(A/N: Sorry for the long wait, I said a I needed 3 reviews and I didn't get that…but even though I didn't I updated anyway…here ya go!)
I smiled, looking down at the mini Megumi in my arms. I started to feel as though she was a baby sister. I couldn't let anything happen to her. I held her tighter, running faster now that she was asleep.
About five more minutes later i was at Hitsugaya's place. I knocked on his door.
I did consider the fact that it was 1:00 a.m. and he might be asleep.
The door opened, and in front of me was a tired, yawning Hitsugaya. "Kaien -sensei? What're you doing here at 1:00 in the morning?" I showed him the beat-up Rukia in my arms. His turquoise eyes widened and he let me in.
A second later we laid her down on a blanket and examined her. "What happened?" he asked.
"I just arrived in time, this old thug guy was about to slaughter her. I don't know what happened entirely, but she told me she was blind." he nodded, listening to what i was saying.
"I understand that you are quite experienced in the medical area, do you think you could do something?" i asked. His father was an expert at the art of healing. I thought he might have inherited some of his father's talent. (A/N: not really in the show, but here, he is…)
"I can try," he said.
"That'd be enough." i said.
He placed his hands in front of her and closed his eyes. A second later, energy waves were coming out of his palms and onto Rukia. Her cuts and bruises started to fade slowly. I was surprised at this. How could a mere trainee do such a thing? Mr. Kuchiki truly paired me up with two geniuses.
In a blink of an eye all Rukia's wounds were healed.
I stared in awe, "How did you learn how to do such a thing?"
Hitsugaya smiled, "Natural talent i suppose."
Rukia's eyes slowly opened. Her head turned side to side in observation, "Hitsugaya...Kaien -sensei...is that you...?" she asked.
Her eyesight must still be bad. I smiled at her, a warm smile, "You're at Hitsugaya's house, Rukia, don't worry you'll be fine."
She blinked a few times, "I can't see."
This time Hitsugaya smiled at her, but said nothing.
"Can you heal her eyes?" i asked him.
He looked at me with an unsure look, "I...I'm not that sure...I'll try my hardest." I nodded, not liking the sound of what he said, but said nothing. I looked at Rukia; she closed her eyes once more. She looked so peaceful when she slept. Like a little child. I smiled at her.
An hour later, we had to leave Rukia alone to heal from the treatment Hitsugaya gave her, another hour after we let her rest, she should be fully recovered.
Hitsugaya led me to his dinner table so we could drink some green tea.
He sipped his tea and then looked at me, "Kaien -sensei, may I ask you a question?"
I sipped my tea and then looked at him, "You may." i said.
He closed his eyes and sighed, "Do you...love...Rukia?" I looked at him, wondering why he asked such a thing.
I didn't know how to explain what i was feeling, "How should i put this...?" I wondered aloud, "Well...yes...i do."
His eyes shot open to look at me.
"But...not the type you are probably thinking of," he was still staring at me, listening with full intent.
"What do you mean, sir?" he finally asked.
"You see...my...guardian named Megumi died not too long ago." I told him.
"Yes, i have heard, i truly am sorry, sensei." he said.
I smiled, "Thank you. But...let me just show you. Would you like to see a picture of her?" i asked.
"Um...sure." I took a picture of her out of my pocket; I liked to use that as remembrance of her. I gave it to Hitsugaya to look at. Immediately when his eyes observed the picture, he gasped. His eyes widened, "This...is impossible!"
I smiled, "You see?"
"She...she looks exactly like Rukia!" he said.
I nodded.
Hitsugaya put the picture down, "I see what you mean...you love her…as a sister. You feel you need to protect her, am i correct, sensei?" he asked.
I nodded. "I just wanted to ask you that question because...i just saw the way you looked at her." he said.
I laughed, "Yes, i know what you mean, but, all in all, she is like a sister, nothing more." Hitsugaya nodded.
A few minutes later, a groan broke the silence in the cold, dark house. It was Rukia's groan. We ran over to her. She looked like she was in pain.
I frowned, "Rukia, are you all right?"
She looked at me, blinking her eyes, "Kaien -sensei, is that you?"
I took her hand, "Do you still have poor eyesight?"
She blinked a few times, trying to even out her eyesight.
"It's better than before, that's for sure…"
I laughed, "Can you see me?"
She squinted her eyes, "I can see things close up…but just not things far away…" I nodded, as did Hitsugaya.
I began to yawn, just realizing how tired I really was. Everything out the window was as black as my eyes, the sun not even showing its bright face yet. The stars seemed to dance around the moon, as if praising it. I yawned once more.
I snapped out of my own world once Rukia started to speak, "Kaien-sensei," she said. "Are you sleepy?"
I looked at her and smiled, "Truth be told, I am beginning to get a little drowsy." "You may sleep if you like; I can take care of myself. And, if not, Hitsugaya is with me, he can take care of me."
Hitsugaya and I exchanged glances, "Are you sure?" I asked.
She nodded.
"Well, if you are sure, then, OK, I shall leave." Truth be told, I actually didn't want to leave. Now I just didn't feel that it was right for me to leave Rukia alone, ever since what happened. I knew I was being a little overprotective, but, I just couldn't help it. From the day Megumi died, I didn't want to leave my loved ones alone. And, now, Rukia was a loved one.
~FROM RUKIA'S POINT OF VIEW~
I squinted my eyes when I saw Kaien leaving. I wanted to get a last glimpse before he walked through the door. I actually didn't want him to leave. I didn't know why, though…Yes, why did I want him to stay with me at all times? My heart longed for him…"Kaien..." i whispered.
He turned around and gave me the warmest smile that made my heart skip a beat, but...why?
"Yes, Rukia-chan?"
I blushed, "Um...g-goodnight..." He kept his warm smile on his face.
He gave a little chuckle, "Goodnight Rukia-chan..." he walked out the door, not looking back a single time.
My face had a frown on it now, "Goodnight..." i murmured to myself.
I heard a laugh from behind me. Surprisingly, it was from Hitsugaya.
"What's so funny?" I asked.
Between laughs he said, "Wh-why are you blushing?"
If i wasn't blushing, i certainly was now!
"Wh-what do you mean?" I asked, looking side to side, not trying to meet his turquoise eyes.
"You were blushing...I think I know why." Now, I was positive I was blushing.
"I-I was not!" I protested. And, of course there was no use.
He gave a sly half-smile and cocked his head up a little, "You like Kaien-sensei..."
My heart was probably thumping two times more than it was supposed to be. What the hell did he mean? Did i like Kaien-sensei? No...No way! I mean, he's my sensei! He's like a brother! But...why do his smiles make me melt? Why do i want him with me at all times? Why...why didn't i want him to leave me just a few minutes ago? Why did it sadden me greatly when he took his last step out the door? I...I can't like him! He's my sensei! Like i said, he's similar to a brother! Nothing more!
I gave a fake laugh, "Wh-what do you mean? He's a sensei! Nothing more! I assure you!"
Hitsugaya still had that sly smile that made me angry.
"Of course, is that why you blushed when I said 'I think I know why you are blushing'? And is that also why you murmured 'goodbye' to him? And is it also why you widen your eyes when he is near by?" He interrogated.
I felt like throwing a fit, but I kept my calm. "Hitsugaya -kun, I assure you, I do not like him. Though, I do like him, as a brother, nothing more. I swear."
He shrugged, probably still not bought. But, he gave up.
"Whatever you say, Rukia-chan..."
I looked the other way, "It'd be best if you stay here tonight," Hitsugaya said, "I will sleep in a guest room, ok?" I nodded.
I heart his footsteps becoming fainter until they were gone. Now he left me to think. Think of a question that was buzzing in my head: Do i like Kaien-sensei?
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The next morning the light through the windows fell onto my face. The hot sun rays burnt my skin, causing me to sweat. I struggled a little before I figured out I was awake, even though I preferred to be asleep, safe and sound, having an amusing dream. The sun rays through the windows continued to make me sweat. I kept my eyes closed though, hoping i would fall asleep. That's when i heard a soft whisper...
"Rukia, wake up, your going to sweat yourself to death!" I heard the voice joke. And it was all too familiar.... The sweet sound that sounded like velvet, the cool breath on my face that always smelled a little like mint, the only voice on earth that would make my heart skip a beat: Kaien. I opened my eyes. It took a minute for my eyes to adjust to the sudden light from the burning sun outside my window. Sooner or later, it adjusted to see Kaien-sensei's sweet face sitting on a chair beside me.
"Kaien -sensei...what are you doing here?" My voice was merely a whisper.
He smiled that smile I loved so dearly, "I came here to check on you. When i left last time your eyesight wasn't fully recovered. Though, judging by the way you recognized me so quickly, i trust that it's alright?"
I smiled, feeling way too warm now from under the blankets. I pulled them off, still sweating.
"Yes, it's better now. But, are we meeting in the forest today to train?"
He thought for a moment and said, "You only just recovered, tomorrow for sure, though."
I smiled, "Does that mean no training?"
He scoffed and smiled, "I guess so..."
I smiled, "Yay!" This made him laugh. Oh, how it reminded me of the beautiful sound of wind chimes! All these feeling corrupting my body at once! I guess i do like Kaien-sensei...!
Hitsugaya walked out of his room, yawning and scratching the back of his head at the same time.
"Oh, Kaien-sensei, I didn't realize you were here. Good-morning."
Kaien smiled at him, "Good-morning Hitsugaya, how are you?"
"Fine, but, are we not having training or something today?"
He smiled, "No, not today. I guess you could call it a break."
"YES!" Hitsugaya jumped up and Kaien-sensei gave the beautiful wind-chime laugh.
~KAIEN'S POINT OF VIEW~
I continued to laugh, do they really hate training that much? Rukia gave a little chuckle, too. And the sound of it reminded me of the beautiful sound of birds singing their song.
I looked at her with my caring eyes, "Do you guys want to go out for breakfast? My treat!" They all looked at me as if i gave them free chunks of gold. Hitsugaya's eyes grew big and wide, full of happiness. I laughed its funny how food can bring such a happy being out of a person!
"Really?! You're the best sensei ever, Kaien-sensei! Thank you so much!" He exclaimed.
Rukia spoke up now, "Yeah, thanks a bunch! You're awesome!"
I gave them both a smile, "Well, let's get ready and get going before it's lunch time!" They both nodded excitedly and began to get ready.
We were all walking out the door, toward the sidewalk. Once we got downtown, all the tiny markets and open-restaurants surrounded the side. We walked along the road with everyone else, too.
"Where do you want to eat?" I asked. Hitsugaya and Rukia exchanged wondering glances "Anywhere, i guess."
We ended up sitting at a restaurant that's main dish is rice balls. We started to dig in to our delicious-looking food.
"So, don't get too comfortable with this," I said. "We are continuing to train tomorrow. Get ready for brutal fights!"
They looked as though they had no care in the world, as if they were lost in the jelly-filled rice balls. Hitsugaya waved his hand in a nonchalant way, "Yeah, yeah..." he said, not seeming to care at all.
Rukia nodded, "We know, we know..."
I rolled my eyes. Just wait till tomorrow when they find out that they should care...
That night i was taking a walk, I usually do when i feel that i haven't exercised much lately. The next morning i'd be training Rukia and Hitsugaya, so i needed to get fit.
That's when I saw someone walking in the shadows. My ears picked up the sound of crunching leaves.
I turned around swiftly, "Who's there?!" I heard no sound.
"It's me..." I felt soft cool breath on my neck. I shifted my eyes sideways and the same masked warrior was there. The warrior that...that...
"What do you want, dammit?!" I screamed and turned around, slapping her hand. "Ah, so you remember me? How sweet..." the robotic voice said.
"How could i forget you, you bastard...." I said, tears welling in my eyes. The night was so terribly vivid. As if it happened right in front of me right now...
"Aw...sad, are you?" She said. Every word that came out of retched mouth scratched at my heart...
"Shut up..." I said.
"But...seems as though you abandoned Megumi." she said.
The name...it made my heart skip a beat.
I screamed, "What do you mean!? I didn't abandon her! I will never abandon her!"
She laughed, "But you abandoned her for that girl...Rukia, is it?" she said.
My eyes widened at what she said... abandon? What does she mean abandon....? I didn't...did I?
"No...I just vowed to protect her...i did not abandon her, nothing of the sort!" I spat.
"Really? As I recall, the moment you met her, when you thought of Megumi's death, you were not upset...am i right?"
My eyes widen. She was right. Now when i think of her death, i am not...not...upset....
Tears welled up once more, "It's not true! I still love Megumi!" I screamed.
"Tell that to Rukia..." she murmured.
"You...you...bastard..." I cursed. She laughed, as if it gave her pleasure to see me tortured.
She laughed, "Megumi was a sweet girl...too bad she had to....leave us."
"YOU BASTARD!!" I couldn't contain it.
I took my sword out, as i did tears were falling down my cheek, "TAKAIKIZU!!"
I screamed it's name. The moment I did, my eyes flashed red. Every inch of my eyes was red. No other color visible in them.
Purple lines from my eyes went down my cheek; I grew fangs, "DIE DAMMIT!!" I slashed my sword and a red beam of light in the formation that i slashed it rushed at her, but she jumped it and landed behind me. I stabbed my sword into the ground and it started to crumble until a humongous crater was beneath us, she jumped it and landed in front of me.. I ran toward her until i was in front of her. She didn't move, I could tell by the formation of her eyes she was smirking.
"Go ahead do it...kill me...do the same thing that killed your beloved Megumi." I could tell the energy of the sword was burning her skin, making her sweat.
But i couldn't do it. I couldn't kill. I just couldn't.
"I...i don't care..." The sound of my voice was demonic and rough.
"Really? Even if you killed in front of your beloved Rukia?"
My eyes widened, "Wh-what do you mean...?" She stepped aside and behind her was Rukia. Her face was so torturing, it looked so frightened. Tears were in her beautiful eyes.
"Rukia..." i murmured. I didn't want her to see me like this. Like a demon. A tear fell down her perfect cheek.
"Kaien-sensei?" she asked.
"Goodbye...I'll leave you to the girl that made you abandon Megumi."
I turned around in anger; somehow she was behind me all of a sudden.
"She didn't make me abandon Megumi! I love Megumi! She's nothing like Megumi! Nothing like her! I don't care about her, my heart is with Megumi!!" I screamed, letting out what i was feeling. But she was gone. The masked fighter was gone. And Rukia heard everything i said.
I didn't mean it though...I loved Rukia, too, and i do care about her...what have i just done? When i turned around to look at Rukia, she was heart broken. Tears were falling down her cheek. She looked at me as though i just killed her lover.
Dammit...
"Rukia..." i whispered.
She just shook her head, making tears fly out of her eyes, "Forget it..." she said.
"Wait!" Even though my eyes were one of a demon's, they looked caring. She stopped walking, her back to me.
"You know I didn't mean it...." I said and took a step forward. She turned around to look at me.
"It's Megumi, of course I love her...but that doesn't me i don't love you, either. You don't even know how much you mean to me..."
She smiled, "You just met me...how could i mean so much to you?"
"You don't even know," It was funny how my voice was so demonic, but at the same time, it was so loving and caring.
She jumped back at the sound of it, "Kaien -sensei...you look so different."
I closed my eyes and reopened them, "I know...I'm sorry...."
There was a brief silence, she looked so scared, so i asked, "Rukia....are you afraid?"
She looked down and then back at me, "No." I smiled. All of a sudden my fangs went away, the purple lines faded, and my eyes became black again.
"What the...?" I asked myself.
"Kaien -sensei!" She squealed, happy to see the real me. I shifted my eyes downward and then back at her.
"Are you all right?" she asked me, "You have...gray bags under your eyes." Everything went blurry for a minute and I stepped forward. It felt like I hadn't slept in days. When I came out of that...demon stage...I got so tired...just...so...
~RUKIA'S POV~
He stumbled forward and fell, I ran to catch him and I did. I looked at him; his face was so angelic and sweet when he was sleeping. I dragged him to a tree; we leaned against it, his head on my shoulder. His soft breathing was so even and steady, I loved his face on my shoulder. The moonlight was shining on his gorgeous face. Why did I feel like this? Why did if feel I was in heaven in this position? Why did i feel so terribly heart broken when Kaien-sensei said those things about me? I thought i told myself that i...liked...him, but was it something more than just a...crush? I knew that was a silly word to describe my feelings...but what else? In love? I laughed out loud when i thought those two words. No way it was that serious....or was it....?
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A/N: Ok! A little dramatic, but whatever. All the demon crap and stuff will be explained later on, so keep reading! Sorry for the long wait again, yeah, even after all this time I still didn't get 3 reviews but I updated anyway cuz I'm nice…(PSHAW HAHA THAT'S FUNNY) ok anyway, I'm gonna take this empty space to thank my loyal reviewers. They always take their time to review, THANKS PEOPLES YOU ROCK!! And…you know who you are! :P Ok so press that greenish white button…you know you want to! I'LL GIVE YOU COOKIES!!