73Summary: In a world where two ideology clashes
A/N: Not so modern AU. Characters are normal human, no powers.
Please give this a try, guys.
Disclaimer: All belongs to Kubo Tite.
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Chapter 1
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Sereitie is a small country comprises of 80 districts. In the center of Sereitie are the Districts 1 to 20, these are the main districts, the center of civilization, 1st being the Capitol, the largest district. The rest of the districts are divided in the four corner of Sereitie. Districts 21 to 35 are located in the East, Districts 36-50 in the North, while Districts 51 to 65 in the West, and lastly Districts 66 to 80 in the South. 66 to 80 are the most secluded districts that some are scarcely populated.
65th District, in the far west corner of Sereitie, in the foot of a mountain lies a small, peaceful district called Karakura. It was quite far from civilization but the people there are content with their lives. The people's main source of living is Agriculture. A lot of them owns farms as the district has rich soil, others are into livestock or trading.
A mountain that is shadowing the place was rumored to be a haunted one. Some says that the mountain is protected by magical creatures that lurks there, either evil or good, nobody can tell. It was also said that the mountain have an abundant supply of natural resources, especially precious stones like gold. But both have never been proven and the town people have never been bothered by it.
None of them have been harmed. Their livelihood are stable. The government have left them to their peaceful life. Or so they thought.
The West Districts shares one University that offers basic courses, this is located in the 58th, two schools for Middle and High school students and these schools were located in 56th and the other one in the 61st. Elementary students are being schooled in their districts.
Inside the 61st High school, five childhood friends are preparing to go home. Three boys, all in second grade and two girls in first grade.
They met up near the gate and head home.
After more than an hour of walking, one of the girl asked "Can we rest for a while, please?" It was Orihime, 15 years old. She lives with her brother who owns a trading business. According to her brother, their parents have left them a long time ago. This did not affect Orihime to have a lively attitude. She's considered the prettiest in school even in their town. She has long auburn hair, curvy body and average height.
"Come on, Hime, we are near the tree, we'll rest there." Urge Rukia, also 15. Lives with her father, who, although sickly, is one of the two West Districts Representative. Rukia also lives with her adopted brother. She was told that her mother died when she was still a baby. She's a tomboyish kind of girl. Petite and short for her age. She have a black, one length, short hair. Some would call her cute though. Her striking feature is her beautiful amethyst eyes.
"Yeah, I'm starving." Renji agreed. He's 17. He lives with Rukia and his father. He's an orphan. Rukia's father adopted him. His long red hair is tied in a ponytail. He's the tallest of them.
Two more boys are with them. Grimmjow, also 17, lives with his Uncle Gin but mostly lives alone as his uncle is always in the capitol, in the center of Sereitie. Grimmjow feeds himself though, by working in one of the trading store after school and on weekends. He have spiky blue hair.
Lastly, Ichigo, he's 16, lives with his doctor father, housewife mother and 2 siblings, both in elementary school. Out of the five of them, Ichigo has the most normal life. He have a complete and happy family. His striking feature is his orange hair and amber eyes.
All of the boys' black pants uniforms are folded up to their lower knees, they were all wearing slippers as they have to cross rivers or watery area on the way home. Their white polo shirt are folded inside their bags, so now they are all in their inner shirts. All of them are tall for their age, well-built and fine looking. All of them are also very protective of the two girls.
These five have been friends from as long as they could remember.
Orihime's plea is understandable as the school is more than two hours walk. Most students from other districts usually had to walk if they want to go to school as trucks and other means of transportation are mostly use to transport crops or livestock.
After few minutes more of walking, they have reached the tree that Rukia spoke of and Orihime and Grimmjow sat on the ground. Rukia and Renji however, put down their bags, pulled up their sleeves and started climbing the tree which happen to bear fruits called star apple, Rukia's favorite.
But before Rukia could climb further up, she was plucked from the tree branch by a hand on her waist and was put down on the ground again. She looked up, only to see Ichigo smirking down on her.
"What's your problem? I'm hungry too, and I want to pick the fruit myself!" Shouted the indignant Rukia.
"No, you stay here. I'll pick some for you too. Besides aren't you ashamed, you're wearing a skirt, in case you forgot. " Ichigo said, he then turned to the tree and started climbing.
"And I'm also wearing shorts, Idiot!" Rukia called out as she watched him climb. Then she smirked. She let him climb some more until he was far up then she too started climbing again. Ichigo looked down and saw Rukia hot in his trail. He rolled his eyes. Rukia stick her tongue at him.
"Hime, catch!" Renji called down to Orihime and Orihime position herself below Renji, she gathered the front edge of her skirt and uses it to catch the fruits.
Orihime and Grimmjow ate on the ground while Rukia, Renji and Ichigo positioned themselves and ate on the tree branches.
It is obvious that this is their resting place as there on the tree trunk, their names were carved in circle, like it's embracing the tree, the name starts with Rukia-Renji-Orihime-Grimmjow and closes with Ichigo. Or it could have started with Ichigo. Around the tree are big stones that serves as small stool.
When they were all satisfied and rested enough, they started trekking home again. When they reached a flowery area, Grimmjow cut a sunflower from its stem and started ticking Orihime with it. Orihime squeaked and started to run away from Grimmjow, laughing. Renji also plucked a sunflower and separated the petals, then he started pelting Orihime with it. Rukia and Ichigo laughed.
"Why can't you be like Hime sometimes, Rukia, and be all kya-kya?" Ichigo told Rukia. All of the boys have tried their antics on Rukia as well, but they all ended up with either her foot or her fist on their stomach.
Rukia smirked. "Hime doesn't say it like that, say kya-kya with feelings, Ichi?" She teased.
"You know what I mean, you stupid midget." Ichigo growled.
Rukia stops in front of Ichigo, clamp her hands in her chest then looks up at him through her lashes, and said in an overly high and sweet voice, "Oh Ichi-poo, your hair is as bright as the sunflower in summer! Kyaahhh!" She then bats her eyes for added effects.
Ichigo scowled, his eye twitched in annoyance. He shivered in disgust. He then reached for Rukia and put her in a headlock, and told her while giving her a noogie "You irritating midget. Don't ever do that again, I beg of you. Geez, that's disgusting! I think I'm going to vomit."
Rukia squirmed and hit him lightly in his stomach. When she was released, she laughed out loud, enjoying Ichigo's irritation.
When she sobered she told him "One girly girl is enough."
Ichigo tsk-ed but went and pick a sunflower as well and throw it to Rukia. "You're still a girl." Rukia rolled her eyes but held the flower nonetheless.
They could now see outline of houses and knew they were near. Grimmjow and Renjie continued teasing Orihime with their antics.
These scene is usual for the friends.
They are now near Ichigo's house and they could see his mother in her mini-garden picking eggplants.
"Hello! Aunt Masaki" The four greeted her while passing by. She straightened up and smiled at them.
"Are you guys, hungry? In the kitchen there's steamed potatoes and …."
Before she could finish her sentence, the five are already running towards the kitchen shouting, "Thank you Aunt Masaki! You're the best!" "Oi, midget, save some for us!"
She just looked at them fondly.
This is also a normal occurrence. Ichigo's friends are always welcome to dine with his family. They also always do their homework or study in his house. It is like a second home to the other four.
A month have passed and the friends continued going to school.
One day after class, the three boys walked out from their classroom and headed to the bench near the school gate to wait for the girls.
They were walking in the hallway when Ichigo suddenly stops. Grimmjow and Renji followed his eyesight and all of them ran towards the ground. For there in the ground, Orihime was cowering behind Rukia. Rukia is glaring on the two boys in front of her. Her fist is balled ready to throw a punch anytime.
"Rukia!" "Hime!" The boys called out.
"What's happening here?" Grimmjow asked while cracking his knuckles.
"These idiots here wouldn't take no for an answer." Rukia said. Fighting stance still in place.
Renji, Ichigo and Grimmjow position themselves in front of the two boys, covering Rukia and Orihime. Rukia scowled behind them then she wedges herself between Grimm and Ichigo nudging Ichigo to move. Ichigo looked down at Rukia with an annoyed expression.
Now four of them are now glaring down to the two boys.
"I hope they are not idiot enough to take us all." Renji said. Cracking his knuckles as well.
"What are you talking about? I can take them both by myself. Want to try?" Grimmjow said, grinning but looked menacingly to the cowering boys in front of them.
The two boys profusely apologized.
"Good. The next time you come near these girls, we won't be so lenient. Now, scram!" Shouted Ichigo.
When the two boys were out of their sight, Ichigo turned to face Rukia and said "Oi, midget! Couldn't you have avoided facing those idiots? Or you could have called us immediately. Might I remind you you're a girl?"
"What's wrong with being a girl, huh! I could take them on too." Rukia huffed.
Renji patted Rukia on her head and Grimmjow grinned. Rukia beamed at both of them.
"Tch! She's like that because you're tolerating her." Ichigo said, annoyed.
"Don't worry Ichi, we're here to back her up." Grimmjow said.
"Yeah, and I'll have your backs too." Rukia said, grinning.
"Atta girl. Now, let's go home, before the rain gets heavy, or we can't cross the river anymore."
They headed home.
As Grimmjow anticipated, it was now hard to cross the river as the current is strong and became deeper. The boys automatically remove their pants, leaving them in their shorts and shove their pants in their bags.
Renji position himself in front of Rukia and crouched, signaling her to get on his back. Rukia crossed her arms, huffed and told him "I can cross the river by myself."
"Rukia, don't be stubborn and get in. Father will scold me again if his princess reached home drenched." Renji said. Rukia still did not budge. Grimmjow looked at them and sighed, he shoved his bag to Ichigo and went to Rukia, he wrapped his hand in her waist and carried her in his shoulder like a sack of rice and proceeded to cross the river with Rukia shouting at him to put her down. Ichigo snickered and followed them.
Renji then looked at Orihime and signaled her to get on his back and Orihime did that. Renji carried her with a pink cheeks.
They were still far from their town when they saw Karin, one of Ichigo's sister, running fast towards them, shouting something.
Ichigo walked faster to meet Karin. "What's wrong, why are you running like that and why are you crying?" He asked nervously.
"Brother, come quick, father- he is hurt and mother.." Karin said, crying.
The rest caught up in time to hear what Karin said.
"What happened to father? What's wrong with mother?" Ichigo asked frantically. When Karin still couldn't say anything, they all ran to Ichigo's house.
Ichigo's house is the nearest among them, also the biggest. You could say they are the most well off family in their town.
People have gathered in front of their house and the five plus Karin pushed through to get inside.
Inside, in one of the room where his father treats his patient, they saw his father is being tended by one of the elders and Rukia's father, Jushiro. Ichigo is relieved to see that he was awake.
"Father what happened? Where is mother?" Ichigo demanded.
"We will talk later, son." His father said. They were ushered out of the room and they went to sit on the living room.
Ichigo did not sit though, he was pacing. His father is wounded and his mother is missing. What is happening?
After an hour of waiting, Rukia's father finally came out from the room and told them that Isshin is now resting but awake.
"Can I talk to him?" Asked Ichigo. Rukia's father nodded. "Bring your sisters as well."
Ichigo and his sisters went inside the room. His friends waited outside. After a few minutes, they were startled to hear Ichigo screamed and heard something thud on the floor. They all stood and run to the room.
Their faces were shocked to see Ichigo slumped in the corner, sobbing. A chair is upside down next to him. On the other side of Isshin, his sisters are hugging each other, crying.
Orihime run to him but Rukia was already there and was gathering Ichigo in her arms, he also cling to her and sobbed further. Orihime hugged Ichigo's back as well. Renji and Grimmjow felt their friend's pain.
Tears are also running in Isshin's eyes.
After a while, when Ichigo's cries subsided, Rukia who's still hugging Ichigo looked up and asked her father who came in the room. The five of them are now seated on the ground.
"Father, what happened?"
"It is better to let Isshin talk first." Jushiro replied and look at Isshin. Isshin sat up and started recalling the event that transpired this morning.
"Masaki and I were travelling to the North, to the 50th as it is the closest to buy supplies for the clinic. We just left the border of 51st, when we saw three armed men standing in the middle of the road and signaling us to stop. Two others are leaning on a truck parked on the side of the road. When we stopped, one of the men approached the car, he asked which district we came from, what are our profession and where we are going. So I answered him. After that he told us that they need to inspect the car for security purposes and we have to get off.
When we were outside the car, one of them went and opened the trunk. We were patiently waiting for them to let us go when all of a sudden, all the armed men clutched their rifles and pointed to the trees on both sides of the road. I've noticed a movement in the bushes and knew instantly that we were surrounded. Then shooting started. Masaki and I ducked beside the car and fervently hoped we won't get hit. Two of the armed men grabbed Masaki and I as shelter to escape. The shooting stopped. I saw three of the men were down on the ground. The man who's holding Masaki covertly walked towards their car, Masaki as his shield and went inside the car, with Masaki as well. Then the car started to drive away. Several men chased the car and shooting started again.
I tried to fight the one holding me. We were battling for his gun when suddenly he stilled and I saw blood seeping from his shirt. Then I was suddenly hit in my stomach and I felt several punches in my body. From the corner of my eyes, I saw a man walked to the crashed car where Masaki was and saw him taking her out of the car."
Isshin closes his eyes. His body is shaking from recollecting the event. He breathed deeply and continued. Pain is tangible in his voice.
"I tried getting up to go to my wife but I was hit in the head and the last thing I saw are the men going back to the forest with one of them carrying her. I am assuming she's alive or they wouldn't have brought her with them. I don't know what they will do to her, or who they are. I didn't see any of their faces for they were covered." Isshin sobbed again. "I couldn't protect my wife. I'm useless."
None of them speak. Ichigo's jaw is tightly clenched, tears silently running in his face.
After a while, Jushiro cleared his throat and informed them "According to the officer I spoke with, the five men who stopped you on the road are military officers of the Fiftieth. And the group who ambushed them are members of the Lefters Party. That is what the government called a group of people who opposes the government, they were branded as enemies of the state." Jushiro said, looking to the window.
"How about mother? How can we take her back?" Ichigo asked.
"The army at the moment is now planning for a retrieve mission. They promised to search for your mother." Jushiro said, looking at Ichigo.
They were all silent after that. Until Isshin told them he wants to be alone. They all went out and the five sat on the dining table. All consoling Ichigo with their presence, until Jushiro ushered them home.
At Rukia's house, she was settled next to her father whose arms are around her. "Father, will the army be able to retrieve Aunt Masaki? Do you think she's fine?"
"I don't know, princess. Let's pray she is fine and will come home soon." Her father said.
The next day, Ichigo did not go to school. He did not attended school for days. His friends have tried speaking to him but he didn't faced them. They stayed in his house for hours but Ichigo remained in his room. On the 5th day, his friends decided it was enough, they have left him alone enough, so whether he likes it or not, he will have to face them. They were all determined to crash his door but when they arrived, Yuzu told them he is in their backyard. So they ran there only to see him repeatedly punching a tree and screaming.
They gathered behind him and knew he was crying.
Rukia slowly approached Ichigo and touched his arm. He stopped but his shoulders are still shaking. Then he told them with his back still on them "I'm going to the capitol. I'm going to join the army. I'm going to hunt these Lefters and kill them all. I will wipe every single one of them. They will pay for what they did to mother."
"Ichigo…" Rukia whispered. "Did they find Aunt Masaki yet?"
"This morning…" Ichigo started. His throat is hardly open to release a sound. "We receive a package, a package with my mother's finger in it, with her wedding ring still in it, probably as a proof. Those cold-blooded monsters!" He shouted, he punched the tree again.
Four pair of eyes were wide with shocked and grief.
Ichigo continue "There was a note attached that said… the finger was all that was left of mother. They did not even let us give her a proper burial" Ichigo sobbed harder.
Rukia and Orihime are now openly crying. Grimmjow and Renji sat on the wooden bench both with tears cascading down their faces.
They understand Ichigo's grief for they too all loved their auntie Masaki. Rukia and Orihime always thought of her as their mother. Even Renji and Grimmjow. She was the only mother figure they have.
The five friends cried.
After a while Ichigo face them. Rukia asked "Does Yuzo and Karin knows?"
"No. Father and I have decided to let them believe she was just missing." Ichigo said.
"Are you serious with what you said earlier?" Grimmjow asked Ichigo.
"Yes. I already told father. He doesn't want me to go but I want to." Ichigo responded with conviction in his voice. His eyes are set.
"But, how about school? We still have one year before we graduate." Renji said. Rukia nodded.
"I'm turning 17 soon. That is the passing age to be accepted in the military academy. I heard that is all it takes." Ichigo informed them.
"Then I'm coming with you." Renji and Grimmjow said in unison. Both looked at each other. Ichigo's eyes widen. Rukia and Orihime were also shocked.
"No. Renji, I'm sure uncle Ju won't allow you. Grimm, your uncle will beat you to a pulp if he finds out you run away. Besides you two have to take care of these two girls here." Ichigo said, pointing to the two girls.
"Hey, we don't need to be taken care of. We can take care of ourselves, thank you very much. Besides, if you are going then, Hime and I will follow you once we turn 17." Rukia announced. Orihime bobbed her head in agreement.
"I don't think you understand what I'm telling you. I am entering into a military academy. I am going to be a soldier that hunts people who are worse than animals. I will be taught how to kill. It is not for kind hearted person like you, Hime, nor to you Rukia." Ichigo pointedly looked at Rukia.
"Neither you is going, Ichigo. If you insist to be a soldier then do so after you graduate." His father said from behind them.
Ichigo bowed his head and clenched his fist.
Weeks past.
Ichigo spend his 17th birthday with a simple dinner. With his friends and family only.
Ichigo's family is starting to get back to normal. His father opens their clinic again, his sisters continued their studies but everyone can tell that Ichigo has changed. He doesn't laugh freely now, he always scowls and he became aloof except to his friends.
His friends had let him be. Thinking that he just needed his space. They were surprised actually that Ichigo did not pursued his plan. But they were thankful because at least if he waited then he wouldn't have to go alone. Renji and Grimmjow will be with him.
Until one Sunday morning. Rukia was sweeping their backyard when Ichigo came and told her to meet him in their tree after lunch.
When lunch came, Rukia gobbled up her food and run to their meeting place. Ichigo was already there, leaning on the tree.
"You know, I did not get to eat my banana, you could have at least gotten me some star apple, now I'm hungry again. Why did you asked to meet here? It's so far." Rukia whined.
"Rukia, please refrain from climbing trees. Also, don't go into the forest alone, at least take Renji with you, and stop carrying too many woods or you won't grow anymore, you'll stuck as a midget all your life. Don't be stubborn to cross the river if the current is too strong…" Ichigo told her non-stop. His intense eyes boring into her.
Rukia, instead of feeling indignant, she felt nervous. Her heart started to beat fast. She looked down and saw his cargo bag on the ground "Why are you telling me that now? Ichigo, are you going somewhere? Are you leaving us?" She shouted.
Ichigo's eyes still on her, pleading her to understand "Don't get into fights, leave that to Renji and Grimm. You and Orihime, don't go anywhere without either of them. I don't want anything to happen to you both."
Rukia stared at him and there in his eyes, the conviction, she knew there's no stopping him anymore.
"Stay here, I'll get Renji and Grimm. They will want to come with you. I'll get Hime too." Rukia said then she turned to run. But before she could take a step, Ichigo's hand is on her wrist.
"That's exactly why I didn't tell Renji and Grimm. They need to be here, I need them to be here with you and Orihime. I'm sure they will keep an eye on my sisters as well." He told her.
She bowed her head "Of course we will. I will." She promised. "How about Hime? You have to tell her." Pleads Rukia. Tears started to fall.
"No, I couldn't bear to see her cry."
"And you can bear to see me?" she weakly punched him.
Ichigo's hand went to the back of her head and crashed her to him. He's close to crying as well.
"Yes, but it is so painful. I was hoping you wouldn't cry." He said, then "What I couldn't bear is not seeing you before I go."
Rukia hugged him tightly and sobbed in his chest. Ichigo tighten his embrace and kissed Rukia's head. After few minutes he told her he have to go. So he release her slowly but Rukia cling to him and refuse to release him.
"Stop crying, midget. You are stronger than this. We will see each other again when I graduate. I will ask to be posted here. I will protect you all. For now, stay out of trouble, okay." Ichigo said while running his hand in Rukia's hair. Rukia slowly release him but did not look up.
Ichigo held her face and tilted it upward to see her eyes for the last time. They stared at each other for a moment. Ichigo kissed her forehead, flicked her nose then took a step back and turned. Rukia watched him took his bag, sling it in his shoulder and started walking away.
She still stands there and watched him until she couldn't see him anymore. Ichigo didn't looked back even once.
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10 years later.
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Rukia was continually pushed to walk until she was shoved inside a room or so she thinks because she almost tripped in the doorway had she not lifted her step a little. She was then shoved down again and she was sat in a chair. A heavy chair, she thinks, because she felt someone tied her to it. Then thankfully, she was left alone. She had been afraid she might get violated.
Rukia's senses is in full alert, thanks to her being blindfolded, her vision is completely black as almost half of her face is obscured by the cloth. Her arms are tied at her back, thankfully her feet are not.
She sat there for what felt like hours until she heard some noise. She willed her hearing to reach farther to hear anything that might clue her in where she is at the moment.
"Where is the captive?" she heard someone asked. "Inside, Captain."
Rukia heard a footsteps getting closer and she squared her shoulders. If this is going to be her end, then she will die with her dignity intact.
Rather than see him, she sense him in front of her, probably measuring her. Then all of the sudden, she felt hands on her shoulder and her jacket was pushed down to her arms, exposing her tight short-sleeve black shirt. Then the shirt was pulled up to just below her chest exposing her flat but firm abdomen. She didn't flinched. If this bastard think he could intimidate her, then he could fuck the hell off.
"You have a fair skin for a pest, but you can't hide the scars." The man said. Rukia still did not respond. Without warning, the man punched her hard in the side of her face that her face twisted and she almost toppled over had she not planted her feet firmly on the ground.
"That confirms it. You are one of the animals. Normal woman would have passed out with that punch I gave you." The man said.
Rukia straightened her body, she spits the blood she tasted in her mouth on the ground and chuckled while wiping her lips in her shoulder "Is that all you've got? I didn't know Captains are sissy, they couldn't even punch properly. My ten year old little brother punch harder than you."
"Where's your camp? Who are your members? Who is supporting your organization?" The man asked with a level voice.
Rukia snorted. "You concluded your assumptions just because I could take your punch. Is it so hard to believe a girl could also fight? I bet I could take you on." She goaded.
Silence. Rukia readied her body for another bout, but none came.
After a minute, the captain asked again. "From which district are you?" Rukia hinted curiosity in his voice.
"Stop wasting your time and my time. You are not getting anything from me and you have not proven anything, so I demand you release me now." Rukia demanded.
Silence again.
Then Rukia felt a hand on her head, removing the knot of her blindfold, when…
"Captain Kurosaki, Major is on the line. He wished to speak with you immediately."
The hand stopped.
Rukia heard his footstep leaving the room. Her heart is suddenly beating faster and faster. Did she heard it right? Did they call him Captain Kurosaki? Is the one who interrogated her just now was..
"Ichigo.." Rukia whispered.
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A/N. There you have it. Another not so modern AU. If you have noticed, this is fast paced again as I'm still learning how to prolong stories. Also all my stories are not very descriptive, I mean I'm describing things in a very boring way or straight to the point as I'm also still learning how to be poetic like sunshine-daises-butter-mellows haha! So please use your imaginations for now.
I also doesn't have any military knowledge whatsoever so I'm relying on google. Whatever part here that made you raise your eyebrow please endure it and just remind yourself this is fanfic written by a naive writer haha
Also, I do not, in any way condones any group that hurts innocent people. This story just needed two sides.
I also would like to apologize in advance to all readers who have no idea or find it difficult to imagine people's life in the countryside. It might be hard for you to picture things here.
That being said, how'd you find it guys? Is it worth continuing? If so, then please review, you know reviews always inspires me and makes me giddy to write.