The dark sky seemed to have opened up and let loose all the water it had ever absorbed onto Karakura Town that night. It had been a dry for the past month so most welcomed the rain. Most were not attempting to complete a mission.

Renji Abarai had been sent from the Soul Society earlier in the evening to locate a stronger than average hollow. A lieutenant worthy hollow he had hoped. He was glad the war was over. Peace was something he was glad to have, and proud that he did his part to make possible. If he never saw another arrancar again it would be too soon.

However the lack of action combined with the recent piles of paper work had made him feel antsy. He was beyond lucky that Captain Kuchiki was willing to send him transit world when above average hollows appeared. It was an assignment any seated officer could handle but seated officers were not able to check in on the Captains little sister. Byakuya Kuchiki may act cold and unaffected but everyone knew his emotional soft spot was for Rukia. That and his supreme annoyance with Rukia's choice of a suitor. Captain Kuckiki showed plenty of emotion where subject was concerned. Renji grinned and wondered how long it would take for Rukia and Ichigo to show up. It was nice to sit on the roof of the Kurosaki home and watch the stars with his friends.

Hell, maybe Ichigo was up for an all out spar.

In the distance the growl of thunder could be heard. Renji was hoping to get this mission completed before the weather got worse. He maneuvered around locals who looked straight through him. They were seeking shelter from the impending storm and even if not for the sheets of rain they would not be able to see a shinigami at least not while with the living. Renji was making his way to the hollow or at least trying to, it seemed while the spiritual pressure was strong it was oddly inactive. This was the second hollow in a month to posses the ability to cloak it's whereabouts. It had been hours and he could sense the bastard, but not quite find it. He scowled as the rain began to fall even harder.

"Damn rain. I'm soaked, pissed off and where the fuc-OOOOFF!"

Giant paws knocked into his chest and a large nose smushed into his face all while his ass was hitting the ground. Something white, heavy, hairy and really smelly pressed into Renj's whole body.

"No! No no no! Bad dog. Bad Kuma." Renji looked past what he could only assume was a polar bear to see a young women holding a large umbrella, wearing a white coat and she had on a pair of ridiculous hot pink rain-boots. The darkness and the rain shadowed her, but he could see she was petite, and had long dark hair. Most importantly she unable to control the beast on his chest.

"I am so very sorry. He has never done that to anyone." The woman gave the leash a good tug. "Kuma get off of the man right now! He is gentle I swear. Oh are you hurt?"

The dog removed himself from Renji's person and continued to bounce up and down in an excited puppy manner. Renji stood up, adjusted his robes, sucked in air and prepared to tell off the girl and her over sized dog. When he looked down, and saw her face all his words stuck in his throat. He exhaled. The girl was simply lovely. She was soaking wet, her dark hair stuck to the sides of her face, her eyes were bright and kind and the color reminded Renji of honey. She looked concerned. That concern made her lower lip pout ever so slightly. What captivated Renji the most was she was holding eye contact with him. The tattoos tended to startle people so he was accustomed to people especially woman not looking him in the eye. While he stood there dumbfounded and silent the pretty girl reached up and touched his face.

"Oh you have a muddy nose print on your face." She smiled up at him trying to suppress a giggle. "I am so very sorry-" Renji instinctively grabbed her hand when it touched his cheek. He watched her eyes widen, he slowly moved the smooth hand from his face. He could smell her skin. It smelled like jasmine and the rain.

Renji did not want to startle her so he spoke as gently as he could manage. "Don't worry about it." He was taken aback how nice it felt for her to touch him. He took a step backward while still holding her hand. He had not realized how close they were standing. She took her hand out of his, but she did it slowly showing no apprehension. "I get attacked by giant bear dogs all the time." She laughed and to Renji it sounded like tiny bells.

"What an interesting life you must lead, and you really do have a muddy nose print on your cheek." Renji used the sleeve of his robe to wipe his face off. "My name is Keiko," she said with a warm smile. Keiko extended her hand to Renji. "Oh...uhh Renji," he took her hand once again and mentally smacked himself for enjoying her touch. Her hand lingered in his for a moment or two past what was necessary and Renji hoped he was not blushing. "Well, nice to meet you Renji."

The white dog was nudging his mistress. "And this is Kuma whom you have already met." Kuma barked and shoved his head under Renji's hand. Renji could not help but smile as he gave the big dog a pat.

Then he heard the hollow scream. He turned his head towards the sound. He heard the dog growl and Keiko breath in sharply. He faced Keiko with the intent to tell her to run, but he was a step behind. Her fuzzy friend was pulling her away from him, and the oncoming hollow. He was in luck; the hollow found him. Renji raced towards the hollow. Only then did it dawn on him.

"Holy shit. She could see me."

A/N: Please review. :)

*Edited on 1/25/10*