It was like a panther. Large, covered in what looked like white armor to her. It's black tipped ears seemed to tilt back, and it bared it's fangs at her. Ice-colored eyes glared into the small girl's, and a voice spoke," How can you see me." The small, five-year-old Ai stared at the strange creature. She tilted her head, her raven hair falling into large teal eyes. It wasn't even near dinner time, and it wasn't even a few moments after her school had been released for the weekend, when she met the panther. In fact, she hadn't been home to change out of the dark blue uniform that she was always required to wear. And she hadn't done any of her homework so she could play with her best friend Orihime Inoue. But she wasn't startled, and she wasn't afraid. For as long as she could remember, Ai could see beings like this one. But they never spoke to her. Not once had they acknowledged the presence of a small, human child. Ai felt relieved. Relieved to know that one of the creatures found her.
The voice brought her back from her happiness with a hiss," Answer me, human." She blinked twice, staring at it," I don't know." It's ears tilted back, and a growl escaped from the panther," Why aren't you running." She thought for a moment with a fingertip pressed against her chin before she nodded, approving of her answer," It's because you aren't scary." The panther apparently didn't like that answer, and it roared out at her," I can't tell if you're brave or just foolish, human." 'It might be a panther, but it could use some manners.' Ai thought. She said," You know, I do have a name. It's Ai." She gave an innocent smile, not knowing anything about the panther, and not caring if she was in danger. At first, the panther didn't respond. But it's voice softened to her surprise," ...Why do you introduce yourself to a monster?" She giggled, shaking her head as the voice became harsh once more," What the hell are you laughing at." Ai's smile became a large grin, and she laced her hands behind her back," Because if you were really a monster, you wouldn't be asking these questions!" The panther was again shocked, and became silent once more. She was relieved to see that it's guard became lowered, and it laid down like a house cat bathing in the sun with eyes closed. At least, that's what it reminded of her. She had to hide her laughter as she imagined her jumping on it's back and demanding a ride.
"Grimmjow." It suddenly said, causing her to jump out of her daydream. She blinked twice, and an ice-colored eye stared at her," ..That's my name. Grimmjow." Ai only smiled, and immediately sat down next to him. It's eye twitched and she grinned at him cutely," Does that make us friends, Grimmjow-san?" It seemed to be surprised, but it scoffed and turned it's head away from her," Friends I don't need or want." "Now that's not true. You must be pretty lonely.." She muttered, and she saw that the panther's form had tensed. 'Could it be true?' She thought to herself, and without thinking, she reached out and scratched the back of the panther Grimmjow's left ear. It's formed tensed once more, and she said in a soft voice," You won't be lonely anymore, okay? I'll be here!" "Ai! What are you doing over there!" A familiar voice called out. She blinked, looking up to see a familiar orange haired girl waving to her," Ori-chan.." "Friend of yours?" Grimmjow asked, looking at her. She nodded and gave a sad smile," Does.. This mean I won't see you anymore?" The panther didn't respond immediately but looked away from the small child," ..Maybe." Relieved, she grinned and stood up, running to join her friend, hoping the day would end so she could meet the panther named Grimmjow once again.