CHAPTER 5:
Grimmjow stood with his shoulder pressed against the wall, looking out the window at the crescent moon outside. He felt frustrated, like the moon was also mocking at him that he had failed since the beginning he had met her.
After the conversation up on the hill. They barely spoke to each other, each was lost in their own thoughts. One minute ago, they were enjoying their time together and watch the city lights. Next, she refused him and shattered all his believe within his ridiculous hopes. But then he remembered her face before she unbuckled the seatbelt and left his car. Even it was a spilt moment, he could've sworn he saw something different. And all he wanted nothing much more, but to kiss her, feel her warmth, hearing her moans and until both of them were out of their breath. Grimmjow clutched his hands. Once again, was he asking too much or putting up too many false hopes? Why can't she belongs to him?
Grimmjow felt disguised every time he saw her filtering with other men and for some reasons he could not maintain himself, making him want to snatch and lock her up from everyone including her friends, and especially Kurosaki. Grimmjow frowned. He never liked the orange hair boy- an arrogant brat who thinks he could beat everyone, a fool for challenging them and a moron who believe that he is a hero. Everyone's hero. And her hero. Grimmjow didn't understand whats so great about Kurosaki. He was a complete stranger, a nobody, yet, she seemed to be more comfortable and concern about him, and it made him snapped from the inside.
Then he heard the door closed behind him and turned to see expected faces.
"You guys didn't let anyone see ya, right?" Grimmjow asked.
"Of course not." One of them answered, moving closer to him. "Although in coming here, I couldn't help noticing some Shinigami seemed to be training at the gymnasium."
"Tch." Grimmjow sneered. "I bet they even went so far as to secretly started their training as well. Well looks like we got our work cut out for us boys."
Grimmjow puased for a split second. Kurosaki sure is a pain in the ass, but a fool is always a fool.
"Like I said, killing them ASAP would have been the best plan of action!" Grimmjow said coming up to them. "D-Roy, Shau-Ron, Edrad, Eil-Forte, Nakeim."
They all nodded in response.
"Don't hold back. Don't even brother distinguishing one from another." Grimmjow command, turning to look at the boys. "It doesn't matter if they only have minuscule speck of power. I don't want you to leave a single one of em standing. We're going to kill 'em all!"
Ichigo has never felt that good in a long time. He was finally able to get some sword practice, not to mention to pick up some training with his partner, Renji. It has been days and weeks since his last time picking up a wooden sword. The photoshoot kept them occupied lately, yet, they haven't forgotten their hobbit, Kendo. And now, they have immediately started their match, without wasting any seconds. Swing. Dodge. Swing. Dodge. Swing. Dodge. The sequences continued as Ichigo kept hitting his head on, and Renji kept blocking.
Then he heard someone entered the gym and slammed the door.
"Rukia" Ichigo said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Isn't it kinda obvious?"
"But I thought you were busy."
"Well. We have decided to polish our skills as well."
"We?" Ichigo repeated looking strangely at Rukia.
Within the next second, a familiar voice interrupted their conversation.
"O-su! How's it going Ichigo?"
"Ikkaku!" Ichigo greeted him.
He then noticed two more figures stepping inside the gym.
"Rangiku-san" He ran towards them, and finally pointed his finger. "Toushirou!"
The young teen stared at Ichgio for calling his first name.
"Its 'Hitsugaya' to you." He corrected Ichigo and walked away.
Ichigo chuckled at the usual coldness reaction given and turned his attention back to the group.
"So you guys are also here for training? But I don't think we have enough woodern swords."
"No. We don't need those." Rukia started.
"What do you mean?"
"Because we will be using real swords tonight." She tossed the object in front of him.
Six figures stepped out of the dark into the peaceful alley.
"I don't want you to let even one of them away." Grimmjow ordered his people.
He turned around, heading to the gym at the end of the road.
Tonight he will make his point, and Kurosaki will not dare to go against them or him again. He will show him his strength and the difference between their skills. I'll rip a hole in you, Kurosaki. Grimmjow's eyes were deadly dangerous and sharp; the only obvious thing shown was the blood lust to kill. It was the only thing he wanted to do, and the only thing he could do. The desire to crush Kurosaki Ichigo with absolutely victory. Grimmjow finally arrived at the gym. He opened the door and stepped inside with his pack.
The door was then slammed loudly behind, withdrawing many Shinigami's attention. He didn't missed a single part, in particular seeing a surprised and shocked look on Kurosaki. There you are. Screw the rules, he will finish him here tonight.
"This is not your place, Arrancar." Toushirou warned them.
"Shau-Ron. Nakeim." Grimmjow called as the two immediately took out their swords and smashed against Toushirou and Rangiku.
"What the hell." Renji stormed and yelled. "The hell do you think you're doing-"
Before Renji could finish. From the corner of his eyes he saw a sword swung to him and blocked it.
"Greeting, brother." Eli-Forte smirked to Renji.
"You guys sure have weird ways of doing things." Ikkaku said and stood in front of his opponent." Oi. This is not a street fight, big guy."
"OH? Street fight? No matter how hard you try, you're gonna be slaughtered." Edrad grinned.
"Za so?" Renji raised his brows.
And now on the other side of the gym. An Arrancar gave a mischievous grin.
"I still can't decide which way to kill you yet."
"Tsch." Ichigo cursed under his breathe. "I'll fight over you, Arran-"
"Get out of my way, Ichigo."
"Rukia." Ichigo noticed her.
"I'll be your opponent. Arrancar." Rukia walked past Ichigo, preparing to unsheathed her sword.
"I can handle this guy by myself." Ichigo puts his hand on Rukia's shoulder trying to pull her back.
"Stop always trying to be everyone's hero."
"I'm not trying to be a hero, but saving your ass."
"I don't need it."
"You're not ready for a fight yet."
"He is not the guy you should deal with. You should handle that guy over there..."
Before Ichigo could respond. The Arrancar launched the first assault, putting all his strength into it and Rukia had to take a few steps backwards until her back hit the wall.
"Rukia!" Ichigo yelled in concern.
Rukia was a little taken aback by the sheer brutality of the Arrancar's attack.
She dodged it and the next hit made her jump into the air to avoid it. Rukia then launched herself to him. But her attempt was blocked.
"Arrancar. No.16 D-Roy at your service." The Arrancar introduced.
"Thirteenth Squard-"
"You really don't need to say it." D-Roy said tonelessly. "After all, if I had to hear all the name of every person I'm planing to kill tonight, it'd really become troublesome after a while."
"I see." Rukia replied quietly.
D-Roy saw Rukia changing her approach. He never saw it coming. One second ago. The Shinigami was down with one knee some distance away, and in next he was face to face with her drawn sword. Although he was able to dodge it, but he wasn't able to dodge what came next. How is it possible. D-Roy's eyes widen. There was an opening between their swords and she slashed. Her sword cut through D-Roy on the chest, leaving a deep wound. The blood came gashing down.
Rukia looked behind. There, D-Roy was lying on the ground breathing heavily. She knew it was over.
Suddenly, she felt an awfully painful punch in the stomach and making her fall on the ground.
Ichigo shouted her name. He started running and strikes his sword preparing to slice the one who hurt Rukia, but the attack was dodged.
"Grimmjow!" Ichigo roared and jumped to his side.
Grimmjow grabbed Ichigo by the wrist and threw him forcefully to the other side of the gym.
He didn't need a sword. His bare hand were enough to crush him. Grimmjow didn't waste any moment. He appeared in front of a shocked Ichigo and rammed his fist into his face. Grimmjow continued to punch his fist violently into Ichigo. He kept hitting without breaking the rhythm. Impulsively, aggressively, ferociously. And Ichigo couldn't do anything but to take it. Grimmjow grabbed Ichigo once more and gave him a kick in the stomach, sending him flying backwards and hit the wall full force.
Ichigo fell down holding his stomach and coughing vigorously.
"Tch. Is that all you've got." Grimmjow gave him a look of complete boredom. "I'm disappointed. Shinigami."
"Shut the fuck up!" Ichigo sneered. "Its only the beginning."
Grimmjow took his steps closer to Ichigo and both hands in his pocket with a hint of detest in the eyes.
"It's over."
Before he could finish Ichigo with one more attack. He felt a strong force pulling him on the shoulder.
"Grimmjow."
Grimmjow froze in disbelief. HolyShit, the hell is he doing here?!
"Why the hell are you here!?" Grimmjow turned around to face him. "Ulquiorra."
"Why? Do you really not understand?"
Grimmjow glared at him, but not answering.
"Taking it upon yourself and mobilizing 5 Arrancar for picking up a fight, to attack Shinigami. You don't understand right?"
Slience.
"Aizen-sama is furious." Ulquiorra said coldly. "We're leaving."
Grimmjow had no choice but to listen to Ulquiorra and gave one last look at Ichigo standing a few feet away.
Ichigo was furious. The hell will I let you guys leave like this. Never.
"Wait! Where the hell are you going!"
"Shut up. We're leaving obviously."
"Stop fucking fooling around. You come and attack us and when you feel like it..." Ichigo yelled angrily. "Leave? Stop joking around! Come back here!"
"You stop fucking around!" Grimmjow spoke absolute deadly. "Our unfinished fight spared your life. The next time we met will be your end. Kurosaki."
Orihime was panting.
She finally reached to the hospital, and searching for Rukia's room. She was nervous and scared of the sight that awaited her on the other side.
"Orihime." She heard Ichigo when the door was opened.
Orihime walked into Rukia's room, watching doctors and nurses running in and out. Rukia was still unconscious, with a calm and peaceful expression on her face. Renji was next to Rukia's bed, studied her instantly and holding her hand tightly. Her color seem to have return, yet it was still pale.
"Good evening. My name is Dr. Unohana, in charge of taking care of Kuchiki Rukia." A woman with motherly face introduced herself.
"Nice to meet you, Doctor. May we know what is happening to her?" Renji asked anxiously.
"Miss Kuchiki seem to have her middle ribs fractured, which is most common when it comes to rib fracture." The doctor continues to examine the medical reports on her chart. "Concerning the fact that she was not fully recovered from her pervious injury. I would recommend her to stay at the hospital at least three days."
"Is she going to wake up soon?"
"Miss Kuchiki should be waking up shortly, in case she's awaken. Please inform our nurses."
Renji sighed in relief, knowing Rukia would be fine from now on and thanked the doctor.
The doctor stayed for a few more minutes, writing something on the chart and checking the patient for one last time, before she politely excused herself from the room. Leaving the room with Renji, Ichigo and Orihime.
Orihime sat on the chair next to the bed. "How did this happened?"
"We were having our usual training, until the Arrancars decided to pick up a fight with us." Ichigo began his explanation and lowered his voice.
The Arrancars. Orihime felt her heart beated a skip, afraid of hearing that familiar name.
"They suddenly appeared in our gym and started to unleashed their swords." Ichigo paused and clutched his fist firmly. "The next time I see him. I'll kill him for sure."
Orihime bit the lower lips of hers. "Who was it that started this fight?"
Renji sneered in response, holding both his arms.
Orihime felt a wave of something strange, that was a mix of guilt and anxious. She turned to Ichigo, finding herself locked in his gaze. Her breathe became uneven.
Ichigo frowned and finally spoke. "Grimmjow."
It was late and quiet in the hospital.
He walked silently into the darkness, no one was seen on his way and only a mixed smell of chemistry lingered in the air. What is he doing? He did not know. All he knew was that she would be here. He continued his pace. What should he tell her? He had no idea, never had he ever felt the urge to explain himself.
Grimmjow raised his head straight. There was a faint voice coming from the corner. Who could it be? What are they talking? He took a few steps closer.
"Orihime." He heard the name of the person he came to see.
He turned his head into the direction of the voice. At first he couldn't see clearly. Then two shadow came into focus and he saw two recognizable figures. There was the woman he loves and the man he hates.
She couldn't believe this, most importantly, being told that Grimmjow was the one who started the fight. Everything around her was immediately a haze. Her friends were injured, some had cuts and bruised, yet, some were much more worse than that. Rukia was an example, now laying on the hospital bed. Her anxiety grew with each passing seconds. She should've been aware from the start, as soon as she got involved with him. How could she be so careless for not acknowledging it sooner?
Are you afraid? Grimmjow's words rang in her head. We're rivals. Keep that in your mind.
Orihime walked wearily out from the patient room, breathing unevenly and unable to bear the mixed emotions torturing deep down her heart. She tried to convince herself that this was nothing more but an accident that somehow went wrong. He wouldn't done this. He couldn't be this cruel to her. Orihime didn't go too far, only stopped after serval steps down the corridor. Rivalry was just a foolish act that has been taken too serious and over exaggerate. Hate won't solve anything. But now, something as obvious as this should've seen from a mile away.
How did this happen? I thought it would be alright, I thought Grimmjow will not be like this! I didn't think it would end like this! I don't know anything! I don't know anymore! What should I believe in? Grimmjow!
Her body has become colder and colder.
Then a pair of strong and warm grip on her shoulder, turning her around, her eyes met with a pair of hazel eyes in silent anticipation.
"Orihime." Ichigo looked at her in concern.
He saw a trance of broken-hearted on her expression and brought his arms around her.
"Why are we constantly fighting and hurting each others? Is there an end of this!"
She nearly cried, feeling her eyes moisten.
Ichigo tighten his hug and pulled her even closer to him.
"There will never be truce between Shinigami and Arrancar." He said quietly ."But we'll become stronger not just for our sake, but for our friends."
Orihime lowered her head, guilt was consuming her entire body. This was all wrong! He couldn't go this far. He couldn't do this to her when she realized... Orihime held her hands nervously and trying to calm down. Please, Grimmjow. She closed her eyes in depression and prayed in desperation. She has known him for years. Yes, Grimmjow scared her at the very beginning, after witnessing how he fought in those street fights. But now, what scares her was not that, instead it was knowing her heart had draw a little closer to his. She never saw it coming and was not expecting to be attached to such a person.
"I swear I'll take Grimmjow down the next time I see him." Ichigo spoke with absolute determination.
She breathed deeply. No. Please. I don't want this to happen.
"He will pay for this."