this was not her child. her eyes turned wide as she screamed, ‘ he’s EVIL ‘ rukia swiftly grabbed her arms before she could make a move at kazui, her and renji knowing full well what she was capable of. embarrassed and ashamed, they apologized to their friends, leaving as soon as possible.
the ‘trip’ home was quiet, rukia sharing concerned glances at renji as they made their way through the senkimon, their daughters reitsu radiating her anxitey, like a spooked feline.
the family entered the house, ichika dashed to her room, rukia let her have some space, but not for long. she was hurt and confused by the childs actions, but she knew she wouldn’t act out for no reason. so she went to investigate.
she pushed the door open, the hallway light shining into the room, illuminating the small form in the bed. her heart dropped, she wasn’t sure what to say or what to do, she could feel she was scared. she had never once had to scold her child before.
she stepped foot into her room, telling renji to leave them be. closing the door, rukia walked over to the bed and lay down next to her.
“ please … tell me what’s going on, you aren’t in trouble . what happened with kazui . “
Despite her desire to lie, to fake a slumber so deep Rukia would be forced to leave her alone, Ichika couldn’t hide the way she curled in on herself. Shame stung behind her eyes, ashamed that she had been broken down so easily by an enemy not even trying. Unable to hide the warble in her voice Ichika attempted to explain. “He’s not right.”
Slowly she moved to reveal her face, just eyes and a mess of unruly red hair peeking out from the top of her blanket. Her eyes were wide and shone with tears she’d adamantly deny having, too ashamed of her mundane reaction. “Why can’t anyone else feel it? I feel like I’m gon’ be sick when I look at him. He’s evil.”
Children were often prone to hyperbole, fanciful tales that suited their needs, but none of that whimsy was in her voice as she spoke. Where confident boasts and cheery jibes once lived in her voice all that remained was a frightened whisper. She meant every word she said. “He has to be stopped. I don’t think I can rest knowing he exists...”
