Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Hunger Games which is a very good book/book series that everyone should go read btw. I could not put it down.
Prologue
We had all been too occupied to notice what was going on around us in the real world. All our eyes and ears were entirely on souls, spirits, and things of that nature. It wasn't until the murders of our prime minister and emperor flashing on the news everywhere did it hit home, the Karakura town, no Japan was in serious trouble.
I smiled politely at the solider as he passed me. I had no idea what else to do. But as soon as he was behind me I quickly averted my eyes to the ground. I did not really care to smile at anymore soldiers, for their presence was not very welcomed.
I finally reached my goal after a few more blocks and quickly entered the grocery store. I just needed eggs, red bean paste, noodles, and some tea leaves. I should be in and out and safely back in my apartment, all before it gets dark! It wasn't until I came out of my little world of joy did I take notice. This would not be an in and out experience. It didn't even look to be a pleasant experience ahead of me. Hoards of people swarmed the store, people's carts where nearly over flowing with food. I went rigid as I watched a big, burly man knock an elderly woman into a shelf. I hurried to her without a second thought.
"Are you alright?" I asked her gently as I helped her to her feet.
"I must really get moving before all the food is gone." The old lady muttered to me as she was walking away from me, stepping all over my feet in the process. My only response was to blink at her a few times before shaking my head clear. What was all this talk of food being gone? Why was everyone so frantic? What had I missed? I thought I had watched the news this afternoon, maybe it had been a rerun? Or did I just happen to miss something everyone else understood. Had the news anchors been talking in code? Oh my!
"Inoue, what a pleasant surprise!" a very friendly, and very familiar voice called to me.
"Kurosaki-san! I am so pleased to see you!" I smile up to him. Someone who can clear things up for me!
"The pleasure is all mine but, Inoue, you look troubled. Is everything alright?"
I wanted to shout out, why has everyone gone mad? Since when did old ladies become mean? But I didn't want him to think I was the one going mad.
"Well actually, Kurosaki-san, I was just curious as to why the grocery store was so packed this afternoon?" My eyes went to Kurosaki-san's own basket which was also full. Now I was certain they had been speaking code on the news because Kurosaki-san has always been wise!
Isshin remained silent and was instead staring at me. As if he was trying to read me, or maybe my mind? I wasn't too sure but I could feel my cheeks turning red, and only imagine what they must look like. It felt like an eternity before he finally spoke up, "Inoue, if you have no further plans after this, then I must insist you come over for tea so when can talk."
"Ok-ay." I nod my head. I must have missed a lot if we have to sit down and have tea while we discuss.
"Then it is settled. I am all done with my list. Let's grab yours and go, shall w—" Kurosaki-san started but was interrupted by someone knocking him in the back with a shopping cart.
"Ay! Stupid, old man! Why are you stopped?" And even though the voice sounded very angry I couldn't help but smile because I knew that voice very well.
"Ichigo, you baka! You almost made me run over Inoue!" The elder Kurosaki shouted over his shoulder.
Kurosaki-kun's face appeared as he tried to look around his father as if to make sure he hadn't been lying, "Inoue, what are you doing here? It's dangerous! Where's Tatsuki at?"
"Don't be so rude Ichigo. Inoue has agreed to come over for tea; she has some questions of her own. "
Ichigo blinked a couple of times before nodding, "Alright, let's get going then, Yuzu is probably getting worried."
We quickly grabbed the few items on my list before paying and heading out the door and luckily without much incident.
I was having a hard time concentrating to say the least and probably couldn't count on both hands and feet how many times I've daydreamed of hanging out with Kurosaki-kun at his house but never under such circumstances. The silence in the room made me very aware as both Kurosaki men finished putting away the things. I had offered to help but they both refused.
I watched in silence as Ichigo passed me and ran up the stairs, my eyes following him. Before I could whip my head back around, the elder Kurosaki was sitting in a chair across from me, placing a mug of tea in front of me. I really hope my disappointment of Ichigo not being here wasn't too obvious. I took a big sip of my tea and thanked him.
"Thank you for coming over to discuss this matter. I'm afraid the supermarket isn't the best place to have this conversation...,"Isshin took a deep breath along with a long pause before continuing, "And to answer your earlier question people are scared that there will be a food shortage anytime now since our new "government" is making changes rather quickly. Are you aware that they've divided Japan into sections, the cities no longer having names but numbered off? People are panicked that our freedoms might be taken away."
I slowly nodded. I had heard that they were sectioning off Japan but numbering us off? Would they assign all the people numbers as well? But these things don't really happen anymore? Do they?
"But why would the "government" want to do that? And Kurosaki-san, I don't understand where these people came from! How could anyone not see it coming and stop it? And why isn't anyone helping us!" I could feel my voice get louder and higher as I spoke each word but I couldn't control it. I felt my eyes water a little bit but before I could totally lose it I felt a calming hand on my shoulder. I looked up next to me, even though that wasn't necessary. I knew who the steady hand belong too.
"I told you to wait for me, baka!" Ichigo shot his dad a dirty look.
"Have a seat, son. You haven't missed much," Kurosaki-san gave his son a brief glance before returning his attention to me, "And although I am not an expert in political affairs for I've always been more involved in the soul society's affairs, I do believe this is work from the inside out. Some of the higher up electors have joined with the… I can't find the word, ehh..," Isshin struggled with the right word as he tapped his finger on his chin.
"Rebels?" I offered up weakly.
"That will work. Very well organized rebels to say but the electors have probably misjudged them for I am almost positive they will be in the same boat as the rest of us sooner or later."
"But where did they come from?" Ichigo spoke for the first time.
"It's hard to say. The news is being restricted and a lot is not known about our new leaders. Although it is rumored the rebels are from throughout the continent. France is going through a similar issue as are own. "
"But why hasn't anyone interfered? We won't be the only ones with this fate if they aren't stopped!" Ichigo questioned, taking his hand off my shoulder in the process. I already missed his warmth.
"Maybe they are turning a blind eye or maybe they are working out a plan," Isshin shrugged, "We can only hope they interfere soon."
I remained silent as Ichigo and his father continued to discuss our could be fate. It ranged from not many changes to us being wiped out completely, not very promising. What about all the children? Would my powers being any help here? Am I even allowed to use them under this situation? Soul Society is very strict on these things. The last thing we need is a war with them on top of this! I wonder what Soul Society thinks about our situation?
Ichigo's phone disturbed me from my inner turmoil. I did my best not to ease drop but it was hard considering there was no other sound in the room. It sounded like whoever on the phone was really upset, almost yelling. It was a woman. I found myself really wanting to know who it was but thought better of it and mentally scolded me for being so childish.
"Inoue, do you not have your cell? That was Tatsuki. She said she's been trying to call you." Ichigo was down in my face, he must have had to repeat himself to break me away from my thoughts because his brown eyes looked at me worriedly.
"Oh. I must have left it at home. I'm so sorry!" I scratch the back of my head but had to quickly use the hand to cover the yawn I didn't know I had been fighting. I was about to excuse myself when I felt a hollow appear. My eyes went large as I notice Ichigo reach for what I'm guessing was his badge.
"I'll go too!" I shouted loudly on accident.
"No, Inoue. You're tired. You can stay here, sleep in my room. I'll be gone most the night." And with that Ichigo went to the couch and separated his spirit from his body.
"Eek, Kurosaki-kun! I'm fine, promise!" I jumped up from my seat, raising my hand.
"I'll be fine. It's a low level hollow. Inoue, get some rest. And pervert, don't make Inoue feel uncomfortable in any way!" Ichigo scowled at his father before giving me a small smile before running out the door.
A long pregnant silence developed between me and Kurosaki-sun while I was trying to figure a good but reasonable excuse. I could tell him how the little blue men might come by and they would be really upset if I wasn't there. That wasn't too bad of a plan! Yeah! Because whenever I bring them up people stop asking questions. This is kind of odd to me because they are really interesting!
"My idiot son is right, it's already late. I'll take you by your apartment before school tomorrow." Isshin too fought back a yawn.
"B-bb-but the blu-!" I struggled with my rehearsed protest.
"It would be silly to just drive you home and turn around a pick you up again before school. And this way Ichigo won't have my head for letting you leave." He winked at me.
I nearly choked on my tea as his comment. Fighting for air I quickly thanked him for his kindness and excused myself, also known as fleeing, to Ichigo's room.
Ichigo's lamp was on next to his bed. And even though Ichigo wasn't in the room per say, it felt like he was. I couldn't help but grin. Then it dawned on me. I didn't have sleeping clothes. I could borrow some of his… and even before I completely finish that thought my face flushed. On second thought my sweats and t-shirt where plenty comfortable. With that decided I climbed into his bed and buried myself in his blankets. I flipped off the lights and as much as I wished to savor the moment, I was out before I could sigh out Kurosaki-kun.
-
I was having a very good dream but for some reason now found myself staring at the white ceiling, feeling a little disappointed which quickly disappeared as I stared up at Ichigo's ceiling. And as silly as it's sounded to me because I know I went to sleep in Ichigo's room I was still slightly shocked to wake up there. I didn't really want move from my very comfortable place but I was pretty sure my biological clock was telling me to get up for school.
I quietly made my way down the stairs, not to sure who was up or even exactly what time it was. I paused at the second to last step as I could make out two voices. Ichigo and Isshin.
"It's getting bad out there, dad. Last night on my patrol," Ichigo's voice was quiet for a minute, as if to double check no one was ease dropping before continuing, "I saw a couple soldiers on the outskirts of town. It looked like they were putting a barrier of some sort up. And a couple of teenagers were k-," But Ichigo struggled to get his next words out and I suddenly felt very guilty for ease dropping
"It's alright. I know. I heard through the grapevine what happened. " Kurosaki-san's voice lowered.
What happened? I all but bit my tongue to keep the words from slipping out.
"I think they were trying to escape but the soldiers caught them, opened fire without moments of hesitation on them!" Ichigo answered as if he could read my mind.
They shot them. What happens if they weren't even trying to escape? Maybe they wanted to pick flowers, go for a stroll, or go for a mini adventure. Where those simplest of things going to be taken away from us as well? My throat felt like it was closing up and I tuned out the conversation as I started to fade into my own world, my much happier world. It wasn't until I heard my name that I was forced back to reality.
"I think Inoue should stay here for a little bit, at least until things settle down. Or maybe you could convince her to stay with Tatsuki and her family. I would rather not chance her accidently wondering around somewhere and…"
"I agree… but she's going to turn down both. She's not going to want to trouble anyone, even though it's not." I couldn't see Ichigo's scowl, I could hear it.
I tried to figure out how I felt about the whole situation. Although I was alone, my apartment was my home. And everyone else had families they need to watch over; they didn't need me adding to the mix. But would I be more of a burden if they were constantly coming by to check on me which I know they probably will even though I don't really need it. But sometimes I do find myself in awkward positions. And if that happens then I might be more trouble than if I had originally just stayed with my friends. My head felt like it might split open.
"Inoue-kun?" a small voice whispered behind me.
I squeaked and before I could realize it was just little Yuzu I was already sprawled out at the bottom of the steps. I could hear Ichigo and Isshin make their way of, no doubt checking on the racket. Not wanting to appear guilty of anything, I quickly hauled myself up.
"Sorry. Yuzu you startled me. I was just going downstairs when-"
"You decided to ease drop? Don't worry I won't tell!" she smiled at me.
I opened and closed my mouth to her, probably giving off my gaping fish face. I smiled at her, deciding on just thanking her. Before I could form the word Ichigo was at my side asking if I was ok but not really waiting for a response for he took a firm hold on my arm and lead me over to the couch, prompting me to sit down. I obeyed without protest.
Much to my surprise Yuzu and Isshin didn't join us or neither did Karin. Instead they all made their way into the kitchen, leaving me and Ichigo alone. And Ichigo had a more than normal unpleasant face.
I swallowed, which I'm pretty sure was extremely loud as I sat on the couch looking up once again at Ichigo. He must have known I was ease dropping and now very upset with me. Great, he's going to think I am so unappreciative.
"Inoue, I think until the situation gets better or we have a better understanding of it, that you stay here or at least Tatsuki's house?." Ichigo shifted his weight; he was clearly not comfortable but was firm enough to make me understand he believed in what he was saying.
"Ok. I'll go whichever place works out better for you!"
Ichigo looked shocked that I had so easily agreed. I was slightly shocked too that it so easily came out of my mouth. I guess I had made up my mind earlier. Besides if I am closer to my friends' maybe I could help out somehow, protect them. And maybe I was a little frightened too by the situation.
Ok. There is the introduction. It's the best I could do with explaining the situation going on without just flat out boringly tell it. I know it might be like that cannot happen but it's my story so it's happening. Anyways I wanted to make a story like the Hunger Games but with the Bleach characters and this is what I got. I didn't want to make it an alternative universe just because I am even worse with those. Okay well let me know how you liked the preview. Thank you
P.S. Inoue is really hard to write. Make her serious because of the situation but also be herself. (Sweat drop) But she is my favorite so yeah she's the main character but you'll probably see some from Ichigo's pov.