Ok, I'll try not to drag this out too long. I still have A LOT more in my head for this, and I feel like I'm probably stalling in one spot. But I really want Rukia's situation to build before I play too much on it...

Oh yeah, there's a bit of a spoiler around volume 16, I mention a certain vice-captain that Rukia knew...

Usual Disclaimer...


Hollows Haunt Us

Chapter 4

Rukia went to school the next day, despite the arguments with Ichigo.

"You're not well enough, look, you're still pale! You idiot, lie down, it's not like you need the education anyway!" Ichigo tried to stop her, but she was dead set.

"I'm tired of lying down all day." Came her reply. It was true, to some degree, but it wasn't the main reason. Truly, she wanted to escape that voice in her head that kept her from really sleeping.

It was growing more persistent. Almost every time she closed her eyes, the figure would be there again, smiling, trying to persuade her to do things. At first they were simple things…drink that water, turn over that way, say these things. Then they got more demanding, trying to control what she should feel. The first time this happened, it caught her off guard.

It was when Ichigo had asked her if she needed anything, the voice had spoken again.

You know what you wanna say…the voice whispered coolly. Tell him you want him…want his lips…his…

"NO!" Rukia said aloud by accident, causing much confusion in Ichigo. Quickly, she tried to cover it up. "I mean…No…thank you…"

That time it had been too close for comfort.

Now as she walked to school alone, far away from Ichigo and his friends, the voice began talking to her.

I don't know what your problem is. It's obvious you like him. Why not just tell him that?

"There's nothing between us." She said aloud, crossing her arms over her chest. "He's a substitute shinigami and I'm just the powerless real one giving him lessons. That's it. There's nothing else there."

But he looks just like him…that Kaien…

Ice cold memories washed over her. She could see her beloved vice-captain's face as the hollow ate him from the inside out.

Hatred at her self lashed out. "Shut up!"

For a moment, the voice behaved.


Maybe I'm updating to fast or something...no one's reviewed...pouts...tears...