Hello again, ladies and gentlemen.

I am here to pronounce and introduce to you.

The.

Last.

Chapter.

Of.

The Stray

Grab your tissues! This is a tear-jerker! And don't be sad! This was a great story, right? I can't believe I finished this story... and in a little under a year! Wow, time flies... I really hope you guys enjoyed it. Because I enjoyed making it.

Yeah, this is the shortest chapter of the story, but it's the ending... I think that's a safe-card for me, right? It's still good!

Well, without further a due, please enjoy Chapter 12 of The Stray!

It had been two weeks since the fire. The land of the once fruitful and lavish forests had all been scorched to ash. The continuous rain had turned it into a black, atrocious sludge that made the area reek unpleasantly. All that was once covered in life was gone; killed by the flames that claimed it as the victim.

The trees were burnt, black stalks that stood feebly on the ruins. Charred logs littered the ground. The ground was stained black and white as the mixture of ash crumbled and piled over the ground.

The area that did still have life was reduced to a tiny fraction. That fraction being the area of the creek that streamed into the pool and continued going as a small stream for miles. The air was still dense; foggy and full of despaired, grey clouds. The threat of another rain storm lingered. It wasn't surprising. It would be the fifth rainstorm since the fire. The area couldn't get any wetter, nor have the time to dry with the constant tears of the sky. It was like Mother Nature was crying over her hard work of making the land. Crying because if the lost of her baby.

In the middle of the murdered forest stood the little house that survived the blaze thanks to Izuru Kira. Two weeks and change had definitely been seen.

The house constantly smelled like ash because of the massive amount of area burnt to chars. Sides of the house were tinged black like soot. Some of the metal around the house, such as the steel beams that supported the porch, the gate around the chimney top, and the gutters, had melted slightly. And There were changes to not only the house, but the ones who resided in it.

Two weeks. Two weeks since the fire. Two weeks since the departure of the hospital. And two weeks since his departure. It had been two weeks and Rukia had still not recovered. Her heart ached everyday for Ichigo. For countless nights she had not gotten any sleep, trying to think of why he ran. Why did he run away? Why did he listen to her? Maybe he took it to heart when she said she wouldn't be upset if he left. Maybe he really did think that she wanted him to leave. If that's the case, then maybe it was all her fault that he was gone.

She let out a distressed sigh and rolled on her side. For weeks all she's done is slept and lied in her bedroom, depressed; she wanted to know where he was. What he was doing. How he was living. If he was still alive. She closed her eyes. She was sleepy again. But she didn't want to sleep. She was sick of just sleeping. Byakuya and Yoruichi did their best to cheer her up and get her moving around, but nothing worked, and in the end they ended up leaving her be until she snaps out of it. Time was the only medicine now.

But Rukia thought she would never get over this. She missed Ichigo. She prayed he was okay. He was sick and badly injured the night he left. She wondered how far he got with his bad ankle and if it caused him trouble. It must've hurt him. Why did he leave?

"Maybe he wanted to…"

Yoruichi's suggestion repeated in her mind. Maybe so, but… how? Why? He made a promise, and he broke it…

Forcing herself up, Rukia got to her feet. She slipped on her shoes, pulled her sweater over her shoulders and stepped out of her room. Maybe she'll go for a walk. It would be cut short because of the fallen debris on the path, but it was better than just lying around all day. She softly stepped downstairs and avoided the kitchen, knowing Yoruichi was in there. She wasn't mad at her family and friends, but they couldn't do anything for her. Even Renji had given up on trying to cheer her up. She felt bad for pushing them away, but she couldn't help it. She was torn apart inside.

As her hands touched the handle of the front door, Yoruichi called,

"Where are you going, Rukia?"

"Out for a little." Rukia replied, opening the door, "I'll be back in a little bit." she closed the door softly and hopped off the porch. The devastation around her made her heart beat unsteadily. She still remembers running for her life in the storm of fire. She had nightmares about it. Waking up with her heart racing after seeing the bright orange flames coming to get her. It was terrifying. To think your life was about to be taken away, just like that… she wondered if that's how Ichigo felt the night he watched his family perish...

As Rukia made her way in the path, her stomach lurched and she scrunched her face. The water had made the ash stink and rot. It was unpleasant to smell. She should be used to it though. The entire house smelled like it. The temperature was humid and sweaty. The air felt kind if heavy to breathe in. Probably from the lack of trees and other vegetation. Rukia missed the forestry. She missed walking in the shade. To feel the mist during a rainy day falling from the leaves and coating her. The tiny droplets bubbling on her skin and sliding down. She felt alive when she did that. Like she was part of nature. She'll miss it all. Within a few months, Izuru said; within a few months, or a year or a few, the trees will be budding and blooming again. Life will go on, he said. It will continue to grow. We just have to wait.

Rukia sighed again. She couldn't wait a year or a few. Even a few months. Her home was destroyed. In a way she wished they would move. To some place that had life and more forest. Where land wasn't burnt or in ruins. Somewhere she could call home again. To be able to start over again... and forget everything...

And also to forget about Ichigo. Rukia found it impossible to get him out of her mind. It's as if what she did for him meant nothing to him. All she said, all she thought; absolutely worthless. And that made her feel worthless. It made her sting with anger like hot venom.

She remembered her mind and heart grinding to a halt upon entering his hospital room. She had opened the door, saw the bed empty and a mess, a little blood staining the sheets. The wires and tiny tubes were lying everywhere, the monitor wailing softly, as if pronouncing someone's heart dead.

'Where is he?' was her first thought. She walked in and stared at the bed. He was gone. She instantly thought of him passing during the night and being wheeled away to the morgue to be claimed in the morning by Rukia. But when Isane told her that he had vanished, most likely escaping through the window, Rukia went numb.

And now, his room at home remain vacant. She was surprised that Renji had not asked to move back in. She also had spent the first night home in his room. She pictured him lying in bed with that innocent, gentle look on his face while he slept, wolfing down a plate of Yoruichi's cooking, and still being the shy guy in front of Byakuya. But none if that was happening. His room was empty and cold.

"Why did you have to leave?" Rukia asked herself. She continued down the barren path. The trees were so skinny now. They were stripped of all life that once remained. "Why did you leave in the first place? … was it because of me?" Rukia questioned herself. It was her after all that somewhat encouraged him to leave.

"… so if you want to leave, I understand…"

Fool… damned fool.

How could she have said that to him? Ichigo, of all people. He had been rejected all his life, she must've made it seem that way… how could she? She practically kicked him out. She pretty much told him to leave. So she has nobody to blame but herself.

Rukia put an arm over her eyes, not wanting to cry. She had cried too much over the last week. She missed him dearly and wanted him to cone back. She wanted to see his face again. His smile, his hair, him. She missed all of it. All of him.

Rukia stopped when her foot hit something hard. She opened her teary eyes to see the tree that blocked the path. That was pointless… just a ten minute walk. Cut short a good thirty-five minutes because of a tree. A black, flaking tree that was singed and rained upon.

Rukia glared at the tree before turning and walking away. She might as well go back home now. But as Rukia began to walk, she thought of something… someplace…

'I wonder if it's still there…' she wondered. She stopped and thought for a minute. She knew it would mean nothing, but Rukia was curious. She wondered how badly it was affected there. And just for old time's sake, she wanted to see it one last time.

Straining her legs, Rukia climbed the steep slope, tripping on the ashy field. She reluctantly used her hands to help her pull herself up and continue. Her feet slipped every other step with the slippery ash coating her and the soles of her boots. Not many trees remained. And the ones that did were black as death, probably never to bloom another spring again.

She was almost to the top, and a sudden flashback of the winter's day came to her mind. In a flash, in a hopeful sort of way, she saw this hill, blanketed with snow and surrounded by thick, barren trees poling through the ground. The deep, long trail of foot prints leading to the top as she trailed them with anger flowing through her veins.

Animosity was replaced with sadness as she scaled to the top. Was this place as bad as everywhere else? It had to be, and she wanted to know.

Panting, Rukia came to the top with a huff and nervously stood up. She closed her eyes, picturing the scene from so many months ago. The long slide down to the large circular clearing, the small fire in the middle, and the huge protruding rock that made the perfect platform. All surrounded or covered in snow. She pictured it. The place she met Ichigo that day. She pictured it still covered in snow and a perfect safe-haven. And then she opened her eyes. As she looked down, her eyes went wide.

"What the…"

Rukia stood shocked as she stood at the top of the hill. The slope down to the rock was clean, the dirt free of a single flake of black ash. The clearing was a light shade of brown as the clean dirt sat around the circle. Around the circle were a near and plentiful amount of trees, all healthy and tall with their leaves greener than spring itself, absorbing the little sunlight that illuminated the dark clouds. The clearing, yards in diameter and circumference–protected and shaded by yards of trees and vegetation–was spared from the fire. But the question is… how?

Rukia was amazed this part, which was the only other live part of the forest, was saved. The area around it for miles was dead and destroyed, so why was this place safe?

Rukia felt her heel slide forward and she gasped as she felt herself start to slide down. She didn't fight as she steadily rode the dusty hill down to the protruding rock platform. Once to a complete stop, Rukia stood and jumped down. She looked behind her and looked under the rock. In the small cave was a bed of moss, vines snaking out of the shade and around the top of the rock, tiny yellow flowers budding and/or blooming from the green vine. Rukia was both surprised and disappointed. But at the same time she was happy there was life here. Rukia looked up and stared at the limited canopy. She didn't understand… why and how did this place survive? It didn't make sense. It was so baffling.

"I don't know why this place is here… but…" Rukia stopped and looked down. She closed her eyes and thought. Was there a reason this place wasn't scarred? Did the rain come in time that night?

Thunder rumbled and Rukia gasped. The sky had gotten dark. She figured it was time to go home now. The sky was ready to cry once again. And if she doesn't hurry and get back home soon, Byakuya and Yoruichi may call a search team since they were so worried about her lately.

Turning at the next rumble, Rukia began to walk back towards the rock. Her heart ached as she thought of Ichigo. "Ichigo…" she whispered. She knew how much he hated the rain. And the thunder and lightning and being alone. And to think he was all by himself in this storm. "Wherever you are Ichigo… I hope you're safe…" she whispered. Sighing softly, Rukia gripped the rock, ready to climb a top and rush home. But she stopped when she heard a snap. Rukia froze. She didn't move.

Crack!

Crack!

"Ah-ah!"

Rukia turned and looked to her left, wide-eyed in shock. The bushes started to shake and she heard grunting. The leaves shook and twigs and branches snapped loudly. Rukia stood still as she saw the bushes lurch forward and a top of orange popped out. Not long after, a tall figure stumbled from the bushes and into the clearing. Tall and thin, and a red scar on his cheek. And Rukia knew then and there, after looking at his brown eyes, it was him…

Ichigo stood up straight breathing irregularly, and locked eyes with Rukia. Ten feet away they were from each other. Nothing but the thunder from the air was heard. Neither of them moved. Neither of them spoke. Rukia took a step forward, her eyes watering. Ichigo stood still, not moving as Rukia slowly came closer.

"Ichigo…" Rukia whispered in disbelief. It was Ichigo… it really was Ichigo. He was alive and he was here.

"Rukia?" Ichigo whispered, a small smile curving on his lips. Rukia finally was in front of him. She looked up to him with emotional eyes. Ichigo was so happy to see her. "Rukia, I–"

Smack!

In a flash, Rukia's hand collided with his face and Ichigo stumbled backwards in shock. It happened so fast. The echo was so loud too. He didn't even see it coming. Rukia hit him… she really hit him… why? He soon tasted blood. He had bitten the inside of his cheek upon impact.

Holding his stinging and reddening cheek, Ichigo looked to Rukia, hurt and tearing. "Rukia, why did you…" Ichigo paused. He saw tears rolling down Rukia's face as she panted heavily. It was clear she was pissed.

"Ichigo… where have you been?!" Rukia screamed at him. Ichigo took a step back. Rukia... was yelling at him? "You left without a trace and I find you here?! Why did you up and leave like that? I have been worried sick!" Rukia continued to scream at him, making Ichigo stumble backwards. Ichigo couldn't get a word in with her being so furious. "All this time I thought you were dead! I was worried and scared and just, just, ugh!" Rukia yelled. Ichigo could only stare at her. She thought he was dead? Sobbing, Rukia turned around and covered her face with her hands. Ichigo felt terrible. He didn't mean to make her worry, or think the absolute worst. And he never meant to make her cry the way he did.

Ichigo stepped forward, "R-Rukia, I didn't…" he was at a loss for words. She was still crying. So he did something he never would've thought to do before. He hugged her. Ichigo wrapped his arms around her from behind and buried his face into her neck. "Rukia, I'm sorry." he whispered. "Please… forgive me?" he mumbled. He swore he felt his heart just crumble at the sound of her hurt cries. He fucked up again…

"Why, Ichigo? Why did you leave?" Rukia asked between her sobs. She turned to look at him. Ichigo looked guilty. More guilty than he had ever looked before. He wouldn't even look at her. He kept his gaze down.

"I… I…" he stuttered.

"Did you leave because of me?" Rukia asked. His surprised glance went to her.

"No!" he objected. "No, never. I didn't leave because of you."

"Then why?" Rukia asked again, her voice cracking and sounding more desperate. Ichigo opened his mouth to say something, but the thunder cut him off. Not that it mattered. He had no words. But he did have one thing…

Ichigo reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out a cloth. Rukia was confused as he handed it to her, but when it fell in her hands, she noticed it had a weight to it. She looked to Ichigo, who had a frown.

"Unwrap it." he said. Hesitant at first, Rukia's fingers grazed the cloth. It looked like gauze. It was dirty and stained and drenched, but nonetheless, she began to slowly unwrap whatever it was that Ichigo handed to her. After it became clear enough to see, Rukia gasped loudly and covered her mouth with her free hand. Tears sprang from her eyes.

"I went back to find it…" Ichigo said as he limped closer to her. Rukia couldn't believe it… it was her grandfather's knife.

"Ichigo, you… you found it…" Rukia cried as she held it gently. It was bent and dented and coated with rust, but it was her knife. The one she had lost the night if the fire. The one she had thought she lost forever. Rukia looked to Ichigo is sheer disbelief. How did he…?

"It wasn't easy… especially with my foot banged up like this." Ichigo lifted his leg painfully with a grimace. Why did he do this? This is why he left? And while he was hurt. He shouldn't be on his feet.

"Ichigo… you left to find it… why?" Rukia asked as she looked back down at it.

"Well, you sounded so upset that you lost it and I felt bad since I was kinda the reason. So that night after you left I snuck out the window and came down here." Ichigo looked away again, feeling guilty. "I thought it's the least I could do since you guys risked your lives for my dumb ass…" Rukia looked up at him again. "I looked everywhere for it. I searched the creek and the river and the stream for it before I finally found it wedged under a rock. It took me about five days... and I would've came back to you sooner, but I didn't really know how to approach you... I was scared and lost. And I'm so sorry, Rukia. I didn't mean to make you..." Ichigo squinted his eyes shut to stop the tears. He then covered his face with his arms. "The truth is... I missed you a lot when I was out here. I regretted leaving you like that the entire time I was out here. And, and..." Ichigo stopped when he began to sob and Rukia knew that Ichigo was still himself. "I didn't want to leave and I was scared being out here again. I didn't know what to do, I…"

Rukia threw herself forward and hugged Ichigo tightly, trying to stop him from crying. He was soaking wet. Probably from searching in the water and getting caught in the non-stop rainstorms. He hugged her back instantly and didn't let go. It's been too long. No way was he going to let go again.

"Ichigo, I can't begin to thank you enough. This means so much to me… thank-you." Rukia said softly. Ichigo's grip got tighter. He wasn't going to let go again. Not ever.

"You know what I missed the most?" Ichigo asked next with a sad smile.

"What?"

"The way you squeezed my hand like you were choking someone." he grinned. Rukia laughed and broke away, an embarrassed blush coloring her face. She looked at Ichigo. His skin and hair seemed to glow in the dark weather. Like he was the life that kept this place thriving. And his eyes… the beautiful brown… she loved staring at them. She was glad he was back, because now she could stare at them all she wanted. And though she didn't realize before, she noticed how long his hair had gotten. His bright orange bangs nearly covered his eyes and the bridge of his nose. It made him look so handsome. "Oh, and Rukia?" Ichigo said next.

"Yes?" he hesitated, his face turning red and somewhat pale as he looked in her eyes.

"… I-I love you too…" he whispered. Rukia gasped.

'He did hear me…' she thought of the countless times she's said those three words, always believing he didn't hear her, nor feel the same way she did. "And I always will. I always have." Ichigo admitted. Rukia could only smile as tears of joy poured from her face. Not a second later, her arms were wrapped around Ichigo's neck as he caught her in a hug. The two were inseparable. Nothing–not even the downing rain and booming thunder–could tear Rukia and Ichigo apart now.

As the rain soaked them to the bone, lightning flashed and Rukia and Ichigo became chilled.

"Let's get out of here, Rukia." Ichigo said as he pulled away from her. Rukia smiled at him. Her hair was sticking to her face from the rain. She looked beautiful.

"You wanna go home?" she asked. Was that a trick-question?!

"Yes! I wanna go home! I never want to leave home ever again. I miss Yoruichi's cooking. And Byakuya!" Ichigo yelled. That was a surprise to Rukia… but one she loved to hear. "And from now on, I'm keeping my promise. I'll never leave you again, Rukia Kuchiki." Ichigo said honestly, and Rukia took his word.

"As I won't with yours, Ichigo Kurosaki." she replied.

Rukia put her hand around Ichigo's waist and helped him limp home. It was clear to her that Ichigo was tired. He was exhausted. She knew he was dying to get home and sleep. She was just happy he was alive and coming back to where he belongs.

Ichigo Kurosaki… was no longer known as The Stray.

—FIN—

Rukia was reunited with Ichigo. You guys didn't REALLY think I'd kill him off that way, did you? You can't kill off the star of the show! (Or Izuru, but that's a different issue at hand... damn you, Kubo. Don't you DARE kill off my precious marigold!) Ehem, sorry about that... Anyways, Ichigo finally has his home and family and Rukia got her knife back. What a beautiful ending, no?

*sniff sniff* Wow... what a LOT to do. I just completed a story with the threat of being killed by my wonderful fans. All I gotta say is, thank-you guys. You were absolutely amazing. Best audience I've had.

A Very Special Thanks to:

Whiteshewolf17

Phantom Claire

Camille Loves Chocolate

Zitag

xXLeMeowXx

IchigoMoonCutter

and pretty much everyone else who left awesome reviews, favorited, and followed. Thank-you for your patience, your time, and just THANK-YOU! I hope I didn't disappoint and I'd appreciate some one-last reviews. Pleaase! Check out my other future works and ones I have now. Again, you guys were awesome.

Another special thanks to Izuru Kira! Because I love him and he pretty much saved the house ^_^

Peace out, and good night!

P.S. Look out for the epilogue!