Encounter
Sayuri began her long walk home alone from school. Though the sound of laughter still filled her ears, she decided she needed some alone time. Soon enough though, the soft laughter from friends soon gave way to an unnerving and loudening noise coming from within the shadows, increasing in volume with every step she took home.
As she realized something was amiss, her heart raced wildly against her chest as she thought what could possibly be going wrong. All she could see were trees and an empty street until there it was: A hollow.
Sayuri was in turmoil as her heart raced through her chest, filled with doubt and fear. Should she take a stand or run away? Even if she decided to fight and remain, what could she really achieve? The hollow seemed intent on studying her as its beady eyes seemed like the dying flames of an ember-filled campfire.
Sayuri took two steps backward, feeling safer. However, before she could make any more movements towards safety, the hollow lunged forward with long arms reaching out for her. Instinctively, Sayuri jumped back and screamed loudly into the sky, her voice echoing throughout.
She could feel her fear and doubt swirl through her mind with every breath she took; hoping the hollow would take notice and leave her alone, she raised her hands in hopes that it would. Instead, it did nothing.
Instantaneously, the hollow charged forward again with claws extended toward her. But before it could grab hold of her again, something stood in its path and blocked its progress.
Sayuri was astounded to find Rukia standing there with sword in hand. Rukia looking fierce as she battled against the hollow and an audible clash took place, sending shockwaves through Sayuri's body. Rukia stood between them, protecting Sayuri from falling under any more attacks. Sayuri heard an echoing sound in her ears from when the two clashed against one another.
Rukia had taken control, leaving the hollow lifeless at her feet. Turning to Sayuri, she smiled reassuringly with an endearingly gentle expression on her face.
Sayuri stepped back, still gazing upon Rukia. She wanted to pose some queries, but the words seemed stuck in her throat.
Sayuri was perplexed at Rukia's sudden interest in her; yet curious.
"Who are you, where have we met, and do you have any knowledge about my memories?"
Rukia took a deep breath. "I know exactly who you are and where you come from. But I can't reveal this information to you just yet."
"Why are you keeping things from me?" she demanded, her voice rising with anger.
Rukia slowly raised her head and looked towards Sayuri.
Sayuri was waiting for an answer, yet none had come in return. Her anger had her on the verge of breaking.
"Don't you trust me? Do you think I'm not strong enough to handle it?"
Rukia exhaled deeply as Sayuri felt her anger rise.
"Why won't you reveal what you're keeping from me?" she inquired.
Rukia had remained silent for several moments before breaking her silence and speaking.
"I can't..." she faltered, unwilling to meet Sayuri's gaze.
Sayuri could sense her heart beating quickly; something was amiss in the air; something that could not be identified.
"Why?" she insisted. Rukia turned her gaze back onto Sayuri with tears filling her eyes.
"Some secrets really are too heavy to bear," she replied in a barely audible voice.
Sayuri was stunned. Could she really have said such things?
"What do you mean?" she inquired softly.
Rukia shrugged her shoulders. "I can't tell you anything; It is against my orders."
Sayuri's anger began to dissipate as she felt a wave of sadness overtake her. What secrets was Rukia keeping from her?
Rukia closed her eyes, her shoulders drooped.
"Look, I have always respected and looked up to you as an older sister, so let me be blunt. You are a fierce Captain. "You are a soul reaper from the soul society, but your life may be at risk" she whispered.
Sayuri's heart was filled with sympathy. She needed to understand what Rukia was hiding.
" Please," she said softly, "tell me what it is."
"You don't have to keep this from me. If you really know me like you say, I need to know."
Rukia opened her eyes wide, staring right at Sayuri.
"This is something from your past," Rukia whispered. She pulled Sayuri close, crushingly hugging her tightly.
Rukia released her and had looked away. She had been silent for some time before finally speaking up with an emotional tone in her voice.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I can't tell you. But I can help you train to protect yourself."
•• ━━━━━ ••✾•• ━━━━━ •••• ━━━━━ ••✾••
Ichigo ran from down the street as soon as he felt the hollow's spiritual pressure with Sayuri's, his brown eyes widen with concern and fear. His chest rose and fell quickly with every breath he took; eventually his gaze settled upon Sayuri and Rukia who stood side by side, as though in friendly embrace.
He hesitantly took one step forward and cleared his throat before speaking up.
"Sayuri," he asked with concern in his voice. "Is everything alright with you? Are you okay?"
Rukia gave a small sigh before turning to Ichigo, her face a mask of patience. "Nothing is wrong," she said. "We were just talking, and I got here in time to defeat the hollow that was after her."
Ichigo appeared to relax a bit, although his eyebrows remained drawn together in worry. He took another step forward with Sayuri in sight -
"What were you two talking about?" he softly inquired this time.
Sayuri smiled lightly but not entirely widely, nodding at her words: " we were talking about my memories."
Ichigo furrowed his brows even further and asked, "And?"
Rukia glanced over at Sayuri before speaking. "I offered my services, but now it seems that I may need to offer it to you as well. If another incident like the previous one occurs - she may not survive this time."
Ichigo's face grew pale. "What incident?"
Sayuri reached out and took his hand into hers, gently squeezing it.
Rukia spoke softly. "Don't worry," Rukia assured them, "we will be prepared."
Ichigo looked up at her with his eyes pleading. "Who are we up against?" he asked her, his tone insistent.
Sayuri nodded before looking over at Rukia. "There have been threats in the soul society recently," she explained. "To ensure Sayuri's safety we have had to take extra precautions."
Ichigo's eyes widened with alarm. "Threats? What kind of threats?"
Rukia shrugged. "Nothing serious has come of it so far," she replied, "Just someone sending warnings. Although, this remains concerning."
Ichigo tightened his grip on Sayuri's hand. "I won't let anyone hurt you," he said fiercely. "I promise."
Sayuri turned her gaze toward him with affection in her eyes, then smiled back. "I know, thank you, she replied with pride, "for always being here as my protector."
Rukia nodded in agreement. "We will keep an extra eye out on you just in case anything should arise.
Ichigo nodded slowly; his expression serious. "Thank you," he mumbled. He looked over at Sayuri, his face softening. "Come on," he said, tugging on her hand. "Let's go home."
Sayuri nodded in response and stood up, allowing Ichigo to lead her out of the deserted street.
"Tomorrow, we need to meet again; I need to introduce you to someone who can train you; someone who knows you and your family extremely well."
With a nod, Sayuri and Ichigo took off.
Rukia watched them leave with worry in her eyes. "I don't know how the soul society will take to me revealing information or training her for that matter, but it has to be done."
Rukia stood silently, lost in her thoughts for an extended period of time before walking forward.
She knew that they had to be careful, that they had to stay safe. But she also knew that the danger was real. The threats they were receiving were no idle matter.
Rukia sighed; her gaze still focused on the setting sun. The only thing she could do now was hope that they all would make it through this trouble-filled journey unscathed.
