The Awakening [Book 2] (Bleach: Ichiruki)

IV

Rukia Kuchiki

Tatsuo?

He told me an hour ago to meet me at his room in an hour.

But where has he gone now?

I sighed, sitting down on his bed. I pulled the sleeves of the silver dress down more so it covered my forearm, since it was a bit chilly in his room. I took a deep breath, wiping my long hair to the side before allowing myself to fall back on his bed.

I looked up at his dark ceiling, admiring the faint little patterns it had.

I felt myself begin to slowly drift off into slumber before the loud sound of a door being flung open was heard. I jolted up in bed, my heart racing. As my head snapped to the door to realize it was only Kotaku, I sighed, falling back on Tatsuo's bed.

"What is it, Kotaku?"

"I care about you, a lot. You're my closest and only friend here. I don't want to see you get hurt and--"

"Stop." I said as I sat up. I patted the spot next to me, beckoning Kotaku to come sit down. He rolled his eyes before sighing, walking over and taking a seat next to me.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"We haven't been a hundred percent honest with you."

I frowned. "What?"

"Do you trust me?"

"I- of course I do. What kind of sil-"

Kotaku took my hand in his, looking down into my eyes.

"I want the best for you. That's why I'm doing this."

My frown deepened. "Doing what? What aren't you telling me?"

I watched as Kotaku shut his eyes and begun to chant something underneath his breath. As I leaned in to listen to what he was saying, I suddenly felt lightheaded as Tatsuo's room around me disappeared.

And then I blinked, appearing in what it looked like a forest, surrounded by faces I wasn't familiar with. With no Kotaku.

Did he just seriously spawn me in some forest surrounded by strangers?

I scanned the unknown faces, my heart calming a bit when I saw Arachne's face. I took a step toward her surprised face, before I was stopped by a voice.

A voice that sent a chilling electric feeling down my spine. A voice that sounded so familiar to me, yet I had no idea who it was.

"Rukia?"

I turned my head slowly, meeting his shocked expression.

Oh my god.

Its the man from my dream.

I squinted my eyes at him, tilting my head to the side.

Who is this man?

I took a step towards him as his deep brown eyes filled with emotion.

"Do I know you?"

His body tensed at my question, his eyes widening in even more shock than he already was.

I frowned. I felt bad. Maybe that wasn't the right thing to ask?

Feeling the need to comfort him, I took another step to him before I was stopped, a hand wrapping around my waist and yanking me to his side.