Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach!
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(note from author: this fanfic does not go along with the manga's main story line)
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Dress me up in frills and lace, curl my hair and set it in place; paint my lips a vibrant red, place a hat upon my head. Attach a cord to my arms and legs; make me dance upon a stage. Place me back upon a shelf; leave me alone, all by myself.
I am a doll, a tool, nothing more. It is what I was born as, and what I shall die as. My Master wills it so. And I cannot disobey my Master. He created me, he gave me life, and he made me breathe. His will is absolute.
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The night was young; the sun had just set, leaving behind its brilliance of color in the darkening sky. A group of soul reapers dashed through the forest, hoping to reach their target before darkness engulfed everything.
"Keep moving," I ordered the three other 12th division members that followed behind me. We were on a simple mission, seek and destroy a certain hollow, but all of us wished to get the job done quickly. If night set before the hollow was located, and hopefully destroyed, we would have to set up camp and wait until morning to continue the mission. That would waste valuable time.
After every passing minute the sky grew darker and darker, until the stars came out, and we were forced to set up camp.
"Damn it," Akio swore. His seat in the division was 6th. "I can't believe we were forced to set up camp! This was supposed to go smoothly."
"It never goes as smoothly as planned, Akio," Aoi remarked. Her seat was 9th.
"Hideki," I commanded them, "scout around camp in a 30 meter radius. As usual, if something happens, set off a flare. Aoi set up the bedding. Akio, get a fire ready but do not light it." I went to preparing dinner.
As the leader of the squad, it was my responsibility to look after the other three and make sure we are all safe. Safety is the main objective of this mission. Though the risks are very low because the hollow we are hunting was very un-advanced, I would not take chances.
I offered to do the first watch, which would then be followed by Akio, then Aoi and finally Hideki. In the morning we would set off once more. If it would happen that by noon tomorrow, the hollow was not located, we would have to return to the soul society. I did not want to fail, so I made a point to be up early and be ready.
The night was beautiful. I loved the night, though the darkness hindered my sight, leaving me vulnerable. The stars were magnificent, and the air cool and crisp.
My squad mates were sleeping now, soundly in their beds. I watched them for a while, breathing in, breathing out. Slowly, calm and relaxed. The pains of the day did not penetrate into their comfortable sleep. A sad smile showed on my lips.
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Yay! The introduction to my first Bleach fanfic is done. Now I can get down to more serious writing on it. I love bleach so much I'm surprised I didn't write something on it before! The chapters will get longer.
Please Review! :D