"So?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowing at his panicked expression, her head cocking to the side slightly. Ukitake widened his eyes in shock, his mind rambling with questions, why was she taking this so well? Wasn't she afraid, isn't she scared? Ukitake didn't realize he had said those thoughts out loud until she responded to them.
"Not really, I mean…what is he going to do? Eat me?" she smirked, a small chuckle falling from her lips making the older man sputter in confusion. "Don't worry, I've talked to him before, he probably just wants to ask something of me, or I don't know…we won't find out until I ask him, won't we?" she questioned with a soft smile, walking past her boss who simply stared at the spot where she was just standing.
His mind spun and he began to feel dizzy, obviously this girl wasn't grasping the seriousness of this situation. She hadn't been here long enough to realize the power of the demi-god, she didn't know of the stories that circulated throughout the village…stories about why Ashido would ask for her. And Ukitake couldn't avoid the stories, each rumor stuck within his head, pestering him and proceeding to swarm his thoughts, keeping him wide awake all throughout last night. His eyes sagged from lack of sleep, they appeared bloodshot and his face was a sickly pale white…he felt the worst he's ever felt.
His mind, at the moment, was his worst enemy…it conjured up all sorts of images, one in particular was her running throughout the forest with the demi-god nipping at her heels…and when she tripped, he was on her, blood spattering on the nearby trees. Gasping out of the day dream, Ukitake shook the thoughts from his head, trying to console his racing mind as he walked after the retreating girl. He followed her and rounded the corner, watching as the raven haired girl disappeared into one of the classroom doors, one he recognized as the art room.
And all Ukitake could think of was maybe this was the last time he would ever see her entering that door again, ever see her leaning over one of the children to view their artwork, ever see her demonstrating the proper way to paint on the canvas in the front of the classroom. Ukitake stood in the doorway, a small but sad smile gracing his face as he watched the petite girl circulate throughout the room. She paced up and down the aisles, walking briskly from child to child, smiling and laughing with the small children seated at the long wooden tables. He watched as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her smile seeming to radiate the small room as she assisted a child in painting a rigid bamboo stick on the small square paper. She mumbled instructions to the boy as she leaned over him, her hand atop his to guide his paintbrush's movements on the paper, the small boy grinning and giggling in amusement.
She complimented his talent and ruffled his hair, the small boy blushing and smiling up at his teacher, affection radiated in his tiny eyes. The sound of childish giggles and squeals filled the room, each child enveloped in their art projects as they splayed assortments of colors onto the paper, the splatter of paint slapping their flesh, making them laugh harder. Ukitake shuttered and felt his heart sink; he couldn't help but think of the sadness that would overtake them when they learned of the fate of their art teacher. Ukitake paled, he didn't know how he would announce her departure to the class, he never wanted to see their faces drop, never wanted to hear their cries and sobs, never wanted to see them suffer. And he never wished to see Rukia in that kind of state either, though he had only known the girl for a couple of weeks she had quickly made a place for herself in his heart, she was like the daughter he never had.
This girl was so amazing, she was incredibly generous and loved the simply things in life, it was like fate sent her to him because ever since she came to the orphanage the cries turned into laughter. The children loved her because she loved them, she gave them the type of affection they needed, taught them how to express themselves. And since she had come, the children became more motivated, they strived to do and act better, strived to be better…the once plain and bleak halls were now decorated with colors and paintings.
The children immediately trusted and confided in her, not only did she teach them art but she taught them how to deal with their problems, to them she wasn't just a teacher, she was a friend. She was exactly what they needed and it only took her two weeks to get into each and every one of their hearts. Ukitake never wanted to be the barer of bad news, hell if he was going to start now…he would never tell them the truth of her whereabouts after today; he had to come up with an excuse quickly. Rukia smiled down at the small girl, her heart overjoyed as she witnessed the large grin on the child's face, she loved seeing them happy…she loved giving them happiness.
Sensing someone's gaze on her Rukia snapped her head in the direction, her eyes falling on Ukitake's tired form as he lent against the doorframe, seemingly lost in deep thought, his blank stare still directed at her. Looking down at her feet, Rukia couldn't help but wonder why he was acting so strangely, did he know something she didn't? Then the thought hit her…Ashido had asked of Ukitake to 'surrender' her to him…but he didn't specify how long she would remain with him. It could be seconds…minutes…hours…days…months, Rukia eyes widened, years? 'But what does he want with me? What's he going to do with me?' she thought, panic arising within her. She now realized why it is that Ukitake was so perturbed by the demi-god's orders…she just can't believe she didn't figure it out sooner. At a distance, this order appeared to be a death sentence, she could just picture the whispering villagers as they huddled in small groups saying things like 'oh that poor thing,' or 'god rest her soul.'
Rukia shuddered at the thought of dying…but part of her remained in speculation that Ashido would hurt her in anyway…sure, he had acted strangely when she first met him, but his situation was strange to begin with. Rukia closed her eyes, the image of the sadness that clouded his grey blue irises flooded her mind; his eyes seemed to be a direct passageway into his soul, revealing all the pain and suffering he had endured. She didn't know what had caused him so much pain but that didn't stop her curiosity. Though, she decided that such sensitive elements like that would be best if she learned directly from him, if he was ready to tell her…but she wouldn't press on about any information if he wanted to keep his past a secret because that was his option, his right. Despite what he is now, a demi-god, he's probably just as human as she is, he feels pain just like everyone else.
Then the thought hit her, if he desired to kill her or harm her in anyway…what would stop him from doing such on their first meeting? If he was as blood hungry as everyone thought, what would stop him from killing Ukitake and doing what he wished of her? Why would he be so passive in retrieving her, if he disregarded her rights he would simply abduct her himself, wouldn't he? Rukia mentally scorned herself for thinking too much into the situation…until she met with Ashido she wouldn't fully comprehend his intentions and she shouldn't assume things in the first place. Rukia told the children to keep working on their art projects as she walked over to Ukitake, motioning for him to join her in the empty hallway. Closing the door shut behind them, Rukia paused for a few moments, simply staring at the closed door as she heard the fits of laughter and squeals of joy from behind it. A moment of silence enveloped the two before Rukia chose to break it, "What am I going to tell the children?" she asked, her voice low.
"I'll think of something…but that all depends…on how long you will stay with Ashido…" he informed her, making her sigh and look down at the floor, the polished wood sparkling in her dull eyes.
"You don't have to do this Rukia…there's got to be a way out of this…we could hide you he-"
"No," she cut in, her eyes flashing with determination, the light returning to them once more, "This is my decision, I can't possibly choose to harm the whole village for my own selfish reasons."
Ukitake closed his eyes briefly, a small smile gracing his lips before the frown covered it once more, "Ah, I see…but, Rukia…it wouldn't be a selfish decision, the children…they need you here…I'm sure the town would understand," he explained, his hand coming to rest on her hunched shoulder for comfort.
"It's alright, Ukitake, I will do what is asked of me…" she stated, smiling at the man as she pulled his hand from her shoulder, squeezing it some before letting it drop to his side. Ukitake exhaled a shaky breath, feeling the cool wind swirl as she walked past him, "That's what I'm afraid of…" he admitted, but his words fell on deaf ears as Rukia rounded the corner of the hallway.
Rukia, ran out of the orphanage as fast as she could, the bitter wind whipping against her face almost painfully. The scream of the wind in the trees increased, the leaves clinging desperately to the branches, holding on for their dear lives. She ran past all the crowds, avoiding their solemn stares and their low whispers, she simply glanced ahead of her, her feet moving on their own accord. She broke out into a sprint once she passed through the mouth of the woods, her bare feet slapping against the stones as her eyes searched the expanse of the entire forest. She searched for any signs of red or grey, but the forest was littered with the colors, the fall leaves catching her eye and she would sigh, disappointed that the scene she viewed was not that of the strange man. She didn't rationalize coming to find him, she didn't fight against the urge she simply ran, ran towards the forest as if she were sleepwalking; unaware of her actions. Breathing heavily from exhaustion, Rukia cried out as her foot caught on a jagged stone that jutted up from its blanket of leaves; causing her to trip and fall forward.
Her arms flailed around her wildly as gravity took hold and her body slammed to the ground, but not before the flesh of her left knee scarped painfully against a rough stone. She cried out in pain as her body flopped to the ground, her arms supporting her some so she wasn't to fall flat on her face. The sound of her fall and the fluttering leaves as she disturbed their slumber filled Rukia's ears, the whole forest fell silent after that. She heard the blood pumping in her ears, so loud that it muffled any other sounds that occurred around her.
Wincing, Rukia peeled her body from the floor, pulling her legs out in front of her as she examined her injured knee. Watching the crimson liquid seep from the gash made Rukia sigh in anger but her face paled at the sight. The blood continued to rush from the gash and she simply stared at the flowing liquid in a mock interpretation of awe. Rukia winced when she covered the gash with her free hand and when she applied pressure the contact made a sharp pain emit throughout her leg. Feeling the frustration and anger build up into a climax within her made Rukia tilt her head back and let out a loud scream, "ASHIDO!"
The scream of his name echoed throughout the forest, the birds chirped in panic and left their nests in the leaf covered trees, their wings flapping wildly in the air as they ran from the loud noise. Catching her breath, Rukia seethed with anger, glaring down at her blood soaked hand as it stifled the blood flow of the cut. In the distance, the wolf's ears perked up and twitched, he clearly heard a scream of his name. And in an instant he recognized the voice to be that of Rukia Kuchiki's, it was only mid-afternoon so she was way too early to meet him, but then…he smelt blood.
Feeling panic and concern rise in his being, Ashido ran, his four legs barely touching the ground as he soared over the forest floor. His mind filled with panicked thoughts as he watched the scenery move around him, the sound of his loud, animalistic panting filled his ears, but the smell of her blood lingered in his nose. What if she was being attacked? What if she was bleeding to death? All these frantic questions filled his mind as he felt the distance between them decreasing with each lunge he took.
At the last moment, Ashido transformed into his human form, his height rising from floor level to that of a human's. Stopping in his tracks, he was graced with the sight of the small girl, clutching her wounded knee as she sat on the ragged forest floor. Her head snapped up and Ashido was surprised when he was met with an angry glare. His eyebrow raised in question as he smirked at the small girl, "What the hell is your problem?" she asked, venom dripping from her voice.
Startled and confused by her comment, Ashido glanced at the small girl; he could feel the anger coming off of her body in waves, waves that washed over his entire being. He smirked it off, "What the hell is your problem, why are you bleeding? What happened?" he asked, trying to hide the concern from his voice, but failing.
"Yeah, why do you care? You're going to kill me anyway, right? Or eat me or something? You're sick!" she shouted at him, her finger pointing accusingly at the standing man. Ashido chuckled softly, walking over to the girl and getting on his knees before her. He blinked in confusion when she backed away from him; the look on her face wasn't so much fear as it was stubbornness.
"What the hell are you talking about? I'm not going to kill you, I'm not going to eat you either…you've been listening to too many scary stories, haven't you?" he questioned, an amused smirk on her face as he reached his hand out to examine her injury. Startled when she slapped his hand away, narrowing her eyes at him as she pulled herself further away; clutching at her wound, almost protectively.
"Then what do you want? Why did you ask of me? If you're not going to kill me or eat me than what do you want with me?" she asked, and then as if sensing the answer to her own question she scowled at him. "If you think for one moment that I'll just lay back and let you violate me, you're sadly mistaken, you sick bas-"
"I'm not going to rape you, I'm not a rapist…calm down…" he answered stoically, his eyes searching her own. "Just let me see your wound," he offered, her eyes searching him suspiciously as he inched closer to her. Swallowing down her pride, Rukia sighed and released the grip on her knee, allowing him to closely examine the wound. She watched him as he lightly touched the gash above her knee, making her jump, but his eyes remained focused on the cut as he wiped some blood from the opening with his thumb. Rukia stopped herself from wincing; she didn't want to show any signs of pain, not when he was there. She wanted to prove to him that she wasn't some damsel in distress that she didn't need any help and she could definitely take care of herself. But, she allowed him to examine her wound and she couldn't help but feel calm at the look in his eyes, he didn't seem blood thirsty or cold and calculated…he seemed…serene.
She wanted to know what he planned to do with her…if he wasn't going to use her sexually, kill her or eat her…then what? Just as she opened her mouth to question his motives he rose to his feet, "Wait here…" he instructed, making her eyebrows furrow in confusion as she watched him transform and bolt into another direction. Sighing, Rukia bit her lip and watched the wolf as he disappeared from her sights, the maroon blur leaving her line of vision. Then, in a flash he was before her once more, in his human form, gripping a small, wooden box in his hands as he approached her.
Kneeling down beside her, he set the box on the floor, taking the wooden top off as he rummaged through the contents. Peering down with curiosity, Rukia's eyes noted the numerous medical items strewn throughout the tiny box. A small puddle was situated beside him; he must've taken note of it before her left because he dipped the white cloth into the clear water, ringing out the excess liquid. Rukia released a shaky breath when he dabbed the wetted cloth over her cut, swiping the dried and fresh blood that surrounded the wound. The cold water seeped through her open cut, the coldness rushing to her veins making her leg pulse at the unwelcome invasion and she shivered slightly. Ashido's full attention was directed to her injury; he cleared the dried blood from around the cut and swiped away liquid that threatened to pour over.
Rukia breathed out, her eyes closing some as she enjoyed the calm feeling of his ministrations, the cold water adjusting and cooling down her heated blood. He cleaned her wound so gently, and she couldn't help but admire his handsome face as he worked on her knee. Blushing some, Rukia shook the thoughts from her head, what was she thinking? In a couple of hours he would hold her captive, and how did she even know he wasn't lying? Rukia shuddered at the thought, wondering if this was part of his plan, to lead her into a false sense of security and when he developed her trust he would harm her. Noting that the bottom of her Yukata had slid dangerously low, up her thighs, she squirmed and yanked the fabric down her legs, covering their pale expanse once more. She couldn't help but wonder if he had noticed and she felt embarrassed as she blushed harder, looking away from his face as her eyes focused on the clouds above.
Glancing up to her face, Ashido noted that the sky preoccupied her thoughts, and wiping the blood one last time, Ashido set the sullied cloth on the dusty ground. Ashido gripped her wrist, startling Rukia as her head snapped down to meet his gaze. He breathed out, smirking as he glanced over at the puddle beside her, guiding her by her wrist as he dipped her blood-soaked hand in the cold water. Releasing his grasp on her wrist he searched the small box for the desired tool, his hands gripping the instrument carefully as he threaded the thin and shiny needle. Rukia's eyes remained glued to the water; the sudden protrusion of her hand interrupted the calm puddle, causing frantic waves and ripples. But, just then she saw a light catch on a shiny object hovering above her knees, making her turn her head suddenly, the needle coming into her full view.
"What are you doing?" she questioned, her hand shielding her gash from the threat of the needle.
Ashido rolled his eyes before speaking calmly, "The wound is deep, it needs stitches or it will never close." He informed her, making her eye him suspiciously. But, Rukia removed her hand and glanced down at the injury, the cut was jagged and deep, it breached through both layers of skin, and the blood seemed to regenerate from inside of her as it oozed out once more.
"Fine." She said, watching as he lowered the needle to her skin, and in a split second she felt the sharp, but barely painful pinch as he began the process of stitching the wound closed. He focused on the task at hand, his movements firm and confident as she watched the skin reunite one stitch at a time, the gash becoming smaller and smaller. He was so close, she noted, confused as to why she hadn't noticed it before. He kneeled beside her knee, both his knees under her bent leg, and she could now feel the cloth that covered his legs barely caressing her own.
Blushing, Rukia could feel the warmth of his hands as one of them gripped the side of her calf, holding her leg in place as the other hand occasionally brushed the skin of her knee when he put another stitch in. After the cut was completely closed, Rukia relaxed, at least it was finally over, she told herself. Examining his work, Ashido reached for the small set of scissors and cut the excess thread off, tying the end into a minuscule knot as he placed the sullied equipment in a small, plastic bag that he set inside of the box with all the other materials. Glancing down at the dark stitches, Rukia ran her fingers over the skin-embedded thread, the black contrasting with the pale white color of her skin.
Then, pushing her hand off of her stitches, Ashido gripped her calf harder as he leaned in; his heated breathe fanning over the now closed injury. Little drops of blood remained on her closed wound and in a calm manor; he leaned in further, his tongue darting out between his lips as he dragged the wet appendage over the stitches. Rukia blushed, biting her lip as she watched him clean the closed cut, his saliva taking in the crimson blood that welled up there. Giving the tended skin one final, long and warm lick, making Rukia squirm, Ashido sat back, releasing the girl's small calf as he smirked at her.
"What the hell?" she asked breathlessly, she still blushed from the image of him licking her skin; it made her shiver and warmed her at the same time.
"Saliva destroys the bacteria…" he explained, a small smile gracing his features when he saw her cheeks were adorned with a cute blush.
"That or you like the taste of blood…" she retorted with some attitude, pulling herself to her feet. Ashido stood in front of her, holding the small wooden box in his hand as he glanced down at her wound one last time.
"Can't argue with that…" he stated, making the girl's face contort with disgust, "I'm a demi-god, part wolf, remember?" he joked.
"Okay, if you are a god…then wouldn't you be able to heal my wounds with your powers or something?" she questioned, the thought just occurring to her at the moment.
Ashido sighed, glancing up at the sky where he knew that not long from now he would be glancing up at the moon, stuck in his human form. 'Yeah, I could've if I hadn't lost my powers…its too close to the full moon,' he answered mentally. But he just shrugged off her comment, "You ask too many questions…" he said, turning from her as he walked away.
"And you don't answer any!" she yelled at his retreating form, making him smirk. She really was something else, he couldn't remember the last time someone had the guts to yell at or chastise him. "Maybe, if you're nice…I'll tell you…but I guess you'll have to wait till' seven tonight, won't you?" he teased, flashing a smirk over his shoulder, and she just stood there, dumb-founded. Rukia watched him transform and sprint into the distance once more and she just sighed. She turned around and limped back to the village, knowing that she had no choice but to return to this very spot once more.
As Ashido ran off, he couldn't help but stop in his tracks, glancing back behind him; it was strange…that out of all the spots she could've fallen in…she had fallen in the very spot where his body was dumped. And when he had taken matters into his own hands, by demanding Ukitake to meet him, the man didn't stand in that spot, he stood a few feet from it. But, when she had come of her own accord, she had fallen onto the spot, directly. He wasn't sure if the gods controlled fate, or if fate was out of their hands…but he determined that regardless of who controlled circumstances…everything seemed to fall into place.
"But…but…why?" one child yelled, his little face displaying his disapproval.
"Well…Rukia-chan…she…" Ukitake fought for an explanation, scratching the top of his head, blushing when numerous pairs of little eyes were fixed on him.
"I have to visit my…brother, he lives in a town far from here…he's opening his own restaurant and I need to go down there and help him; at least until the business is stable," she lied, silently congratulating herself for coming up with such a plausible excuse. Ukitake smiled, silently thanking her for cutting in because he couldn't, for the life of him, come up with one explanation for her sudden departure, not when all those children were staring at him. He'd felt somewhat at ease when Rukia told him of her meeting with Ashido, how he tended to her wounds and promised not to hurt her.
Her words brought him some comfort and they made sense, considering Ashido had never been known to kill or harm a human, even though there were myths, he doubted he'd so openly hurt a townsperson. The children all complained, some started to cry, little chunky tears falling down their faces as they sprinted towards their teacher. Rukia smiled when all the children surrounded her, enveloping her in one big, united group hug, their grubby hands clutching her as they said their goodbyes.
"Don't worry children," she cooed, ruffling one crying boy's hair, "I'll be back before you know it…" she said, trying to convince herself of that statement. "Oh, and don't let my leaving mean you can slack off, you still need to work on your favorite animal paintings…" she chastised jokingly, making them all giggle and laugh. Ukitake smiled at the scene before him, watching as each child talked to her, hugged her and darted off into the back, to their seats; whipping out their papers and beginning to work on their paintings. Smiling at the little faces that filled the room, Rukia walked alongside Ukitake, standing in the doorway as they all yelled their slurry goodbyes that filled her heart with joy. She loved how children could envelope themselves in bliss; in carelessness…they didn't need much to make them happy, just a little love and reassurance.
Time seemed to fly by as they left the village, and before Rukia knew it, she was standing in the same spot she had fallen in, not too long ago, and feeling as if she shouldn't she stepped out of it. A pair of grey blue eyes took in that action, smiling lightly to himself as he hid behind the large tree.
"Well! I'm here, like you wanted!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air for emphasis, Ukitake spurting out an apology as he panicked and asked her to act respectful; fearful that the god would punish her for being insubordinate. Rukia simply smiled at Ukitake, glancing around the woods, she knew that Ashido was there, he was just not making his presence known.
"Yes, I see that…you made a wise choice Ukitake…you may leave," Ashido responded, his booming voice making the older man jump. Ukitake smiled at the small girl beside him, sadness overcoming him as he looked into her calm, violet irises. "I'm sorry Rukia…I guess this is goodbye," he said.
"Don't apologize, I'll be fine…and this isn't goodbye," she assured him, and behind the tree Ashido smiled. He could see how greatly she cared for the older man, he knew he was her boss, but over the course of a couple of weeks they must've grown close.
"Alright," Ukitake agreed as Rukia pulled him into a tight hug; he held her tightly, knowing he must let go soon. Rukia sighed, she didn't know how to feel…she didn't know if she should cry or laugh off the situation. Disengaging the hug, Ukitake bowed in the direction that Ashido was hidden before he waved goodbye to Rukia and disappeared into the woods.
Sighing loudly, Rukia placed her hands on her hips, "Well?" she asked, her voice hovering in the air, filling the distance between them as he stepped from behind the tree with a smirk.
"I haven't decided what to do with you…yet," he answered, motioning with his hand for her to follow him as he led her into the woods.
"Yet?" she questioned, feeling uneasy at his statement…
