Hey there guys! First update of the New Year! So so sorry about the incredibly long wait. Thanks for being patient, I've gotten such wonderful comments from you guys. I wanted to get this up before Christmas but I didn't have time between family, working on my other fic, and rewriting this chapter 3 different times. I made this chap long because I made you guys wait. It didn't turn out as well as I wanted but not too bad I think. I've already started the next chapter which is looking much better to me.
Hope you guys don't mind but I'm going to stay in Karin's POV for a little while. It works better for whats going to happen in the next chapter. Hope you like it!
School. You know, that place where kids are forced to go by their parents? Usually boring, uneventful, a dull pain in the ass, and overall just a day in the life of student, right? Well lets just say I wish school was that way for me. Sure school itself was no big deal, but the hostile undertone of the people in the school was a whole other thing.
There was three main sources of this malice that was stinking up the school. The first and most numerous was the girls. Fangirls to be exact. Though things have died down since the pool party almost three weeks ago, there was still some aggression at me for Toushiro giving me mouth to mouth. The second was Ichigo. Hes been in a really bad mood since the fair last weekend for obvious reasons. To my utter annoyance I still haven't a clue as to why he hates Toushiro's guts and I don't think I'll find out any time soon. The last but definitely not least was Hinamori. Still getting glares from that one.
Hm. I guess its a good thing none of the three 'Anti-Karin' groups know about what happened at the fair. Then again, I'm still not too sure about what happened. Toushiro Hitsugaya kissed me. How the hell did that happen? I'm not complaining but I'm a little confused to say the least. Out of all the girls in the school – or world for that matter – and he says he wants me. Why not someone like Hinamori? Shes pretty and seems kinda sweet as long as I'm not around. I'm assuming she is anyway since oddly enough, her and Yuzu get along really well. And its obvious she likes him. But no, Toushiro said me. Karin Kurosaki.
On the other hand, not to sound conceited or anything but I am pretty awesome.
Remembering I'm still in school, I looked at the white board to see what our assignment from Mr. Ukitake was. A bunch of bookwork. I scribbled down the page numbers and started working right away. I didn't want homework tonight.
But as hard as I tried to think about my work, I couldn't get my mind off of Toushiro. I glanced up and saw him in his seat by the window, looking as he usually does, aloof and carefree. How does he do that? How can he be so calm about everything? I didn't know if its just because I'm making it a bigger deal than what it was. I don't think I'm over reacting though, given how everyone else is reacting to me and Toushiro simply talking to each other. They don't even have a clue as to what he said to me or the kiss. Correction. The AMAZING kiss. I wonder where he learned to kiss so well? It obviously wasn't his first time.
When I told Yuzu about it after the fair, she practically smothered me in a hug and bombarded me with questions. She told me she thought I was doomed to be alone forever with 20 cats. I knew that would never happen though, I'm more of a dog person. At least I have someone on my side though. She promised not to let it slip to her new BFF – which is still really weird – Hinamori. The only other person who knows is Nel, and I didn't even tell her! She took one look at me this morning and guessed. Now that's weird.
I practically skimmed through all my work since I wasn't all there. I was too busy playing over my odd little situation. I quickly finished my work and not a second later the bell rang. I got up and placed my stuff in my bag while keeping my eyes on Toushiro. Maybe I'm just really, really stupid but I decided to go up and talk to him, not caring who saw. Besides, its not like I can't say 'hi' to a friend. Or not a friend. I mean... wait what? He looked at me and I smiled at him. "Hey, whats up?"
He shrugged. "Nothing much." he then cast his glance somewhere else, then back to me. "You sure you can be talking to me?" he asked with mild amusement.
I turned to look where he had and saw Ichigo with his usual scowl, glaring at Toushiro. He could give Hinamori a run for her money. I turned back to Toushiro and shrugged in the same manner he had. "He can't tell me who I can and can't talk to. But as you saw at the fair, he isn't too crazy about you." I continued. "You sure you don't know why?"
He gave me a hesitant look before answering. "No."
"Alright." I sighed. He was definitely hiding something, so maybe he really did know why Ichigo and even Rukia didn't like him. I needed to find out what was with these people. Wheres a private investigator when you need one? We walked down to the cafeteria before I stopped and turned to him. "I need you to do me a favor."
Toushiro studied me for a moment. "Whats the favor?"
I put my hands on my hips, thinking. "Just so we have an understanding. No one will know about what happened at the fair." I stated seriously. I really didn't want word to get to Ichigo and have to hear him lecturing me about how I should stay away from Toushiro. "Okay?"
He just smirked at me. "Afraid the other girls in the school will be jealous?"
Arrogant jerk. But... now that he mentioned it, I also don't want the girls in the school to find out either. I rolled my eyes. "Jealous because you kissed me? You wish." How big can your head get.
"Actually they have a lot of reasons to be jealous of you. Not because of me." Toushiro corrected with a drawl. "You have a lot of good points, and you're definitely much easier to be around."
Did he just compliment me? I felt my face heat up slightly. I quickly gave him a skeptical look, not very convinced. "Really?" I asked in a snarky tone.
"Why would I lie?" he asked with a raised brow. "Do I look like the kind of person who would lie to make others feel good about themselves?" Good point.
We made it to the cafeteria where we split off. I saw Rangiku giving Toushiro a look when he got to his table. Crap, I hope she didn't know. There was gonna be some serious problems if Hinamori found out. I sat down at my usual table and saw Yuzu smiling at me. "What?"
"Oh nothing." she beamed.
As lunch passed by, me, Yuzu, and Rukia talked about various things, mostly school. Though Rukia didn't seem to want me to hangout with Toushiro, she never constantly told me so. Ichigo, however, was brooding in his spot, not wanting to engage in our conversation. He could be such a baby sometimes.
The bell rang and me, Rukia, and Ichigo went off to our gym class. I was getting more used to this schedule after almost 2 months here, though it feels much longer. Maybe even too long. I can't help but feel like something really bad is going to happen. I've had this strange feeling since I got to Seireitei but its never turned bad like it has recently. I'm probably just being paranoid, especially since nothing ever happens when you actually think something will.
I got dressed and walked into the gym where everyone else was. There were two long ropes that traveled from the ceiling, to the floor where some mats were laid out. The gym teacher blew his whistle to get our attention. "Listen up. Today we're going to have rope climbing tests." Tests? How can he give us a test on something we've never done before? Thats messed up.
He walked up to the ropes and continued. "The ropes go up to the ceiling so they are 35 feet long. You only have to climb 25 feet where the red tape is." he pointed up where we all spotted the red tape. "If you want extra credit, you can climb up to the very top. But if you don't think you can keep a grip, you should stop at the tape. Even with the mats, if you fall from the top you can seriously hurt yourself." he warned. "I'll be timing you so do your best."
We all lined up in front of the two ropes. Girls on the left and boys on the right. When we started, it was taking a lot longer than I thought it would on the girls' side. The guys were going almost twice as fast as the girls. It was annoying. I felt the need to repeat that the girls at this school were so pathetic. Needless to say the Spectacular Six did... spectacular. Only four of them had gone so far and they all went to the very top in only seconds, where it took the other students minutes to even reach the tape. Only two other students got close to the S.S. It was Ichigo and Rukia.
I don't know whats up with them, but I think they're hiding something – other than the reason why they hate Toushiro. Ever since Ichigo met Rukia about four years ago in Karakura, he would go missing for a few days about once a month. I used to get so angry at him for making Yuzu worry so much. I thought once we moved here they would stop, but they still take off for a couple of days. And of course Goat Chin doesn't say anything about it as if it were normal.
I stopped my musing when I looked ahead. It was almost my turn to climb. I looked over to the boys' side and almost fell over. Parallel to me was none other than Toushiro. Which means I'll have to climb while he's climbing. In other words, I'm gonna look like an out of shape loser compared to him. Why did I have to be paired next to one of athletic geniuses?
I stepped up to the rope. Well there's no way I'm going to stop at the red tape. I have to go all the way so I can look somewhat decent, although compared to all these other girls that won't be too hard. Toushiro looked bored as ever as he stepped up to the rope. He spared a look at me and gave me one of those pompous smirks of his. "I won't make you look too bad." he said so only I could hear, though I thought I heard someone snicker behind me.
God I wanted to punch him! He is so going down. I gritted my teeth to keep from saying something that would make a grown man cringe.
I grabbed the rope and the gym teacher blow his annoyingly high whistle. I began to climb like my life depended on it. I wasn't going to let Toushiro get the best of me. It was harder than it looked, but I'm lucky that I'm so light. This would have been murder if I was really fat. Before I knew it I was at the tape. Oh yeah, I was fast. But when I looked over to the other rope, Toushiro was already at the top. In fact, he was taking his sweet time like the haughty ass he was. Once I got to the top, he began to go down.
It was at that moment I heard something that almost made me lose my grip. I heard a tearing kind of sound. I didn't see where it was coming from but in the pit of my stomach, I knew what it was. I looked up to see that my rope was starting to tear. Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit! The freaking cheap ass rope was going to tear! I started to slowly move down when a voice cut in.
"Don't move you idiot." I heard Toushiro's cold voice snap. Okay fine, I guess moving would be stupid... but there was no need for name calling.
"Then what do I do?" I shot back.
"Kurosaki! Hitsugaya! What are you two doing?!" Our gym teacher yelled. "This isn't the time to be flirting!"
I heard some snickers and growls from the class. I rolled my eyes. There was a small jerk from my rope as the threads started to give out. "Crap, I gotta think." I said out loud to myself. Well at least the fall wouldn't kill me, right? Maybe a sprained ankle but nothing too bad, right? As much as I wanted to think that my stomach felt like it was in a knot. "Should I just jump?" I asked Toushiro.
He was about to say something before our teacher cut him off.
"Kurosaki and Hitsu-"
"Shut up!" I shouted back on impulse. Could he not see I was trying to concentrate on not falling 35 feet to the ground? Well, he probably couldn't but still.
"Thats it! Both of you have a detention!" he screamed.
I tuned out his yelling and tried to think of a way I could get down without the rope snapping. I was so nervous, my palms started to sweat making it harder to grip the rope. Talk about self-sabotage. I'm actually surprised I hadn't freaked out yet. Suddenly I felt a prominent jerk and a huge gasp from below. It was so sudden and unexpected that it tipped me backwards as I began to fall. Now I was going to fall head first and break my neck, leaving me dead or paralyzed. Lovely.
Then I felt another jerk. I could feel a grip on my right ankle and I was swinging back and forth upside-down. I looked down – or up, whatever – at my foot and saw Toushiro holding onto me with one hand while the other was holding onto his rope. I let a huge sigh of relief. Not to sound ungrateful but I am so sick of getting my butt saved by him. Why do these things keep happening? And why is Toushiro always there to save the stupid day? And...
I looked at Toushiro unbelieving. "How the hell did you catch me?" Did he swing over like Tarzan or something? He must be stronger than I thought too. Hes holding onto the rope with one hand while holding me with the other.
I grabbed onto my shirt that was starting to fall down and show too much skin and looked down at the class. They all looked panicked but didn't seem to know what to do. Even the teacher. I, myself, was getting dizzy with all this blood rushing to my head. "How are we getting down?" I finally asked Toushiro. He gave me an annoyed look. "Yeah, like it was my fault the rope tore." I snapped at him.
He sighed. "How should I know?"
Just as he finished there was another goddamn jerk. You gotta be kidding me. "You gotta be kidding me." Toushiro hissed.
Unlike the first time, I heard the snap before I fell. But like the last time, I was still head first. With my eyes closed I heard the students scream and the shuffling of their feet. The fall seemed dreadfully long. Longer than just 35 feet. It was like I was falling in slow motion, only making the eventual impact that much more sudden. I just knew the second I hit the floor its all over.
But I didn't. I felt an almost cushioned landing. I opened my eyes and saw overwhelmingly bright orange hair. "Karin? Are you okay?"
Halle-freaking-lujah I'm not dead!
Leave it to Ichigo to actually catch me in his arms like some macho hero in an action movie. I didn't realize how shaken up I was until he set me on my feet. The second I put weight on my feet I almost keeled right over. But wait. If Ichigo caught me, than what about Toushiro? Turning around at breakneck speed looking for Toushiro. And there he was, standing next to me like he didn't just fall 35 feet. If I hadn't known any better, I would have thought he was down here the whole time. Did he land on his feet or something? Why was I the only one who seemed to notice?
Ichigo looked at me concerned. "You alright?"
"Yeah, thanks Ichigo."
Before I could speak any further, our gym teacher walked up to us. "Kurosaki."
"Yeah?" Both me and Ichigo answered at the same time.
"Younger Kurosaki," he corrected. Duh. "You and Hitsugaya head down to the nurse's office."
That wasn't really necessary, after all, I am a nurse. But I suppose he would only get in more trouble if he didn't make us go to get checked out. Well, at least I get to miss the rest of gym. The teacher blew his whistle to get the attention of the other students who were all looking at the torn rope. He spoke once all eyes were on him. "The rest of gym is canceled. You can change and go home early." Bullshit.
I was waiting in the hall – already dressed– until Toushiro finally came out. He titled his head to the side. "You waited for me?" he asked teasingly.
"Don't get too full of yourself." I rolled my eyes. "I don't know where the nurse's office is."
"You're actually going?" he asked.
"You're not?"
He looked like he was looking for a way to phrase what he was going to say. But in the end, it just came out as a vague answer. "Its a waste of time. I'm obviously not hurt."
I pursed my lips in thought. "Are you sure? How did you land?"
He just shrugged like he didn't know either. "I've had worse spills."
Didn't really know how to reply to that. He walked passed in a manner that told me to follow him. Who does he think I am? His hoe? But I ended up following anyways since I didn't want to be standing in the hall like an idiot. We skipped the trip to the nurse and left the school like the other students in our gym class, though I made sure to stay clear of Ichigo and Rukia. There was still a good 45 minutes of school left until Yuzu would be out.
"So where are we going?" I asked as we walked down the street.
He didn't need to answer though, I eventually realized where this street leads. The soccer field. When we made it to the field, it was completely empty. "What are we doing here?"
He sighed. "I just needed a place so we can talk."
"So why did we have to come way out here?" I questioned. It was kinda creepy, after all, since this is exactly what happens in scary movies when the psycho acts friendly and then suddenly gets you alone with them so they can go axe crazy. Though I'm sure Toushiro wasn't a serial killer. How could make other feel inferior to him if they were dead?
"Without others listening in." he explained with an annoyed look on his face. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and continued. "You didn't notice those girls that were following us?"
Seriously? Okay, they are the ones who are axe crazy. They really needed a life instead of stalking Toushiro around. I shifted my weight between my feet as I looked around. "So what did you want to talk about?"
"Your brother." he stated bluntly.
I raised an eyebrow at him. "Why?" I asked suspiciously. Did he have a thing for Ichigo? I then fake gasped in horror and placed my hands on my cheeks. "You have a secret crush on him, don't you? You've just been using me to get close to him, haven't you?!"
He was not amused. "I'm serious."
"So am I." I managed to say with a straight face.
He ignored my joking and suddenly asked a question in a cautious voice. "Does he tend to disappear for a couple of days every once in a while?"
My eyes widened. "How did you know that?"
Toushiro walked up closer to me, so we were only inches apart. His eye were focused on mine. He looked a little apprehensive, as if he was going to regret what he was going to say even before he said it. "For now, just answer my questions. I promise I'll explain everything later."
I looked to the ground for a few seconds. I couldn't really think while looking him in the eyes. It was odd because it seemed like Toushiro knew something about Ichigo that I didn't. I kind of doubt he'll actually tell me anything. Something about what he was saying seemed to be very secret. Something that I shouldn't know about under any circumstance. But then there was the chance that he really would tell me. I feel so left in the dark about a lot of things, and most of it being my own family. This could be my only chance to get some understanding about things.
I looked back to him. "Fine. I'll answer your questions if you promise you'll answer mine later." I said with a slight glare. "What do you want to know?"
"How often does he leave?" he asked with a hint of urgency. "Can you tell me about when it started?"
I thought about it for a second. "About once a month." I noticed him, tense a little. "It started a few years ago when he met Rukia. At first Ichigo would always back home all beat up, but eventually he would come back just fine." That really bugged me too. The first time it ever happened I freaked out. Rukia was hauling Ichigo who was covered blood and bruises into the house after he disappeared for two days.
Toushiro looked to the side, thinking I assumed. I guess what ever I said was what he was aiming for, though I had a feeling it wasn't exactly what he wanted to hear. He didn't look so much angry as he did irritated. Tired almost.
"Can I ask you something?"
He looked up to me, his expression changed and calm. "What is it?"
"Why do you care about what Ichigo does?"
He sighed and gave me a scolding look. "I thought we said I'll explain later." He then gave me a cocky half smile, diverting my question. "But I can assure you its not because I have any interest in him."
I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms as I spoke sarcastically. "Right, because I'm the one you find intriguing."
"Exactly." he chimed. I was about to retort until I noticed some kids walking on the sidewalk. School must've ended already. We were really out here that long? I saw a few older looking kids start to walk this way and I recognized them to be some of the seniors that weren't letting the freshmen use the soccer field. I never saw them at school so I'm guessing they go to the other high school in Seireitei. This Friday was when me and some other freshmen are going to have a match to see who can use the field.
There were five of them, all guys, and all much bigger than me or Toushiro. They stopped in front of us with pissed looks on there faces. "What are you doing here?" one of them directed at me.
I glared at them. "I can be here if I want."
"Yeah right." he scoffed. "Get off our field."
When I didn't move, one of the other guys spoke. "Little kids like you need to listen to your olders."
"Its 'elders' you dumb ass." I corrected while crossing my arms. Its like they all killed their braincells sniffing markers or something.
"You little brat." He stepped forward towards me but Toushiro quickly stepped in between. I actually forgot he was here for a second.
Toushiro was standing stiffly in front of me. I didn't see his face because his back was to me, but his voice was really low. "You should leave before you get hurt."
I wasn't sure if he was talking to them or me. One of the seniors looked at Toushiro then me before questioning snidely. "You got your boyfriend protecting you?" he turned back to his friends. "I think we're gonna have to teach this little punk a lesson."
I didn't like where this was going. There were five of them and even if Toushiro was the best at sports, that didn't mean he could take them all on. But he didn't look like he was going to back down anytime soon. I don't want Toushiro to take a beating for me, even if he is an egotistical jerk sometimes. I grabbed his shoulder. "Toushiro... I don't think this is a good idea."
"Wait." One of the guys said with a nervous look on his face. "Toushiro? As in Toushiro Hitsugaya?"
"They know you?" I asked. Toushiro just shrugged, not seeming at all surprised by their reaction to his name.
Their expressions soon turned almost panicked. "The one who beat up Koga?"
"No way! This can't be him!"
"But it is! They even said he had white hair."
"I'm outta here." One of them stated and quickly began to walk away. Three more followed until there was only one of the seniors was left.
"We're still going to beat you this Friday." the last one barked before he hightailed it off the field with his friends. I watched as they all disappeared around the street. Was it just me or did they look like they were ready to pee their pants when they found out who Toushiro was?
Well this certainly adds to the ever expanding list of things that utterly confuse me. "What was that about?" I looked to my side where Toushiro was.
He rubbed the back of his head. "Last year I got into a fight with a guy from the other school."
"And you won."
"Yep."
I rubbed my hands down my face in frustration. This was a really crappy day. "I should probably head home." I thought out loud.
I then remembered I never actually thanked Toushiro from today in gym, and I should probably thank him for just a few seconds ago too. Again, it was annoying to have him always around saving me from something. I can take care of myself. I'm not some stupid ditz who always needs the guy to save her from everything. And I'll be damned if I let something like this happen again. But since he did help me, I can at least thank him.
A thought came to mind. I grinned to myself and took a step closer to Toushiro. He looked at me curiously and before letting him say anything, I leaned closer to him and gave him a kiss. It was quick and innocent but admittedly held some meaning. When I pulled back I grinned at him victoriously. "Thanks."
Toushiro's face was a little red and I'm sure he didn't like that I caught him off guard. I felt compelled to show him that I was actually grateful for his help. I further surprised him and wrapped my arms around him in a hug. He tensed up but didn't pull away. "But really Toushiro, thank you." I pulled away. "If it weren't for you... I'd be dead three different times."
His expression seemed to hold some kind of sadness when I said that. But it was gone in a flash and he gave me a content look. He stepped closer and gave me a small kiss back. It was soft and peaceful, comforting. "Your welcome." he replied. "I'll see you tomorrow."
He left the field and did the same, only in the opposite direction. I just knew I was grinning like an idiot walking home. It was weird to think that I was acting like girl with her first crush. Something I was positive would never happen. Maybe these kinds of things are inevitable. Or maybe its just what I want to tell myself. Either way, I knew Toushiro was really start to grow on me.
When I got home I went straight to my room and fell face first on my bed. I didn't realize how tired I was until now. But what did I expect? I almost got seriously hurt – or worse – today and had a weird conversation about my brother with Toushiro. And then we kissed, again. Thank God I finished my homework. But as tired as I felt, I couldn't get myself to sleep. All night.
I laid on my bed looking at the ceiling all through the night. When morning came, I went through my routine without even consciously doing anything. I didn't notice I was at school until I felt someone shake me up from my daze.
"Are you okay?" a voice asked.
"Huh?" I blinked a few times and saw Nel standing next to me. Creepy how I wasn't aware of anything until just now. Hell, I probably punched out Dad this morning and didn't even notice. "Oh, yeah. I'm just really tired. I didn't get any sleep last night."
She smiled suggestively. "Would this have something to do with Toushiro?"
My eyes widened. "No!" I practically yelled at her. "Why would you even think that?"
Nel tilted her head to the side in thought. "Well for starters, he kissed you!"
"Shut up." I hissed. "Are you trying to get the whole school on my ass?" Because if any of these crazy girls heard that, things would not be pleasant in the least.
Her eyes widened and she pointed at me. "Oh my God! You guys kissed again yesterday!" she yelled in a whisper.
I quickly looked around to make sure no one heard her. "How the hell do you do that?"
"Its a gift."
Yeah, a gift that scares the shit out of me. I leaned against my locker and yawned. Grimmjow walked up to me and Nel by our lockers. "Hey."
Nel quickly turned to him. "Toushiro Hitsugaya kissed Karin during the fair! And then they kissed again yesterday after school!" she whispered loudly to him.
"What?!" he gaped. "You're playing tongue tennis with the Ice Box?"
"Hey!" I shouted. "Don't tell everyone!" I really think Nel was underestimating the insanity of these girls. "Besides, the second time was just a peck..." she looked at me unconvinced. "Okay, two pecks." I rolled my eyes.
She pouted at me. "I'm just telling Grimmjow because it explains what happened yesterday when he skipped gym."
I rolled my eyes. "How is us kissing relevant to what happened yesterday?"
Grimmjow furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "What happened yesterday?"
"Well," Nel started as if she was getting ready to lay out her life story. "In gym yesterday, we were climbing ropes, and Karin's rope snapped while she was at the top." She said dramatically. "But then, at the last second, Toushiro saved her. If he hadn't caught her, she could've been killed." She was definitely milking this. "Can you believe it? Toushiro Hitsugaya saved her life at the pool party, gave her mouth to mouth, kissed her at the fair, then saved her life again, then kissed her again! Its like a love story. Fate is setting them up together." she finished with a lot of enthusiasm.
He scratched the back of his. "That sounds like bullshit if you ask me." I'd like to say that, but a lot of weird stuff has been happening lately. Grimmjow then chuckled and looked at me. "And whats with you almost being killed again?"
"Wish I knew." I mumbled.
"You know, it could be some of these girls." Nel concluded. "I bet one of them put a curse on you since you seem to keep getting closer and closer to Toushiro. They're trying to get rid of you."
Grimmjow nodded his head. "Now that I believe. These chicks are psycho." At least I wasn't the only one who thought so. In fact, maybe that really was why I've almost died close to three times in the two months I've been in Seireitei. Its the most logical explanation to me.
The bell rang and we all went to our class. When I walked in, I saw Toushiro reading at his desk. I was tempted to go greet him but knew that if I wanted to make sure no one else found out about our... relationship? Then I'd have to make sure I don't act like some lovesick teenager. That reminds me. According to him, he tell me whatever I want to know about him and Ichigo later. Of course I don't know when later is, but its something.
I sat in my seat in the back of the room and looked ahead at the board. The seemed to be going slower than usually. It felt like we've been in class for at least two hours. I looked at the clock and its only been 10 minutes. Dammit. Eventually I rested my head on my desk. It seemed my lack of sleep was starting to kick in. I was so tired and history wasn't making it any easier to stay awake. My eyelids felt incredibly heavy and before I know it, I was out like a light.
I lifted my head up to face the man in front of me. He, along with the rest of the crowd, had a fearful tint in their eyes. Yet that did nothing to hide the more apparent hatred they held towards me. I shifted uncomfortably under the rope that was tightly tied around my arms behind me. I could get away now if I wanted to... but I don't. Somewhere deep down I want to see their attempts to rid me of this village. Although, I already know the most likely outcome will be these very people losing their own lives. Tonight was a full moon after all.
"Burn the demon!" A woman shouted out. The other villagers began to shout their agreement.
The man in front of me seemed to like that idea. "Bring me fire!"
A young boy, close to the age I looked, walked out from the crowd with a torch in his hand. He kept his head down completely focused on not letting his eyes meet mine. That happened quite often. The man took the torch and raised it to my face as if wanting to see the same fear he held, in my eyes as well. I simply pulled my head back from the heat. He grabbed my hair with one hand and pulled my face closer to the fire, ready to see my skin burn at the flame.
"Wait!" yelled a small voice from the crowd. The villagers looked to a young girl covered in cloth that shaded her face from direct view. It was her. Though she should have left with the others and wait for me to return, she came here. Out of impulse no doubt. I wish she had stayed away from here. If they knew she was the same as me, she would be tied up here also, and what ever the outcome of this will be, she doesn't deserve to be treated like this.
She walked forward meekly. "He will not be affected by the flame."
I knew she merely said this, as well as came here, because of her concern for me. She didn't want me to simply sit by and let these people try to kill me. But she also knew that if I did not want to be here right now, I wouldn't be.
The man holding the torch untied one of my arms free. He held my arm out so the villagers could see as well, and he slowly ran the flame over my arm. I hissed at the painful burning on my arm. The flames licked at my skin mockingly and my arm began to shake. I squinted my eyes open to see the villagers gasping at what they were seeing.
Though I felt the heat and scorched pain on my arm, nothing appeared to happen to my limb. There was no burn, not even a mark... just pain.
The man dropped the torch and took a step back from me. "His flesh will not burn." he said with much shock in his voice. "You really are a demon." he said directly to me.
A different man walked out from the crowd shaking his fist violently towards me. "Of course he does not burn! He is a demon from the fiery pits of Hell!" I stayed where I was, unfazed by his shouting.
The crowd began to shout out different ways to get rid of me. I ignored them and looked directly at her. She was still standing there, not wanting to move an inch.
I diverted my eyes and looked back at the man before me. He growled in disdain. "Do not look at me, filthy beast!" He gave me a kick to the ribs, which seemed to hurt him more than me. And even so, I saw her flinch in the corner of my eye. That is why I did not want her here. The two men pulled me to my feet and began to walk me past the villagers who followed not far behind. I gave one last glance at her, one that caused a hurt expression to cross her barely visible features. She nodded and stood still in her spot. She didn't follow me or the villagers, but rather turned the opposite direction and slowly made her way out the village.
They brought me to a different part of the village. The crowd began cheer for their new plan of execution. The same man held a heavy sword in his hand and pointed the tip at me. "We shall behead the monster!" I didn't bother trying to escape. It wouldn't make a difference, it was too late now. I just sat and waited for the blade.
I looked up at the sky. Night would be coming soon and depending whether I was still here or not when it does, decides the fate of these people. Maybe I truly wanted these people to die. But as to why, I had no clue. Their fear of me is rational. And yet I stay here when I could leave, creating an avoidable massacre.
The sword swung to my neck.
Maybe I really was a monster.
I jumped up from seat breathing heavily. The rest of the class looked back at me oddly. "Are you alright Karin?" Mr. Ukitake asked from the front of the room.
I couldn't find myself to answer and I felt wave of nausea hit me full force. Without saying anything I quickly left the classroom and went straight to the girl's bathroom. Once I reached the stall I felt vomit rise up my throat. I puked out the small breakfast I had this morning into the toilet.
What was that? Since we came to this place, I've been getting weird dreams. I didn't think much of the dreams after I got them, but they all seem to be connected. I knew I wasn't myself in them, but I was they same person each time. These weren't normal dreams or normal emotions I felt during them. I wish I knew what was going on. It was so frustrating,
The bathroom door opened and someone walked in. "Karin?" It was Rukia. "You okay?"
"Yeah." I groaned back sarcastically. "I'm great." I stood up from leaning over and flushed the toilet. I walked out the stall and over to the sink where I tried my best to rinse my mouth out from the disgusting taste I now had.
Rukia put her hand on my back. "What happened?"
I wiped the water from my mouth and shook my head. "Nothing. I just fell asleep and had a bad dream."
"Maybe you should go home."
"Bu-"
"Nope." she cut me off. Seems like she was going to go mother hen on me now. "You go home and get some sleep." she said sternly. I just nodded, not wanting to get on Rukia's bad side. I've seen what happens when Ichigo tests her nerves: Not Pretty.
"Good." she said with a satisfied smile.
So I went home early and the second I got there, I went straight to bed. Thankfully I didn't dream.
I woke up around eight in the evening so everyone would be home by now. I went downstairs from my room and grabbed some of the leftovers from the dinner Yuzu made. She was sitting in the living room, watching TV with Dad. When she saw me she quickly got up. "Are you okay Karin? Rukia told me you weren't feeling well and came home early today." she asked with evident concern in her voice.
"I'm fine. Don't worry." I assured her. "How was school?"
She smiled. "It was fine." she then sat back down on the couch to continue watching her show. Only her and Dad ever watched TV together. Everyone else in the house didn't like what the other watched.
Dad also turned to me and shouted joyfully. "Thats my girl! Touch as nails!"
"Yeah, yeah." I was about to walk away when he caught my attention.
"Oh Karin. Rukia has your homework. Shes up in her room." Aw man. I was really hoping there wasn't homework tonight. I knew I shouldn't have signed up for advanced classes.
And by her room that also means Ichigo's room. I visibly shuddered. I walked back upstairs to their room and knocked on the door. I have no intentions on walking in on anything they might be doing what so ever.
Rukia opened the door. "Come in."
I walked in and saw that Ichigo wasn't here. "Wheres Ichigo?"
Her eyebrows furrowed with exasperation. "I don't know. He went to the store but he should have been back a while ago."
Well I felt sorry for Ichigo. Rukia seemed kinda peeved right now. "So... Dad said you got my homework?"
"Yup." she pulled out a book from her book bag. She handed my a large math book. "Right here." I groaned as I looked at the pages that were marked. I was going to be up all night. Rukia smiled sympathetically at me and offered help. "You can stay in here and I'll help you get this done faster."
"Thanks."
After about an hour of working I was done with my homework. Shocked me with as much as I had, but Rukia was really good with math. Math was the one subject that gave me trouble. I honestly think math is probably one of the worst things created by man. Right after coffee. God just thinking about that stuff is making me nauseous, but Rukia drank it all the time. Can't stand the smell of it, let alone the taste.
I was about to leave the room when Rukia stopped me. "Karin, can we talk?"
Should have seen this coming, a stupid lecture about what I can and can't do. Great. But since Rukia did just help me with my homework I suppose I can stay. "I guess." I sat back down on the floor while Rukia was sitting on the bed. I wasn't sitting on that thing after all the things I've heard through these walls.
"I know Ichigo and I have been bugging you a lot about hanging out with Toushiro, but its really for your own good." she stated.
"Then why won't you give me a reason why I shouldn't be around him?"
She looked down. "I'm sorry, I wish I could... but we can't. But we're not trying to be unfair Karin." she defended. "I want you to be able to talk to me."
I didn't reply for a while. I wanted to understand where Rukia was coming from, but I didn't know anything. She spoke again. "Will you at least tell me if anything happens between you two?" Does kissing him count? I rubbed the back of my neck while debating. Rukia isn't as likely to do something as drastic as Ichigo would. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to talk to her. Though I'm not going to just straight out say what happened at the fair or yesterday.
Before I could respond, the door opened. It was Ichigo. His clothes were torn and there were dark stains that looked like blood on his shirt. Both me and Rukia stood to our feet at his sudden entrance. He walked into the room and turned to me. "I need to speak with Rukia alone."
"Hi to you too." I said dryly, not acknowledging what he just told me. "Is that blood?" I asked. Since when does going to the store end up in bloodshed?
"I'm serious Karin." he deadpanned.
I glared at him and grabbed my stuff. "Fine." I walked out the room into the hall. He closed the door behind me and I heard Rukia asking what happened to him. Knowing Ichigo, he probably got into a fight with some other guys. But then again, he wouldn't have made me leave just to tell Rukia that. That means its something they don't want me to know about like why they can't tell me anything.
I put my stuff in my room and tiptoed back to their door. I quietly put my ear up to it like I did last time and listened in. It was still hard to hear but I could make out the words.
"How did you run into them?" Rukia asked. "... wasn't tonight."
Ichigo now spoke. "... wasn't them... something... I don't what those things are... I've never seen them before but..." Their voices were still fading in and out. Geez, I felt like I was missing every word that was explaining what happened.
Rukia spoke a little bit louder, like she was angry. "Well did you... to Urahara? He... know what they were."
"No... he's on vacation or something." Ichigo growled.
"Karin?" Yuzu said from behind, causing me to jump. I quickly stepped away from the door. "What are you doing?"
I subconsciously rubbed the back of my head and chuckled nervously. "Well... you see I was..." Crap, I couldn't think of an excuse.
She looked at me expectingly and placed her hands on her hips. "Well?"
"Um... goodnight!" I ran passed her straight into my room. My genius escape. From the other side of my door I heard Yuzu sigh and her foot steps drifted away.
I sat in my room, thinking, much like the last time I did this about two weeks ago. And here I am, still clueless. Only this time I had even more to think about: Ichigo and Rukia, Toushiro and the Spectacular Six, almost dying again, weird dreams, possibly a psychotic girl whose jinxed me, not to mention the soccer game later this week. I sighed and laid on my bed. Something told me school wasn't my biggest annoyance anymore.
So there you are. Please tell me what you think. I live off your advice and thoughts on this.
Important: I really want to know what you guess want the werewolves to look like. I've been going back and forth and can't decide! So please, tell me what your preference would be. Thanks!
Thanks for reading! Please review! Luv ya like always!