Prologue
[Present day, July 5, 2009]
"Goodnight, Ichiru-chan," A woman with black hair and honey-glazed amber eyes smiled at her daughter. She had a strip of hair fall down the middle of her face. "Do you want me to tell you a story?"
"No... Kaachan, I'm almost twelve. Don't you think I'm a little too old for that?" The little girl scoffed, then grinned slightly, showing off some pretty impressive canines. Her mother mentally cringed, and smiled softly. "I guess so. Are you sure, though? I was planning on telling you a really good story... About Vampires and Demons, and..."
"Okay! Tell it, tell it!"
Ichiru Kurosaki had always enjoyed the supernatural. It intrigued her.
The woman, whose name is to be revealed as Luchia, remembered the words her mother had told her, passed on from her mother, and so forth.
"My child, there is but one woman born every generation. The woman who will fight against all odds, and defeat the vampires, and demons that roam the Earth. She is the chosen savior. She is... The Slayer."
Luchia, once again, smiled, but this time, bitterly. "Alright... It all started less than sixty five years ago... In a place called Karakura Town."
[Karakura Town, December 9, 1944]
If I just, breathe
Let it fill the space between
"Miss me, boys?"
Rukia Kuchiki smirked as she quickly removed the wooden stake lodged in her victim's chest. It roared painfully, and turned to dust. She did the same with his partner.
Oh, how she hated using the stakes. She was horrible at close-range combat (Which made her job hell, considering her target was always lunging forward to take a bite out of her) Not to mention those things gave you blisters.
She preferred her gun.
The Kuchiki woman scowled, strapping the blood-covered stake of wood to her hip. "Stupid bastards," She growled, looking at the body of the dead girl a few yards away. Her blond hair was completely matted with blood, her dull, amber eyes wide with fear.
She looked no older than eighteen.
Only four years Rukia's junior.
I'll know everything is alright
Breathe
It sickened Rukia how these creatures of the night could kill and not have any second thoughts or feelings. Even Rukia, the world's best Vampire and Demon slayer, held pity when carrying out her job.
Maybe it was just a human thing.
Every little piece of me
You'll see
The twenty-two year old walked up to the dead girl, and sighed. It was such a pity.
The girl had a name tag, which read the name, "Hisaku Sonozaki". She had worked at Kaze, the club Rukia was now standing outside of.
"Its okay, Hisaku-chan." She said, almost comfortingly to the deceased girl. "I'll tell Yoruichi everything. You won't get blamed for this," She smiled a little, and walked back inside the night club. Rukia always felt as if any victim of the supernatural world deserved an explanation. She just couldn't give one all the time.
But this time, she could.
Everything is alright
If I just breathe
Yoruichi Shihoin was the name of Rukia's employer.
Yoruichi had reported some untrustworthy characters hanging around her club, and after confirming they weren't anything of the... Human variety, she called in for some help.
Supernatural help.
Rukia's boss Urahara was close friends with Yoruichi, so of course he sent his best Slayer to complete the job. But being a Slayer didn't cover all the bills. Rukia had to make more money somehow. So she also worked as a singer at Yoruichi's club.
Well it's all so overrated
In not saying how you feel
So you end up watching chances fade
"Who was it? I heard the screams and a roar." Yoruichi asked grimly.
Rukia smiled sadly. "It was Hisaku." Yoruichi looked down, at her wine.
"Did you...?" Rukia nodded. "Yes. The Vampire are dead and I covered the bite marks." Yoruichi nodded in satisfaction. "Now what do we tell her parents... This is the difficult part..."
Rukia scoffed, taking a martini from a passing waiter. "For you, maybe," She took a sip, and grimaced. "What's wrong?" Yoruichi asked in confusion. Rukia put the glass down. "Ick. Strawberry martini."
Yoruichi shook her head. "I don't even know why I sell those, almost nobody buys them. I think they're good though," She shrugged. "He's my only customor that buys 'em here," She pointed to a man a few yards away from their table, with shockingly orange hair, and cold amber eyes.
Rukia shrugged.
And wondering what's real
And I Give you just a little time
I, Wonder if you realize
I've been waiting till I see it in your eyes
"He sure is cute." The Shihoin mused, walking behind the bar.
"Yeah, but you say that about every guy you see..." What was wrong with her? Rukia just couldn't stop staring at that man! And he sure did seem familiar.
"Orihime-chan's been staring at him all night," Yoruichi shrugged. "I think its love at first site!"
"Only you would believe that," The Kuchiki scoffed, and took a sip of the nasty martini.
Her gaze shifted from the man, to the busty auburn-haired woman singing her heart out on stage. And sure enough, Rukia's best friend, Orihime Inoue, was practically gawking at the orange haired man.
Rukia rolled her eyes.
If I just breathe
Let it fill the space between
I'll know everything is alright
Inoue started dancing to the beat, still looking at the man.
Breathe!
She grinned at the man with orange hair, but he barely noticed her. Instead, his focus was on the sassy raven across the club.
His eyes narrowed.
Every little piece of me
You'll see
Everything is alright
If I just breathe
Breathe...
Inoue finished, and bowed. "Thank you guys so much!" She chirped. Yoruichi was up on stage before Inoue could make a fool out of herself... Again.
"Yes, yes! That was miss Inoue Orihime singing Breathe!" She smiled, and continued. "Now, please welcome, Rukia Kuchiki!"
Rukia was up on stage in less than two seconds.
She nodded to Inoue, who smiled back. "I'll talk to you later," Inoue whispered, jumping off the stage.
The pianist turned in his seat and asked, "Which song, miss?"
Rukia bit her lip thoughtfully. "White houses, Vanessa Carlton." He nodded, and started playing. Rukia took a deep breath.
Crashed on the floor when I moved in
This little bunk alone with some strange new friends
Stay up too late, and I'm too thin
Her eyes were blank, unreadable. When Rukia sang, it was like the world didn't exist.
Everything was peaceful.
There were no Vampires or Demons to Slay, everyone lived in perfect harmony. There were no wars, no famine, no poverty.
Everything felt right.
We promise each other it's til the end
Now we're spinning empty bottles
It's the five of us
With pretty eyed boys girls die to trust
The story of her life.
Before Urahara and Yoruichi found her, Rukia was just your average fifteen year old girl. She had five friends, Tatsuki, Momo, Rangiku, Inoue, and a boy named Ishida. She also had her brother, Byakuya. But he was her only family, really.
Then, one day, they disappeared. Rukia had woken up one morning, to find her brother gone, the house a wreck, and blood everywhere. The same thing had happened with Tatsuki, Momo, and Rangiku. Ishida had moved away to Osaka by that time, so he was safe. Inoue and Rukia were the only ones left.
That's where Yoruichi and Urahara came in.
I can't resist the day
No, I can't resist the day
Jenny screams out and it's no pose
'Cause when she dances she goes and goes
They had met the two girls on accident, really. Rukia had come to the Police Department to report what happened, and Urahara was there, too. He had worked as an officer at the time. After the report, he had told her that this was most likely the work of a Vampire, or at least an Ookami Akuma, or Demon Wolf.
Rukia couldn't believe what she was hearing. Vampire? Demons?
Yeah, right!
She didn't believe it. Until the next night, that is.
Beer through the nose on an inside joke
I'm so excited, I haven't spoken
And she's so pretty, and she's so sure
Maybe I'm more clever than a girl like her
The summer's all in bloom
The summer is ending soon
She and Inoue had been walking home from school, when they were jumped. No, not by some random mugger or murderer, but a wolf. An actual wolf, with silver fur that looked tainted with blood. It had no eyes, just vicious black holes.
It was gruesome.
It's alright and it's nice not to be so alone
But I hold on to your secrets in white houses
Maybe I'm a little bit over my head
I come undone at the things he said
And he's so funny in his bright red shirt
We were all in love and we all got hurt
Then, by some miracle, they were saved.
Courtosy of a Mr. Urahara Kisuke and Miss Yoruichi Shihoin. They were retired Slayers, and after deep consideration, decided Rukia would be trained to become one. They tested Inoue, but decided she would be a better healer than fighter.
They both worked during the day as singers.
I sneak into his car's black leather seat
The smell of gasoline in the summer heat
Boy, we're going way too fast It's all too sweet to last
It's alright And I put myself in his hands
But I hold on to your secrets in white houses
Now, here she was, six and a half years later. Rukia was now known as one of the most prestigious Demon Slayers Japan has ever known.
Of course, not many people knew about her.
Love, or something ignites in my veins
And I pray it never fades in... white houses
The crowd erupted into a series of cheers as she lifted the microphone. Everyone was clapping, except...
Rukia raised a brow. That one, orange-haired man was gone. How weird...
She shrugged it off.
[Later that night]
Rukia smiled as Inoue took out the white board, where all their missions were written down.
"Okay... Which one was it?"
"The Vampire Case, Kaze." Rukia answered, pointing to a text written on the board. "That one," She sighed. "Tonight was too easy, they were wearing these seventeenth century-type clothes, I didn't have to look hard. But... I came too late."
"Who'd you lose?" Inoue asked quietly, she knew this was a sensitive case for Rukia.
"Hisaku." She answered grimly. Rukia almost never lost anyone, but once in a blue moon, there was that one casualty.
"Man..." Inoue breathed. "She was so young..."
"I know."
[Meanwhile at Kamiko Hotel]
"I saw her." The same man from Kaze stated stoically.
"Her?" Senna asked angrily, standing up from her position on the couch.
Ichigo's scowl deepened. "The Vampire Slayer, baka." He paused. "She's looking for us, no doubt."
Sakura, a demon, bounced into the room. "Did she recognize you?" She asked nervously.
Ichigo shrugged. "I don't think so," He cleared his throat, "But she did look a little confused when she first saw me."
Karin, Ichigo's only living... Well, not exactly living, sister huffed. "She was probably wondering why someone like you was in a night club. Your hair is one loud color, and, let's face it, you're not exactly the partying type." She scoffed.
Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Stuff it, Karin."
The dark haired girl merely shrugged and turned back to the television.
Rukia laughed as the not-so powerful Hellhound disappeared into nothing. This was just practice for her, really. But she had never seen these hellhounds around Karakura. "Inoue?" She asked her friend, who was skimming her big, gray eyes across a book.
"Ah! Here it is! Hellhounds, a foot soldier for demon lords higher up, bred during Mahkash Wars."
She skimmed the next line, and cringed. "It says here, they were trained and bred only for killing. They went straight for the neck, and as a prize, they fed on the brains of their foes." She looked up.
"Ew."
Rukia shrugged, nonchalant. "All that matters is that one," She pointed at the abandoned jewel from the hellhound's collar, "Is gone." She put her gun, which Urahara had FINALLY fixed, back into its holdster.
Rukia loved using the thing, really, but holding it just made her nervous.
"A foot soldier?" Rukia finally asked, confused.
"Yeah, why?" Inoue asked, tilting her head to the side. "You think something bigger's goin' on?"
Rukia nodded. "Yeah. This seer I used to know... Azmaria, or something... Her master used to train hellhounds. That's how I got this," She pointed to an ugly scar on her neck, "And I know for a fact helhounds don't attack unless ordered. They aren't feral beasts; They've attacked and served humans, Demons, and Vampires alike."
Rukia picked up the small, blood red jewel. "And this just might tell us who sent them."
00oo00oo00oo00oo00oo00oo00
"Oi, Sakura-san," Karin asked the older girl across from her. "Where's that damned hellhound you sent?"
The brown-haired fifteen year old girl across the table scowled at her 'friend'. "I don't know, I- Ah!" She gasped, clutching her wrist, where a small bejewled braclet lay. It glowed a furious red.
Karin scoffed. "Sakura-baka! You're stupid hound got vanquished!" She said coldly, "I can't believe it! Some stupid human got to you! You're so weak!" She grabbed Sakura's wrists.
The demon girl gasped in pain. "Stuff it, Karin! I'm not weak, we just underestimated the human girl!" Karin clamped a pale hand over the Demon's mouth.
Sakura was actually a Brachen demon, a species that can appear human. She was a half-breed, her mother was a demon, her father, human. The Kurosaki siblings, Ichigo and Karin, had found and protected her from a few Scourge Demons, who were pure bred and trained to kill every last half-bred demon in the world, some even going as far as working with and for Slayers.
"Shut up Sakura! If Ichigo hears you, we're both dead." Poor choice of words. "Or... Uh, I didn't mean..." She shook her head. "Never mind! What matters is that if Ichi-nii finds us trying to kill the Slayer, he'll mame us." Sakura shook away from the dark haired Kurosaki.
"Why?" She sputtered.
"...Because, he wants to kill her himself." She sighed heavily, and started walking towards the basement. "I'm gonna go see Senna. See what's in store for us."
"Senna-san?" Karin called as she walked into the dark, humid, and uncomfortable room. How Senna could live like this was beyond her.
Senna stopped her conjuring and smiled a little creepily at Karin. "Oh! Hello, Karin-chan!" She chirped happily.
Karin's eye twitched. Senna knew she hated that nickname.
Senna was an Oracle who could look into the future. These oracles were rare. Most of them were like Seers, who only saw the past, or something that was happening right then and there.
"What did you need?" Senna asked sweetly, and it sickened Karin.
"I need you to see what's going to happen. How do we get this chick, the supposed "Chosen One"? Who is she even?" Karin asked desperately; She wanted to help her big brother.
Senna walked to her cauldron, which was basically her 'Crystal Ball'.
"I don't know who she is, but I do know we'll find out eventually. She lives here in Karakura, and as I can see," She paused, "She has suffered a great deal. I see lost spirits, lost friendships." Then, she gasped involuntarily.
"Senna? What is it?"
Senna took in a shaky breath. "I-I don't know, I just felt, a sharp jolt, like my heart just shattered. Something will happen to Ichigo, nothing terrible, rest assured, but... Something."
Karin didn't like her comrade's answer.
She walked out of the bleak room.
00oo00oo00oo00oo00oo00oo00
"Nothing..." A woman with dark, black hair said gloomily. She put down the crimson jewel. "Sorry, Ruru, I can't get a reading."
This woman's name was Mitsuki. Mitsuki Kuchiki, older sister to Rukia's brother, Byakuya.
Rukia's birth sister Hisana had married Byakuya, and thus, having to get the name Kuchiki.
After their parent's divorce when they were nine, Mitsuki had gone with her mother to Hisakumori, a small village, where as Byakuya was raised by his father in Karakura. It was there, in Hisakumori, where Mitsuki discovered the truth about the supernatural.
And the fact she was the descendent of a Slayer.
She had learned of this as her mother lay on her deathbed, when Mitsuki was only thirteen.
Mitsuki's mom was one third Slayer, one third Demon, and one third human. She had told Mitsuki to go to Karakura Town, and find Byakuya, saying her would help her. And Mitsuki did go, twelve years after her mother died.
But Byakuya was already dead.
It was in Karakura where Mitsuki found Rukia, and took her in, after finding out who she was and that she was also a Slayer of Vampyr, or Vampires. And Mitsuki trained her, just like her mother trained her, eventually passing her on to a retired Slayer and friend to Urahara, Yoruichi, and Mitsuki.
His name was Mr. Ukitake Jyuushiro.
Mitsuki was also known as the "Silver Phantom" by most of the underworld because of her trademark silver highlights, and her swift but soft-spoken attitude on the field.
"Its alright, Nee-chan. We'll try again tonight." Mitsuki nodded. "Okay. Oh, and by the way, Rukia, don't you have a show, like... Now?" She asked quizzically.
Rukia looked at the sun dial next to the podium Mitsuki stood at; It was a quarter to nine. "Oh shit!" She cursed, and sped out.
Mitsuki laughed.
"Sorry I'm late, I-"
"It's alright sweetie," A waitress, Daisuki said, patting the other girl on the head. "Inoue-san is still singing," The brown haired girl smiled happily and pointed at Inoue, who was, in fact, still singing.
"I will survive..." Inoue smiled, and bowed. "Now, I would like to welcome my best friend, and the best singer Kaze has to offer, Rukia Kuchiki!" Rukia hid a blush as she ran up the steps. It was then she saw Inoue staring at something... Correction, someone.
It was that man from the other day. The one with orange hair.
Rukia didn't know why, but she felt a bit peeved her best friend was still looking at the man. But why would Rukia care? She didn't even know him!
"Okay, bye Inoue," She laughed sweetly, pushing the Inoue girl off the stage. As she strode up, she recieved whoots and catcalls. She wasn't surprised, though. Rukia was a modest person, no doubt, but she couldn't help but admit she looked good. She wore a stunning, blood-red cocktail dress, and matching red lipstick.
She felt like she was on top of the world.
Yoruichi introduced the song.
"When they cry, originally sung by Katakiri Rekka!"
Being able to laugh with everyone right in the middle of the classroom
That's more precious than anything to me
Rukia couldn't stop staring at the man. He seemed to feel the same way, he couldn't tear his eyes away from her.
Or maybe she was just imagining things.
And the trivial moment warms
My heart; I'd like it if such times
Her hand unconsciously slid to her hip, where her gun holster lay, hidden by her dress. Something about this guy gave her chills.
And why the hell did he look so damn familiar?
Continue forever and ever…but-
"His name is Ichigo Kurosaki."
The orange haired man regarded Rukia coldly.
I know that tranquility is fragile
I knew the color of lies that lurk within the common days
"He's a rare case, indeed. He's a Vampire, with a soul."
A Vampire with a soul. It was a rare case.
For the sake of happiness, how far should I endeavor?
I merely want to hope for
Yoruichi looked between the two, a knot in her stomach. It was a case Rukia had gotten about four years back; Codename: Tenshi.
According to his records, Ichigo had been around for centuries, and was born in the feudal era of Japan. His mother had died when he was nine.
Then, one night, when he was sixteen, a Vampire who went by the name Gin made Ichigo and his sister Karin one of his own, ordering them to kill Yuzu and Isshin, their sister and father.
Eventually, they accepted, and Karin killed Yuzu.
Ichigo, ever reluctant, took care of his father.
Tedious and ordinary days
It was then they learned Ichigo still had his soul.
That made him an outcast by most of the underworld, and loved by most of his mentors, saying that with this, they could deceive even the purest heart.
They were wrong. Ichigo had a pure heart, and wouldn't kill unless needed.
Everyone, who is laughing, steadily becomes blurry
I want to embrace them again; just with that, it's good enough
Unfortunately for Ichigo, he was needed a lot.
Until I help out the ordinary days
I won't ever cry again
I won't give up, I won't be crushed…but-
She had met him once, but neither of them knew.
He didn't know she wanted to kill him.
She didn't know he was her target.
They were in the park, and she just happened to sit at the same park bench he was at.
I won't stop; I'll fill up this world of mine
Their voices fill up my head, unstoppable
Then, they had met again.
But this time, instead of being friendly strangers, they were enemies, trained killers, cold-hearted and vicious. She had had him, too, her gun pressed against his scarred and muscular chest.
She could faintly remember his last words to her-
"You... Girl,"
She scoffed, "I have a name, you know."
He smirked. "Sorry... Kuchiki-san. You have absolutely no idea what it feels like to do the things I've done in my lifetime... And actually care,"
She smirked, it was almost a sad smile. "...Don't I?"
For the sake of happiness, how far should I try?
I believe that I can certainly
After that, Karin had stepped in. There was a flash of light, and then...
Rukia couldn't remember anything.
Recover it very soon, even alone by myself
She had still remembered her assignment, just never the fact she had met the Kurosaki sblings.
Even if I become unable to move about, even if I won't be forgiven
I want to believe that I can certainly
And she still doesn't, Yoruichi thought, smiling ruefully.
Recover it very soon, when the cicadas cry
The crowd erupted into cheers.
Rukia jumped off stage, and grabbed the sake Michiru, a passing waitress held out. "Good job, Rukia!" She cheered her friend, and sashayed away.
Rukia took a sip of the drink, the alcohol warming her insides.
She never noticed the dark figure coming for her.
"Hello, Miss Kuchiki, my name is Ichigo Kurosaki."
A/N: OK! How do you guys like it?
I kinda based this off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, so if you're a fan of those shows, and something seems familiar, don't be surprised.
Oh, and the whole 'Luchia' thing, if you've read about the interview with Tite Kubo and Rukia's name, you should get it. And, for those of you wondering why I didn't spell it 'Lucia', I just like spelling it Luchia, or as I call it, the Mermaid Melody way. In MM, there's a character called Lucia, who spells her name differently all the time. One day, its Lucia. The next, Luchia. And one time, it was spelled Ruchia/Rucia! Insane, I tell you. Insane...
And you'll see why I didn't use Ichigo's whole family in... More or less two chapters.
Anyways, PLEASE REVIEW!
-Tsuki
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