A/N Please forgive any mistakes.
Chapter 20
Rukia kept her trembling hands firmly on Tatsuki's arms, ignoring the cold sting in her fingertips and the faint warmth of the flames that still flickered weakly from Tatsuki's skin. Her heart hammered in her chest, but she didn't flinch as an arrow whizzed past, splintering harmlessly into the snow just a foot away. Gritting her teeth, she gave one last heave, finally pulling Tatsuki up onto the ledge.
Tatsuki collapsed onto her back, chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. Her hoodie was burned away, leaving her clad in just her black sports bra, her skin slick with sweat despite the freezing temperatures. The heat radiating from her body was diminishing rapidly, and Rukia noticed with growing concern how pale her friend's face had become.
But Tatsuki didn't stay down for long. Her instincts snapped her upright, her stance shaky but protective as she stepped in front of Rukia. Both girls froze as they took in the sight before them.
The five women—ethereal and otherworldly in their gleaming silver armor—stood poised with their bows drawn, arrows of shimmering blue ice aimed directly at them. Their expressions, however, were no longer full of confidence but fear. Their wide eyes were fixed not on them, but on something looming above.
Rukia followed their gaze, her breath hitching in her throat. Hovering high above them was an enormous ice dragon, its translucent wings shimmering in the dim light. Each beat of its wings sent flurries of snow swirling into the air, and its eyes glowed with an unearthly blue light. This creature was different from the smaller dragons the women rode—it was massive, regal, and impossibly powerful.
The dragon landed gracefully in the snow with a heavy thud, sending tremors through the icy ground. Its presence was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, and Rukia couldn't help but be reminded of the dragon she'd seen during their battle with the siblings.
As the dragon lowered its head, a figure leapt from its back, landing with impossible grace in front of the group. The woman stood tall, her pristine white armor gleaming like freshly fallen snow. Her long hair cascaded down her back in a stunning blend of pure white and icy blue, and her skin glowed with a frosty radiance. She towered over the other women, her presence commanding and unyielding.
"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the icy air like a blade.
One of the women stepped forward hesitantly, removing her helmet to reveal pale skin and flowing purplish-white hair. She cast a nervous glance at the others before addressing the newcomer.
"Mom, they're—"
"You will address me as Captain," the taller woman snapped, her tone sharp and unforgiving.
The younger woman straightened, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. "Yes, Captain. These intruders are—fire demons."
At this, Tatsuki let out a weak but defiant growl, her amber eyes narrowing as she swayed on her feet. Despite her exhaustion, she instinctively pushed Rukia further behind her, standing as a protective shield.
Rukia, however, wasn't content to hide. She stepped forward, placing herself between Tatsuki and the towering captain.
The captain's piercing gaze swept over them, lingering on Rukia for a moment longer. Her icy blue eyes narrowed in scrutiny, and her expression softened ever so slightly as she took in Rukia's appearance.
"A fire demon, is she?" The captain's tone was calm but carried a biting edge as she turned back to the group of young women. "Hana. Mizuki. Yura. Kaede. Sora. You are all suspended from duty, effective immediately."
The group froze, their faces blanching in disbelief.
"What? Mom—Captain—" Hana stammered, her voice breaking.
The captain rounded on her, her imposing figure looming over the younger woman. "Hana, you acted recklessly. You attacked without asking questions, endangering not only yourselves but a fellow ice woman. And this is not your first offense—it's your fourth. Consider yourself permanently removed from the running for captaincy. Do I make myself clear?"
The younger women stiffened, their postures rigid with fear and humiliation. "Yes, Captain," they said in unison.
"Good. Now leave," the captain ordered, her voice cold and final.
The young women mounted their smaller dragons in sullen silence, casting nervous glances at their captain as they took to the skies. The roar of wings and the howl of the wind quickly faded, leaving only the two girls and the imposing figure before them.
The captain turned back to Rukia and Tatsuki, her expression softening. She gave them a formal bow, a gesture both respectful and reassuring.
"Forgive their recklessness. That group is hot-headed—ironic, given their elemental nature. Now, how can I assist you?"
Rukia hesitated for a moment, taken aback by the sudden shift in demeanor. She glanced at Tatsuki, who was leaning heavily against her for support, her exhaustion evident. Summoning her courage, Rukia stepped forward.
"We mean no harm," she said earnestly, her voice steady despite the lingering adrenaline coursing through her veins. "We're here searching for answers about my mom in particular."
The captain regarded her thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on Rukia's features. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and she gave a small nod.
Sayuri straightened to her full height, her presence commanding yet oddly warm. "I am Captain Sayuri Frost. Let's get somewhere more appropriate—your friend isn't looking so good."
Her gaze shifted to the massive ice dragon standing patiently nearby. With a soft smile, Sayuri addressed the creature. "Sei, let's take these two to my home."
The dragon let out a low, rumbling roar, but Rukia heard something different—words, clear and resonant in her mind. "Yes, Sayuri... This girl smells familiar."
Sayuri's brow furrowed, her expression momentarily thoughtful. "Does she? Hmm... I've never seen her before. We'll discuss this further when we reach my cottage."
The dragon, Sei, lowered her head, her icy scales shimmering in the pale light. Sayuri moved with ease, helping Tatsuki climb onto the dragon's back before offering a hand to Rukia. Once the two girls were seated securely, Sayuri turned to them with a mischievous gleam in her icy blue eyes.
"Hold on tight!"
Before Rukia could process the warning, Sei launched into the air with a powerful beat of her wings, cutting through the frosty wind like a bullet. Rukia let out an involuntary scream, clutching Tatsuki, who in turn gripped Sayuri tightly. The rush of cold air caressed her cheeks, but her fear quickly melted into awe as she looked down.
Beneath them, a breathtaking expanse of glittering ice houses came into view, their crystalline walls refracting the light like prisms. Snow-dusted paths wove between the structures, and frosty blue flames flickered in lampposts that lined the streets.
The flight ended as abruptly as it began. Sei descended in a graceful spiral, landing with a thunderous roar in front of a cozy-looking ice cottage. The contrast between the imposing dragon and the quaint home was startling.
Sayuri slid down effortlessly, scooping Tatsuki into her arms in a bridal carry and hopping off Sei's back. Rukia followed but misjudged her footing, stumbling into the snow with a muffled yelp. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she scrambled to her feet, brushing herself off hastily.
Sayuri kicked open the cottage door, her entrance full of casual strength. Rukia blinked in surprise as they stepped inside—the interior was nothing like she had expected. Warmth greeted them, and the furnishings were far from icy. Soft, plush couches in neutral tones filled the space, adorned with thick throws and cushions. The walls were decorated with paintings of winter landscapes, and a fire crackled merrily in the hearth, adding to the unexpected coziness.
Setting Tatsuki down gently on a couch, Sayuri disappeared into another room, only to return moments later with a thick red blanket. She draped it over Tatsuki with care.
"Stay warm. I'll be right back," she said before vanishing into what Rukia assumed was the kitchen.
The faint sound of a kettle whistling preceded Sayuri's return. She carried a red mug filled with a steaming liquid that gave off a faintly spicy, sweet aroma. Handing it to Tatsuki, she chuckled softly.
"Lava hot chocolate," Sayuri explained as Tatsuki took a tentative sip. "When fire elements visit, we make sure they don't freeze over. That blanket, by the way, heats up to one hundred and five degrees. As ice women mature we start to withstand the heat."
Tatsuki's eyes widened in delight as she drank more of the rich, warming beverage. The color quickly returned to her cheeks.
Sayuri settled into a plush blue armchair, setting her helmet down on the coffee table with a soft clink. She crossed her legs, her relaxed posture inviting but her sharp eyes inquisitive.
"Now," she said, fixing them with a curious smile. "Who are you girls, and how can I help you?"
Tatsuki sat up straighter, her confidence restored by the warmth coursing through her. "My name is Tatsuki Arisawa."
Sayuri's eyes widened, a flicker of recognition sparking within them. "Oh my, you're General Haruto Arisawa's daughter! And your mother, Amaya—she's such a gem. A fierce spirit with a heart of gold."
Rukia glanced at Tatsuki in surprise, but Tatsuki offered a small, pointed smile—a clear signal not to ask.
Sayuri turned her attention to Rukia, her expression softening into a gentle smile. "And you, dear?"
Rukia cleared her throat nervously. "My name is Rukia Sode No."
The words had barely left her lips when Sayuri's face lit up. She surged forward and enveloped Rukia in a warm embrace. The sudden gesture left both Rukia and Tatsuki stunned.
"My goodness!" Sayuri exclaimed, pulling back slightly to look Rukia in the eyes. "Did Shirayuki send you? Oh, of course she did—she must have! You and your sister, Hisana, are sixteen now, aren't you? Too young to be stationed anywhere, but oh my... the Ice Empress herself would want to see you. Where is Shirayuki? Did she come with you?"
The rapid-fire questions made Rukia's head spin, and she felt her knees wobble slightly. Tatsuki, noticing her friend's overwhelmed state, set her mug down and leaned forward.
"Um, actually... she doesn't know anything," Tatsuki interjected gently. "That's why we're here."
Sayuri blinked, her enthusiasm dimming into an expression of deep thought. "I see," she said softly, retreating to her chair. "Well, then... I suppose we have much to discuss." Sayuri let out a heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose as though bracing herself for what she had to say."I'm guessing she threw you to the wolves," she muttered, more to herself than to Rukia. "Fuyumi and Takeru knew this would happen. They left me in charge of telling you and your sister the truth if Shirayuki didn't. What exactly did she say to you?"
Rukia straightened, recalling the conversation with her aunt. "She told me Hisana and I are Ice Women with Fae blood. We had to go to Karakura College to learn about our history and how to control our powers. She said when we were five, our parents died protecting the world and—"
"What?!" Sayuri's voice was sharp, her eyes flashing with anger. Rukia flinched, startled by the sudden outburst.
Tatsuki, who had been sitting quietly beside her, stiffened. Sayuri's fingers curled into fists, her expression darkening with frustration. "That woman," she muttered under her breath before exhaling sharply.
Rukia hesitated. "What do you mean? My aunt wouldn't—"
Sayuri's piercing gaze pinned her in place. "Your parents didn't die protecting the world, Rukia," she said firmly. "The war was over centuries ago. Your parents were murdered."
The words sent a cold chill through Rukia's body. Her breath caught, her hands trembling slightly against her lap. "No," she whispered, shaking her head. "That can't be true. My aunt—"
"Your aunt is a ruthless woman who sacrificed everything to keep you and your sister safe," Sayuri interrupted, her voice like steel. "She gave up her love, her home, and when Fuyumi died, she nearly wiped out half the underworld in her grief."
Rukia swallowed hard. Shirayuki—her gentle and elegant aunt—had done that?
Sayuri continued, her voice unwavering. "She didn't send you to Karakura College because she wanted to. She had no choice. If she hadn't, the Ice Empress herself would have come personally to deal with her." Sayuri's gaze darkened.
Rukia frowned, her pulse quickening. "The Ice Empress? Why would she care?"
Sayuri hesitated for a fraction of a second before her expression hardened. "Because she does."
Rukia stared, waiting for more, but Sayuri remained silent. The way she spoke of the Ice Empress sent an uneasy feeling creeping up Rukia's spine. Whoever this woman was, she was powerful enough to make Shirayuki—who had nearly destroyed the underworld in rage—fear her.
But why?
Sayuri exhaled, running a hand through her silvery-blue hair. "Your mother was not just any Ice Woman, Rukia. She was a Valkyrie—not just a warrior, but our leader. And your father…" She hesitated, her expression unreadable. "I will not speak of him. That is not my place."
Rukia's fists clenched in frustration. More secrets. More missing pieces.
Sayuri continued. "You and Hisana were five when they were taken from you. But your mother had sensed something long before that. She came to me, concerned. She believed dark forces were stirring in the underworld, whispering about reigniting the war. She and Takeru left to investigate." Sayuri's eyes darkened. "They never returned."
Rukia felt her chest tighten. The idea that her parents had died protecting the world had been tragic, but this—the idea that they had walked into danger, sensing something lurking in the shadows, and never came back—felt cruel.
Shirayuki had never told her any of this.
Rukia's voice was barely above a whisper. "Who… killed them?"
Sayuri's jaw tightened, but she did not answer.
Tatsuki shifted beside her, tension crackling in the air.
Sayuri finally spoke, her voice lower this time. "We don't know. That, Rukia… is something you'll have to uncover yourself." Rukia and Tatusuki both felt an eerie chill around them. Sayuri sighed heavily, the weight of past bloodshed evident in her voice. "Ice women are banned from the Underworld. Ironically, we rarely ventured there to begin with, but after Shirayuki's wrath—after she nearly wiped out half the realm in her grief—we were exiled. The mere sight of an ice woman is enough to draw hostility from its inhabitants."
Rukia furrowed her brows. "But… I'm an ice woman."
Sayuri gave her a knowing smile. "Half ice woman. Trust me, your fae blood will shield you when the time comes."
Rukia tilted her head, ready to press further, but before she could, Sayuri suddenly sprang to her feet. "Oh! I almost forgot." She disappeared into another room, the sound of rustling filling the silence. Moments later, she returned, cradling a small, worn picture frame in her hands.
She knelt beside Rukia and held it out. "Here," she said softly, her expression gentler than before.
Rukia hesitated, then took the picture, her fingers trembling slightly. The moment her eyes landed on the image, a strangled laugh escaped her lips, quickly swallowed by tears.
The photograph was slightly faded, but the faces of her parents were clear. Her mother, Fuyumi, stood at the forefront, barely reaching past her father's shoulder. She was small but striking, with soft pale lavender-tinged hair cascading down her back and piercing ice-blue eyes that seemed to glow even in the still image. Her delicate, ethereal features carried both warmth and quiet strength. She wore a flowing white and silver robe embroidered with intricate snowflake patterns, a crystalline tiara resting lightly atop her head.
Beside her stood Takeru, a stark contrast in both stature and aura. He was tall, his lean frame wrapped in elegant yet understated dark attire, the fabric woven with faint silver threads that shimmered under the light. His midnight-black hair, streaked with strands of pale gold, fell just past his shoulders, framing sharp, angular features. His eyes, unlike Fuyumi, held no icy glow—they were an unsettling mix of deep violet and pale silver, a color Rukia had never seen before. There was something enigmatic about him, something just beyond reach, as if the camera had failed to fully capture his essence.
Rukia traced their faces with her fingers, a whirlwind of emotions crashing over her. She had no memories of them this vivid—only hazy recollections of warmth, fleeting laughter, and the scent of winter air. And yet, staring at this photo, it was as if they were right in front of her.
Her grip on the frame tightened. "I—I look like them," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.
Sayuri chuckled. "You do. You have your mother's stature, her grace… but those eyes? That fire in them? That's all Takeru. You may have gotten your mothers eye color on the outside but I know for sure those are Takeru eyes."
Rukia swallowed, unable to tear her gaze away. There was so much she didn't know—so much that had been hidden from her.
And now, more than ever, she needed answers.
Tatsuki cleared her throat, crossing her arms. "I've seen Rukia transform. She looks just like a pure Ice Woman."
Sayuri sighed, rubbing her temple. "I blame Shira. She raised you on ice-based foods, kept you in the cold whenever possible, and never let you explore your fae side. That's been holding you and Hisana back more than you realize. You're suppressing half of who you are, Rukia. Once you understand what your father was—who he was—and how powerful your parents were, you'll unlock your true transformation."
Rukia tightened her grip on the picture. "I understand. I have to tell Hisana—"
"No!" Sayuri interrupted sharply, shaking her head. "I wouldn't advise that." Her voice softened as she continued, "I had the privilege of watching you girls be born. I saw you grow from infants to five years old, and I can tell you this with absolute certainty—Hisana isn't the stronger one between you two."
Rukia's breath hitched. She opened her mouth to argue, but Sayuri wasn't finished. "I used to get updates from Shira here and there about you both. She told me about an incident—something that changed you, something so terrible that Shira went to the fae to have that part of your memory wiped. After that, Hisana stepped up to protect you. But before that, Rukia…" Sayuri hesitated before murmuring, "You were different."
Rukia felt her pulse quicken. The way Sayuri said it sent chills down her spine.
A sudden, ferocious roar shattered the tense atmosphere.
Rukia stiffened, recognizing the voice immediately. Sai.
She focused, listening intently.
'Sayuri, it's time. The young ones are coming.'
Sayuri cursed under her breath, shaking her head. "Damn it," she muttered before standing abruptly. Her movement made both Rukia and Tatsuki shoot to their feet. Without hesitation, Sayuri pulled Rukia into a tight embrace, then did the same to Tatsuki.
"Good luck, girls. I'm sorry it has to end like this—I wish I had more time to explain, Rukia, but listen carefully. These are my last words to both of you: trust each other, trust your friends, and most importantly—depend on your guardians."
She hugged them both one last time before stepping back. With a snap of her fingers, a shimmering blue portal appeared beside them, swirling with energy. A sad smile played on Sayuri's lips as she fought back tears.
Rukia clutched the picture of her parents, her chest tightening as she waved farewell. Then, with Tatsuki beside her, she stepped into the portal. The moment they stepped through, Rukia immediately recognized the familiar courtyard of Karakura College.
Students bustled around, their voices blending into an indistinct hum. However, it didn't take long for the stares to begin. Rukia shrank back, instinctively moving to hide behind Tatsuki—until she noticed the way some of the guys were looking at her.
Why are they—?
Her face burned as realization struck. Their gazes weren't just lingering—they were hungry.
Confused, she turned to Tatsuki—only to nearly scream at what she saw.
"T-Tatsuki!" Rukia hissed.
Tatsuki blinked at her. "What?"
Rukia's eyes darted to her exposed torso, then back to Tatsuki's face. "You're—You're half-naked!"
Tatsuki looked down and immediately paled. She was only wearing her sports bra.
"Shit."
Before she could react, a shadow fell over them. A tall, broad-shouldered guy with tanned skin and sharp crimson eyes approached, his expression a mixture of horror and amusement. His dark hair was tousled, and flames flickered faintly across his fingertips.
Tatsuki immediately tensed. "I'll break your hand if you even think about it."
The guy held his hands up in surrender, smirking. "Relax, Tats—I'm just here to help."
Rukia watched as he pulled off his black long-sleeved shirt and handed it to Tatsuki. She snatched it without hesitation, mumbling a barely audible thanks as she quickly slipped it on.
He chuckled. "Better be happy Ryota isn't here."
Tatsuki rolled her eyes. "Why are you even here? Ryota graduated years ago, which means you graduated years ago."
The guy sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. "Damn, Tats, can't even say my name? We were friends once, you know."
Tatsuki glanced at Rukia, who was still looking utterly lost. With a groan, she finally introduced him. "Rukia, this is Kaito. He's my brother's best friend—and a literal fire demon. He's in the Fire Military, just like Ryota."
Kaito flashed Rukia a charming grin. "Nice to meet you, beautiful."
Rukia flushed, looking anywhere but at his abs.
Kaito turned back to Tatsuki. "So, where the hell have you been? We—"
His voice cut off suddenly.
Rukia noticed the way his body tensed, the playful glint in his eyes vanishing. His gaze was locked on something—or rather, someone—behind them.
Slowly, Rukia turned. Ichigo. Renji. Uryu. Chad. Senna and Orihime were also there, chatting quietly—but the guys? They weren't chatting at all. They were staring.
Kaito let out a nervous chuckle, backing away slightly. "Yeah, uh—see ya later, Tats."
And with that, he was gone, vanishing into the crowd without another word.
Rukia and Tatsuki exchanged bewildered glances.
Renji scowled, arms crossed tightly over his chest. His fiery red hair was pulled into a high ponytail, but the intensity in his sharp eyes burned hotter than any flame.
"So you weren't at Lava Falls. Why do you have another guy's shirt on? And where the hell have you been?" His tone was sharp, demanding.
Tatsuki's frown deepened, her stance shifting into something defensive. "I changed my mind. I stayed with Rukia and did some investigating in the library," she replied, crossing her arms. "And don't worry about who that guy was. You're not my boyfriend, brother, nor are you my father."
Renji stepped forward, his presence looming as his voice lowered. "You're right. I'm more important than that—I'm your guardian. Bound by blood to you, remember?"
Orihime, sensing the tension, placed a gentle hand on Renji's shoulder, her warm touch acting as an instant balm. Renji exhaled sharply but relaxed under her influence.
Ichigo, standing beside him, gave Rukia a once-over, his amber eyes narrowing slightly as if he could see right through Tatsuki's half-truths. His expression was unreadable, but Rukia could feel the weight of his gaze lingering.
"Anyway," Ichigo finally said, his voice even but firm. "The school has military forces from different realms stationed here. Apparently, the professors and headmasters suspect something, but they don't want to alarm the students. So, students in the military from a year or two ago are frequently visiting the college, under the guise of 'helping out.'"
Orihime's face brightened as she clasped her hands together. "That's great, right? Now we can just be college students—the realms' military will handle everything!"
Ichigo's lips parted as if to say something, but before he could, his gaze flicked downward. His brows furrowed. "What's that in your hand, Rukia?"
Rukia stiffened, her grip tightening around the worn frame she clutched against her chest. "A family photo," she said quietly.
Ichigo studied her for a moment longer but didn't press. Instead, Uryu adjusted his glasses, pushing them higher onto the bridge of his nose. "I'll be honest, Hime—this just makes our investigations even more crucial. The professors are covering something up under the guise of 'protectiveness.' We have a name: Sosuke Aizen. Now we need to research and learn everything we can."
Chad, always the silent pillar of strength, gave a firm nod. "For the sake of our realms, we need to take charge."
Senna, a mischievous gleam in her violet eyes, smirked and threw an arm around Rukia's shoulder. "Exactly. And you know what? I couldn't think of a better group of friends to do it with."
The group shared a quiet moment of solidarity, their different energies intertwining all united by fate. Rukia forced herself to smile as they embraced, but the warmth in her expression never quite reached her eyes.
She knew her parents were murdered. She knew someone from the underworld was responsible. And she knew she had to learn about her fae side quickly. But more than anything, she knew she had to keep this from Hisana. Her sister. Her twin. Her other half. Her sister, whom she had to protect at all costs. And she would find the ones who killed her parents.
And when she did…
She would end them.
A/N Alright hope you enjoyed it.