Well guys, here ya go. This is the prologue to Book 2 that I promised. Hope you all enjoy!
Prologue: Familiarity
Kuchiki Rukia stood atop the Squad Thirteen barracks, staring up at the full moon. A cool night breeze wafted through her black hair, causing it to ripple slightly. Her breath came slowly and silently. To a normal passerby, it would look like she was standing dead on her feet. But if you stared closely at her eyes, you would notice that they were moving, darting across the rows of buildings that blanketed Seireitei.
She took a deep breath and sighed. It's been four months. No sign of him.
Rukia cursed herself and glared up at the sky, as if daring it to challenge her. If it would get him back then she'd certainly oblige to fighting it. But the sky gave no response; choosing instead to be a dark, blank face.
Every night for four months, Rukia had stood here. Waiting. Watching. Hoping. But no matter how long she stayed, no matter how far she stretched her reiatsu, she could find no trace of the man who changed her life.
No doubt he was off somewhere, fighting and getting into trouble. Typical. Rukia smiled slightly to herself, her mind recalling the memories of all their adventures.
On the day he disappeared, Rukia had gone to question Urahara Kisuke. But with his annoying nature, he had told her that he knew nothing about it. It was obvious that he was lying but Rukia decided not to press the matter further. Kisuke would reveal the truth when he was ready.
The sound of footsteps entered her ear range. Rukia didn't turn. She already knew who it'd be.
"Any luck tonight, Rukia?"
"No, Renji. Still no trace."
Renji yawned and ran his hand through his long red hair.
"You can't keep doing this to yourself, you know. You're not going to find him by standing on a rooftop and waiting."
Rukia whirled around. "Then what should I do?! My friend is out there, alone and possibly in danger! He could be dying and waiting for me right now!"
Renji looked sadly into her eyes. "I know, Rukia. I know. He's my friend too and I want to find him just as much as you do. But this is not the way."
She looked down. "I apologize. I was being selfish." Rukia sank to her knees. "I just miss him so much."
Renji knelt down and put his arm around her. "I do too."
They sat there together for several minutes. A single tear streamed down Rukia's face and she didn't bother wiping it away.
"Renji," She said quietly, "He's still out there, isn't he?"
He nodded. "Of course he is." Renji got to his feet. "Come on. Let's go inside and get some sleep. We can continue looking for the idiot tomorrow."
Rukia nodded and stood up. The two of them began walking away, back down the roof. Suddenly, the wind stirred and the two Soul Reapers were buffeted by invisible energy.
Renji grunted with the effort of staying on his feet. "What- what is this reiatsu?"
Rukia's eyes widened. "Ichigo."
And yeah that's the prologue. Tell me your thoughts! Are you excited for Book 2? I'll be back soon with chapter 1. Thanks for reading, I'll see you guys soon!
