Laughter.
There was laughter.
A black haired little girl with purple eyes running around.
"Hisana! Catch me if you can!"
Giggling. " I got you Rukia!"
A bigger version of that little girl rounded the corner.
"Rukiaaaa!"
A sudden flash. He could see them huddled up in the street sheltering from the rain.
"Where is mom and dad Hisana?" the little girl asked.
" Gone, Rukia. It's you and me forever." Hisana said.
Another flash. He saw Rukia sitting at a school.
"Where were you! " she yelled.
Hisana was holding hands with a man.
"Rukia.. this is Byakuya Kuchiki. "
Flash. A church. Wedding bells. Rukia was staring at the chapel.
"You and me forever? Yeah right."
Another flash. Rukia was sobbing at a bedside.
"I'm sorry Hisana, Please don't die! Don't die! "
A funeral. Byakuya and Rukia were standing beside each other.
"Where am I to go?" she asked.
"With me of course. I promised Hisana. I am your brother." he responded.
"...Ni-sama?" "Yes, Ni-sama." he faintly smiled. Another flash.
Rukia was stomping around a study room.
"It's a dumb old tradition Ni-sama! I don't wanna do it! The Elders can't make me!
"They can and you are to obey Rukia. I will NOT repeat myself."
Rukia sobbing. She shouted to the skies," Please make me a city boy in my next life!"
Another flash.
Rukia writing on her face " Baka. " That idiot Ichigo! I'll make him pay.!"
She wrote another insult and a ugly bunny on his arm, "Ha!"
Another flash.
Rukia is standing in the mirror again, she's putting a small moon charm tied to a purple ribbon in her pocket."I'm going to Karakura Town. " She boarded the train.
She was crying in a limo. "Of course he would ignore me. I'm a freak. Sorry Ichigo, I won't bother you again."
Idiot! I didn't know you !
Another flash. Rukia was laying on the bed. Hair freshly cut. She looked beautiful.
"The ceremony is tomorrow and your dateeeee! Momo spoke through the phone speaker. Are you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Then, Rukia stared in the mirror.. "You're probably having a great time on your date baka. Don't make Orihime cry... Why am I crying? I love him don't I? What an idiot I am.."
Rukia! I...love...you. too. ..
Rukia standing in the middle of a stage. " To thee I offer scarlet. A slice on her wrist. Blood dripping into a vase. Pain"
Another flash.
"Here. Blueberry cotton candy, your favorite." Renji smiled at her and handed her the candy. She faintly giggled. You remembered?"
"Always."
"Stay away from her pineapple head!"
"Rukia look! at the meteor! Momo pointed at the sky. It's coming!"
"Do you see it too Ichigo? It's beautiful." Rukia whispered.
He could see the meteor split in two. The second half coming straight down towards the small little town. No! Rukia! Run! You have to get out of there!
Rukiaaaaaa !
Then black.
.
.
.
Thunk Thunk.
Thunk Thunk.
The sound was getting louder and louder.
Who's there?
Where I am?
Ichigo felt like he was floating in the air.
Am I dead?
He could hear a distant voice.
Who was that?
" ..a..dy uki..."
What?
"Lad.. ukia.."
What were they saying?
"Lady Rukia!"
"Gahh!" he shouted.
He woke up startled and breathless. He held his hand to his breast trying to calm his rapid heart rate.
Wait. Breast?
He looked down and opened the nightgown.
Boobs.
" Holy shit!"
" Lady Rukia ! Are you alright? My Lady please open the door!" he could hear a maid banging on the door trying to come in.
" I'm fine, I'm fine! " he shouted.
He shot out of her bed and ran to her mirror. He stared in awe.
It was really her. Rukia. He softly caressed her face. She cut her hair..He closed his eyes and re opened them again and again, making sure he wasn't dreaming.
" Lady Rukia please open up!" he heard the maid rumbling keys around.
He ran to the door and threw it open, " It's alright ! I'm fine !" he spun around for emphasis. " See?"
The maid looked at her oddly, " Why aren't you dressed yet?"
" I just woke up " he crossed her arms in front of herself. " Geez."
The maid brushed past her , " The ceremony is today Lady Rukia! You should be dressed already. Now come on let's hurry before your Brother calls for you."
" The ceremony? That's today?"
" Yes Lady Rukia!"
Ichigo felt a bubble of anxiety burst into his stomach. Today. Today was the day.
"Rukiaaaaa!" That was Momo coming in, " What are you doing standing there?! Let's move it! Ceremony in a few and date with Renji tonight. Aren't you excited. "
She giggled and clapped her hands together, " Ohh and the meteor shower is tonight as well...so romantic " she squealed.
Ichigo deadpanned. Right the date. Oh well...looks like that wasn't happening, not on his watch.
" Change of plans Momo" he quickly stated, " There's no date. I need your help. "
" No date? What ! You're gonna break Renji's heart you know." Momo grabbed him by the shoulders, " think about it!"
Ichigo stepped away, " Momo listen, something is going to happen tonight. You have to listen to me. "
" What are you talking about Rukia?"
This time Ichigo grabbed Momo by the shoulders, " Do you trust me?" he asked in the most Rukia serious voice he could speak.
With fear in her eyes, Momo nodded " Of course...but you're scaring me Rukia.. don't use the Kuchiki voice on me." She shivered for emphasis, " it's scary."
" Erm sorry. " he scratched the back of his neck.. erm Rukia's neck " but we're gonna need pineapple head's help too."
" Pineapple head?"
"Renji."
" OH. " Momo giggled. " What a cute pet name."
" Oyi! That's not suppose to be a pet name dammit"
" Admit it is."
" Hell no"
" Lady Rukia! Language!" the maid suddenly spoke up. " Enough chit chat! It's time to get ready!"
Both girls bowed. " Hai. Sorry".
What a day is was going to be.
Ichigo stared through the windows of the limo taking them down town.
" So you and Renji will meet me there after the ceremony okay?" he turned and whispered to Momo.
" Don't worry , we'll be there, but how are you going to convince your brother?" she whispered back.
"He'll have to listen, just this once."
Bya-kuya brat cleared his throat aka he wanted silence.
" This is our stop. We will walk downtown and there will be no talking. Understood Rukia?"
" Hai." Ichigo mumbled.
He gave her a cold look. And Ichigo felt like asking him what was his problem but he knew he had to be on his good side. " Hai.. Ni-sama.." he internally cringed.
" Momo. " he simply said.
Momo opened the limo door and hopped out. " See you later Rukia-chan." she bowed and walked away.
The limo driver then opened the door and gestured his hand towards Rukia. Ichigo never felt so awkward before. He knew Rukia looked so beautiful today, he didn't want anyone else to see her but he knew saving her was more important. He extended his hand out and let the driver help him out.
Ichigo now knew why they called it the Senbonzakura Festival, it was truly a beautiful scene to see. The whole downtown was decorated with them and long drapes of gold silk were hanging from trees.
"Come Rukia. The Elders are waiting." Bya-kuya brat said.
He followed him to a crowd surrounded by guards dressed in black.
Elder Choi approached him, " Hi Rukia. I hope you're ready for today dear " she smiled with her eyes closed.
Did she know? he thought.
He bowed to her. " Thank you. I'm prepared."
" I had no doubts."
" Let us walk now to perform the ceremony. It is time! " one of the Elders announced loudly.
Ichigo took a deep breath. He remained stone faced and followed along side Rukia's brother. Not an inch of fear in his steps.
They walked elegantly downtown to the center stage where it would all play down. Because of this very ceremony, he was able to save her.
A sudden loud bell rung. The Town Mayor, who was an Elder, spoke;
I Saw You In The Forest
Oh Almighty god
Dancing There Unseen
I Heard Your Breath Of Life,
As You Tickled Leaf And Blade.
I Banish Smog And Poisons,
Evil And Demons.
As I Offer This Scared Offering,
I Release All Pain And Suffering.
Your Gifts Of Joy And Bounty,
Peace And Love , Are Welcomed At This Place.
Bring Blessings To Each Season.
We Ask You This.
Oh Almighty god !
The bell rung strongly and loud again. DONGGG.
It was time. Ichigo made his way to center stage. He kept his face strong and composed, much like how he knew Rukia would've done. Well did.
Ichigo held her left arm up graciously. In her right arm, he held up her very own blade, Sode no Shirayuki.
He twisted the blade around, almost like he was writing in the air.
Finally, he turned Sode no Shirayuki towards her wrist.
" To Thee I Offer Scarlet ! "
He sliced her wrist. He internally hissed but kept her face calm. I'm sorry.
There were gasps in the crowd.
Her blood slowly dripped towards the ground, and just like a performance, a beautiful decorated vase appeared from beneath the stage, catching her virgin blood.
Her maids quickly rushed to her side, helping and comforting her pain. Ichigo smiled at them.
DINGGGGGGGG !
The loud bell rung again. It was now time to walk to the Temple and place the vase there.
The Elders lead the walk there. It was here where the citizens were not allowed to follow. Being that only the Kuchiki Clan could enter.
Upon arriving, Ichigo placed the vase carefully down inside the Temple. It was old stone but beautifully kept up with.
" It is done. We'll see if they accept your blood, Rukia. " One of the Elders said with a hint of disgust.
Ichigo wanted to hiss. Bastards.
Elder Choi approached him , " It's done. You should go now."
"Go where Elder Choi" he was confused.
"To her. Dear." She smiled, "Know that love is truly timeless, but not reckless. We are often only gifted a near second but never a moment, you were meant to guide her, let her be her own leader. You will connect again. I promise."
Ichigo listened to her words. But how could he find her again?
The Elders made their way back downtown to celebrate. He stood alone in front of the Temple.
Could it be? He took a breath and made his way in.
"Rukia?" he called out loud but he was only meet with silence.
But ever so lightly he heard it. He heard her. Well himself.
"Ichigo ~?" It was being carried in the wind.. in the mountains!
He ran from the Temple and up the hills to the mountains above.
"Rukia!" he shouted. Where are you.
He ran until he reached the top and he was breathless. He could see the whole town from up here.
It was beautiful. He heard footsteps approaching.
"Rukia?" he said out loud.
"Rukia!" he shouted.
The sun was starting to set. Soon it will be coming. He needed to hurry up and find her but how?
"Rukia! Are you here?!" He felt a strange aura around him. He could somehow hear her, " Ichigo? "
"I can hear you! Where are you Ichigo?!"
"I'm over here! Rukia!" he shouted.
He ran to the left when all of a sudden he felt a spark pass. he jolted back. "Was she..there?"
The sun was setting, a cloud loomed over it causing a purple colored sky to be displayed, light trimmed around the clouds, almost like it was illuminating the sky.
"Magic Hour..?"
"Magic Hour."
They gasped.
Ichigo slowly turned his head to the right.
Rukia turned her head slowly to the left.
Amber meets violet.
"Ichigo..." Rukia softly calls his name out.
Ichigo sheepishly scratches the back of his head realizing he now posses his own body again , " Yo. " he simply says.
Rukia scoffs at him, her eyes tearing up she takes a step forward..and kicks him right in the shin.
"Ow! what the fuck you midget!" he yells holding on to his bruising shin.
"Serves you right you baka!" she crosses her arms , " How dare you act so rude to me like you didn't know who I was on the train!."
"You idiot, I didn't know who you were! You came before me way too soon." Ichigo says unwrapping the charm from his wrist, "Here. I think this belongs to you."
Rukia took the charm from him and smiled. " I won't say thank you.."
"I didn't expect you too midget." Ichigo softly smirks at her. " Come here already."
She slowly walks up to him and wraps her tiny arms around him. He embraces her back. " You can't go to that festival. The comet is going to split and it's going to.."
"I understand." she sighed into him. " I'm going to survive and save everyone." she looked up and smirked at him. " I am Rukia Kuchiki afterall."
"That you are midget." he smirked back. She suddenly kicked him again in the shin, "Stop calling me that carrot top!"
"Ouch you little midget!" he yelled. " I am not a midget. I am a fully normal developed young woman!" she said crossing her arms.
"Yeah right could've fooled me." he rolled his eyes.
She suddenly turned red in the cheeks , "Like you didn't peek you pervert!"
It was his turn now to turn red from embarrassment, " what are you saying?!"
They looked at each other and started laughing. It felt good to them to be here with each other. Together at last.
"How did this even happen? How did you get back here? " she suddenly asked.
Ichigo turned red in embarrassment again, " Well I uh, kinda had to taste your offering?"
"My offering...? ... Oh god ! Please don't tell me that." she groaned. " That's disgusting."
"You're telling me!" he exclaimed.
"Excuse me-" Rukia started to say when they heard a rumble in the sky and saw the meteor peek through the clouds. It was coming.
"We don't have a lot of time, it's coming. Here, let's write our name on each other's hands. You know so we won't forget or something." Ichigo said.
"Great idea carrot top." Rukia replied. He gently raised her hand and turned it over and wrote his name, "There, now your turn."
She grabbed the pen from him and turned his hand over, "R - " and she was gone.
The pen slowly dropped to the ground with a thud. Ichigo stood there , eyes wide, "R..ukia?" he said.
He looked around for her but he was all alone, " Rukia.."he whispered while staring at his hand with a R written on it.
"I'll never forget you, wherever you are in this world, I'll find you.." he vowed. Suddenly, his head started to hurt, " Urgh" he said while holding his head tight. He felt light headed and fell to the ground on his butt.
He looked around confused, " Where am I? " he asked himself, "What am I doing here?"
"I was looking for someone wasn't ..I ..?" he slowly asked himself.
Caught in a never-ending game
" Who are you?" Why can't I remember Your Name?" .."What's Your Name? What's Your Name!?" he shouted.
Seems like the world's still trying to tame me
What was he doing here ? In this mountain? Why was he freaking out like this ?
If that's the way, I will obey
He knew deep down he was here for someone..to save them but..who was it?
Beautifully struggle every day
He shut his eyes and tried to think...he could see a..a girl.
Should we have a little kiss
Who was she? and why did his heart ache?
While seeing both of our hourglasses
Frustrated , He threw his hands in the air, " Dammit ! " His eye caught something black written on his right hand.
Let's make a plan to meet somewhere that is
"R"
Most far from "goodbye"
R... Who are you?
Whew. Took me awhile to finish! Almost done :( I keep re watching the movie and ugh breaks my heart!