Summary: In a world where two ideology clashes
A/N: Not so modern AU. Characters are normal human, no powers.
Please note that English is not my first language and my vocabulary is limited, so please forgive the grammar and or spelling mistakes.
Disclaimer: All Kubo Tite's
Chapter 6
Ichigo brakes their staring contest and looked down to her stomach again. Blood is still seeping from her hand. Her shirt and pants are now covered in blood.
But Rukia's stance doesn't show any weakness. Her face is still focused. As if she's not injured at all. She still supports her stomach while the other firmly clutching a gun pointed at Ichigo.
Both set of eyes are intensely piercing the other, both not blinking. Hands are firmly clutching a gun. No sign of either of them loosening their stance.
Both are ready to fire at any given moment.
After a minute, the intensity of the situation subsided. Ichigo spoke "Give up, Rukia. You are bleeding. I could stay all day like this and you'll be dead by then."
Ichigo inwardly cringed. He have thought a lot of things to tell her when he finally get the chance and this is what he tell her? To give up or she die? Good job Ichigo.
"Tch! I could stay all day like this too, Ichi. This is nothing." Replied Rukia. Ichigo had forgotten how ridiculously stubborn she was.
Ichigo got frustrated "I don't want you to die like this, God damn it!" He shouted. Rukia did not respond.
"Why Rukia? Why!?" He asked. Ichigo couldn't contain himself anymore or he'll explode. The ache in his gut came back full force.
Silence.
Ichigo continued. "Was my mother meant nothing to you, Rukia? Have you forgotten what that group you are fighting with did to her?" He asked, his voice desperate.
Rukia finally spoke in a small voice. "You don't understand, Ichigo."
"Then, fuck Rukia, make me understand! Because I couldn't think shit of why you betray me like this… you of all people." Am I nothing to you too now Rukia.
Rukia was silent. Ichigo calmed his raging insides and asked with a level voice "Are they holding Uncle Ju hostage Rukia? Because I went home and they told me your house has been abandoned for years now."
Rukia did not respond.
Ichigo continued "Were you and Renji forced to join? Tell me, I can help you. Come with me now and we'll take Renji from them, together." Ichigo's desperation is palpable. He cling to the hope that this is true, oh please tell him this is what it is.
Rukia still didn't say anything.
Ichigo lost his patience with Rukia's silence. "Tell me! God damn it! Tell me you didn't betray me! Because that's the only thing keeping me from shooting you." He shouted. Why? Why couldn't she just say 'yes she didn't betray him'?
"No, Ichigo, we were not forced to join. We joined on our own free will. But there are a lot of things you don't know, Ichigo." Rukia, for the first time, her eyes became desperate. Like she wanted to tell him something.
Ichigo's hope died. He felt he died as well. He had been hoping so much for a different answer that he didn't expect the magnitude of hearing the opposite. He clutched his gun tighter, his hand shakes. His face twisted in anguish and rage.
After a few moments, he asked in a seethed voice. "Forget what they did to mother then seeing that she mean nothing to you. That I mean nothing to you. But why do you join a group that resorts to extortion? That steal from poor people? And most of all, a group that mutilate innocent people then kill them? What happened to your principles, Rukia? Aren't you the one who always fight the bullies? The one who stubbornly stands for what is right?" Ichigo is seething. Where is the Rukia he knew?
Rukia's expression turned defensive. "We don't take or steal from people ichigo, we give to them. Look at our own district, have you heard of anyone who doesn't have a source of living? Do you know anyone who doesn't have their own land even if it's only where their houses are built? We make sure everyone have their own livelihood, we make sure their farms have proper irrigation, we make sure that that government you serve loyally doesn't take too much from the people where nothing is almost left from them. We make sure the poor people survives. We fight for equality. That's what we are fighting for!" Rukia shouted back. How dare he questioned her morale? She did nothing but fight for what she believe is right.
"Don't fuck with me! If what you are saying is true then why did they have to kill mother? Did you think she's not innocent?" Ichigo concluded she had been brainwashed. There's no way her group's motive is clean.
"Ichigo..." Rukia started.
"Don't dare defend them Rukia. You were there when we received what part left of mother. You were there when father told us what happened that day. I think you are blinded by what they told you but I've seen enough of your group. I've fought a lot and killed a lot of your kind. They were all the same. They extorts from people, they steal their money and threatened the peace that the armies are giving their lives to keep." Ichigo's heart is aching as he accused her.
But it is the truth. From his previous missions, mostly in the east, he has become friend to some of the townspeople there and has heard their predicaments. They were afraid of the rebels that occasionally comes down to their town and demands things like money, food or even sexual favors in exchanged to their so called safety. He had heard the same stories from some of his comrades in the army. Other are also seeking for revenge. Others are still trying to retrieve family members that was recruited by their enemies. Just like what he is trying to do, although in his case, it is now becoming more and more futile.
He remembers Hisagi is also like him. He has been searching for his uncle Kaname who were taken by the North group when he was at the same age when Ichigo's mother was killed. He had told Ichigo that his uncle is a just man. That he believes in executing fair justice to everyone. That's probably why he was abducted.
Ichigo hoped that Hisagi wasn't betrayed so he won't feel the pain he is feeling right now.
These stories fuels the hatred he has to these Lefters group. These has made him motivated. That's why he couldn't understand why the hell is Rukia defending them, let alone joined them.
"You are the blinded one, Ichigo. I admit there are Lefters group that are like that, especially the one you fought in the east and just now with the north group. They were targeting us because we are against their way. Some of them are even puppets of government. But that government you serve is even worst. Its system is corrupted, it's rotted! Have you even gone back to the districts that you think you've cleaned? Well I suggest you go back there and see for yourself what has become of the people there. They were now paying to cultivate the land that was originally theirs. They were now paying for a rent just to keep their houses. And you say we kill innocent people? Why don't you investigate what really happened that night your so called righteous army ambushed us? They killed my comrades in cold blood! They did not turn them in for due process. They took it upon themselves to bestow their judgment. When I was rescued, did any of your men were killed that time? None! Because we don't kill unnecessarily." Rukia fire back. He needs to understand. Although she knew Ichigo is hurting that's why he let out those harsh words but she couldn't help herself to defend back.
Ichigo's blazing eyes are still on her. "This is a one country, Rukia. Law is developed to apply to all. The government is here to manage all the people. You don't decide things on your own!"
"Then West has better be in their own. Just like how it is now. Where everyone is equal!" Rukia concluded. She grimaced again. All the shouting has made her bleed more. She sighed. "We are different Ichigo. We don't call ourselves Lefters, we are the people's guardians." Rukia continued in a subdued voice.
"Tell that to my dead mother. If you can bring her alive then I might consider trusting you again." Ichigo said with a gritted teeth.
They stayed silent for a few moments. Eyes still intensely piercing the other.
"Ichigo, listen to me, you are in our territory, I'm sure my comrades are coming, you have to leave this forest now. Go back to you camp. If you are willing to listen more, then let's meet again. I will contact you, I promise." Rukia told him hurriedly, pleadingly.
"Tch. What's the use of listening to you? You have told me enough. What you fight for is selfish. You should let the people decide on their own. Don't make your own law. Backed down, Rukia or I will be forced to shoot you. You are injured, you cannot take me down, so you better surrender now." He told her with contempt in his voice.
Rukia sighed. There is no helping it. "You know that I will never backed down even if it cause me my life. Go ahead and shoot me then if you can." She looked him straight in the eye.
After a second of staring contest again, she pleaded again "Ichigo, please hear me out one last time. I will come to you. If you betray me I will understand. But know this Ichigo, we will fight, we will fight until we dropped dead. And if you hurt anyone of my comrade, I will not hesitate to hurt you too."
Ichigo's eyes widen. Is this really Rukia in front of him?
Ichigo knew he should really do something about their situation already, but he couldn't make his body move. While he is thinking of ways to ask Rukia to back down, someone appeared behind her with a rifle pointed in the back of her head. Rukia knows because the nose of his rifle is touching her head.
"I suggest you back down, lady or I will shoot you." Sado said.
"Your brains will scatter to the ground before you can even pull that trigger." Someone else also appeared behind Sado. Ichigo and Rukia knew it was Renji. Ichigo's eyes were wide.
Ichigo and Sado did not budge.
"Drop your guns soldiers, unless you want to fight then I'm all willing for that." Another voice joined from beside Ichigo.
Ichigo knows that voice too but did not say it out loud. His eyes widen some more. Here's another person he had wished did not betrayed him. Ichigo thought his heart couldn't break anymore, sadly he's mistaken. Looks like he have to accept the fact that all of his friends have become his enemy. It is now clear as day, three of his friends have betrayed him. He's thankful they had spared Orihime from all of this.
Both Grimmjow's hand clutched a gun, one pointed to the Lieutenant and the other one pointed to Ichigo. He signaled Ichigo and Sado to lower their rifles. His eyes focused on the Lieutenant.
Ichigo measured Grimm. He turned to see the only part of his face that is not covered. Grimmjow's eyes turned to him. Of course he would choose Rukia and he has no doubt Grimm will shoot him if he or Sado make a small mistake. He nodded to Sado and they both lowered their guns and dropped them to the ground.
Rukia sighed.
Renji hit Sado's head with his gun and Sado fell unconscious. Renji then removed the cloth in his head.
Grimmjow tsked. He remove the cloth covering his face as well and walked towards Rukia. He yanked her shirt up and used the cloth to cover her wounds.
"What a fucking great reunion huh! You should have brought your girlfriend too, Ichigo" Grimm said while wrapping Rukia's side. Rukia is still looking at Ichigo but Ichigo's not looking at any of them. He is seething inside. He felt like he had been cornered. The feeling of betrayal is killing him.
"Alright, we've given you enough time to speak with him, Rukia. If he doesn't listen to you then there's no way in hell he would listen to us. Let's go before this giant here wakes up. We don't want Ichigo's position compromise." Grimm said while looking at Ichigo
Grimmjow wrapped his hand on Rukia's waist and supported her. Renji gathered the rifles on the ground. They started to walk.
Not ten steps away when Rukia looked back. "Renji give them a gun. They need something to defend themselves."
"The hell I'm taking mercy from traitors like you!" Ichigo shouted. He is hurt, Dammit! He would have preferred they shot him dead, because what he is feeling is worse than being shot repeatedly.
"Use your army instinct, Idiot. You are outnumbered and in an enemy territory. Also don't dare call us that." Grimmjow shouted.
"You had better kill me now or I will hunt you all." Ichigo shouted back. What is the use of being alive if his purpose is no longer valid?
"Take your comrade with you and leave West, Ichigo." Renji calmly said.
Renji remove the magazine of one of the rifle and threw it a little far but still visible for Ichigo to retrieve, then he drop the rifle.
Before they were out of sight, Rukia looked back and told him "Ichigo, I will come to you. We will talk. Please you have to hear us out. There's someone I want you to meet. I'm sure you will listen to her." Rukia said with a little smile although Ichigo did not see it.
"Grimm get a move on. I'll stay until you get a heads up." Renji said. Grimmjow nodded and they started getting deeper in the forest.
After few minutes, Renji started retreating back as well but making sure that Ichigo or his Lieutenant will not pursue them anymore.
Ichigo's heart is broken beyond repair. All his hopes that Rukia did not betray him disappeared without a trace. She herself had confirmed that she was not forced, that they weren't forced. Ichigo guessed he did not have any choice anymore but to fight them as he does with the others.
A little more while and Sado stirred.
"I'm sorry captain, I should have just shot the girl." Sado said.
"No!" Ichigo shouted. Then "I mean I need her alive." Ichigo said in a level voice. He was surprised with himself. Why did Sado's words scared him so bad? Didn't he just decided he will fight them as normal enemies now?
Sado nodded.
Ichigo retrieved the magazine and load it back to the rifle.
"Let's go." He told Sado.
Rukia, Renji and Grimmjow continued walking towards their camp. Renji is ahead of them to light the path that the moonlight couldn't reach with his flashlight. When they were near, Renji speed up to alert Hanataro to tend to Rukia's wound. Hanataro is the ex-soldier medic of 51st.
So when Rukia and Grimmjow reached their camp, Hanatarou hurriedly ushered Rukia to one of the tent and focuses to her wound.
"I told you, you should have just leave fighting to Grimm and Renji. Now look at you, you lost a lot of blood. You're still lucky the wound is not too deep." Hanataro gushed. He thinks he is more worried for Rukia's safety than any men of her life. They should start realizing she's a woman already. Rukia is very dear to him.
Three years ago was when he met her. Hanataro was among a squad that pursued Rukia's group but he got captured in the process. He was cornered by Rukia and Hanataro thought it was the end of him but Rukia took him in their camp and held him prisoner. As days passed by, due to his friendly nature, he and Rukia became friends. He got to know all of them and know their group's real intention. Months passed, Rukia had allowed him to go home but told him that should they find themselves in an opposite side of a battlefield again then he should forget that they were friends.
Hanataro went home but he resigned from his post and joined them instead. He never regretted that decision.
Tatsuki was also waiting for them. She watched Grimmjow half carried Rukia to the tent until he came out.
"How's she?" She asked. "She'll live." Grimmjow said and entered her tent.
"Hey! Your tent is over there." Tatsuki said while pushing him out.
"This is closer and I'm dead tired. Besides we have slept together before, so what's new?" Grimmjow asked as he lay down on the thin foldable-bed.
Tatsuki glared. Why did she like this man again?
…..
Two years ago. In the 56th Middle School where she teaches, Tatsuki was heading home when she saw Yuzu, her co-teacher was chatting with two men and a lady. Their backs on her. Tatsuki's not really sociable so she just nodded at Yuzu and continued walking towards the gate, but Yuzu called her and introduce her guests.
"Guys this is Tatsuki, she's my co-teacher. She heads the P.E. Department. Tatsuki, these are my friends, Rukia, Renji and Grimmjow." Yuzu introduced.
Tatsuki shook hands with Rukia first then Renji then Grimmjow. While shaking hands with Grimmjow, she suddenly realized something.
Tatsuki had thought she would never be interested in men seeing that she's already in her twenties and yet none has captured her interest. Not that she wasn't attractive, because she is. She has her fair share of suitors and admirers though she finds all of them ordinary. None of them made her heart race. But now, in front of this man, she finally realized what she is looking for.
She realized she like this striking smirking man with blue blue eyes, and blue hair? This man is well-built too.
'Great, Tatsuki. You just have to go and have a crush on one handsome man who is sure to have a girlfriend or taken.' She chastised herself.
Her hearts beats for a guy for the first and little did she know that this guy will also be the cause for her heart to break for countless times.
"Tatsuki, do you want to come with us? We are heading towards a cafeteria near town." Yuzu asked.
"Sure." Tatsuki agreed and looked anywhere except Grimmjow.
From that moment on, she became friends with them. She saw herself in Rukia so they easily clicked. She got to know their hidden identity and eventually accepted it and soon joined them. Her feelings to Grimmjow deepen and at the same time, the crack of her heart multiplies.
Why, you asked?
Because the man she loves is clearly, undeniably and probably irrevocably in love with Rukia.
As years past, she watched Grimmjow teased her, he only soften his eyes on her, her eyes follows Grimmjow's hand as it lingers in Rukia's hair, she watched Grimmjow became annoyed every time Rukia goes alone on a mission.
She endured his irritable attitude when Rukia's not around, her heart breaks when she could clearly see he longed for her.
She had commanded her heart to not love him. To not be ensnared by him. She tried listing all his bad sides. But her efforts all gone to waste whenever she's around him. So, she decided, maybe she just needed to let it out and be done with it. At least, she could say she tried.
That chance presented itself when they went to hunt for dinner. They were chasing a wild boar when Tatsuki lost her balance and fell.
"Hey, is that a way to catch a boar now?" Grimmjow called and came to her smirking but extended his hand. Tatsuki grabbed his hand a little forcefully in irritation which caused Grimmjow to slipped too. He fell on top of her with his face inches from hers. They look at each other for a second and Tatsuki took that opportunity. She reached up and kissed Grimmjow. She release him only after a second. She didn't give him the chance to respond or reject her.
Tatsuki looked at him straight in the eyes trying to convey her feelings. She's sure she's not doing a great job since she doesn't do blushing or the shy type girl. But she guess it reaches her message because he asked,
"How long?"
"Dunno, for a long time now." Tatsuki said. She turn her face to the side. She felt too naked already.
"Tatsuki…." Grimmjow started. Tatsuki looked at him again. "It's okay. I know… I know so fucking well who you love. I'm not asking for anything. I just wanted to get this pesky feeling out of my system." She tried getting up but Grimmjow did not budge.
"Do.. Do you want to do it? But I cannot promise you anything." Grimmjow propositioned.
Tatsuki's answer is her lips smashing back to Grimmjow's. They did it at the base of a big tree with their clothes and dried leaves as their bed.
It happens several times more. Always with a reminder that Grimmjow's heart is not hers. At least he has the decency to not utter other woman's name while doing it with her.
….
That brings Tatsuki back to the present. She watched as Grimmjow settled himself in her bed.
"Hey, come and sleep already. Schools about to start right? So you going down tomorrow?" He asked sleepily. She nodded.
Yes, Tatsuki's still connected to the school. She still teaches. She helps the groups when she's needed. And of course to see Grimmjow whether she admits it or not.
She lay down as well and turn her back to Grimmjow. Grimmjow shifted to his side and wrapped his hand on her slim waist. He pulled her closer to him and soon he is fast asleep.
Tatsuki sighed. She wonders when she will finally get out of this madness she put herself in. She chuckled. As if. She had said to herself before that if there is only someone out there that she finds even remotely interesting then she will end whatever it is between them. But so far, her heart still longed for him.
Maybe it will change this time. Now that Rukia's best friend, and apparently the guy who holds her heart, as Renji put it, came back. Although, seeing Rukia's forlorn face earlier, looks like things is not turning in her advantage. Grimmjow had been silent and distant when they first got wind of their friends returning.
She had told Grimmjow that time to just fucking confess to Rukia already so they can all get on with their lives. His answer really pissed her off "She's too good for me. I'm fine with the way they are."
She had punched the tree several times after that shouting "What the fuck do you think of me then!" That would have been a great excuse to hate him and stop their sexual affair, but no… she just has to give in to him always. The moment his lips landed on her, all reasoning leaves her brain.
"Fuck, I'm pathetic. I'm so fucking pathetic." She whispered. She moved her body closer to him and held the hand on her waist. And just like a consolation to her breaking heart, his hand wrapped her waist tighter.
.
A/N: Whew, this was so hard to write.
The cliff hanger made you guys review huh! Haha! Thank you Guest, Guest, Guest, jane409, blissbeat,
ej (nope, she didn't fake faint, Rukia is too prideful for that lol),
Sayuri (how's exam going?),
hopelessromantic (Me too. Ngayun lang naglakas-loob mag sulat, haha),
Nievedrop (Thank you so much for the review. You got me there. I tend to jump to the main event that I neglect to lay down the background. I did apologized in the first chapter that it will be fast paced but, yeah I understand what you mean. So I promise I will try. Please keep reviewing. It helps me improve.)
