Summary: In a world where two ideology clashes

A/N: Not so modern AU. Characters are normal human, no powers.

Please note that English is not my first language and my vocabulary is limited, so please forgive the grammar and or spelling mistakes.

Disclaimer: All Kubo Tite's.

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Chapter 2

Yesterday, Ichigo was in the North, in the 37th District, he had just completed his mission and was about to go to the Capitol when he was called by his superior and told that the squad assigned in the 50th had an encounter with the Lefters and all enemies have been killed but one was captured and detained. Since he was the only higher ranks nearby, he was asked to handle the situation and report the incident to the capitol.

The next day, Ichigo travelled to the 50th along with his Second Lieutenant, Sado. Sado is Ichigo's batch mate in the Academy. He is a man of few words, very tall and capable. Ichigo can depend on him to watch his back. They instantly hit it off and became close friends.

When he arrived, he spoke briefly with the Soldier in-charge and learned of the situation and proceeded to question the captive.

Inside one of the 50th camp tent, Ichigo felt uneasy in front of the captive. It is not because she was a woman. He had exchanged bullets with women in some of his previous missions before. But now with this one in front of him, why did he felt a sudden jolt when he first touched her? And her attitude, her arrogance, it reminded him of someone. Someone with too much pride and stubbornness compressed in a petite body. A 15 year old girl with beautiful amethyst eyes. Well, he supposed Rukia's not 15 years old anymore. She would be 25 now. Ichigo wonders what she look like. Huh, he's sure she's still a midget, tomboyish, and sports a very short hair.

He studied the woman in front of him again and his heart thudded in his chest. Physical appearance aside, this woman acts and speaks like Rukia. This prideful woman couldn't be Rukia, could she? No, it's impossible, this woman is taller, way taller and although Rukia has always had a toned body, this woman here looks like she works out every day. She could take his punch, for crying out loud. Her black braided hair is also very long. Besides, what is she doing here in North? This is days away from 65th on foot. And ultimately, Rukia would never betray him and join the Lefters. He is sure of it.

He shook his head. He probably just missed his friends too much that they have been on his mind recently.

To assure himself and settle his nagging suspicion, he decided to fully see her face. He reached the back of her head and started removing her blindfold when his Second Lieutenant came in.

"Captain Kurosaki, Major is on the line. He wished to speak with you immediately." His second Lieutenant called from the door.

Ichigo retracted his hand and went out. He couldn't decide whether he's grateful that he didn't see her face or he's afraid to see who's behind that blindfold. Well, he would eventually find out later.

Behind the blindfold, Rukia's eyes were so big in shock. She followed the footsteps until she couldn't hear anymore. 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.

Rukia's mind is running wild. He must not find out who she is. She knew she needs to get out of there. She's sure the news have reached her group already and she hoped they knew she's still alive, it has been almost two days since she was captured. Will she be able to get out of here alive?

Seven members were killed today. She clenched her teeth.

She thought hard what went wrong.

….

Four days ago.

"Rukia, be careful, be vigilant." Her father, Jushiro, reminded her. Rukia nodded while braiding her long hair. She is dressed in a black shirt with loose cargo jacket and blue jeans. She wore an old combat boots.

"I should really come with you. It's dangerous to be alone." Renji, her brother said, anxiously.

Rukia rolled her eyes. "Renji, I've been doing this for years and you still doesn't trust me." She grabbed her bag and sling it in her shoulder.

"I trust you. It's the people down there that I don't trust." Renji growled, he then turned to their father "Father, let me go with her."

"No, Renji, you are needed here. Rukia, you had better get a move on, if Grimmjow returns then I would be battling with two stubborn mule instead of just this one." Their father said.

Jushiro is also a little uneasy sending Rukia alone but he trust the leader of the 51st, he knew Rukia is safe with Kyurako. Kyuraku, like him, is a West Districts Representative and he supports the group. Not to mention he is Jushiro's best friend. Although he couldn't say the same to the leader of the 50th even if Kyurako had assured him of his loyalty. But Kyuraku will be there, so he hope Rukia will return to them safely.

"Yes, father. You all take care too. Renji, tell Grimm I'll be fine. I'll come back in five days." Rukia secured her bag and went out of their temporary shelter. It is temporary because the group couldn't stay in one place. All of their groups have to move camps constantly or they will be slaughtered in their sleep, especially now that the militaries are persistently tracking them. Jushiro, Rukia and Renji are currently in the 55th camp, it was located almost at the heart of the forest and it's going to take hours to go down.

She is going down to get the report from the 51st and met with the newly joined 50th district leader. Then buy some medicines and basic necessities to take back.

After almost a day of walking, she reached the 51st and she was welcome wholeheartedly as this wasn't her first time visiting them.

"Welcome, princess. I hope you have not encountered any problem travelling down." Kyuraku said with a goofy face that reminded Rukia of Ichigo's father.

"Please, Sir, don't call me that. I tolerated my father enough." She responded. Kyurako just grinned even more.

She and Kyurako's wife- Nanao, are good friends. She roamed around the area with her and chatted with the people there who had become close to her as well.

Nanao is an elementary teacher so she came with her in the school and played with the kids. She also assisted Nanao in teaching them.

The next day, Kyurako told her that the 50th representative had requested for the group to visit them in their district instead so they can see the place. Kyurako had agreed and had entrusted Rukia to some of his men to accompany her.

They travelled north as inconspicuous as they could. The group entered 50th without a problem and they were welcome in the home of the representative which Rukia had learned his name is Komamura.

They were in the living room with two of Kyurako's men inside and four outside, manning the area. Komamura was in the middle of informing her of the difficulties they are facing with the government when he noticed that all the men's coffee are finished, so he told them he'll get them a fresh one, Rukia offered to make the coffees and so she went to the kitchen and prepared the coffees, when it was all done she went back with the tray of coffees when all of a sudden Rukia's senses spiked. The surrounding have become so quiet and tension filled the air.

All of the men stands and reached for their guns only to hear triggers being unlocked. Rukia remained standing with the tray of coffees in hand. Fully alert.

Kachak! Kachak! Kachak! Kachak! Kachak!

The tension is so thick you could almost grasp it.

Rukia counted five in her head. This is bad, they were surrounded and outnumbered. Rukia and her three comrades' eyes are the only part of their body that is moving. They were all rigidly standing. Their eyes searched and calculated for escape. They all knew, their comrades who are manning the area are probably dead or captured.

When Rukia figured there is no possible escape, she slowly crouched to put the tray down and took the opportunity and stealthily took out her gun and hid it under the table inside the table cloth, then she slowly straighten up and turned. There, five rifles are pointed at them. Two men at the door, two in the window and one in the kitchen door.

There really was no escape possible.

"Throw your guns on the floor and raise your hands. Now!" One of the soldier on the main door shouted.

Komamura's brain is running fast. If they fight here, their chances to survive is slim to none and civilians nearby might get hurt or shot, but he knew too that if they surrender, there won't be seeing the sun shines anymore for their bodies will be floating in the river before the day ends. Komamura closed his eyes. They were given no choice.

The three put down their guns and raised their hands.

The soldiers approached them, they handcuffed them and dragged them outside.

One of the men said "capture the woman as well, she might not be a member but I'm sure she knows something." Rukia cursed inwardly. She knew this is bad. This is really bad. She's thankful though that her brother isn't with her. Huh, her stubbornness paid off.

So Rukia was also dragged outside.

Outside, she roamed her eyes and she saw Kyurako's four men are dead. They were all stabbed at the back. Rukia's eyes hardened.

They were shoved in a truck with all the soldiers inside. Rukia cursed again. Outnumbered is an understatement for inside the truck were another four soldiers. Whoever thought of this ambushed, he made sure no one escapes.

"Cover their eyes, and tie the woman's hand" the leader said. Rukia thought he was their leader as he is the one ordering.

Rukia felt the car started moving. They travelled for almost an hour when suddenly the truck stopped and Rukia felt the soldiers grabbed Komamura and the other two. She felt them left the truck.

"Hey, where are you taking us!" She heard Komamura shouted.

Rukia heard struggles. She knew it's pointless if she fights. She was outnumbered, she doesn't have a gun and she's tied and blindfolded. She cursed again.

Rukia strained her ears to hear anything then she jumped all of a sudden.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Three shots and Rukia assumed one for each of her comrades.

She cried. She was seething inside. She was itching to fight.

The car started to move again.

.

.

Now that she think of it, Komamura didn't betray them, he probably have a snitch inside his district. They should have been more cautious dealing with District 50, seeing that this is the North territory. She couldn't understand though why Komamura approached her group and not the Lefters of the North. She made a mental note to ask her father… that is if she survive.

She might be the next one to be salvaged. The slim chance that she'll live is to let Ichigo know who she is but she would not get Ichigo involve with her. Even if they are friends, he is still a soldier and she's labeled as enemy of the state. She is his enemy to be precise. Rukia stopped her train of thoughts. Are they still really friends? It has been a long time since they saw each other. Ten years is a long time.

She doesn't know what will turn out of this. She's glad he was interrupted before he see her. Now, she needs to think of ways to get out of there. She tried loosening her binds, she tried moving the chair and she tried removing her blindfold but these are all futile.

She sat there for hours and she knew it was already evening. The air had become chilly and the surrounding have become silent.

She wonders what will happen to her.

….

Yesterday morning in the 51st district, Kyuraku was beyond angry. After he learned what happened to Rukia's group, he immediately used all his resources to find out what happened. During those waiting time, he was so anxious that he wanted to go himself. He repeatedly consoled himself that Rukia is alive. It had been so hard telling his friend, Jushiro that the princess might be dead. Jushiro had been silent in the other line for a long time. He knew his friend took the news badly.

So when his men told him that Rukia was alive and was held in the 50th camp, he felt like a sword had been pulled out from his gut. At least he have some sort of good news to tell his friends when they arrive.

Jushiro, Renji and Grimmjow immediately went down to 51st as soon as they heard the news.

They were so shocked when they first heard the news. For them, Rukia is the most important person in their lives. Renji was almost suffocated with guilt and Grimmjow's gut felt like it was shot repeatedly. Renji's guilt and Grimm's pain are nothing compared to what Jushiro's feeling. He couldn't fathom losing his princess.

"I'm sorry, Ju, I shouldn't have allowed Rukia to go to the North. I would guess that Komamura has been on their watch." Kyuraku said to his guests.

"So it seems. Are you certain that only your men were killed?" Jushiro responded. Renji and Grimm are fidgeting but eager to hear the confirmation.

"Yes. My intel said the princess is being held in the 50th military camp." Kyuraku confirmed.

Renji and Grimmjow stands "We're going to save her."

"Yes, we will. Please sit down, you two." Jushiro said, patiently. The two reluctantly sat back down.

"So here's the plan." Kyuraku said.

…..

Inside the 50th Military camp. Rukia is still awake. Her senses is still in full alert. She heard the door slowly opened and felt a presence inside the room. She didn't show that she knew. She readied herself for the onslaught but was confused when she felt the person went behind her and was removing her binds.

"Sshhh.. It's me." A woman's voice said.

"Tatsuki?" Rukia asked, shocked. "What are you doing here? Go or they'll catch you too." Rukia's afraid now. She doesn't want another person to die today, seven is enough.

Tatsuki is a member of 56th district. She's a year younger than her. They've become friends naturally due to their similarities in attitude. She's also very good in combat, strong and loyal.

"Don't worry, we have a plan. Come on." She urged Rukia.

When Rukia's blindfold were removed, she understand she was taken in a military camp. She eyed the soldiers on the ground.

"Don't worry they're not dead." Another comrade told her and joined them. Rukia knew it was Hanatarou because of his voice as his face is also covered. He's the same age with Rukia. He is the best choice to infiltrate the camp as he is small and knows his ways in the camp. He was once a soldier of the 51st. Rukia nodded. As much as possible, they were taught not to kill but only to defend.

"Here, Rukia." Hanatarou gave her a rifle he took from one of the soldiers.

The three stealthily crawl, duck and run towards the forest. Rukia thought this is strange as they did not encounter any soldier yet. Also, only few is manning the camp.

Tatsuki answered her thought. "Grimm made a commotion in the other side so we'll have more access getting in."

In the forest, Renji and some of his comrades were impatiently waiting. "Come on, Tatsuki, Hanatarou."

"All is set up. Rukia, Tatsuki and Hanataro just have to cross that big stone there and they are safe." Rangiku said from beside him.

Rangiku is from 60th district. She is like an older version of Orihime in appearance, but unlike Orihime, Rangiku's heart is hardened.

Ichigo's men went to check the commotion caused by Grimmjow. When they arrive, they encountered some lefters and shooting started. After a while the lefters retreated back to the forest but they set a fire on the ground preventing Ichigo and his men to follow them.

"Retreat! Go back to the base!" Ordered Ichigo. He knew they were at a disadvantage if they were to follow them. He doesn't have enough men for that and it needs careful planning.

Rukia, Tatsuki and Hanataro luckily made a distance with the camp and was now running towards the forest. They were almost near the stone that Rangiku mentioned when they heard a shout.

"Stop or we'll shoot you!"

Rukia knows now it's Ichigo's grown up voice.

Tatsuki cursed. They came back faster than anticipated. Grimm's group were probably overpowered.

They run faster, and they heard shots. Rukia knew Ichigo and his men are gaining on them. Hanataro and Tatsuki retaliated blindly, just to slow them down.

Just a little bit, prayed Tatsuki.

Finally, she was relieved when they reached the stone.

"We're safe." She said, catching her breath. They crouched behind the stone.

"How?" Wondered Rukia. They were still being chased and they were scarcely armed.

Tatsuki stood and looked back. Rukia did as well and her eyes widen when suddenly a fat line of fire erupted.

Ichigo and his men stopped. These people went to these extent just to retrieve one woman. In the depths of his mind, he couldn't disagree.

From the part where he could still see them, he knew now it was really Rukia who he had interrogated earlier.

"Rukia…" he uttered unconsciously. His heart is suddenly painful.

He tried to search Rukia's eyes. Pain, betrayal and sorrow visible in his own eyes. His pain even doubled when he saw who was running to Rukia's side. Although his face is covered, he couldn't mistake that ponytailed red hair for anyone else.

Renji and Rukia looked back at where Ichigo was and met his eyes. Both of their eyes tried to seek forgiveness, pleading for him to understand.

The fire grew fiercer from between them.

Renji took one last look at Ichigo then he turned and tugged Rukia's hand. Rukia took a last look at Ichigo as well, she smiled at him a little and they all run to the forest.

Ichigo stands there. He watched Rukia and Renji retreated to the forest. Away from him instead of coming to him. His jaw is clenched. He couldn't, for the life of him understand why his friends, his closest friends have betrayed him. Why did they join the very group that had hurt his father and killed his mother? The very group that he's gradually eradicating and constantly hunting.

He looked at the line of fire again. This situation represent their relationship now. None of them could now reached the other because if they try to make a step closer they will be burned figuratively and physically.

He wonders why, why did they turn out like this.

….

A/N:

Thank you to Guest, Guest, Guest, and LuciaKuchiki for the reviews. I wish you would at least put any name instead of "Guest" so I could address you haha.. Anyway thank you for taking time to review and for the suggestion to remove the minor character in the tag ( I felt like being scolded haha). Renji and Orihime played major roles as well but if it helps to search my story easier then so be it.

Thank you Sayuri for your review. Now I know others may understand my story as well.

I hope to receive more reviews.