Rukia never noticed when the rain had started pouring, but right now, it was pouring so heavily that it woke her up. Her feet were both chilling from the cold and even her breath seemed to freeze the air. She quickly noticed that her blanket was missing and that she was lying on a very cold, hard, concrete... Wait! She wasn't on her bed! She opened her eyes but felt her vision blur from weakness. It was dark of course since it was night but she could feel some pain on her arm. She felt drained.
She looked at her arm when her vision stabled and found that it was bleeding profusely and wounded like that night. Even what she wore, was like what she wore that night. She was actually in the storage room with the antiques still in it! She must be dreaming. She should be! She saw her blood move by itself and traveled to a statue - the other statue. The one that looked like Ichigo as well. But she have always thought that one was real and the other could be fake. But how could it be...? Twins? And how could her blood be moving like that? Telekinesis?
Her blood, as if called, as if it had a mind of its own, traveled on the floor and to the statue, crawling on its body and entering through the lips. And just like Ichigo, his body started to spring back to life. There were movements of his pulsating heart and the throat as it gulped. She, although weakly, knew she must stop it. So she lifted herself and her arm from the floor, making a run for that open door.
It closed.
The door, the only escape out, suddenly shut tightly.
She stopped to look back at the stone figure which was Ichigo's double. She started to feel more terrified as the statue's mouth formed into a dreadful smirk. And it moved - crawled, as if its body was not stoned, as if it was only wearing a gray elastic rough suit. But it wasn't able to break free that fast. Its legs were still unmoving. Its blood intake was not enough for it to recover all of its strength. Its hands rested on the floor and intermittently pulled itself forcefully towards her. She could hear the annoying sound of its stoned legs that grazed the floor as it moved forward. Eerie, eerie sound.
Rukia knew, even though this was just a dream, that she had no intention of dying in it. So she quickly turned and ran to the door, trying her hardest to get it open. If he was able to use those whatever powers, then it must mean that the powers he used to close that door, was not that strong either. She slammed on the door, hoping someone would just come and open it. She forcefully tried to turn the knob to no avail. What to do... what to do...
The grazing sound stopped.
Either it went back to being a statue or...
She was hesitant to look behind. She found herself trembling, holding on to the knob tightly. She knew she was defenseless and scared. And she won't be able to reason out her survival on a hungry statue too. She felt movement behind her. The stone figure stood up in slow motion. And for the first time, it laughed and she felt it look at her. She felt goosebumps all over her skin whenever he exhaled a breath. He was close, so damn close behind her.
"N-e-e-d... h-e...l...p...?" it whispered, having quite a difficulty since its muscles were still restricted. It cocked its head to the left, its eyes wide open and glowing red.
"Open it..." she said, feigning bravery.
"Only if you give me..." It placed its hands on the door and drew itself closer to her ear. She still refused to look at him and he whispered, "Your soul..."
Its demand made her whole body chill. What the hell does that mean?
Its right hand grabbed her right shoulder and the other hand pulled the cloth on the other fully exposing her neck. She turned her face to look at it as it lowered its head. "No... no..." Its fangs grew longer, it opened its hungry mouth and charged her neck viciously. "NO...!"
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
"NO...!"
She quickly woke up, quite shaken by the nightmare. She sat up on the bed. Luckily, it was all just a dream. But it left her wondering about the other statue. She've always felt like she've forgotten something very important in that place. Of course, aside from the book and the antiques, it was it. She'll have to ask Ichigo for more information once he wakes. She looked at the couch, where he was supposed to be sleeping but she found it empty. She remember how she successfully persuaded him to get off the bed and the promise. Now where could he be in the middle of the night? He ain't going to break the promise right? Or did he just finally thought about how much he was being such a jerk and decided to leave her alone? But if he left, he should at least leave a note right?
She sighed and looked at the clock on her bedside desk. It was already 2 a.m. Great! 3 hours left to sleep before she go to school. But damn it'll be hard for her to fall asleep after that dream... and damn she was starting to hate the darkness. At least the moonlight illuminates her room but damn, really... She was starting to consider accepting Ukitake-dono's request for her to move in temporarily. She decided that a little light might just help repel the darkness of her dreams, so she got off the bed and went to turn the light on near the door. She pressed the switch but no light turned.
Is the power off? Isn't there a generator? She asked herself.
"Rukia..." someone called behind her. She turned and saw Ichigo's silhouette.
"Ichigo? Where were you and -"
"I'm hungry..." he walked towards her and she evaded him steadfastly and went to the lighter part of the room, near the window.
"We talked about this..." she reminded him but it seemed that he wasn't even paying attention to what she was saying. And then, she had a sudden realization. What if... "Is that you, Ichigo...?"
"It's me. Who else could it be?" he walked closer.
Rukia didn't know if she should believe him or not, but the way he was behaving right now just wasn't right. Or maybe, he was just actually waiting for the right time to strike? And perhaps she was a fool to believe in him... but, just... that dream...
"Unless you're talking about me..." another person spoke behind her, from the window. She turned and her eyes widened. How could it be...? Two Ichigo... just like that dream.
"Who are you?" she felt trapped between the two.
Ichigo's double grinned evilly. Just by the facial expressions, she could quickly tell who is who. Ichigo was more kind and the other Ichigo was more twisted. "Your worst nightmare," he answered.
While her back was turned, Ichigo instantly wrapped his left arm on her waist and lifted her up while the other arm entwined with her right arm. "I-Ichigo? What are you doing? Let me go!" she said, shocked and confused.
Ichigo's twin leaned so close and whispered, "He's not going to help you, he and I are..."
Are what?
Twins?
Brothers?
No... It wasn't what he said.
She heard it but heard nothing at the same time. It was a blur. The next thing she knew, the evil Ichigo had bitten her on the chest (heart part), and she was bleeding. She tried to push his head away with her left hand but he just grabbed her wrist so rough she thought the bones were going to break. She heard herself say "Ichigo! Ichigo!" many times but Ichigo paid no attention to her. He let the lust for blood take control and bit her on the neck. She moaned from the pain and closed her eyes. With two vampires sucking her blood at the same time, she knew she was going to die very soon.
"You can't trust him..."
She heard Ishida's voice in her head. She opened her eyes, the orange locks were even tickling her throat. She looked upwards, towards the ceiling, towards Heaven and pleaded for some miracle to arise. She could feel their fangs thrust in and out of her skin. She could feel the blood stain her clothes, the wet licks and beastly growls as they devoured her hungrily. She felt so weak she was on the verge of fainting. She heard Ishida again.
"Remember, no matter what he's still a vampire."
"You can't trust him."
"You can't trust him."
"You can't trust him."
It echoed, like an alarm clock on snooze.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
The Lifeblood Doctrine
Chapter Five:
Double
Now the dark begins to rise, save your breath it's far from over
Leave the lost and dead behind, nows your chance to run for cover
I don't want to change the world, I just want to leave it colder
Light the fuse and burn it up, take the path that leads to nowhere
All is lost again, but I'm not giving in
I will not bow, I will not break
I will shut the world away
I will not fall, I will not fade
I will take your breath away
-I Will Not Bow by Breaking Benjamin
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
"Hey! Wake up!
Wake up, sleepyhead!"
Ichigo shook her awake. He've heard her moan so many times and he've been trying to wake her up since the first time. He was certain she was having a nightmare. He even heard her call his name.
Rukia finally opened her eyes but when she saw him, she quickly pulled away.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked, a bit offended.
She took in her surroundings, pinched herself and realized she was no longer in a dream. Damn, it was a double dream... err, nightmare! She was relieved.
"What were you dreaming about? By the way, your... uh... breakfast..." He pointed on the small table in front of the couch, turned around and scratched his head. Well, he forcefully let himself stay in her suite so the least he could do was a small gesture of appreciation.
She looked on the table and saw quite a lot of food actually: ham, hot dog, scrambled eggs, rice, sandwich, spam, sausages, etc. "Who's going to eat all that?"
"Umm... you?"
"A-Anyway, thanks..." she said, though she wondered where he got them but decided not to ask anyway. He probably used his hypnotic stare again.
"Are you okay? You look pale."
"I'm okay," she said, getting up to eat. She was hungry though. That dream was totally stressful. Speaking of dreams, maybe it's the right time to ask. "Ichigo, do you remember back at the mansion... a statue that looked like you?"
He was silent and wouldn't meet with her gaze. "Rukia, we're going to be late. I'll go ahead of you."
She looked at the clock and found that it was already 6:30 am. 30 minutes left before the class starts! "Damn why didn't you wake me up earlier?"
"What? Am I your nanny now? That alarm's been ringing, and you were sleeping like a log!"
"Your fault!"
"What?"
She quickly took her uniform and towel from the closet and went to the bathroom. Ichigo knocked on the door and said, "I'll go on ahead."
"Yeah."
They've talked about how no one must find out Ichigo stayed with her at the hotel. Her friends and their classmates would freak out although nothing literally happened between them. Her brother might disown her and Renji just might kill somebody. And worst of all, his fans might burn her to death. They've both understood that they must not go together to school either and that their friendship was a secret. Especially now that she've found out her family was part of the anti-vampire coalition and well... Ishida won't go easy on her, she could feel it.
But Ishida was right.
Ichigo, no matter what, is still a vampire.
And yet, she trusted him although there was a part of her that told her not to. What she hated right now was how Ichigo avoided her question awhile ago. She guessed he didn't trust her enough...
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
In a basement under the Police Headquarters, Kyoraku gathered some of the existing members of the Anti-Demon Faction. The last three founding family (Kyoraku, Unohana, Juushiro) headed the meeting. Renji, Kira, Kyoraku's assistant Nanao, Hisagi, Hitsugaya and his assistant Matsumoto, Mayuri and Nemu, Sentaro and Kiyone were present in the meeting.
"What the hell is this crappy meeting for?" asked Mayuri.
"Let's settle down first," said Ukitake and everyone sat in front of a round table that had tea cups. Nanao remained standing to pour the tea.
Renji was slouching on the chair. "So... what's the news?"
"The Vampire Lord has been freed."
"Lords right? 'Cause I know there's not just one lord out there," Hitsugaya Toushiro corrected.
"Yes. But the other... could be at our side."
"Could...?" asked Mayuri. "After what happened a century ago, you think the boy will side with us?"
"Wait... wait! I still can't believe all this shit!" said Renji.
"Watch your tongue, Abarai," warned Unohana.
"But... vampires? What's their lord's name? Vlad Tepes?"
"Shut up dude," said Hisagi.
Ukitake cleared his throat. "Although we don't have a lead yet or any confirmation on his whereabouts, it is best to have patrol every night. You know what happened at the Kuchiki mansion, right?"
"Does Rukia know this?"
"No, Byakuya doesn't want her involved," answered Kyoraku.
"That's good," said Renji in relief.
"So, you are hiring us to patrol every night? Is that it?" clarified Kira.
"Yes. We have to wait for Byakuya to return tonight so we can gather our forces. For now we need heightened security. You know what you'll be dealing with, are you prepared for this?"
"No, I'm not. I'm too busy so I'm out," answered Toushiro as he stood up to leave the room.
Matsumoto also stood up to stop him from leaving. "Wait, boooss!"
"Matsumoto, do whatever you want. Accompanying me here is not part of your job."
She pouted. "I'm coming with you if you leave."
And they left. Kyoraku had his cheek resting on his hand lazily. "Who else?"
Kiyone and Sentaro looked at each other and nodded. "We're with Ukitake-sama every step of the way!" They declared in unison.
Renji smiled. "I'm jobless and pretty much a pain in the ass of this town, so I'll accept this."
"Same," Hisagi answered while Kira just nodded.
"Okay, it's settled then. So we have a nondisclosure agreement."
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Rukia was already rushing to class when Tatsuki called her attention on the field. "Kuchiki, wait up!"
Tatsuki ran to her, she was wearing a jogging pants and loose shirt and seemed to have just finished training... or jogging. "Thank God... Can we go to class together, since we're already late? It'll just take a sec but I need to change to my uniform."
"Yeah, sure. I'll wait for you here."
"Okay, thanks. It's not that I'm scared of Kaginei sensei, but you know we have a little bit of a bad history together. Did I ever tell you I kicked his butt at the Karate Tournament? And ever since that day, he tries to make my life a little bit complicated whenever he gets the chance?"
"Oh, wow. Congratulations then, but wouldn't I...?"
"Oh no, no. It's just me he wants to punish, so if you're with me, then the punishment will be a little lighter else none at all. Trust me," she reassured and went to the shower room.
Rukia sat on the bench near the shower room. Second day of class, first time she will be walking into Kaginei sensei, and she was twenty minutes late. Great! First impressions always last. She hoped the impression wouldn't be that bad, especially since she had the Kuchiki name to uphold. The wind blew a little and a newspaper flew on her head. She took it and spread it open to read. Sports, politics, job ads, entertainment... She kept flipping the pages to the next until a news caught her attention.
Headline:
Animal Attack on The Profanity Bar
Misushi Sami, age 26, who worked as a bartender on the bar was found dead on the alley by the street. Witnesses claimed they have last seen her leave the bar with an unknown man who was supposedly taking her home. The experts of medicine have confirmed that the cause of death was an animal attack, the same attack that happened on the infamous mansion of the Kuchikis. Experts say that her body was drained of blood and that a new breed of species like vampire bats were on the loose.
Local officials are still looking for the unknown man to question.
This stands as a warning for the locals. Do not stay late at night alone on the streets.
"Hey! I'm good, let's go," called Tatsuki who hung her bag on her left shoulder.
The news bothered Rukia but she cast the thoughts aside and slid the newspaper in her bag. "Let's go."
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
"That's not me," was Ichigo's quick response when Rukia showed him the newspaper during recess time. She had been staring him down (as if wanting to ask something) for the last few classes until their one-on-one confrontation on the break at the rooftop.
"I'm not accusing you, why are you guilty?" she asked. They were sitting on the floor, just a few inches away from each other.
"I'm not guilty. You've been looking at me funny."
"It doesn't mean I'm accusing you, idiot."
"Just the same, idiot."
There were a few seconds of silence. Rukia was thinking how she should start with all her questions, but Ichigo decided to break the silence first. "I had a dream..."
"Me too."
"In my dream, we were... married."
"In my dream, you - what?" she turned to look at him in shock. She thought her dream was so bizarre, but his dream was even more weird. "Married? That is so weird! Now I'm totally not gonna let you in my room again!"
"It's just a dream alright! Not that I desire you or anything!"
"Good... Don't want you jumping me in the middle of the night thinking I'm your wife or anything..."
"Like hell that'll happen..."
"I'll put a knife under my bed just in case."
"Shouldn't you keep that information to yourself?"
"Actually, I'm thinking of -" Rukia was interrupted when the door of the rooftop burst open. Faculty members and policemen have entered the vicinity.
A police officer approached the two as they stood up. "Kurosaki Ichigo?" he asked once in front of him. "Can you come with us? We will just ask you a few questions."
Rukia threw Ichigo a what-did-you-do kind of look but she also found some confusion on his face. He followed the police officers and the other faculty members out of the rooftop. Rukia was left with a pissed off Kaginei sensei. The sensei approached her and scolded, "Didn't I give you lunch break detention? Where is Arisawa?"
"She already went to the field for the detention, sensei."
"And you...?"
"Going to the field now for the detention, sensei..."
With that, she left the building and went to the field.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Ichigo was brought to the principal's office. The principal, however, wasn't there. Only the police officers and investigators were present to interrogate him. Why he was to be questioned, he did not know. But there was also a civilian inside, an old man by the age of 42. And upon seeing him, he said, "Yes! That's him! Sami left with him!"
"Who is Sami?" he asked puzzled.
"Sami Misushi died last night after he left the bar with you! I don't buy all that animal crap! You killed her, didn't you?" The old man charged him and grabbed his shirt angrily. "Didn't you?"
Ichigo grabbed his left wrist tightly that the man let go of his grip in pain. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"I saw you! You...! Don't lie!" The man started sobbing and sat on the chair with his head bent down. "You killed my niece... you killed..."
A high-ranking police officer tapped him on the shoulder. "Sir, we will take care of this. Thank you for your help."
The other police officers escorted the witness out of the room leaving him in the custody of two police officials. The policemen asked him to sit down on the sofa and they sat as well right in front of him. "So... Kurosaki, would you mind telling us where you were last night?"
By then, he'd already pieced the puzzle together. There was no doubt. He was already free. He dreaded what his brother would do now that he was out but already guessed that revenge was one of them. He'll have to confront him again... but this time, he wasn't sure what he'd do. That last time, he had a task he could not fulfil. Must he fulfil that task now? Especially after what they've done to them?
For now though, he knew what he had to do -
He looked at the two officials and instantly his eyes turned red. "Be quiet and listen well," he commanded.
- He had to clean up his brother's mess.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
It was dark and windy when Rukia walked out to the field. The classes had started but because of that stupid Kaginei sensei, they had to finish ridding the field of dried leaves and twigs. Did he plan to make them clean the field up forever? The trees will never run out of dried leaves, and the field was about 300 yards. What kind of detention was this? This was against students' rights! Because they were late, detention already? They haven't even reached the maximum number of late to be suspended. That Kaginei truly had a grudge on Tatsuki. And perhaps now, he had a grudge on her as well calling her "delinquent" and "spoiled".
She was on the center of the empty field. The field was used for various sports too. For soccer/football and track and field. The school had a giant gym too where swimming classes and other sports such as basketball were held. She found the center of the field had already been swiped, though she wasn't sure how long it would stay like that since the wind kept on blowing. She looked to her left and then to the right but couldn't see any sign of Tatsuki at all. Where on Earth could she be?
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Ichigo entered the classroom for Kaginei's second subject. He has kind of become the hell teacher for the whole batch though, moody and sometimes unreasonable. But he knew the reason why Ichigo was late, so he let him slide for now. Though because of that controversy, he had his keen eye on him... on his orange head in particular.
He sat on the chair and instantly Inoue whispered to him. "Kurosaki-kun!"
He turned to look and acknowledge her.
"Where's Tatsuki-chan and Kuchiki-san?"
"I don't know. Weren't they on detention?"
"But... weren't you with Tatsuki-chan awhile ago?"
He froze. His eyes widened and fixated on the ground. "Damn!" He's here...
And while Kaginei wrote his lectures on the board, he brusquely stood and dashed to the field.
Inoue got confused, while Ishida noticed and suspected that something was up. He also stood to run away but...
"Ishida!" yelled the professor. "Don't you dare follow with that boy's footsteps!"
"I... It's call of nature sensei!"
"Three students out are enough. Wait for them to come back."
"But sensei...!"
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Rukia continued to look for the missing Tatsuki, though she guessed if she couldn't find her at the field, then she was probably somewhere at the gym or possibly taking her time at the toilet too. But she already checked and couldn't find her there. She flipped her phone open and dialed her number. "Come on Tatsuki, answer..." She wasn't answering.
And as she walked around the Gym at the side of the field, she heard a cry. She ran at the back of the Gym and into the forested area that was barb-wired. She found the wires were cut into a hole though that could fit at least a six foot person. She bravely ventured into it, although she had the gut feeling she needed to ask for help. But every seconds count for a person in danger.
She carefully walked forward as she heard sounds of a woman whimpering and the clash of the grass against someone who was trying to get a hold of his/her footing. She came closer and closer and nearer to the scene but was shocked when she saw the back of a man with an orange hair, holding an almost limp but still struggling Tatsuki.
At first she thought it was Ichigo breaking the promise he'd made to her. "I-Ichigo!" She angrily threw the phone at him. It hit with his thick head and fell on the ground broken. He stopped whatever he was doing to the woman and carelessly dropped her limp body on the ground. Rukia saw her lose consciousness from the massive blood loss on her neck. "Tatsuki!"
The man turned to meet her. "Nice... A dessert..." He licked the stains of blood on his lips and smiled sadistically at her.
Seeing his face and realizing the change in clothes, she thought, Not Ichigo... "Who are you...?" she asked, a bit daunted by his undeniable evil aura. It was him. The other statue, the other Ichigo in her dreams, his double.
"A while ago... you said Ichigo, right? Then you must know him. I am his brother and twin, Hichigo. Pleased to make your acquaintance," he grinned and offered his hand for a handshake. But his eyes were filled with malice she could just imagine what would happen if she stepped a bit closer and shook his hand.
"Not pleased," she said, holding her ground and keeping the distance.
"Ouch." He lowered his hand. "Never mind the introductions then... won't you, come here?"
His commands didn't work on her though no matter how hard he'd stare her down with his bloody red eyes. "Won't you leave?" she asked, her concern for Tatsuki was growing in every second. Her body was only a foot away from him.
Hichigo took a good look at her. It puzzled him why she wasn't obedient to him like the girl who layed on the ground at his left side. But he quickly thought of an answer and smirked, all the while disappearing into thin air.
Rukia was astounded. Did he leave... or is he going to -
Defenseless as she was, Hichigo suddenly appeared in front of her, singlehandedly held her neck in a deathly grip and pushed her on a sturdy tree just three feet away. The collision made the tree leaves and twigs continuously fall like rain. He lifted her up so that they both had the same eye contact level. Rukia couldn't breathe. It was all too sudden. He was lightning fast to see. With languid fingers, she tried to peel the hand away before she loses her oxygen supply. He only smiled at her feeble attempts.
So weak... He thought as he looked at her struggling to break free. And yet... He gripped harder to suffocate her and she'd look at him with such fire in her eyes that he thought he'd enjoy extinguishing those first before killing her. He'd love to see her eyes fill with fear and hopelessness before breaking her. And it'd be the start of his revenge against those hunter bastards... if he was right in thinking she was a descendant of one of them. But how else couldn't she succumb to his power unless she was carrying those anti-hypnosis charms and only the hunters and slayers carry such. She didn't even looked that much surprise seeing him as a vampire.
"What's this?" He asked once his fingers brushed the band aid on her neck. He loosened his grip a bit so he could peel the bandaid away. Rukia instantly felt the air rush back into her lungs and felt relief that she wasn't going to die of suffocation yet.
Hichigo carefully examined the bite mark. The wound had almost healed. "Was it Ichigo? Are you his willing supplier?"
"Put me down..." she said bravely but weakly.
"You are not one to command me!" He sneered. "Now answer!" He pushed her back with force that she felt her back ache, her neck bruise and her muscles jitter.
"No... I'm not a supplier..."
"Really? Then perhaps he wouldn't mind if I take you as my very unwilling provider, would he?" He gloated with the thought that he would be able to hit two birds with one stone. First - the faction that've taken everything away from him; and second - Ichigo and his treachery towards their kin. He'd be able to exact his first move of revenge against them using the woman. And he won't stop until he'd killed each and everyone of them. As for Ichigo, he planned something bigger. He planned to inflict him so much pain that he would beg to be killed instead every single day. How he'd do that, he have never given a thought of but this could be a start.
"How about this... I kill you now, split your body in two. Send one to your family and the other to Ichigo... I could just imagine the expression on their faces right now," he laughed in a twisted manner.
The imagery of his threat had churned her spirit with dread. Now she was more than scared for her life and the state after she'd lost it. "Y-You're sick..." He was making her stomach turn upside down.
Hichigo leered after seeing her dejected face. "That's more like it." He looked at the bite on her neck and touched it with a finger. "Now where should I take a bite...?" His finger slowly trailed down from her neck to her collarbone and down right at her chest. He felt the veins, the blood that circulated her body and the beating of her heart. It beat fast, probably out of fright. He wondered, what if he'd tore it out? "Here," he said as he lifted her up further.
Rukia grabbed his orange hair though and pushed it away whenever he charged to bite. He was so different to Ichigo. So wild and aggressive. So twisted and demonic. His skin was paler and his fangs to her looked sharper and longer. His eyes and his smile were wicked. She struggled to break free. She pushed his head while his other hand tried to catch her hands, all the while kicking and wriggling away.
A gust of wind.
The next thing Rukia knew, her feet were back on the ground. Her neck was free and Ichigo's back was in front of her. He turned sideways and asked, "You okay?"
"Yeah. Thanks." She inhaled deeply and exhaled, trying to calm her nerves that was rattled by Hichigo. "Ichigo, can you get me to Tatsuki?"
"Yeah. Go to her when you get the chance and leave right away."
She nodded and their attention went back to Hichigo.
Hichigo lay on the ground a few feet away from them. Just when he was about to feast, he came. What perfect timing! He stood up. "Damn, you are so stingy Ichigo. Why don't you share her with me?" He felt blood trickle from his mouth and he wiped it clean with the back of his hands. He really hated how vulnerable he could be when feasting. The lust takes over so much that he'd lose control over senses and just indulge into that desire for blood. Though that weakness was always present for all vampires but because of that, Ichigo was able to strike him away.
Right now he was kind of feeling a case of blue balls except that it was actually his fangs that was blue or his appetite that was not sated.
"Rukia, go to Tatsuki. I will cover you," said Ichigo.
Trusting Ichigo with his word, she ran to Tatsuki. Ichigo fixed his vigilant eyes on Hichigo. Hichigo watched Rukia as she knelt on the ground, pulled out a handkerchief and covered her neck with it. She checked her pulse and was comforted that she was still alive.
Hichigo darted his attention back on Ichigo. "My, my..." he said, becoming wary of his stare. "Why are you looking at me like that, Ichigo? Are you... in love with me? " he cockily smiled and pointed at himself.
"Go to hell..."
"After you," he said and vanished, only to appear in front of Ichigo to strike a punch. Ichigo had quickly read his movements and dodged the first hit. He swayed backwards, locked Hichigo's arm with his, and initiated his own attack. His fist was blocked by Hichigo's very own palm, rendering them both locked with each other's grasp.
Once again the brothers clash. Both with supernatural strength, speed, agility. Both with the same blood coursing through them. Both looking alike. But only one must remain. Only one.
"Do you remember that night of our unfinished battle, Ichigo?" Hichigo asked, recalling the memory that was as fresh as yesterday in his mind. "So many years have passed, so many things happened... and you're still the same. Siding with humans and living as if you're one of them. It's so damn pathetic."
"I have no intention of fighting you anymore, Hichigo," he replied, feeling a bit of regret and disappointment.
"Too bad. I have every intention of making you suffer," he crushed Ichigo's fists that the bones cracked making him release his arm and retreat backwards in pain.
Hichigo smiled knowing he had the upper hand. Ichigo glared but still he didn't fight back. "We are already centuries after that. Things have changed now."
"You think that night could easily be forgotten? They must pay for their crimes. And now, their descendants will." He took a glance at Rukia who was watching them while taking care of Tatsuki. He swiftly ran towards her but was stopped by Ichigo who pulled him from behind and smashed him at a large tree.
Ichigo looked at Rukia with concern. "Rukia, take Tatsuki to the hospital. Go now."
Rukia understood the urgency of his tone. Tatsuki needed medical assistance immediately and she was in grave danger. She lifted her up, placed one arm on her shoulders and supported her weight by the waist. She tried her best to get out of the forest fast but all she could do was walk briskly. She passed the forest, entered the hole on the barb-wires and swiftly went to the clinic. Thank God Hichigo didn't chase her. Though she wondered how the fight between the brothers would ensue.
As she made her way to the clinic, several students noticed her and Tatsuki. One such was Ishida, who finally was able to get away from the class.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
"Whatever happened to I don't wanna fight you anymore crap, Ichigo?" Hichigo was back on his feet. He could've chased Rukia and killed her, but he decided to do it some other time. He wouldn't let this "bonding" time with his brother pass, would he?
By then, Ichigo's fist had already healed. And talking all about crimes and guilt, he remembered an incident he also hated Hichigo for. He was not one to come clean. They both were unforgivable sinners. But the intention behind those sins had been different. He have sinned for the greater good, while he... for selfish reasons. All those hatred came back. "Now I won't hold back."
"Big words for a small fry."
With swift motion, both fought. Their movements were like the wind. No ordinary person would be able to see nor read them. Though they both were used to battle using swords, their weapons were long time gone already. Ichigo's Zangetsu and Hichigo's Tensa. Ichigo's giant blade, used to protect; while Hichigo's black sword were used to slay and conquer enemies. They were the exact opposites of each other.
This had always been the destiny of the brothers born under The Prophecy of a Black Moon.
With fists and brute strength as their weapon, they clashed. Ichigo charged to punch him on the face but he dodged, making him hit a tree instead. The force had etched a mark on the wood and made the tree tumble down. Its roots were uplifted on the ground. The crash made the earth shook a little and had the birds fleeing their nests. Instantly, Hichigo appeared behind him. He turned and crossed his arms to block Hichigo's incoming attack. The collision had sent him skidding on the ground ten feet away. He managed to get a hold of his footing and stop the momentum. But even before he could recover from that blow (which had almost broken the bones of his arms), he found Hichigo already standing in front of him holding his right hand up that was fully covered and stained by blood. "You're so weak, Ichigo," he muttered with a smug grin on his face. "Didn't even see when I stabbed your gut."
Suddenly he felt the sharp pain on his abdomen, and his wet thick blood that flowed out of the deep wound. His eyesight slightly blurred for a moment as he held his ground. His breathing became ragged but Hichigo wasn't even finished yet. With his large bloody hands, he grabbed his face and pushed him against a boulder a few feet behind him. The back of his skull cracked as he gasped from the impact. "You think you can defeat me, after depriving yourself of fresh human blood? After the power I acquired by devouring her? You're not even worth eating now."
Ichigo was shocked by his speed, even his reflexes were slow compared to him. But after hearing the words he said, his anger rose. He gritted his teeth as he grabbed a piece of rock tightly. With Hichigo cackling like crazy, he swung the rock at his face hitting his head and making him fall three feet away. This fight wasn't over yet. "Don't talk like it's over. I don't need to stoop to your level and become a monster, just to defeat you."
Hichigo was caught off guard. He stood up, though his head had bled but the wound had already healed. "My level...? Of course, you will never stoop to my level," he snicked. "My level... is godlike." Born to be worshiped. Born to rule.
Ichigo was still weak, but no doubt his wounds were healing, though slower than Hichigo's. But with all his might, he stood. He wanted to end this battle that should've ended so many decades ago even though it was a battle he knew he could not win.
"Prepared to die, huh?" Hichigo taunted.
"Let's finish this."
They charged against each other. Both using their hands as the stake that would rip each others heart out. The distance between them that was just a few feet had seemed like a different dimension where everything, even the leaves, seemed to fall so slow. Closer and closer with every step. A foot away, they stopped and shifted their weight on their right foot. Ichigo's hand ready to stab through his brother's heart but Hichigo on the other hand, swayed to the left a bit - giving Ichigo a view of what was behind him. About 15 feet away was Ishida who knelt on the ground holding a bow. The arrow, 5 feet away from him. It was going to hit him, bulls eye on the head since Hichigo managed to sway away from its path. But he found Hichigo raising his hand instead of stabbing him and catching the arrow that was going to be the death of him. At the time that Hichigo caught the arrow, Ichigo had also stabbed him at the heart. It wasn't that deep but it weakened him greatly.
"You..." Ichigo muttered, realizing his brother just saved his life.
Hichigo used his other hand to grab Ichigo's hand and pushed him away. "Damn interruptions." He said as blood gushed out of his mouth. He was a direct descendant of the Demon, it will take more than a stab to take him down. "Don't think I saved your life. I merely wanted me to be the one who will slay you, Ichigo." He turned to look for Ishida. Ishida had fired another arrow at him but he easily dodged. Hichigo then threw the arrow he was holding back at the owner. It was fast and Ishida tried to get away but it hit with his shoulder, making him drop the bow in pain.
Ishida flinched. Now he was bleeding and that vampire was most likely going to kill him. When he saw Tatsuki injured, he instantly knew someone was out endangering his friends. And as someone who had the power, he wanted to slay the vampire himself. Turned out, the vampire who looked like Ichigo was so damn strong that Ichigo looked like a pulp compared to him. He scowled at his injury. Why didn't he have some of those instant regeneration powers too?
Hichigo suddenly flashed in front of him. "A Quincy... I haven't killed one before," he sounded excited.
Ichigo appeared behind him. "Your battle is with me."
"Our battle is over," he said as he turned and slashed Ichigo's neck.
Ichigo quickly fell on the ground. A pool of blood abruptly emerged on the grass because of the cut. Truly the wound was healing slowly, but he was losing blood so quickly that he was almost close to desiccation.
Hichigo lifted Ishida up by the collar and snarled, ready to eat his prey. But suddenly, more companies arrived. Kira, Renji and Hisagi had cut him from behind. He dropped Ishida and looked at the three. More and more people were coming and he was becoming so damn pissed. He'd hate to retreat but if reinforcements kept on coming on the human side, he will lose. He was alone on this, and he was weakened as well. He'd have to recuperate first and find the remaining vampires that hid their existence. "Damn, I'll see you later, Ichigo." He evilly grinned and said to Ichigo's face down, desiccating form. And then he vanished.
"Damn, could've caught him!" complained Renji.
"Don't worry, we have the other one," said Kira. But when they checked on Ichigo, he was also gone.
"I knew something was off with that Ichigo. I better tell Rukia."
"She knows already," answered Ishida.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
At night, Ishida and Tatsuki were brought to the hospital since they cannot stay in the school's clinic ward overnight.
"Ishida, what happened?" Rukia asked after Ishida's wound was treated. "Where's Ichigo?"
"I don't know where he is. He vanished right after the trios arrived. Don't worry about him. He'll live."
"I'm not worried about him."
"Then what is that face for?" Ishida asked after seeing her face filled with concern.
Rukia was embarrassed. "I see you are doing so fine now. I will check on Tatsuki," she said, leaving the ward. Just then Inoue had arrived to check up on him too.
"Ishida-kun!"
"Inoue-san..."
It was the last she heard after the door of the ward closed.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Rukia entered Tatsuki's ward and closed the door. Tatsuki was still sleeping so soundly. She've lost a lot of blood but the doctors said she will cope. They've found blood donors for her to replace the amount she've lost. Hopefully she won't suffer from anemia and just wake up soon.
She wondered if she would remember the traumatic incident.
"Is she okay?" Ichigo's voice suddenly shocked her. He came in from the windows as usual.
"She will be," Rukia answered. She then noticed Ichigo's bloody look. He still wore the blood stained uniform, so was his face, throat and hand. Almost the whole body to be exact has dried blood stains. His foot and legs cringed when he walked closer to Tatsuki. She was horrified at whatever he'd been through. She also noticed his skin was paler and as if drying up. "Ichigo, are you okay?"
"I... I'm... fine..." When he reached Tatsuki's bed, he opened her right eye.
"W-What are you doing?"
"What is best for her," He answered, his voice was husky and deep. His breathing, heavy. "You were attacked by an animal on the field and it dragged you to the forest. That is all you remember."
He then closed the eyes, took a few steps backward and just fell on the floor with a thud. Rukia came rushing to him.
Blood... I need... blood...
He was panting and craving so much. He knew he was going to wither and die if he don't consume blood soon. When she touched him, he felt the instant rush. The course of warm blood on her veins... the beating of his heart in excitement to taste blood again... that...
warm...
blood...
fresh...
blood...
need... want... to...
Rukia, from kneeling position, was instantly pulled, pushed to the side and straddled by Ichigo. He growled, his eyes red with lust and fangs ready to take another bite on her neck. His head now was at the crook of her neck. He wanted so so much to drink her blood but he couldn't bring himself to do so. The promise he's made to her kept echoing in his head. He inhaled and exhaled sharp and long, trying to calm his nerves, his animal side that didn't care about anything at all. He slowly regained control, looked at her eyes only to find her staring right at him as well. She didn't look scared, rather, she was submissive. He stood and vanished.
Rukia didn't know why he stopped. She really thought he was going to bite her. But she realized maybe it was him trying his best to keep his promise. But... it was okay for her. She would give him her blood if it'd save his life. After all, he saved theirs. She sat on the couch and wondered where he'd gone.
Renji knocked and opened the door. "Rukia, your brother wants to talk to you."
"Yeah."
"What happened? You don't look all that excited to talk to your brother."
"I'm excited." She was kind of shaken.
Renji handed her the mobile phone and she left the ward so she won't wake Tatsuki up. She was reminded to buy a new cellphone soon. Renji stayed at the ward to watch Tatsuki.
"Nii-sama?" she answered, walking all the way to the lobby. She'd decided to stay at the ward with her friends.
There were static and buzzing lines. Byakuya's voice couldn't be heard as clear. "Ru.. ia. Is.. at... you?"
"Yes Nii-sama."
"I am returning to-ight. I have a lot of... *buzz*... I need to tell... *buzz*" Rukia was cursing the telecommunication line in her inner mind. It kept buzzing.
"Tonight? I will prepare the -" She heard people suddenly screaming on the phone. "Nii-sama? What's happening? Are you okay?"
There was no answer as she heard continued screams. She heard crashes, the clunk of the phone and an explosion that made the line go dead silent. "Hello? Nii-sama? Nii-sama?" she was starting to panic. And then she saw people gathering at the waiting area near the cashier and nurse offices. She followed them to a large TV screen that featured a breaking news.
On the screen, a plane was caught exploding on the night sky. The plane was known as Karakura Airways. The newscaster reported, "Karakura Airways has boarded around two hundred fifty passengers. As of now, we are confirming the exact number and list. The flight was known as K127 headed back at Karakura Town. We regret to report this news to you, let us pray for any survivors of this incident. Locals as well as Korean officials will investigate the cause of the disaster."
A henchman handed a paper to the reporter. "We now have confirmed list of passengers who boarded the plane. Minako Aino, Tsujiro Saki, Hina Tori, Tia Satomi... K-Kuchiki... Byakuya...?" Even the reported knew who Byakuya was.
Rukia dropped the phone at the mention of Byakuya's name. Her knees trembled and gave away. She sat on the floor, hands clamped her mouth as she tried to hold herself from screaming. No... This can't be happening... Tears streamed her face and onto her hands that shook. "No... please no... Nii-sama!" She no longer heard anything from the news or from anyone who was trying to help her. Everything had spun and she blacked out.
A/N: Supposed to update on Halloween but didn't finish on time. lol xD Some questions will be answered next chap. xD
And because I am a tad bit late at replying previous chap's reviews... I shall reply here. lol xD
SunRises- They have finally encountered each other. :3 I thought it was too long before Hichi showed up. lol xD But wah... this chap was so bloody because of him. xD As will any other chap that includes him. Thanks for reviewing! :D
ayame028 - I now have no idea what to do with Kaien and the Shiba family. I haven't really given a thought about them. lol xD Unfortunately, IchiRuki won't be living together soon since Ichi got those uncontrollable urges. arghh.. lol xD Love you too and thanks for reviewing. :)
buchielle- Haha, medyo matagal ko pa yata irereveal eh.. pero I dropped hints na. ;) Naloka ako kay Hichi sa chap na to. haha xD Thanks for reviewing. =D
Cherryblossom snow - Thanks for loving this story. :3 I'm just glad to share my imagination and fangirling with you guys. =D And it's great to know it lifted your mood up. Thanks for reviewing. :3
Maverick no Knight - I will keep writing though this is the only story I write 10+ pages per chap. It's shocking for me 'cause I'm so used to writing only 1 - 6 pages. So I guess that's the reason my updates were slow, aside from losing the spark from time to time, life distractions and work stress. :( I like reading IchiRukiHichi stories too and I wish there were more of 'em. Thanks for loving the story and reviewing. :)
D - lol xD eto nalang tawagan natin? First letters? haha xD Parang gossip girl lang eh noh.. haha =P So, I see that you've changed your penname. o_o And you're off somewhere far far away again? So as of this update, nakabalik ka na ba ulet from duty? Lapit ka n rin grumaduate di ba? hihi, kaya mo yan! ;) Kame never na magkakaron ng sembreak, ever. :( I so miss school. Ewan ko ba baket sabak agad ako sa trabaho at hindi muna nagpahinga. Ayan stress overload inabot ko. :| About SA, double lemon. nosebleeds... xD haha sige basta update ka kaagad after mo maedit. Ako walang edit edit eh, pagtapos, upload kaagad. Katamad na eh. haha About sa review, nako. Maraming alam si Bya unfortunately... xD haha atsaka pumayag si Ru kc wala naman xa magagawa para paalisin si Ichi. hahaha xD Thanks for reviewing and good luck sa duties and exams mo ah. =) update soon ka rin. hehe =P Love ya too.
Anyway, sorry for the late update guys. Hope I delivered with this chapter. Thank you for those kind souls who would spare a review. :D And please inform me if there are any errors or anything. :)
'Til next update, ciao~