The Lifeblood Doctrine Chapter 6: Last Will, a bleach fanfic

"Rukia...

There will come a time when I will be gone, and when that happens, you're on your own...

But I will do all that I can to make you safe...

I hope one day you will understand.

One day it will all make sense."

Rukia felt a light smooch on her forehead. Even when the words invaded her dreams, she was too sleepy and too young to actually care what those meant. She opened her eyes, delighted by the affection her brother showed while she slept, but found nobody in the room at all. She slowly sat up, pulled the blanket and looked around. The living room was quiet and dark, there was no sign of Byakuya. She thought she could've just been dreaming. She laid back on the sofa as she looked at the flames that danced idly by the fireplace.

Slowly, the fire faded as well as the scenery of the mansion but was replaced by a light bulb and a ward. She blinked and had finally woken up. That dream was a memory of what happened six years ago... when Byakuya had her leave the town to study abroad.

.~.~.~.~.~.~.

The Lifeblood Doctrine

Chapter Six:

Last Will

.~.~.~.~.~.~.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

I, Byakuya Kuchiki, of legal age, single, born on the 31st of January, a resident of Karakura Town, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, and not acting under undue influence or intimidation from anyone, do hereby declare and proclaim this instrument to be my Last Will and Testament, in English, the language which I am well conversant. And I hereby declare that:

I. I desire that should I die, it is my wish to be cremated; and

II. Only to my dear sister, Rukia Kuchiki, I give and bequeath all properties and responsibilities as the head of Kuchiki Clan.

III. I hereby designate Ukitake Jyushiro the executor and administrator of this Last Will and Testament, and in his incapacity, I name and designate Shunsui Kyoraku as his substitute.

IV. I hereby direct that the executor and administrator of this Last Will and Testament or his substitute need not present any bond;

V. I hereby revoke, set aside and annul any and all of my other will or testamentary dispositions that I have made, executed, signed or published preceding this Last Will and Testament.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this 14 day of February, 2004, in Karakura.

Byakuya Kuchiki

.~.~.~.~.~.~.

"I cannot accept this," said Rukia with eyes almost brimming in tears. She was called upon by the Board members for this meeting, as the new CEO of the Kuchiki estates. She stared at Byakuya's Last Will and Testament with hands still shaking. She still couldn't believe her brother was gone.

They were at the hotel's discussion room. Ukitake Jyuushiro as the designated executor and administrator was the one who immediately called for the meeting. He also couldn't believe Byakuya was gone but as a trusted friend, he had to do his part for him and make his wishes come true. "You are 18, you are legal. The company is yours, Kuchiki," he said. Although Rukia was legal, she was still novice with the business. But he knew that she was more than capable once she learned how to run it. She was a fast learner afterall.

"I... I'm sorry. I don't know how to run the business. I'm only taking Business Management now."

"Your brother wishes you to inherit everything, Kuchiki," said Ukitake. He then exchanged concerned glances with Shunsui who was also present at the meeting. By everything, that also meant those secret responsibilities.

"If I accept this... it's like... like... accepting his death..." she said, her sad eyes only fixed on the paper before her.

"We know you are at a time of grief but so is this company. Kuchiki Byakuya-sama was confirmed to have been in that plane. Nothing can be recovered from such an explosion. We must keep going no matter what, or the legacy he and the former Kuchiki presidents left behind will be ruined. Everything is now in your hands, Rukia-sama," said one of the board members.

Rukia looked at him. What he said was the truth, the world will not stop moving for just one person. But she wasn't ready...

"I... I need my privacy."

Immediately, the board members as well as Ukitake and Shunsui left. She was alone in the quiet room, her eyes fixed on the paper her brother left for her. She didn't know why her. Why of all their family connections, why choose her to be the next head of the clan, the president of the estates, the successor of the responsibilities? She looked back at the testament and was even more baffled to notice that the paper was signed exactly on the same date he was inaugurated as the head of the clan.

Why did he complete his last will on that day? Was he expecting his death that early?

Byakuya knew something. Scratch that. He knew a lot of things. She just wished this plane crash never happened. But she still couldn't accept this, not unless she saw it with her own eyes. Unless she confirmed he was really gone. What if he survived from the plane and was needing help somewhere out there?

.~.~.~.~.~.~.

At somewhere unknown...

"It seems that the news have spread fast," said a man fully clothed in white though his face was hidden in the shadows.

Aizen smiled in satisfaction. "Shrieker did his job well. Though I doubt he will be able to return after that explosion. After all, no vampires can regenerate after being turned to ash."

"Sacrificing your pawns?"

"For our cause, of course."

"Didn't you use the hougyoku on him?"

"I did. But the end result remains unstable. Even though I am the sire, they are sometimes difficult to control. They become wild and lose their sense of self." Aizen recalled that after he had used the Hougyoku on Metastacia, he had disappeared and still was yet to be found. But he didn't care. He'll just spring up one day and be slayed.

"I see."

Aizen smiled. "I trust then, that you will take care of the new head of the clan."

"Patience, my friend. Everything is already planned."

"Very well." Aizen turned to leave the dark room.

.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Outside the discussion room, Shunsui and Ukitake had been discussing about their future plans.

"We have to tell her..." started Shunsui.

"I know, but not now. She needs time."

"What if they get to her?" Shunsui was rarely serious but it was a matter they needed to address as fast as possible.

Ukitake frowned. This was a very crucial situation. Now that Rukia was the Head, others might use her to tip the balance between humans and vampires. She was in a very delicate position. And he wondered why would Byakuya put her in such place. Though he knew that Byakuya trusts no one in the family in particular except his grandfather Ginrei and of course Rukia. Ginrei Kuchiki had already finished his 30 years of service as the head of the Clan. But right now, Rukia was too young to lead.

Anyway... had it just been any other, it would've put her and the rest of them in greater danger.

"That's why we're here... to make sure they don't get to her... I'm sure that's what Byakuya had in mind when he wrote her name..."

Shunsui nodded.

.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Rukia stood in front of the airport with only a backpack and a hope that she will find her brother alive and well. She is not one to sit idly and wait for news at all. She've decided to investigate as well. It's just normal for people to go to crime scenes, to inquire, and to look even for the remains of their loved ones. She wanted to look for anything... just anything at all...

After that, after she've confirmed, she will come back and fulfil his last will. That and only after that.

The airport was open to receive passengers from other countries but all of the outgoing flights have been cancelled. And when she inquired at the reception, the attendant said, "I'm sorry Kuchiki-sama. Outgoing flights are cancelled until further notice. Karakura Airways are under investigation. We hope you understand."

"I need to be with the search party. I need to find my brother!"

"I'm sorry. There have been a lot of complaints from the victim's families. We would like to extend our condolences but we cannot allow Karakura Airways' planes to operate until we have confirmed the cause of flight K127's crash. I'm sorry, we can only wait," the attendant said in sympathy.

Rukia could do nothing but head back to the life she've been accustomed to. She didn't want to mope around and be alone at all. The sadness would kill her. So she headed to school, however late she already was. That was where she saw hope, again.

.~.~.~.~.~.~.

The day went on like any other ordinary day. Except this day, she wasn't there... or atleast he thought she was.

He've heard the news and he figured that was why Rukia was missing half of the day at school. But he was quite shocked to see her come in. She managed to come in.

At the door of the classroom, directly three feet from where he was standing, she stood. Her head was bowed down as if deep in thought but slowly she looked up at him. There was a moment of pause and then suddenly she dropped the bag she carried as her eyes showed vulnerability and her whole tough girl facade started to shatter. Although she tried her hardest to hold her emotions, it was blatant at the way she shook. She looked at him and she was lost, trying to keep herself from crumbling. The emotions just rushed that she felt her eyes watering.

He wanted to comfort her, say it will be alright. But he knew, nothing he says would make things better. It crippled him, for reasons he did not understand, to see her like that. It hurt, to see her hurt. He closed his right hand tightly, in an attempt to not do anything foolish - especially around their friends. He opened his mouth to speak her name but all that would come out was an exhale as different colors and strands of hair blocked his view on her. Before he, or even she realized, their classmates had already showered her with hugs and questions if she's alright. Their towering height overshadowed her.

"Aherm..." coughed the professor who was sitting on the desk. "Classes are still ongoing. Please go back to your respective seats."

By that, everyone went back to their seats and the professor continued his lectures. Ichigo was actually answering a math problem on the board at that time. Rukia knew it was wrong, but this was her last resort. She flipped a book open and held it in front of her, totally covering her face below the eyes. As she watched Ichigo write the answer, she whispered so quietly, "Ichigo? Can you hear me?"

Well, she never had confirmation if ever vampires have those super hearing abilities but it was worth a try. Better than waiting for break time anyway. Ichigo was startled to hear her but he slightly turned to look at her and it was enough as an answer. He wondered what it was but he turned to the board again though listening intently to her weak voice.

"Can you meet me after this class? At my suite?"

Ichigo stopped momentarily writing on the board. After this class was 20 minutes. How in the Earth could he meet her in her suite if she was at school? And couldn't they just talk there? More importantly, what was the reason behind it? Was she going to scold him for...?

"Please..."

Now... how could he refuse? He wrote a letter Y on the board although the problem did not include a Y variable. With that, Rukia stood up and called their professor. "Sensei... I thought I could, but I... couldn't... can you please excuse me?"

The professor understood her and nodded. She left the school to go back to her suite and prepare her things.

.~.~.~.~.~.~.

The backpack she carried when she went to the airport earlier was still on her bed. Inside she packed some clothes, toiletries, money, cellphones and her passport though she doubt she'd still be using that passport now. She rummaged her closets to change into a capri pants and a dark blue buttoned blouse. She also looked for anything useful that she could carry on the trip. She found a pocket knife that someone had given her before. She also took a hair brush, a flash light just in case, and an old picture of her and her brother when she was still 12 years old. Byakuya looked grumpy but still handsome as ever. She was beside him with her hair braided up and wearing an elegant dark blue kimono while he was wearing a tuxedo. She had that silly goofy smile knowing she'd get to have a picture together with her brother. It was one of those supposed-to-be family reunions.

Nii-sama... She touched the picture, remembering all the memories she had with him. Her eyes watered and she let the tears fall as she stared at the picture sadly. I have a feeling... you're still alive... She hoped that feeling was not just a product of her desire to see him again. She hoped it was real.

"Rukia..." Ichigo called from the window.

Rukia quickly wiped her eyes of tears, went to the bed and hid the picture in one of the pockets of the bag. She then looked at him.

Ichigo looked at her, then at the bag and at her again, waiting for her to start explaining why she asked him to come.

"What happened to you?" she asked, not wanting to get directly to the point. Though she was also curious why he suddenly sprang up at school. Last time she saw, he was dessicating.

"Don't worry. I didn't hurt anyone if that's what you're wondering about. I... just stole from the blood bank."

Preserved blood tasted awful but it was better than drinking animal blood. It was enough though, to contain the hunger and to save himself from withering away. That was how he was before anyway. He drank blood packs. But really, fresh human blood tasted the best and was most addicting. Her blood though, was a rather different story.

"You stole from the blood bank?"

Ichigo thought, was she deaf or what. But he knew being rude now wouldn't help either of them anyway. "Yeah."

"You don't need to."

"What?" he asked in shock.

Rukia finished zipping the bag. "I have a request and I have no other option but you."

"No," he answered firmly.

Rukia was speechless. She didn't even had the chance to tell him what she wanted and he already declined. "Are you a mind reader now?"

Her request was rather easy to guess. The backpack. The airport. The recent incident. Her. "No," he repeated. "I have no obligation to help you in any way. You cannot use me as you please."

"I didn't say I'm using you. I'm going to bargain my life for your help. Get me to Korea, in exchange, I will provide you with my blood. Agree?"

As much as Ichigo would like that, he can't. He can't risk killing her even if it would be unintentional. "N... o..." he stuttered as he watched Rukia take a pocket knife from the bag and cut her right hand's palm with it. She gasped from pain but held her hand towards him, inviting him to take the bait. It was as desperate as she could get.

With the smell and sight of blood, his eyes instantly turned red and his fangs prolonged, his whole body betraying his human will. He turned to his back, trying to hold the lust and excitement of his nerves, trying to not give in to the temptation. He could hear every droplet of blood as it splashed on the floor, could almost taste them as he smelt them. It took every ounce of will power to stop himself from charging her right then and there, but it also took just a few words to make it actually happen. She whispered that sounded a bit seductive, "I know you want it..."

Da- Damn!

When she was offered, he couldn't refuse. Now she offered herself, how could he refuse?

He swiftly turned around to push her on the wall. "You're crazy! Do you know how hard I've been trying to keep myself in control? Are you a damn masochist? I can't take away the pain you will feel every time I bite you. And I could kill you."

She stood, watching him quietly as he roughly grabbed her hand that she cut and brought it to his mouth. He began sucking on it. And even when biting was unncessary since she already had an open wound, he still bit her, just trying to get the message across. It was a punishment for trying to seduce him successfully.

"Ah!" She gasped when he bit her. True that it was painful but... "I don't care," she said. "This pain you said... is nothing compared to the loss of my brother..." I'd do anything... just to find him...

Hearing that somehow made him a bit more gentle but he still sucked on her hand for a few more minutes before finding the will to stop. He wiped his mouth clean, dropped her hand and immediately went to the window. He had to get away from her, he was craving for more. He will always be craving for more. He just feared one day he may not be able to stop these cravings. "I'll see you at the airport."

She nodded, though his back was turned.

He left.

She sighed and went to the drawers looking for a first aid kit.

.~.~.~.~.~.~.

After a few minutes...

The airport was less crowded than it was earlier. Probably because it was almost dusk. Ichigo was sitting on one of the waiting areas when Rukia came in. "Hey..." she called.

"Hey your face," he retorted.

Rukia was taken aback. "Wha-what? Are you mad?"

Who wouldn't be? She used herself to get him to do her will! Damn it, right? But even then, there was a part of him that wanted it as well. That lusted for her blood so much it just drives him mad. So damn annoying. Perhaps maybe deep down, he was in a sour mood because he just couldn't get enough...

Anyway... they both benefitted from the exchange so it was just quits.

He stood to face her, his hands inside his jersey jacket's pockets. He changed from school uniform and he was wearing a simple white t-shirt under that jacket. Wherever he got those, she won't even have to ask. He asked coolly, "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes. A hundred percent."

"Alright then," he walked towards the reception as she followed closely behind.

.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Unbeknownst to them, was a prying eye that watched them from afar. He had his arms crossed as he smiled slyly watching them through the slits of his snake-like eyes.

A pilot had approached him. "Gin Ichimaru-sama... you called?"

"The plane they are going to ride on. Make sure you crash it." His grin was wide, and his voice as low as a whisper. He knew he was at a distance far enough so Ichigo wouldn't hear.

The pilot followed his gaze to Ichigo and Rukia. "As you wish, Ichimaru-sama," the hypnotized pilot answered and left.

Tousen walked closer to Gin. And when they were finally side by side, he said, "Aizen-sama will punish you. She is not to be touched."

"I am not touching her. Literally that is," he cackled. "You see who she is with?"

"Of course. A man who could crush our plans."

"Then you know who I am crushing. Besides, it's just a bump on their ride."

.~.~.~.~.~.~.

The process had been smooth and easy. Of course, with someone who could easily bend others will, it was just one look away. In an instant, the receptionist had booked a flight for them. And even when the manager came rushing out of the office to address the issue, even he was enslaved to give a plane away. Pilots even.

There were no other passengers on the plane except the two of them and the pilots. No flight attendants. Nobody else.

Ichigo was amazed by the plane. It was his first time to see and ride on one after a few years had passed. Everything was quite advanced now. He sat on the chair next to the window just so he could see the clouds when they start flying. Rukia sat beside him. The second they took off, she had rested her head on his shoulders and drifted off to sleep. He wouldn't blame her if she got tired though. He looked at her hand that was tightly covered by a bandage before resting his own hand on it. It caused her to slightly awaken.

"What is it?" she asked, half asleep and eyes still closed.

"Does it hurt?"

"Not anymore," she said lowly.

She'd drifted back to sleep, and so did he when he got tired of seeing the whiteness of the clouds.

.~.~.~.~.~.~.

It had just been a few hours when the whole plane suddenly shook violently. They were probably halfway to Korea and at this point, were just a few hundred feet above the ocean. Ichigo and Rukia woke up as the gas masks automatically dropped for them. The pilot had spoken on the speaker, "This is the captain of the plane speaking. We are just experiencing atmospheric disturbance. Please do not panic, remain calm and seated for your own safety. Tha - AAHH!" A loud bang was heard on the speaker and it became dead silent.

"What the hell is happening!" Ichigo and Rukia ran to check on the pilot's control room.

The plane did not stop its shaking, and there was a dead man piloting the ship. Another bang was heard however on the engine room, followed by a bang on the left and right wing. Explosives. There were explosives inside the ship and this had made running dizzier but at least the plane's momentum had not made them fall like a rock with gravitational force... yet.

Ichigo had almost reached the door of the control room when it opened itself and revealed one of the pilots whose whole body was covered in C4 with a 30-seconds remaining timer. At this rate, they were going to be blown to bits.

"Shit!"

"Oh my God!"