Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Heaven vs Hell ❯ Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter 7

 

“One slight move from you and I'll slit your throat.”

 

Time froze still, not a single sound was made except for the chirping of the birds outside. Ichigo was still, not that he had a choice, the blade still dangerously close to his throat. Rukia was frozen, her eyes wide in horror looking directly at the attacker. The tension in the air was so dense it was hard to breathe. Minutes passed painfully slowly, one of them yet to make a move.

 

Ichigo's eyes turned to the direction of the footsteps that were heading towards them, yet neither of them moved. The sound came to a stop and the figure was right in front of him. He tried to look up but remembered his restriction from the movement of the blade on his throat. He felt something wet running down his neck, guessing it was his blood. So in order to prevent the blade from moving further, he averted his eyes upwards and met the all too familiar amber.

 

Hikari's face was stoic as she stared at Ichigo. First off she was pretty much angry that the duo had the guts to eavesdrop on their conversation. She had sensed them the moment they got to the rooftop. She just decided to ignore them, besides they'd probably find out the truth sooner or later. She turned to Rukia who was still frozen in place but not she held... anger? Confusion? Pfft whatever. Either way, the glare was directed at the figure behind Ichigo and then she turned those eyes to her. Those wretched eyes that once held so much love and compassion for her...

 

Snapping out of her thoughts, she turned back to Ichigo. It was then she noticed the drop of blood flowing down his neck followed by another.

 

She sighed dramatically. “You can let go of him Rika.”

 

The blade shifted and was slowly moved from his throat. Once that was done, the tension that previously existed disappeared, Ichigo and Rukia breathing out a sigh of relief and relaxing simultaneously. Rika swung the blade lightly getting the blood of from it. She returned it to its sheath and met Hikari's eyes glaring at her.

 

She finally broke out, “Jeez Rika you didn't have to take it that far. What would have happened if you had accidentally slit it? Then he would be dead. Oh and I sure you wouldn't stop there, you would go for Rukia next and then the point of this mission would be pointless!”

 

Rika gave her a flat look. “Hey I was just being cautious. They had no right to eavesdrop. And if they had heard something they were not supposed to, then the mission would be ruined.”

 

She flailed her arms, a perfect imitation of a bird flapping its wing except it was ten times faster. “But that's not the point! Even if they did hear something, I could have just erased their memories or taken us back in time. And I already knew they were here the whole time! They're gonna havta find out what's going on sooner or later! I'm just saying you could've just used something less threatening than a blade dammit!”

 

Rika's expression hadn't changed. “Fine I get it. You can quit whining and get to the matter at hand.”

 

Hikari pouted. “There you again! Trying to wave me off and not taking responsibilities for your actions.” She folded her arms. “I deserve as much respect as you do Rika.”

 

Rika smirked. “But I deserve more respect. After all I am older than you.”

 

“By five days Rika! Five freaking days! And we're both the same age! I just turned twelve remember?!”

 

“But that doesn't change the fact that I was born before you were. And don't use your potty mouth on me!”

 

“And I don't care! I still deserve some respect you know!”

 

“Since when did I never treat you with respect?”

 

“You wanna know? Fine I'll tell you! That time when...”

 

While the girls were arguing, Ichigo and Rukia watched bugged eyed. It was sort of entertaining watching the two argue animatedly. In the meantime, Rukia used her kidou to heal the cut on Ichigo's throat. When she was done, Ichigo gave her a silent thanks and they watched the duo still going on. From how things were, it seemed that they were completely ignored and the arguing pair were probably lost in their own world. Toushirou walked in to the room and spotted Ichigo and Rukia.

 

He walked towards them, a frown on his face. “I'll take it that you two heard our conversation.”

 

Rukia looked down, her bangs covering her eyes. “Forgive us captain. But we needed to know what was going on.”

 

Ichigo grunted giving Toushirou a flat look. “Are they the things that side tracked you?”

 

Toushirou stare at him for a moment before he replied, “Yes.”

 

“So I'm assuming they have something to do with the heaven butterfly.”

 

“You could say that.”

 

Ichigo sighed. “So when do we get to hear the full story?”

 

Toushirou's eyebrow twitched. “In a minute.”

 

The arguing just got louder and now both of his brows were twitching.

 

“Oh yeah! Well I'm not the one that wets myself especially when I'm embarrassed!”

 

“You said you'd never mention that!”

 

“So what are you gonna wet yourself now?!”

 

“Shut up Hikari!”

 

She smirked singing, “Bed wetter! Bed wetter!! Bed wetter!!!”

 

Veins popped all over Rika's face. “I said shut up! Do you want me to pummel you?!”

 

Hikari stopped and placed her finger on her chin, “Let's see...” and stuck out tongue, “Nah!”

 

That did it. Rika was about to pounce on her but she was pulled back . She also noticed that the same thing happened to Hikari. Both turned simultaneously to the culprit and shrunk back in fear. The face staring back at them was not a very happy one, and that was an understatement.

 

Toushirou sighed taking a deep breath. “Will the both of you cut it out already? Jeez you're acting like children, very irritating children!”

 

Hikari pouted turning away. “It's not my fault, she started it.”

 

“I don't care who started it. We have more important business to deal with.”

 

Hikari humphed folding her arms and Rika sighed. Toushirou finally released the grip he had on both their uniforms. Once released, Rika smoothed out the wrinkles on her shirt and turned to the forgotten duo sitting not too far behind. She stared at them for a while before she bowed.

 

Ichigo and Rukia were dumbfounded. They never expected her to do that.

 

“I apologize. I was hasty in my actions. Please forgive me.”

 

Ichigo scratched the back of his head. “Uh... Don't mention it I guess.” He turned to Hikari who was sulking in a corner. He turned back to Rika and met her eyes... Still staring at him... He turned back to Hikari and she was still in the same position. He switched glances between the two.

 

'These two... were the people that 'sidetracked' the Seireitei? For some kind of reason I find that hard to believe.'

 

“Don't take us lightly Ichigo Kurosaki.”

 

He gave Hikari a shocked look. He didn't even say that out loud, so how did she...

 

Hikari sighed. “We're pretty much used to it. The expression on your face said everything.” She stood up from the corner and moved towards them. “So you heard our conversation, so that means you have an idea of what we're up to.” She smiled. “Where do you want us to begin?”

 

Rukia started speaking, “Well-”

 

Unfortunately, the school bell rung meaning that the break was over.

 

'What bad timing.' Rukia thought.

 

Hikari rubbed the back of her head smiling nervously. “Oh well, looks like we have to go back to class.”

 

Ichigo just looked at her.

 

She smirked. “Don't worry, I'll tell you everything, just not now. Probably after school.”

 

Rukia nodded. “Right.”

 

They both got up and walked towards the door with the trio following them. Rika slowed down to catch up with Hikari, giving her a sideway glance.

 

“Are you sure about this Hikari? You know this is way too soon.”

 

No reply.

 

“I mean... sure she can strike soon but the preparations aren't done yet. Is this wise? If anything goes wrong, it'd be deadly, and I'm worried about-”

 

“Don't worry Rika. Everything will be alright. And besides I think the sooner we do so, the better. We don't have much time, our days are outnumbered. And I know if we wait much longer, we'd be giving her the advantage.”

 

Rika stopped walking, Hikari a few feet ahead. She turned to smile at her. “Don't worry you won't lose me... I promised remember? That I'll never leave your side. And stop giving me that look, it doesn't suit your face.”

 

Rika smiled. “You're right Hikari.” She ran forward and grabbed her companion's hand pulling her along. “Now come on, we'd better get going otherwise we'll be really late.”

 

“Uh-huh!”

 

'Oh Hikari, your attitude is going to kill you someday, and I fear that day is fast approaching...'

 

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

 

The day just went by in the small town, the people unknown of the leering aura looming in the air. High in the sky, a rip appeared and slowly opened. Three figures in black cloaks came out from the opening, one slightly taller than the other two. They observed the small town they hovered over.

 

The tallest of the group spoke, “So this is Karakura... Hmmm it's been a while since the last time I was here.”

 

His companion snorted. “Yeah fifty years ago. I don't really see any change.”

 

“Or maybe you're just too old.”

 

That got him a smack on the head.

 

“That's not something you say to a girl idiot!”

 

“Hey you didn't have to go that far! That hurt you annoying pest!”

 

“Oh yeah?! You deserved it! And who the hell are you calling a pest old hag?!”

 

“Cut it out both of you!”

 

They both turned to their third companion, who had been silent this whole time.

 

“We're not here to fool around. Our Lady gave us orders and it is our duty to obey them. We're wasting time here just standing around.”

 

The female quickly bowed giggling. “Of course sir.”

 

The other snorted. “Whatever.”

 

Burying into his cloak, the third finally brought out a closed scroll and opened it twirling it around him on the position he stood. The writing glowed and a map appeared where he stood, slowly expanding until it reached the other two. A point was marked on the map.

 

The female sneered. “There she is, the little hoe.”

 

The taller of the males spoke, “What's the matter, a little jealous?”

 

“Shut up fool! I could care less about what happens to that little bitch!”

 

He put up his hands. “Whoa easy there woman jeez.”

 

The other male sighed and with a snap of his fingers, the map disappeared. “Let's go.”

 

And with that he disappeared with the other two imitating his action.

 

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

 

The final bell rang marking the end of the day. As usual, students dispersed saying goodbye to their friends. Ichigo sighed and stood up walking to the girl sitting behind Toushirou. Hikari looked up and smiled at him. “You seem to be in a hurry... Could it be you're so eager to be alone with me?”

 

Ichigo glared at her. “Cut it out. Besides Rukia's coming too.”

 

She sighed. “Oh you're no fun.”

 

It was then that Rukia decided to join them. Toushirou turned to look at Hikari. “I'll be going back to the base. In the mean time, you can explain the whole story to them. Don't do anything I wouldn't.”

 

Hikari pouted. “Oh come on Toushirou, quit treating me like a kid.”

 

“What's the point of not doing that if you always act like one?”

 

“Meanie!”

 

Toushirou sighed standing up. “Well then, I'll leave things to you.”

 

Hikari nodded. “Right. Oh and Rika?”

 

Said girl turned to Hikari from her seat. “What is it?”

 

“You go with Toushirou and the others, I'll take it from here.”

 

“...Are you sure?”

 

“Yup, so go on shoo!” She said making shooing motions with her hands.

 

Rika gave her a flat look. “Alright already sheesh... so that means I'll have Toushirou all for myself.”

 

“Can it Rika!”

 

Toushirou sweatdropped and walked to the door, Rika following him.

 

Hikari sighed and looked at Ichigo and Rukia, “Alright then, let's go.”

 

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

 

“I don't see why you have to follow me home. Why couldn't we just go to this so called base?”

 

Hikari shrugged. “I dunno-”

 

“What the hell do you mean you don't know?!”

 

She folded her arms. “You're one to talk, why is Rukia following us?”

 

“You said you were gonna explain the whole thing to the both of us.”

 

“...Oh yeah I did. I kinda forgot. Heheheh”

 

“Like hell you forgot.”

 

Rukia sighed. “Can you at least tell us why you attacked the Seireitei?”

 

Hikari stopped walking and stared at her, the playful look in here eyes gone.

 

“Well?”

 

“It was a deal I made.”

 

Ichigo and Rukia froze, shock and confusion on their faces.

 

Ichigo spoke, “A deal? What kind of deal?”

 

She narrowed her eyes. “It was a promise that was made ten years ago... The time that I reach the day that marks my twelfth year in this world, if the jewel is stolen, chaos will be ensued on the Seireitei like a bloody massacre... The old man is fully aware of this, after all those were the exact words I said to him... On that day...”

 

Rukia took a step forward, “By old man, do you mean the captain commander?”

 

Hikari nodded.

 

Ichigo sneered. “So... I'm assuming it was a birthday present?”

 

She smiled, “You could say that.”

 

“But why?!” Rukia exclaimed.

 

“What do you mean why? Like I said, it was a promise that was made... And I thought you were meant to be the smart one Rukia.”

 

“It's not that, it's just that I'm confused... There must be a specific reason...”

 

Hikari rubbed the back of her head. “Were you really listening Rukia?” She sighed. “I'll just say it again: The time that I reach the day that marks my twelfth year in this world, if the jewel is stolen, chaos will be ensued on the Seireitei like a bloody massacre... Get it now?”

 

Ichigo grunted, “So a jewel was stolen... What kind of jewel?”

 

“It's not something that can be discussed out in the open, so you have to wait until we get ti your home... How far is t anyway?”

 

“Not too far, just a few feet away. It'll probably take us fifteen minutes to get there.”

 

Hikari blinked. “Oh... alrighty then.”

 

“Hey Hikari?” She turned to Rukia. “Can you tell us more about the heaven butterfly, and also why you sent some to this world?”

 

The young girl folded her arms, “Well, it's because I was looking for something... or better yet, someone.”

 

“And that someone you were looking for was Ichigo?”

 

“...Yeah you could say that.”

 

“Any reason why?”

 

“Jeez Rukia you ask too many questions.”

 

“I've only asked three.”

 

“I don't care how many, at least I'm not the one obsessed with a fictional rabbit.”

 

Rukia glared at her with a comical look, “Don't you dare insult chappy!”

 

Hikari gave her a flat look, “I never said anything about chappy, and what kind of name is that? Chappy? Pfft kind of reminds me of chapped lips.”

 

By this time, Rukia fisted her hands. “You're just saying that! Admit it, you're in love with chappy! And since when did chappy get involved in this conversa-”

 

“Oh! Looks like we're here. Is this your home Ichigo?”

 

Ichigo sweatdropped at what he was looking right now. Hikari has flowers around her and an innocent smile on her face, while Rukia had a gloom cloud and her eyes reminded him of the devil focused on Hikari... He shivered, glad he was not the victim in this case.

 

“Ichigo?”

 

“Oh um yeah this is it.”

 

Hikari observed the surroundings. “Hmmm... Wow Ichigo I never expected you to live in this homey atmosphere.”

 

A vein popped. “So where exactly did you think I lived?”

 

“Ichigo! Rukia!”

 

The group turned their heads to the approaching figures.

 

Rukia smiled. “Hey Karin, Yuzu.”

 

“I guess we got here at the right time.” Karin commented. “You two look comfy with each other...” She smirked. “Did we interrupt something?”

 

Ichigo glared at his sister, “Cut it out Karin.”

 

Yuzu smiled, “But it's true, you two look like a couple coming back from a date. Oh and this is the part where you say your goodbyes and share a heartfelt kiss!”

 

“That isn't gonna happen in a million years.”

 

It was then the twins noticed a new presence. They both gasped and exclaimed at the same time, “Hikari is that you?!”

 

Hikari nodded.. She was suddenly in Yuzu's arms.

 

“Oh Hikari we missed you!”

 

Karin added, “Yeah... What happened to you anyway? After the headmaster called you to see him, you just suddenly packed up your things and left.”

 

She laughed nervously, “Well... The thing is they said my grades were too high and thought it was better for me to go to middle school, and then I ended up being in high school... Ichigo's school to be exact.”

 

Karin's jaw dropped hanging and Yuzu had amazement in her eyes. “That's so cool! See Karin, I told you the rumors were true!” She turned to her twin.

 

Karin finally got a hold of herself and closed her mouth smirking, “I'm definitely gonna call you to help me with my homework.”

 

Hikari smiled, “Sure.”

 

Yuzu gasped, “Oh that's right! I'd better hurry with dinner. Would you like to join us Hikari? Today we're having beef curry stew, one of my specialties.”

 

“Sure!”

 

Both twins grabbed each of her hands. “Alright then let's go!” And they pulled her into the house.

 

Ichigo and Rukia blinked with wide eyes and looked at each other. “Did you know they knew each other?”

 

Ichigo shook her head. “I had no idea.”

 

And both walked into the house.

 

Once they got in, they saw Karin pulling Hikari up the stairs, probably to her room. They walked to the kitchen/dining room and saw Yuzu cooking dinner and made themselves comfortable sitting on the chairs. Karin and Hikari made their appearance and Karin sat beside Ichigo, Hikari beside Rukia.

 

“Dinner will be ready in a minute!”

 

Karin turned to Hikari, “Yuzu's cooking is delicious. Once you try it for the first time, you get addicted to it.”

 

Hikari smiled, “I definitely can't wait to try it out.”

 

Ichigo folded his arms behind his head, “How come you never told us you knew my sisters?”

 

“You never asked, so I didn't say anything.”

 

Ichigo grumbled, “Whatever.”

 

Suddenly, the door opened with force and the last member of the family came in, a large grin on his face.

 

“HELLO MY CHILDREN AND THIRD DAUGHTER!!!”

 

Karin and Ichigo booth hit their heads on the table. Rukia had the smile on her face and Yuzu walked out from the kitchen with a pot in her hands.

 

“Oh no.”

 

“Hey dad!”

 

“Hullo Mr. Kurosaki.”

 

Isshin walked in the kitchen to join the group and suddenly froze. Ichigo was waiting for the rest of the old man's babbling, or even a surprise attack, but he did not get either of those. Slowly he brought his head up to look at his father and did not expect what he saw in his eyes... Fear, sadness, guilt and regret... It seems they were fixed on something. Following the direction, his eyes landed on the guest. But there was something different about her, he couldn't see her eyes as they were hidden under the bangs. The group switched looks between the man and the girl, who was awfully quiet. The silence grew longer, not a person uttered a word. It was finally pierced as soon as the old man whispered her name...

 

“Hikari...”

 

Well... That's that! Please review!!!

 

And... if you don't like it, don't read it...

 

lilshiori