Upon reaching her suite that night, Rukia immediately took a shower, changed into her pajamas and sat at the bedside. Everything was going to change tomorrow. They will announce her as the new president of the corporation... and she will have to live her life without waiting for Byakuya to return anymore. She missed him a lot. They both have missed so many chances to be together, to live as a family. It was sad, all of these tragedies suddenly befalling her.
As she glanced at the open window, she noticed a letter on the table near her. She opened it and read the contents:
Rukia,
Meet me at the bistro tomorrow night.
Ashido
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
The Lifeblood Doctrine
Chapter Eight:
Games
I'D EAT YOU ALIVE!
I'd eat you alive...
~ Eat You Alive by Limp Bizkit
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
The next day, while Rukia did have some trouble sleeping, crying and reminiscing at the same time, she somehow managed to give herself a rest. When she opened her eyes, the first thing that ever crossed her mind was Byakuya. She knew she just had to give herself some time to finally cope with the loss. But she ain't stopping there, she knew Byakuya would be disappointed if she was not able to fulfill his wishes. She convinced herself that he would not want to see her unhappy, even in the afterlife.
Her schedule was hectic today. There was school, there was work at the corporation, and then of course, there was her life. She somehow doubted she would be able to balance them at all. She had to show her face to her friends and block mates, to erase their worries. She actually thought about home school. Reading this, doing that, going there, endless meetings, it would be a total pain in the ass. But she is a Kuchiki - strong, proud and never gives up.
Oh yeah, talking about the schedule for today, she remembered the note Ashido left. But how on Earth did Ashido get in her suite by the way? Moreover, when did he come back? Of course, those will be answered later. She was rather excited to see him again. He was like Renji, a best friend, to her.
She finally got up from the bed and straightened the sheets. Seven in the morning, she was already late for the first class. Again.
She hurriedly went to the bathroom only to be stunned by a naked butt. Yes. A perfectly round naked butt.
"Oh my God, Rukia!" screamed the familiar owner of the naked butt. Afterwhich the naked butt had been covered by a towel.
Rukia, although stunned, managed to look him in the face before closing the door, still stunned. After five seconds, she yelled, "Oh my God, Ichigo! What the hell are you doing here?"
"Don't you know how to knock?" Ichigo yelled inside.
"Don't you know how to lock a damn door?" Rukia yelled back. "And you're supposed to be with your family, why are you here?"
The door suddenly opened, making Rukia turn her back instantly to avoid seeing anything more inappropriate. He was only covering his lower part though, nothing she hadn't seen before.
Seeing Rukia embarrassed by what she had just seen made him want to tease her. He walked to her back, bended to her ears and whispered playfully, "Want to see more?"
"What do you mean by that?" she asked, a bit flustered.
"I'm taking off the towel now..." he said with a smirk on his face. Rukia heard the sound of a fallen wet towel that met with the carpet floor. "Turn around."
Well... what she had seen in the bathroom was a butt, and everyone has butts. The front part though, was going to take her innocence away. "Will you cover up and get dressed?" she asked, still not wanting to turn around.
"No, I don't want to," he answered. Sweet payback time - for actually seducing him with her blood. He whispered again to her ear, "But I know you want it..."
Rukia flushed. He was actually seducing her. But she was a Kuchiki and... "I cannot be seduced."
She cannot be seduced. That was what she wanted to believe until her heart skipped a bit when Ichigo snaked his arm around her waist, his chest pressed on her back and she felt his hot breath on the skin of her neck. "I-Ichigo?"
Ichigo had no idea what happened, it was just a simple tease, but he found himself senseless and going on her neck for a bite. His fangs readily sharpened, as did his eyes that turned red. He was almost going to puncture her skin again when she decided to break her discomfort, pull herself out of his grip and briskly walk towards the door without looking back at him whatsoever. When the door closed, she yelled from the outside. "I'm going to have breakfast. You'd better be dressed when I come back!" And then she stormed to the elevator.
Inside the room, Ichigo, who was not really naked but wearing boxers - 'cause he won't totally show his manhood just like that alright? He's a virgin too - was left feeling stupid for actually trying to bite her without asking her permission. He ruffled his own hair, returned to his human form and proceeded to put on his clothes.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
The hotel's luxurious amenities were divided in different floors. While the management would have liked them all together in one floor, it was just too many, some were even big enough that the whole floor was only dedicated to them. One such was the gym at the second floor. Then, there were also the courts at the third floor for basketball, tennis and volleyball. There also were billiard rooms and internet shops. The fourth floor housed the swimming pool, sauna, even a room for The Spa. The fifth however had the hotel's very own restaurant, bar and function rooms for special occasions.
So, she went to the fifth floor and ordered some light and easy-to-eat food and had them delivered to her room. After all, she can't stay that long at the dining area when she was dressed inappropriately. Ichigo should have finished dressing up by then.
"Just put it on the tab," she said to the waiter.
The waiter had nodded while writing at a piece of paper. "Yes, Kuchiki-sama."
"Uhh..." Rukia muttered. She had not expected that the waiters would know her face that well already.
The waiter had left her and she was going back to the elevator when someone spoke behind, "Look who's in PJs!"
I would not have been walking here in PJs had there not been a naked man in my room! She defended herself internally. She turned around to properly converse with the man but was instantly shocked. She have not expected to see him again. "Kaoru-dono?"
Kaoru grinned. "I'm glad you still remember me."
"Of course! It's been a long time." She gave him a hug though she was only up to his shoulders. Last time she have seen him, he was rather young. She have only seen him during the Kuchiki family's gathering. He was her cousin. He had black hair, as had everyone in their family, and was rather handsome and incredibly tall. His eyes were grayish and seemed to be around twenties. He wore a casual red t-shirt and khaki pants.
"You are still the same, like the last time I saw you!" said Kaoru after noticing the height.
"I..." Rukia knew he was referring about her height. "I'd like to think of that as a compliment," she laughed.
"You should think otherwise," he teased.
"Kaoru-dono!"
"Just kidding, just kidding!" he ruffled her hair. He fell silent and asked, "Will you walk with me?"
Rukia bit her lip. "I would love to but with what I am currently wearing right now, it seems the only walk I would be taking is a walk back to the elevator," she said, a bit embarrassed.
"Then a walk to the elevator will suffice!" he grinned.
They started to walk back to the elevator. They passed by the restaurant's wooden glass doors that was widely opened for the tenants. After the corridor though, was a cozy lounge that was also next to the elevator. The more they have passed by so many guests and visitors, the more Rukia felt embarrassed that she would try to hide her face as much as possible.
"Come on," said Kaoru once they stopped in front of the elevator. Rukia pushed the up button and they waited for it to arrive. "I mean, you don't have the worst morning fashion sense!"
Rukia laughed. "I guess..." she answered though trying to imagine what would be the other worst fashion sense.
"I heard what happened..." Kaoru said seriously. "I am here to bring you the whole family's condolences. Byakuya was a great leader of our clan. He will always be in our prayers."
Rukia fell silent. She looked up at the elevator's indicator and still it was stuck at some floor. "Thank you," she said softly without meeting Kaoru face-to-face. It was obvious she was still in pain.
"The whole family's been told of Byakuya's will. You will inherit everything he have left behind... including the position as the head of the clan. The will of the previous head is always respected and looked upon by the rest of the members," he said, "so the family sent me here to assist you with your dealings."
She looked at him and smiled. "Thanks, Kaoru-dono." Every one of their family was a business entrepreneur. Kaoru was one of those successful businessmen who became a billionaire at such a young age. He knows the highs and lows of companies and how the affairs operate. He would be great as an advisor.
"I understand that it will take time for you to fully learn the family's businesses. So we are not rushing you. I am here to help you with whatever you need help with," he smiled again. Kaoru actually resembles a bit of her brother and she couldn't help but notice how much she missed Byakuya's smile. "I am actually at your disposal."
She laughed. "How can I ever dispose of my cousin?"
And at last, the elevator has arrived. The door opened revealing an Ichigo already in school uniform. "There you are," he said after seeing Rukia. He then pressed and held onto the Hold button of the elevator.
"Finally!" she replied, relieved that she can have her room for herself.
Kaoru intentionally coughed to draw their attention.
"Who the hell are you?" Ichigo asked.
"Ichigo, stop being rude." Rukia held Kaoru's arms and looked at him. "This is my long lost cousin, Kaoru."
Kaoru seemed to have scowled. "Will you please tell me who you are?" He looks familiar... Is he...?
"I don't need to answer you," he answered indifferently.
Rukia let go of Kaoru's arm, gave Ichigo a poke on the forehead and then turned back to Kaoru. "He's just an annoying block mate at the university. And he's actually leaving now... Right Ichigo?"
"Leaving with you, actually."
Rukia immediately responded, "No I'm not."
"Yes you are."
Ichigo...? Hmm... Kaoru still had the scowl on his face while looking at them both. "Is he your boyfriend?" he asked Rukia.
"No!" Rukia quickly said in defense.
"Oh, good," he replied.
What's good about that? Ichigo simply thought that boyfriend meant a friend who is a boy.
"Anyway... I have to get going and it seems you are also running late already. I'll see you at the office," he smiled sweetly at Rukia.
Rukia smiled back. "See you, Kaoru-dono."
She then went inside the elevator with Ichigo. He let go of his finger on the button and the door started to close. Kaoru pushed the down button and waited for the other elevator to arrive. At this time though, he did not look sweet nor jolly. His eyes sharpened into a glare and his face bore quite a very serious expression.
Ichigo Kurosaki...
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Inside the elevator, Rukia looked at the control station horrorstruck. "What the heck?" she asked Ichigo who was behind her.
Ichigo had pushed all the call buttons up to the pent house suite. So that was also the reason why it took the elevator ten years to get to the fifth floor.
"At this pace, I'll be 30 years old when we get there!" she said to him.
Ichigo just scratched his head. "Stop exaggerating. This is my first time riding this thing okay...?"
"Well..." she smirked at his naivety and pointed at the buttons. "These are -"
"No need to explain. I've found it out already," Ichigo said defensively.
"And still... you pushed all the buttons going up?"
"I... uh..." he was leaning on the metallic wall. He looked away in shame. "I don't know which floor your room is..."
"P for pent -"
"How should I know? I just jump at the window!"
She just laughed at him. He got annoyed so he asked, "What's so funny?"
"Nothing," she smiled though she was highly amused by his ignorance.
And then there was silence. Every floor the elevator's stopped, opened and closed was indicated by a sound. And that sound reigned for three more floors. People who came in the elevator would quickly go out once they have seen all the buttons lit and they would wait for the other elevators to arrive. Some even cursed as they left.
"So..." Rukia started, "Why are you going up again?"
"Nothing," he quickly answered.
"Fine."
"Don't stay here," said Ichigo in a low tone, almost like a whisper.
That statement made Rukia turn to face him.
Ting! The elevator have opened its doors again.
"What do you mean by that?" she asked curiously.
"This place is not safe. Hichigo can trace you here," he explained with visible concern. "Once he said he will kill you, he will try to do so. It's only a matter of time before he comes hunting for you."
Rukia frowned in realization. She remembered that horrible encounter she had with his lunatic of a brother. "How about this... I kill you now, split your body in two," she remembered him say with a wicked smile. She shook her head of that sick imagery. "Crap... But it means I'm not safe anywhere."
"Alone you are," he said. "On public, with people, he will less likely attack. But at night and alone here, you are defenseless. That's why you can't stay here," he reiterated.
"Ichigo... Is that why -" she now understood why Ichigo came to her suite and she appreciated it very much.
"You are safer if you stay at a private house."
"How come?"
"This town is still protected by the Wiccans. Every home here is still bound by magick."
At that time, quite a very long time, they have finally arrived at the pent house. She took her key card and swiped it on the swiper to open the door of her suite. Ichigo followed inside. "Tell me more," she requested and sat by the couch while Ichigo stood near the window.
"I found this out last night when I tried to enter my family's house," he continued. "I couldn't get in because they have already moved to a new location. There have been incidents before during the war that vampires, without pride and honor, have attacked humans when they're most vulnerable - during their sleep. Due to that, the Wiccans gathered to perform a powerful spell that does not allow a vampire to enter residences without being invited. The invitation part was actually for the sake of us vampires who are on the human side. Also, hypnotisms wear off once the human is inside a residence. That way vampires cannot hypnotize their way in for the kill."
"So... did you get invited in your family's house or is that the reason you crashed at my place?"
"Of course I got invited!" he yelled. "Isshin... my dad... he knows."
"You called him 'dad' already. That's nice," she smiled. She thought Ichigo would need more time to actually readjust to his new family.
"Anyway... point is, don't stay at public places where everyone is welcome to come in: hotels, schools, markets, office buildings, hospitals and more."
She nodded. "Thanks for telling me this. I will go crash at Ukitake-dono's I guess."
"You can crash at -" he paused. He wanted to tell her she is welcome to stay at his family's but had second thoughts. Besides, she was better off far away from him anyway. He looked at her again and said, "I need to go."
In just a few seconds he jumped from the window and disappeared from her sight. She have got to get used to those kind of stunts. With that, she prepared herself for her classes.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
The school day have gone like any other. Her friends have never left her side even for just a second and again, she had to tell them a story - a lie - to cover how she survived the crash. She said that they have used parachute and landed on the island and there they met a kind man who have given them a lift up to the mountain. And then she said she just don't wanna tell the rest of the story anymore. Of course it was a sensitive topic, but everyone was glad she survived and is with them again.
On the third class, Ichigo finally had the courage to approach Rukia. With the news of them being together in the flight, rumors have already spread. Rukia never knew about the rumors but Ichigo could hear every whisper and giggles in the room. Gossips do spread quite fast. Anyway, why would he care about those? So on the third class, he sat beside her table and called, "Rukia."
She looked at him and acted, "Yes, Kurosaki-kun?"
Ichigo was no doubt irritated. "Stop that." He placed his bag on the table, opened the zipper and took a box. He handed it to her.
"What's this?" she accepted, staring at the small brown box.
"My dad wanted me to give that to you."
"For what?"
"I don't know. But he gave me one too. Just open it."
She looked at the small dangling note that read:
Thank you, Rukia-chan.
- From Kurosaki Family
She smiled. It was no big deal but they still gave her a gift. She opened the box and inside was a brand new cellphone, a BlackBerry Torch - just exactly what she needed. He must have figured from the news and the crash that she lost all of her things. Speaking of them, she have yet to call her credit card companies. She will have to do that later. She looked at Ichigo and spoke, "Ichigo, please tell your family thanks for the gift. I liked it." She smiled.
"Why don't you text them?" he asked.
"Do you have their number?" she asked.
Ichigo nodded and said, "It's already saved there."
She turned the phone on and looked at the phonebook. There were six pre-saved numbers: Isshin Papa, Karin-chan, Yuzu-chan, Uncle Ukitake, Uncle Shunsui and Sweetie. "Sweetie? Who the hell is Sweetie?" The corner of her eyes slowly traveled to Ichigo as her hands dialed Sweetie's number.
Ichigo's new phone suddenly rang. As the naive boy that he was, he looked at the caller named Cupcake. "Who the hell is Cupcake?"
"Me idiot," she said and dropped the call. "Creative nicknames!" But she suddenly changed Ichigo's nickname from Sweetie to just Ichigo. Anyone who would see her phone might mistake him as her boyfriend. And they are just friends.
She then texted Isshin thanking him for the lovely gift.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
The last class for the day was Physical Education and that was Swimming but Rukia managed to persuade Ochi-sensei to let her leave early so she could go to the office for work. She still have a meeting with the board members at five o'clock and what would be the impression she'd give once she arrives late for that?
Their swimming was coed, so everyone was quite ogling the infamous Ichigo Kurosaki's sexy body with six pack abs when he arrived at the pool with only a trunks on. It kinda reminded Rukia of the butt that have hijacked her bathroom early in the morning. She slapped herself gently trying to shake off the disturbing but rather sexy memory. Without her knowledge though and much to the giggles and whispers of the women behind her, he was already standing in front of her. And he smiled cockily and teased, "Wanna touch?"
Rukia beamed and whispered, "Why the hell do you keep seducing me?"
"You seduced me first."
"With a different thing! And with a purpose!"
"Too bad. I can't do the same with you though," he answered and jumped to dive in the deepest part of the pool.
Behind her, all the girls suddenly giggled louder and shook her shoulders asking whatever she did to get offered like that. It was then that she decided to leave for her appointment.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Quiet.
The shower room was really creepily quiet. But of course, she could hear some of her mates who were happily swimming in the swimming pool just a few doors away from the female's shower room but somehow being alone there gave her the chills. The shower room was still dry although she could just imagine the mess it would be once the clock reaches five.
She turned on the lights revealing white marble floors and ten shower cubicles. Each one had a swinging door that was made of glass with platinum finish and super misty pattern that only allows a bit of a silhoutte to be seen between the areas it was dividing. Inside the cubicles was a glossy metallic shower. The walls also were made of white marbles. There was also a dressing room just before the shower room. Thank God the University was not cheap.
Rukia left most of her things at the dressing room's locker and only took a towel, shower cream and shampoo. She needed to take a shower too although she did not really swim much at all. She entered a cubicle at the center, locked the door and showered.
After she had finished washing her hair, she noticed something different. Something off. A sound. The sound of the valve tweaked to the right and then released water. She thought maybe someone just didn't want to shower late so she turned her shower off, pat herself with a towel and asked, "Hello? Anybody there? Tatsuki? Inoue?"
There was no answer. Though the cubicle beside hers just opened its showers too. She covered herself with a towel and was having second thoughts of opening that door, until a shadow stood in front of it. Her heart pounded. The black figure was still and looking straight at her door. "Who are you?"
Suddenly, it left and more showers opened.
"Stop this. This isn't funny!" She couldn't get out. What if this was a prank, she'd beat the hell out of whoever those were. She contemplated whether to open the door or not. If she opened, the man would be given access to her cubicle but if she did not, how long must she wait for someone to come and help her? And who knows what he would do?
Strategically, it was better to play it safe. Maybe if she screamed on top of her lungs, the man would be startled and run away. Then people would come to her aid in just a few minutes. But she wasn't the type to scream and cry for help. She wasn't the type to wait for miracles either. She was thinking of a way to defend herself in case she gets attacked.
More and more showers opened, until the room flooded with water. Until the only remaining cubicle with turned off shower was hers. She could hear shoes walking. Stopping at a certain place and all of a sudden, shazzam! The lights were off.
It was dark, and she was getting scared. Her heart pounded with his every walk. He was in front of her cubicle. She knew. She gripped the shampoo tightly, ready to fend off the unknown adversary. She'd splash the shampoo on his face, eyes in particular, blinding him temporarily, and then smash his head with the shampoo or whatever. Yeah, it could probably break his skull into pieces eh? Yeah, great.
She rolled her eyes. Damn, what a plan!
The man had suddenly touched the glass door, grazing it with his fingers in a diagonal way. He actually made a scratch on it, as if his fingers were actually claws. Although it was dark, she could see it clearly. And she realized she was in greater danger. Who was it? "Hichigo?" she asked, because she don't know of any other.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Back at the pool, Ichigo heard it sharply. Although the shower and water screened her voice, he heard her utter the name of his most despised man in the world. He stopped on his movements, frozen solid as a water ball hit him on the head. He then quickly moved out of the pool without saying a word to his friends.
"Hey Ichigo, what's the matter?" Mizuiro asked but was muted once he saw Ichigo's dead serious face.
Ichigo immediately ran to the shower rooms.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
And without further ado, the man tried to destroy the door. He grabbed the upper most part of the door and pulled it away from it's hinges in a second. It was as easy as peeling the skin out of a banana. He threw it on the floor, splashing waters and clanking noise. And this was the part she was actually petrified as the dark figure approached. She backed away, the water flooded up to her ankles now. This was the part she don't know what to do. Her hands shook knowing in front of her was a supernatural being with supernatural strength and who-knows-what intent.
"H-hold it!" she managed to speak. She felt cornered. She now understood why the showers were opened. So no one could hear her scream.
Screaming - was her last option. If he managed to touch her, she would scream.
The man did not "hold it". He continued walking towards her making her throw the bottles of shampoo and shower cream at his face. Though it actually didn't do him anything. At least she tried. She saw his eyes. They were red.
He managed to grab her towel (she was ready to scream at this time) until he was pulled and smashed on the other cubicle just in front. Getting pulled while holding a part of the towel actually peeled it (or some part of it) off. So when Ichigo turned, "Rukia, are you -" his nose bled of what he saw.
"Don't look!" she yelled embarrassingly and turned to her back, hiding herself in the corner.
"I'm not looking!" he said, averting his eyes.
"I saw your eyes, damn it!" she was flushing red.
"What? My eyes are glow in the dark now?" he yelled back. He took his attention back to the guy who attacked her but the front cubicle was already empty. He already fled. "He's gone..."
"Do you know who he is?"
"I didn't see his face. But he's certainly not my brother..."
She sighed. "Can you... get me a towel please?"
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Rukia was a bit shocked and shaken but she had to do what she had to do. She put aside the worry over the mystery person who tried to attack her. It was one of those mind boggling puzzle pieces she have yet to solve. She thought she needed some break on everything that has been happening, but maybe fate itself won't let her rest. Anyway, she still don't have the answer to them. Her brother, the antiques, the vampires in their mansion, the person behind the terrorist in the plane and then this mystery guy. Perhaps they were all linked together, but she don't have the time to uncover secrets like Sherlock Holmes. At least not now.
The meeting had been painfully boring. She was introduced as the new president and she had to meet and greet twenty of the board members who welcomed her into the new position. Not only that, she had to memorize their full names too and the roles they each played into their department. But of course, Kaoru was there to help her with immediate tasks such as filling up papers and getting acquainted with secretaries and other head of the departments.
After such ceremonies, she rested on her brother's - now hers - office. The chair was too big for her, and too comfortable that she could just drift off to sleep with a blink of an eye. She looked on the table's right side and there she saw a pile of paper works. She sighed. From now on, she'll be working on those and nothing else. She thought how could her brother do this all the time? It's so damn boring reading all those reports, letters, customer complaints, and who-knows-what-else.
The more she dwell into the office, the more she felt she wasn't ready; the more she had to face the reality; the more she misses her brother...
"Dozing off, I see," said Kaoru once Rukia had almost fallen asleep.
She gasped in shock, quickly straightened on her seat and looked at Kaoru apologetically.
Kaoru laughed. "You don't have to be formal with me, Kia-chan." He then placed a cup of tea on her table.
It was the first time he called her on a nickname basis. It felt kind of weird. "Thanks, Kaoru-dono..."
"Kao-chan."
"Kao-chan?"
"Yeah. Call me Kao-chan," he smiled. "From now on, treat me as you would treat your brother."
It was awkward. "But... I don't call Nii-sama Bya-chan..." Somehow those nicknames sounded so damn cute and funny.
Kaoru scratched his head. "Then... treat me as you would treat another brother!"
She laughed at his frustration. "Thanks for the tea, Kao-chan."
"You don't have to stay here. You look tired. You should go home and rest," he said. "You're the big boss now. Don't stress yourself."
She sighed and nodded. "You're right."
Besides that, she have to meet Ashido at 8pm. It wouldn't hurt to be early. She packed her bag, thanked and bid Kaoru goodbye.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Another meeting has been held at the Alliance's secret headquarters. Ukitake led the meeting as usual. He stood and checked the faces of everyone in the room. "So... since everyone is here. I would like to welcome our newest member..." Ukitake gestured to the door.
The door opened slowly and revealed a short black haired man with eyeglasses. He lifted the glasses up at the same time he said, "Hey."
Unohana smiled. "Oh my..."
"Please introduce yourself."
"There is no need. We all know him anyway," said Mayuri.
He introduced himself anyway. "I'm Ishida Uryuu... and... I hate vampires."
"Epic line is epic," commented Shunsui.
Unohana frowned. "We have a few vampire friends... would you be able to work with them?"
"I will join this Alliance just to get updates on the recent happenings. But I have no desire to meddle and work with vampires. If that is the case, then I will work solo."
Ukitake sighed. "Like father, like son."
"I hope your father is fine with this."
"My father is not me."
"Very well. Please take your seat."
Ishida took the empty seat beside Renji.
Ukitake coughed to get their attention back. "Well... let's get back to business." He looked at a shadowy place behind the corner and yelled, "You can come out now."
Footsteps reverberated at the quiet room, as the boy with orange hair showed himself to the Alliance. Some of the members gasped in shock and horror, while others glared and had a "what-the-fuck-is-he-doing-here" expression. One of those were Renji and Ishida.
"What the fuck is he doing here?" Renji asked anyway, slamming his hands on the table.
"If he's here, then I'm out," said Ishida.
"Relax," said Ichigo coolly. "I'm not here to kick your ass, dumb ass." He said it while looking at Renji.
Why you...! Renji thought, his fists clenched and craving for a fight.
Ichigo looked at Ishida next. "I'm not here to join this organization either."
Mayuri sneered. "Well then, what brings you here vampire?"
"I have something I want to talk about.
About Rukia..."
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Rukia arrived at the Bistro Bar at seven thirty. Of course Ashido was not there yet. She had the luxury of time to think, grab snacks and reminisce Ashido. She met him at Paris, in a market while she was buying her groceries for the week. She haven't met a lot of people and the loneliness was driving her crazy at that time. And then she met him. He kindly helped her when she couldn't reach high places. He offered to carry the groceries to her home. And since she knew nobody, and a new company would be better than none at all, she welcomed him. Well... she knew it was quite risky to trust a stranger especially if you live alone. Nonetheless, Ashido proved to be worthy of the trust. They became close friends. He was a man with great passion for arts. Sometimes he seemed cold but he always cared and treasured friendships. Soon she knew, that he was also a resident of Karakura who came to Paris in pursuit of his career.
Seven forty-five.
A middle-aged waiter have approached her carrying a glass of tequila. He put it on her table. She looked at him and said, "I didn't order for this."
"It is for you miss. From the mister over there," he pointed at the bar's counter.
Rukia was more than shocked. She was petrified that her heart skipped a beat. She was almost in panic mode. With that wicked grin and malicious stare, it could only be Hichigo.
She diverted her attention when the waiter continued, "He also asked me to deliver a message. He says he likes his meals extra thin and well seasoned."
"What...!"
Looked like someone just found a perfect meal for the night.
The waiter left, and she looked back to Hichigo only to see his previous seat empty. Now where did he go? Surely he won't attack her there right? There were people everywhere. She looked for the bag that she carried when she arrived, but it was already missing. "Damn it!" She looked underneath the table, on the floors, walk ways but she couldn't find it at all.
Suddenly, two of the bar's guards grabbed her arm.
Shit! Rukia tried to fight them. "You are not allowed here miss. You're underage," said one of the guards.
"I'm 18. I'm legal. If I could just find my bag, I'll show you my ID."
"Sorry." They dragged her to the door and pushed her outside, immediately shutting it tight.
The entrance had stairs leading down the pavement. The streets were creepily empty. Perhaps because of the news, people were becoming alert for their safety during the night. It was dark, the wind was chilling and the crickets were already chirping.
She then bravely spoke, knowing he was waiting for this to happen because he planned for this. "Okay. You got me where you want me... Come out."
Hichigo appeared from a tall gigantic tree that grew on the walk way. It was never cut down because of the shade and the wind it brought. He smirked evilly, "Are you sure this is where I want you to be?"
"What do you want?" she asked.
"I believe, you are the one who needs something from me," he takes her small maroon bag and dangles it. "Come and get it."
Rukia slowly walked forward. Under these situations, the wisest move was to stall time for help and live longer, not to anger the aggressor. If she ran, he'd catch her fast and it could bring her instant death. So she faced him, brave and unafraid.
She was almost two feet away. Her hands reached for the bag, but then something rang inside. It was the cellphone the Kurosaki family gave her. Hichigo took it out and looked at the caller. "Ah... it's my stupid brother."
He answered the call.
"Hey! Cupcake, where are you?" Ichigo teased on the other line.
"Unfortunately, your cupcake is with me, dear brother," he said and laughed.
"You!" Rukia could hear Ichigo as loud on the phone. "Where's Rukia? What did you do to her?"
Hichigo looked at her. "Nothing... yet."
He walked forward to her direction, thinking he'd like his brother to hear her scream. Rukia, realizing a malicious intent, instantly backed away.
"Where is she? Don't you dare...!"
Hichigo loved how frustrated and angry Ichigo was becoming. "Let's play a game. Hide and Seek. We hide, you seek! Isn't that exciting?" he mused.
This time, the bar door's opened as a group of teenagers left the building. Rukia took this opportunity to run inside. Hichigo just followed her with a stare as he continued to talk to his brother. "I do wonder, how long would it take you to find us versus how long it would take me to devour her," he laughed hysterically as he started to lust for her blood. "I bet she tastes good, huh?" he said, his eyes brimming red and his tongue playing with his own fangs in hunger.
"You bastard!" Ichigo said in rage.
"Better hurry now, brotha. Tick tock, tick tock." Hichigo then crushed the phone and threw it on the road along with her bag. He entered the bar.
By that time, Rukia was already sitting with a group of people. The first action she took was to borrow a cellphone. She didn't remember Ichigo's number so she decided to text Renji her location. Once done, she tried to blend in with people. So she won't be grabbed easily. But she knew there was no escape.
Hichigo found her quickly, sitting with a group of five. He grabbed her arm, forcefully lifted her up and dragged her. She yelled, "Stop! Let me go!" The people who welcomed her into their group wanted to defend her. He only spared them a glare and they were already scared shitless.
Rukia on the other hand, will fight until the very end. She grabbed a bottle from a table they passed by and just smashed it at Hichigo's head. He stopped. The bottle shattered. Rukia was not even done yet. She then stabbed the pointy part of the broken bottle into his stomach. He flinched and let go of his grip. "Da-damn...!" he cursed. Though he must admit, he was admiring her courage now.
The people who saw the incident at the bar gasped and asked him, "Are you okay?" He laughed in sinister and paid them no attention.
Rukia then took a shard of the broken pieces of the bottle before scurrying off the bar. Hichigo will recover soon. She won't outrun him. She won't get away. If she could get in any of those houses... but none seemed to still be open late at night. Instead, she just cut her hand deeply with the shard while running away. Her blood dripped down on the ground. At least, she could leave a trail behind for Ichigo and the others to follow.
Before she knew it, Hichigo was already in front of her. Eyes red and fangs ready. "I don't know if you are clever or stupid." Clever to think of leaving trails behind. Stupid to tempt him on devouring her on the spot. In an instant, he pushed her on a concrete wall and gripped her neck tightly. So tight she was suffocating. She held his big hand on her neck, trying to make him loosen the grip. But the scent of her blood on his own hand... skin... It was already driving him insane. She smell so fucking delicious. He could almost imagine his fangs on the skin of her neck, biting and sucking in bliss. He could almost imagine her moaning, writhing, crying and screaming in pain. He wants her. He have to taste her - NOW!
Screw hiding! He pulled the collar of the blouse she wore and was gonna go for the bite.
However, on Rukia's other hand, she still gripped the shard. And before Hichigo could severely wound her with those fangs, she thrust ed the shard at his throat.
He let go of her. She was going for the run again but he was mad. So damn mad right now. He slapped her hard with the back of his hand, making her hit the ground and lose consciousness. He then pulled the shard out of his throat, waited for the wound to heal until he said in croaked voice, "Damn you."
Though he commended her for fighting that hard. She was really fierce. He picked her up by the waist. Time to hide the prize.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Back at the Alliance, Renji received the text and immediately handed the information down to all the members.
"I'm going," said Ichigo in urgency.
"What? Ichigo, the Alliance will take care of this. We don't need your help," said Ishida.
"I'm your only hope here. Stop with your arrogant 'we don't need vampires to help' crap!" he said angrily. "I'm not helping as a vampire!"
"Why do you care, Ichigo?" Renji blocked Ichigo on the door. He had always been against Ichigo meeting Rukia, but this time, he had to know if he did care for her and why.
Ichigo's answer was simple and he looked at Renji with all sincerity as he said, "She brought me life." Not just life as life, but a family, friends, and purpose.
Renji accepted it and let him pass. The rest of them, prepared to follow as back-up. Though it would actually take time before they arrive there than Ichigo could.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Hichigo brought her at the closed University library. Of course, it was already late and with the curfew, it was empty and dark. He especially liked dark places. Maybe because it was a part of his being? Darkness. The library had five floors and they were on the fifth. He dropped her carelessly on the floor and sat on one of the chairs, waiting for her to wake up.
Yes, of course he can wait. But he was not always patient nor in control. He only developed these kind of traits when he wanted to play. Oh hell yes, he wanted to play with her more. Though at this moment he was contemplating whether he really should wait for play time or just go ahead with dinner.
He waited a few good minutes, watching her unconscious on the floor. The scent of her blood tempted him every minute. She was lying on her side, a few strands of hair covering half her face. He also noticed some blood on her forehead. She probably hit a rock when he slapped her down. Not his fault anyway. Still, he looked at her face and somehow, something was making him forget the lust for blood or the fact that he was a vampire. Somehow, something in her was taming him. He won't view it that way of course. He will think of it as an aura of a very good, innocent and pure person. Though the more he had time to see her, the more he understood something. He was not just attracted to her blood, but to her whole being as well. But of course he will not admit that. He will not be like his brother. He was born and raised from bloodshed and wars, from the cold hearts of his family, from the darkness of his own being. He was a cold-blooded killer, and he will kill her tonight.
"Wake up already! My patience is not limitless," he said to the unconscious girl.
To which the girl responded with a moan. "Finally!" He said ecstatic.
Rukia came back to her senses and sat up, weakly holding her head in pain. She touched her forehead and looked at the blood, then she looked at the man who made that wound. He was grinning. "I almost wanted to just kill you on your sleep. But then... that would be too kind."
"Enough... you bastard..." she whispered, tired and still a bit dizzy.
"Are you giving up?" he asked in disappointment. "No fun at all..."
She just glared at him.
He chuckled. "Don't you want to live? Let's play a game."
"What game?"
"Tag."
"Are you kidding me?" It would be impossible to outrun him. He'd catch her in a second.
"The rules are simple. If I catch you, you're dead. But... I will be fair of course. I will give you three minutes to hide or run as fast as you can. And I will only be walking... maybe brisk walking but certainly I won't run to catch you. If you can elude me so long, who knows, maybe Ichigo will be here by that time to save you."
It sounded simple. But, it wasn't. 'Cause he's an evil bastard. But for life, of course she'd take that chance.
"Your three minutes... starts now," he snickered.
Rukia stood up. Her head still hurts a bit but she can manage. She was trying to find the stairs, she was not that familiar with the library. After all, it had only been a few days since school started. Most of the doors were already locked. But on every room, every door, she left a trail of her blood. After all, if she didn't do that, he could simply follow her scent. At least, using his nose, he'd be led to many different places. Now... another factor was his super hearing... That she could do nothing about. So she had to be really really quiet when moving around. She went to the stairs. She had to get out of the building fast.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
One, two minutes passed. He sat on the chair, waiting for the third minute to arrive. He have heard her movements and he knew she was trying to make sounds subtle. But no, she won't be able to get out of this building. Alive that is. It didn't matter how clever she was. He'd still win this. He'd never lost before.
He liked playing games. It was like his past-time. Just like how he'd fight with worthy foes, he'd play with worthy preys. And well... did he have to say that he killed them all? This game. It was like a game between cat and mouse.
He listened again intently. The last he heard was on the fourth floor. Now he could hear nothing. She must have hidden herself already. He looked at the clock that hanged on the wall near him. "H eh. Time's up."
True to his word, he only walked, to the fourth floor.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Screw this whole place! It was like a maze. So many shelves and book racks, so many doors too and so many damn tables and chairs. Oh, and the stairs leading down to the third floor was damn blocked by metal doors. She can't get out of the place in three minutes. So she decided to hide herself, and just sense him when he comes. She heard his footsteps on the stairs.
She was not exactly on a dead end. She found out while looking at the map posted on one of the walls that there was an elevator by the hall and then there was also fire exit near her. The chances of the elevator operating and that fire exit open was close to nil. Still, she was on the middle and she had to choose between the two.
She chose the elevator. She did try to open the lights and closed it afterward because she'd better be hiding in the dark. And after she'd get in that elevator, she should be fine right? It would be faster than running at the stairs of the fire exit.
- But that was where she was dead wrong.
She went out of the room she was hiding in to go to the hallway. She was already tired and catching for breath. Hichigo was there.
"So... the kitten finally decides to show up?" he asked in amusement. At that point, he raised her level from a mouse to a kitten. And well, he would be a rabid dog.
She paid him no attention and continued to run.
As the evil bastard that he was, who also doesn't like being ignored, he jumped in front of her, startling her as she jumped a few steps back.
"Ch-Cheat!" she yelled.
"I never said I won't jump," he walked a few steps forward. Right now, he was feeling so damn hungry. He'd almost want to break his own rule.
Rukia ran to a place with bookshelves. She'll have to take a detour. Knock him down since he's blocking her god damn way. How she'll do that, she had an idea.
She ran on the pathway between the racks. He followed, walking fast. Then she went on the other side of the rack when she reached the end, and with all the strength she could muster, she tossed herself - right shoulder - to the rack. Making it fall and tumble on him who was still on the other side. That took a lot of her energy and she was already beat. Still she ran towards the elevator. Pushed the down button and thanked the heavens it was operating. It opened at the same time Hichigo threw the rack on the other side. He was already charging at her direction like a mad man when the elevator thankfully closed.
She took a deep breath for a moment and tried to relax. It was yet to end. And who knows when she gets on the ground floor, he could be waiting for her.
But much to her horror, something dropped on the elevator's roof and had shaken the whole thing up.
Shit! She was looking up and could hear him trying to open it up, scratching, peeling a few lines here and there. Unfortunately... he broke the line for the light. At least it was just the lights... not the power. But... darkness again?
On the darkness, she could still see the indicator for the floors. It was at the second floor now. Hurry! Hurry!
She heard a metal peeled like a canned good opened. And then a thud inside.
Followed by silence.
She was frozen in dread. She knew she was doomed. She was facing the door. She could feel her own heart beat though all her attention was in sensing the person at her back. She felt him there. Like a ghost. Two pair of red eyes were behind her, watching her. It made her feel goosebumps. She felt trapped, as if she was on a spider web with the spider drawing closer and closer.
The door opened on the ground floor and she made a run for it. For life.
Hichigo quickly clawed her back in an attempt to grab her when she was out of the elevator but still near his arms reach. She tumbled on the floor from the force. Her back bled and had three long cuts. Enduring the pain, she still tried to get back up and run away. A cold calloused hand grabbed her ankle from inside the elevator. He gripped it so tightly, almost to the point of breaking her bones. She gasped in pain. He grinned triumphantly as he pulled her back inside. Her hands instinctively trying to grab anything she could hold onto but she could only try to dig her nails on the floor as she slips back into the darkness.
Dinner time! He was anticipating this moment. He could feel the rush of excitement all over his body. Actually, the games were like foreplay. He'd deprive himself. The more he used his energy, teased himself with her blood, the more he obviously craved. And it will be until the point that he himself would lose it. At that point was when it all felt so good and tasted the best. He'd feel victorious and proud, while lapping and devouring his prize viciously. He was the winner from the very beginning. It had always been that way. And still, he won now. The door closed, just as her sliver of hope of ever surviving him.
So, that was it...
Game over.
A/N: This is the end of TLD. Yes, the ending is tragic. Fufu. xD Okay, just kidding. xD
Anyway... the next chapter will be shorter than this. So if I'm really inspired, maybe I could finish it in 1 week. That's wishful thinking. xD But if I'm lazy, perhaps 2 weeks - 1 month.
Any other way, I made a play list for the songs listed in this story. If you haven't heard the songs and wanna hear them or just lazy to browse youtube, check (http : / www . mixpod . com/standalone . php?id=81600831) Don't forget the spaces! Some of the songs inspired the chapters. xD
To Reviewers: Thanks for reviewing the last chapter! ^-^ And err... sorry for the late update. :'(
'Til next time! Ciao~