OUR LOVE TOWARDS THE FUTURE
By: Mari Kia Aishiteru
FIVE: Truth
"Good morning! Rukia-chan!" Orihime greeted Rukia as she and Ichigo walked in the room and to their seats. The bubbly teen walked up to Rukia first, well Ichigo was next to her after all. They were no other students yet and the only people in the room at that time were Ichigo, Orihime and Rukia.
"Good morning, Orihime, Ichigo. You two were surprisingly early today." Rukia commented as she inspected the two with a smile.
Orihime giggled. "Not really… just want to have a talk with you before the others come." She replied.
"What about?" she tilted her head.
"About your new apartment!" she clapped her hands with a grin. "Can we visit there after school today?" she proposed. "Let's invite Tatsuki-chan, Renji-kun and Ishida-kun too!"
Rukia smiled at her excited friend. "It's a good idea. Why not?"
"Yay! I'll inform the others later then!" she said excitingly.
Rukia nodded at her.
"Oh, I think they'll be here at this time. I'll wait for them outside, 'kay? See you two later!" she said as she ran off the room, leaving Ichigo and Rukia in the room, alone.
Silence ensued around them. They were seatmates and were the only ones in the room at the moment.
"Um… Ichigo?" Rukia asked finally, breaking the silence.
"What?" he asked.
"H-how long has it been since you and Ishida had known each other?" she asked nervously.
Ichigo blinked.
Why would she care about me and Ishida anyway? Maybe she had a… crush on him? No, no, that's impossible. They just officially met yesterday, how it was possible?
Maybe she's just curious. Ah! That's it! She's just curious about my friends! Nothing else!
"Uh… I think… for six or seven years… I'm not really sure but it's around that time." He replied, looking at her. "Why do you ask?"
She smiled a little. "Um… nothing. Just wondering how you met someone like him. He's serious but you're like a bad guy or sort of." She explained.
"What do you mean by 'I'm like a bad guy'?" he asked, a little annoyed.
"It's not like that, I just mean that you two are a complete opposite of each other." She explained to him.
Ichigo hummed in reply. Soon, the other students walked in the room, startling the two. They turned away from each other as their friends walked up to them.
"Rukia-san, is it really fine with you if we go to your new apartment after school today?" Renji asked, hesitantly.
"Of course. Don't worry." She replied.
"We were totally going then." Tatsuki grinned.
Rukia smiled at them and continued to talk to them. Ichigo stared at her. She seemed happy. The pain in her eyes seemed to lessen, even for a bit. Ichigo let out a little smile as he saw Rukia's smile and laughter reach him. He was happy for her. He wanted it to last because he didn't want her to face any hardships again. But, he couldn't stop thinking about that 'Nazure' guy. He was sure that he was going to come back for her again. If he came back, he will make sure that Rukia would be safe, because he promised to protect her.
And he was determined to fulfill it.
Soon, the teacher came in and the students prepared for the new lesson they will do. Rukia wasn't paying attention to the lesson though. She was thinking about what Ichigo told her earlier.
If Ichigo met him six or seven years ago, that means that he didn't know of my escape from the Butterfly Society. He didn't even know that the King and Queen were dead and all of my siblings as well.
She sighed.
I'm sure that he is surprised to see me here. If he will be able to corner me, I'll be force to tell him the truth.
She looked outside the window and at the sky.
I need to prepare my mental self then.
….
After the class, the six teenagers made their way to Rukia's new apartment. When they got inside, they were stunned by its wideness and neatness. The girls except Rukia sat on the couch, Renji and Ichigo settled themselves on the floor, leaning on the coffee table as Uryuu sat on a single sofa seat next to Orihime.
"Do you guys want something to drink?" Rukia asked as she looked at them. They looked pretty exhausted.
Uryuu raised his eyeglasses with his index finger. "I want water."
"I want orange juice, Rukia-chan." Orihime grinned.
"Me too." Tatsuki seconded.
"Water for me too!" Renji chirped.
"Make that three." Ichigo said.
Rukia nodded and made her way to the kitchen. She was preparing the orange juice when she saw Uryuu entered and sat on the seat in front of the kitchen counter.
"Oh, Ishida-san. You need anything?" she asked, concentrating on the orange juice.
"Yes. I need to know why you are here, your highness." He said calmly as he looked at her with respect.
She glanced at him and sighed. "I'm sorry I didn't recognize you before Uryuu. You changed a lot from the last time I saw you." She smiled apologetically.
"That's fine with me your highness. Please I want some answers. I'm confused. I am trying to contact the Butterfly Society for years now, but I can't reach them. What happened exactly while I'm here, Princess?"
"Well… It's a very long story. I will explain everything after everyone had gone home alright?" she smiled at him.
"If you say so… Princess." He nodded in agreement.
"Don't be so formal. Just speak to me normally. I don't want them to be suspicious." She told him.
"Sorry. I will." He replied.
"I'm done." Rukia placed the glasses of drinks on the tray and looked up to him. "Will you please help me here?"
"Hai." He replied as he moved to get the tray from the counter and turned his way to the living room where his friends were. Rukia sighed as she followed him to the living room.
They didn't do anything really. They just watched a movie while eating some cookies and some junk foods from Rukia's refrigerator. When the night arrived, they all decided to go home. After a little while, Rukia heard her doorbell rang.
Just as I expected.
She opened the door and let him walked inside. She closed her door and walked inside the living room, seeing him sit on the couch. She breathed out as she sat on the sole chair at the couch's right side.
"So, ready to explain to me, Princess?" Uryuu asked as he lifted his glasses in between his eyes just above his nose.
"Well… yeah… it started when the—"
She was cut off when the doorbell rang again. Rukia furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and looked over at Uryuu. He nodded at her and she stood up again to open it. She was shocked to see who it was.
"Ichigo? Why are you still here?"
"Well, I forgot something so I came ba—" he was cut off when he saw Uryuu sitting on the couch calmly, looking at him.
"WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING HERE?" he freaked out.
"Ichigo, will you please shut up? He's asking me something so he's here."
He averted his gaze. "I'm not freaking out, I'm just surprised, you know." He realized what she had said after. "Something? What is it?" Ichigo asked her curiously.
Rukia sighed. "I think it's better if you know about this too."
"I thought so. He really knew about this." Uryuu sighed.
Rukia nodded. "Yeah. He did. By accident."
"What are the two of you talking about? Wait, don't tell me Ishida know about…" he trailed off, looking at Uryuu then at Rukia.
"He did." Rukia simply said.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHH???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
So much for not freaking out, Ichigo…
….
"So, you're saying that Ishida is like you?" Ichigo asked as Rukia finished explaining to him who Uryuu really was. They sat on the couch with Rukia on the sole chair and the two guys on the couch, Ichigo next to Rukia.
Rukia nodded. "Yeah. And he's not an Ishida. His true name was Hitsugaya Uryuu." She said.
"Meaning, he had powers too? Like you?" Ichigo questioned.
"Sort of, but not as much like my powers." She replied.
"Princess Rukia is from the royalty. She had so much power than guardians and normal butterflies, Ichigo." Uryuu told him.
"Butterflies?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "What is that?"
"Okay. Before I start with the whole story, I'll explain things first. Ichigo, we're not human as you can see. We're called BUTTERFLIES. People with supernatural powers that has the ability to manipulate elements and matter to protect ourselves and our Kingdoms." She began, staring at him.
Ichigo stared back. "So, I'm right. You're not human." He murmured to himself.
"Of course. I looked like one but no, I'm not. Well, another thing, Butterfly Society is divided into four kingdoms, protected by the four powerful clan who were born to keep the peace and love. They were namely the Hinamori Clan, the Izutsu Clan, the Motomiya Clan and of course, us, the Kuchiki Clan. My father was the King of the Thyilea, our Kingdom, which makes me the princess." She stated.
Ichigo nodded and Rukia continued. "There were also families under the Kuchiki Clan, but they were higher than the generals and the normal butterflies. They were the guardians. They were the protector of the Kuchiki Family. They were born to serve and protect the members of the Kuchiki Family until they die. Of course the same thing goes for the other three families in their kingdoms." She said.
"Wow… that is a very complicated matter huh…" he said.
"That's right. Uryuu is one of the guardians. He is the second son of the Hitsugaya Family."
Ichigo's eyes widened and stared at his friend. "Really? He's a guardian? I couldn't believe it…" Uryuu's eyes were closed. Maybe waiting for Rukia to finish explaining to Ichigo.
The Kurosaki teen looked back at Butterfly Princess.
"They were two guardian clans in the Thyilea. Hitsugaya and… um… I can't remember…" Rukia stuttered and shook her head.
"Never mind. Well, within the Kuchiki Family, the King and Queen had four children. These four children were destined to control each of the nature elements to maintain peace in the Thyilea and in the Butterfly Society. My oldest brother, Kuchiki Honoru, had the ability to control fire. My second brother, Kuchiki Kazuki, could control the earth. My sister, Kuchiki Hisana, could control the water. And I, Kuchiki Rukia, could control the wind. Do you have any question?" she asked to Ichigo.
"Well… yeah… You were saying a while ago that there are four powerful families in the Butterfly Society right? What was their purpose or what kind of abilities they have?"
"Good question. Actually, among the four families, the Kuchiki Family was the most powerful because their clan serves as the powerful offense of the Butterfly Society. The Hinamori family's purpose was to release butterflies' powers and abilities. The Izutsu family's purpose was to train newly released butterflies to increase their strength and make themselves useful in a war. The Motomiya family was like us except that their family only had two sons and the only power element that they could control were earth and water. Unlike us, we could control each of the four elements, but they said that I'm the most different out of us four." She started again.
"Why's that?" Ichigo asked.
"That's because I was given a special ability. I could absorb other butterflies' powers."
"Eh? Really?" Ichigo asked in disbelief. Really… this girl was really different from him. She wasn't normal…
But she wasn't abnormal, either.
Hmm.
"So, you understand now?" she asked as her gaze trailed back at Ichigo.
"Yeah. I do." He said.
"Now that the explaining was finished, let's get to the story please?" Uryuu said kindly.
Rukia looked at her lap. She wasn't even sure if she can do this now. But, Uryuu had the right to know what happened. She sighed.
Ichigo noticed her uneasiness. "Rukia, are you ready? If you're not we can cancel this for some other time." Ichigo said worriedly.
"It's fine with me. I don't know what happened but I can see that you're having a hard time. I can wait, your highness." Uryuu stated.
Rukia gently shook her head and looked at them. "Don't worry, I'm alright. I'm ready. But please don't think of me any different after this night, 'kay?" she asked.
The two guys nodded and so she started the story. "You see, it started when I was only ten years old. My father had a trusted right hand. His name was Kuroki Tomoki. He's such a nice guy and friend to my father. He always takes care of us and my brothers and sister like him so much, even me. But, one night, we really didn't expect him to betray all of us."
"Betrayed?" Uryuu's eyes widened. "Tomoki-san's a traitor?" He asked in disbelief.
Rukia sighed. "I know that you look up to him too. But, it's the truth. He…he killed my parents…"
[FLASHBACK IN RUKIA'S POV]
"Tomoki… san…?" ten-year-old Rukia said as she stared at the man she liked so much. There was blood all over his body and he was grinning evilly at her. just then, she saw… the king and queen… her own parents… lying on the red carpet, that was stained more with the blood coming out from her parents' body. She didn't know what to do.
"Tomoki-san, what happened to Father and Mother? Why are they…" she trailed off and she heard his father, coughing.
"Father!" Rukia exclaimed, tears came running down her cheeks.
"R-Rukia… r-run… h-he's go… ing t-to kill a-all of… y-you… s-save y-yourself…" his father stated, heavily.
"Oh, you're still alive?" she heard Tomoki said as he neared his father and she saw it. Tomoki buried his right hand inside her father's chest and when he removed it, Rukia's tears hurriedly ran down her cheeks again. She saw, on his hand, her father's heart, slowly losing its life. She saw him grinned evilly at her before clenching his father's heart in his hands tightly making it explode. The blood from the exploded heart spread throughout the floor. Rukia was horrified. She was taken aback. Tomoki walked towards her, throwing the heart on the floor.
"You're next little princess…" Tomoki said as he take his steps closer to her.
Rukia couldn't move. She was afraid. She hasn't mastered her powers yet so she thought that her powers were useless in this kind of situation. Her heart was thumping hard in her chest. She closed her eyes tightly. She was thinking if she was going to die already. Before Tomoki could even lift his finger towards Rukia, suddenly, two men came out of nowhere and held up Tomoki, the other man on his left and the other on his right. Rukia heard voices calling her. She slowly opened her eyes and saw that her brothers held up Tomoki before he can even harm her.
"Honoru nii-sama… Kazu nii…" she managed to choked out.
"Are you alright, Kia-chan?" Kazuki asked her. He was about twenty six years old and Rukia's dear brother and was very close to her. He had long black raven hair that was tied up in a ponytail and blue eyes.
"H-hai…" she answered, still afraid.
Suddenly, a girl with raven hair who looked like Rukia, ran inside with Butterfly Soldiers and higher generals. The Butterfly soldiers and generals circled around Tomoki.
"Rukia! Are you okay?" the girl asked as she shook Rukia's shoulders and looked at her.
"Hisana onee-san…" Rukia hugged her sister. Hisana hugged her back, knowing how scared she was right now. She was horrified.
"Hisana, let's bind him. We need your power." She heard Honoru said. He had long black hair, flowing down freely, unlike Kazuki who always tie up his hair. He had red blazing eyes.
Hisana looked up at Honoru and nodded. She stood, Rukia behind her, raised her two hands in front of her towards Tomoki. She concentrated and pool of water form on her hands. "Bakudo!" she yelled. Tomoki's body stiffened and he couldn't move his body. He just laughed.
"Your bakudo have gotten stronger, Hisana." He praised, grinning evilly.
Hisana's face hardened. The two brothers let go of him and used their own versions of bakudo to strengthen the binding spell. They needed to buy time for the transfer.
Honoru and Kazuki went in front of their two sisters and looked at the dead bodies of their parents.
"You traitor! How dare you do this?! How dare you kill the King and Queen?!" Kazuki yelled at him, clenching his fists tightly because of anger. He was the most impulsive and stubborn member of their family. He could easily show his feelings to anyone.
"Kazuki, calm down. This is not the right time. We need to do the plan now." Honoru declared. He was about twenty eight years of age and the most calm and serious member of the family. But, behind of his cool demeanor, he was a good brother and an overprotective one especially over his younger sisters.
"Your highnesses leave this to us. You need to do what you need to do now." Dakuzu Yori, the chief general of the King's trusted generals, told the four siblings. "You're the only hope of this kingdom, the Thyilea and the whole Butterfly Society." He said with a small bow.
"Okay, we'll leave him to you. Be careful, please." Honoru said.
"Of course we will, Prince Honoru." Yori replied.
"Come on." Honoru said as he started to run out of the room, Hisana and Kazuki, who was holding Rukia, followed behind him. While running, Rukia looked up to see Kazuki, and asked him, "Kazu nii… where are we going? Father and Mother… they were…" she trailed off, feeling the tears returned again.
Kazuki looked at her worriedly. He didn't want to see Rukia like this. He love her so much. It hurt, seeing her like this. He hugged her tightly in his arms.
"Kia-chan, don't worry, everything will be alright. We will survive this. Everything will go back to normal." He tried to soothe her. Rukia cried on his chest.
"Kia-chan, we need you to be strong, for Mother and Father and for all of the people here in Thyilea and Butterfly Society. Can you do that? Can you promise Kazu nii?" he asked her gently.
Rukia looked up to face him. She nodded slowly. "I can be strong for Mother and Father, for all of the people here, for all of the guardians, and for the three of you, because I love you." Rukia said as she smiled despite her tears.
The three older siblings looked at each other. They had the same thought in their minds.
'Rukia… you're really ready now to …' Honoru started.
'… Become a true princess and…' Hisana seconded.
'…a warrior for the sake of this world.' Kazuki finished.
'Now, you're ready for the transfer.' They all thought at the same time. They finally reached their destination. It was a room with a magic triangular spell symbol on the floor and three candles on the corners. Kazuki put Rukia down on the center of the symbol. They stood in front of the candles on each corner. Rukia was confused.
"What will we do?" she asked.
"Rukia, listen. We will transfer all of our powers to you and we want you to absorb it." Honoru started explaining calmly.
Rukia was shocked. She knew what would happen if a Butterfly lost all of their powers after all.
"All? But, if I absorb all of it, you'll die!" she exclaimed, on the verge of tears again. She already lost her parents; she didn't want to lose her older siblings too. She couldn't bear that.
"Rukia, listen. You need to do this. You're special, and believe it or not, you're the strongest among us." Kazuki said.
"He's right. You need to absorb all of our powers so we could be inside you." Hisana said.
"Rukia, please do this. For us. We will not die. We promise. Trust us." Honoru said, for the very first time, showed a smile to Rukia.
Rukia knew that if her older siblings want to do something, they would do everything to do it and it was for the safety of the whole Butterfly Society. So, she decided to…
"Okay, I'll believe you. I trust you all." She said, smiling at them. They gave her a smile in return.
"Now, let's begin. We're running out of time." Honoru said.
The three nodded and they began the transfer and Rukia uncontrollably absorb their powers. The three didn't mind because they needed to finished this fast and send Rukia to the human world because they knew that Tomoki wants the four children's powers for his own sake.
When the absorption was almost done, the door slammed open and revealed the ever so bloody, Kuroki Tomoki, looking at them. The spell was broken and the absorption and transfer stopped. The three older siblings still have some powers left of them and Rukia fell to her knees because of the powers inside her. She tried hard to control it.
"Rukia, calm yourself. Don't panic. You can control it." Honoru told her as he looked up at Tomoki who was now making his way towards them.
Rukia did what he said and she finally relaxed.
"Hisana, do it now. We will distract him." Kazuki instructed his sister.
"Okay." Hisana replied. She held Rukia's hand and made a run for it. They went inside a secret door. The four siblings were the only ones who can open it. Before they walked in, Hisana turned to her brothers and said, "Don't you dare die on us, Noru nii, Kazu nii."
Honoru and Kazuki glanced at her and smiled. "Of course." They both replied in unison.
Hisana smiled in return. Rukia also looked at them worriedly. The two noticed her.
"Kia-chan, don't worry about us. You know how strong Kazu nii is right?" Kazuki asked her, grinning.
Rukia nodded, tears streaming from her already red eyes. "Kazu nii…"
"Kia-chan, I'm happy that you became my little princess. You're very beautiful and innocent and cheerful. I want you to know that I love you so much. I want you to be strong whatever happens. 'kay?" he said.
"Hai… I'll be strong Kazu nii… I promise…"
"That's my girl. I love you, Kia-chan." Kazu said to her, grinning widely and full of life.
"Rukia." Honoru said, getting Rukia's attention. "I want you to know that even if I have been so strict and hard on you, I love you, and I'm proud of you." He stated.
Rukia felt honored of her brother's words. She didn't really expect it but, she's really happy that she finally heard it coming from him himself.
"I know. I love you so much too. Honoru nii-sama." Rukia smiled warmly at him. She knew, even if her brother don't say it often, he love her smiles, and her other siblings too. She was their world. Their parents too. She was the center of their world. Not because she was the youngest, but because she was special in a way, in her own way of bringing happiness to people even though she didn't really know how she do it.
"Now, go with your sister and take care of yourself." Honoru once again reminded her.
"Hai." She said as Hisana dragged her this time and closed the secret door.
"I see that you three already transferred your powers to her." Tomoki said, looking at the two princes.
"We will not let you come after her." Honoru said as he moves into a fighting stance. Kazuki followed suit.
"Oh? You think you can do that? Bring it your best shot then." He said.
And the fight began.
….
"Hisana onee-san… where are you taking me?" she asked, still running with her. Her sister, Hisana was still holding her hands. She was Rukia's shy and gorgeous sister and was about seventeen years of age. She already had a fiancé while their brothers were already married and both of them had child.
"Rukia, I'm taking you to the Human World." She replied.
"Eh? But, what about you?"
"I'm staying here, after I've successfully help you escape, I'll come back to help Noru nii and Kazu nii." She explained to her.
"Onee-san, I don't know where I will go if I'm there!" Rukia exclaimed in worry.
"Don't worry. You'll be protected by my water shield automatically Rukia…" she said. They finally reached the gate to the Human World. Hisana activated her power to open it.
Slowly, it began opening.
"Damn it! Does this thing would go any faster?!" she said in frustration.
Suddenly, she felt a strong aura coming towards their direction, and she recognized it. She turned around and pushed Rukia behind her.
"Onee-san?" Rukia said in wonder.
"Tomoki. He's here." She only said.
"Eh? If he's here then… Honoru nii-sama and Kazu nii were…" Rukia trailed off.
"Damn them! They promised and they broke it! I hate them!" she cursed.
Rukia let the tears streamed down her cheeks once again. Her brothers… who she looked up to and respected so much… were now…
Tomoki revealed himself in front of them.
"Oh, that's easy. They've been easily disposed." He grinned evilly.
Hisana's face hardened at him and told her little sister, "Rukia, after the gate is fully open, you run inside alright? I'll distract him so you can go."
"But, onee-san! I don't want this! If you're not with me, I will not go! I want to be with you and nii-sama and Kazu nii! Please!" Rukia cried out.
"Rukia! You have to! Do you want our brothers' sacrifices go to waste? You promised Kazu nii right? You are going to be strong! Rukia, you're strong! It's in your blood. Trust in your heart. Don't doubt on it."
"Onee-san…"
"Now go!"
Rukia whimpered and sniffed as she looked up at her. Hisana smiled softly.
"I believe in you, Rukia. I know you can do it. I love you. And take care of yourself." She said as she charged at Tomoki.
The two continued to fight. The gate to the Human World finally opened and Rukia looked at her sister. Her eyes went wide and saw Tomoki raised the limped body of her sister.
"Onee-san…"
"R-Rukia… go i-inside…"
"But I…"
"R-Rukia…" Hisana used her final strength to pushed Rukia to the gate using her Water element power. Rukia was shocked and as she saw her sister, smiling at her and Tomoki looking at her angrily.
'Oh no! My sister… he will kill my sister!'
Just as she thought, the last thing she saw before she lost consciousness was her sister's lifeless body on the ground. She cried.
[END OF FLASHBACK]
"Rukia…"
Ichigo bit his lip. He didn't know how hard it was to lose someone important to you. And at such a young age too. He will not surprise if she had a trauma or something regarding that horrible incident. He was holding her hands right now and patting it, letting her know that she wasn't alone.
Rukia was crying quietly at the moment. She was feeling alright now, even a bit, because she was able to finally let out all of the painful memories that were stuck deep inside of her. The warmth Ichigo's hands were giving her right now gave her a warm feeling. The long silence continued but was broken by Uryuu.
"I'm sorry, princess." He spoke, sadly.
Rukia gently shook her head and raised up to looked at him. Her tears were still on her cheeks but she smiled despite of it.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm feeling good right now. Because, I don't know how long I was able to hide this. Thanks you two." She said.
The two didn't say anything but nodded.
"Princess, I think you should rest up now. It's late at night. I'll leave now." Uryuu stated as he rose up from his seat on the couch.
"Maybe you're right. I'm sorry, Uryuu." She said, averting her gaze away from him.
"You don't need to, it's my fault, and I should be the one who was apologizing. Anyway, I'll take my leave now." he said.
"Ichigo, will you please lead him? If you want to go home, you can go home now too." Rukia said calmly, looking at Ichigo, who was still staring at her.
Ichigo shook his head. "I'm not going to go home yet. I'll just lead him, 'kay?"
Rukia nodded.
Ichigo and Uryuu make their way to the door. Ichigo opened it and Uryuu walked outside.
"Ichigo, take care of her." Uryuu whispered to him.
"Ishi- uh… I mean, Uryuu, why were you so worried about her?" Ichigo asked.
Uryuu sighed. "Ichigo, she's a princess. I'm a guardian. Aside from that, Princess Rukia and all of the members of the Kuchiki Clan treated us as one of them. She is my friend so I'm worried." He explained.
Ichigo nodded.
"I didn't know that she encountered such hardship. She's a very cheerful and loving girl. She's the center of Thyilea. She's special. I never thought that this would happen." Uryuu said, clenching his fists tightly.
"Don't worry Uryuu. I'll take care of her." Ichigo told him.
"If she says something else, just keep listening to her, 'kay?"
"Yeah, I know." Ichigo nodded.
"See you tomorrow then." Uryuu said as he walked away.
"Aa, see you."
Ichigo closed the door and locked it. He made his way to Rukia and saw her on the couch, pulling her knees to her chest and her head hidden on her knees. He sighed lightly and averted his gaze from her. He couldn't say anything to her to give her peace of mind. He was feeling useless right now. He wanted to help her ease her pain and yet, he couldn't do anything.
Rukia noticed him standing, almost a few centimeters away from the couch. She gazed at him. She knew he wanted to help and at the same time, he wanted to know all about her so he will be able to. So, she decided. It was because she trusted him so much.
"You… you want to know my past?" Rukia asked quietly, not moving from her position. Just looking at him.
Ichigo looked at her in surprise. He searched for any doubt on her face and eyes but she was determined to tell him all about her, now.
"R-Rukia… Are you… sure?" he asked hesitantly.
Rukia smiled slightly and nodded. She patted the couch next to her, motioning Ichigo to sit next to her. Ichigo seemed to get the message and slowly walked and sat next to her.
"Ichigo, I'm just going to tell you this once so please listen."
"Rukia, why are you doing this?"
"Because, I believe in you."
Ichigo was surprised. She believed in him. Did she really mean it?
He sighed in defeat. I think whatever I say, she will still do this so all I need to do is to listen.
"Alright, I'll listen then."
Rukia smiled. "Okay, let's begin then, when I was in the Human world. I'm only ten years old back then. I was unconscious the whole time. But, when I woke up, I found myself lying on a bed and it was so warm. I didn't know where I am, But, I saw someone…"
[FLASHBACK]
"Thank goodness you're awake!" a boy with the age of thirteen said as he looked at her with a smile.
Rukia looked up at him and sat up. She leaned her back at the headboard of the bed. She looked around her.
"Where am I?" she asked.
"You're in the hospital. What happened to you? I saw you at the park, injured and bloody. It's horrible. You're lucky I saw you, if I hadn't you'd be dead by now." he explained.
Everything went back to her. The death of her parents, brothers and sister and the total breakdown of the whole Thyilea and Butterfly Society. She suddenly sobbed. The boy looked at her worriedly.
"W-what's wrong? Did I say something wrong? I'm sorry! I will not force you to say something. It's okay. Don't cry." He said, trying to soothe the sobbing girl.
Rukia seemed to relax because of his kind and gentle words. She wiped her tears away with her tiny hands.
"Anyway, I'm Byakuya. Shiro Byakuya. What is your name?" the boy asked.
"I'm Rukia. Kuchiki Rukia." She answered.
"Nice to meet you, Rukia. Are you feeling alright now?"
"Yes, I do. Thank you for saving me."
"You're welcome. Um… do you want us to call your family?" Byakuya offered.
Rukia looked at her hands on her lap. "T-that's not really necessary."
"Why is that?" Byakuya asked curiously.
Rukia trembled. "Be-because… they're gone. They're dead… all of them…" she replied, quietly sobbing.
Byakuya looked dumbfounded for a second there. He couldn't help but felt a tinge of pity for her. If what she said was true, she was alone in this world right now. She was still a little girl. She needed someone.
Soon, Rukia had fallen asleep again. Byakuya walked up to his parents.
"Mom, Dad." He approached.
"Byakuya, did she wake up already?" his mother asked.
"Hai… she did."
"Did she say something to you?" his father asked this time.
"S-she told me… that… her family… is dead…" he said sadly.
The couple was shocked and felt pity for the little girl. The couple looked at each other.
"Dear, we can't let her alone. We should take her in." Byakuya's mother said.
His father nodded. "You're right. We should and we would." He said as he looked at Byakuya. "Is this alright with you?"
Byakuya nodded. He was an only child that was why he would be happy to have a little sister to play with and to protect.
When Rukia woke up, they told her what they've decided and she agreed and was very grateful to them.
[END OF FLASHBACK]
"You had a foster family?" Ichigo asked her as she finished that part of the story.
"Yeah. They adopted me and I used their surname. They were a rich family here in Japan. When I was living with them, my life became a wonderful one. I almost forgot about my powers and my origin. I didn't tell them about that because I was afraid, that they might push me away. And I don't want that. But, unfortunately, they discovered it one day." She paused, taking a deep breath.
"We were on our way home from the park, when a group of gangsters, as Byakuya onii-chan stated, got in our way. They wanted to steal my father's car but they suddenly told us that they wanted me for a ransom or something like that. My parents were held up by a few men and my brother's life was at risked too because he was defending me and so, I wasn't able to control my powers. I kinda released it unconsciously and choked the gangsters to death. When they had known about it, they still treated me as if I am a normal human. They also promised that it would be a secret to protect me from people's judgments." She declared.
"I'm still surprised that it's just that easy for them to accept me for who I am but I'm really glad that they still accepted me as a true daughter of theirs." She said thoughtfully.
Ichigo continued to listen intently. So, she really used to be a normal human huh? He thought.
"But, I didn't really expect them to find me faster that I have expected. They came to our house one day, telling me to join Tomoki's force to help him rule the Thyilea and the whole Butterfly Society. I didn't accept it because I don't want to. I know that he just want my powers for his own sake and the Butterfly Society will be in deep chaos if he successfully got me so I stayed here. Tomoki sent many black soldiers from Thyilea to bring me back by force. My family tried their best to protect me." Rukia's bit her lip. "But, they were…"
Ichigo's eyes went wide.
Don't tell me… he thought, with a tinge of horror.
[FLASHBACK]
"We will not let you take her anywhere! She's staying here with us!" Shiro Atsuki, Byakuya's father, yelled angrily at the men wearing black cloaks who were trying to get Rukia to the Butterfly Society.
"You will never be able to protect her. She's different from you. She's a princess with monstrous powers. Those powers can kill you." Nanju Nami said as she walked towards them. "Now, princess, please come with us and no one will get hurt." She told Rukia who was hiding behind Byakuya.
"But I…" Rukia started and looked at the man with a white cloak like Nami had. He was looking blankly at her as if he didn't know her. "Nazure onii san… please help…" she begged. "I know that you can't betray our people. Your family, my family, Hisana onee-chan… You love her right? I know, I trust you. Please, I know you're just being forced to do this to me!" Rukia screamed at him. But, Nazure was not budging.
Nami laughed at her. "You're just wasting your time princess. Nazure is one of us now and he's the powerful general of Tomoki-sama right now. He's not the supposedly brother-in-law you had back then. He's totally different now. You couldn't do anything about it." she explained.
Rukia just looked at Nazure in disbelief. She couldn't believe this. She knew Nazure. He wouldn't just abandon the people he loves. She knew, he really does love her sister. She could see and feel it. Nazure was not that kind of person like Nami was saying. She was lying, wasn't she?
"Byakuya, take Rukia away. We'll deal with these people." Atsuki said.
"But…" Rukia tried to reason. She didn't want that murderous incident to happen again. She didn't want to lose her foster parents too, like what happened to her true family.
"Rukia, don't worry. Nothing's gonna happen. After this, everything's going to go back to normal." Shiro Mirika, Byakuya's mother, reassured the worried thirteen-year-old Rukia. "Now go with your brother and hurry. Byakuya, take her."
"Hai." Byakuya replied as he dragged Rukia upstairs and into the room. They saw the guards of the Shiro Family fight with the Butterfly Black Soldiers of Tomoki.
Sixteen-year-old Byakuya pushed Rukia inside of a wardrobe closet in his parents' room. That way, they will not be able to find her. After three years of living with them, Rukia learned how to suppress and hide her aura for her own safety.
"Rukia, stay here. I'm going to help Mom and Dad downstairs." He said.
"Onii-chan," Rukia said, tears were attempting to stream from her eyes.
Byakuya smiled. "Rukia, you need to live. If your brothers and sister sent you here, it's because they know that you're the only hope for your clan. They believe that you can do it. You can defeat that enemy of yours and return to the world you were raised in. Like them, Rukia, I believe in you too. So please be strong." He finished.
Rukia remembered the reminders her Kazu nii told her. 'Kia-chan, we need you to be strong, for Mother and Father and for all of the people here in Thyilea and Butterfly Society. Can you do that? Can you promise Kazu nii?'
Rukia let tears roll down her cheeks. 'That's right, my brothers and sister, even Mom, Dad and Byakuya Onii-chan wants me to be strong. And I need to be. For them.'
She nodded determinedly. Byakuya smiled at her. "So, don't get out of here until the surrounding's safe, okay? No matter what happens, stay here. Hide your aura and don't let a single of it leak out, understand?" he asked her.
Rukia nodded. Byakuya get out of the closet and closed it. When he was ready to go down, the door immediately opened and revealed Nami, who was holding up his parents' dead bodies. Byakuya stared at them in shock as Nami throw up their dead bodies on the floor. Byakuya was horrified but also angry about the death of his parents.
"Where is the princess?" Nami asked him calmly.
"Why would I tell you?" Byakuya shot back.
In the wardrobe, Rukia could see her foster parents' bodies on the floor. Her tears made its way on her cheeks. She looked at Byakuya worriedly. She was afraid that her brother will receive the same treatment her parents. She couldn't imagine what she would do if Byakuya died. She loves him so much.
"You don't want to talk, huh? I don't have time for this; I'll kill you right now!" Nami said as she thrust her sword in Byakuya's chest. Rukia watched in horror and her teary eyes went wide. She stifled a sob. She couldn't afford to get caught at a time like this, after her second family risked their lives to protect her. She couldn't let their efforts go to waste. She needs to be strong. She swore and she was going to keep it.
Byakuya's body lay down on the ground with a thud. His eyes drooped, looking at the closet. He smiled when he saw Rukia looking at him. He knew that she was going to be sad but, she needed to be strong and he knew that she will be able to keep her promise. He slowly closed his eyes and it never opened.
Nami looked around the room. She concentrated for the princess' aura, but to no avail. She was skilled in hiding it even though she was only thirteen. She was truly from the Kuchiki bloodline.
"Princess Rukia," she started, knowing that she can hear her wherever she was right now. "We will retreat this time, but, expect us to be back and we will be sure to force you even further to join Tomoki-sama's army." She said as she disappeared into thin air with Nazure and the rest of the black-cloaked men.
The place remained quiet, but was disturbed by Rukia's mournful sobbed as she moved out of the wardrobe and sat near her second family members' lifeless bodies.
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… Mom… Dad… Byakuya onii-chan… thank you for everything…" she said between sobs.
[END OF FLASHBACK]
Ichigo was hugging her right now. His right arm was around her shoulders and her head was on his chest. Her hands were clenching his polo shirt. She was trembling and sobbing softly. Ichigo's polo shirt was all wet because of her tears but he didn't mind. He just wanted her to let out all of her emotions right now.
Ichigo could feel it. Her pain, her sorrow, her sadness, all of it. He rubbed her back with his free hand, trying to calm her down. It seemed to calm her but, not enough to stop her tears.
"Ichigo…" she said when she relaxed a little.
"Hmm?" he asked.
"Thank you… thank you for being here… with me…" she said truthfully.
"Don't mention it. I just want to help you." Ichigo said.
"Ichigo, the story was not finish yet. There's another one I want to tell you." She whispered, slowly pulling herself away from his hug as she wiped away all of her tears.
"Rukia, you can do that some other time. You need to rest now." he replied worriedly.
"But…" she started but cut off when Ichigo grabbed her shoulders and stared at her hard.
"Don't worry, I'll stay. You can say it tomorrow, just listen to me for now and rest." He smiled.
Rukia looked at him. She could see the worried look in his eyes. She decided to listen and she sighed. She was feeling tired of crying anyway.
"Okay. If that's what you want." She replied.
Ichigo smiled with triumph. "I'll go home now." he said as he stood up from the couch.
Rukia stood up as well, leading him to the door. Once she opened the door, Ichigo walked outside.
"Take a rest okay?" he reminded.
Rukia nodded. "Okay. Um… thanks again…" she said, smiled slightly.
"It's alright." He said as he slowly walked towards the stairs.
"Take care." Rukia told him.
He just waved at her without looking back and disappeared down the stairs.
She went back inside and closed her door, locking it. She walked towards her room and closed the door behind. She lay down on her bed. She didn't even bother to change into her pajamas because of tiredness. She closed her eyes and thought of what happened today.
That's right, I already told someone about my horrifying past. She sighed.
They're very understanding, especially Ichigo. He's a nice friend. He reminds me of Kaien. She thought as she drifted into a deep sleep.
…..
It's a wonderful morning again. Rukia woke up early and get ready for school. It was still an hour before the class started so she decided to stay at the rooftop for some fresh air. She left her bag on her seat in the classroom and went to the rooftop.
She stood in front of the rooftop's fence, watching the students come in the school for a new day. She was feeling relieved after what happened the night before. She had been surprised at herself because she didn't expect that there were so many tears hidden within her for five years. Yes, she was troubled sometimes about that but she never cry over it, even once. Even, in front of Kaien, she never acted like that. Just in front of Ichigo. Another thought struck her.
That young man, Kurosaki Ichigo.
She didn't know who he really is. He was a human. But, there was something different about him. She couldn't explain that feeling but, she knew, it wasn't normal.
Rukia shook her head. It wasn't an important thing for now. All that matters was that he was there for her, and she was happy by just knowing that fact.
….
"Ohayou! Rukia-ch—" Orihime was cut off when she noticed that Rukia was not on her seat. She walked up to her desk and saw her bag under it. Ichigo stopped on his own desk and looked at Orihime after putting his bag at the side of his desk.
"Orihime?" Ichigo asked, wondering.
Orihime looked at him. "Rukia-chan, she's already here. Her bag is under her desk." She put a finger on her chin as if thinking. "Where could she be?" she asked to no one in particular.
Ichigo looked at her seat and an idea popped in his mind. He made his way out of the room when Orihime stopped him in his track.
"Ichigo!"
"I'm going to do something, see you later." He said and ran out of the room.
Orihime sighed and wondered. "What was that something that he need to do?" she asked herself. She suddenly smiled and, "Maybe she's searching for Rukia-chan?" she nodded her head in agreement.
"That's it, that's it." She giggled. I think my twin brother was already falling in love huh…?
She looked at the space where he was just from. Good for him. Anyways, they look cute when they're together and I can feel that they were meant for each other.
….
I think I know where she was. Ichigo thought as he ran upstairs. He was pretty sure that she was there. No doubt about it. He can feel it. He didn't know how but he was one hundred percent sure.
Ichigo opened the door towards the rooftop and saw who he was searching for. She was standing in front of the fence and looking down the school. He walked towards her. He was now standing behind her but she seemed to be lost in thought that she didn't notice him.
"Rukia." He said softly.
She jumped in surprised. Rukia looked behind and saw Ichigo looking at her. "Ichigo! You scared me!" she replied breathing heavily as she put her hand on her chest.
"Oh, sorry about that. You seemed to be so lost in thought and you didn't notice me so I decided to call you instead." He concluded.
"Sorry about that." She sighed and looked in front of her again. Ichigo stayed by her side and looked in front of him as well. There were a comfortable silence between them but was broken by Rukia.
"Ichigo, can I continue where I left off last night?" she whispered calmly, still looking in front of her.
He looked at her for a moment and looked back to where he was looking a while ago. "Are you sure?" he just simply replied.
"Yeah." She said flatly.
"Let's hear it then." He answered.
"Well," she started. "When my second family died, all of their properties were named after me, but not as Shiro Rukia but as Kuchiki Rukia. So, I changed my surname back to my original again. I sold the mansion we used to live in and used the money for buying a new apartment just enough for me. I am the only one who was living in it anyway. I earned the money they gave me for my future use. I even continued my studies then. A month after my family died, I came back to a new school, since my parents sent me to a private school. I wasn't really happy there so I transferred into a public school. I just want to be normal that's all." She paused and took a deep breath before continuing, "Anyways, when I transferred in my new school, I thought I will be alone, but… I'm wrong…"
[FLASHBACK]
"Okay class, you have a new classmate. Come in." her new adviser told her as she walked next to her and faced her new classmates. She was nervous because this will be the first time she will be hanging out with normal people. She was excited though.
She bowed and rose, facing her new classmates. "Nice to meet you all, my name is Kuchiki Rukia." She introduced.
After that, she sat on the desk behind the classroom because that was the only vacant seat. She felt so out of place within the class period. Finally, the bell rang announcing the time for lunch. She sighed as the students murmured among themselves. She prepared her bento and got it out of her bag when someone approached her.
"Hi, Kuchiki Rukia-chan!" a guy with brown hair told her as he grinned at her.
She looked at him and smiled awkwardly. "H-Hi… um…"
He grinned wider than usual. "My name's Hazuri Ryu. Ryu's just fine to me! Nice to meet you!" he said.
"N-nice to meet you too, Ryu-kun."
"Oh, don't be shy! I said Ryu's just fine!" he said still grinning at her.
"O… kay… Ryu…" she finally said, feeling very, very awkward.
He nodded in approval. Suddenly, a girl with a black hair approached them and hugged Ryu's right arm.
"Hi Rukia! I'm Ahiro Miyako! Please call me Miyako! I'm Ryu's girlfriend! Nice to meet you!" she said as she smiled at her.
"Hi to you too, M-Miyako. Nice to meet you too."
"Hey! Don't forget about me!" a guy with a black spiky hair said as he stopped in front of Rukia's desk. "Yo, Rukia! I'm Ahiro Kaien! Call me Kaien too, since you call these two by their names. Nice to meet you!" he said.
"He's my twin brother." Miyako said pointing at Kaien.
Rukia nodded. "Nice to meet you, Kaien…" she kindly said.
"Rukia, why don't you join us for lunch today?" Miyako said as she put her hands on Rukia's desk and looked at her.
"Uh… I'm not sure…"
"Why? Don't worry we're not going to eat you! Kaien looks like a monster but he's a good guy." Ryu said, pointing at Kaien.
"What did you say? I'm not the monster here! You're the monster!" Kaien shot back at him, glaring.
Ryu glared back. "Oh, hard to believe."
"WHAT IS THAT?! THAT'S IT! PREPARE TO GET KILLED!" Kaien said as he chased the running Ryu all the way to the rooftop.
Rukia was staring at the two who just left. 'What was that?' she thought.
"Don't mind them, they're just good friends. Come on, let's go." Miyako told her.
Rukia nodded and followed her to the rooftop.
….
"So, Rukia, where did you come from?" Miyako asked as she ate her bentou.
Rukia looked up at her from her own bentou. "Um… this is my hometown." She answered.
"Really? How come I don't see you so often? I love outdoors you know. I also know all about what happens outdoors so I'm kinda surprised that I don't see you back then you know." Ryu explained.
"Um… maybe because I didn't really love outdoors like you do." She simply replied back.
"I see." Ryu nodded.
"So, tell us about your family then!" Miyako suddenly chirped.
Rukia stopped eating suddenly and said nothing. She was looking at her bentou on her lap silently. The three looked at each other, wearing worried faces before looking at her.
"Rukia… did I say something wrong?" Miyako asked.
Rukia gently shook her head but didn't look at her, or any of them. "Rukia-chan? Are you alright?" Ryu asked when he noticed her trembling slightly.
Rukia got a hold of herself when Kaien put a hand on her shoulder. "Is there a problem regarding your family?" he asked.
She didn't know what to say. She wasn't planning on letting them know what happened about her second family and her true identity so she replied. "I… I'm sorry…"
"Why are you apologizing? We're just asking you." Kaien said calmly.
"Rukia-chan, can you tell us?" Ryu asked.
"Do you have a fight with your family or something?" Miyako inquired.
"That's impossible," Rukia replied.
"Why? It was possible in a family to have fight and misun—" Miyako was cut off when Rukia whispered,
"Because… I don't have a family…"
The three stared at her shockingly. Is that true?
Rukia continued to stare at her bentou. She didn't really expect that her bentou will be interesting.
"Rukia, I… I'm sorry… I just… didn't know…" Miyako trailed off looking guilty.
Rukia finally looked at her. "Don't worry, I'm fine, you don't have to apologize. I'm sorry for acting like that." She apologized, looking at the three of them and smiled.
The three saw her sadness despite her smile. They didn't know what to say to make her feel comfortable with them, but they were planning on cheering her up.
"You know, Rukia-chan… I'm a soccer player! My team became the champion last year in the Annual Soccer Competition!" Ryu suddenly said, getting excited.
Rukia looked up at him. "Really?"
Ryu nodded.
"You're great, Ryu." She said.
"Of course! You know, my dream is to be a pro-soccer player!" he said, grinning at her widely.
"With your confidence, I'm sure you'll fulfill it." Rukia whispered, smiling at him.
"I want to be a singer Rukia! I also play piano and guitar!" Miyako piped in.
"I know how to play piano too. Only a little though." She said.
"Let's play sometime together then!" Miyako grinned.
"Yeah."
"Hey! You're forgetting me again! Rukia! I'm a baseball player! And I'm the captain of the Baseball club!" Kaien said proudly.
Rukia smiled at them. "That was cool!"
"Thanks!" he replied.
"Rukia, you should join the piano club after school! That way, we will be together!" Miyako said.
"Okay. I'll join." She answered.
"Yay! Finally, I've had some girl company. It's very troublesome to have guys around you always." She complained, looking at the two guys.
"Why? You had a problem with that?" The two guys asked in unison.
"Not really. Just getting bored." Miyako said.
"Getting bored?" Kaien asked.
"Yeah. I don't have anyone to talk about something deep. Something like that."
"You had me." Ryu said.
"But a girl like me will understand better." She reasoned. "Ne, Rukia?" she asked as she looked at Rukia.
"Y-yeah…" Rukia nodded.
"I don't really understand why you are my sister." Kaien complained.
Miyako laughed.
[END OF FLASHBACK]
"Upon learning about my family, they cheered me up. I never thought I would have such friends like them. But, of course I didn't tell them about my powers…" she paused and took a deep breath. "But, I think fate was really playing at me, and they soon learned about it." she said.
"How?" Ichigo asked.
"Well… we're on our way back from our field trip. It was three months later after I transferred to that school. We were attacked. I don't have a choice but to fight. The bus had stopped and so I left the bus and ran away from it. I fought the black soldiers in the forest. After that, I just noticed their presence, and I just realized then that they followed me."
"What happened then? What did they say to you?" Ichigo asked softly.
"At first, they stepped back away from me when I tried to reach them. I thought that they were afraid of me. But, they told me instead that 'they were my friends and they will accept me for who I am. And whatever past I have.' They also said that they'd help me." She said.
"They were really good friends huh…" Ichigo said, looking up at the sky.
Rukia nodded and gazed at the sky with a nostalgic smile.
"After a year, Kaien and I came to realize that our feelings for each other were getting deeper and deeper as days passed by. And so, one day, he confessed to me and told me he loves me."
Ichigo looked at her, surprised by her words. He was getting curious about this 'Kaien' guy. What past did Rukia had with him? Did she love him back?
"You… Did you…" Ichigo trailed off.
Rukia sighed. "I told him that I love him too." She whispered, but loud enough for Ichigo to hear.
"Oh… so… the two of you became together?" Ichigo asked uneasily.
Rukia nodded slowly. "We became happy as the years passed. We got in the same class when we reach our sophomore year. But, some bad nightmare happened…" she paused. "He… and Ryu… the two of them… they…"
[FLASHBACK]
Rukia and her friends were on their way home from watching a movie. The four of them were busily chatting about the movie when Rukia felt some kind of strong aura coming towards them. It was so strong it gave her chills. The three noticed her silence and asked,
"What's wrong, Rukia?" Kaien asked as he put a hand on her shoulder.
"Kaien, Ryu, Miyako… you three need to get out of here now."
"Why? Another attack will come this way?" Ryu asked.
"Yeah, I felt an aura and it's strong this time. You'll get in the crossfire so please leave."
"What are you talking about? We're not stupid to leave you here all alone you know." Kaien complained.
"That's right, and besides, we promised to help so we'll stay." Miyako said. The three of them gave her their best smiles.
"Everyone…" Rukia said and felt the aura getting closer and closer until she saw who she was.
"You again?" Rukia's face hardened.
"Long time no see, Princess." The woman said as she faced Rukia and her friends.
"Nanju Nami." Rukia said.
"You remembered me." She said grinning evilly.
"How could I forget? The person who killed my second family?" she retorted. The three teens gasped upon knowing that this woman was the one who killed Rukia's family here in the Human World.
"Oh, new friends..? Sorry, Princess Rukia… I think you should say goodbye to them now." Nami said.
"Don't you dare touch them!" Rukia yelled angrily.
"Oh no little princess. I won't be the one who will kill them… but you…" Nami replied grinning evilly and disgustingly.
"Wha—" Rukia was cut off when she felt a new sensation filled her insides. She was surrounded by a red light and instinctively, she closed her eyes.
"RUKIA!" Kaien yelled behind. He couldn't do anything but watched. Watched as his girlfriend was getting beaten by this evil butterfy.
Soon, the red light disappeared and Rukia stood up and turned around to face her friends.
"Rukia…" Kaien trailed off.
Rukia opened her eyes and they gasped upon seeing her eyes which was now a different color. The usual gentle purple orbs was now a dark red color. She didn't say anything and attacked them but luckily, the three dodged with Ryu dragging Miyako away.
"Rukia! What's with you?!" Miyako yelled.
"She's being controlled!" Kaien shouted.
"EH?!" Ryu exclaimed.
"Rukia! Snap out of it!" Miyako tried to wake her up from her trance.
Nami just laughed at them. "That's useless. You're just wasting your time. She couldn't hear you. You won't reach her." she explained.
"You're wrong! Rukia would never hurt us!" Miyako yelled angrily.
"Oh really? I don't think so. Rukia." She ordered.
Rukia used her water element and said, "Water Ice Talismans, activate." Small pointed talismans made of ice surrounded her and made their way to Ryu and Miyako. Ryu protected her and Miyako gasped.
She saw Ryu was hit by the talismans in different parts of his body. Kaien was totally shocked too.
Ryu fell down on the ground with a loud thud and Miyako immediately crawled near him.
"Ryu! Ryu wake up! Please!" she begged, crying her heart out.
"Mi… yako… I… I love…. You… Rukia… s… save her… she's… my best… friend…" he said and he closed his eyes. It never opened again.
Miyako cried harder. She loves him so why did this has to happen? Why did he need to die like this?
Kaien looked at Rukia and saw her charged at him. He tried to call out to her, but to no avail. She send a strong gust of wind to Kaien and he started to gasp for air.
Miyako looked at her twin brother. "Kaien! Rukia please! Don't kill him! Snap out of it! Please!" she yelled but too late.
"Ru… kia… I… love… you…" Kaien stuttered before he fell onto the ground with a loud thud.
Miyako stared at his brother's body. "No… Ryu… and my brother… they… Rukia… she killed them… I couldn't believe this…is happening right now…" she said as she cried out again.
Rukia made her way to Miyako and just as she was going to hurt her, she stayed back. Rukia was fighting it.
When she regained consciousness, she gasped loudly. She saw Ryu's body in front of the crying Miyako, his body covered with fresh blood and deep wounds. Her water talismans were still in his body. She felt the tears gathered in her eyes. "What happened? Did I lose control? Did I…" she trailed off when she turned around and saw him. Him, lying on the ground.
"K-Kaien…" she said as she made her way towards him and sat down next to him. She held him tight in her arms. She felt that his heart was beating no more and so she let the tears in her eyes fell down on her cheeks. She hugged him as she cried. "Kaien… I'm sorry… I didn't…"
Nami, who was watching the whole time, laughed and said, "Nice one Princess Kuchiki Rukia. You actually killed the most important people in your life. You're such a monster you know." She continued to laugh.
'I'm a monster…' she thought darkly.
She unconsciously released a strong gust of wind towards Nami and she wasn't able to dodge. Rukia's wind element was stronger than usual because of her feelings right now. She wanted to kill Nanju Nami so badly for controlling her like that and killing her own best friend and boyfriend.
Nami wasn't able to escape death and she lost her breath a short time because of Rukia's strongest technique.
When her body dissolved into thin air, Rukia left Kaien on the ground again to make her way to a crying Miyako, still hugging Ryu.
"Miyako, I… I'm sorry… I didn't…" she was cut off by Miyako.
"Shut up! You did this! You killed the two people important to me!" she yelled at her.
"Rukia, I thought you were my friend! I trusted you and yet, you betrayed me!"
"Miyako I…"
"Don't you dare show your face again to me! I don't want to see you anymore! You're a monster! I hate you!"
Rukia couldn't say anything to retort. What would she say? She was right. She was the one who killed Ryu and Kaien and that fact will never change.
'Not only had I lost Ryu and Kaien… I lost Miyako too. I was the one who ruined our friendship… it's my fault… I'm a murderer… I can never forgive myself…'
[END OF FLASHBACK]
Rukia's tears fell down her cheeks silently. Her face was hidden by her hair and she was gripping her left arm with her right hand so hard as her body trembled.
"Rukia…" Ichigo managed to say. He really hated to see her like this. To see her tremble like this. To see her cry like this.
He placed his both hands on her opposite shoulders and forced her to face him. She looked up at him. Her face was full of tears. He hated to see it. He wanted to ease her pain even for a short moment. He unconsciously put a hand from her shoulder to her cheeks and wiped her tears gently. He slowly leaned in and brushed her trembling lips with his.
Rukia's mind couldn't process what was happening at first. She was thinking about the past and then suddenly Ichigo had just kissed her! But, all she knew was that she kind of likes it. She felt warmth inside of her and she forgot the reason why she was crying or why she was trembling so hard a while ago.
Because of Ichigo's presence, she felt safe. She felt home.
Ichigo, meanwhile, was cursing himself. Why did he kiss her? He was such an idiot! He was planning on breaking up the kiss, but Rukia kissed him back!
EH!
After what it seemed like forever, the two broke up the kiss to gasp for air. But, both of them blushed madly and turned their gaze away from each other.
Moment of silence engulfed them until the bell, concluding the start of the class, rang. The two brought out of their own trances.
"Let's go…" Ichigo whispered as he walked to the door of the rooftop. Rukia nodded even though he didn't see it and followed behind him.
Awkward… the two of them thought as they make their way to their classroom.
-END OF CHAPTER FIVE-
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Oh, Ichigo and Rukia's first kiss. Is that moment sweet? I don't know what to think about it. So please REVIEW soon.
I also noticed that this is probably my longest chapter? 11,283 words? I think it's because of the flashbacks? HAHAHA.
Preview for the Next Chapter:
What's with the new enemy? Oh, and there's a new ally too! Who might they be? Do they know our main characters? A true fight starts next time so please stay with me!
-Chapter Six: Ally-