The Hollow Games by Mizundaztood23
Author'sNotes:
Hey ya'll, I thought DeathBerryProduction sounds cool because a friend of mine were talking about IchiRuki and making products of it, so yeah. I think she's using it as a page on fb. Anywho, I like to stick with my original pen name :)
For those who are reading my other stories, I'll try and update them. I'm still having a block on them but I'm trying (T^T)/
Man, I think this is my longest chapter YET. I am warning you know that you better do what you have to do in the bathroom and get your snacks before reading this XD. Or reading it in the bathroom while releasing mother nature's calls isn't a bad idea LOL. This chapter has 14, 268 words! Sorry, it is really unbelievingly for me to write a chapter that is this long. My first time so no negatives okay? XD
I'll let you all go now, hahaha! Enjoy, enjoy, minna-san!
/abc/ Zanpaktou speaking
\abc\ You'll know who is speaking with this when you read :3
DISCLAIMER: Bleach characters are not mine.. The some of the story is not mine (but some of it is, I'm sure you'll be able to tell which mine is and isn't)
Chapter 10 Who are you? Training pt 2
Ichigo's PointOfView
Its the second day of training, three more days before the Games start. I bathe up quickly before going to the dining room, everyone is there- even our stylists. "Ohayo, Ichigo." it was Urahara, enthusiastic today huh?
"Ohayo." I said and glance at all of them, they nodded at me except one.
Lonia and I exchange curt nods as I sit down beside Rukia, who is not perturb by my presence and continues to eat breakfast. I ladle some food to my plate, I did not bother to look at them because I was focused on the dark haired girl beside me. I observed that she is a bit tense and stiff, I bet she's doing her cold-silent treatment or is she still bothered about last night? Rukia stops after I ladled some breakfast on my plate and turns to me, I match her cold gaze and stiff posture. I'm searching behind her cold violet eyes, I saw her jaw clenched briefly and guilt danced in her eyes. I open my mouth to tell her that there is nothing to be guilty about but she stood up, thanked the breakfast, and stiffly strode away with clenched fists. We watch her stiff figure until she turns to a hallway to our rooms, I stroke a hand on my unruly orange hair and briefly bite my lower lip after licking both of my lips.
I glance at her almost finished breakfast. I eat my mine with a scowl, I was glaring at my silver tumblr while doing so. I eat a bit fast when I'm agitated and because I want to go to that stubborn girl immediately. I let Rukia have some time before we talk again, I think its the best choice for this situation. I look up at the "adults" because I'm a bit disturbed at their gaze, they all look flummox and I give them a questioning look before asking the famous million zen word, "What? You all look like flummoxed flamingos."
"Before I ask my question and that silver tumblr melts from your glare, good choice of word to our expression."
Sutoi cuts Lonia off, "Should I record it as 'word of the day?'" Sutoi snicker when Lonia slaps his arm.
"Anyway, the one billion zen question is...what happened?" they all asked the last part in unison.
"At first I thought Ichigo would go after Rukia." Urahara said, the other nod in agreement.
"You idiot, don't tell me you said something that upset her?" Yoruichi glared at me.
"Their ambiance is like one of those romantic drama."
"This is one of the reasons why I go after her." I murmured to myself and stab a bacon before shoving it in my mouth.
"What?" they asked again.
"I said, this is one of the reasons why I go after her because you "adults" will bother me by asking those stupid questions." I said with emphasis, stabbing my breakfast again before roughly chewing it in my mouth. I gulped the food and point at them with my fork, "You all know that curiosity seeks heart attacks."
"Your saying as if we are that old." Lonia quoted the word with her eyebrow.
"I think he's the one who is that old because he doesn't know that we are having an American breakfast." Yoruichi quoted the word with her fingers, I give her a confused look before glancing at the table. No wonder I'm using a fork, tsk!
"The evidence is on his discombobulated face." Urahara said and Sutoi claps, they all exchange a hearty laugh.
"Another word of the day!"
"Anyway, what is today's training about?" I asked, already finished with breakfast.
"I'll tell when you fetch little one." Urahara flicks his wrist up and down as if dismissing me.
"What am I a golden retriever?" I asked, standing up.
"After standing up, yes."
I throw a table napkin to him which he caught with ease, "You know she'll kick your ass when you say 'little one' to her."
"Ah, that is why I am getting ready."
I shook my head and went to Rukia's room, I feel somehow light headed as I walk towards her room. Did they do something to the food? Their gaze is cut off when I turn the corner, maybe I'm just nervous. I push the door open without a second thought, "Rukia..?"
My jaw drops to the floor as all the blood in my body rushes to my face, I hope the blood won't flow out of my nose. I want to hit my stupid head right then and now. I should have knocked, argh! SO STUPID! There stood Rukia in her... *gulp*... violet undergarments, about to wear our training suit and also looking flushed. It was like her pale yet creamy skin is flashy me and urging me to come closer. I don't know why but I want to carve her form in my mind, my eyes start to gaze her round face then to her slender neck and all the way down. Her average cup size turn me on. Her waist and hips makes me want me to go near her. I want to ask her if Aphrodite made her slender body, but that is just stupid. I feel the protectiveness of mine to Rukia rose up.
"You idiot!" she hollered, snapping me out of my daze and throws a pillow at me.
"Oof!" I got knocked off of my feet, she threw that pillow hard. Real hard, like there was a different force in it. Did she use her reiatsu? I thought as I stay on the floor, sitting up. Her door is already closed, a smell of vanilla and winter fragrance captured my nostrils. I almost can hear my heart thudding in my chest. I look at the pillow in my arms, so this is her pillow? I hear footsteps from the other side of the door and quickly stood up, her violet orbs meets my brown ones and we both quickly turn away. Faces still flushed.
"Sorry about earlier." I said, handing the pillow to her while rubbing the back of my head.
"You should be, you dope." Rukia snatch the pillow from my hand and throw it to the bed without looking, she steps out of her room and swivels to close the door behind her. Rukia turns to me and steps back, "Don't you know the meaning of the word 'knock?'"
"Do you know how hard you throw?"
"You deserved it, and you can't answer a question with a question!"
"Well, I just did." I said and silence overwhelmed us, it was half awkward and half not.
"Ichigo.. I'm really sorry." Both of my eyebrows jump up at her sincere apology, our gaze is connected, and she looks like a puppy doing the puppy eyes. I breathe in and out when a flutter of giddiness swims in my stomach and chest. I breathe out a sound between a sigh and a laugh and a simper pulls my lips up while sidling my head to downward right, I scratch the back of my head and said, "Baka, you don't need to apologize. It's not your fault that you don't remember, so get that look off your face."
I turned back to her to give her a genuine smile, Rukia's face was astonished and then it relaxed- so did her body. She breathe out a sigh and softly chuckle before changing to a playful look, "So your saying that it was Nii-sama's fault?"
"Yes, because it was really Nii-sama's fault." I mimicked her voice in 'Nii-sama,' tsk! Why doesn't she call Byakuya, nii-san or Byakuya-ni? Did Byakuya asked her to call him that?
"So is it that all?" She asked before I could beat Byakuya to a pulp in my thoughts.
"What?" I asked, dumbfounded.
Rukia rolls her eyes, "Is that all why you came here for?"
"Uh, no, no. I asked Urahara earlier what are we gonna do in training today, he said to fetch for you so he could tell us both." I minus the part where he called Rukia 'little one,' that drunk should call her that by himself.
"Then you better get in your suit first." She nods her head towards my room.
"Sure, sure." I said and suddenly flushed while shakily treading to my door, the picture of Rukia in her undergarments appeared in my mind. I wanted to mess my hair in frustration, a sudden feeling- more like urge- wants me to strip her off her cloth- WAAAAH! I stop and face palm while letting my head bow down, I uncover my face and saw my pants- THE F*C*?!
"Ichigo?" I jumped at the sound of my name and positioned my hands like when the groom is gazing at his bride while she crosses the aisle.
"Yeah?" I asked, not turning around to face her.
"You okay?" I hear her feet starting to step towards me, while panic is doing the same.
"I am, give me five minutes and I'll be out!" I said and quickly flew to my room, slamming my door shut. For some reason, I press my ear to the door.
"Weird..." she said from outside.
I ruffle my hair in frustration, that was totally weird! Who wouldn't be weirded out be that? Ugh, I slide a hand down my face before walking to the bathroom- trying not to let the images of Rukia get in to my head. But unfortunately, I failed. I'm now in the shower, just wanting to let myself get wet for a bit while bumping the part just above my forehead on the bathroom wall. "Fuck you, hormones..." I said, continuing my foolish bumping.
Rukia's PointOfView
Seriously, what has gotten into Ichigo? Is it because of..? I quickly shook my head because of the thought, No, it wasn't because of that. Stop thinking foolish, Kuchiki Rukia. I inwardly scolded myself and the butterflies fluttering in my insides. I willed my thoughts together with a shook of my head to think of something that will occupy me from thinking of the previous events. It was my fault too, I forgot to lock my door. But that idiot should have knocked first- argh! I thought I was going to think of something else?
I sigh in exasperation because of myself, I lean on the wall that is across from that orangutan's the door with my arms crossed. Wondering for what will happen in today's training, I recall Ichigo telling me that Urahara wants us both for him to tell us. That fool of a mentor, tsk! Why didn't he just tell Ichigo? A sigh flows out of my mouth again, I'm really bothered about this. I close my eyes and let the memory of last night present itself like a movie.
"How do you expect us to fight when.. we are like this?!"
I put my right elbow on the back of my left hand after crossing my arms, I lightly pinch the bridge of my nose with my eyes closed. What did I mean by that? I don't know, it just.. came out.
"I don't expect it because you know we can't, won't, and don't."
What did Ichigo mean by that? I hadn't really pondered on about our argument, so we both don't want to kill each other? But that can't (won't) workout, there's only one who will survive. Out of habit, I bite the tip of my thumb and when I realized it I stop then cross my arms. Gods, why are we like this?
/...you...know?/
I blink and run a hand to my ear, what was that just now? I look around but I'm the only one here on the corridor, is it coming from my head? I inhale and exhale through my nose before closing my eyes, Hello?
A buzzing silence is my answer, I open my eyes and slide my hand off my ear. I must be out of mind.. I thought and was about to push myself off the wall when-
/No, you're not out of your mind... at least not yet. But I can assure you, you will not go mental./
A woman's voice? I blink twice before staring at the floor, Who are you?
/Let me show you./
My eyelids instantly snap close and black became white, I see a snowy landscape and a figure of a woman but is quickly replace with the floor. I look around and I'm still at the hallway, what was that just now?
/Oh, it seems that you're not ready yet. Okay then, I'll see you in a while, Kuchiki Rukia./
Wait!
I try to reach for her in my mind but I can't, or maybe I still can't. Who was that, should I tell Urahara about it? Maybe I should.. I nod at my inward answer before looking up, expecting Ichigo to come out of his door but after a minute... "What's taking that idiot so long?" I asked out loud before treading towards Ichigo's door. I was about to open his door when I stopped my hand in mid-way, what if his changing clothes? Blood crawls up my face when an image of Ichigo in his underwear slipped in my mind, I quickly shook my head and try to shook the blood on my face out.
I softly clench my fist to knock on the door. "Ichigo?" I knock again but louder and call out his name, no answer. I glance around and when I saw no one but me again, I press my right ear on the door to see if I can hear anything inside. Maybe he's sleeping? Because only silence is what I heard, that bastard has a lot of guts to make me wait. I now only felt the fatigue of my legs. I gulp some air before taking some out through my nose, I open the door with my mouth ready to yell at the orangutan.
"Wh-!" I froze with my mouth open wide, coincidence and karma sure is a bitch today. The same time I opened the door, the bathroom door did the same. Ichigo was about to step out with only a towel wrapped around his waist while rubbing the back of his head when he saw me, his eyes hop wide and my name rolls out of his lips. "Rukia.."
I tense my shoulder so I wouldn't shudder, he didn't seem to notice it, is that how sexy my name sounds like? Especially when it escaped Ichigo's lips? I resisted to slap myself at the thought, what the hell! My eyes started to lower down while eating every inch of Ichigo's skinny yet lean body, he is... dare I say it, perfect. I resisted to squint my eyes, almost like Ichigo was shining. That six pack abs is like sculpted by Helios himself, the God of the sun. I think the food here in Seretei brought some meat to Ichigo in all the right places. A stupid urge makes me want to tell all the girls that this boy is mi-
"Sorry, did I took too long?" he asked while he saunters to his closet, is this orangutan really that ignorant and clueless?!
I grab the nearest object that I can get and throw it to him. "Idiot!" I shouted with flaming cheeks, Ichigo caught the vase with ease, and I slam the door shut. My breath is loudly escaping and entering my mouth as I slide down on the floor, I can feel my heart bombarding my rib cage at how fast it was beating. What the hell? I look up almost hyperventilating, "Coincidence or karma... you are such a bitch today."
"Finally, I thought you two did something-"
"Shut the fuck up, you bloody pervert!"
Guess who? Yep, the first one was our bloody yet blonde, green-minded mentor and the second one was the idiotic orangutan. The chair that was thrown by Ichigo is abandoned as we sit down, the dining table is cleared except for the glasses of water for each of us.
"What took you two so long?" Sutoi asked me.
"Uh, well.." I trailed off and avoid their gaze, I look at the floor as if asking it to show them yet not show them what happened.
"Can we just discuss the training?" Ichigo asked, I glance at him and he give me I brief glance before focusing on Urahara. I catch a tinge of pink on Ichigo's cheek and that made mine color up as well, I quickly turn to Urahara and I glare at him when he snickered.
Urahara slips out a flask and takes a swig before saying, "Okay, for today's training is still the same but with the addition of Zanjutsu."
"Zanjutsu?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow.
"Sword fighting techniques." Yoruichi answered with a grin.
"The two of you will battle other tributes but I think you will battle each other as well."
"You think?" frowned Ichigo, I roll my eyes at that.
I cross my arms and lean on the backrest of my seat then look at Urahara, "So what do you want us to do?" I asked even if I know the answer, but I want him and I to be like the other tributes. Enemies in training and in the penthouse, why can't we just do that?
"...because you know we can't, won't, and don't."
I turn to Ichigo when he made a low sound in his throat, my eyebrows furrow at the sight of his face. His jaw is clenched and I think his eyebrows are going to come together. "You okay?" I inwardly face palm, I thought I should be hostile towards him?!
"Yeah." he said through gritted teeth, I twist my upper body to face him and my eyes narrowed when I saw something black colouring the corner of his eye.
"Ichigo, are you alright?" it was Lonia, the room is suddenly wrapped in a worried atmosphere and something else is wavering it. Is it a reiatsu? I glance around and my gaze lands on Ichigo, is it coming from him?
"Ichigo, is something wrong?" Yoruichi asked when said boy clutched his head, he stood up from his chair and turn away from us. After four steps away, he stop abruptly with his hands at his sides and his back a little slump. His shoulders aren't moving, I don't think he's even breathing. Like he's paralyzed or something. I call out his name while taking a cautious yet anxious step, a feeling of something wrong lurch in my stomach when Ichigo straighten.
I can hear my heart thumping and throat clamp because of nervousness, I gulp before breathing in then out. "I-ichigo?"
"What is it, chibi onna?" he asked, his back still turned.
I feel a vein pop at what he said. "Chibi onna? Why you orangu-" A hand on my shoulder cut me off and I look up to see my stylist, I was about to ask him why but he speaks first while intently staring at the orange haired fool.
"Who are you?"
My eyebrows furrow at his question, I was about to talk to him when a voice made the hair on my neck stood up. "Who am I?" it was Ichigo, but not entirely. His voice was cold and surprising, also sinister like the aura around him. He takes a step to turn around and we all held our breaths, "I am... NOBODY!"
My eyes became wider as than before and I took a quiet yet shaky breath in, I'm sure everyone's eyes are wide as plates like mine. I hear a gasp from Lonia when Ichigo's scelra is turning black and his brown irises is becoming white. My eyes observe Ichigo, his skin is still in between of tan and pale but his finger nails are black. What is this, a bipolar disorder? Schizophrenia? I beg to differ at the two because they cannot make a person's eyes and nails turn black or their irises white! Even though the strawberry orangutan is a bit crazy.
"What's wrong, chibi onna, am I too good looking for ya'?" he grinned at me.
Annoyance snaps at me and I feel another vein pop, "What did you say, you vile asshole?"
"Ouch," Ichigo briefly placed a hand on his chest and pockets his hands before taking a step towards us, "Chibi onna, do ya' know that you look sexy when you're annoyed or angry?"
"Tsk! I'm not little, I'm petite. Where the hell is Ichigo?" I clicked my tongue when irk engulf me though both of my cheeks slightly heat up. I minus the question, you're not a bipolar disorder right? Because something in my gut is telling me that the guy two strides away from me and Sutoi is not entirely Ichigo.
"The strawberry?" not entirely Ichigo cackled and presses a finger to his right temple, "Screamin' in here."
"What?" Sutoi extends his arm to stop me when I was about to stride towards the bastard possessing Ichigo.
"What have you done with Ichigo?" Sutoi questioned, still has his left arm extended. I glance at Urahara but he was not where he was suppose to be, even Yoruichi! Lonia is still standing from across us, like she isn't bothered with the disappearance of our mentors. Did they tell her something? What are they going to do?
Not entirely Ichigo didn't answer but madly grins at me. "Why ya' lookin' troubl'd, chibi onna? Don't tell me you're worried about Ichigo... because I remember somethin' 'bout ya' yellin' at 'im that you two shouldn't even be friends anymore, ring a bell?"
I clench my hands and jaw while glaring at not entirely Ichigo as if I could bring the original back. He isn't disturbed with my glare. I thought in confusion, some people are disturbed when my eyes become sharp but not him.
"As if your glare can scare me, though I got the chills in my spine. Just like Ichigo when you glare at him."
"How do you know what I said to him last night?"
"Don't tell me you can't figure it out, I thought you're smart, chibi onna." he sneered.
"Don't call me that!" I roared and notice a blur or purple in the air on top of Ichigo.
"Hm!" A strong wind surprises us and I blink after the wind so I saw what caused it. Yoruichi appeared 11 o'clock on Ichigo with her left leg up to perform a high kick on Ichigo, but the latter turned just in time to block it with an arm. Yoruichi's eyes widen when Ichigo grabs her leg (with the same arm) and throws her at us, me and Sutoi were about to dive away when the woman who was thrown disappears.
I look around for her while Ichigo just stood still, I wonder what she is using to disappear like that in a flash. She reappears on Ichigo's left with her arm raised, aiming towards Ichigo's head. Do we need to knock him out to return Ichigo? I asked in my head. Ichigo catches Yoruichi's fist and is about to counter her with his own when she disappears again, not entirely Ichigo has a joker smile on.
The purple haired woman keeps targeting Ichigo's head but her attacks are always deflected, not so entirely Ichigo doesn't dodge. I blink twice to make sure it wasn't a mirage when Ichigo's hair on the back is starting to become white, it wasn't. I snap out of my thoughts when not so entirely Ichigo sounded annoyed, I focus on.
"Stop flashing around, bitch!"
Ichigo has his back turn to us while glancing around to find Yoruichi, they are a few feet away from us now and Lonia joins us. Half of Ichigo's hair is now white, also his skin starting to turn white as well. Almost white haired Ichigo didn't notice Yoruichi behind him, she is close enough to get her fist meet his arrogant head. "Shit.." I muttered when he caught her arm again, and before Yoruichi could quickly dissapear Ichigo judo throws her to the ground. Surprising her and knocking the wind out of her as she coughs from the force of the throw, I think the marble floor just cracked. I inwardly hit myself, Why am I just standing here and doing nothing?
I dash towards them without a second thought, I ignore the calls of Sutoi and Lonia as I jump towards Ichigo when he is two strides away. I jumped high enough to capture his head with my legs (glad he didn't turned) and use my weight with the force of the jump to swing my body down with Ichigo's head still in between my legs, I put my hands on the floor (Yoruichi's shin in the middle of them) and release Ichigo's head with some of my reiatsu without breaking the momentum. I heard his feet skidding on the floor so I got on my feet as he tumbles forward but has his hands on the floor to push himself up.
"I gotta admit, I was surprised at the sudden throw, chibi onna. I should've turned fast enough- woah, you got here fast."
How did I-? Before I could ask the question, Ichigo has taken hold off my neck and slams me to the wall beside a 30 feet tall and 10 feet wide window. What happened was, I suddenly appear next to Ichigo and ready to give his face a taste of a roundhouse kick but he blocked it and used my distraction to get me where I am now. I tightly grip on his wrist as I heave for air, I release a small cough when he gives my neck a squeeze. I just realized that my feet is off the ground, he has me on his eye level.
I use my free (right) hand to deck his nose but he grab it by the wrist and push it against the wall. I let go of his wrist and quickly punch his right cheek, his head snapped to the left as I return to clawing his hand. I'm running out of air, No shit, Kuchiki Rukia! I scold myself and I hear a faint voice in my head but I couldn't hear what it was saying.
"Interesting, the first woman to punch me." he turns his head back to me, I see a bruise forming on his cheek.
"It's your fault, want me to do it again." I said with a triumph smirk, I don't even know why I can smirk in this situation. But it feels good to mock him, he seems interested and annoyed at the same time. It must hurt his ego that someone like me hit him, I guess he didn't expected it.
"As if you still have the strength."
"Watch me."
I curse when I failed to hit him again, he used the hand holding my right wrist to stop it and put both my hands above me. Curse his large and callous hands. My annoyance is pushed away by my head becoming lighter, shit! I look in his eyes and a flutter twirls in my stomach when I saw another emotion besides of malice in them, I couldn't put a name on it because my head is feeling lighter and lighter by the second. My breathing is desperate and loud, I'm too proud to call for help. I got myself in this situation and I got to get myself out, I'm trying to get my hands free when I saw something flicker in his white irises.
"Ichigo?" I remember that he said Ichigo is in his head, did I just saw Ichigo in his eyes?
"I told ya', I'm not Ichigo. And do you know that he is getting noisy in here, wonder if he gets madder than he already is when I do this." he said and surprises me by licking my cheek with his cold and dark blue tongue. "Yep, he did. And I'm nobody."
I didn't heard what he said because I'm too angry at him, and before I could shout at him he steps closer. "Get off me, you perverted ass!" His body is pressed against mine, I can feel Ichigo's toned stomach and his *cough* to mine.
"Why, don't you like it?" After he asked that, my head automatically rocks forehead making his hold on my wrists to loosen because he has to grab his nose. I now remember that my legs are okay to move, I briefly slap my forehead as I pull my legs up. Not entirely Ichigo is still howling in pain while I'm ready to push him off me.
"You fucking bitch!"
"AHHH!" I screamed in pain after he pulled the collar of my training suit to the side and sunk his teeth on the part above my collarbone near my neck. I feel like his going to rip my skin off with his teeth but he was actually sipping my blood.
"Rukia!"
"Kisuke, now!"
"What are you, a vampire?!" I manage to kick him off me with both feet with the remaining of my strength, I drop to the floor with a hand on the part he bitten and inhale some air like for the first time. His hand was on my neck for too long and it feels like he was still choking me. I cough while breathing hardly in and out, and watch as Urahara gently lays Ichigo on the floor. I saw our mentor pushed a small silver syringe on Ichigo's neck and the latter is immediately out cold.
"I'm sorry if I took too long, little one." Urahara said, kneeling with one knee beside Ichigo. He has a serious yet sincere apologetic face.
"It's fine." was all I can say for now, but I don't really blame him. Wait, did he just called me little one?
Yoruichi appears in front of me and holds out a hand, "Can you stand up?"
"Yeah." I accepted her hand and she pulls me up, my legs feels wobbly but I manage to stood up straight.
I can see Sutoi and Lonia half way striding to us, I think they were on the spot where Ichigo judo threw Yoruichi. "Let me see." Yoruichi said and gently pulls my hand away from the wound, I glance at my hand and it was painted in my blood.
"Is it bad?" I asked, I can feel the blood oozing out of the wound.
"Not if I do this." she said and puts a hand above the wound. After a few seconds, I saw a green glow and a sensation warmth is coming from her hand to my wound.
"Rukia, I am sorry we couldn't help. We were trying to see if there were any cameras or people besides us." it was Sutoi.
"It's okay, really. Why, is it trouble if they find out about this?"
"Big time." Lonia answered my question.
I turn to Yoruichi, "Why is it?"
Yoruichi opens her mouth but a different voice answered. "Because they will experiment on Ichigo if they find out he has a hollow in him." He said, standing up.
"What?" Did he just said.. but how..? Wha-?I'm confused. "I mean, what?" I was entirely surprised and I couldn't help it, because is it even possible?
"It is possible, Rukia. Because the same happened to his mother and to your sister."
"W-what?" I think that is the only word I can muster out of my mouth. Hisana-nee had a hollow in her? I turn to Urahara with a confused look, trying not to show the pain. "Are you sure? Is it.. the cause of their death?"
"Positive, also yes and no." Urahara stopped when my breathing became strong, memories of Hisana-nee came speed walking in my mind.
"So, that wasn't Ichigo but his.."
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell us, Urahara?" Lonia asked, straining to keep her voice down.
I didn't bother them and remember what Ichigo's hollow said. He said that Ichigo was in his head, and Hisana-nee died of brain cancer. Was it really brain cancer? What about Masaki-san, what was the cause of her death? If you have a hollow in you and can't get it out, will you die and they will say the cause of your death is brain cancer? What if Nii-sama made that up so that I wouldn't remember? Did I know that she had? that I frustratingly ruffle my hair with a hand, I think I'm feeling what Ichigo is feeling. Not anger or hatred, only frustration. I take slow and deep breaths in and out as frustration stings my chest and eyes.
I hear them stop what they were talking about when I slowly crouch down, frustration is making my knees a bit wobbly. Don't cry.. I said inwardly when hot tears are forming in my eyes, blurring my sight. I sniffle and catch my tears with my fingers, Don't let them see. I wrapped my right arm to hug my knees to my chest as I cover my eyes with my left hand and put it on top of my knees. Shit.. I grind my teeth to stop my tears. Why wouldn't they stop?!
Memories of Hisana-nee's death made me want to scream, I'm trying not to let anger consume me but I'm stuck in such frustration. I don't even remember Hisana's funeral and cremation at all! I look up even though tears are still streaming down my eyes, what made me look up is a voice from the boy who is laying down on the floor. He just called my name. His face is softly confused, did he just woke up?
"I-ichigo!" I quickly wipe my face and stood up before crouching down again when I'm at Ichigo's side. "Feeling better?"
"Why are you crying, is it because of... him? Did he do anything else to you?"
"Yeah, go ahead and ignore my questions."
"You too, go ahead and ignore my questions with your sarcasm."
I suddenly breathe out a laugh at his annoyance and he look at me incredulously, I think it was because of the sudden tear that fell out of my eye. "Sorry," I said even though I don't know what I'm apologizing for and wipe my face again with a simper. "And no, I'm not crying because of your hollow."
I saw how Ichigo slightly cringe at what I said. "Did Urahara made you cry?" he asked, glancing at Urahara to give him a glare. Ichigo is now facing me with crossed legs.
"Hey, don't glare at me." Urahara briefly raised his hands up in defense.
"Anyway, we should head to training. We're half an hour late." I said, glancing at the clock. I was about to stand up but Ichigo got hold of my wrist, I face him with a 'what?' look.
"Why were you crying?" he asked, serious yet worry. My heart sudden flutter at that, the heck is wrong with him? Did his hollow gave him a different personality?
The word 'hostile' made these words roll out of my mouth in a sharp tone. "None of your business." I tell myself that this is how I should act but a pang of pain stomped on my chest. I ignore it and try to pull my wrist back but Ichigo wouldn't let go, I give him a glare and he returns it with the same intensity. I just notice that the adults were gone, I don't see them anywhere. I briefly reach out to feel where they are and they are at the corridor to our rooms and behind the wall, why do they have to do that?
"Rukia, why. Were. You. Crying?" he emphasized.
"Because you farted when you were sleeping and it stung my eyes." I said in deadpan, trying not to laugh at Ichigo's face. Don't tell me he seriously believed what I said?
"Seriously?"
"Dumbass." I push his head to the right with my free hand, not roughly since I think he's exhausted because of his hollow. Ichigo snickers and I did too, this guy is crazy. I just felt that his grip on my wrist is loose so I quickly pull it back. "Yoruichi, let's go!"
"Oi, I'm not done talking to you!" I hear Ichigo running up to me as I walk to the elevator.
"Then talk to my hand because I don't want to waste my breath on you." I briefly rose my hand to him.
Ichigo open his mouth but stops and sighs, he looks at me with a half irritated face. "This," he gestures his hand up and down to me, "Thing you're doing is not working on me. Besides, you don't want to disobey our dear mentor."
"Oh don't we want to disobey him." I said with a sarcastic face.
"That's right, so please continue the lovey drill I told you two and do your best!" they (the adults) finally came out, and I want to throw the elevator at one of them.
"Enough of your childishness, Kisuke, are you going to give any advice to them?" Yoruichi asked after she pressed the down button.
"Ah, yes.." Urahara cleared his throat and he wraps himself in a serious aura while looking from Ichigo to me, "Try not to display public affection-"
A lamp came flying to Urahara and he bends his knees just in time before it hits his face and an annoyed reiatsu flared. "You're lucky that we need to go or else I would've thrown you out that window."
"You can't, Ichigo, because that window is stronger as steel and you won't be able to catch me." grinned Urahara from Lonia's back, who is trying to step away before another object is going to be thrown. But wait, where the hell did Ichigo got that lamp? "Anyway, you don't have to worry about your hollow for now. That syringe has a substance I made to make your hollow asleep for a while, we'll talk about him later."
"Lower your reiatsu, Ichigo, before you make someone pass out." I said when the elevator doors are closed, though I think I'm saying that for myself. This fool's reiatsu is off the roof, he should try to control it before he destroys a building. I think that's possible, right?
"Kisuke was going to come but because of his remark, I know that he won't be showing his face to you two until later. Especially Ichigo." Yoruichi said, we're half way to the training grounds.
"He made a good choice then." I stated, still a bit annoyed at him.
"Anyway, you two get ready alright? I won't be able to fill you in about Zanjutsu because we're already here." Yoruichi said and we straighten when the doors open, the tributes are lined up on a obstacle. A high spider rope obstacle, about 15 feet high. Two tributes who were climbing up stopped to glance at us. Yoruichi told us to go on ahead while she talks to Kagine, every eyes are on us as we walk. I glance to my right and see the Central 46 (Game makers), sponsors, and Aizen Sosuke (leader of Central 46). They are whispering something while giving us glances, I cringe when the thought of the sponsors subtracting us points because we are late.
I met a pair of soft yet menacing brown eyes, I saw a flicker of interest in his eyes while he glances from Ichigo to me. The corner of his lips slightly curls up and I feel a shiver ran down my spine, this guy has an aura of sophisticated menace. His reiatsu is intimidating me, but I try not to show it by slightly flaring mine. I almost heard him chuckle at what I did and my feet automatically stop when I felt the other tributes' reiatsu.
"Aww, the love birds are both late." a girl who a has her long black hair in two pigtails, I glance at her insignia and saw the number 6.
I ignore her remark and glance at the obstacle, the two tributes who were climbing just climbed down. Kagine ordered them to. I saw their insignia and they are in the same district. "Do you think we'll race on this obstacle?" Ichigo asked in a low voice, he's gazing at the obstacle.
"Probably, but not only this one." I said when I saw other obstacles, I feel a hand on my shoulder and before I could slap it away it pulls me to turn around.
"I'm talking to you, midget." it was the girl from District 6, the monstrous guy with light blue hair is beside her. I just notice the green lines under his eyes, it makes his blue eyes stand out.
"I'm not a midget and its not my name." I push her hand off my shoulder, her hand was almost on my wound that still feels sore. I wonder if she saw it and is also curious at the vague bruise on my neck, but her irk face says otherwise.
"You wanna fight?" she asked and was about to take a stance but a hand on her shoulder stops her.
"Don't, Aivirrne, you might lose." her partner grinned.
"Are you saying I can't take a midget like her?!" she pointed at me.
"Enough! Everyone, please line up again. Kuchiki and Kurosaki, at the front of the line." Kagine said and everyone follows, me and Ichigo exchange looks before walking to the front. The girl from 6 bumped me on my way there, and I give her a slight glare. "Since both of you are late, I'll give you a brief fill in on what we're going to do today."
Kagine explained that today will be going over, under, or through obstacle courses and the tributes from the same district will be racing each other. And 2 hours before we all go back to our apartments will be the Zanjutsu lesson, also the Aizen and the Central 46 just announced that there will be an extra day to train what we have learned in our last hours of training. They will announce it later after today.
"Ready!" I feel Ichigo glance at me but I ignore him, I assumed that he will give me a good luck nod.
"Set..!" From the corner of my eye, I saw Ichigo trying not to call me but I still have my Kuchiki challenge face on.
"Go!"
Immediately, I run towards the ropes and quickly climb the ropes, Ichigo is a bit behind but is catching up. "Rukia, what the hell?!" he asked through when he caught up with me, we're half way to the top. Kagine told us that we have to climb up and go over then climb down.
"Shut up, Kurosaki." I said to him and climb faster, I fake stumbling from time to time and so did Ichigo. I remembered that Urahara said to not give your best until the Game makers will judge you. We both know how to climb up fast so how could we make mistakes like stumbling.
/I don't know if that was bragging or not../
"Oh, so we're going back to last name basis, Kuchiki?" Ichigo said before I could reply to the voice.
"Yes, and I don't know if you're agreeing or-"
"I'm not agreeing."
I take a brief breather before proceeding to climbing down, Ichigo does the same. We're both in the same quick pace. I stay silent and feel the glares Ichi- Kurosaki is giving me from second to second, guilt is heaving on my chest but I push it away. Both of our feet hit the ground at the same time, I look at my co-tribute while taking in and out some breaths. His usual scowl on but it has annoyance sketched on it, I just realized that I haven't asked this question before: how could a person scowl like that everyday?
Or I have? I was cut off from my thoughts by Kagine's voice. "Kurosaki, Kuchiki, go back to the end of the line." we did as told, and to my surprise the girl from 6 didn't bumped me again. I secretly glance at Aizen and he is watching the tributes from 1, I look at Ichigo then to the climbing tributes with my arms crossed. This fool should just follow my lead, I think he's a bit loyal to our crazy mentor.
"Rukia, are you not following what Urahara told us?"
I turn to Ichigo because of his question. "Really, that's what you asked me? Correct me if I'm wrong but was I the only one not wanting to follow what Urahara said?" Our voice are not in ear shot to others but is audible when you come closer or listen well.
"Whoever said that I don't want to follow his stupid tactics!?"
"What?" Now, I'm confused. "I-uh... your expression did when he said it to us."
"I used that expression because you showed that same expression."
Wait, so he wants to follow Urahara because...? Should I ask him or just think about it? Arrgggh! Over thinking sure does magnet headaches, I look at him and then back to the tributes. Its a different tribute, when they are going over the top Kagine sends the next tribute to climb up. Minutes later, nine tributes- us not included- are lined up on the next obstacle course, Kagine told us to wait for the others. Tributes Districts from 1-9 are the most favorable contestants of the sponsors, they're the richest Districts. The next obstacle course is wall climbing (same height as the spider rope) but when you get on the top you have to walk or crawl on a rope to another wall climbing course but you are going to climb down. The wall climbing course looks like a side of a rocky mountain or hill, you have to climb without wall climbing ropes.
"If you want us to be enemies then beat me in all the obstacle races, including the Zanjutsu part. But if you don't, we go on our merry way following Urahara's advice." Ichigo whispered to me, "And for your pleasure, we won't talk until today's training is finish."
I didn't get the chance to respond because it's us and 17's turn to wall climb, we warm up for five seconds before Kagine blows his whistle. When did he have one exactly? I shook my head and try to climb fast as possible, I haven't experienced this kind of climbing. I hiss when my left foot slip on a rock, glad the training suit doesn't rip easily but I think there's a bruise there. I glance to Ichigo and the skinny guy from 17, damn that guy almost looks like a spoon if his head was a bit big. The little girl that I think her name is Nel is also having a hard time climbing, Ichigo and her co-tribute is ahead of us. I wonder if Ichigo travels really far in the woods to find something like this to climb on.
"Ah!"
"Neliel!" the spoon guy yelled, so that's her first name.
"Got ya'!" I sighed in relief when I caught her hand, her mid back green hair is swaying as she looks up at me with disbelief and incredulous eyes. Woah, her eyes are wide and hazel. Cute. I slightly shook her arm to stop her from staring at me, "Listen, I need you to work with me, okay?"
"O-okay.." she nodded.
"Good, now I'm going to swing you and you try to grab a rock." she nodded at what I said and swing her to the right, when her hand and footing are okay I let go of her left hand.
"T-thanks." she said with a blush on her face, not looking at me.
I smile at that, "Your welcome, now let's go and kick our co-tributes ass!"
I don't know why I said that but she agreed with me while giggling, when I turn up I was surprise to see Ichigo and Neliel's partner still ahead of us. They are looking at us with wide eyes, I thought they are already on the ropes. I start to climb again and so did the three, surprisingly me and Neliel caught up with Ichigo and spoon. Hey, don't blame me, I don't the guy's name. I think it starts with an 'n' but that's all I got.
The four of us got to the top and quickly think if we're going to crawl or walk with a balance stick, the ropes are 5 feet away from each other. The two boys starts to crawl on the rope, but since Neliel's co-tribute has long arms he decided to use them like the rope he is holding is a monkey bar. Neliel got a balance stick and is cautiously walking on the rope, you won't die of you fall because there's a cushion down there. Urahara's words suddenly rings in my head when I thought of running on the rope, Hisana-nee taught me how to do it.
Just this once.. I sighed to myself and breath in then out before running on the rope. Right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot. I mentally said, I almost lost my balance but quickly recovered. I jump on the last few steps and landed on the platform, I look back and almost imagined a cricket is cricking because of the silence. Neliel is still while blinking at me with her mouth slightly hang open, she has great balance. Her co-tribute has his arms on 90 degrees with the same expression as Neliel, I wonder how long he can hang there and if his teeth are that straight when he was young? The strawberry, of course, has the same expression as everyone else even the Game Makers looks surprise from here. Ichigo was the first one to move quickly when I was going to climb down, I briefly glance around to see if Yoruichi is still here and saw what I did.
Even if she didn't, she will eventually know. Almost half way down, I glance up to see Ichigo. Damn it, I can feel him by his reiatsu drawing nearer, damn his long legs. I glance up to see Neliel's co-tribute, when I'm almost down and so as Ichigo Neliel is about to climb down. My feet hit the ground first and next is Ichigo's, I turn to him smugly. "1-0."
His eyebrows twitch towards together, he looks like he doesn't know whether to be surprised or annoyed. Maybe because of what I did and what I said just now. Kagine calls for us and and gestures for us to follow him to another obstacle, Districts 1-9 continues on the obstacle they are in. Our next obstacle are two agnez ladders that are twenty five feet high, we have to race on the both of them then race back. Looking up at the first agnez ladder, why are all the obstacles have to be ten feet and higher?! Are they insulting me?
"Looking annoyed there, chibi-" I swing a fist towards Ichigo and surprised when he's still the same, he blocked my fist with an arm. My mouth is parted slightly as I secure every detail of his face, after that I look at his eyes and curious astonish brown eyes are looking back at my worried violet eyes. I quickly slap (not literally) my worried and surprised face away and put on the apologetic face with a hint of annoyance, I glance up at Ichigo and his eyes widen slightly in realization. I look at him and send a silent message, Do you know why I acted like that?
Ichigo nods and looks around, I also did to and saw that everyone is staring at us. "Sorry, it was by instinct.. when someone says the word 'chibi' to me, I instantly swing my fist at them." I said and jump my eyebrows briefly to tell Ichigo to play along, though what I said was true.
"Yeah, you almost me got there." chuckled Ichigo.
When Kagine sees that everything is okay, he told Districts 10 and 11 to line up and start after he blows his whistle. As I wait for our turn, I look around at the obstacle and give an inward sigh of relief when I saw a few obstacles only at my waist length and some are five inches above my height. I turn my head back when I hear a yelp and a body rolling down the agnez ladder, it's the pimple boy from 14. Two medic rushes to his way and I can hear them asking if something is broken. The boy's partner is just staring at him with a hollow look, but when you look closely there is worry and guilt. The pimple boy had a dislocated shoulder and the medics already fixed it.
It's now our turn for the agnez ladder, and damn this is hard. It's hard to run up especially when the steps has a big space in between them, I have to use my hands too. I mean, we all are using our hands. Neliel is a bit behind us, Nnoitra (Neliel's co-tribute, I heard his name) is leading and Ichigo is keeping up with him. Damn it, at this rate I am going to lose at this obstacle.
"1-1." And I did, I scoff at Ichigo and he gives me a huff. We share a glare before turning away, following the others to the next obstacle. By the time we finished all the obstacles, everyone looks like they already want to collapse at the floor but their pride is not letting them. We follow Kagine to a platform, a wood flooring is on top and told the boys to sit on the left while the girls sit from across them. We are arrange by Districts so I am at the back, Neliel is beside me.
"So we're going to train Zanjutsu now?" Neliel whispered to me, before I could answer Kagine spoke up.
"Zanjutsu!" Kagine pauses to look at each of us, "Can anyone tell me what it means..?"
We turn to the girl who raised her arm and she answers in a monotone voice, "Zanjutsu means swordsmanship, art of the sword, or cutting technique. Zanjutsu is the fighting style for the Zanpaktou, which is the tool we are going to use in fighting."
"Correct, thank you for that, Kurotsuchi. But we aren't going to use a Zanpaktou just yet, we are going to use wooden swords."
"That's lame!"
"Well, we don't want anyone cutting each other before the Games, Jaegerjaque." Even if Kagine's back is turned to us, I know that he is glaring at said guy. The guy from 6 has a huge, wild grin on his face, like he isn't scared of anyone.
"Kendo, the way of the sword, is the art in Zanjutsu and the modern martial arts of sword-fighting based on traditional samurai swordsmanship." Some Avox (I think) sets up a rack for the wooden swords, on each side of the platform. There is enough for all of us. Kagine calls up the girl from District 1 and me, my eyes widen briefly because of that and so does 1 but a feral grin replaces her surprised face. She hops on her feet and I do the same after telling myself to not be nervous, why am I nervous? Because not only the tributes are watching me, the Game makers are too.
I grab a wooden sword from the rack at the right as I tell myself to not do my best and give my all but I can't be defeated by her. I swivel and see the girl from 1, her green feral gaze clashes with my violet icy gaze and we step towards each other. She has brown hair that is in a low braid. Our feet stops when Kagine told us so, we are three steps away from each other. "There are scores for each part of the body you hit, try not to hit each other hard and let us see who has the highest score in two minutes." Kagine stated, me and 1 bows at each other before taking our stances. We waited in anticipation for Kagine to blow his whistle, sweat starts to slide down from the side of my head.
"Start!"
"Yah!"
I block her wooden sword with mine and try to push it back, 1 pulls back and thrusts her swords towards my stomach. I side step and swing my sword to her shoulder and she blocks it, I'm only at her shoulders by the way but my petite figure could be an advantage. She pushes my sword back and we both jump back, 1 charges at me with a war cry and I ready myself. When she's almost close to me, I duck her wooden sword and roll under her then I thrust my wooden sword to her back. Not too hard though.
"3-0."
The girl from 1 clenches her jaw as I step back and we took a stance. We both run towards each other and 1 jumps so I duck but didn't deflect her sword meeting my back. I let out a surprise yelp as I slide on the wooden platform, stopping before the edge of it. Using reiatsu is allowed? I asked myself after sitting up to look at the girl with a frown, she gives a triumph smirk.
"Miss Ukinawa, using reiatsu is not allowed in this training especially when I didn't say anything that it can be used. But the score is all 3, and there is still plenty of time. Again, no using of reiatsu." I'm on my feet when Kagine is saying the second sentence, should have said that before we started. I can feel certain brown eyes staring at me, and without even looking I know that he is hiding his worry in a scowl. I'm the first one to charge when Kagine blew his whistle, I am aiming for her chest. When I'm close enough, she swings her arm with the sword to aim for my head. Luckily, I saw it and bend my knees as my wooden sword hit her stomach.
"6-3."
The sound of woods hitting each other can be heard, I allow the girl from 1 to hit my leg or arms but not my chest, stomach, head, or back. The time finishes and the score is, 9-12. Favor of 1. We go back to our seats as Kagine calls up our co-tributes, I plead to the Souls for Ichigo to follow Urahara's advice. Please don't give your all Ichigo. I suddenly call out his name when I thought his sclera is turning black again, I am going hysterical at this rate. I feel everyone's gazes on me after I called him, is it that of a big deal? "Nothing." I told him when he asked 'what,' the strawberry narrows his eyes at me before getting his wooden sword with a scowl.
Ichigo's PointOfView
"Ichigo."
I turn to Rukia at the second she said the first letter of my name, there is is again. Her worried and surprised eyes like when she almost punched me. "What?" I asked her, she blinks and her face became emotionless again.
"Nothing."
I narrow my eyes at her and she catches my narrowed gaze with her emotionless eyes, why is she so worried about me? She's an idiot because she should worry about herself first, the sound of the wooden sword hitting her back was loud. I scowl at that as grab a wooden sword, Urahara's advices plays in my head as I took a stance. Should I do it like what Rukia did? But I can't help it if I'm strong enough to beat this guy.
\Cocky idiot, why not just kill him instead?\
Kagine's whistle snaps me out of my brief stupor and I didn't get to block the wooden sword that hit my left shoulder. "2-0." Kagine said and we take another stance. I sprint to the guy and he deflects my weapon with his, I quickly thrust my weapon to his open stomach and he glares at me for that. "2-3." Okay, I won't hit him but I won't let him hit me. Our wooden swords met again and again, both of us dodging the weapon of our enemy. He steps back before stepping towards me while thrusting him sword at me face again and again, he's fast. I saw his foot but I didn't jump so let him sweep my leg and let myself fall to the ground, his sword touches my neck and Kagine announces the score with the time left. "6-3, and one minute left."
I charge while swinging my wooden sword downwards, let's swtich to offensive mode. I thrust and swing my weapon at him, he blocks and blocks but can't attack and attack since I'm simultaneously blocking and attacking. I feel a sudden urge to thrust my sword to his neck real hard but push it away. I grind my teeth together when a familiar cackle is heard in my head, bouncing on every corner of it. I hit his side with the amount of strength I don't use when we started, he yelped because of that and briefly holds his side. "6-5."
Our fight finishes with the score of 14-10. I throw the wooden sword at the rack and the rack falls because of the force, damn it.. I shouldn't have thrown it like that. It's not because I lost but because of him, Yoruichi whispered to me that it is bad if everyone finds out of my hollow so if he wakes up early she told me to try and keep him in.
\You're glad that I can't go out for now or else-\
Or else what?
\Snappy aren't you, your Highness of the pain in the ass?\
I mentally scoff, Where'd you get your words, from Rukia or from your dick self?
He barks out a loud laugh, making me wonder if everyone can hear it. \You don't know what suddenly appeared in my mind when you use chibi onna and dick in the same sentence, or do you? HAHAHAHAHA!\
Listen you bastard, don't you lay a fucking hand on-
\On who, chibi onna? I already did, idiot! And I'm going to when I get out.\
IF, because I'm not going to let you.
\We shall see, Ichigo, talk to chibi onna for me.. Ja. Ne.\
"ICHIGO!"
"KUROSAKI, SNAP OUT OF IT!"
I was pulled back off my thoughts when I heard their yells, I look around and realize that I'm almost releasing all of my reiatsu. I try to lower it and it work, I should probably ask some advice from Rukia on how to stable it. I apologize as the ones who were affected by my reiatsu compose themselves, I glance over to the Game makers and see that they are whispering something. The leader of the Central 42- no, I think it's 46?- the leader of Central 46, what's his name? Has a smile on his face while looking at me, my head turns to look at Rukia and she is frowning while looking at the Game makers. She meets my gaze with a stern look, it's like she's scolding me through eye contact.
I shrug and turn to the tributes who are fighting, my face briefly winces when I remembered what he did to Rukia. Maybe I should stay away from her until I talked to Urahara or.. until we get my hollow out of me. But how are we going to do that? And how many hours is it going to take? I sneak a glance at the violet eyed girl and focus on her when she's not looking, she looks like she isn't even bothered about what my hollow did to her. If she isn't then why did she almost punched me and called my name with the same worried face a while ago? And was surprised when I looked at her and after she stares at me face with a once-over. Instinctively, my head abruptly avert my gaze to the tributes- who look different? Maybe it's the next tributes that are going to fight.
Anyways, I glance from the corner of my eye and saw Rukia shaking her head. Probably because she caught me staring at her. Tsk! Don't blame me, I can't help it. But I have to stop it, since my hollow took a liking on Rukia. So what should I do, just ignore her? Well, she'll probably want that since she's becoming bitchy towards me. The types of arena suddenly flashed in my mind, I give the wooden platform a frown. Ah, right, the Games.. the fucking Games. How could I forget the festival for teenagers butchering each other? With the addition of man eating creatures whenever no one is butchering each other in the arena. Yeah, they send Hollows in the arena whenever they want to. How about I send Hollows to them?
I check my reiatsu and glad that I stabled it before it went out again, so emotions and reiatsu are connected? Who knew I need some Kuchiki lessons to keep my emotions in check, I'll ask her later after I win. Like hell I'll let her- but didn't I decided to stay away from her for a while? I resisted to mess my hair when frustration is rising up, which is for the best: my satisfaction or her safety? OF FUCKING COURSE, THE LATTER IS FOR THE BEST. But I still won't let her win though. A thudding sound made my head turn up, it's that Jagerjaque and his co-tribute. Said girl is glowering at him. I frown at that, he doesn't respect ladies. When other male tributes are training with a female, they try not to hurt them.
"I want to fight her."
I can feel my veins turning cold when Jaegerjaque pointed his wooden sword at Rukia, who has her eyebrows furrowed at the one pointing at her. I was about to stand up when Kagine walks to the blue haired jackass. "That's enough, Jagerjaque-"
"Blah, blah, bullshits! Come up here, dwarf, if you're not afraid."
Oh, hell no. I snap towards Rukia and mentally pleaded to her to not stand up, I know her pride and ego. She's definitely going to fight him. I saw Jaegerjaque making a incredibly large grin when Rukia stood up, everything became slow as Rukia walks to the rack to grab a wooden sword. A part of me tells me to not get up and don't help Rukia but another part wants me to do the opposite. Now I know my body has a mind of its own, or I just don't want to see Rukia fighting Jagerjaque because something might happen. Like, Jaegerjaque striking Rukia down and he gets on top of her-
"What are you doing, Ichigo?" who else other than Rukia whispering harshly at me? I have a hand on her wrist when she's about to pull out a wooden sword from the rack, I can feel every pair of eyes are on us.
I whisper so only Rukia will hear. "I'm doing what I always do. Protecting those important around me, and you're the only one important around me here Rukia." Also our mentors and stylist but they're not here, I minus that because it'll just ruin the moment.
"I don't need you protecting me, Ichigo." I look down when I felt her glare.
"I know but.. please let me, Rukia." Terrifying glare versus pleading gaze, then I add, "And I'm only helping you from being crushed by that jackass."
I grab the wooden sword from her hand and face Jaegerjaque before she could shout out me, "I'll fight you."
"Ha!" barked Jaegerjaque, he glances from me to Rukia still grinning. "Fine, but if you lose.. I will fight her."
Is it really necessary to point at her with that wooden sword? I thought with the slight roll of my eyes, I push his weapon away with mine. He's still looking at Rukia like he wants to eat her. A crazy thought of shoving this wooden sword down his throat came to my wind. Not a bad idea but I'm not going to do that until we're in the arena. I feel a sickening sinister roams my insides, why am I thinking like that? "But if I win, you won't fight her."
"Deal!"
Rukia sat back down after purposely stomping on my foot, does she want me to lose?! I give her a brief glare before stepping forward and taking a stance, Jaegerjaque does the same. I catch Jaegerjaque's wooden sword with mine and we keep meeting our weapons, trying to find an opening. "Fighting for your girlfriend?" Jaegerjaque asked after he pushed my weapon away with his.
Glad you know she's mine. "She's not my girlfriend." I said and almost hit myself at the thought, I strike to his left shoulder but failed and block his incoming attack.
"Seriously? But you act like you're her boyfriend, so I can get a shot with her." Doesn't this guy had enough of grinning?
I briefly show my gritted teeth and push his weapon away at the same time striking his chest. Jaegerjaque stumbles backward with a surprised face before it darkens. "5-0." Kagine said and Jaegerjaque swings his wooden sword upwards to me, I side step and thrust my sword towards him. I yelp when his weapon hits my forehead, making me fall on the floor. I press my left palm on my forehead while sitting up, I thought I heard the first syllable of my name so I turn to Rukia. She looks away with a scowl, I think mine is affecting her.
"5-5."
I stood up and was about to sprint towards my opponent when.. \What the fuck woke me up?\
I swing my wooden sword up just in time before Jaegerjaque's wooden sword strike my chest, and we continue our clashing with our wooden swords. I'm surprise that they are not broken yet because our strikes weren't as hard as before. My opponent strikes my shoulder and I do the same after a minute, we're exchanging blows on different parts when we found our openings.
\This guy is montrous, I want to fight him..\
Shut up..
"16-18."
In favor of Jaegerjaque, but we're still not over because there is still 24 seconds left. We start and I try not to get hit and so does Jaegerjaque, I block and block as Jaegerjaque keep striking. 15 seconds..
\Let me fight him, Ichigo. Come on, you big baby, I won't touch chibi onna-\
IF YOU DON'T SHUT UP, I WILL LOSE AND RUKIA WILL FIGHT THIS GUY! DO YOU WANT THAT?!
To my surprise, my hollow went quiet. A shadow from above made me look up and dive towards the right before quickly pressing my weapon to the side of Jaegerjaque's neck, a pin drop as I heave for air. Kagine stutters the score, "20-18."
I breathe out a big sigh of relief as I lower my sword and walk back to the rack to put the weapon back. I can hear Kagine telling Jaegerjaque to go back to his seat as I go to mine, my brown eyes meet violet ones after my ass kissed the wooden platform. I'm still heaving air in and out of my mouth and nose as me and Rukia stare down at each other, with an unexplainable emotion in our eyes. A simper twitches the corner of my lip up as if saying, 'I won, idiot! Don't I get a reward?'
'I know you fool. And you don't because you're stupid..' Rukia rolled her eyes and crossed her amrs, we wipe our coy expressions when the next tributes are going to fight. While watching, I just realize that my hollow has been quiet because of what I hollered. I shrug it off and think that it's for the best that he keep quiet, I just hope he disappears immediately. After tributes fighting their co-tribute, its finally our turn. Should I go easy on her? I inwardly asked while getting a wooden sword.
"Don't you dare go easy on me, Kurosaki, 'cause I won't." Rukia whispered through gritted teeth when we took our stance.
"Don't dream on it, Kuchiki." I scoffed a bit loud, so it won't be audible that I'm lying. I'm sure Rukia knows that because she just rolled her eyes before swinging her weapon to me. I block and push her away before striking, Rukia side steps and was about to thrust her sword to my side when I catch it with mine. Our gazes met and all I can see in her eyes is determination and concentration, she really wants to defeat huh? I was too captured in her eyes that she swings her weapon back, making mine go to the side because I was pushing it to her weapon.
"3-0." Kagine said after Rukia hit my right side. How am I suppose to defeat her while going easy on her?
We start again and I scored immediately. "3-5." I strike her chest, not hard though. I decided to tease her before we start, "What's the matter, Kuchiki? Losing your cool?"
Rukia glares at me before striking violently, I shudder inwardly when I met her cold yet sharp glare. I'm not going to let her hit me and she is not letting me hit her either, my mind flashes the memory when we first sparred but with real swords. Rukia twirls to her left to thrust her wooden sword to my arm which I block, she twirls to the right before I could hit her and almost touched my chest with her weapon. I'm grateful for my reflexes. Our wooden swords clash and clash, our body moving with the rhythm of the fight. I was so enjoyed with our dance that I didn't felt her sword slapping my forearm. "5-5."
"Focus, Kurosaki."
"Don't lecture me, Kuchiki."
We slam our weapons together and I am still surprised they didn't snapped in to two, I am trying not to be annoyed at her. She's really bossy. Why would she want me to focus? Does she want me to win? I don't think so. This woman is really confusing, I don't really know why I still want to be with her sometimes. I hit her left shoulder but like before, I pause before landing it on her shoulder. There's still one minute left, the score is 5-8. Rukia surprises me by sliding her leg to my shins, I roll my body out of the way before her wooden sword landed on my forehead. I did the same to her and I try not wince when she landed on the floor.
"9-8."
Before I could swing my weapon down, I felt hers is touching my stomach. "Thirty seconds left." Kagine said and we ready before charging, I need two more points. I try to hit her arm or leg while blocking her attacks but to no avail, 15 seconds left. I clench my jaw and try to find an opening, I hear Kagine counting down from ten. When I hear the word 'one,' I thought my arm had a mind on its own because I slapped my weapon on the hand she is using for her sword. "Ow!" Rukia yelped and released her wooden sword in surprise, guilt made me clench my jaw and fists briefly. I realized how hard I slapped my wooden sword to her.
"9-9."
I open my mouth but instantly close it in a thin line and walk pass Rukia to put my wooden sword back to the rack. Kagine tells us a good job and calls it a day, I hear everyone standing up and walking down the platform. I look up towards the Central 46 and see them chatting with each other, I feel her reiatsu closing in on me so I quickly walk down the platform. "Ichigo."
I ignore her and continue walking stiffly, eager to get away from Rukia and punch a nearby wall. I hurt her on purpose, for my own stupid satisfaction so she wouldn't be hostile to me. I can't believe it, I swore to myself that I would never hurt her. Not even a pinch. I can still her calling my name as I walk towards the elevator, trying to find Yoruichi somewhere. When a certain reiatsu briefly burst out, I turn around and didn't dodge the incoming tiny feet.
I yelp while rolling to who knows where, my mouth lets out another yelp when my head hit a wall. I open my eyes and see my legs, I lowered them and sit up while rubbing the back of my head. "Why the fuck did you do that for, idiot?!" I yelled to the culprit, I can still feel her feet on my face.
"Why am I the idiot, moron?! Just because you hit me doesn't mean I'm mad at you, stupid orangutan!" She hollered, obviously annoyed like I am. "If you'll always have that guilt on your freakishly ugly thick face and in your big head that is full of idiotic thickness then you'll never defeat me when we cross paths in the arena."
She whispered the last sentence, no one heard it but me. I lower my head and mutter, "I'll never fight you in the arena." Because I'll protect you instead.
"What?"
"What ruckus have you two done?" Yoruichi's voice boomed, she walks towards us and puts a hand on her hip when she stopped. "Why do you have footprints on your face, Ichigo?"
"Ask the little devil." I spat at Rukia in annoyance, she clicks her tongue at me and treads towards Yoruichi.
Rukia already told Yoruichi what happened when I got to them. "Ahh! He is a moron." Yoruichi nodded and turns to me slowly.
( -_-)"
"Why didn't you just smack my arm?" I asked after nursing my face and the back of my head, we're on our way back to the penthouse.
Rukia snaps her fingers and sarcastically looks at me while saying, "You're right, I should've just done that or kick you or punch you anywhere other than your head. Now your brain will have more idiotic damage than before."
(-_-)+
I feel a vein pop after what she said, Yoruichi is trying not to laugh at that. We arrive and I immediately want to talk to Urahara about my hollow, before I could ask Yoruichi gestures for us to follow her. Me and Rukia trails behind her. "You didn't tell me what happens if our score is a draw." Rukia said suddenly, I look at her and saw Yoruichi briefly glancing over her shoulder.
I shrug, "Maybe it'll be half half, you can be hostile towards be but not all the time. And we will follow Urahara's advice but some we won't."
Our scores in the obstacles are draw, so we agreed that when we fight in Zanjutsu training the score will be the final score. Which is also a draw, I guess its a win-win for both of us. Yoruichi stops and we did too, she presses her hand on a wall and the one beside it slides a up. Our purple haired mentor gestures her head towards the door, Rukia goes in first then me before Yoruichi. I hear the wall sliding down on 0.1 second as I survey the room, it's like the one where Lonia and I discussed about our outfits but the room has no windows. Clearly showing that this is a secret room.
"Little one and stupid one, how was training?" we turn to where the voice is and saw our blonde mentor with our stylists.
"Tiring." I glared at Urahara.
"Now, let us all sit around the bonfire so I could tell the beginning of your hollow, Ichigo."
I gulp at what he said, I was about to follow the adults to the couch when- "Wait, what does this got to do with me?" Rukia asked, looking at Urahara.
"A lot, Rukia. I will explain later after Ichigo's story." Urahara takes a swig from his flask, he's already on one of the silver velvet sofa fit for three person. Yoruichi is beside him, our stylist are on the silver velvet chairs that are on the opposite from each other leaving the sofa across from our mentors for me and Rukia.
"Ichigo.." Urahara started more serious than I thought, the next words that came out of his mouth sounded so surreal. "Your mother also had a hollow in her."
What?
I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS GREAT OR NOT BUT PLEASE NO NEGATIVES! Hahahaha, gomen gomen!
I decided to cut this chapter there since it's almost to 15k words! Including the author's notes! I hope it'll be enough since I think I won't be updating when school starts again in our country. Sorry if the characters were a bit OOC, it's inevitable when you write a fanfic. Please leave a review, they will be appreciated!
ALSO ON MAY 25, WE WILL TREND IN TWITTER THE #ICHIRUKI. HOPE YOU ALL JOIN! AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT IT, THANK YOU MINNA-SAN! LET'S SPREAD THE ICHIRUKINESS TO THE WORLD XD