side. His breathing was uneasy and hoarse, his sides rising and falling quickly. Ichigo was gasping for air, struggling to take one solid good breath. "Ichigo, get up. You can't quit now." Rukia cried, but Ichigo couldn't move. His body had finally quit.
"I'm sorry... Rukia..." Ichigo rasped, the mucous still lingering in his throat causing him to cough it up in small black masses. Rukia was overwhelmed. He was dying in front of her and she didn't know what to do. She didn't know how to get out of here. She couldn't call anyone for help. Her next best bet was to scream her lungs out, but she couldn't. It would do no use.
"Ichigo, you need to get up." Rukia stood to her shaky feet and pulled weakly at his arm, but Ichigo didn't budge. She dropped his arm and returned to his side. The rain was plastering his bangs to his face, covering his brown eyes. She brushed his hair from his eyes and was devastated to see how lifeless they were. Just staring beyond at nothing, no shine or gleam to them. They were grey and half-lidded. There was no life in them at all. Rukia's heart jerked hard in her chest, hot tears rolling down her already soaked skin. "Ichigo..." she sobbed. "You promised to take me home. To take us home! Please, get up!" she begged. Ichigo blinked and coughed. He then raised his arm and pointed a trembling finger forward.
"But... you are home... look." he rasped. Rukia blinked at him before turning slowly to look at where he was pointing. About twelve feet from where they lay, among the soaked lower limbs of trees and high plants from the ground was a worn path that led upwards. Rukia's eyes widened. She couldn't believe it. She was at the creek where she took Ichigo just over a week ago. The same creek that was just minutes away from her home. Ichigo had brought her home. "I... kept my promise..."
Whipping her head back to Ichigo, Rukia let out a shaky breath. "You... you knew all along..." she cried. Ichigo dropped his hand and blinked slowly. His hoarse breathing was getting worse and his gaze was becoming foggy. "Ichigo, please don't leave me. You promised you'd stay with me." Rukia now began to shudder. Emotions swarmed her body like the creek in front of her. Ichigo was dying and she couldn't do anything.
Ichigo groaned, the mucous building up and discharging from his mouth, forming black puddles in the mud. His body trembled in pain as the rain slowed to a steady drizzle. Rukia shook madly in the cold rain, praying Ichigo would make it. Everything that happened in the months she's known Ichigo slowly started to reply in her head. A particular moment she remembered was right here, just minutes after the creek date with Renji and Allison.
It was about an hour since Allison and Renji departed from the creek. Rukia decided to stay a little while with Ichigo, just sitting at the embankment of the water, soaking her feet with Ichigo right beside her. The area was calm, cool, and shaded thanks to the bountiful life that was growing around them. She sighed and looked up at the blue sky.
"I just love beautiful days like this. It's rare to enjoy this kind of weather with the brutal winters we have here." Rukia smiled. Ichigo looked up as well and looked at the clouds through the leaves of the branches. He never really got to enjoy a day like this. Carefree with nothing to worry about. Things like if he would eat today, or survive the next run of his life after he steals something he needs. Hell, or if he'd survive his next nightmare. With Rukia, he felt... okay. A reason not to worry. "What do you do on days like this?" Rukia asked, catching him off guard. He thought for a moment. He couldn't really think of anything. If anything, he'd be thinking of a way to get his next meal, but he couldn't tell her that.
"Well... I guess enjoy the sun." Ichigo answered, rubbing his arm. He shifted uncomfortably on the sand. Rukia looked to him.
"Any special way of doing it?" she asked. Ichigo stared at her. "Well, for instance, on a beautiful day like this, do you like to swim, or run, or go on a picnic; a walk in the park?" she suggested. Ichigo looked up again and thought.
"Water." he answered. Rukia gave him a curious look. "I like to be around water. Even if it is a small puddle." he looked down at the creek. The water was clear, shining in the sun poking through the leaves up above. The sound of the trickling water running over the boulders calmed him and the pebbly bottom beckoned him to go in and hop about. He smiled and started to kick his feet. "I like creeks like this. It's fun to follow them to see where they go. It's even more fun if there's fish." Ichigo finished. Rukia smiled at him. She was glad to see him so open about things, even if he wouldn't tell her about his past just yet. She was okay with that, so long as it wouldn't torture him in the future.
"Funny..." she looked to the pool of water. "That's my favorite thing to do too." Ichigo turned and looked at her. She was smiling. The smile he loved to look at. "I don't get to do it as much, but... when we first moved here, Byakuya took me to this creek and we splashed and played together along with Renji. It was fun... I miss him..." Rukia's smile slowly faded. Ichigo could tell she was reminiscing about her own past. Just like he would everyday, except he had nightmares. She had wishes. "Byakuya isn't a bad person. He really isn't. He's just... protective of those that are close to him. Even if he acts like an ass, he means well. And I think that's why he's yet to open up to you." Rukia paused at her last sentence, her eyes locking with the water at her toes. Ichigo looked at her the entire time. He knew she had great respect for her older brother. From what he could tell, Byakuya took care of her and has for quite some time. He didn't hate Byakuya. He didn't dislike him in any way. Was he scared witless of him, hell yes, but, if he just took a chance to get to know Ichigo, he probably wouldn't be so suspicious anymore.
"I never thought he was a bad person, Rukia." Ichigo said to her. Rukia's head jerked up at the sound of his voice. She looked at him, surprised at his sentence. "I've been scared of him... yes, but, other than that, I trust him just as much as I trust you, Rukia." he said. Rukia was silent. Since he's been here, Ichigo has been very weary of Byakuya. Whenever he was home, Ichigo would be silent and still in his room. For the longest time, Rukia thought he was just straight up terrified of him, but hearing this from Ichigo; it gave her hope.
Scooting closer to Ichigo, Rukia leaned on him. Ichigo flinched slightly at the contact. This was new for him. He never had been touchy-feely with anyone like this before besides his family, but that was such a long time ago. Since then, these kind of feelings had gone numb with years upon years of abuse. Ichigo went stiff and sat still. He couldn't scooch away. That would be rude. Plus, this was Rukia. The woman who took him in and accepted him as is.
"Thank-you, Ichigo..." she whispered against his arm. Ichigo smiled and looked down at her. She was so cute being so short compared to him. It was adorable. He's never felt this way towards another girl before. Never in the nineteen years he's been living.
Ichigo gained the courage to lean down and press his cheek to Rukia's head, smiling in comfort. "You're very welcome, Rukia..." he whispered. For a minute, they stayed like that; motionless, enjoying each other's company as they listened to the world go on around them. Ichigo liked this. He liked being close to someone he was comfortable with. He hasn't felt that way since the day his family died...
"Ichigo," Rukia whispered. Ichigo went to sit up, thinking he had hurt Rukia, but as soon as he lifted his head, Rukia did something Ichigo wouldn't have seen coming if it was a dump truck coming straight at him.
Rukia kissed him.
Rukia kissed him on the cheek and she smiled at him, a light blush spreading across the bridge of her nose. Ichigo's jaw dropped as his own face turned a bright shade of scarlet. He suddenly felt hot as if the temperature had sky-rocketed even though he was still wet. Why was he so hot?! This was weird! He swallowed hard and looked at Rukia like she just murdered someone. He was stunned. It was his first kiss in like... ever!
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that, but..." Rukia looked away, her face becoming redder. Ichigo looked away himself. He felt his breath become hot as he panted through his nose.
'Calm down, Ichigo... calm down! Calm down! It was just a kiss on the cheek! Quit freaking out!' Ichigo winced hard as his mind raced. He bit his tounge, and scrunched his fists, feeling his body about to explode with something he's never felt before and then... he suddenly felt like mush. Wobbling a bit, Ichigo fell backwards in the grass, an appeased smile growing on his face, and a thin trail of blood leaking from his right nostril.
"Ichigo?" Rukia got to her knees and looked at the ginger's bright red face. "Ichigo, are you all right?" she giggled. Ichigo didn't answer. All he saw was stars in his eyes.
"Eeehhhaaa..." he moaned happily. Is this what it felt like after being kissed by a girl? It was a new sensation for him, but... he liked it! He felt all warm and tingly on the inside! Rukia giggled again, brushing his damp orange bangs away from his face.
"You're funny, Ichigo. I like that about you."
The flashback ended when Rukia heard Ichigo cough loudly again, black mucous erupting from his throat. Rukia felt all her emotions rise to a boiling point as the boy she had grown attached to was dying right in front of her.
"Ichigo! Ichigo, please, stay with me!" Rukia cried, shaking him slightly. Ichigo didn't move. His breathing, though still hoarse and raspy, was slowing down. His eyes were cloudy and his face was frozen in a still pain. Rukia's heart was beating madly. She was losing him. "Ichigo..." Rukia dropped her head. There was nothing she could do at this point. The only thing she could do, was sit here, and pray that help would come.
Rukia crawled closer to Ichigo, leaning her head down to his ear and sobbed, praying that he'll survive. Wishing this was all just a dream.
"Ya know something, Ichigo? I have something to tell you too..." she whispered, "A secret of my own that not even Renji knows..." she stroked the side of his face and hovered over him to protect him from the rain that was slowing in its pace. "My family... my parents died a year before we moved here." she confessed. Though she knew Ichigo couldn't respond, she still kept talking. "Our parents... me and Byakuya... we had no other choice but to move. To pack all of our things and move here. It was hard to leave everything behind... all the memories and happiness and my friends. Everything..." Rukia sobbed loudly, the rain soaking her back and making her hair drip and stick to her face. She sniffled, wiping her eyes. "That's why I rely on Byakuya so much. He's the only family I've got and his absence..." Rukia paused, squeezing her eyes tightly, trying desperately to hold back the tears trying to escape her eyes. She sniffed again and sat up, looking up at the dark sky. The rain had been diminished to a drizzle. Like a garden hose...
Rukia bowed her head again and looked at Ichigo. His eyes were half-lidded, tears flowing from them like a leaky faucet. His breathing was slowly coming to a halt, and Rukia knew it wouldn't be long until Ichigo's body would give up the fight. There was something inside of Rukia that she felt snap, and suddenly, a small deranged smile spread across her face. She let out a quiet, unsettling chuckle as she hovered over Ichigo again.
"And you know what else, Ichigo?" she started. "I'm so glad I met you... you taught me an important lesson. A lesson on what really being a friend is about. How not to judge. How to actually care for someone who's experienced pain. How to understand a person... to know why people say love it blind." Rukia leaned closer to his face as Ichigo's eyes started to close. "I know that this is going to sound crazy, but..." Rukia paused and closed her eyes, sobbing again. "I've never really felt love for anyone else before you came along, Ichigo." Rukia confessed. "Never... but... when you came into my life, I felt... happy. I am happy with you, Ichigo. I never regretted once bringing you into my home. If anything I was glad, and, and..." Rukia was so close to Ichigo now, she could smell the smog in his breath as he wheezed silently. She brushed her cheek against his skin as her lips hovered just millimeters above his.
"I love you Ichigo..." She locked his lips with his and closed her eyes. The world around Rukia stopped and the rain came to an instant standstill. Everything froze and Rukia's mind started to reel. Ichigo's lips were soft and supple; stiff and cold from the rain. Rukia swore she felt him try to kiss her back, but it was just her imagination.
After a long minute, Rukia broke the kiss and sat up to look at Ichigo. His eyes were closed, and his body was motionless. She gasped and put a hand to his cheek. He didn't move. Ichigo had stopped breathing. Rukia's eyes went wider than she could ever imagine and she started to pant herself. Her throat closed, her head started to spin, and her heart shattered. With a sharp inhale of breath, Rukia tilted her head back and screamed at the top of her lungs.
A blood-curddling scream pierced through the dead atmosphere and Byakuya's heart jumped. He skidded to a halt in the mud and panted. "Rukia!" he yelled. "Rukia, that was Rukia's scream! I know her scream anywhere!" he started running again with Renji right behind him. The two were soaked to the bone from the rain and their lower halves were covered in mud from the trail they were running. Most of Renji's blood had washed away, but the deep cut that was open across his forehead was grotesque-looking and throbbing painfully. His hair was drenched and sticking to his face, but all the pain Renji felt wasn't going to stop him now.
"Just as I thought!" Renji exclaimed. Byakuya looked to him.
"Renji, where the hell are we!" he asked, running faster. Renji laughed.
"As if you don't know..." he sneered. Byakuya gave him a look, then turned his attention back to where he was running. For a minute, things looked familiar. Byakuya tried to think at where he could possibly be, but nothing struck him. He could only think of Rukia and the kind of danger she could possibly be in. "We're going to make a right not far up ahead, Byakuya! You know where we are!" Renji shouted. That's when it hit Byakuya, and the memory of almost two years ago came flooding back into his mind.
"The creek..." he choked. Renji suddenly rammed into him and pushed him into the bushes. Byakuya lost his footing and tumbled into the shrubs and started to descend down the slope, grinding to a halt in the soggy soil below. The pain returned to his back and he struggled to get to his knees.
"Renji, you fucking bastard..." he growled, grabbing his head. He felt hot liquid seep through his fingers and he immediately knew it was blood. Damn that idiot. Why had he done that?! Just as Byakuya sat up, he heard the sound of distressed sobs. He opened his eyes and realized he was at the creek. And not thirty feet away from him was Rukia, crouched over in the mud. "Rukia..." Byakuya gasped. The sound of his voice made Rukia gasp and she looked up from where she was. "Rukia!" Byakuya scrambled to his feet and made a mad dash through the mud towards his sister. Rukia didn't hesitate herself and shuffled to her own feet, running as fast as she could to Byakuya.
It was Byakuya. He was here and she couldn't believe it. He came looking for her.
"Byakuya!" Rukia screamed, throwing her arms around her brother's neck. Byakuya crouched down and tightly clamped his arms around her skinny frame. He finally found Rukia. She was safe in his arms now, and the tears he'd been holding back all day finally spilled as he clung to his younger sister he almost lost to the fire.
"Rukia, I'm so sorry...!" Byakuya cried relentlessly. Rukia tightened her grip on him, not letting go; clinging onto him like a koala for dear life. She cried into his shoulder, shaking madly with emotion. She was so thankful to be alive and be back with Byakuya. "I thought I lost you... I'm so sorry, Rukia! I'm so sorry!" Byakuya's grip became vice-like, crushing Rukia by accident.
"Byakuya!" Renji came running out of the bushes, clutching his cut arm. "Is she all right?" he asked, worry deep in his voice. Byakuya nodded slightly.
"She's okay. She's okay..." Byakuya responded, not letting go of Rukia. Rukia squirmed a bit against him, sobbing loudly. "Shh... it's okay, Rukia. I'm here now." Byakuya tried to soothe her, stroking her back and hugging her tightly, but Rukia still cried.
"By-Byakuya!" Rukia wailed. "I-Ichi-!" she sobbed. Byakuya looked down to her.
"What?"
"Byakuya..." Renji said hushly. He watched as his red-haired friend walked over to the motionless body lying just a few yards away. Byakuya felt his heart rip in two when he saw the familiar orange hair. "Ichigo, he's..." Renji, dropped to his knees, searching for any sign of life from the boy lying in a puddle of mud.
"He-he stopped breathing, Byakuya!" Rukia screamed. Byakuya held onto Rukia as she cried into his shoulder. He couldn't believe it... Ichigo was...
"It's all my fault." Byakuya said to himself. Guilt instantly took over him as he watched Renji next to Ichigo's body. Why had he overreacted the way he did? If it weren't for him, none of this would've happened. They all would've been safe together somewhere else far away from here. Including Ichigo. "Rukia, I... I..." Byakuya cut off. More hot tears spilling from his eyes. He was the cause of a death... he killed Ichigo.
"He saved me... he saved me from the fire and brought me here, but as soon as we got here he... he..." Rukia cut off, scrunching Byakuya's soaked jacket and crying into his shoulder once more. Byakuya hugged her tighter, pressing her to his chest.
"I'm so sorry, Rukia... I should've never done this." Byakuya severely regretted everything that's happened in the past few months. He never wanted this result out of what he had done. He never wanted anyone to get hurt. If anything he just wanted Rukia to be safe...
"Hey..." Renji suddenly spoke. Byakuya and Rukia both looked to Renji, who had rolled Ichigo on his back. "Hey! He's still breathing!" he grinned, blood starting to run down his face again. "He has a faint pulse, but he'll survive if we hurry." Rukia broke from Byakuya grasp and went to run over to Renji, tears of joy sprinkling from her eyes, but as soon as she stood up, she fell to her knees gasping.
"Rukia!" Byakuya exclaimed. He sprang to his feet and dropped next to Rukia, pulling her in his arms.
"Is she all right?" Renji asked, panicked for the well-being of his friend. Byakuya picked Rukia up, the small woman going limp in his arms.
"Rukia, are you all right?" Byakuya asked. She moaned.
"I'm... dizzy..." she pressed her head against his chest and let out an exhausted sigh, her eyes starting to close. Byakuya gritted his teeth.
"We have to get them out of here. Can you pick him up?" Byakuya asked, right after seeing Renji sling Ichigo over his back.
"Right ahead of ya." Renji smirked, one eye closed in his own obvious pain. Byakuya nodded and started running back up the slope to the trail that led to town. He had to save Ichigo at all costs. And if he doesn't... he'll take full responsibility for whatever may happen.
The hospital was already in a frenzy with multiple people injured as a result of the fire. Some were even pronounced dead... Though Byakuya arrived there at almost midnight, there was still a few opened rooms, and Ichigo, Rukia and Renji were taken immediately. Byakuya watched as they put Rukia on a gurney and wheeled her away. Renji was on the verge of passing out and was taken to an E.R. room immediately, and as for Ichigo... he watched as the poor kid was plopped on a gurney, covered in wet ash and mud. An oxygen mask was strapped to his face, and the last Byakuya saw of him was when a team of doctors rushed him through two large double doors to God knows where. Byakuya prayed it wasn't the morgue...
Byakuya was given a quick examination of his back and it was concluded that he had pinched a nerve. As for his head, it was only a small gash, and a rather large bump that was going to follow the next morning. As for his hands that were burnt from the tree, a gel was put on his singed skin and wrapped up tightly with bandages. The hospital had given calls to Yoruichi and Allison to come to the hospital right away.
For nearly an hour, Byakuya sat outside of Rukia's room, shirtless and shaking with anxiety. He prayed she would be all right. He prayed Renji would be all right, and Ichigo...
Byakuya lowered his head, putting a hand over his eyes. He felt the gauze around his head. How could he have done this? If Ichigo dies, he'll never forgive myself.
"Hisana..." Byakuya whispered to himself. "What... what have I done?"
There was a sudden click and Byakuya looked up. Rukia's door opened and out walked a tall. white-haired nurse. She sighed, pressing the clipboard to her chest, looking at Byakuya. Byakuya, frozen, expected the worse.
"She refuses to lie down." the nurse said. Byakuya blinked. "She wanted to come out here and see you, and unfortunately, we can't force her." the nurse stepped aside as Rukia came walking out from behind the much taller woman, a cotton ball taped to her hand, her slim body dressed in a long, green hospital robe. Byakuya immediately jumped to his feet, letting Rukia run to him and cling to him. Her hair was still soaked from the rain.
"Rukia... I'm so glad you're all right." Byakuya didn't let go of Rukia. He was so scared that he would've lost her. He just wanted to hold her and tell her everything was going to be okay, but... he couldn't keep any promises...
"Byakuya..." Rukia whimpered. God, hearing her voice so broken hurt him more than anything. He wanted his old peppy sister back. The one he had, but ignored completely. All because of his silly suspicions.
"Rukia," he forced her to look at him. Her eyes were murky; cloudy with pain and sorrow. Something he hasn't seen in her eyes since their parents' deaths. "I understand if you hate me. You can loathe me all you want. I know I can't make this better by just saying sorry, but... please, accept my apology." Byakuya pleaded. His eyes became red and puffy with tears threatening to spill again that night. Rukia said nothing and only stood with her brother's hands on her shoulders.
"Why, Byakuya?" Rukia asked in a cracked voice. She was on the verge of crying. Byakuya took a deep breath. "Why did you lie to me like that?" her voice became louder, her eyes screaming for the truth.
"I was trying to keep you safe..." Byakuya admitted. Rukia shook her head.
"You nearly killed us, Byakuya." Rukia cried. His grip tightened on her shoulders.
"I know that, and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done what I have done, but I can't change that now..." Byakuya looked away. He was ashamed of himself. He put his family and friends in danger, and an innocent person who risked his life to save his sister. "Sit down, Rukia." Byakuya told her. Rukia, stiff and on edge from the day's events, sat next to her brother, not looking at him. With a heavy sigh, Byakuya plunged himself back into his past, his heart racing as memories came flashing back rapidly.
"I went back to the investigation office to do a search on Ichigo." he started. Rukia already knew that. It pissed her off that he lied to her, then tried to hurt Ichigo on purpose. Now he was dying in the hospital. Byakuya got his wish...
"I thought you retired from that..." Rukia said bitterly.
"I did..." Byakuya. Rukia's eyes narrowed.
"You quit because of me. I remember the whole thing." Rukia whispered. Byakuya closed his eyes.
"That's just the thing." Byakuya said. Rukia felt her curiosity peak. "I didn't quit because of you." Byakuya said. Rukia's eyes slowly widened. What did he mean by that? That's what he told her nearly two years ago when he left.
Rukia turned to face him. "Byakuya, you... I don't understand. What do you mean by that?" Rukia asked, utterly stumped. Byakuya took a deep breath again, this time hesitating with his sentence.
"Rukia, do you remember Hisana?" Byakuya asked. The sudden question made Rukia gasp. Of course she remembered Hisana. Byakuya's first and only love. His girlfriend of almost five years prior to moving here to a whole new town miles and miles away. The thing that got her was why he had brought her up. They lost connection once Rukia and Byakuya moved away. Byakuya was devastated, but otherwise okay after a while.
"How could I forget Hisana?" Rukia asked. "But, what does she have to do with you quitting." Rukia asked. With a deep sigh, Byakuya forced himself to look at Rukia.
"Remember the last case I went on? The one that took nearly two months for me to complete?" Byakuya asked. Rukia slowly nodded. That was the one when Byakuya left for such a long time and Rukia got sick. So sick, she needed medical attention and wanted no one else but Byakuya. "That case was of a homicide. And the person that was murdered..." Byakuya cut off, biting his lip to prevent the sob from escaping his mouth. Rukia's heart jerked suddenly. "It was Hisana..." he finally blurted out, closing his eyes tightly as the tears escaped his ducts. Rukia let out a silent gasp of shock.
"No..." she whispered. Byakuya sniffed and looked up, his eyes bright red with emotion.
"She was murdered in her home... a stab wound to her abdomen. She was left there to bleed to death since she lived alone and when I walked in on the scene I... I couldn't handle it." Byakuya let his head fall again, wincing once more. Rukia felt tears come to her eyes. Was this really the truth? This couldn't be. Who would murder Hisana? She was such a sweet and delicate woman. She loved almost everyone and was very in love with Byakuya. Rukia remembered one time when Hisana had planned a picnic and wanted her to come along. It was that moment when she realized how much Byakuya loved her. So much that... he had planned on marrying her... Now she was dead? This must be all a horrible, horrible nightmare.
"After we had the murderer convicted to death, I couldn't bear to leave without attending her funeral." Byakuya continued. "Before we moved away, Hisana told me specifically to keep you safe." Rukia swallowed back the lump in her throat. "She told me, 'Your sister there is special. To both me and especially to you. Never lose her', and when I got that call from Renji that you were in the hospital, I panicked." Byakuya lifted his head and looked at Rukia again. "I really thought I was going to lose you too." he confessed. Rukia couldn't hold back any longer and threw her arms around Byakuya, crying hysterically. Byakuya held on to her with all his might, careful not to hurt her any further.
"Byakuya, why didn't you tell me the truth?" Rukia cried. "Why couldn't you have just told me what happened?"
"I... I didn't want you to feel any of the pain that I felt. I just..." Byakuya trailed off. Rukia let go of him and looked at him. She could tell he was drowning in guilt in sorrow. It killed her to see him like this. It just wasn't him. Rukia always knew Byakuya as a strong, honorable older brother who she could turn to for anything. He was supposed to be bold and protective, not letting anything bring him down, but now...
"Byakuya... I'm sorry." Rukia whispered. "But if you just would've told me everything, I would've understood. I'm not a little girl anymore, brother. I just wish you would've trusted me." Byakuya sighed.
"You're right... I should've. I am so sorry, Rukia." Byakuya apologized again.
"I forgive you, Byakuya, but..." Rukia's eyes suddenly became watery again as she looked away. "Ichigo... what if he..." Byakuya's heart started to ache.
"If he doesn't make it," Byakuya started, his voice returning to its regular stern tone. "I'll take full responsibility of everything." he pulled her into a hug, feeling her tiny fists ball against his skin. The thought of Ichigo dying because of him frightened Byakuya. He never would've thought he would be responsible of a death... especially to a kid.
"Glad to see you two are okay." a voice came. Byakuya and Rukia looked up to see Renji standing a few feet away in the hall. He had a good percent of his body just covered in bandages. His head was wrapped tightly where the cut sat on his head, his red locks poking out in different directions, and he had some sort of black wrap around his knee.
"Renji!" Rukia exclaimed, running to her friend. With a painful grimace, Renji caught her in a hug.
"G-good to see you're all right, squirt." he groaned, but the pain from his injuries couldn't compare to how happy he was that she was safe.
"Renji, what happened to you?" Rukia asked. Renji smiled slightly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well... let's just say I won't be climbing trees for a while." he joked. "Or smoking..." Rukia glared at him.
"This isn't time for jokes, Renji!" Rukia yelled. Renji groaned.
'She's starting to sound like Allison... who is going to kill me once she sees me like this...' Renji thought. Byakuya stood and walked over to the two.
"How is you leg?" Byakuya asked.
"I'll be fine. I just need to ice it and keep off of it for a little than that, just some scrapes and scratches." Renji said bravely, bending his knee that was injured by the tree that had fallen on him. Byakuya gave him a dead look.
"You call that laceration on your forehead just a scratch?" Byakuya spat. Renji rolled his eyes.
"I just hope Allison doesn't freak out when she sees me..." Renji hoped, and as if the devil were there himself, the double doors flew open, and stood Allison, horror on her face. "Oh, fuck..."
"What. The. Hell. HAPPENED!" Allison yelled, running over to Renji.
"Allison, calm down, I'm okay." Renji tried to reassure, but he could see Allison was in a complete panic mode.
"Okay? Okay?! You call this okay?! Look at you!" Allison picked up Renji's bandaged arm, getting a yelp from him. "You're all cut up and bruised and bloody and your hair. Your beautiful hair! It's all stained and full of mud and stuff and, and... ACK!" Allison put her hands to her head, pulling at her own hair. Renji squinted as Allison went on about how stupid he was for running into a fire and being an idiot and other things he hears on a daily basis. Byakuya and Rukia on the other hand just watched in boredom.
"Allison, Please, I-"
"You nothing, Abarai!" Allison yelled. She addressed him by his last name. He was in trouble. "What would I do if you died out there?! You could've been killed! You told me you were going to come to my house as soon as you called Byakuya! Imagine how petrified I was when you didn't show up and I-" Renji lunged forward and forced Allison's lips to his. Allison twitched a bit, raising her hand to pound Renji on the head, but after a few seconds, her eyes closed and she went limp, falling to the floor. Rukia and Byakuya stood with shocked faces. Renji stood up straight with a smile.
"Works everytime." he sneered. Byakuya closed his eyes and Rukia facepalmed. The double doors suddenly opened and walked in a tall doctor. Everyone looked as he walked forward, then stopped as he looked at the unconcious girl lying on the ground. "She's okay!" Renji blurted out suddenly. "She's just... asleep." he smiled like a moron. The doctor nodded in suspicion and looked at his clipboard.
"Is this the family of Ichigo Kurosaki?" the doctor asked. Rukia looked to Byakuya with pleading eyes. Byakuya couldn't say no. He's been housing the kid since the first day they met him. And with what happened tonight, denying it would be like going to Hell itself.
"Yes." Byakuya answered. Rukia stepped forward.
"How is he doing? Is he all right?" she asked frantically. The doctor said nothing as he laid his dead eyes at the clipboard before looking down, and Rukia felt her heart stop beating.
Yeah, I'm going to stop RIGHT HERE! Hahaha! Don't you guys just love my cliffhangers? *bats eyelashes* I made it up to you guys for the past terribly short chapters. This one was longer! Almost as long as chapter 5! Oh, was that enough emotion for you guys? Did you like that cute little flashback? I didn't put it in the previous chapter for this specific purpose, so don't worry! You didn't miss anything. Love how I put Hisana in here? Now, before you go off, YES, I know that Hisana is Rukia's sister, but I decided that I'd leave that little detail out, so please, don't slam me for it. It's a great part to put in there, is it not? Yeah.
Now for some explaining. The part where Rukia starts laughing as Ichigo slips away wasn't meant for anything mean. Ever seen people who are in crazy love in movies start to laugh when the person they love dies or is about to die? That's what I was going for. She kinda lost her mind if you will.
What will happen to Ichigo? Is he dead, or alive? Will Rukia ever see him again and did he hear her say those three incredible words? Will Byakuya have to take responsibility for a death? And will Renji ever learn how to not make Allison pass out in public places?... let's hope so. Until next time on The Stray!
