Chapter 10: The 10th rule

After a short goodbye with Kenpachi and Yachiru I made my way back to Byakuya's mansion. I crept around quietly to avoid interrupting him if he happened to be working on something. On my way to my room I crashed into something… or someone! I quickly bow my head in apology.

Kokoro: I'm Sorry.

?: Kokoro? Wow, long time no see!

I raise my head to see a shinigami standing over me. He had bright red hair pulled back into a tight ponytail with his hair spiked behind. On his forehead was a wrap with some sort of black tattoo peaking from underneath.

Kokoro: I'm sorry do I know you….

Man I am getting tired of this shit.

?: It's me Renji. You know Byakuya's lieutenant.

Kokoro: look I'm sorry but I am going through a lot of stuff I don't remember anything.

Renji: You don't remember anything?

Kokoro: That is what I just said.

Renji: Interesting.

Kokoro: More like annoying. Hey do you know anything about my 10 ways to live?

Renji: Your rules. Sorry I only remember number 10.

Kokoro: would you mind telling me it please.

Renji: It was "Never forget where you came from."

Kokoro: Well that rule went down the drain

Renji: I wouldn't say that.

Kokoro: Why?

Renji: Even if you forget about you're past it never really disappears, it sticks with you and molded the person who you are. Even if you think forgot where you came from, You never really forget it more like it is hidden.

Kokoro: And where did you get that from, some ancient scroll?

Renji: No, you.

Kokoro: Really? Man, I must have been a know it all.

Renji: Yeah you were but it was just who you were.

A smile crept onto his face. He seemed to be a really nice guy despite his rugged appearance.

Kokoro: Do you know where Byakuya is?

Renji: He went out.

Kokoro: Damn, Oh well thanks Renji I'm gunna go for a walk.

Renji: Good luck regaining your memory.

Kokoro: Thanks.

I turned around and walked out of the mansion. Well that was a trip well spent, now to just find 8 more rules. I made my way into a forest just as the sun had set into the west. I considered walking back but something pressed my forward. Almost, like I was being sucked in. I began to break into a run, changing my route randomly. I kept running till I came to a huge tree. Had this tree called me here? I slowly approach it cautiously making my way toward the trunk. I ran my fingers along the bark to find some distortion of some sorts near the center. By now it was too dark to read with the little moonlight the tree had not covered. I began to squint but it was no use. I ran my fingers over it slower to try to figure out what it was. I made out the Letters K. E.N.S.E.I. Who was Kensei? Below the name more markings but I couldn't interpret it. I crept away from the trunk only to trip on a root and fall flat on my face. I turn over onto my back and stare at the leaves. My eyelids slowly begin to close.

Kokoro: I don't remember being this tired… Maybe I should get back before….

I had fallen to sleep in an instant. Slowly slipping into a dream. Next thing I know I was being shaken gently.

Byakuya: Kokoro, wake up!

Kokoro: What's going on?

Byakuya: You had fallen asleep in this forest.

Kokoro: And? You NEVER go looking for me.

Byakuya: Normally you would be right, but there was a scream and an abnormal spiritual pressure coming from here. I just happened to stumble across you.

Kokoro: What was it?

Byakuya: I don't know but whatever it is…. It's dangerous.