Chapter 11

The weekends flew past without any sight of Kane and his goons and soon enough, school had begun for the week. I met up with Orihime and Rukia and we walked to school together.

"Did anything happen yesterday?" Orihime asked and I shook my head happily.

"Nothing. It was actually quite peaceful yesterday," I explained and unbuttoned my jacket. Today was just so hot!

"That's good. Ichigo and I couldn't find anything out of the ordinary but we can't be too sure. Not while this Kane is still out there." Rukia said and Orihime and I agreed.

"I heard that your brothers are going to protect the school." Orihime declared.

"They're going to try, anyway," I smirked and all four brothers flittered into view. I could tell they were in soul form but I couldn't explain why.

"We can hear you, Seika." Daijiro said and I smiled.

"Just making sure."

Daijiro and Haruka fell into step behind us while Kyouhei and Takashi scouted out in front. Orihime was trying so hard not to laugh as Kyouhei tripped Takashi over, stopping his flash step in mid flight. The murderous glare on Takashi's face after he picked himself up finally made Rukia break out into giggles like a normal teenage girl.

"Good morning, Ichigo!" Orihime yelled and I looked up ahead of us to see Ichigo and two of his friends, Kego and Mizuiro.

"Hey, Orihime, how's it going?" Ichigo called back and I took off after Orihime.

"Don't take notice of my brothers. They're in soul form," I muttered and Ichigo nodded.

"So, Seika. Can you give me some tips on Meimei?" Kego asked as we walked through the front gates of the school.

"You want me to tell you about Meimei?" I smiled and he blushed before shaking his shaggy brown hair out of his face.

"Yeah."

"Well, she likes a guy who's funny and carefree and someone who's fun to go out with. She doesn't like going to movies or romantic dinners for dates but enjoys fairs and the arcade. She doesn't like serious people so I say go for it, Kego!" I exclaimed and he gave me the biggest grin.

"Really?"

"Yeah, you're right up her alley."

"That's fantastic. See you later, Ichigo! I'm going to find me a date!" Kego shouted and ran off.

"Does she really like arcade games and fairs?" Rukia questioned.

"Yeah, of course," I smiled.

"You're giving him false hope," Ichigo informed.

"And why is that?"

"He doesn't stand a chance."

"You don't know that. Meimei likes guys like him." I stated as the bell went for class.

I was busy reading a book that I didn't see the new kid enter the room. I sure heard it though. All of the girls (well, most of them anyway) began giggling and Ichigo nudged my shoulder.

I growled and looked at him before he pointed to the front of the class.

I wish I hadn't looked.

"Class, I'd like you to meet Kane Chitose." Our teacher said and the dark haired guy that had attempted to kill me waved and blushed like any other new students. I would consider him cute if he hadn't have tried to kill me and then threaten me. "Make him feel welcome."

I'll poison his lunch. That'll be a welcoming he'll never forget. I thought to myself as he spotted me.

"Hey, Seika!" He yelled and I went the brightest red, I bet it clashed with my hair as he came up and sat in the seat next to me. I ground my teeth.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I hissed quietly.

"I'm getting ready for class. Does that bother you?" He purred.

"You tried to kill me two days ago. Of course I'm bothered that you're at my school, in my class, and sitting next to me like nothing happened."

"But nothing did happen. You mustn't confuse public and private matters. Just carry on like I'm a normal student."

"Fine, but I'm going to beat you into a bloody pulp when lunch comes."

"Can't wait." He said and licked his lips which made me feel queasy.

We were halfway through class when Ichigo threw me a letter that ended up falling down my open shirt. I glared at Ichigo before looking around and fishing it out.

You don't seem very bothered by this.

I looked at Ichigo and shrugged before replying.

Can't exactly do anything while other people are here and neither can he. Don't worry too much.

He nodded to me and we continued with our classes.

"Alright, now what the hell do you think you're doing here?!" I snarled and threw Kane into the wall.

"I'm a bright student who wishes to learn." He smirked and I went to punch him when Ichigo grabbed my fist.

"Last time I looked, you were older," Ichigo growled and I flicked my hand away from him.

"I had to become younger in order to keep an eye on you. It was hard work too."

"Just shut up!" I snapped as Takashi and the others arrived.

"Oh, these must be your brothers. Charming men."

"Don't you dare talk about them!" I snapped and slapped him before Ichigo managed to hold me back. Kane rubbed his cheek.

"What happened to the careless girl I saw a few days ago?" Kane explained.

"I was tired then and I'm pissed off now."

"Well, I hope you make your choice soon. I don't know what to do with the pretty group of girls I took."

"Seika!" Orihime called and I turned around. "I can't find Tatsuke or the others. They were in class and now I can't find them."

"They're keeping my friends company," Kane snickered and I gave him my most menacing death glare.

"What did you do with them?" I growled and marched up to him.

"A kiss and I might tell you."

This time I did punch him. It didn't hurt me as much as it hurt him, I can tell you that. I went to go hit him again but Takashi and Kyouhei pulled me off of him as Ichigo kept Orihime back.

"Seika, cool it!" Haruka snapped.

"He killed our dad! That bastard doesn't deserve to live as much as I'm concerned!" I snarled and kicked Kyouhei in the shin, head butted Takashi and lunged at Kane. My fingers wrapped around his neck like a vice as I repeatedly banged his head on the wall. "You. Will. Die."

"Seika, stop it!" Orihime exclaimed and I stopped when I realised what I was doing. I dropped Kane's gasping and shaking body and backed up.

"I-I don't know what..." I trailed off before I collapsed in front of Kane.

"You can feel it, can't you? The bond between us," Kane explained before his hand rested on my head. "You were always supposed to be with me, no matter what. It's not too late to change."

I scuttled away. "I don't need you. I've told you that before. Leave me alone." I whispered and got to my feet.

"I've declared the school neutral territory so I can't harm you. Although, what happens to your friends is entirely up to you."

"I hardly think blackmail is fair." Takashi warned and Kane nodded.

"I believe that as well but I'm not entirely in control of of my... acquaintances. They will do what must be done for the greater good."

"The greater good?! You'll destroy this world and warp it to your liking!" Haruka snapped menacingly.

"I don't want to do that. I want to recreate the beings that are either extinct or nearly completely wiped out, like the Quincies. I want what my bride expects of me."

"I want you to die," I spat and he chuckled.

"And you answer to being my bride. What a delightful thought."

"Go to hell."

"Been there, didn't agree with me. Sorry."

"I'm going to class, I don't want to take anymore of his crap." I said and grabbed Ichigo's shirt. "Come with me."

"Hey, wait!" Ichigo exclaimed as I dragged him away from everyone else.

I climbed a tree with Ichigo not too far behind.

"What is it with you and heights?" Ichigo asked as I climbed up to the highest possible branch before helping Ichigo up.

"I wanted to ask you something personal, Ichigo." I said softly as he sat next to me.

"Why couldn't you ask your brothers?"

"I needed to ask someone who isn't a relative," I explained. "I wanted to know what I should do. The girls' already been taken and it's only a matter of time before he takes more. Ichigo, what should I do?"

He blinked at me. "What do you think you should do?"

"I'm not sure. I'll sacrifice myself for others but if I do that, more people will probably die. I don't know what I should do."

"I say trust your instincts. Even though it might be the wrong choice at the moment, it'll become the right choice in the future."

"Ichigo..."

"I know you, Seika. And I know that you're terrified because you hate people being dragged into things that don't concern them. Just trust yourself and your bound to make the right choices." Ichigo said and I looked at him as he glanced out at the place where we were just from.

"And you won't object to what I think?" I asked and he shook his head. "Kane said I have by the end of the week before he takes me by force. I just hope you're prepared for what's going to happen."

"The end of the week?"

"See you in class, Ichigo." I informed and dropped from the large height, dropping delicately on the balls of my feet.