Chapter 49
Followers
When the school week passes by with nothing happening besides Rukia and Ichigo having physical reactions to bad feelings, Rukia is relieved that most of their friends will once again be spending the night at her house. Toushirou and Sado have been staying in the guest bedrooms at Rukia's house all week, and she's felt really relieved by that. It's been really nice to feel so well protected.
When Keigo had learned about the scheduled slumber parties at Rukia's house, in her bedroom, he'd screeched about not getting invited. He hadn't shut up for a full ten minutes and Rukia had to put him in his place.
"Keigo, when we need someone to shit their pants, we'll be sure to call you, until then, keep in mind that we could get attacked, just like at Itou's party. You weren't any help at all. You were frozen still." Rukia had told him loudly, causing everyone to laugh.
Keigo had turned bright red at that, and Noriko had broken up with him later that day. There weren't a whole lot of people who were surprised at the breakup since Noriko hadn't done anything for Keigo on Valentine's Day, but everyone had been shocked when Noriko started to date Chizuru. Everyone had been left gaping when they learned that bit of news. Nobody could understand how that had happened, but nobody cared to know the details either.
Rukia has noticed that both of Ichigo's sisters seem to be spending a lot of time around a couple of particular boys. Rukia hasn't really gotten a chance to speak at length with Jinta, the boy that Yuzu brought to the gym, but she hopes to have a chance to speak to him in the near future.
Rukia has also noticed that Toushirou seems completely oblivious to Karin's obvious crush on him. Rukia feels a bit bad whenever she sees Karin looking admiringly at Toushirou while the boy remains as unaware as ever of her thoughts and feelings. The upside of it for Karin is that she's able to hang around him a lot due to her close contact with the girl he's interested in keeping an eye on.
Rukia hasn't bothered to mention to Ichigo that she believes the girls have developed their first crushes, since she has the sneaking suspicion he would do something stupid to upset his sisters.
Rukia also believes that while he may believe he's being protective, he may go overboard when he actually does figure it out. She's decided to let him figure it out for himself.
JJJJ
Rukia glances out the window when she feels a chill slide over her body for no apparent reason, besides the fact that Aizen has been free for a full week. Ichigo notices and he flips on the television in her room.
"Everyone should be here soon," Ichigo tells her as the news is starting.
Rukia's eyes dart to the television screen and Ichigo sees her eyes widen and he looks too.
"There have been several prison escapes in the past two days. Among those who have escaped are a group of known murderers who were waiting death penalty, in addition to the blind man who was living with Aizen Sousuke at the time of his apprehension." The reporters say, causing both Rukia and Ichigo to gasp.
The other person who escaped is none other than Ichimaru Gin.
The reporter states that the escapees are still at large and to keep your eyes open for danger.
Pictures flash across the screen of all of the escapees and several of them are very strange looking indeed.
They're all very unique looking people, which just makes the story that much stranger.
"My uncle is out too? Ichigo, I have a really bad feeling about this. Maybe you should call Sado and make sure Michiru stays home tonight," Rukia tells Ichigo nervously as she stares at the screen.
Ichigo nods his head and pulls his cell phone out of his pocket. Ichigo calls Sado and quickly informs him of the new developments taking place and he tells Sado to keep Michiru at home for the night, since both he and Rukia have a really bad feeling about what could happen.
When Ichigo gets off the phone, he nods at Rukia.
"It's done." He tells her as he pulls her into his arms.
"I want to close my eyes and rest until everyone starts showing up. Don't leave my side, please," Rukia asks Ichigo softly. He nods his head. Even though he feels anxious, he understands that he can't let the anxiety eat up his energy.
"Shouldn't we make a few calls first?" Ichigo asks her pointedly. Rukia sighs in agitation.
"I know. We need make sure everyone knows the situation." Rukia says in a defeated tone.
"Are you going to call your brother?" Ichigo asks her with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes. Can you run downstairs and make sure Hitsugaya-kun is updated on what we know?" Rukia asks Ichigo, who immediately nods.
Within fifteen minutes, Byakuya, Tatsuki, Renji, Sado, Toushirou, Ishida, Inoue, Isshin, and the bodyguards are all updated on the latest status of escapees from prison.
"I think it's safe to say that Aizen somehow manipulated things to get these results," Ichigo tells Rukia with a warning note in his voice.
"I agree." Rukia tells him softly.
"It's unbelievable that he has this strange ability." Ichigo tells her even as he looks worried at the possibilities.
"It pisses me off, because I can imagine him with a very smug look on his face as everything moves according to his plans." Rukia says angrily.
"Not everything. He still hasn't captured you." Ichigo tells her softly.
"Hinamori Momo told me he would obsess about me until his death. That means he'll be coming after me again." Rukia says to Ichigo, in a worried voice.
"We'll face the fucking bastard together, you won't have to face him alone, I promise." Ichigo tells her as they lay in her bed together.
"Thanks, Ichigo." Rukia says softly.
"You're my girl. He'll never take you away from me." Ichigo tells her in a rough voice. Rukia smiles happily and closes her eyes.
"I'll always be your girl." Rukia says as she snuggles closer.
JJJJ
"Rukia, what are these videos?" Tatsuki asks Rukia with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Rukia blushes when she realizes Tatsuki located them, since Rukia had them out of view. Tatsuki had been hunting for a DVD to put in though and she had located the hidden stash of Rukia and Ichigo's childhood home videos.
Everyone quiets down to listen to this conversation.
"They're videos of me and Ichigo when we were younger." Rukia says, still blushing furiously.
"There sure are a lot of them, can we see one of them?" Tatsuki asks her with a grin. Rukia is totally embarrassed now. She glances at Ichigo and finds that he is very much in the same condition as she is.
"I'd prefer not to…" Rukia says in a choked voice.
"Why? Is it because you and Ichigo have been in love since you were small children?" Tatsuki asks Rukia in confusion. Rukia blushes even harder.
"Tatsuki." Ichigo says her name with an obvious warning tone in his voice.
"I already know. Since you developed that trademark move for her, I know you've been in love since you were kids." Tatsuki tells them both. Ichigo and Rukia share the same horrified expression at Tatsuki's words.
"Um…" Rukia trails off in total embarrassment.
"Just let us watch one of the videos, it can be any one that you choose. Nobody is going to judge you." Tatsuki tells Rukia in a comforting voice.
"Alright, go ahead and stick in video number five." Rukia says in a small voice. This is the video that has her sister's wedding on it. She pops it in and everyone stares, transfixed as it starts out with White's Day and both Rukia and Ichigo are extremely young. Masaki is visible and very obviously pregnant with Ichigo's little sisters.
Everyone watches as tiny Rukia kisses tiny Ichigo and they start shoveling in the chocolates.
"How young were you in this video, Kurosaki-kun?" Inoue asks in amazement as she watches the young children eating chocolates together and grinning at each other as though they share a great secret.
"He was really young. Four, I'd say." Tatsuki says in amazement.
"Yeah this was a few months before my fifth birthday," Ichigo admits with a big blush. He wishes Rukia had not agreed to play the video. His mother sitting there all alive and vibrant always makes him miss her a great deal.
"That's so cute! You got her a White's Day present when you were only four years old?" Inoue says with a big smile.
"We've loved each other for a long time." Ichigo finally says in a quiet voice.
"I see that." Tatsuki had said with an amazed nod as she looked at the pair, so obviously still in love, even though it had begun when they were still small children.
Everyone seems to be totally interested in the video of Rukia and Ichigo as children. It's a long lasting video though, so after an hour of watching young Rukia and Ichigo, everyone starts to talk.
They leave the video on in the background, not really paying attention to what's happening on it, to the relief of Rukia and Ichigo who realize they themselves brought up their Omiai a lot when they were children.
"So you've been chased after since you were a little kid, that's how you met Ichigo, isn't it?" Sado asks Rukia curiously.
"Yeah. My uncle, the one who escaped from jail is the one who was after me as a child. He killed my mother." Rukia answers sadly.
"It's a wonder that you've never been captured, as many attempts as they've made on you." Ishida says in a bit of amazement. He has been amazed with Kuchiki ever since she scored higher than him at the mid semester testing.
Ishida had always been the first in the class until Rukia came along. He had also noticed Kurosaki's grades getting better too. It's probably because he does his homework with Kuchiki-san. She's such an extraordinary girl, and he's amazed that Kurosaki actually managed to get himself hooked up to her for the rest of his life.
"Yes, I've been very lucky to have remained safe after their endless attempts to abduct me, though I owe all of it to Ichigo." Rukia says as she smiles at Ishida, who nods his head.
Of course. She's in love with him because he's saved her life over and over again. It's kind of like how Inoue never noticed me until I protected her at the party.
"Those are some huge bodyguards that you have posted around the house." Ishida tells Rukia as he pushes up his glasses.
"I know, that one guy is even bigger than Sado!" Inoue says as her eyes widen in amazement.
"He's terrifying." Ichigo says with a nod of agreement.
"He's been a great source of comfort though, most people wouldn't want to even give him a dirty look let alone mess with him." Rukia says with a grin. She likes Kenpachi, she thinks he's pretty cool.
Everyone stares as Rukia and Ichigo both close their eyes tightly at the same time and clutch at their chests. This seems to be happening more and more frequently, and everyone exchanges glances with everyone else.
"I don't have a very good feeling about things." Renji says as he watches the pair. Tatsuki nods her head as Rukia and Ichigo open their eyes and trade worried glances with one another.
"It feels like evil is in the air." Rukia whispers to Ichigo, even though everyone hears her.
"I feel it too." Ichigo says with his eyes looking more angry.
In the silence of the moment, the video of Rukia and Ichigo seems to recapture everyone's attention again since it's now on Hisana and Byakuya's wedding. Rukia feels embarrassed because she knows what's coming next and absolutely everyone is paying attention to it now.
Tatsuki and Inoue grin at each other at the sight of Ichigo as the ring bearer, and Rukia as the flower girl. It's obvious that Masaki is the one doing the taping when they see Isshin walking Hisana down the aisle.
Not one person in the room can keep from laughing when Byakuya takes Hisana's hand and tiny Rukia leans forward to stick her tongue out at her new brother-in-law. Even Masaki can be heard gasping to hold back her laughter at the scene and Rukia turns bright red when everyone in the room laughs.
"That was hilarious!" Tatsuki says as she laughs pretty hard. That part of the video seemed to come at the perfect time to lower the tension that had built up in the room when they all discussed the attempts on abducting Rukia.
"You two looked so cute!" Inoue says with a big smile.
"Ichigo trying to cover his laughing by covering his mouth was awesome!" Tatsuki says, still laughing.
"I couldn't help it, it was hilarious." Ichigo says defending himself, even though he's red too. He had known what was coming and he enjoyed that scene too.
"You look so much like your sister." Ishida says quietly as he had noticed that immediately. Rukia nods.
"I know. A lot of people who see her pictures think she's me since she died at such a young age." Rukia admits quietly.
"I'm sorry that she died." Inoue says in a sad voice. Rukia smiles at her.
"It's been a long time now, about ten years." Rukia tells her in a reassuring voice to let her know she isn't offended at the mention of her sister.
"It's great that Ichigo's father walked your sister down the aisle. He won't be doing that for you though, right?" Tatsuki asks Rukia curiously. Rukia smiles.
"I imagine my brother will want to do it. He officially adopted me into the Kuchiki household after he married my sister." Rukia explains.
"That was a really nice thing for him to do." Inoue says, as she is very curious about the history of Rukia and Ichigo.
"I know. My sister really loved him, and he loved her just as deeply and wanted to make sure I'd always be cared for. My sister and I were very close before she died." Rukia explains.
"I'm amazed that your father walked her down the aisle." Tatsuki says to Ichigo with wide eyes. "So your sister was close to the Kurosaki family too?" Tatsuki asks Rukia.
"Yes. It was because both of my parents had passed away though. Ichigo's father was Hisana's physician after my uncle attacked my parent's home. He was happy to walk her down the aisle since my parents couldn't be there to do it." Rukia says nostalgically with a soft smile.
"You've started planning your wedding, haven't you Kuchiki-san?" Inoue asks with a dreamy sigh.
"Yes. This summer Ichigo and I are going to fly to France and Italy to look at wedding gowns. I'll find a designer that I really like and get fitted and then I'll pick the design of my wedding gown." Rukia says with stars in her eyes.
"You're so lucky!" Inoue says in a squeal. Rukia blushes at that.
"You're going to do some traveling this summer?" Renji asks in amazement. Rukia suddenly looks like she remembered something.
"I can trust you with the keys to the gym while I'm gone, can't I?" Rukia asks Tatsuki hopefully. Tatsuki smiles hugely.
"Of course you can. That's really generous of you to offer to trust me with them while you're gone though." Tatsuki says with a grin.
"It's even more generous that all of you have offered to stay with me in this really scary time, when we could all end up being in danger." Rukia says as she looks at everyone gratefully.
"Nobody here would feel comfortable leaving you to deal with this scary situation by yourself. We're all friends with Ichigo, but more than that, we've all become friends with you." Tatsuki tells Rukia in a comforting voice.
"You have a better chance getting through another confrontation if you have support, and there's strength in numbers." Ishida says in a quiet voice.
"I can hardly believe Hinamori Momo's little brother showed up to offer to help guard me." Rukia tells them all with wide eyes.
"He transferred here, didn't he?" Renji asks her.
"Yes, it was still quite a shock to me when he showed up here." Rukia says with a disbelieving shake of her head.
"I brought a baseball bat!" Inoue says with a huge grin. Everyone stares at her.
"What?" Tatsuki asks her in a confused tone.
"Didn't everyone bring something? I thought that's why we were warned that more people had escaped from jail." Inoue says with a confused tone in her voice. Everyone glances around at each other.
"I have a slingshot and a pocket knife." Ishida says as he pushes up his glasses.
"I always carry my fists on me." Sado says in a low voice.
"Ichigo and I both have our weapons here." Rukia says with a smile.
"You have weapons, Kuchiki-san?" Inoue asks in interest.
"You have probably seen one and not even realized it." Rukia says with a smile before she walks over to her bag and pulls out the iron fan. Rukia snaps it open and shows it to Inoue.
"That's a pretty fan, Kuchiki-san." Inoue says as she admires the fan.
"It's an iron fan. It's a weapon." Rukia tells her. Inoue's eyes widen.
"Truly?" Inoue asks as she watches Rukia get into a fighting stance with it.
"Yes. My brother started training me in how to wield it. He has trained on dozens of various weapons." Rukia tells her as she snaps the fan closed again and sticks it on the nightstand next to her bed. Everyone is back to looking at the video suddenly, since Rukia and Ichigo appear to be crying together.
"I don't want to leave!" Rukia's voice belts out at the camera.
"You still have time left. You both should stop crying and enjoy the time that you have left." Masaki's comforting voice says, even though she's not in view.
Everyone smiles as Ichigo and Rukia grab each other and hug until they finally get control of their tears.
"You two were too cute for words." Tatsuki says with an amused grin. Rukia and Ichigo blush again.
"I think we've had enough of the video." Rukia says as she stands and walks over to stop and eject it.
"I agree." Ichigo says as he crosses his arms. He can still feel the heat radiating off of his face.
"You were that young when you decided on the Omiai?" Tatsuki says with a grin.
"Shut up." Ichigo growls at her.
"You can't deny it, I heard the two of you discussing it as children a little while ago on the video." Tatsuki says triumphantly.
"Wow you two were so young!" Inoue says with huge eyes.
"I know we were young." Ichigo grumbles at her.
"I think that is one of the most romantic stories that I have ever heard of happening in my whole life!" Inoue says, feeling a bit of envy even though she's with Ishida now.
"I think it's one of the cutest stories that I've ever heard." Tatsuki says with a grin.
Ichigo and Rukia trade horrified glances with one another. Neither of them want to hear everyone gushing about this.
"Try to keep that quiet at school, would you?" Ichigo says in an annoyed tone.
"I should have known you wouldn't want it going around that you can be incredibly romantic and cute." Tatsuki says with a chuckle.
"Shut your trap." Ichigo orders her, causing Tatsuki to laugh louder.
The attention of the whole room suddenly focuses on Rukia's bedroom door where Toushirou has just flung open the door with an excited look on his face.
"The bodyguards told me to come warn you, there have been suspicious cars driving past the house for the past five minutes. They think we could be in for a bit of trouble." Toushirou tells them all in a high pitched voice.
"Shouldn't we call the police?" Rukia asks nervously.
"They may disappear if we do that. We should just kill them." Ichigo says with narrowed eyes.
"Killing them is the only way to keep them from breaking out of jail again." Tatsuki says with a nod.
"How can you casually discuss killing people when we could possibly call the police and get them apprehended before they ever step out of their cars?" Rukia asks in an exasperated tone.
"Rukia, you know it's the only way to end the terror that they've caused. We have to kill them." Ichigo tells her in a low voice.
"I've got my bat!" Inoue says with a cheerful smile.
"Is this how you all want to handle it?" Rukia asks everyone. Toushirou steps forward.
"I will be delighted to give the fatal blow to the bastard that killed my sister." He tells them all quite seriously. "I want to be the one to send him straight to hell."
"Rukia, if we call the police they'll just put off their operation until they can come at a later unnoticed time. They're just going to keep on coming. The only way to end the madness is to at least kill Aizen and your uncle. I just have a feeling that any help they bring will be trying to kill us too, and it may be a situation where it's kill or be killed." Ichigo tells her softly.
"I don't ever want to think of myself as a murderer." Rukia tells Ichigo softly with a worried look at him.
"We'll call the police the moment they actually approach, but not a moment before." Ichigo tells her in a reassuring voice.
"This man has brutalized girls before, I don't have any problem with killing him." Tatsuki says determinedly.
"It's not that I'd have a problem with killing him, I would want to do it in a way that wouldn't make me consider myself a murderer for the rest of my life." Rukia says in a low voice.
Everyone gets what Rukia is saying. There's a difference between doing what's right versus going way over that line to make them all as evil as the people they believe they'll have a chance to encounter.
"Should we all go downstairs and send Shoko next door with one of the bodyguards?" Ichigo asks Rukia with a raised eyebrow. Rukia nods.
"Yes. Until the danger has passed, we should probably not try to have this battle in my bedroom. I think we should try to do it outside of the house but I'm not so sure they'd be bold enough to confront us outside, even if it is dark." Rukia answers.
Everyone starts grabbing what they need for the fight. Ichigo grabs his three sectioned staff since he doesn't want to be wielding a blade so close to his friends. Rukia grabs the sheath belt that her brother had made for her to keep the Jiulong knives. She puts it on her waist and she takes her fan with her.
"Is your brother in town?" Ichigo asks suddenly. Rukia shakes her head.
"Unfortunately no. I kind of wish he were." Rukia mutters as everyone starts filing out of her bedroom and down the stairs. Rukia switches off the light in her room.
"I wonder if we'll actually finally get to see this psycho make his appearance," Ichigo grumbles as his hand tightens around his staff.
"It kind of seems like it's time. They certainly took their time in getting here," Renji says in a gruff voice as they reach the first floor. Yumichika is right in front of the door with a small two way radio in his hand.
"They have passed by again since the kid went upstairs to get you." Yumichika tells them in a tight voice.
"How many are there?" Rukia asks curiously.
"Several suspicious cars have passed by. We're guessing at the very least, twelve." Yumichika answers, and the kids all exchange glances with each other.
"Twelve?" Ishida squeaks nervously. Yumichika nods his head with a sigh.
"At least." He reminds the kid.
"Somehow I just don't have such a good feeling about this," Renji mutters as they all wait for Yumichika to update them on what's going on outside.
You could hear a pin drop.
Everyone in the room stands silently and nervously, wondering exactly how the night will end. Convicted murderers have escaped from jail and could certainly be heading their way. Rukia and Ichigo can both feel their hearts racing as they nervously scan what's going on outside.
"Did someone take Shoko out?" Rukia whispers to Yumichika. He shakes his head no.
"We don't want them to know that we've spotted them. Moving her would certainly alert them that we're onto them." Yumichika tells her softly.
"Is anybody watching the back door?" Rukia asks nervously.
"Ikkaku is on the side of the house in a spot that has a clear view of the backyard." Yumichika assures her.
"Kenpachi is out front somewhere?" Rukia asks softly. Yumichika nods his head.
"He has a thing for being right in the thick of danger. He's still hidden from sight of anybody casing the street though. Same with Ikkaku. You kids won't fight this battle alone, I assure you." Yumichika tells them tightly.
"I need to call my father and make sure he's awake in case someone has it in their mind to get their hands on a child." Ichigo says suddenly, and Rukia gasps.
"You're right, you need to call him right now!" Rukia says anxiously. Ichigo dashes back upstairs to Rukia's bedroom, and he sees his phone sitting on her night stand. He grabs it up and immediately calls Isshin.
"Dad! You're awake?" Ichigo asks in surprise after the first ring.
"I've seen a couple of unfamiliar and suspicious looking cars pass by. I can't sleep when it's like that." Isshin informs Ichigo in a low voice.
"Good. I wanted to make sure you knew since we're all ready for a confrontation over here." Ichigo informs his father.
"I'll call the police if I see anybody head in the house." Isshin assures him.
"You don't have to rush when you do that." Ichigo tells his father.
"But I will. Those criminals need to be apprehended." Isshin says.
"Alright, well I'm going to let you go and stay by Rukia." Ichigo tells his dad.
"Make sure nothing happens to her." Isshin tells Ichigo.
"I will." Ichigo tells his father in a serious voice before he hits end and drops his phone back onto the nightstand. He envisions what it would be like to kill Aizen as he dashes back downstairs.
When Ichigo reaches the downstairs, everyone looks totally tense.
"They passed by again." Rukia tells Ichigo.
"How many times are they going to do that?" Ichigo asks in an annoyed voice.
Everyone rushes to the windows to look out when they hear tires screeching in front of Rukia's house. Four cars have pulled up at the same time and people are piling out of them. Rukia's heart starts racing faster at the sight of Aizen, her uncle and a black man standing at the head of the group that they have obviously gathered for their confrontation.
"It's him, he's actually fucking here!" Ichigo says in a pissed off voice as he looks at all of the people who have joined Aizen. His gaze flies to a cocky looking man with blue hair.
"They sure came with a lot of people." Tatsuki says in a breathless voice as she stares out the window.
"I'm glad I had Michiru stay home." Sado says in a low and serious voice.
"It looks like most of them have swords!" Inoue says as she looks out the window. She looks a little helplessly at her bat.
Everyone watches as Ishida opens the window and puts a fairly large rock into his slingshot, since he has several bags of rocks tied to his waist. He aims carefully for the center of the blind man's head.
Ishida lets the rock fly loose and every single teenager in the room gasps in shock when the black man suddenly raises a short sword and knocks the rock away before it can hit him square in the head.
"Holy shit." Ishida says in a shocked voice.
"How did he know that was there?" Inoue asks nervously.
"His other senses must be extremely developed because of his blindness." Rukia whispers nervously as the group walk closer and closer towards her house.
Yumichika throws open the door and stands in front of the entrance.
"Good evening, we are here to collect Rukia and leave. If you surrender her without a fight, we agree to let the rest of you live." Aizen tells Yumichika pleasantly.
"Are you kidding me?" Yumichika asks him in disbelief.
"As you can see I have many loyal followers, and don't think they don't know how to use the weapons that they arrived with, I assure you they're all very experienced in the ways of killing people." Aizen tells Yumichika with a pleasant smile. "These two are my loyal partners, and the ones behind me are my dear Espada." Aizen says with a triumphant and superior smile.
"I refuse!" Yumichika tells Aizen in an angry voice.
"Then we will have no choice but to kill you as well." Aizen informs him. He looks back at the rest of the group. "Make sure you don't kill any young ladies. If there is more than one in the house, we'll be taking them all." Aizen assures his comrades.
His followers all look like they're about to attend a feast.
Ichigo looks at Rukia and he can tell she's really scared. Ichigo feels even angrier than he did before.
I will always protect you, Rukia.
