Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Below the Surface ❯ A Gift ( Chapter 1 )

Below the Surface

Chapter 1

A Gift

By ShimmerSweet

 

A/N: This is my first step into the world of Bleach fanfiction. Also, there will be OOCness, it just can't be helped. So without further ado, here is my attempt at a Bleach fic.

 

Summary: Rukia returns to the real world. There she finds a past love that is after more than her heart. Will Ichigo be able to conquer his feelings and save Rukia?

 

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS

 

 

 

Rukia stood in the open field where he had come to see her. Where she told him… Told him that she wouldn't be returning. She knew it wouldn't be easy to say after all of the effort and blood he had put into her rescue. But she had mustered up the courage to tell him. And her heart had been crushed to tell him. When she let him know that she would be staying behind in Soul Society, she could feel his disappointment. But he had put his own feelings to the side and had praised her for her decision. He had put her before himself… again.

 

Rukia sat in the tall grass and hugged her legs. It had been a week since he left… since he returned to the real world. She'd only admit it to herself, but she missed him… a lot. The two months they had spent together in the real world had allowed them to grow together, to become friends.

 

“I've finally found you.”

 

Rukia looked up and saw her captain standing next to her, looking into the sunset.

 

He kept his gaze on the setting sun. “You're not the easiest person to find.”

 

Rukia took her eyes from him and joined him in looking at the sunset. “Captain Ukitake, is there something that you need?”

 

He shook his head, his long white hair gently rustling over his shoulders. “Why do you stay? There is no reason for you to be here, especially when you know you would be happier in the real world.”

 

Rukia looked up at him and met her eyes with his. “But, nii-sama…”

 

“Is fine.” Ukitake interrupted. “There are enough people here to watch over him, if he should need assistance.” He took a seat in the tall grass next to her. “So, I ask again, why do you stay?”

 

Rukia rested her chin on her knees and hugged her legs tighter. “This is where I come from… This is where my responsibilities are…”

 

Ukitake smiled as he stretched out his legs in the grass. “Well, what if I told you I have an assignment for you… in the real world.”

 

Rukia's eyes glimmered in the setting sun light. “Surely, you couldn't send me? I haven't regained my powers… I'm not as strong as the others.”

 

Ukitake shrugged. “Who said you would need strength? I want you to patrol the real world, and keep a look out for strange occurrences.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Besides, if you do need strength, there's a certain substitute soul reaper that I'm sure would have no problem in helping you.”

 

Rukia immediately blushed. “Captain I-”

 

“You leave first thing tomorrow morning.” Ukitake concluded as he rose to his feet and brushed off his robes.

 

Rukia watched him walk away into the sunset and smiled to herself. “Thank you…”

 

 

 

~*~

 

 

 

Rukia gently slid the door open and quietly entered her brother's room. He lay in his bed, silent and unmoving. Rukia sat in the chair next to his bed and watched his chest slowly rise and fall in perfect increments.

 

She sighed to herself, clenching her hands together in her lap. “I just wanted to check on you. I wanted to see how your recovery was coming along before I leave.” She whispered. “It's my fault you're hurt. I'm sorry nii-sama.”

 

Byakuya turned his head toward Rukia, his eyes penetrating hers. “Do not blame yourself for my actions.”

 

Rukia's eyes widened in shock at his words. “Nii-sama.”

 

He ignored her emotions. “Where are you going?”

 

Rukia blushed, she was sure he hadn't heard that. “To the real world… Captain Ukitake has given me an assignment.”

 

“Very well,” Byakuya replied as he closed his eyes in thought. He pushed himself up, the blankets falling from his bare and bandaged chest. He threw the blankets off of his legs and rose from the bed. Rukia stared with concern.

 

“Nii-sama.”

 

He caught a glance of Rukia and then looked toward the doorway. “Come.” He commanded as he left the room.

 

He walked into the main living quarters of the Kuchiki residence and slid open the doors that hid the shrine dedicated to his deceased wife - Hisana. Byakuya picked up a small jewelry box and opened it, pulling out a dainty necklace with a little charm hanging from it - a hell butterfly. Rukia watched as the little black butterfly dangled, swaying gently back and forth.

 

“It's beautiful…” Rukia whispered to herself.

 

“It belonged to Hisana.” Byakuya stated as he tucked the necklace away in Rukia's palm. “It is supposed to magnify your power. It should help you regain your power when you return to the real world.” He closed his eyes in contemplation as he turned to shut the doors to Hisana's memorial. “Hisana was too far along in her sickness for it to help her.”

 

Rukia clutched the necklace in her palm. “Nii-sama, you don't have to give me this.”

 

“Hisana would have wanted you to have it.” He stated, his back still facing Rukia.

 

Rukia stood staring at the necklace that sat in her hand. “Thank you Nii-sama.”

 

“Don't let it out of you sight. It is very important.” He said emotionlessly, turning to look at his sister. Rukia merely nodded in understanding to his words. Byakuya left the room without another word.

 

Rukia slowly walked to her room, amazed that Byakuya had shown such a tender side of himself. She had never known that he had created a memorial alter for the sister she never knew she had. She was surprised he would give up something so precious of the woman he loved. Rukia stood before the mirror in her room and placed the necklace around her neck.

 

“It's so beautiful…” Rukia concluded again as she gently observed it with her fingers. The silver chain was very thin, almost invisible to the eye and contrasted beautifully with the black butterfly charm that hung from it. Rukia ran her fingers across it, smiling to herself in the mirror.

 

“I wonder how this little necklace can magnify my power?” She asked herself as she walked away from the mirror and plopped onto her bed, spreading her appendages as she stretched.

 

I won't bother Nii-sama with my questions now. He's resting.

 

Rukia thought as she rolled over on her side. Her eyes fluttered shut and she couldn't help but let a small smile escape her lips.

 

I'll see you tomorrow… Ichigo…

 

 

 

A/N:

 

Let me know what you think! Please leave a review!

 

ShimmerSweet