Title: A New Life
Summary: This takes place after Chapter 419 but Final Getsuga Tenshou was not used and Ichigo still has his powers. On the way home from meeting with friends Orihime finds herself required to care for a special child. What will she do when his powers awaken? How will this effect the life she had planned for herself? What about love, will she even have time for it?
A/N: So this is my very first fanfic. I'm pretty excited, the first few chapters are just the set up. I really hope you enjoy and love it! Please review and tell me how I"m doing. No flaming though, or else I might cry... well probably not... but if it's not helpful than it's of no use to me.
Disclaimer: I don't own bleach, if I did I would probably screw it up. All rights are Tite Kubo, who is awesome.
As the day came to an end, the warmth continued into the evening. Now mid-July, the weather had been pleasant, as the sky was clear and a constant breeze kept the air from being uncomfortable. In the final moments of light as the night was falling, Ichigo was accompanying Orihime home after an evening out with friends.
"Thank you for walking me home, Kurosaki-kun. You didn't have to though; I could have made it on my own," Orihime said while looking down at her clasped hands in front of her.
While rubbing the back of his neck Ichigo replied, "It's no big deal, plus if I didn't Tatsuki would get pissed and probably break a bone or two."
"Well if she did I could just heal you up again" Orihime laughed
"Although that's true, I'd rather not break them in the first place." Ichigo replied with a smirk.
"I'm glad we all got together tonight for karaoke and dinner. It's too bad we're not all going to be in town during summer holiday." Orihime smiled contently.
Ichigo and Orihime had become closer after the war ended nine months ago. Although nothing romantic had developed thus far, their friendship had strengthened considerably. Now with summer break they were finally able to relax and enjoy the peace.
"Yeah I know what you mean, though I'm glad Chad's getting the chance to go home and visit his relatives."
"Yeah I know but, I hope he has a safe trip and no aliens try to hijack the airplane he's on. Because then Sado-kun would have to jump off the airplane and swim to shore and Mexico is so far away, so he would get tired and stop to take a rest on a deserted island, but the island wouldn't really be deserted. It would be filled with gorillas, and then…"
Before she could continue Ichigo cut her off, "Oi Inoue! I'm sure Chad's flight will be fine and plus he could handle a bunch of gorillas." He finished with a hint of a smile on his lips, "Anyway, are you going to hold up okay with Tatsuki being gone all summer training?"
"Yep, I have my job at the bakery. I just got a promotion too! Instead of just working the cash register, I'm going to be designing some of the smaller cakes. I'll be starting Monday morning." She said with excitement shining in her eyes.
"Heh, I always knew you were a hard worker." He said while staring straight.
Orihime noticed the slight tint to his cheeks which ignited her own, "Thank you Kurosaki-kun, for the next two weeks I'll be working mornings so that I can train with the head baker but then I'll go back to regular day shifts. I'm just glad they gave me the weekend off so I can rest up before beginning the new shift. Y-you should come by and try one of the cakes, Ishida-kun said that he'd stop the bakery after work maybe you could come with him."
Ichigo grimaced at the thought of having to go anywhere with Ishida alone. "Nah, that's alright I'll come on my own. It's hard to believe that when Ishida's dad suggested him interning at the hospital he actually accepted."
Orihime giggled and they lapsed into a comfortable silence as they continued their walk to her apartment.
They had only walked a few short blocks before they felt the familiar reiatsu of a hollow. Exchanging knowing glances, they quickly took off towards the threat. As they approached, Orihime let out a gasp as they saw an old woman fall to the ground. A hollow with wings covered in razors floated above her. Upon noticing them, it flew up higher and let out a hollow's dark roar.
Ichigo moved to the side of a dumpster and slammed his badge to his chest, his body crumpling to the ground. He then turned to Orihime, "Inoue, see what you can do for the old woman. I'm going to take care of the hollow," he drew his sword as Orihime nodded and he leapt into the sky.
As Orihime rushed to the victim her shield automatically encased her body in a warm glow. "Obaa-san, I'm here to help you! Are you hurt? Can you hear me?" Orihime called out, but to no avail.
Reaching the poor woman's side, Orihime continued calling out, sadly receiving no response. As the light from Sōten Kisshun faded, she heard a gasp from behind her, and as Orihime turned she saw a new glow as the woman she was trying to heal now stood behind her with a broken chain in her chest.
Orihime decided that the old woman was probably scared "Obaa-san, my name is Inoue Orihime, when the man fighting up there finishes he'll help you go to heaven."
Still there was no response from the woman, "You don't have to worry it's a nice place and you get to meet lots of new people it'll be really fun!" The old lady stayed silent and continued to study her. After what felt like hours, but in reality was mere seconds a determined look came over the woman's face.
"Hello Inoue-san, my name is Asako and I'm what you call a Miko. I can not leave here yet."
Orihime wanted to interrupt and ask why but she thought better to just let her finish. Asako continued "The reason I am here so late at night is because that monster had come to my home. I had to lead it here far away from my grandson, Akiyoshi, who is still at home sleeping. Although he is my grandson his eyes have yet to awaken to the ability to see these monsters or the souls that are wondering the world. Akiyoshi is my only family left and I can not bear the thought of leaving him alone. His parents died long ago when he was just an infant. I have always kept him hidden away because although he is a boy and can not become a Miko I can sense a great power dwelling within him. Orihime-san, although we have just met I feel that you are the one that must watch over him. Please take care and protect my grandson."
Orihime's eyes had grown round and her mind was working hard to be able to understand everything Asako was saying. She finally noticed that Asako was staring at her with expectant eyes. Although Orihime wanted to help and her heart went to the child she knew she had to voice her concerns, "Asako-san, I understand how you feel but I don't know if I can do it. I'm just a mere high school student and have no clue on how to raise a small child. What if I mess up or what if he doesn't trust me or…"
"Orihime-san, I understand that you are scared, but I believe it is fate that you are the one who found me. I can tell that you are a person with a great heart. Akiyoshi is all alone, no one even knows of his existence. Please, I beg of you, I can not rest unless I ensure his safety and happiness," with this Asako got down on her knees with her face to the floor.
Orihime was shocked as well as embarrassed, "A-A-Asako-san please stand up! I will try to do the best that I can. I accept the responsibility."
Asako then stood and smiled, "Thank you, you will find my small home at the edge of town. There is a path that leads into the woods. Follow the path and you will see the house. One more thing, keep Akiyoshi's existence a secret, at least until his powers awaken. Although he can not sense the ghost or monsters he needs to be protected for some reason they keep showing up, almost as if they know where to find him."
Orihime quickly agreed but then remembered something really important, "Asako-san, how will Akiyoshi know to trust me? I've never even met him before."
"That will be simple," she pointed to her body and continued, "Go and take the beads from my wrist. If you place them on Akiyoshi's then he will understand and know to trust you."
Nodding, Orihime bent down and took the woman's wrist in her hand. As she looked up at Asako with sad eyes she gently removed the beads. After doing this Orihime placed the hand over where her heart would be had it still been beating. Placing the beads in her pocket she stood up.
Ichigo had finally finished the hollow off and returned to Orihime who had just finished her conversation with Asako.
Orihime turned to Ichigo with a sad smile, "Kurosaki-kun, I was too late to save her; her chain was already severed. I already explained to Asako-san about the soul burial and she's ready."
Ichigo's eyes went from shocked to sad to understanding. He then turned to Asako, "Are you ready?"
Asako nodded to him, "Thank you for taking care of that monster. Yes, I am ready," she gave a small knowing smile to Orihime and finished, "Thank you for everything."
With this she closed her eyes and felt the small bump of the hilt of Ichigo's sword. Ichigo and Orihime stood their while they watched her fade away.
Slowly they turned, and after retrieving Ichigo's body, continued their walk home. However the happy mood from earlier was now gone and replaced by a solemn silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Even though they knew Asako was resting peacefully in Soul Society, it was still a death. Orihime was also concerned on how to get to Akiyoshi without telling Ichigo since she wasn't supposed to let anyone know. Finally she decided to just let Ichigo take her home and then head back out.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Ichigo mumbling, "Hey it looks like we're here. Have a good night, Inoue. I'll see ya around."
Orihime lifted her eyes to his and noticed the sorrowed look in his eyes, while unlocking her door she asked "Are you going to be okay Kurosaki-kun? I know this is part of the job and Asako-san is now at peace. But if you want to talk about it…did you want to come in for some tea?"
Although Orihime was anxious to get Akiyoshi, she knew the boy was still asleep. Meanwhile, Ichigo seemed to need some encouragement. However, Ichigo realized he was worrying his friend and shook off his funk, "Nah, I better get home. It's pretty late and I got work in the morning. Plus you need to get some sleep too."
Orihime nodded and gave him a sweet smile to which he returned with a smirk of his own. Turning around and waving he called over his shoulder "Don't forget to lock your door."
She smiled at his concern, "Alright I will. And thank you for walking me home Kurosaki-kun."