Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Heaven vs Hell ❯ Chapter 9 ( Chapter 9 )

Chapter 9

 

Silence filled the atmosphere, the crickets that were once chirping before had stopped. The tension in the air was heavy, the mood dark and suffocating Ichigo found it frustrating. The sense of helplessness was there and it made him fill useless. The tension in the air was heavy, if not it got heavier after Toushirou took Hikari away.

 

Just great more unnecessary food served on the platter, like he did not have more than enough to deal with. All he planned to do was eat dinner with his family and find out more about the girl they just met today, but noooo fate just had to toy with him Instead he had to watch his father's ass get kicked and he would've been on his way to meet his maker if not for him interfering.

 

To be honest, Ichigo was scared shitless. Deep inside he was trembling from fear. This whole escapade was scary. Right now, all he wanted to do was sleep the night away forgetting all that happened and confront Hikari tomorrow, maybe he'll give her a few smacks on the head.

 

Then again, there must've been a reason behind her actions. It's not everyday someone you just met suddenly attacks a member of your family out of the blue.

 

Come to think of it, during the whole thing, they had some kind of conversation. If he remembered correctly, he heard something about him leaving her behind all in the name of having a family. He also heard his father saying something about a daughter... Was he referring to her? Did his father have a child before his mom? But Isshin and Hikari hardly looked alike, in fact there was not an ounce of similarity in their features. Maybe she got her looks from her mother.

 

Wait a minute... She was a soul, did she die recently? But she attacked the Seireitei and she succeeded, did she attain that much amount of power within that short period of time? But his mother died six years ago...

 

He groaned inwardly. His head hurt, he felt like he was just going round in circles. Well he wasn't taking this well. He looked at his sisters. Yuzu looked worn out and worried, trying to hold back tears. Karin on the other hand, tried to look normal but her eyes said something else. He guessed she was trying to be strong for Yuzu. He glanced to Rukia. She looked fine except for the confusion in her eyes. Out of all of them, Rukia was the one taking the whole thing fine.

 

“I have... something... to confess...”

 

He was shocked the old man was still able to move. Isshin tried shifting so that he could sit up looking at his family and 'third daughter', wincing the whole time. He shouldn't be moving, what he needed right now was a good check up at the hospital before he lost any more blood.

 

“I-”

 

“Shut it old man.”

 

All heads turned to Ichigo, eyes wide. Ichigo sighed scratching his head with his free arm. “You shouldn't be talking. We need to get you to a hospital. You've lost lost more than enough blood, so be quiet and rest, and stop staring at me! It's really annoying.”

 

They all snapped out from the trance and Rukia smiled at him. “You can't blame them Ichigo, it's just surprising to figure out you care that much about your father.”

 

Karin smirked. “Yeah Ichigo, don't tell me you're a daddy's boy.”

 

A vein popped. “Shut up Karin! I just don't want any more blood to ruin my clothes!”

 

Rukia caught on and joined in. “Awww is that your way of denying your feelings? Come on confess, on the outside you're tough, but inside you're lovey dovey!”

 

If looks could kill, the glare that Ichigo was giving Rukia would've burned her on the spot.

 

Wiping her eyes, Yuzu giggled. Isshin just looked round at the group. Karin and Rukia were smirking and Ichigo was glaring at them. Yuzu had finally cracked out from her shell and was giggling. He noticed that the tension was slowly dissipating and despite what had happened, things were normal.

 

He smiled and finally reaching his limit, he lost consciousness.

 

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

 

Toushirou jumped from one rooftop to another rushing to his destination. With the stoic expression he was deep in thought. Not missing a step, he looked at the weight in his arms. Blood, none of which was hers, marred her body top to bottom. Her hair had turned to its normal color, except for the red stains. He felt movement and he watched her open her eyes, amber peeking out from the lids.

 

After a few blinks, she was awake and now conscious of her environment. She looked up at him.

 

She whispered, “Toushirou...” She looked round and turned back to him. “Put me down.”

 

He stopped on a roof and she got off from his arms standing on her own. She stumbled a bit but Toushirou caught her on time. Smiling as a form of thanking him she was able to stabilize herself and looked round. “Where are we?”

 

“I was just taking you back to the ba-”

 

“Why did you come?”

 

Toushirou sighed. “Your spiritual pressure was fluctuating.”

 

Hikari froze with wide eyes. “Y-You mean...”

 

“Yes...” Toushirou studied her features. “You don't remember?”

 

It took over? What did she do? When did it all start? The only thing she remembered was watching Isshin come in and that was it. She clenched her palm in a fist. She noticed it was wet. Bringing it up to her face, she saw red... She glanced down at her body, everything was red.

 

She went into hysteria. Screaming her heart out, she was clawing her clothes trying to get rid of the stains. At the same time she was clawing her body leaving scratches in their wake.

 

“Get it off! Get it off!! GET IT OFF!!!”

 

Toushirou held her hands stopping her from hurting herself. She stared at him, tears filling up her eyes. Toushirou just looked at her. She shut her eyes letting a few tears fall.

 

Toushirou sighed. “Let it all out.”

 

She shook her head chuckling. “Nah I don't want to soil you, after all it's Momo that should be in this position with you.”

 

His eyes narrowed. “I've told you-”

 

She suddenly removed her hands from his grip and turned to the sky. “Time really is running out. This is the third time this has happened. If this keeps going on...”

 

He just watched her not moving. It was quiet for a while until he asked, “So what now?”

 

She turned back to him. “I won't be going to school tomorrow. I'm leaving it to you.”

 

He folded his arms. “Shouldn't it be Rika?”

 

She shook her head. “No. There's a reason I want you to do it.”

 

An eyebrow went up. “And that is?”

 

“You don't need to know.” She frowned. “Please Toushirou just do it.”

 

He sighed. “Fine then. We should head back.”

 

Hikari smiled. “Thank you.” Her index finger glowed white in color and drawing a cross in mid-air, a rip opened in the shape and both figures walked in, the space closing after they disappeared.

 

From the shadows, three figures in cloaks emerged. The tallest chuckled. “It seems that we missed them.”

 

The female sighed. “Now what?”

 

The third, and apparently the group leader replied, “We head back. We have to report this and wait for our next orders.”

 

And they all disappeared.

 

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

 

It was a silent walk on the way to school. Usually Ichigo and Rukia bickered about something but now... Ichigo sighed the umpteenth time and he got a smack for that.

 

He glared at her,. “what the hell was that for?!”

 

Rukia glared back. “You've been sighing all morning it's really frustrating. I know you're worried about your father, but they said he's gonna live. So quit it with that sour face and the sighing!”

 

He grunted. “I know he's gonna be fine. It's just... I don't know. We didn't get anything from the old man thanks to him being unconscious. There's also the slow rate he's healing. The doctors weren't even able to touch the wound, probably had something with that barrier we saw, and what are we going to do once we get there? It's gonna be awkward facing her. There's just so much, it's like plot holes are just every where! Dammit!”

 

He got another smack. Shutting up he settled for just glaring at Rukia.

 

She sighed. “Worrying isn't going to solve anything. The truth will have to be revealed sooner or later. Maybe now's not the right time. Just be patient.”

 

He groaned. “I guess you're right.”

 

Rukia smiled. “Good.” She walked ahead of him. “Let's go, we only have a few minutes left.”

 

The conversation ended there and they both continued their journey.

 

Unknown to them, a figure had watched their exchange from the shadows and it disappeared along with a heaven butterfly.

 

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

 

“I came up with a new recipe today Tatsuki, want to try it with me?”

 

“What is it?”

 

“Apple and cinnamon pie-”

 

“That sounds good.”

 

“-with a touch of chopped bananas and hot chili peppers!”

 

“Uh no thanks, I think I'll pass.”

 

“Awww are you sure?”

 

“Yes! Veeery, thanks for the offer though.”

 

Orihime smiled. “No problem, I'll leave the offer open just in case you change your mind.”

 

'Don't count on it.' Tatsuki sighed and noticed a familiar pair ahead of them probably going in the same direction they were. “Ichigo! Rukia!”

 

Both heads turned back and one had indifference on his face, the other was smiling putting on her charm.

 

“Hey Tatsuki, Orihime!”

 

Orihime replied, “Good morning Rukia.” She turned to Ichigo. She noticed that he looked a wee bit different this morning, at least that was what she thought, maybe more handsome with the light glowing on him illuminating him like a god, and his vibrant hair and fitted uniform that showed his lean but muscular chest and-

 

“Orihime?”

 

She snapped out from her thoughts and looked at her center of attraction.

 

Ichigo blinked, “Are you alright? You spaced out for a minute.”

 

Feeling her face heating up, she waved her hands nervously trying to push back the blush. “Oh I'm fine really,” She placed her hands on her hips, “I'm in top shape!” The blush had finally gone down.

 

Although the red had gone unnoticed by the duo, Tatsuki had spotted it. A worried look crossed her face before it disappeared. 'Orihime' Deciding to go along with the act she grinned. “We'd better hurry, otherwise we'll be late.”

 

Ichigo looked at his watch and freaked out. “What the hell?! Only five minutes left!!!”

 

Rukia had started running, followed by Tatsuki and Orihime, and lastly Ichigo, yelling at them to wait up.

 

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

 

Rika sighed settling down in her assigned seat. She had been worried all night about Hikari's condition. She sighed once more remembering what had happened that night.

 

After Toushirou had disappeared, she had remained in the same position. She knew that he had gone because of the aura, meaning that Hikari was in danger. Almost an hour later, they had both gotten back. She merely froze observing the blood all over her body. Her focus finally landed on her eyes and she physically winced. The pain, horror... After their brief silent communication, her friend lost consciousness. She silently followed Toushirou carry her into her room. She watched him lay her down and started pulling up her top. A blush appeared on her face and was about to smack Toushirou for being a pervert but at the last minute, he turned to her.

 

“I'll leave the rest to you.” He back away from the unconscious form and walked towards the door. With his back turned to her, he continued, “She won't be going to school tomorrow, also I'll be staying behind to take care of her.” He looked at Rika. “There's something I need you to do for me.”

 

She blinked. “What is it?”

 

“I need you to bring Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki here once you see them.”

 

She frowned. “Now? But Shiro it's still too early!”

 

He fully turned. “I know it's early, but that's her order.”

 

“But Shi-”

 

“That's enough Rika! Didn't you feel what happened tonight?”

 

That shut her up. Worry and guilt crossed her face. Toushirou groaned. “I'm well aware that everything is being rushed, but we don't have any more time. She's putting her life in danger this way, and believe when I say I want to stop her.” He bowed his head. “But you know we can't do anything, she has a reason for all this.”

 

Rika sighed. “In other words the fact that things are going on like this means that one of the gates is already in their hands,” She stared at the body on the bed. “and the key is slowly being drawn to their grasp. Luckily there's still the other gate and it's key and they're both in a safe place, so all hope isn't lost.” She walked towards the form and started removing her clothes.

 

For the sake of modesty, Toushirou turned his head away, listening to the ruffling that filled the silence in the background. It finally stopped and he took that as a cue to turn around. Her watched Rika pull the blanket over her. Grabbing the bloody clothes from the bed, she walked to the laundry basket and dumped the clothes in. Silence filled the room once again. Though it may have looked like nothing was going on, the tension was slowly growing like some form of hidden communication was being passed.

 

Finally, Rika groaned and walked towards the door, stopping in front of the person blocking her way. “Fine.” She smirked. “But I'd better get a kiss for doing this.”

 

An elegant eyebrow went up. “What?”

 

Without him knowing, she passed him through the door and went to her room. “Nighty night Shiro!”

 

Toushirou just stood in the room rubbing his forehead. “I'll never understand girls.”

 

She sighed again. “This should be easy enough.” She glanced at the door. “Speak of the devils.”

 

Rukia ran in first, followed by Tatsuki, then Orihime, and finally Ichigo. All looked out of breath and quickly sat on their seats taking in large gulps of air. The warning bell finally rang and Ms. Ochi walked in.

 

'Better do it now.'

 

Slowly an image of a the head of a fox appeared on the back of her palms. She suddenly stood up gaining the attention of the whole class.

 

Ms. Ochi spoke, “Ms. Komamura is something the matter? If not please sit down so that we can continue the class.”

 

She did not reply. Rather she made hand signs and turned to Ichigo and Rukia. Bringing out her index finger, she was surrounded by a red aura and her eyes narrowed looking like those of a fox. The imprints on her palms extended to full bodies and wrapped around her arms, glowing the same color as the aura.

 

By now most people thought it was some kind of magic trick but to five of the students, they knew it was not a game. The aura spread round the room and became more dense. Protests were heard, people complaining that they couldn't see. The noise reached it peak and slowly descended. Ichigo quickly stood up and walked towards Rika. He grabbed her wrist and the aura slowly disappeared. It suddenly got quiet, Rukia, Uryuu, Orihime and Chad got up from their seats and walked to the two.

 

Rukia looked round. “It's quiet... Too quiet...”

 

Ichigo frowned. “What's going on Rika?”

 

Rika just glanced at Uryuu, Orihime and Chad. She frowned. “That's strange, you three aren't meant to be moving.”

 

Orihime blinked. “What are you about?”

 

“I think you should look round Orihime.” Uryuu stated.

 

Following his order, they all looked round and eyes widened in surprise. It was weird, every single person in the class was still, not one made a move. All of them were still focused on Rika, some were in the middle of standing up. They all turned to Ms. Ochi who was in mid-step, and her mouth open as if she was about to yell.

 

Worried, Orihime ran to Tatsuki and gripped her shoulders.

 

“Tatsuki? Tatsuki are you alright?”

 

But said girl did not move, she didn't even budge. Ichigo growled and tightened the grip on her wrist. “What did you do to them?”

 

Rika just stared at him. “Don't worry they're unharmed. They're just frozen in the flow of time.”

 

Rukia stepped forward, confusion in her eyes. “Flow of... time?”

 

Rika turned to her.. “Yes. Right now time is frozen, I paused it.”

 

Ichigo blinked, “Then why aren't we affected?”

 

“You two are souls, you aren't affected by time. Even if that's the case,” She looked at the other three. “You three... I'm thinking it's because of you're spiritual pressure.”

 

Uryuu pushed up his glasses. “When you say that it's because Ichigo and Rukia are souls, do you mean that souls aren't affected by time, thus why they're still able to move?”

 

Rika glared at him. “Nice way to point out the obvious. You've pretty much repeated the same thing I said.”

 

A faint blush appeared on his face and as soon as it appeared it disappeared.

 

“Enough of this. Rika, where's Hikari?”

 

Ichigo froze. Hikari? 'Come to think of it' he glanced round the room, 'there's no sign of her... She didn't come? Is it because of what happened yesterday?'

 

Rika turned to Rukia. “As you can see, she's not here.”

 

“So where is she?”

 

“...You'll see her soon, right now I have orders to follow.”

 

'Orders?'

 

The room filled with red light and as soon as it disappeared, so did the six of them. At the same time, all of the students were able to move and they looked round in confusion. Ms. Ochi moved and regained her composure.

 

“Alright settle down! Let's begin!”

 

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

 

'Ugh... What the... Where are we?'

 

Ichigo opened his eyes a bit but he saw a bright light closing them instantly on reflex. He suddenly heard voices and the vision of light he could see when his eyes were closed was now gone.

 

“Ichigo?”

 

Rukia? He cautiously opened his eyes and saw said girl blocking the light. His visual got better and he was able to see things clearly. Still looking at her, he asked, “Where are we?”

 

She looked forward, “I'm not sure of that myself.”

 

“Ichigo!”

 

Sitting up he saw the others not too far away. “Orihime?” He then noticed the girl that he assumed brought them here. He glared at her back. “Why have you brought us here?”

 

Rika turned round giving him a dull look. “Will you quit scowling, it only makes you age faster. And don't worry you're not in any danger.”

 

Ichigo then got a better look at his surrounding. They were floating? Finally getting up, he walked towards a wall. They were floating, and it seemed they were in some kind of shield shaped in a ball. Not only that, they were also moving. Looking outside, all he saw were streams of energy, flowing in the same direction they were heading... wherever they were heading.

 

“We're in the time stream. I surrounded a shield around us so that we won't be swallowed up by time.” Rika explained answering his silent question.

 

Ichigo turned to the girl. “Where are you taking us?”

 

She sighed. “You'll see soon enough.”

 

“Why can't you tell us now?”

 

“What's the point if we're almost there?”

 

“That doesn't make sense at all!”

 

“Just shut up and be patient!”

 

“How do we know you aren't just leading us to a trap?!”

 

“I am not leading you to a trap!”

 

“How can we trust that after what Hikari did?!”

 

By now, they were both face to face with each other. Ichigo just realized what he had said. Guilt ate him slowly and he observed Rika. Sadness and worry were evident in her expression.

 

“Rika...”

 

She drew back from him and walked to the front, her head bent down making her hair cover her eyes. He sighed. 'I just had to say that...'

 

“Rika I'm-”

“We're here.”

 

Light blinded their senses. For a minute there, he thought he saw a floating rabbit...

 

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

 

Toushirou got up from his position on the chair. Glancing at the body on the bed he sighed and left quietly closing the door behind him. He turned the corner and walked down the stairs, each step echoed in the empty space. Walking towards a door, he glanced to his right. He stopped in front of a door still looking in the same direction.

 

“Are you sure you want to be here?”

 

“... Yes... I won't be here for long...” A figure emerged from the shadows. “I just want to see how they looked when they were young.”

 

He fully turned in the direction. “The time's getting closer, why not see them then?”

 

The stranger shrugged. “Why save it for later and besides I've been curious about their relationship when they were teenagers.”

 

Sighing he turned back to the door and started opening it. “Do as you please.” With the door fully open, he walked to the outside world his image blinded by the light. The light that entered the house landed partially on the hidden figure, the head of a white rabbit exposed.

 

0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0

 

They had finally gotten out from the time stream and they were back on earth, but the setting was different. Ichigo was left in awe as he admired their new surrounding. Were they in Karakura town? Because after the fifteen years he had spent in his hometown, he never knew a place as grand as this exited. Right below them was a western mansion, white in color. The expense of land in front of the building was beautified with different patches of rose gardens lining the walls and in the center a fountain with the statue of an angel, the mouth squirting from the hands that rose to the air.

 

Curious of the others' reactions, he glanced at them sideways. They pretty much had the same expression he had, so he wasn't surprised. The bubble was descending along with its occupants, the view of the structure gaining more detail. As they got closer to the ground, he noticed someone standing in front of the house as though waiting for them. He recognized the person with the all too familiar white hair and short stature. They landed on the ground with a slight oomph and at the same time the bubble disappeared. All eyes were on the person in front of them.

 

“I welcome you to the base, Ichigo Kurosaki, Rukia Kuchiki.”

 

Well that's it! Finals are over and now my life's just messed up. It's gonna take a while to update again but please review!!!

 

Oh and if you don't like it, don't read it...

 

lilshiori