Title: Our Love Towards the Future
Anime: Bleach
Pairing: IchiRuki, IshiHime, HitsuHina, OCsxOCs
Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Family, Fantasy
Original date start and end: May 18, 2010 – April 2012
Revised date start and end: April 30, 2020 – present
2010 Version Featured song: Wish by Sowelu (D. Gray Man ending ost)
2020 Version Featured song: Subarashiki Sekai (Wonderful World) by Arashi
Summary: To save the downfall of their clan, Kuchiki Rukia, a princess from another realm, was sent by her older siblings at the age of ten to the Human World to escape. With her powers, she is the hope of their Kingdom. After five years, she met the Kurosaki twins, who she didn't expect to help her in her crisis. Could she accept them despite losing everything in the span of five years because of her tremendous power? —IchiRuki and IshiHime—
Notes: This is my very first purely English language story and my first fanfiction posted in . I created that account actually to solely post this. Its title ten years ago is "My Love Your Love All the Way to Our Future".
Although I have a copy of the chapters, the last two chapters were missing now and I cannot remember what I had written so to those who remembered the ending, don't expect it to be the same. I already had an idea of what should I end this with. I hope it will be to your liking. Chapters were being edited especially some lines and grammatical errors. I already posted the Prologue and the first five chapters in the span of two days. I finished editing until chapter eleven as of the moment. Chapter twelve is still on hold now since it wasn't finished. The second half was missing. I'll do my best though.
I'm really hoping you would like this. Please don't forget to read and review. Thank you so much!
Disclaimer: Bleach Kubo Tite. Fanfiction story Mari Kia Aishiteru.
…
OUR LOVE TOWARDS THE FUTURE
By: Mari Kia Aishiteru
SIX: Ally
Ichigo and Orihime sat on the chair in front of the table to eat their lunch. It was Saturday and the two were busy finishing their algebra homework for almost twenty four hours. They were partnered up by their teacher using a draw lots. Since they were forty-seven, one of them had no partner and that was Rukia.
She just nodded and told them that it was okay if she was doing it alone. The twins woke up around eleven in the morning because they were up doing it until seven in the morning. They were helping each other but they couldn't really get it. Because of that, they were really tired and hungry so they immediately got in the kitchen when they were called by their mother.
"Ichigo, Orihime, why are you both dressed up? You're going somewhere?" their mother asked, eating her lunch too. She sat across Ichigo.
"Actually, we're planning on going to Rukia-chan's place today. We will help her do the homework. She didn't have any partner so we like to lend her a hand." Orihime explained.
"Hmm." Masaki nodded. "You're very understanding, you two." She smiled.
Orihime giggled. "Thanks mom."
"Oh, I have an idea. Would you tell Rukia to have dinner here tonight? I just want to see her again." Masaki inquired.
"That's nice! We're going to tell her later mom." Orihime said while Ichigo was still eating his lunch.
Soon, the two left their house with their algebra notes in their bags. They're planning on doing that stupid homework with Rukia. They spent until morning to just finish that but they weren't able to finish it!
Rukia had no idea. The twins were planning on surprising her.
"Maybe she will get surprised by our sudden appearance!" Orihime said excitedly as they approached Rukia's apartment.
Ichigo just shrugged his shoulders and followed his excited and giggling twin sister upstairs.
….
"It's done, finally…" Rukia told herself as she looked at her masterpiece. She changed the appearance of her apartment. She sold her other appliances because she doesn't really use it and it's such a waste of space in the apartment. She also bought some new dress and clothes. Her old dresses and clothes were now very tight for her and she didn't want it so she decided to buy new ones.
Right in front of the genkan revealed her living room with a large blue-leathered couch, on its left were two blue-leathered solo chairs, placed next to each other. In front of the couch where table and five centimeters from it was a television set.
Rukia decided to take a shower first before eating lunch. While taking a shower, Rukia couldn't stop thinking about what happened this past week. She told Ichigo and Uryuu about her past and she told Ichigo about Kaien.
Unconsciously, she placed a finger on her lips as she thought of Ichigo's soft lips when it touched hers. She couldn't forget that feeling. The warmth his lips gave her when she was crying. She couldn't deny this and she knew it.
She was falling in love with Kurosaki Ichigo.
She never experienced this feeling before. Not even with Kaien being her boyfriend for two years. She only felt this way with Ichigo. He was very gentle. He was always there for her and willing to help her.
Was it possible that he also feels the same way as her right now?
She sighed.
After an hour, Rukia dressed up with her newly bought white sleeve dress with a black ribbon around its waist. It was simple but for Rukia, it was beautiful. She loves blue and white colors after all. She hated pink and red the most. Well, there was a pretty obvious reason, because pink and red resembled blood. So, she didn't want it. Actually, she hated it.
After changing her clothes, she went to her kitchen and prepared her cup noodles. She ate it while watching television in her new living room.
A few moments later, her doorbell rang. She threw her finished cup noodles in the trash can of her kitchen and went to her door to answer whoever it was. She opened it and was surprised to see the Kurosaki twins staring at her.
"Hi! Rukia-chan!" Orihime greeted happily.
"Oh, hi, Orihime, Ichigo… what can I help you with?" she asked as she opened the door wider for them to get inside. When Orihime walked in, Ichigo greeted Rukia with a whisper.
"Hi, Rukia." He whispered, looking straight ahead. He didn't even glance at her.
"Hi." She replied back.
He continued walking inside while Rukia closed her door and locked it. She walked in and saw the two sitting on her new couch. She smiled and walked towards them.
"Would you like something to drink?" she inquired.
"No, we're fine." Orihime said. "You changed your apartment huh? It's beautiful." She asked kindly, looking around in amusement.
Rukia smiled. "Thanks." She sat on the solo chair near Orihime. "Why are you two here then?" she asked.
"Well, we're here to help you with that Algebra Homework. You don't have a partner right? So, we just thought that we might as well help you with it." She explained while grinning.
"You don't really have to do that, I just finished it last night." Rukia said.
"Eh?! Really?" Orihime inquired in surprise.
"Yeah. It's pretty easy for me."
"You're very smart aren't you? We stayed up all night and day to finish it but we weren't able to. Can you help us instead?" Orihime said with bright eyes.
Rukia smiled. "Sure."
They started working on their homework. Rukia helped them by showing them how to do it from time to time. But, it was just Orihime who she was helping and not Ichigo.
Soon, Rukia suddenly whispered something but the twins heard it.
"Oh, crap. I forgot."
"What is?" Orihime asked curiously.
"My jacket. Remember the white jacket I gave to Ishida-san for him to sew? I promised him that I'll get it today in his house." Rukia explained.
"There is still tomorrow. Why are you worrying about it too much?" Ichigo finally asked, not leaving his eyes out of his homework.
"When the night arrived, it's pretty cold here so I used it so I won't get cold." She answered.
"I'll get it then." Orihime volunteered.
"But—" Rukia was cut off by Orihime.
"It's fine!" she said as she stood up from her seat. "I'll be back shortly." She waved as she walked out, opened and closed the door.
Ichigo and Rukia were the only ones in Rukia's apartment. Alone. The two of them didn't know what to say to each other. After that incident, with Ichigo kissing Rukia's lips, he avoided Rukia. Rukia knew why. They began to feel awkward in the living room. After what it seemed like eternity, Ichigo finally spoke.
"Rukia."
"Y-yeah?" she asked, heart beating fast when she heard Ichigo's voice.
"My mother wants to invite you for dinner tonight. Coming?" he said, looking down on his notes.
"Y-Yeah. Sure. I want to see her again anyway." she answered nervously.
There was a long silence between them again.
Then…
"I'm sorry." Rukia heard him say. She was sitting on the solo chair while Ichigo's on the floor, in front of the glass table.
"For what?"
"For… what happened the other day. Sorry about that."
Rukia sighed and stood up. She sat next to him making him startled. She looked at him and gave him a small smile.
"Don't mention it. It's fine"
"B-But…"
"Please. Let's be friends again."
He nodded slowly, agreeing with her idea. Rukia grinned at him and he returned it with a smile. He was relieved now that their 'awkwardness' was over.
"Now that was solved, will you please help me with this darn homework?" Ichigo asked suddenly.
"You mean, you just apologized because you want me to help you?" she asked back instead of answering.
Ichigo smiled awkwardly. Rukia sent him a glare but smiled shortly and nodded.
"Sure. What item?" She asked looking over at his notes.
"The third one." He replied, pointing on the third item.
"Oh, that's pretty easy. This is what you'll do…"
….
DING DONG!
Ishida Uryuu opened his apartment door upon hearing his doorbell rang.
"Hi… Ishida-kun!" she greeted with a smile.
"Uh… H-hi… Orihime…" he replied, stuttering. His heart began to beat faster than ever, especially seeing her smile like that.
What's happening to me?! Am I really falling in love with her?
"What are you doing here? Do you need something?" he asked politely.
"You see, Rukia-chan forgot to get her jacket from you. I volunteered to get it because she's helping Ichigo with our algebra homework."
"O-Okay. I-I have it now. Come in first, it's in my room." He said as he opened the door wider for her to come inside. She nodded and moved inside.
She sat on his couch in the living room while he moved to get Rukia's jacket. After a few minutes, he went out and walked to Orihime, handing her a plastic bag with the jacket inside.
"Thanks." Orihime said. "You're really good at this Ishida-kun. I'm kind of jealous." She said as she inspected Rukia's newly sewn jacket with a giggle.
Uryuu blushed. "N-not really. But thanks for the compliment, Orihime."
Orihime blushed furiously as she heard him call her by her given name. Maybe I'm really falling for him. She thought.
"U-um, I'm going now." she said as she stood up from the couch, Uryuu standing in front of her.
"Okay…" Uryuu replied disappointedly.
When Orihime took a step, she tripped at the mat on the floor so she fell down in front and bumped into Uryuu. They both landed on the floor with a loud thud, with Orihime on top of Uryuu. They stared at each other and felt that both of them leaning their faces closer than usual.
She didn't really know how it happened but all she knew now was Uryuu was kissing her lips passionately. His eyes were closed so she also did the same. It felt so good that she didn't want him to stop. Never.
Uryuu was cursing at himself right now. How did this happen? Why was he kissing her like this? If her twin brother learned about this, he'll be dead for sure. But, for now, it wasn't important anymore. He was kissing the girl he loves the most in his life so who cares? He was going to enjoy this moment before his doom.
They stayed like that for what it seemed to be an eternity. But, all good things end right? And so, the two broke the kiss to get some air. They looked at each other's eyes. That was when Orihime noticed the situation they were in. She gasped in surprise and stood up immediately, Uryuu followed suit.
They just kept silent for awhile before Orihime walked towards the door and said, "Um… see you in school. Bye." She walked out the door and closed it.
Uryuu felt like he wants to kill himself. She was going to hate him now! He became so aggressive that she got scared of him. Uryuu sat on the couch and punch the couch's arm.
"Darn it!" he yelled angrily, punching his couch.
…..
"Father, can I go to the Human World?" Shizuri asked his father.
"Why would you want to go there?" his father, Kuroki Tomoki asked curiously, looking at his son from head to toe.
"Father, I want to test Princess Rukia's newly improved powers! This will be a good advantage for you, to know her weakness. I'll search for her weaknesses so you will be able to be relieved when you need to fight her! Please father, let me fight her." He pleaded.
Tomoki sighed. No matter what he says, his son would never listen. If he wanted to do something, he would do it. He was so stubborn after all.
"Alright, I'll let you. But, be careful. Don't spend a lot of fun." He reminded.
Shizuri smiled warmly. "Hai! I understand!" He bowed before his father and left his room.
I need to go somewhere first before the Human world. He thought as he smiled evilly.
…..
Orihime walked at the street, holding the jacket she got from Uryuu for Rukia. She was lost in thought and her heart was beating so fast still because of what happened a while ago. She unconsciously touched her lips with her finger and remembered his lips against hers.
Good thing he didn't deepened the kiss. If he did, I might as well lose my mind! And something much worst would happen! Ichigo will surely kill him if he learns about this. There's no doubt about it. She thought worriedly.
Did he like me too? she continued her train of thought as she makes her way to Rukia's apartment.
….
Shizuri walked in a small hallway located under the castle of Thyilea. He spotted five black soldiers guarding the place. They bowed at him and he simply nodded, continuing his quest.
He stopped in front of a large gate with big chains serving as its lock. There were two big black soldiers guarding the gate. They greeted him.
"Your highness, what can we help you with?" one of them asked.
"I want to see the prisoner. Open the gate." He ordered.
The two guards nodded. "Yes sir."
The two of them faced the chains and touched it, releasing a power and the chains dissolved. Soon, the gate opened automatically. They gave way for the prince to walk in.
As he was inside, the gate closed on its own. Shizuri smiled as he saw a woman; nearly age was twenty two, sat on the bed, facing him. She was deathly glaring at him. He just smiled wider, ignoring her glare. She stood up, and walked towards him. Her arms crossed against her chest.
"What the hell are you doing here?" she asked him.
"Nothing really. Just want to let you know some development outside while you're in here. You know, about Princess Rukia." He said mockingly.
She gasped in surprise, hearing the youngest princess' name. She soon regained her composure and asked, "What about her?"
"My father continued the hunting. Two weeks ago." He replied.
"WHAT?" She screamed.
Shizuri laughed at her sudden reaction. "Don't worry; she still didn't want to join us. She's pretty stubborn like you, Princess Hisana." He said.
Hisana glared at him but thinking worriedly about her younger sister. It had been five years since the reign of Tomoki in Thyilea and the Butterfly Society and since she last saw her. She didn't know what happened to her when she arrived in the Human World. But, for some reason, she could feel it. She was doing fine as of the moment and she was in good hands. Maybe it was because of their siblings' blood. She knew Nazure would never do something to hurt her sister. She trusted him so much.
She faced Shizuri once again when he spoke again. "You know, I am going to the Human world today."
Hisana suddenly felt something bad was going to happen to her dear little sister.
"Why would you do that?" she asked.
"I just want to test her powers, that's all. I want to see with my own eyes if she successfully controlled all of the four elements." He explained. He looked at her grinning evilly. "You want to ask me to tell or give her something? This is your chance, Princess Hisana." He said.
Hisana seemed to think for a while but she suddenly pulled off her silver necklace with a blue teardrop-like pendant and tossed it to him. He caught it with ease and looked at it. He looked at her after that.
"Give that to her. And tell her that, I'm alive and don't worry about me." She stated seriously.
Shizuri smirked and nodded, putting the necklace inside his red haori. "Sure thing." He said as he turned away from her. "I'm going now. Nice to see you again, my dear Princess. Hope you don't die yet." he said with a smirk and a wave.
Hisana glared angrily as he saw him walked out of her prison cell and the door closed. She walked towards her bed and lay down on it.
Rukia, I hope you really receive my necklace and please, take care of it. It was the source of my power after all. I'll wait for you until you come here. She thought as she drifted off to sleep.
….
The three were making their way to the Kurosaki household, with Rukia because of the dinner. The two girls were walking next to each other, talking about various things and Ichigo didn't want to hear it so he walked behind them. When they reached a vacant lot just two blocks away, Rukia felt something from it. She felt it before. She turned her face on the vacant lot, stopping in her tracks. Her eyes were wide.
Ichigo and Orihime looked at her, and asked, "Rukia-chan, what's wrong?" Orihime asked, worrying about her again. She always got lost in her own thoughts these past few days.
"Rukia, what is it?" Ichigo asked her as he touched her shoulder with his hand. Rukia turned around to face him. "Ichigo… I…" that sentence was left incomplete when she felt a direct aura and she knew that what was coming was bad. Really, really bad.
"Watch out!" Rukia pushed the twins at the nearby wall. There was an explosion and the ground where they were standing a while ago was now destroyed. Orihime stared at the destroyed ground, clueless about what was happening. Ichigo was looking at Rukia and to the destroyed ground.
Don't tell me… they've made a comeback again… he thought.
He's here! But, why now? Orihime's here. She will be caught in the crossfire! Arrrggghhhh!!!!! DAMN IT!!!! What should I do now? Rukia thought but, she didn't have enough time to think because the person she was talking about stood before them. She stared at him with wide eyes.
"W-What was happening?" Orihime asked as she tugged Ichigo's arm. She hugged it tightly in her arms.
Ichigo felt her twin sister's body tensed up. He understood her feelings right now, because she was clueless about this. He hugged her to him and rubbed her back.
"Don't worry." He whispered. "You'll be safe with me."
Orihime smiled, hearing her brother's reassuring words in her ear. "I know Ichigo, I know. But, who is that guy?" she asked, pulling herself off his hug and looking at the guy before them.
"I don't know either." He replied. Is he an enemy?
"Long time no see, Princess Kuchiki Rukia." The man with red haori and black hakama stated, looking mischievously at the youngest Kuchiki princess before him. "I've never seen you for five years."
Rukia stood in front of the twins, shielding them from this man. His aura felt so stronger than five years ago. She thought. But, what should I do now? I need to get the twins out of here. But, how will I do that? I'm sure that they won't leave easily, especially Ichigo. This is getting out of hand!
"What do you want with me, Shizuri? Did your father sent you?" she asked, trying to act calm.
Ichigo wondered curiously. "Father? What did you mean Rukia? Who is that guy?" he asked.
Shizuri looked at Ichigo. He smirked. "Curious of me, human? I could see that you already knew of Princess Rukia's past. I am Kuroki Shizuri. Kuroki Tomoki's son, who killed Princess Rukia's family members." He said flatly.
Rukia bowed her head upon remembering those horrible past. She clenched her fists.
Ichigo glared deathly at him. He's the son of the man who killed Rukia's parents and siblings. The one who brought her deep pain and sadness… He clenched his fists in anger.
Orihime didn't even have a clue on what was happening but all she knew was that this man would bring them danger.
Rukia looked at Shizuri and asked again. "Why.are.you.here? Did your father sent you here to drag me back again?"
Shizuri laughed. "He did not. I volunteered myself. I want to see you myself..." He replied. "…and to test your powers." He said seriously as he disappeared before her suddenly.
Rukia gasped.
Is that… flash step? she thought. She looked around her, remembering the twins were still in there. She looked at them and decided to…
"Rukia-chan?" Orihime wondered about Rukia's seriousness. This was the first time she saw that face of hers.
Rukia raised her hand in front of her towards the twins and said, "Water barrier, activate!"
The twins were surrounded by a cube blue wall. They were inside the cube. They touched it and they had different things in their minds right now.
What is this thing? Why did Rukia-chan enclose us in here? How did she do it anyway? She thought.
Rukia's doing this because she didn't want us to get in the crossfire. She's protecting us! She's… Ichigo paused, looked at her as she stared back at him. …protecting me!
I should be the one doing that, you idiot! He thought angrily as his face hardened.
Suddenly, there was a blue circle light that was coming towards the twins in great speed. There was no time to react!
The strong blue light reached its target. There was an explosion where the twins were standing. When the smoke cleared, Rukia saw Ichigo shielding his sister from the unexpected impact.
"How come we didn't die?" Orihime asked dumbly. She looked around her and still sees the blue barrier. "The blue wall… protected us…" she whispered.
Rukia looked at the twins who were now standing. They fell from the sudden impact.
"Just as I expected, you're planning to attack them! I'm right, am I?" she yelled, knowing that the person she was talking to will reveal himself to her that instant.
Shizuri appeared behind Rukia and she turned around to face him. "Yes, but, you think faster than I thought." He laughed.
"They had nothing to do with this! Leave them alone!" she yelled at him.
He laughed again. "You're like your sister."
Rukia glared at him. "Don't you dare talk about her." She said threateningly. "I won't let you mock her."
"Oh, really? You're such a wonderful little sister! Speaking of her…" he paused, reaching inside his haori.
Rukia, don't be so careless… Ichigo thought as he looked at her. Orihime noticed this and her curiosity was eating her to death!
"Ichigo… what's going on?"
"I don't know…" he said without looking at her.
"Ichigo, I know that you know something. What is it? What is she? Who is she really?" Orihime asked seriously.
Ichigo looked at her and saw how serious she was. He sighed. There was no way he will be able to hide the truth from his twin sister after all.
"Okay… I'll tell you then."
After such a story, Orihime finally understood the situation Rukia was in. She felt bad for her. But, at the same time, admired her for her strength. After what happened to her, she still stood up and fought. She was really an amazing woman.
They looked back at her and watched as the man moved to get something from his haori. He smirked. He looked back at Rukia.
"You recognize this?" he asked as he showed her a necklace.
Rukia gasped and started to trembled angrily, because of rage and sadness. "W-where did you find that?" she asked.
"Oh, little princess was angry? Why? Is it because you think I stole your beloved sister's necklace?" he asked mockingly.
Ichigo and Orihime gasped at the same time except that Orihime placed her hands on her mouth.
"Her…" Orihime began.
"… sister…" Ichigo finished. He looked at the trembling Rukia and saw her emotions being released again. "Rukia…"
Rukia glared at the man before her. "How come you have it?"
Shizuri smirked and tossed the object towards her. She caught it with ease and held it in her palm tightly.
"She personally asked me to give that to you." He said.
"What?" Rukia gasped. "If that's true then she's…"
"Yes. She's alive."
The three gasped and was shocked upon learning the news. Rukia was the first one who recovered from the shocking news and asked,
"Are you really thinking that I'm stupid? Do you really think that I'll believe you? I saw her with my own eyes! I saw how… how your evil father killed her! So that would be impossible!" she yelled. Tears welling up in her eyes again but she tried her best to hold it back.
Shizuri smirked. "I know you'd say that. Why don't you feel the necklace? I'm sure you'll feel her living aura in it."
Rukia glared at him but complied nonetheless. She held the necklace close to her, tightly as if her life depended on it. She gasped, her eyes went wide and the tears freely fall down her cheeks.
"It's true… my sister's alive…" she whispered between quiet sobs. But the twins heard her. They looked at her sympathetically.
If my sister was alive, she's in Thyilea… I need to save her… she thought suddenly. She raised her head, wiping away the tears on her cheeks. She hid the necklace in her pocket and looked at Shizuri determinedly. She will never let herself be beaten by this guy. She will defeat him and save her sister.
"Rukia!" she heard Ichigo call her name. She turned around to look at him and Orihime. She saw Orihime smiling at her.
Maybe Ichigo already told her… she thought. She saw Ichigo was looking seriously at her. He's worried… She smiled. "Don't worry. I'll be fine." she said, smiling at them. The two nodded.
"Don't you dare die, Kuchiki Rukia." Ichigo reminded her.
Rukia grinned at him. "Of course." She replied.
She looked back at Shizuri when she saw Ichigo gave her a small smile.
"You're going to pay." She said.
"Really? Bring it on." Shizuri replied.
Rukia smirked and disappeared, using the same technique Shizuri used earlier. All of the trained Butterflies could do that technique after all. Rukia appeared behind him and tried to punch him with her hands surrounded with her strong wind element, but Shizuri dodged it. He reached for her legs and attempted to kick her but she also dodged it.
She was above him. She put her two hands towards Shizuri and yelled, "Earth Jail, activate!" She had just enclosed him with rocks and the ground. Rukia landed on the ground gracefully.
"That was so cool…" Orihime murmured as she watched in awe. Ichigo thought so too.
I don't know that she can do that… he thought.
Their awes were short-lived as Shizuri was able to destroy the rocks and ground wall surrounding him, leaving the twins gasping in surprise.
Damn! I knew it! Rukia thought. She felt a strong aura behind her but it was too late because she was frozen. "I can't move… too much… pressure…" she stuttered.
"Nice try princess. But…" he paused, revealing his sword and prepared to slice the little princess in half. Rukia closed her eyes, waiting for the pain.
But, it never came.
She opened her eyes, and gasped upon realizing that someone just saved her. She looked at him as he clashed his sword to Shizuri's.
Shizuri looked at the young man who was holding a blue sword and asked, "Who the hell are you?"
Rukia was behind her savior. He was looking at Shizuri calmly, but gripping the sword tightly. She breathed out in relief. And not only her, Ichigo as well.
But Orihime was surprised.
"U-Uryuu…" Rukia managed to say.
He turned his head to look at her. He smiled. "Don't worry Princess. I'll help." He spoke.
She couldn't help but smile too. "Thanks."
Orihime was staring at him and she couldn't believe it. Is that really…?
"Ichigo… is that…" she trailed off.
She saw her brother nodded, not taking his eyes off of their friend. "Uryuu… Ishida Uryuu… but, that's not his real name."
"It's not? What is it then?" she asked curiously.
"Hitsugaya Uryuu… he is like Rukia. He's a butterfly who is bound to protect Rukia's clan. He is called a guardian." He explained.
"A guardian?" Orihime asked.
Ichigo nodded. Orihime looked back at Uryuu. "So, he had powers too, like Rukia-chan?"
"Yeah. Good thing he finally showed up. Rukia will need him."
"Hmm…" she simply answered. I hope nothing bad happen to them. She thought as she looked at the battle field once again.
The two jumped just a few distances away from Shizuri.
Uryuu looked at Shizuri. He looked familiar. He thought and then looked at Rukia. "Princess, who is he?"
Rukia stared at Shizuri. "He is Tomoki's son, Shizuri, remember?"
"Shizuri?" he gasped slightly.
Shizuri gritted his teeth in annoyance at the interference. "Hey, who are you?"
Uryuu smiled at him. "You don't remember me? I feel sad."
"What are you talking about?" Shizuri retorted.
"Hitsugaya Uryuu." He placed a hand on his chest and bowed a little. "Nice to see you again, Shizu-chan."
Shizuri smiled lightly. "I remember. You're my childhood friend." He said pointing at him.
"Yes, and now we're enemies." Uryuu said calmly. "How dare you attempt to take the princess' life?"
Shizuri laughed louder.
Uryuu looked at him annoyingly. "What's so funny?"
"You're still like that, overprotective especially for Princess Rukia. You still had a crush for her?" he said teasingly.
Rukia, Ichigo and Orihime gaped.
"NO!" Uryuu immediately yelled. He coughed out in embarrassment. "I'm protecting her because she's my friend, and it's my duty to do it!"
"Oh really. What a nice excuse you have there." Shizuri raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe you're right. I could feel that you're saying the truth. I think your new love was in here right?" he said again.
"WHAT?! SHUT UP YOU JERK!" Uryuu yelled angrily.
Too late. Orihime heard it. And the Kurosaki lady blushed madly.
"Just stop this nonsense and let's finish this fight already!" Rukia declared, getting annoyed.
"You're right. I don't have time for this either." Shizuri said as he charged at the two. Rukia and Uryuu used flash steps to get out of the way and dodged Shizuri's attack. They reappeared in front of the twins.
"Uryuu, try to fight him in close range. I'll support you with my element powers." Rukia ordered him.
"Hai." Uryuu replied. He charged at Shizuri and the two swords clashed against each other.
Meanwhile, Rukia was looking for a weak point.
Come on… there's got to be somewhere… she thought patiently. She saw his guard open and she used her earth element to attack his stomach. The ground formed a hill and Shizuri was hit. He was sent flying as Uryuu jumped at Rukia's side once again.
"Nice move, princess." Uryuu praised.
Rukia smiled. "Thanks."
They saw Shizuri's body fall on the ground. He wasn't moving at all.
"Is he…?" Orihime trailed off.
Rukia felt a strong urge of energy coming from him. She raised her arms in front of her immediately and yelled, "Water Barrier, Activate!"
A wall formed in front of Rukia and Uryuu. She saw the invisible power. She could feel it. It was so strong.
"Princess, is that the level two unseen release?" Uryuu asked.
"Yeah… No doubt… It's… strong… I couldn't… hold on… much longer…" Rukia struggled from the force.
"Princess!" Uryuu yelled.
Soon, the barrier dissolved and the two flew backwards from the strong force and fell down the ground with a loud thud. The two of them were losing their strength.
What the… my strength… It's feeding on… our strength… she thought before losing consciousness. Uryuu also, his sword dispersing into thin air.
The twins watched in horror. "What's going on? Why are they…?" Orihime started.
"I… don't…" Ichigo was cut off when the barrier dissolved in front of them. They made their way to Rukia, in Ichigo's case, and Uryuu, in Orihime's case.
Ichigo crouched down and reached for Rukia. He held her in his arms tightly. "Rukia! Rukia wake up!"
"Uryuu-kun!" Orihime tried to wake him up.
Shizuri laughed and the twins looked at him. They were next to each other, like Rukia and Uryuu's bodies on the ground.
"You two were next." He cleverly stated as he made his way to them.
Ichigo's face hardened. He lay down Rukia on the ground again and stood up in front of the two unconscious people and his sister.
"Ichigo, don't tell me you…" Orihime trailed off.
"I won't let you hurt them." Ichigo concluded calmly.
"Ichigo! You're no match for him! You'll die!" Orihime yelled worriedly.
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing." He said.
"What do you think you can do, human? Your sister is right. You should listen to her." Shizuri commented.
"Shut up! You hurt my friends. I'll never forgive you." He said.
I just watched while they were doing their best to defeat this guy. They didn't even think that they might die trying. But me, I haven't done anything. He paused, looking at them. I want to protect the people I love. My family and friends. I want to. I want to have powers too, like Rukia and Uryuu. Because, I want to fight.
To protect them.
To protect her.
Ichigo clenched his fists tightly. He closed his eyes and felt something warm inside of him. He didn't know what it was. He felt something different. He felt something in his right hand. He was gripping something.
What was it?
He heard his twin sister call his name.
He opened his eyes.
He gasped.
"What the…" he trailed off. He looked at his right hand and stared at the thing he was holding. "A-a sword?" he said surprise evident in his voice. "Where did this come from?"
"Ichigo, it suddenly materialized in your hand!" Orihime told him as he was still looking at the black sword. It had chain at the end of the hilt. From the chain to the blade, it was pure black.
Shizuri was shocked. How did a human like him manage to materialize such a sword? And why is it pure black?
Don't tell me he's a… Shizuri thought, and he looked at him in shock. It's so strong… his aura… it's not an ordinary aura… it's…
"Eh?! Are you sure about that?" Ichigo said, still shocked.
"I saw it with my own eyes, baka!" Orihime retorted.
"How did that happen?" Ichigo said.
"How will I know?" his sister exclaimed.
"I can see that you don't know what you really are." Shizuri said.
Ichigo looked at him. "Eh?! What are you talking about?"
"The only ones who could do that are Butterflies. The fact that you just materialized a sword means that you are one of us. You're a butterfly. And not just an ordinary butterfly, you're a guardian." Shizuri explained.
The twins looked at him in with wide eyes in that realization.
"That's impossible! I'm a human!" Ichigo shot at him.
"If you really want to believe in that, I won't force you. I just want to end this quickly." Shizuri said as he concentrated a visible energy ball at his palm. He raised it towards Ichigo. "You're going to die now." he said as he release an energy ball.
Ichigo tried to stop the energy ball with his sword but the said energy ball never came. He saw a woman in front of him and shielded them with a dark red shield. When the smoke cleared, the twins gasped.
A silence engulfed the place. Soon, Shizuri saw her and he wondered who this might be. Another interruption, again.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"The ray of light." The girl replied, ignoring his question. Or maybe giving a hint on who she really was.
"Ray of light…" Shizuri's eyes went wide as realization hit him. "You're… the legendary guardian of light…"
The woman just smiled at him. "If I were you, don't ever let your guard down." She reminded him.
"What?" Shizuri said and felt something pointed touching his waist.
"Don't tell me you didn't feel my presence?" the man holding him said mockingly.
"And you are?" Shizuri said, ignoring what he said.
"The darkness." He said.
"I thought so. You're the guardian of darkness." Shizuri said.
The guardian of darkness smirked at him. "You are well-informed."
"I'm reading the legend of Thyilea you know." He said. "Why were the two of you interrupting me?"
"Isn't that obvious?" the woman replied. "You were trying to kill our twins and you're saying that we should stay in the sidelines and do nothing?"
"Masaki, don't bother yourself with him anymore. Give princess the strength now." the man ordered.
Masaki smiled and made her way to Rukia. Ichigo followed her and the twins saw her materialized something from her palm. The twins gasped as they saw a small blue crystal materialized. She held it between her fingers and put in inside Rukia's mouth. Rukia unconsciously took it in her throat. She was surrounded by a glowing blue light and she woke up.
"Where…am I…"
"Rukia, are you alright?" Ichigo asked.
"I can feel my strength coming back. What happened?" she asked.
"Rukia-chan." A voice called her.
Rukia gasped in shocked. "M-Masaki…san…?"
"Don't worry. We'll be taking it from here." She said as she stood up and walked towards Uryuu, doing the same thing she did for Rukia.
When Uryuu regained his consciousness, he saw Orihime looking at him. She smiled so he smiled back. He sat and saw Masaki next to him. He wasn't surprise, as if he was really waiting for them.
"You're late." He said.
Masaki smiled. "I apologize, Uryuu-kun. But, you did your best. You can rest now."
"Hai." He answered as he saw Masaki stood up and looked at the twins.
"Are you two alright?" she asked softly.
The two nodded slowly, still not believing what was happening.
"Mom… are you…" Ichigo trailed off.
Masaki smiled. "That was so brave of you, Ichigo." She paused and smiled at him. "Don't worry. We'll be taking care of this." She said as she walked towards the enemy.
The four teenagers looked at the retreating form of Kurosaki Masaki.
"Done?" Isshin asked his wife. She nodded. Isshin smirked. "Let's finish this also then." He thrust the sword through Shizuri's waist and the latter screamed in pain. Shizuri was able to release his level two again and the two jumped back away from him.
"What was happening? How is this possible? Ichigo and Orihime's parents…" Rukia trailed off.
"They were guardians, princess." Uryuu said.
"Guardians?" Orihime asked.
Uryuu nodded. "Aside my family, the other guardian family is yours. The Kurosaki's."
The two gasped in shocked.
"Eh? How come I didn't know about this?" Rukia asked to no one in particular.
"They were banished from Thyilea after Prince Kazuki was born. They were the trusted guardian of your parents, Princess Rukia." Uryuu explained.
"Why they were banished?" she asked curiously.
Uryuu let out a deep sigh before continuing. "They were suspected of betraying the King and Queen that time."
"My grandparents?" Rukia asked in disbelief.
"Hai. But, that wasn't true. That was a lie created by Kuroki Rizuki."
"Kuroki… Is he…?"
"Hai, he is… Kuroki Tomoki's older brother."
"But, why would he do something like that to our parents?" Orihime asked.
"Kuroki Rizuki wanted to claim the power that the Kuchiki Clan had. Like what Tomoki was doing now because his brother failed and he wanted to get revenge."
"What happened to his brother?" Ichigo asked this time.
"He was executed upon learning about the truth. After that, Queen Yuriko, who was still a princess that time, brought up an order to search for your parents to get them back to Thyilea but your parents refused to go back."
"I think I know why. They wanted to have a family here and live quietly, right?" Rukia inquired.
"Yes, that's right." Uryuu finished.
"Why do you know about our parents' history, Uryuu?" Ichigo asked.
"My brother told me all about it."
"Meaning, you knew about us all along?" Orihime inquired.
Uryuu nodded.
"Why didn't you tell me from the start?!" Ichigo asked annoyingly.
"Because they didn't want me to tell you just yet." he said. "I think now is the right time for you two to learn the truth and so they revealed themselves here and now. Because they know the real fight will start soon." He explained.
The three teenagers looked at each other and nodded. Finally, Rukia noticed the sword in Ichigo's grasp.
"Ichigo? Where did you get that sword?" she asked.
Ichigo looked at the sword still in his grasp. "Eh? About that… um…"
"Rukia-chan, it materialized in Ichigo's hand a while ago." Orihime answered for him.
Rukia looked at her with wide eyes. "Eh! Really?!"
Orihime nodded. "I'm sure! I saw it with my own eyes." She said.
"So, your powers have awaken, Ichigo." Uryuu said.
"Powers? What are you talking about?" he asked, looking at Uryuu.
"Your parents are guardians so technically, you and Orihime are guardians too." He explained.
"EH!" the twins screamed in unison. They looked at Rukia to confirm what they had heard from Uryuu. Rukia, knowing what they want from her, slowly nodded.
A few minutes passed before the twins regained their composure. Ichigo looked at the sword again. "How will I make it disappear?" he asked, looking at Rukia.
Rukia sighed. "Concentrate. Think that it will disappear and dissolve and it will happen. Try it." she ordered.
"Okay." He replied as he closed his eyes and think. He opened his eyes and saw the sword slowly disperse into thin air. His eyes went wide for a moment before returning to normal as the sword completely dispersed.
They went back in watching the fight. The twins wondered about this newly found truth about their true nature. They were not humans as they thought they were. They were butterflies. Guardians. With that, they can protect who they care and love the most. Orihime quietly glanced at Uryuu, and Ichigo glanced at Rukia.
I can finally protect her.
….
Shizuri was wounded right now because of the attacks from the couple. Even though he was supposed to be strong already, he couldn't really defeat such a high level guardians such as the Kurosaki. They were the oldest guardian family living in this world.
I don't stand a chance. As expected from the legendary guardians of the strongest kingdom. I have to inform Father."
He decided to retreat for now.
"What now? Scared?" Isshin mockingly said to him.
"I'm not!" he replied as he was surrounded by a strong gust of wind. The couple blocked their faces with their hands. Uryuu protected Orihime and Ichigo protected Rukia.
"What is going on now?" Orihime tried to make her voice louder for them to hear her beneath Uryuu's strong arms.
"He's retreating!" Uryuu said as he looked up the sky where a fusuma door appeared and opened.
The three teens looked up and saw the fusuma also.
"What is that?" Ichigo asked as he released his hold on Rukia.
"The entrance… to the Butterfly Society…" she replied thoughtlessly.
Ichigo looked at her as she stared up at the fusuma door. "The entrance…" He looked worried as he noticed her eyes. Her eyes showed desire. Desire to enter that door. "Rukia…"
Hisana onee-chan… Rukia thought as she stared at the opened fusuma door.
They saw Shizuri flew upwards slowly, a yellow light surrounding him.
"Isshin, he will tell his father about our appearance." Masaki said as they watched Shizuri enter the door.
"I know. But, we couldn't do anything now. Just let him escape." He said.
She nodded and looked at the sky.
Before he reached the fusuma door, Shizuri looked at them and said,
"All of you will die soon! My father will kill you! And I will continue my fight with you Uryuu." He paused, looking at Uryuu. "And my father will surely drain all of your powers, Princess Rukia." He said, looking at Rukia, who had a hard face, glaring at him. He was grinning evilly at her expression.
"We will do that, and even your guardians would not be able to do anything!" he finished as he laughed hysterically and finally entered the fusuma door. It closed and the strong gust of wind disappeared.
The battle field was filled with silence and deep sighs. Soon, the couple made their way to Rukia and the others.
"Are you feeling alright, Princess Rukia?" Masaki asked formally.
"Please don't address me like that, I feel uneasy." Rukia answered. "But I'm alright, thank you so much, Masaki-san, Isshin-san."
Masaki smiled at her. "You resemble your mother. You're so adorable." She said.
Rukia blushed madly. "E-Eh… N-Not r-really…"
"Rukia-chan, you're blushing!" Orihime piped in.
"I-I'm not! Don't tease me please…" she said.
"Rukia-chan, so cute!" Orihime complimented.
While the girls were teasing Rukia, Isshin approached his son and Uryuu.
"The fight is near. We need to be more careful from now on." He said.
"Hai." Uryuu answered as Ichigo nodded.
"We need to protect the princess as much as we can." He also added, looking at the girls.
"Hai." The two answered in unison.
"Ichigo, you and Orihime need to release first." Isshin said.
"Release?" Ichigo asked.
"Yeah. You need it to use your powers easily." He explained.
"How will I do that?"
"Just trust me."
Ichigo nodded determinedly. He looked at Rukia who was laughing with the two girls.
I need to be strong. I need these powers. To fight for her. To protect her. I'll do anything.
-END OF CHAPTER SIX-