Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Left Behind But Not Forgotten ❯ Tatsuki's predicament ( Chapter 1 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: StarbearerTM 
Tatsuki and Ishida are dating, but what does Tatsuki discover on a visit to the Kurosaki family that night?
Anime/Manga: Bleach Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 01.17.2011 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.7K | Visits: 326 | Status: Completed
Tatsuki and Ishida are dating, but what does Tatsuki discover on a visit to the Kurosaki family that night?
Anime/Manga: Bleach Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 01.17.2011 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.7K | Visits: 326 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I don’t own Bleach, Tite Kubo does, as does Shonen Jump. This is a work of fan fiction, which I don’t get any money from writing. Some of the ideas for this fan fiction come from some conversations with snow zapped who liked the idea of Tatsuki taking a more than chaste interest in her Quincy mentor.
In silence two people drove across Karakura town: one the director of Karakura General Hospital, the other a student of Karakura High school. For the past few weeks Tatsuki had picked up training from the silver haired man dressed in a crisp white suit because he had the necessary skills to hone her budding spirit powers. Although she was no Quincy, his stern methods had garnered her attention. She herself had asked him after a tricky encounter at Orihime's apartment.
If Tatsuki thought back she could recall their first meeting vividly. On a group study date at Orihime's apartment the friends had gathered together around the small wooden table. Most of them had already turned 16 by this point and were feeling the exuberance of this significant age on their psyche. While sewing neat stitches into a white cloth stretched over an embroidery hoop, Uryuu Ishida kept his eyes trained on his open book. Tatsuki turned the pages for him so they could both look at the same material.
“Multitasking again, Ice-shida?” Keigo joked as he flipped through his notebooks. He didn't look as if he were excited about being there sitting next to Mahana and Chizuro who was reaching over Tatsuki to try and grope Orihime. Fortunately Tatsuki's fist shot out and clunked her on the head.
“I'm surprised you've lasted this long without one of your anecdotes,” Ishida shot back.
“If it means getting a foot in his stomach he'll behave,” joked one of the newest transfer students, Renji Abarai. Reaching across the table for the last cookie he noticed that Rukia was glaring at him.
“What? I need energy to study you know!” he protested.
“Glucose is the best food for the brain,” Ishida nodded.
“See, the genius agrees with me, so there,' Renji quipped, sticking his tongue out at Rukia.
“Just don't empty out her damn refrigerator this time will ya?” Ichigo warned, not looking up from his book that Orihime looked over onto.
“There's plenty more cookies. I made a new batch...” Orihime began enthusiastically. Collectively people across the table winced but hid their reactions.
“That's okay, I've got some donuts,” Rukia chimed in, hopping up from between Ichigo and Renji to rush to the kitchen.
“You must have hid the rest from Abarai the bottomless pit,” Tatsuki quipped.
Renji chose to ignore Tatsuki's remark and simply folded his arms across his chest glaring at his book. “Hey, everyone needs to eat, okay? So gimmie a break,” he grumbled good naturedly. Tatsuki looked at him uneasily, resolved to try and accept Ichigo's weird new friends even though this guy with the tattooed brows set her on edge. Besides, she figured Ichigo could keep him in line and he was reasonably well behaved.
On Tatsuki's other side sat Orihime who sometimes glanced over at Ishida with a faraway look in her eyes. Next to Orihime Ichigo Kurosaki flipped pages in his own textbook while scribbling down notes in his spiral notebook.
“Dibs on the chocolate!” Renji announced when Rukia brought the box of donuts out. Ichigo promptly yanked the box from under him causing both redheads to start arguing and wrestling for the box. Rukia soon grabbed Renji by the ear and Tatsuki yanked Ichigo by his collar to separate the two.
“There's plenty for everyone,” Orihime said with an affectionate smile, knowing it was just show. Tatsuki rolled her eyes.
“Enough you clowns,” Tatsuki snorted at Ichigo.
“He was being the ass, not me!” Ichigo protested, pointing his finger at Renji.
“I wasn't the one who glared across the table!” Renji snapped back, but stopped when Rukia glared at him.
“Just stop will you?” Rukia sighed, rolling her eyes. “Fools.”
“Can't take them anywhere can you?” Tatsuki joked, sharing Rukia's wink. She figured that Renji and Rukia were similar to brother and sister even though both of them argued like a couple. What frustrated her more was how easily Rukia seemed to get along with Ichigo, and how their own good natured sniping had ceased to a huge extent.
“Don't just sit there like a dummy, give her some help,” Tatsuki hissed in Ichigo's ear.
“Fine, just get off my back will you?” Ichigo grumbled glaring at his childhood friend. He got up and wandered out in tho the kitchen to get drinks for everyone. As she sat down, Tatsuki felt a hand reaching under the table to squeeze hers. From the chain link bracelet with the small cross charm cold against her wrist she knew it was Ishida.
She smiled at him, noting the cute blush on his face. He was a sweet boy, but something about the wistful looks Orihime glanced in their direction were starting to piss her off. Most of the time she leaned on Ichigo's shoulder, sharing the book with him as he blushed and rested a tentative arm around her shoulders. Until a few pocket paigers went off and Rukia suddenly leapt up.
“I'm sorry but I've gotta go,” she said.
“Not again,” groaned Ichigo.
“Don't look at me you two. I was just headed out anyway. Thanks for the hospitality, Inoue-san!” Renji said as he stood up and stretched. Tatsuki frowned at the bleeping noise from the small cell phone Rukia pulled out of her skirt pocket.
“Now, Ichigo. I need to talk to you about the.l. the THING!” she hissed as Orihime leaned over and looked in sudden interest. Renji however was already halfway out the door. Tatsuki frowned and leaned over towards her friend.
“What's the big deal? I thought we all had assigned partners for the project?” Tatsuki asked, looking at Ichigo.
“This isn't that it's just... nothing okay,” Ichigo grumbled, looking towards Rukia.
“It's a new recipe for a baking contest!” Orihime blurted out. Seeing Ishida rolling his eyes Tatsuki bit her lip.
“What?” asked Tatsuki in confusion. Before she knew it Rukia had dragged Ichigo up by the hand and yanked him half away across the floor.
“Sorry, got to run! Thank you!” Rukia said sweetly as Ichigo let her pull him away by the hand.
“Wait a minute are you just going to let them walk out together like that?” Tatsuki hissed to Orihime who gave her a disarming smile.
“It's not that. It's no big deal,” said Orihime.
“They're walking out HAND IN HAND and you say it's NO big deal? What the hell?” Tatsuki snapped, slamming her hand on the table.
“Oooh tension,” said Keigo. “Love triangle much?”
“You're not helping,” Chad said as he looked at Keigo.
“Just what is going on here? Do you know something I don't?” Tatsuki asked Chad.
“Please Arisawa san, it is not how it appears. Rukia and Ichigo are simply like brother and sister,” said Chad.
“Hey, I'm like his sister. That was NOT what it looks like and you know it! Are they two timing you, Orihime?” Tatsuki snapped.
“No... please Tatsuki-chan. They just... they've gotten along well and Rukia's like that with most guys she knows,” Orihime insisted.
“It is not as if they were doing anything else. She was simply reminding him of... of an appointment he had with his father,” said Orihime quickly.
Tatsuki bit her lip, shaking her head. Something didn't add up here and it was as if she was being left out again. Keigo and Mizuiro slipped out murmuring, “I think we'd better go guys huh?”
“I have to get rest. Got a concert tomorrow,” said Chad.
“Now wait...” Tatsuki protested.
“I'm sorry I have to leave as well,” Ishida mumbled as he frowned. “Can I walk you home, Tatsuki-san?”
“Nobody answered my question. If I didn't know better...” she blurted out but felt Ishida's hand gently rubbing her palm. This disrupted her train of thought long enough that she forgot what she was angry about.
****
Sighing she decided to let Ishida walk her home. Saying goodbye to everyone she gathered her things and they left. A quick bus ride later she realized she had left notes with Ichigo that she allowed him to copy a week ago which she needed back. She convinced Ishida to take her there first on their way back to her home.
After they stepped off the bus she and Ishida stood outside the Kurosaki Family Clinic. Its blue and white sign blared brightly overhead. Hand in hand the young couple stood outside for a moment checking to see if they were open or not.
“I don't think he's home yet,” Ishida said lamely but Tatsuki marched over towards the front door. Standing just outside a man in a white suit had lit up a cigarette. She felt Ishida pull her backwards quickly.
“What?” she asked turning around.
Ishida pushed her behind him. “I think we should just go home.”
“Look I know the Kurosaki's... now it will only take a minute,” she said. She yanked her hand away from Ishida then noticed the man staring in their direction with dark blue eyes.
“Tatsuki-san,” Ishida got out.
“Oi, don't you know this is a clinic mister? Why in hell's name are you smoking outside, huh?” Tatsuki demanded as she marched over to the stranger holding the cigarette.
“I beg your pardon young lady,” said the man in a clipped tone.
“Smoking anywhere Near a clinic is uncool!” Tatsuki continued to gripe. She pounded on the door as she glared at the gentleman, then noticed that Ishida was standing partly behind a tree as if nervous about something.
“Do you know the owners of the clinic?” he asked matter of fact.
“If they knew you were smoking out here I'm sure they'd throw up a stink,” Tatsuki mumbled. “And if it's any of your business I'm old friends of this family.”
“Indeed, an oversight on my part. Excuse me,” said the man as he inclined his head to an annoyed Tatsuki and turned away.
The smoking man in the white suit promptly stepped away from the stoop carrying his cigarette. He strode towards Ishida who seemed very stressed. Shoving his hands in his pockets Ishida took a step back. Frowning Tatsuki noticed that the man had said, “Uryuu... why haven't you returned my calls?”
“I've nothing to say to you. If you'll excuse me,” Ishida snapped.
“That is hardly a polite way to address me, Uryuu. Then again, considering that you seem to avoid me at all costs I'm hardly surprised,” the stranger answered.
Frowning, Tatsuki stepped down from the stairs and marched over, concerned about the man who was standing so close to her boyfriend. She asked, “Is there a problem here sir?”
“Tatsuki-san, there is no problem, just go back to the house,” said Ishida.
Unconvinced, Tatsuki glared at both men. “And who are you exactly and what are you doing to intimidate my boyfriend?”
“Boyfriend,” murmured the newcomer with a slight twitch upwards of his lips. Blue eyes gleamed with something Tatsuki thought could be amusement rather than annoyance.
“We are dating, yes,” said Ishida moving over as he grasped Tatsuki's hand. “As if that's any of your business Ryuuken.”
“Ryuuken?” Tatsuki asked blinking at the man, memory jogged by something. Pieces clicked into place as she took a closer look at the silver haired gentleman straightening his tie covered with small blue crosses. Several pictures in Ichigo's house flashed through her mind that moment including ones of a dark haired man with glasses who looked remarkably similar to...
Tatsuki turned a shade of scarlet that moment, prompting the man to ask, “Young lady? Are you all right?”
Turning back to him Tatsuki said in a low tone, “Dr. Ryuuken Ishida... as in the guy who Ichigo's dad knew in Medical School?”
“Indeed. A pleasure to meet you, Arisawa-san,” he replied, bowing to her politely.
The frown deepened across Tatsuki's face. Folding her arms across her chest she said, “You're a doctor and you were smoking outside a clinic? Excuse me if I don't think that makes much sense?”
“You make your opinion known quite openly I see,” Ryuuken answered, fixing his gaze on Tatsuki, not the least bit intimidated by her glare.
“You're the director of a HOSPITAL and you SMOKE? That just... that makes NO sense whatsoever,” Tatsuki snorted. Before Ryuuken could answer she then held up a hand. “Wait a minute, forget I said that. I guess it proves you are a human being after all huh?”
Frantically Ishida tugged on her sleeve whispering in her ear but Tatsuki looked back at him annoyed. Just what was the relationship between these two men other then perhaps Ryuuken being an uncle that Ishida wasn't at all comfortable with. She recalled as a child this particular man spending some time with the Kurosaki family, but she'd never seen Uryuu really. It all clicked that Ishida had said nothing of this relative's existence. Considering how frosty the man came across she couldn’t blame him.
“Why didn't you tell me he was your uncle?” asked Tatsuki wheeling on Uryuu.
“Uncle? Uryuu, I'm rather hurt that you failed to inform the young lady you are seeing of my existence,” Ryuuken answered, frowning at the dark haired young man.
“Tatsuki-san, we should go home right now. Good evening Ryuuken. If you want to talk I'll be home later. But Tatsuki and I have other business elsewhere,” Uryuu said crisply as he took Tatsuki's hand.
“Wait a minute! Just what is going on here? If you don't explain this I'm going to go crazy," Tatsuki warned, twisting her hand out of his grasp. Ryuuken remained standing a distance away, reaching into his pocket for something. Withdrawing another cigarette he placed it between his lips and held up a lighter. This time he stood well away from the Kurosaki clinic entrance.
“Please, trust me you want nothing to do with this man. Please can we go now?” Uryuu whispered fiercely.
“I'm not going to let some stick up the ass uncle of yours push me around. If he doesn't want us dating fine. But you failed to let me know about your family and that really hurts my feelings,” Tatsuki whispered.
Ishida swallowed hard, shaking his head. “Tatsuki-san please...”
“Well *you* can go home because I'm talking to Ichigo, and I'm getting to the bottom of this. You can sulk if you want...” Tatsuki began.
“You really should answer the young lady's questions, Uryuu,” said Ryuuken as he strode over.
“I've nothing to say to you!” Uryuu replied in a clipped tone. “Excuse me... Tatsuki-san, let's go.”
“I'll see you tomorrow, Uryuu kun,” she said pointedly.
Hurt creasing his face Ishida suddenly continued walking, feet pressing violently into the ground. Tatsuki watched him go, rushing after him but then stopped. She spun around only to notice Ryuuken still standing there flicking ash off his cigarette. He turned to leave but Tatsuki said, “Wait a minute Doc! Don't you leave to. I've got some questions for you!”
Tatsuki moved quickly, her hand catching hold of Ryuuken's sleeve. She didn't normally act so pushy or forward around strange older men she just met but her nerves were shot to hell. Instead of his sleeve she found herself clutching his wrist then his hand extremely tightly which didn't phase him at all. Ryuuken turned slightly looking at her with a very cold neutral expression. “Yes Arisawa-san?”
“I... I'm sorry he just ran off like that... if I'd known...” she stammered, realizing she was still clutching his hand.
“You have remarkably good reflexes,” Ryuuken commented matter of fact. “As you seem intent on not releasing my hand I assume you wish to speak to me?”
Just then the door opened and Isshin poked his head outside, his eyes widening in shock and surprise. “Ryuuken! What the hell are you... oh... Tatsuki, nice to see you.”
“Kurosaki,” said Ryuuken, not pulling his hand out of Tatsuki's but turning to look at his schoolmate. “Your son is a bad influence on mine.”
“Wait a minute!” Tatsuki exploded, her hand squeezing Ryuuken's more tightly. “You're his FATHER? WHAT the hell?”
Isshin tore at his hair whining, “That's so mean of you! Calling me by my last name! You're so cruel to your old friend!"
In disbelief and shock Tatsuki stood there, not sure of what to do next. Karin poked her head out and first saw Tatsuki and her father, then Ryuuken. Her face melted from a frown to a slight almost inperceptable smile when she beheld the doctor wearing the white business suit. “Dad stop being such an idiot. Hi Tatsuki-san, Oji-san. Been a long time.”
“Nice to see you, Karin-chan,” Ryuuken said, inclining his head. A slight smile crossed his face as Karin stormed down the steps and yanked her Father up by his labcoat as he continued to sob dramatically. Tatsuki wasn't phased by this but she was still unable to form a coherent sentence at the fact that Uryuu had kept all this from her.
“My idiot brother's not here. You can get his notes in the kitchen,” Karin said. “C'mon dad stop making a pest of yourself!! And in front of Uncle too! No wonder Tatsuki thinks we're all nuts!”
“I see there is a good deal that must be clarified. If you wouldn't mind releasing my hand, Miss Arisawa?” Ryuuken grunted, looking down before she pulled her hand away quickly.
“That's an understatement,” Tatsuki mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest as she still put a hand to her head.
Poking her head out Yuzu smiled at the group assembled outside. “Oji-san, Tousan, Tatsuki-san? I just made some tea! Why don't we all come in and chat?”
“You're such a sweet loving daughter!” Isshin said as he pressed his hands together.
“I suppose since you insist, Yuzu-chan,” said Ryuuken bowing politely to her as he strode into the Kurosaki house with Tatsuki close behind him.
“Sorry you missed Ichigo, but he's still out doing what young strapping boys his age do you know!” laughed Isshin as he grinned at Tatsuki.
“Uh huh. He's so busy I barely get the chance to yell at him. He never comes to spar anymore,” said Tatsuki looking at Isshin sullenly. “Don't you have any idea where he is?”
“She has a point, Kurosaki. You could keep better tabs on your son,” said Ryuuken crisply, sitting down at the kitchen table. Tatsuki shoved her feet into a pair of slippers and took off her jacket, handing it to Yuzu. Hands shoved in his labcoat pockets Isshin moved out to sneak a few cookies off the plate that Yuzu set on the table.
“This is a nuthouse,” Tatsuki mumbled, as Yuzu shood her over to a seat. Several notebooks were piled up on the end of the table where Ichigo normally sat.
“IN that we are in agreement Arisawa-san,” Ryuuken muttered, not looking at her. How different could two men be, Tatsuki wondered, her head still spinning with frustration.
“That idiot Ichigo,” mumbled Tatsuki paging through his notes as she hid her embarassed face. “If he didn't print I'd never make out what he's writing.”
“What an unexpected surprise Oji-san! You didn't say you were coming to visit!” Yuzu chirped, putting cups of tea before him and Tatsuki as well as Karin and Isshin who had just plunked down at the head of the table.
“Don't you DARE eat before the guests goat face!” Karin warned, slapping Isshin's hand away from the cookies.
“But I've wanted them all day! You're so MEAN to your father!” he whined.
“I feel like I'm in the twilight zone,” Tatsuki mumbled, picking up her tea as she turned it in her hands.
“Since my son failed to inform you of my existence I imagine there are a great many things you must be misinformed on,” Ryuuken said, picking up his tea to sip it. She noticed he put nothing in it.
“So you're dating his kid huh? Lucky girl,” laughed Isshin. Tatsuki sighed.
Tatsuki bit her lip, her temperature reaching the boiling point as she glared at her cup. She and Uryuu would have to have a few words about this in the morning. That is if he even spoke to her after this. She pressed her hand to her head, hearing something whispering in her ear along with the howling in the distance. Judging the fact that Ichigo was gone with Rukia she figured it was something to do with his other strange dissapearances.
“Excuse me,” she mumbled as she stood up. “There's something I need to check on.”
Yuzu's face scrunched up in a disappointed pout. “You just got here! I'm sure Ichigo will be here soon if you want to wait for him."
Still sipping his tea Ryuuken fixed Tatsuki in a stare reserved for when he dispensed advice to patients. “It's not wise for a young woman to leave alone at this hour.”
Hearing this last sentence jarred Tatsuki like a sting from an opponents punch. This was an opportunity she couldn't pass up to put him in his place just like he tried to with her. Unipressed she stared him straight in his eyes as she pushed away from the table and rested her hands on her hips. Ryuuken's eyes widened just the slightest bit as she firmly said, “Excuse me but I AM a val tudo champion. I suppose Uryuu didn't tell you about THAT either?”
Unmoved Ryuuken replied, “I'm well aware of your achievements though they smack of brash overconfidence. Overcompensation for a lack of...”
“I don't care what you think or may not think of my skills, Doc,” Tatsuki laughed in his face.
“Indeed,” said Ryuuken. “Though I insist on leaving I would be willing to offer you a ride.”
Cocking an eyebrow Tatsuki retorted, “So now you're offering to 'see me home'? No offense, Doc, but I can handle myself.”
This remark earned a slight upward twitch of Ryuuken's lip. “Perhaps that may be the case, but there is no reason to refuse the assistance a gentleman would offer a young lady.”
“Tatsuki-chan, what's the big rush eh?” Isshin asked as she got up and frowned, sensing Ichigo's energy not far away.
“I need some fresh air. No offense but I got what I came for so bye,” she said, grabbing Ichigo's notes.
***
Before anyone could stop her Tatsuki had grabbed her jacket and rushed out. Ignoring calls from Yuzu, Karin and Isshin she raced quickly towards the source. Howling echoed across the walls of the buildings sending chills down her spine. Reminding her of the day she fought to protect Orihime only to have her friend unleash her mysterious powers. Now she wanted to see for herself just what Ichigo was. As his friend she had every right to know if he was in danger because he was often too stubborn to admit he needed it. Not to mention Ryuuken had pissed her off.
She could tell when he was around from the big pressure slamming into her. Determined to get answers she dodged around the fence. Two very large shapes the bulk of elephants wore garish masks resembling enormous hamsters. They opened their mouths, shrieking and wailign into the night as they swung their claws. Her eyes widened seeing the two figures in black slashing at the huge monsters. Tatsuki swallowed hard, noticing the glowing figures of ghosts flitting about as Rukia touched her sword hilt to its head. She bit her lip, shaking her head.
“Damn it Ichigo, why didn't you tell me?” Tatsuki mumbled, hurt. She spun around and rushed back towards the clinic. Something made the hair on the back of her neck stand up as a shadow loomed over her. A split second later she felt the movement of the air.
Spinning Tatsuki slammed her foot in a sharp kick, hitting the claw that slashed down. A huge white masked monster swung at her again. “sneak up on me will you you monster!” Tatsuki shouted. She launched up flipping over, slammed her foot into its mask, and punched it in the jaw.
“Fiesty aren't we? You're a tasty soul!” laughed the monster.
“Shut up! I'll show you feisty!” Tatsuki shouted. A claw slithered around her ankle but she punched it hard with her hand. She managed to break free and started running hoping that if she reached Ichigo he could somehow deal with it the way he had the monster in Orihime's house.
Then she turned. “Wait I can fight these damn things,” she mumbled, dropping into a stance. “Okay ugly, I'm going to wipe that smile off your face!”
“You can try little girl,” laughed the hollow, as it slashed with its claws again. Tatsuki lept easily, kicked hard, knocking the hand away.
“Take THAT!” she grunted, swinging her other foot out.
Unfortunately she barely spotted the hollow behind her as it rose up. Tatsuki dodged just in time as it scraped past her arm. Hissing, she backed away, blocking the claw of the first. “Not so feisty now are we?” laughed the first.
Frowning Tatsuki dodged between the slashing claws and ran up the side of the phone pole. She charged at the flying hollow and punched at its mask with one hand. The first hollow flicked out its tail and swattered her out of midair. She managed to twist enough to land on all fours, breath knocked out of her. A blue flash sizzled over her face from a faraway distance hitting the first hollow. Immediately it disintegrated into dust. Tatsuki whirled around to kick the flying hollow sharply. Another blue flash shaped like an arrow shot over her head and slammed into it, killing it instantly.
Wildly searching for the source of the energy her eyes caught sight of a strange bow upraised, held in one hand by the man who she'd just met. As calmly as anyone would he met her gaze with his own. Tatsuki spotted a ripple in the nighttime air just a few paces above his right shoulder. A white mask shaped like a deformed tragedy mask pushed through first along with sinuous claws. Tatsuki shouted, "Behind you!"
Before she uttered the second word he had spun around and raised his hand. Whitish blue energy solidified into the same bow in a split second. If she blinked Tatsuki would have missed the formation of another arrow he fired one handed at the emerging hollow. It disintegrated into shimmering particles of energy dispersed on the nighttime wind that blew his hair from his face momentarily.
"Holy crap," Tatsuki breathed, hugging her side as she staggered towards him.
"Disgusting creatures," Ryuuken huffed before turning around to face her. She saw no sign of the weapon in his now empty hand resting at his side.
Glaring at Ryuuken Tatsuki grunted, “Okay... am I seeing things or did you just shoot that monster?”
Nearly twenty feet from her his white suited form blurred, then seemed to appear right next to her. He murmured, "Are you all right Arisawa-san?"
"I'm fine, but what you just did... what WAS that?"
“Something I suggest neither of us discuss to anyone else,” Ryuuken replied abruptly.
“Excuse me?” Tatsuki asked, glaring up at him angrily.
Ryuuken leaned down over her, his blue eyes examining her injuries. “Considering you rushed foolishly out of the house when there was danger apparent you are hardly in a position to...”
“I'm okay I didn't need YOUR help,” Tatsuki grunted at him annoyed. Her nerves were shredded to hell right now between the shock of seeing just some white haired older guy manifesting a bow out of nowhere and killing the hollows as if he had hardly broken a sweat.
“You have several lacerations that should be cleaned. As well as a few scrapes that must be treated immediately before they become septic,” Ryuuken said sternly as he reached for something in his pocket.
“That hurts,” she hissed gritting her teeth with the pain from an alcohol swab taken from the medical kit. Tatsuki didn't scream or faint. She wasn't the sort of girl who did so. At least obedient enough to sit through Ryuuken reaching for a small silver vial he dipped a liquid out of to touch the scratches on her arm that were turning black.
As soon as the liquid touched them they turned a healthy angry red causing worse stinging than the poison. Tatsuki felt it ripping through her once numb arm, and clenched her teeth trying not to cry out. Ryuuken quietly unrolled a bandage and set about wrapping it around her wounds. “You don't have to go to that trouble,” she mumbled.
"I wouldn't have had to if you'd accepted the offer to be taken home in the first place," said Ryuuken.
"Uh huh, whatever you say," she grumbled. Quietly she looked Ryuuken in the face and simply nodded, accepting that if Ichigo could go around killing monsters with a huge ass sword, a doctor could shoot the hell out of them with a magic bow.
“Let's go back to the clinic. Do I have your word that we keep this incident a secret between us, like a promise between two men,” murmured Ryuuken.
"Fine. I guess you won't tell if I don't tell huh?” she mumbled, letting him look over her scrapes.
"Correct."
"You can't stop me from wanting to know what's going on. Even if I promise not to tell anyone what you did to that... creature I think I'm entitled to some answers about what this is all about," she pointed out.
"Considering the circumstances and your curiousity, you and I should have a serious chat, regarding your unique abilities," he relented.
Recognizing that no nonsense tone in his voice Tatsuki glared at him. “So you can see those monsters too? Can you also see those guys?”
She pointed towards where Ichigo and Rukia both ran along the telephone wires towards the clinic. Ryuuken didn't answer, but the tilt of his head indicated he could. Instead he said, “They have nothing to do with us. Ignore them.”
Again he touched a raw spot Tatsuki needed to justify. More frustrated protests tumbled out of her mouth, “Excuse me? That's my FRIEND thank you very much...”
“You're a sensible young woman. You'd best not have anything to do with them. They deal in the dead. You are alive. It's that simple,” Ryuuken said crisply as he led the way to the clinic.
Tatsuki huffed, “Excuse the hell me, but...”
“Do you honestly think that they require your assistance, considerable though it may be? Your concern is admirable but you would only get in their way,” Ryuuken informed her, voice lowered and serious.
“What are those things, and what are THEY?” she next asked, looking up into his face where his glasses brightly reflected the light of the sodium lamp with a flash. “So I know what exactly they're dealign with and why I should not get involved with one of my best friends?”
“Allow me to drive you home and I'll answer your questions, young lady,” Ryuuken suggested.
“Fine, I'll keep your little secret Doc. But you're going to explain things to me, okay? Thanks for helping save me and all, but I'm sick of people keeping me out of the loop! I didn't ASK to be able to see ghosts!”
“No you didn't,” said Ryuuken quietly. “But you do. And there's ways of being able to get rid of the powers or live with them and still live a normal life.”
“Are you serious?” Tatsuki said grimly outside the Kurosaki clinic once they reached it.
“You'd better believe I am, Arisawa-san,” Ryuuken promised, reaching around to open the door for her.
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In silence two people drove across Karakura town: one the director of Karakura General Hospital, the other a student of Karakura High school. For the past few weeks Tatsuki had picked up training from the silver haired man dressed in a crisp white suit because he had the necessary skills to hone her budding spirit powers. Although she was no Quincy, his stern methods had garnered her attention. She herself had asked him after a tricky encounter at Orihime's apartment.
If Tatsuki thought back she could recall their first meeting vividly. On a group study date at Orihime's apartment the friends had gathered together around the small wooden table. Most of them had already turned 16 by this point and were feeling the exuberance of this significant age on their psyche. While sewing neat stitches into a white cloth stretched over an embroidery hoop, Uryuu Ishida kept his eyes trained on his open book. Tatsuki turned the pages for him so they could both look at the same material.
“Multitasking again, Ice-shida?” Keigo joked as he flipped through his notebooks. He didn't look as if he were excited about being there sitting next to Mahana and Chizuro who was reaching over Tatsuki to try and grope Orihime. Fortunately Tatsuki's fist shot out and clunked her on the head.
“I'm surprised you've lasted this long without one of your anecdotes,” Ishida shot back.
“If it means getting a foot in his stomach he'll behave,” joked one of the newest transfer students, Renji Abarai. Reaching across the table for the last cookie he noticed that Rukia was glaring at him.
“What? I need energy to study you know!” he protested.
“Glucose is the best food for the brain,” Ishida nodded.
“See, the genius agrees with me, so there,' Renji quipped, sticking his tongue out at Rukia.
“Just don't empty out her damn refrigerator this time will ya?” Ichigo warned, not looking up from his book that Orihime looked over onto.
“There's plenty more cookies. I made a new batch...” Orihime began enthusiastically. Collectively people across the table winced but hid their reactions.
“That's okay, I've got some donuts,” Rukia chimed in, hopping up from between Ichigo and Renji to rush to the kitchen.
“You must have hid the rest from Abarai the bottomless pit,” Tatsuki quipped.
Renji chose to ignore Tatsuki's remark and simply folded his arms across his chest glaring at his book. “Hey, everyone needs to eat, okay? So gimmie a break,” he grumbled good naturedly. Tatsuki looked at him uneasily, resolved to try and accept Ichigo's weird new friends even though this guy with the tattooed brows set her on edge. Besides, she figured Ichigo could keep him in line and he was reasonably well behaved.
On Tatsuki's other side sat Orihime who sometimes glanced over at Ishida with a faraway look in her eyes. Next to Orihime Ichigo Kurosaki flipped pages in his own textbook while scribbling down notes in his spiral notebook.
“Dibs on the chocolate!” Renji announced when Rukia brought the box of donuts out. Ichigo promptly yanked the box from under him causing both redheads to start arguing and wrestling for the box. Rukia soon grabbed Renji by the ear and Tatsuki yanked Ichigo by his collar to separate the two.
“There's plenty for everyone,” Orihime said with an affectionate smile, knowing it was just show. Tatsuki rolled her eyes.
“Enough you clowns,” Tatsuki snorted at Ichigo.
“He was being the ass, not me!” Ichigo protested, pointing his finger at Renji.
“I wasn't the one who glared across the table!” Renji snapped back, but stopped when Rukia glared at him.
“Just stop will you?” Rukia sighed, rolling her eyes. “Fools.”
“Can't take them anywhere can you?” Tatsuki joked, sharing Rukia's wink. She figured that Renji and Rukia were similar to brother and sister even though both of them argued like a couple. What frustrated her more was how easily Rukia seemed to get along with Ichigo, and how their own good natured sniping had ceased to a huge extent.
“Don't just sit there like a dummy, give her some help,” Tatsuki hissed in Ichigo's ear.
“Fine, just get off my back will you?” Ichigo grumbled glaring at his childhood friend. He got up and wandered out in tho the kitchen to get drinks for everyone. As she sat down, Tatsuki felt a hand reaching under the table to squeeze hers. From the chain link bracelet with the small cross charm cold against her wrist she knew it was Ishida.
She smiled at him, noting the cute blush on his face. He was a sweet boy, but something about the wistful looks Orihime glanced in their direction were starting to piss her off. Most of the time she leaned on Ichigo's shoulder, sharing the book with him as he blushed and rested a tentative arm around her shoulders. Until a few pocket paigers went off and Rukia suddenly leapt up.
“I'm sorry but I've gotta go,” she said.
“Not again,” groaned Ichigo.
“Don't look at me you two. I was just headed out anyway. Thanks for the hospitality, Inoue-san!” Renji said as he stood up and stretched. Tatsuki frowned at the bleeping noise from the small cell phone Rukia pulled out of her skirt pocket.
“Now, Ichigo. I need to talk to you about the.l. the THING!” she hissed as Orihime leaned over and looked in sudden interest. Renji however was already halfway out the door. Tatsuki frowned and leaned over towards her friend.
“What's the big deal? I thought we all had assigned partners for the project?” Tatsuki asked, looking at Ichigo.
“This isn't that it's just... nothing okay,” Ichigo grumbled, looking towards Rukia.
“It's a new recipe for a baking contest!” Orihime blurted out. Seeing Ishida rolling his eyes Tatsuki bit her lip.
“What?” asked Tatsuki in confusion. Before she knew it Rukia had dragged Ichigo up by the hand and yanked him half away across the floor.
“Sorry, got to run! Thank you!” Rukia said sweetly as Ichigo let her pull him away by the hand.
“Wait a minute are you just going to let them walk out together like that?” Tatsuki hissed to Orihime who gave her a disarming smile.
“It's not that. It's no big deal,” said Orihime.
“They're walking out HAND IN HAND and you say it's NO big deal? What the hell?” Tatsuki snapped, slamming her hand on the table.
“Oooh tension,” said Keigo. “Love triangle much?”
“You're not helping,” Chad said as he looked at Keigo.
“Just what is going on here? Do you know something I don't?” Tatsuki asked Chad.
“Please Arisawa san, it is not how it appears. Rukia and Ichigo are simply like brother and sister,” said Chad.
“Hey, I'm like his sister. That was NOT what it looks like and you know it! Are they two timing you, Orihime?” Tatsuki snapped.
“No... please Tatsuki-chan. They just... they've gotten along well and Rukia's like that with most guys she knows,” Orihime insisted.
“It is not as if they were doing anything else. She was simply reminding him of... of an appointment he had with his father,” said Orihime quickly.
Tatsuki bit her lip, shaking her head. Something didn't add up here and it was as if she was being left out again. Keigo and Mizuiro slipped out murmuring, “I think we'd better go guys huh?”
“I have to get rest. Got a concert tomorrow,” said Chad.
“Now wait...” Tatsuki protested.
“I'm sorry I have to leave as well,” Ishida mumbled as he frowned. “Can I walk you home, Tatsuki-san?”
“Nobody answered my question. If I didn't know better...” she blurted out but felt Ishida's hand gently rubbing her palm. This disrupted her train of thought long enough that she forgot what she was angry about.
****
Sighing she decided to let Ishida walk her home. Saying goodbye to everyone she gathered her things and they left. A quick bus ride later she realized she had left notes with Ichigo that she allowed him to copy a week ago which she needed back. She convinced Ishida to take her there first on their way back to her home.
After they stepped off the bus she and Ishida stood outside the Kurosaki Family Clinic. Its blue and white sign blared brightly overhead. Hand in hand the young couple stood outside for a moment checking to see if they were open or not.
“I don't think he's home yet,” Ishida said lamely but Tatsuki marched over towards the front door. Standing just outside a man in a white suit had lit up a cigarette. She felt Ishida pull her backwards quickly.
“What?” she asked turning around.
Ishida pushed her behind him. “I think we should just go home.”
“Look I know the Kurosaki's... now it will only take a minute,” she said. She yanked her hand away from Ishida then noticed the man staring in their direction with dark blue eyes.
“Tatsuki-san,” Ishida got out.
“Oi, don't you know this is a clinic mister? Why in hell's name are you smoking outside, huh?” Tatsuki demanded as she marched over to the stranger holding the cigarette.
“I beg your pardon young lady,” said the man in a clipped tone.
“Smoking anywhere Near a clinic is uncool!” Tatsuki continued to gripe. She pounded on the door as she glared at the gentleman, then noticed that Ishida was standing partly behind a tree as if nervous about something.
“Do you know the owners of the clinic?” he asked matter of fact.
“If they knew you were smoking out here I'm sure they'd throw up a stink,” Tatsuki mumbled. “And if it's any of your business I'm old friends of this family.”
“Indeed, an oversight on my part. Excuse me,” said the man as he inclined his head to an annoyed Tatsuki and turned away.
The smoking man in the white suit promptly stepped away from the stoop carrying his cigarette. He strode towards Ishida who seemed very stressed. Shoving his hands in his pockets Ishida took a step back. Frowning Tatsuki noticed that the man had said, “Uryuu... why haven't you returned my calls?”
“I've nothing to say to you. If you'll excuse me,” Ishida snapped.
“That is hardly a polite way to address me, Uryuu. Then again, considering that you seem to avoid me at all costs I'm hardly surprised,” the stranger answered.
Frowning, Tatsuki stepped down from the stairs and marched over, concerned about the man who was standing so close to her boyfriend. She asked, “Is there a problem here sir?”
“Tatsuki-san, there is no problem, just go back to the house,” said Ishida.
Unconvinced, Tatsuki glared at both men. “And who are you exactly and what are you doing to intimidate my boyfriend?”
“Boyfriend,” murmured the newcomer with a slight twitch upwards of his lips. Blue eyes gleamed with something Tatsuki thought could be amusement rather than annoyance.
“We are dating, yes,” said Ishida moving over as he grasped Tatsuki's hand. “As if that's any of your business Ryuuken.”
“Ryuuken?” Tatsuki asked blinking at the man, memory jogged by something. Pieces clicked into place as she took a closer look at the silver haired gentleman straightening his tie covered with small blue crosses. Several pictures in Ichigo's house flashed through her mind that moment including ones of a dark haired man with glasses who looked remarkably similar to...
Tatsuki turned a shade of scarlet that moment, prompting the man to ask, “Young lady? Are you all right?”
Turning back to him Tatsuki said in a low tone, “Dr. Ryuuken Ishida... as in the guy who Ichigo's dad knew in Medical School?”
“Indeed. A pleasure to meet you, Arisawa-san,” he replied, bowing to her politely.
The frown deepened across Tatsuki's face. Folding her arms across her chest she said, “You're a doctor and you were smoking outside a clinic? Excuse me if I don't think that makes much sense?”
“You make your opinion known quite openly I see,” Ryuuken answered, fixing his gaze on Tatsuki, not the least bit intimidated by her glare.
“You're the director of a HOSPITAL and you SMOKE? That just... that makes NO sense whatsoever,” Tatsuki snorted. Before Ryuuken could answer she then held up a hand. “Wait a minute, forget I said that. I guess it proves you are a human being after all huh?”
Frantically Ishida tugged on her sleeve whispering in her ear but Tatsuki looked back at him annoyed. Just what was the relationship between these two men other then perhaps Ryuuken being an uncle that Ishida wasn't at all comfortable with. She recalled as a child this particular man spending some time with the Kurosaki family, but she'd never seen Uryuu really. It all clicked that Ishida had said nothing of this relative's existence. Considering how frosty the man came across she couldn’t blame him.
“Why didn't you tell me he was your uncle?” asked Tatsuki wheeling on Uryuu.
“Uncle? Uryuu, I'm rather hurt that you failed to inform the young lady you are seeing of my existence,” Ryuuken answered, frowning at the dark haired young man.
“Tatsuki-san, we should go home right now. Good evening Ryuuken. If you want to talk I'll be home later. But Tatsuki and I have other business elsewhere,” Uryuu said crisply as he took Tatsuki's hand.
“Wait a minute! Just what is going on here? If you don't explain this I'm going to go crazy," Tatsuki warned, twisting her hand out of his grasp. Ryuuken remained standing a distance away, reaching into his pocket for something. Withdrawing another cigarette he placed it between his lips and held up a lighter. This time he stood well away from the Kurosaki clinic entrance.
“Please, trust me you want nothing to do with this man. Please can we go now?” Uryuu whispered fiercely.
“I'm not going to let some stick up the ass uncle of yours push me around. If he doesn't want us dating fine. But you failed to let me know about your family and that really hurts my feelings,” Tatsuki whispered.
Ishida swallowed hard, shaking his head. “Tatsuki-san please...”
“Well *you* can go home because I'm talking to Ichigo, and I'm getting to the bottom of this. You can sulk if you want...” Tatsuki began.
“You really should answer the young lady's questions, Uryuu,” said Ryuuken as he strode over.
“I've nothing to say to you!” Uryuu replied in a clipped tone. “Excuse me... Tatsuki-san, let's go.”
“I'll see you tomorrow, Uryuu kun,” she said pointedly.
Hurt creasing his face Ishida suddenly continued walking, feet pressing violently into the ground. Tatsuki watched him go, rushing after him but then stopped. She spun around only to notice Ryuuken still standing there flicking ash off his cigarette. He turned to leave but Tatsuki said, “Wait a minute Doc! Don't you leave to. I've got some questions for you!”
Tatsuki moved quickly, her hand catching hold of Ryuuken's sleeve. She didn't normally act so pushy or forward around strange older men she just met but her nerves were shot to hell. Instead of his sleeve she found herself clutching his wrist then his hand extremely tightly which didn't phase him at all. Ryuuken turned slightly looking at her with a very cold neutral expression. “Yes Arisawa-san?”
“I... I'm sorry he just ran off like that... if I'd known...” she stammered, realizing she was still clutching his hand.
“You have remarkably good reflexes,” Ryuuken commented matter of fact. “As you seem intent on not releasing my hand I assume you wish to speak to me?”
Just then the door opened and Isshin poked his head outside, his eyes widening in shock and surprise. “Ryuuken! What the hell are you... oh... Tatsuki, nice to see you.”
“Kurosaki,” said Ryuuken, not pulling his hand out of Tatsuki's but turning to look at his schoolmate. “Your son is a bad influence on mine.”
“Wait a minute!” Tatsuki exploded, her hand squeezing Ryuuken's more tightly. “You're his FATHER? WHAT the hell?”
Isshin tore at his hair whining, “That's so mean of you! Calling me by my last name! You're so cruel to your old friend!"
In disbelief and shock Tatsuki stood there, not sure of what to do next. Karin poked her head out and first saw Tatsuki and her father, then Ryuuken. Her face melted from a frown to a slight almost inperceptable smile when she beheld the doctor wearing the white business suit. “Dad stop being such an idiot. Hi Tatsuki-san, Oji-san. Been a long time.”
“Nice to see you, Karin-chan,” Ryuuken said, inclining his head. A slight smile crossed his face as Karin stormed down the steps and yanked her Father up by his labcoat as he continued to sob dramatically. Tatsuki wasn't phased by this but she was still unable to form a coherent sentence at the fact that Uryuu had kept all this from her.
“My idiot brother's not here. You can get his notes in the kitchen,” Karin said. “C'mon dad stop making a pest of yourself!! And in front of Uncle too! No wonder Tatsuki thinks we're all nuts!”
“I see there is a good deal that must be clarified. If you wouldn't mind releasing my hand, Miss Arisawa?” Ryuuken grunted, looking down before she pulled her hand away quickly.
“That's an understatement,” Tatsuki mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest as she still put a hand to her head.
Poking her head out Yuzu smiled at the group assembled outside. “Oji-san, Tousan, Tatsuki-san? I just made some tea! Why don't we all come in and chat?”
“You're such a sweet loving daughter!” Isshin said as he pressed his hands together.
“I suppose since you insist, Yuzu-chan,” said Ryuuken bowing politely to her as he strode into the Kurosaki house with Tatsuki close behind him.
“Sorry you missed Ichigo, but he's still out doing what young strapping boys his age do you know!” laughed Isshin as he grinned at Tatsuki.
“Uh huh. He's so busy I barely get the chance to yell at him. He never comes to spar anymore,” said Tatsuki looking at Isshin sullenly. “Don't you have any idea where he is?”
“She has a point, Kurosaki. You could keep better tabs on your son,” said Ryuuken crisply, sitting down at the kitchen table. Tatsuki shoved her feet into a pair of slippers and took off her jacket, handing it to Yuzu. Hands shoved in his labcoat pockets Isshin moved out to sneak a few cookies off the plate that Yuzu set on the table.
“This is a nuthouse,” Tatsuki mumbled, as Yuzu shood her over to a seat. Several notebooks were piled up on the end of the table where Ichigo normally sat.
“IN that we are in agreement Arisawa-san,” Ryuuken muttered, not looking at her. How different could two men be, Tatsuki wondered, her head still spinning with frustration.
“That idiot Ichigo,” mumbled Tatsuki paging through his notes as she hid her embarassed face. “If he didn't print I'd never make out what he's writing.”
“What an unexpected surprise Oji-san! You didn't say you were coming to visit!” Yuzu chirped, putting cups of tea before him and Tatsuki as well as Karin and Isshin who had just plunked down at the head of the table.
“Don't you DARE eat before the guests goat face!” Karin warned, slapping Isshin's hand away from the cookies.
“But I've wanted them all day! You're so MEAN to your father!” he whined.
“I feel like I'm in the twilight zone,” Tatsuki mumbled, picking up her tea as she turned it in her hands.
“Since my son failed to inform you of my existence I imagine there are a great many things you must be misinformed on,” Ryuuken said, picking up his tea to sip it. She noticed he put nothing in it.
“So you're dating his kid huh? Lucky girl,” laughed Isshin. Tatsuki sighed.
Tatsuki bit her lip, her temperature reaching the boiling point as she glared at her cup. She and Uryuu would have to have a few words about this in the morning. That is if he even spoke to her after this. She pressed her hand to her head, hearing something whispering in her ear along with the howling in the distance. Judging the fact that Ichigo was gone with Rukia she figured it was something to do with his other strange dissapearances.
“Excuse me,” she mumbled as she stood up. “There's something I need to check on.”
Yuzu's face scrunched up in a disappointed pout. “You just got here! I'm sure Ichigo will be here soon if you want to wait for him."
Still sipping his tea Ryuuken fixed Tatsuki in a stare reserved for when he dispensed advice to patients. “It's not wise for a young woman to leave alone at this hour.”
Hearing this last sentence jarred Tatsuki like a sting from an opponents punch. This was an opportunity she couldn't pass up to put him in his place just like he tried to with her. Unipressed she stared him straight in his eyes as she pushed away from the table and rested her hands on her hips. Ryuuken's eyes widened just the slightest bit as she firmly said, “Excuse me but I AM a val tudo champion. I suppose Uryuu didn't tell you about THAT either?”
Unmoved Ryuuken replied, “I'm well aware of your achievements though they smack of brash overconfidence. Overcompensation for a lack of...”
“I don't care what you think or may not think of my skills, Doc,” Tatsuki laughed in his face.
“Indeed,” said Ryuuken. “Though I insist on leaving I would be willing to offer you a ride.”
Cocking an eyebrow Tatsuki retorted, “So now you're offering to 'see me home'? No offense, Doc, but I can handle myself.”
This remark earned a slight upward twitch of Ryuuken's lip. “Perhaps that may be the case, but there is no reason to refuse the assistance a gentleman would offer a young lady.”
“Tatsuki-chan, what's the big rush eh?” Isshin asked as she got up and frowned, sensing Ichigo's energy not far away.
“I need some fresh air. No offense but I got what I came for so bye,” she said, grabbing Ichigo's notes.
***
Before anyone could stop her Tatsuki had grabbed her jacket and rushed out. Ignoring calls from Yuzu, Karin and Isshin she raced quickly towards the source. Howling echoed across the walls of the buildings sending chills down her spine. Reminding her of the day she fought to protect Orihime only to have her friend unleash her mysterious powers. Now she wanted to see for herself just what Ichigo was. As his friend she had every right to know if he was in danger because he was often too stubborn to admit he needed it. Not to mention Ryuuken had pissed her off.
She could tell when he was around from the big pressure slamming into her. Determined to get answers she dodged around the fence. Two very large shapes the bulk of elephants wore garish masks resembling enormous hamsters. They opened their mouths, shrieking and wailign into the night as they swung their claws. Her eyes widened seeing the two figures in black slashing at the huge monsters. Tatsuki swallowed hard, noticing the glowing figures of ghosts flitting about as Rukia touched her sword hilt to its head. She bit her lip, shaking her head.
“Damn it Ichigo, why didn't you tell me?” Tatsuki mumbled, hurt. She spun around and rushed back towards the clinic. Something made the hair on the back of her neck stand up as a shadow loomed over her. A split second later she felt the movement of the air.
Spinning Tatsuki slammed her foot in a sharp kick, hitting the claw that slashed down. A huge white masked monster swung at her again. “sneak up on me will you you monster!” Tatsuki shouted. She launched up flipping over, slammed her foot into its mask, and punched it in the jaw.
“Fiesty aren't we? You're a tasty soul!” laughed the monster.
“Shut up! I'll show you feisty!” Tatsuki shouted. A claw slithered around her ankle but she punched it hard with her hand. She managed to break free and started running hoping that if she reached Ichigo he could somehow deal with it the way he had the monster in Orihime's house.
Then she turned. “Wait I can fight these damn things,” she mumbled, dropping into a stance. “Okay ugly, I'm going to wipe that smile off your face!”
“You can try little girl,” laughed the hollow, as it slashed with its claws again. Tatsuki lept easily, kicked hard, knocking the hand away.
“Take THAT!” she grunted, swinging her other foot out.
Unfortunately she barely spotted the hollow behind her as it rose up. Tatsuki dodged just in time as it scraped past her arm. Hissing, she backed away, blocking the claw of the first. “Not so feisty now are we?” laughed the first.
Frowning Tatsuki dodged between the slashing claws and ran up the side of the phone pole. She charged at the flying hollow and punched at its mask with one hand. The first hollow flicked out its tail and swattered her out of midair. She managed to twist enough to land on all fours, breath knocked out of her. A blue flash sizzled over her face from a faraway distance hitting the first hollow. Immediately it disintegrated into dust. Tatsuki whirled around to kick the flying hollow sharply. Another blue flash shaped like an arrow shot over her head and slammed into it, killing it instantly.
Wildly searching for the source of the energy her eyes caught sight of a strange bow upraised, held in one hand by the man who she'd just met. As calmly as anyone would he met her gaze with his own. Tatsuki spotted a ripple in the nighttime air just a few paces above his right shoulder. A white mask shaped like a deformed tragedy mask pushed through first along with sinuous claws. Tatsuki shouted, "Behind you!"
Before she uttered the second word he had spun around and raised his hand. Whitish blue energy solidified into the same bow in a split second. If she blinked Tatsuki would have missed the formation of another arrow he fired one handed at the emerging hollow. It disintegrated into shimmering particles of energy dispersed on the nighttime wind that blew his hair from his face momentarily.
"Holy crap," Tatsuki breathed, hugging her side as she staggered towards him.
"Disgusting creatures," Ryuuken huffed before turning around to face her. She saw no sign of the weapon in his now empty hand resting at his side.
Glaring at Ryuuken Tatsuki grunted, “Okay... am I seeing things or did you just shoot that monster?”
Nearly twenty feet from her his white suited form blurred, then seemed to appear right next to her. He murmured, "Are you all right Arisawa-san?"
"I'm fine, but what you just did... what WAS that?"
“Something I suggest neither of us discuss to anyone else,” Ryuuken replied abruptly.
“Excuse me?” Tatsuki asked, glaring up at him angrily.
Ryuuken leaned down over her, his blue eyes examining her injuries. “Considering you rushed foolishly out of the house when there was danger apparent you are hardly in a position to...”
“I'm okay I didn't need YOUR help,” Tatsuki grunted at him annoyed. Her nerves were shredded to hell right now between the shock of seeing just some white haired older guy manifesting a bow out of nowhere and killing the hollows as if he had hardly broken a sweat.
“You have several lacerations that should be cleaned. As well as a few scrapes that must be treated immediately before they become septic,” Ryuuken said sternly as he reached for something in his pocket.
“That hurts,” she hissed gritting her teeth with the pain from an alcohol swab taken from the medical kit. Tatsuki didn't scream or faint. She wasn't the sort of girl who did so. At least obedient enough to sit through Ryuuken reaching for a small silver vial he dipped a liquid out of to touch the scratches on her arm that were turning black.
As soon as the liquid touched them they turned a healthy angry red causing worse stinging than the poison. Tatsuki felt it ripping through her once numb arm, and clenched her teeth trying not to cry out. Ryuuken quietly unrolled a bandage and set about wrapping it around her wounds. “You don't have to go to that trouble,” she mumbled.
"I wouldn't have had to if you'd accepted the offer to be taken home in the first place," said Ryuuken.
"Uh huh, whatever you say," she grumbled. Quietly she looked Ryuuken in the face and simply nodded, accepting that if Ichigo could go around killing monsters with a huge ass sword, a doctor could shoot the hell out of them with a magic bow.
“Let's go back to the clinic. Do I have your word that we keep this incident a secret between us, like a promise between two men,” murmured Ryuuken.
"Fine. I guess you won't tell if I don't tell huh?” she mumbled, letting him look over her scrapes.
"Correct."
"You can't stop me from wanting to know what's going on. Even if I promise not to tell anyone what you did to that... creature I think I'm entitled to some answers about what this is all about," she pointed out.
"Considering the circumstances and your curiousity, you and I should have a serious chat, regarding your unique abilities," he relented.
Recognizing that no nonsense tone in his voice Tatsuki glared at him. “So you can see those monsters too? Can you also see those guys?”
She pointed towards where Ichigo and Rukia both ran along the telephone wires towards the clinic. Ryuuken didn't answer, but the tilt of his head indicated he could. Instead he said, “They have nothing to do with us. Ignore them.”
Again he touched a raw spot Tatsuki needed to justify. More frustrated protests tumbled out of her mouth, “Excuse me? That's my FRIEND thank you very much...”
“You're a sensible young woman. You'd best not have anything to do with them. They deal in the dead. You are alive. It's that simple,” Ryuuken said crisply as he led the way to the clinic.
Tatsuki huffed, “Excuse the hell me, but...”
“Do you honestly think that they require your assistance, considerable though it may be? Your concern is admirable but you would only get in their way,” Ryuuken informed her, voice lowered and serious.
“What are those things, and what are THEY?” she next asked, looking up into his face where his glasses brightly reflected the light of the sodium lamp with a flash. “So I know what exactly they're dealign with and why I should not get involved with one of my best friends?”
“Allow me to drive you home and I'll answer your questions, young lady,” Ryuuken suggested.
“Fine, I'll keep your little secret Doc. But you're going to explain things to me, okay? Thanks for helping save me and all, but I'm sick of people keeping me out of the loop! I didn't ASK to be able to see ghosts!”
“No you didn't,” said Ryuuken quietly. “But you do. And there's ways of being able to get rid of the powers or live with them and still live a normal life.”
“Are you serious?” Tatsuki said grimly outside the Kurosaki clinic once they reached it.
“You'd better believe I am, Arisawa-san,” Ryuuken promised, reaching around to open the door for her.
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