Only four days had passed since Rukia heard those blissful words that she had been waiting for. To know without a doubt that she was Soul Reaper material, at least on paper, brought a significant sense of joy to her usually mundane life. In the days that had come and gone, there weren't any more exams and no more worries that she needed to concern herself with. The only thing left was one obstacle that had no intent on moving out of her way so that the little world she was beginning to create for herself would be complete. There was one obstacle that no matter how hard she tried she just couldn't get around it. Ultimately she deemed this one obstacle more challenging than anything the academy could ever throw her way. She sat up as pristine as she could while kneeling on a silken white pillow in front of a grand display of suitable breakfast items. She wore her school uniform which was slowly becoming the norm for her to wear not only during the hours that school was in session but also when she was not required to attend a single class. She wore her attire with pride. She wasn't just a member of a well-known family but also a student trying to make her own way and stand on her own feet. That being said, she had a hard time convincing those within her inner circle to give her the much needed peace she desired. One of those individuals sat across from her, jotting down various notes on a piece of scribe paper. Her eyes fell upon him and remained that way as she watched him focus solely on his own interest and ignore her stare.
"You may stare at me for however long you'd like, Rukia. The matter is not up for discussion so finish your breakfast before that no mannered clown comes in here shouting your name."
"Ichigo isn't a clown, father, he's just...eccentric and he and I both considered taking up one of the dorms while we enjoy our tenure at the academy. Our other friends have already made their living arrangements there and I hear the rooms are quite nice."
"You seem in a rush to move out of here and closer to that boy."
Now on the defense, Rukia shook her head back and forth to adamantly deny her father's allegation.
"No, it's nothing like that. We both just wanted to enhance the feeling of being independent and responsible. To be on our own and still do everything we are supposed to do."
"And you cannot be independent and do what you need to while you live here? Is it that different?" Byakuya took notice of how Rukia's shoulder dropped slowly. "The answer is still no. That is the end of this discussion."
Rukia forced herself not to protest further. The last thing she wanted to do was anger her father so early in the morning. Considering the matter closed, she resumed her intake of the pre-prepared meal she was presented with as was the norm every single morning. She ate slowly, biding her time until the sound of heavy footsteps echoed against the once silent home. Rukia quickened the pace in which she was consuming her meal while Byakuya's eyebrows knitted together in the center of his forehead. So much for a quiet morning.
"Rukia! Where are you?" Ichigo's loud voice shouted as he emerged into the dining area dressed and ready for school. He threw his head back and gestured with his eyes only that he was more than ready to go.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, have you gone blind or do you not see me sitting here?" Byakuya questioned while becoming rather irritated at Ichigo's lack of manners.
"Hey Byakuya. How's it going?"
"I will not tell you again. You will refer to me as Captain Kuchiki and nothing else. Honestly, is a request like that hard for you to understand? If so then you have learned nothing since you became a student."
Ichigo chuckled and placed his left hand on Byakuya's shoulder while he smirked uncontrollably. "Take it easy, Byakuya. It's too early for lectures."
Byakuya's eyes closed as he extended his hand and grasped his fingers around Ichigo's uninvited hand. His anger was apparent by the minimal amount of pressure being applied across the white of Ichigo's knuckles. Hearing the teenager scream out in surprise and anguish brought a satisfying smile to Byakuya's face.
Setting her half empty cup of tea on the table top, Rukia shook her head adamantly and rose to her feet. She continued to ignore the antics of her father and best friend long enough to return to her room, gather her belongings and take one last look at her appearance before heading back down stairs to retrieve one last remaining item. She stood in the doorway of the dining hall with a dumbfounded look on her face. She watched as Ichigo had long abandoned his books on the floor, not by choice she assumed, and was now clawing at her father's hand with the only free hand he had left. A minimal smile appeared on her face but it soon faded and a more serious expression took its place.
"Father, Ichigo and I will be late for school if you do not let him go soon." she stated matter-of-factly.
Byakuya wasn't deterred in the least. He continued with masked enjoyment to add pressure to his effective vice grip. Ichigo grumbled angrily as he bent down as far as he could and extended his mouth forward to pull his hand free, even if he had to bite down on each one of his capturer's fingers to do so. Seeing the teen's pearly whites, Byakuya smiled smugly and released Ichigo's hand forcefully. He didn't bat an eye as Ichigo's unstable body went crashing to the floor below nor did he acknowledge the angry look directed toward him from that same angry teenager. Instead, Byakuya rose to his feet and removed himself from the situation entirely, pausing momentarily at the door before exiting.
"Come straight home after school, Rukia." he spoke in a direct manner.
"But I-" The last of Rukia's words stopped short as she caught an over the shoulder glance from her father. Minding herself, she bowed and nodded to acknowledge she had heard his request.
As Byakuya left the two teens alone, Ichigo rose to his feet and began dusting himself off. His eyes were glued in the direction Byakuya had just taken. His anger overwhelmed him as he failed to notice Rukia standing by his side with his books securely tucked beneath her right arm.
"Come straight home after school, Rukia," he spoke in a mocking tone. "Your father is a real jerk, you know that?"
"Let's just go." Rukia replied as she shoved Ichigo's books into his chest and left through an opposite door from the one her father had chosen.
Ichigo appeared miffed as he straightened his books and followed suit, departing from the Kuchiki grounds with haste. Once outside he felt a rush of relief fall over him now that the home of his attacker was beginning to fade into the distance.
"Ichigo," Rukia began once she and Ichigo were a distance away from her home. "Why must you always get my father so riled up so early in the morning? A simple good morning will suffice. It's too early for all of that noise."
Ichigo huffed and looked upward, apparently not fazed by Rukia's chastise of his actions.
"Tell Byakuya that, not me. He's the one that keeps attacking me every morning."
"Well maybe if you stop calling him by his first name and start referring to him by his title then maybe he'll leave you alone."
"Byakuya is his name, right? I'm not wrong and I'm not going to call him captain. He's making too big a deal out of this."
"How would you feel if someone called your father by his first name instead of addressing him by his title first?"
"I would feel just fine," Ichigo scoffed. "Calling my father by his first name doesn't bother me one bit. I just don't see why your father can't just accept that I call him by his true name."
"Let's change the subject, all right? So, did you ask your father about moving into one of the quarters at school?"
"I was going to but my sisters wanted to talk to me about everything I learned in school these past few days." Ichigo shoved his left hand into his pants pocket then continued. "I decided in the end not to ask him. The old man has a lot on his plate and someone has to be around for Karin and Yuzu so I guess that someone has to be me."
"Your father would be around more if he could be. Even my father has been busy lately but then again he seems to always be busy."
"So did you ask Byakuya about staying on campus? Let me guess, he said no, right?" Rukia silence gave Ichigo the answer he was seeking. He shook his head obstinately. "That guy doesn't let you do anything. I'm surprised he isn't the one walking you to school every day."
"Just what is that supposed to mean? My father isn't like that. He just feels more comfortable knowing where I am, that's all."
"More like he's trying to control every single thing you do."
"I am his only child so how else is he supposed to act? He just wants to make sure I'm safe."
Ichigo scoffed. "And you want to make excuses for him but that's fine. He's your father."
Rukia hung her head low and offered four words as her only rebuttal. "Ichigo, you're an idiot."
The two shared a moment of awkward silence as they continued toward the school grounds. They both refrained from stealing glances at the other while keeping their steps in sync. The abundance of feeling uncomfortable rested more on Rukia's shoulder as she began thinking about the reason behind her and Ichigo's spat. It pained her to realize that it was because of her father that she and her closet friend couldn't see eye to eye. Her blame wasn't squarely on her father but the mention of him and the way he protectively watched over her brought a few lingering questions into her mind. As the sight of the school and three of her classmates waving came into view, Rukia decided it was best to leave the matter alone — at least for the time being.
"Yo, Ichigo, Rukia. Good morning." Renji spoke as his two friends' finally stood in front of him.
"Good Morning, Ichigo." Orihime spoke in a cheery tone with a smile on her face. That smile faded as she caught a quick glance at Rukia's tampered expression. "Rukia, is something the matter?"
Feeling the walls of attention close in around her, Rukia immediately lifted her head and smiled. She appeared happy and content as was her plan to mask her true feelings.
"Of course not, Orihime. I'm just fine. Good morning to all of you."
The emphatic smile on Orihime's face was just the reaction Rukia was looking for. Satisfied that the truth behind her real feelings was the last thing on everyone's mind, she decided to keep the charade going.
"Do any of you know what we will be doing this morning?" she questioned once again in a tone that gave off the sign that everything with her was well and good.
"I heard students talking about swordsmanship training." Chad spoke softly.
"I still say you heard wrong. This is only our fourth day. Why would they teach us swordsmanship so early on?" Renji questioned.
"Perhaps we think it's about swordsmanship when it's really about something simple like picking out what outfit we should wear when we're soul reapers." replied Orihime.
"I think you just wear one outfit, Orihime, just like we do with these uniforms." Renji replied.
Orihime appeared surprised at the new revelation but kept any comments to herself as the five of them walked into the school and headed toward their classroom.
"Either way I still think we don't have swordsmanship training today. It feels too early for that." said Renji.
"Renji," Ichigo called out, speaking for the first time since arriving at the school. "We are in the advanced class. There is no telling what they will teach us in comparison to everyone else."
"You have a point there," Renji and the other's stood briefly outside the class door before entering. "I guess we're about to find out."
The morning went by without a hitch. Various lessons followed one after the other until the clock chimed one hour before the student's lunch break. The advanced class was all sitting in a small room in a large circle. In the center of the room stood a tall, thin man with short brown hair and a standard Shinigami black uniform on. In his hand he held a long brown bokuto stick in his right hand. The students watched as the instructor swung the stick and up and down in a single motion before addressing his pupils directly.
"Good Morning and welcome to the training hall where you will frequently engage in Zanjutsu, better known to some of you as swordsmanship. I will be your instructor, my name is Kenshin, and I will be teaching you the proper forms of combat as it relates to one's sword. Now, can anyone tell me what Zanjutsu is?"
A few hands shot into the air but the instructor's attention was drawn to Renji who rose to his feet and stood at attention.
"Sir, Zanjutsu is swordsmanship. It's a prolific technique used by all Shinigami."
Kenshin nodded his head. "Thank you but wait for me to call on you before you jump up like that. You may have a seat."
Renji bowed then sat down as the room slowly fell into hush snickers and comments regarding his overly rash behavior. Rukia watched as a light shade of pink fell across Renji's cheeks, showing he was apparently embarrassed.
"Now then, this young man is correct. Zanjutsu is learning the correct fighting style to use when one is using their Zanpakutó. Not to put pressure on any of you but mastering this technique is extremely important in becoming a Shinigami in the Gotei 13. As the advanced class I will expect each and every one of you to master your level of Zanjutsu."
The instructor held his hand outward that held the long brown bokuto stick.
"This will be your weapon for your first three years here in the academy so I suggest you treat it just like a real sword. You will use it during all training classes so I want you all to get use to holding one in your hands. In each corner of the room are containers with bokuto sticks inside. Please retrieve one then return to your seats."
The sound of feet shuffling against the floor echoed through the room as each student took a bokuto stick for their own personal use. Looking the newly acquired weapon over, Rukia immediately returned to her seat and waited for those around her to do the same so the instructor could continue with the day's lesson.
"It feels pretty heavy, doesn't it?" Orihime questioned as she took her seat on the right side of Rukia.
"It's all right but I wish they would have given us real swords. It would prove to be better practice." Renji chimed in as he sat beside Orihime.
"We're first year students. There is no way they would give us a real sword to use." Ichigo added.
"I guess so." was Renji's sole response before the instructor started to talk once again.
"Now then, there are a few techniques associated with Zanjutsu, techniques you will all learn and control in your own ways. For today's lesson I'm going to keep it as simple as possible. Can I have two volunteers? How about you two young ladies?"
Orihime and Rukia both looked at one another then rose to their feet to participate in the class lecture. They stood side by side with their bokuto stick firmly held in their hands.
"What are your names, ladies?" the teacher asked.
"My name is Inoue, Orihime and this is Kuchiki, Rukia." Orihime replied as she introduced Rukia as well.
"Kuchiki you say? Well it's nice to meet you Rukia and same for you Orihime. Please face each other and take a few steps back. We want to make sure you have enough room for what I'm about to show you."
Rukia and Orihime moved as instructed and stood facing one another with distance between them. The instructor stood parallel to them with his bokuto stick held outwardly.
"Now, I want you both to grasp your bokuto with both hands. Your left hand should be down near the end of the bokuto with pressure applied by your pinky, ring and middle finger. Place your right hand just near the tsuba, or hand guard, in order to control your weapon."
Rukia held her weapon as instructed. She opted to widen her stance as she had seen her father and aunt do on numerous occasions. She moved around for a bit until she felt comfortable with her position. Through the corner of her eye she watched as the instructor had his eye on her with a smile on his face. It was obvious he was pleased with her personal knowledge of how to stand with a weapon drawn without having to be coached. Looking across from herself, Rukia grimaced as she watched Orihime continuously drop her bokuto stick as she too tried to get used to the proper way to hold a weapon in her hand. After a few minutes, both ladies stood firm with their weapons raised toward one another.
"Okay, everyone look at their stances. Orihime, you need to straighten your back a bit. You cannot fight slouched over like that. As for you Rukia, you apparently have been prepared before but I'd expect no less from a member of the Kuchiki family." said Kenshin.
Rukia nodded but she sighed on the inside. The last thing she wanted was to be noticed based solely on her family. Shaking the notion from her mind, she awaited the instructor's words as she watched Orihime fix her stance as she had been told to do so.
"Okay ladies, I want you both to take three steps toward one another and then swing your sticks to the left. Your sticks should meet and once they do I want you to then pull back and try it again. Let's treat this as a serious practice but I will correct you if you make a mistake so don't worry. Are you both ready?"
"Ready!" Rukia and Orihime replied in unison.
The two slowly approached one another, taking one step and then another. As if counting off in their heads, the girls swung their bokuto sticks forward with Rukia swinging with more enthusiasm than Orihime. As the sound of their weapons hitting one another echoed throughout the room, Rukia's eyes met Orihime's who appeared a bit rattled by their brief encounter. The auburn haired teen had unwillingly lessened her grip on her weapon as she and Rukia stepped away from one another. Resuming their original stance, the two again stepped forward and swung their sticks outwardly. As Rukia's stick clashed with Orihime's, the latter's weapon fell gracefully from her hand, landing with a thud by her feet. Rukia lowered her stick and watched as Orihime scrambled to retrieve her weapon from the floor.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Kenshin, sir. It slipped out of my hand."
"You made a crucial error, Orihime. If this were a real battle against a hollow and you dropped your weapon it could be the last thing you ever did. You can have a seat now."
Rukia looked pained as she saw a look of sadness develop on her friend's face. She waited with baited breath as Orihime returned to her seat on the floor. Rukia was sure the teacher would have some choice words for her as well.
"Now, you there. Step up here. You'll be taking on Ms. Kuchiki." the instructor announced as he pointed the end of his weapon toward the next volunteer.
Rukia appeared miffed as she watched Renji rise to his feet and approach her with his stick held outward. He took his stance, without being asked, in Orihime's previous spot and awaited further instructions. Not to be left standing unprepared, Rukia took her stance and prepared to practice swinging her sword just as she had done moments ago.
"Let's see if you can redeem yourself for your early outspoken remark," Kenshin glanced at Renji. "Whenever you two are ready you may begin."
Rukia had barely taken a step forward before Renji was in front of her with his bokuto stick coming around from the left side. She immediately went on the defense and held her sword to defend herself against Renji's attack. The two sticks clashed against one another repeatedly as Renji continued to attack in a feverishly quick manner. Rukia retreated backwards as Renji pushed forward, challenging her with a series of hits from both the left and right side. Several students in proximity to Rukia scattered as she continued to take steps backwards. Outmaneuvered but not beaten, Rukia countered one of Renji's attacks and tried in vain to gain the upper hand but the momentum was against her and she slowly began to fall to the ground as Renji slapped his bokuto stick roughly against hers. Down on the ground, Rukia held her bokuto stick upward to defend herself from any potential attacks from her opponent.
"Step back. This match is over." the instructor shouted.
Renji brought his bokuto stick to his side and extended a hand toward Rukia to help her onto her feet. Obviously deterred over the events that had transpired, Rukia refused his assistance with a wave of her hand and brought herself to her feet on her own accord. She had a mixed look on her face that registered anywhere between anger and embarrassment. She had allowed her opponent to get the upper hand on her and fell as of a result. She knew this time a lecture was eminent.
"What is your name young man?" The instructor asked as he watched Renji step back and give Rukia some space.
"Abarai, Renji."
"Well Renji, you have great control with your weapon. You can improve. Next time try not to attack with so much force, this is still practice."
"Yes sir." Renji replied emphatically before returning to his seat.
The instructor's eyes swayed from Renji toward an individual sitting with an angry scowl on his face. Intrigued, he took a step forward and held his bokuto stick outwardly, pointing it toward the angered teen.
"What's your name?"
"Why do you want to know? I'm not fighting her if that's your reason for asking me what my name is."
"Give me your name, sir."
"Kurosaki, Ichigo."
"Another legend in our mist," the instructor glanced back at Rukia who still stood still, awaiting the lecture she was sure was coming her way. "It would be quite a battle to see you two go head to head."
"Well then, I guess it's too bad then that we aren't going to do that. Now how about you call two new students up there to practice instead of standing there and allowing what just happened to continue."
The instructor appeared amused. "Remember who the student is and who the instructor is, Ichigo. I can find someone else whom Rukia can redeem herself against."
His anger growing, Ichigo rose to his feet with his bokuto stick in hand. The last thing he was going to do was allow someone else to go at Rukia as Renji just did minutes ago. He stood in front of the instructor in a defiant stance, his grip on his bokuto stick tightening.
"If I didn't know any better I would think you were going to hit me with that stick, Ichigo Kurosaki." the instructor noted as he watched Ichigo's hand clench the weapon with force.
Smirking, Ichigo appeared unaffected by the instructor's accusations but kept his hand firm on his weapon nevertheless.
"You would be wrong if you thought that." he replied smoothly.
The two men stared at one another until the instructor turned away and instructed Ichigo and Rukia to return to their seats. Two new students took their place and the teaching began all over again. Ichigo appeared disinterested in focusing during the rest of the class and was the first to his feet as soon as it ended. His opportunity to bid farewell to the classroom was stalled by someone grabbing onto his shirt sleeve. Knowing immediately who now had a hold on him, Ichigo smiled and glanced back over his shoulder.
"No need to thank me, Rukia. After how I acted this morning the least I could do was stand up and say something on your behalf. Now let's go eat."
Rukia, with her head lowered to avoid Ichigo's firm yet comforting stare, released her hold on Ichigo's shirt and paused before following after him. She didn't dare turn around to meet the eyes of the instructor who was staring a hole into her back. Instead she followed behind her friend's, leaving all of the turmoil and humiliation behind her.
"You didn't have to attack her that hard. What were you trying to prove?" Ichigo questioned as he, Rukia, Renji, Chad and Orihime sat beneath a blooming cherry blossom tree. In front of each of them were their own desired lunches, unwrapped and partially consumed. The wind blew at a moderate level but not enough to disrupt their moment of solitude.
"I already apologized so stop bringing it up. I was so caught up in making up for my overzealous behavior that I just attacked," Renji lowered his food and turned toward Rukia who was barely eating her lunch. "I'm sorry Rukia."
"It's all right," Rukia raised her head slightly. A look of disappointment was clearly expressed on her face. "I should have watched my step and now I'm going to be remembered for falling on my ass. It's not very Kuchiki like. I'm sure that's what everyone is saying."
"Who cares what other people are saying. That instructor is an idiot. Don't let it get to you." Ichigo replied.
Rukia sighed outwardly. "That's easy for you to say. No one embarrassed you in there."
"Renji is an idiot, we all know that now," Ichigo caught a lingering glare from Renji before continuing. "Just bounce back from this. Stop stressing over it. If you didn't have that thing in your hair or people didn't know your last name then this wouldn't be a big deal."
"Ichigo's right," Orihime chimed in. "I dropped my weapon over and over and I'm still smiling. You have to smile, Rukia."
Rukia forced a small smile much to Orihime's delight. The five of them continued their lunch in silence until the conversation picked up once again.
"That bean paste, rice and celery was delicious." Orihime spoke despite a few lingering looks of disgust from those around her. "The cooks at the dormitories really know how to make food on request. You'll have to try some next time Rukia."
Rukia began to sweat as she smiled but could feel her stomach turning into knots at the mere thought of consuming such a dish.
"Uh yeah, thanks Orihime. I will if I ever forget my lunch," Rukia made a mental note to bring her lunch everyday so not having to live up to her promise. "So, how's your roommate working out in the dorms, Orihime?"
"Oh I don't have a roommate anymore," Orihime replied as if it were a known fact. "She decided to room with someone else so now I have the whole room to myself. You're free to be my roommate if you want to be, Rukia. We'd have so much fun staying up and talking for hours and hours."
"Thank you, Orihime, but I'm going to commute from home."
"Okay but my door is always open."
The two girls smiled at one another and left the conversation at that.
"What about you Ichigo? Moving into the dorms any time soon? Renji asked.
"No, someone has to be home to look after my little sisters while my dad is at the office or on missions."
"I didn't know you had sisters. What are their names?" questioned Orihime.
"Yuzu and Karin."
"How old are they?" Chad added to the conversation.
"Too young to attend this school, that's for sure," Ichigo settled back against the base of the tree that provided them shade and brought his hands toward the back of his head. "The closest they get to Shinigami business is spending the day in our father's office."
The small chatter continued amongst the group until the sound of whispers brought their conversation to an end. As they all focused on the two young men who had uninvitingly interrupted their conversation; Rukia couldn't help but feel that their attention was somehow solely on her.
"You ask her." the two shouted amongst themselves as they simultaneously pushed one another from side to side.
"Look, we're in the middle of our lunch so come out and say whatever you have to say." Renji intercepted and addressed the two men.
Looking at one another then at the group that sat impatiently waiting, one of the two boys stepped forward and began speaking.
"You know Captain Yoruichi, right? Of squad two?"
Rukia hesitated in answering. She was sure his question would result in him following up with a bout of ridiculous questions one after another as it related to her aunt. It seemed to be the normal reaction for people who weren't use to being around someone who had such well-endowed connections. As she waded through her consideration to answer, Ichigo swiftly took over and placed the focus squarely on himself.
"So what if she does know her. Why are you asking?"
To his tone, the two men appeared shaken but not deterred as the one who had yet to speak answered Ichigo's question.
"We were sitting over there by the field," He pointed his thumb over his left shoulder for emphasis. "These senior students were walking by and we heard them say something about the captain of squad two being injured during a battle. We thought maybe you had heard something about it seeing as your father is a captain and so is hers."
Rukia could feel her heart sinking and fast as the words of the two students began to sink in.
"My aunt...she's hurt?" she questioned silently.
She couldn't fathom there being even the slightest chance that it were true. Growing up under not only the tutelage of her father but also her aunt she knew their greatest strengths. As it pertained to weaknesses she was sure as two strong captains they had no faults. It boggled her mind that someone as agile and defined as her aunt could possibly be lying somewhere hurt or worse. She shook the thought away before it had time to marinate in her mind. She refused to believe that her aunt had met her demise. If either of the two statements were true she could put on everything that her aunt was alive—though being alive and well was a whole other story.
"Don't you think it could just be people spreading false rumors?" Ichigo questioned, sensing that Rukia's resolve was slowly shaking beside him.
"Yeah, I wouldn't stake too much on what people say around here. Ichigo and Rukia haven't said anything and if anyone would know it would be them." Renji added as he looked to Ichigo to get the affirm nod to back up his statement.
"Right, now why don't you two go and finish your lunch and forget about what you think you heard."
The two boys watched the group in front of them for a few seconds as if waiting to see if they would reveal anything they were keeping to themselves. Seeing that nothing was changing, the students excused themselves and proceeded back to their original location.
"Ichigo, do you think it's true? My father hasn't mentioned any missions as of late? What about your dad?"
"I really doubt Byakuya would inform you of anything having to do with privy captain issues but I haven't heard anything from my father. Normally he tells me what is going on in as little detail as possible but enough that I know when he's gone and when he'll return."
Rukia remained unsettled by Ichigo's answer and it showed clearly on her face. She wanted answers – no, she needed answers to find the truth regarding the circumstances surrounding her aunt.
"Hey c'mon you two. I'm sure if anything serious happens then someone will come and get you, right?" Renji spoke optimistically.
"That's right," Orihime added. "You have to think positive thoughts. It will help you not be sad anymore."
Rukia tried with little luck to let the words of her friend's sink in but her head was spinning with possibilities beyond her control. Her actions were slow and before she knew it lunch was over and she found herself idling sitting in her next class with no recollection of how she got there. Time felt as if it was standing still and all Rukia could think about was ending her day so she could see whether the rumors surrounding her aunt were true. Although it felt as if an eternity had gone by, the day finally ended and Rukia rushed as quickly as she could from the school grounds, ignoring the shouts from her friends as they tried desperately to catch up.
"Rukia, wait up" Ichigo shouted as he and the rest of their friends finally came within a desirable distance to Rukia. "What's the rush? Are you going over to squad two?"
"I don't know if I should go there. I mean, she might not be at the barracks. If she's hurt then she would be in the medical treatment center, right?" Rukia sounded as if she was looking for reassurance more than just an answer to her question.
"You aren't going to get anywhere like this so let's just split up and go from there," Ichigo suggested as he turned toward the three lingering friends standing nearby. "Renji, why don't you, Orihime and Chad go over to the treatment center? It isn't far and if she isn't there then return to the dorms. We will see you tomorrow."
"How are we supposed to just walk into the treatment center? We aren't Shinigami. We're just students, first year students at that. How far do you think we will get walking through the Seireitei? Why are you both so concerned about what happens to the captain of another squad anyway?" inquired Renji with his voice full of skepticism.
"What difference does it make? Are you going to help or not?" Ichigo pondered, his voice rising slightly. Now was not the time to ask so many unimportant questions.
"Yes, we'll help," said Orihime as she glanced toward Renji and Chad. "I'm not sure why it's so important to locate the captain of squad two but it looks very important to Rukia. We have to help Rukia."
"Thank you, Orihime." Rukia replied out of sheer gratefulness.
"Okay then, you three just head straight. The treatment center should be on the left side. You can't miss it. If anyone asks why you're there tell them the son of the captain of squad ten told you to go on ahead." said Ichigo.
"Will that work?" Chad questioned.
"Only one way to find out," Renji, although originally pessimistic, took the lead and headed in the direction Ichigo instructed them to go. "Let's go you guys."
Parting ways, Ichigo and Rukia watched in momentary silence until they were sure their friends were a great distance away. The pair stared at one another before heading into the opposite direction of their friends. They headed toward the one place they were sure a person of the captain of squad two's standards could possibly go to recuperate faster and in peace.
Standing in front of the large oak doors, Rukia couldn't help but tilt her head upward. She was speechless as she eyed the entrance gates. It was taller than she could have ever expected. She wondered if things on the other side would be as large as well. As she continued to wonder, she failed to notice Ichigo staring at her with a puzzled look in his eyes.
"Rukia, do you really think she's here? I mean she could be back at the second squad barracks or at the treatment center. Why would she be here?"
"I don't know…I just know my aunt. If she is hurt she wouldn't be lying in a hospital bed nor would she sit around the barracks surrounded by members of her squad to worry over her. She's want solitude. She'd want to rest peacefully I think so what better place than here?"
"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go inside." said Ichigo as he prepared to pushed the gate aside and enter.
"Ichigo, wait," Rukia swiftly grabbed Ichigo's arm and held him in place. "I'm not sure I want to go inside. I'm not sure we can go inside."
Ichigo immediately appeared perplexed. "What do you mean? C'mon, we're here now so let's go."
Pulling away, Ichigo pushed open the gates and walked inside leaving a stunned Rukia standing in the doorway. She was confused yet intrigued at the same time. Her confidence in her aunt's location was rattled as she caught a glimpse at the vast grounds that covered the home she and Ichigo were trespassing upon. Taking a deep breath, Rukia proceeded forward while reminding herself that it was all right to enter the enclosed grounds. After all, the owners were not only the parents of the aunt she worried so much about but that also made them her grandparents. In the end, she left all doubt at the threshold and concluded that she was doing the right thing.
What could possibly go wrong?