"Help me!" I cried, tears stinging my eyes. The monster behind me bellowed and laughed at my feeble attempt at rescue. "No, I can't die this way!" I gasped, shaking my spectral head, even though I knew I was already dead. A year ago I had been struck by a truck during a shopping trip with my friends Truth and Ayame. Ever since then I've wandered around, waiting for my eternal peace. No such luck. I gasped as I ran, trying to get away from this beast. Suddenly I fell, but as I hit the pavement a strange boy was gliding through the air past me. His odd orange hair confused me but all I could do was sob in happiness that I was saved. Soon after a tiny black haired girl arrived wearing identical clothing as the strange orange haired boy.

"Ichigo! Are you alright?" she asked as the boy went sailing through the air and landed with a skid on the ground. She wielded a long sword and ran at the monster, yelling strange chants all the way. "Kendo 33, SO CON SUI!"

"Ryukia! Watch out for the girl!"yelled the boy, Ichigo, with frustration as I scampered out of the way of the frightening pair. Were they really saving me or were they just saving me for themselves? More tears of fright escaped as I got up and began running again.

"Wait! Where do you think you are going?" yelled the two in unison. I yipped and ran harder, not knowing how much more of this my soul could take. I saw an alley and ran down it, hoping for the promise of a hiding spot and a place to rest. I heard the monster roar in the distance and then a sort of fizzling sound. Footsteps came closer as I ducked behind a trash can and tried to quiet my breathing.

"Come out! We won't hurt you! We want to help…" Ichigo sighed, putting his hand behind his neck and raising his elbow into the air in a confused motion.

"He's not as scary as he looks, you poor frightened soul. He's really very nice," said the girl, Ryukia. I cried as they turned down my alley. I cupped my hand around my mouth, trying to cover my terrified cries. Did they kill that monster? Would they do the same to me or were their promises of help genuine? I closed my eyes, hoping they would just go away and stop scaring me. I screamed loud as I heard the trash can guarding me from them was moved. I opened my eyes only to stare into orbs of melted gold.

"Hey there, it's okay, calm down. I promise we won't hurt you. I'm Ichigo Kurosaki, this is my friend Ryukia Kuchki. What is your name?" said the boy as he took my arms and lifted me up from the cold ground.

"Kai, Kai Helsenki. Please, please, don't hurt me. I'll do anything….." I said quietly, wiping my tears away. I wasn't surprised when the girl chirped back that they had already promised to not hurt me. And that it was going to be alright.

"Well Kai, I think we can help you move on. You'll go to a very nice place called the Soul Society, where you'll live in peace away from those nasty monsters" said Ichigo while ruffling my hair with a smile, even though I was the same age as him.

"Yes, you'll really like it there," said Ryukia with a comforting smile.

"No, can't I please say goodbye first? My family..?" I begged. I had to at least tell my family that I was okay and moving on.

"We can help you with that too" said Ichigo. He took my shaking hand and looked me in the eyes. "It's going to be alright Kai. I swear on my life."

Ichigo's P.O.V

I released Kai's hand and she led the way to her home. Ryukia watched on with pained eyes as the girl wandered down dark streets and was silent. We just followed, both as sorry for this soul as we've ever been. Her soul had scars and marks from other Hollows chasing her and taking bits and pieces of her soul. After a while Kai had stopped, walked through a yard and started to look into a window. She stretched on her tip toes and cupped her hands around the glass as she stared at a family, a mother a father and two young girls. One seemed to be about eleven and the other one was probably about two years old. They sat around a fire and the mother stared at a lone picture on the mantel. It was of Kai, lying in a pile of autumn leaves with her long black hair swirled around her. She was very pretty. I glanced at her as she peeped and I touched her shoulder, it was shaking again with sobs. Poor girl.

"Kai, I can still see you when I'm human, all you have to do is help me convince them I'm not lying about talking to you and then I can tell them anything you want me to" I said as she turned to look at me, tears covering her ashen colored eyes. They were so sad, never before had I seen such a pitiful and sad soul. My heart truly ached for her.

"Okay, thank you Ichigo" she said while wiping away her tears and walking toward the front door. I joined her as I summoned my gegi and we waited as Kon came running down the street with my body. When he arrived my eye began to twitch as I saw that Kon had marker drawn all over my arms. Numbers and ladies' names were scrawled on my skin.

"KON!!!!!! YOU IDIOT! THAT IS MY BODY!" I screamed. Kon flushed and pulled out a wet nap. I seethed as he scrubbed furiously trying to erase the numbers. Finally all that could be seen on my pale skin were evenly spaced red marks. I was going to get Kon for this later. I popped the back of my head and Kon came flying out my mouth and Ryukia caught him and stuffed him into that same ugly stuffed toy lion. I sighed as I looked at my new red marks, some were already fading and Ryukia was rummaging for an ointment to heal the rest before I entered the Helsenki residence, like I would need any help looking like a lunatic.

I looked over at Kai who had been ready to enter her home for the past few minutes. Ryukia rubbed the cream in and the marks faded. I sighed and readied myself for this. I had only done it a few times, but each time I was as nervous as I am now. Kai glanced back at me, this time pleading with me to hurry. The father had picked up the baby and walked into a beautiful pink nursery. He set the baby down and walked back into the family room and hugged Kai's mother close as they both looked at Kai's picture.

"Let's go Kai, it's getting late. We have to do this now" I said as I knocked on the ornate wooden door. Kai's little sister answered the door and I smiled at her. Ryukia motioned to just go on and that she would wait outside. I turned to the young girl with a smile. "May I speak with your parents? It's urgent."

"May…….Oh May, I've missed you so much!" Kai cried with tears running down her cheeks still.

"Mom, Dad. There is a boy here to see you," called the girl and I heard Kai's parents shuffle from the living room to join us at the doorway. Kai cupped her hand around her mouth as she stifled heart breaking cries. I winced at the sound of it.

"Young man, how may we assist you?" asked Kai's father. I shifted my weight nervously and I touched the back of my neck. Oh man.

"I have to talk to you about……your daughter" They both looked at May but I just shook my head and smiled a little. "Not May, Kai."

"What!?! Why do you ask about her?" said her mother as she nearly collapsed into her husband's arms. Kai whimpered in sadness.

"Mom, Dad……."

"She's here you know. Please invite me in and give me a chance to explain."I begged, the look in my eyes must have said it all because they motioned for me to come inside. I walked forward, but not without moving so Kai could enter. She followed her father and mother as they led me into the warm family room we had watched them in earlier. "Please ask anything, to make sure that I am not lying to you. Ask only something Kai would know. Anything to make you believe me." I said, my voice becoming stronger as Kai stood behind me with her arm on my shoulder. Her fingers traced little circles on my skin and somehow that relaxed me.

"Where is her birthmark?" inquired her father with his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"In my left eye Ichigo, tell them that" Kai whispered.

"She says it's in her left eye, sir" I stated. I looked at her parents whose eyes were wide with shock.

"What are her sister's birthdays?" asked Kai's mother. Kai whimpered at the mention of her sisters. And her focus went to the bedroom at the end of the hall.

"Kai? Answer please, you asked me to do this, so focus….." I said while turning my head to look at Kai who just whispered the dates back to me without turning her gaze.

"She said 'September 4th, 1997 and August 4th , 2008.'" I said turning my gaze back to Kai's parents. They both shook their heads.

"Is she okay??" asked her mother. Kai turned her head and took a few steps to knell by her mother and father. I smiled.

"Tell them that I'm fine, Ichigo and that tonight I'll be moving on" she said, whipping away her tears.

"Yes, she said that she's fine and she wants you to know that this is the last night she will dwell. She is moving on tonight" I said. Her parents broke into tears, they hugged and Kai said her goodbyes, I relayed them and then I took my leave. I bowed out of the room as Kai touched their faces and then disappeared into her sisters' room. She came back out to me and took my hand as we walked out the door. But before I could take a step out the door I heard a voice call to me.

"Tell her we love her, Boy, tell her that we will never forget her and that she is missed, by everyone. It's not the same without her," cried her mother as she stumbled into the hallway, tears streaming down her cheeks. She reached out to me and fell into my arms. "Thank you so much, you did us a great kindness. You are an exceptional boy." I nodded, I helped her up and Kai's father entered with red eyes also and he shook my hand. I glanced backwards at Kai, whose eyes glistened once again.

"You got all that Kai Helsenki? You get that these people love you more than anything?" I smiled and took a step out the door as she nodded and squeezed my hand.

"I love you Mom, you too Dad." Kai whispered. Then we walked away from the house, a house that was once filled with pain and loss, now a house that could heal, a house that will always hold a place for Kai. Ryukia ran up to us and we walked to a remote place to help Kai pass over to the Soul Society. I held Kai's hand as Ryukia whispered the spells and stamped Kai's forehead with the back of her sword. Kai closed her eyes and I smiled and whispered a fond farewell to Kai Helsenki. As she floated upwards, into the now dark sky I sighed.

"How perfectly awful. That poor girl. I hope she does well in the Soul Society" said Ryukia as she returned her sword to her sheathe and stretched her muscles. She looked over at me, my eyes were downcast and my chest heaved with the crushing grief that that family hurt just like my father, my sisters and I had when my mother was killed. Tears flowed from my eyes. Ryukia was right. How perfectly awful this whole situation was. If there had been a way to save Kai, bring her back to her family I would have done anything to do it. Juts to save another family from going through what my family and I had. I continued to cry as Ryukia chided my name and rubbed my back soothingly.

"Why is this world so cruel, killing the young and the good? How can it be?" I sobbed, not caring about my pride. This is the night I was going to let it out and just cry. Finally the worst of my tears had pasted and Ryukia led me back to my home, where my father was waiting for us.

"Out all night were ya'! I suggest you two tie the knot before doing things like THAT!" my father said with an eyebrow wiggle as I walked in the door. With the little strength I had left I threw my fist into my father's face.

"Idoit! How dare you assume……."I growled. Ryukia held a restraining hand on my arm.

"Ichigo, forget about it. Just go get some rest. That last Conso really took it out of you. It's okay. Just go to bed" aid Ryukia with worry clear in her violet eyes.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." I said, yawning and stretching my arms until the joints popped loudly. There was no way I was going to make it through school today. I would stay home. Ryukia would go though, I figured as I opened my closet for her so that it noise wouldn't wake me when she decided to go to sleep too. I closed my eyes and flung myself on my bed, still in my clothes. I drifted into a melancholy dream about Kai Helsenki. I hope she's alright…..

Kai's P.O.V

3 years later

I stood proudly, back straight and smile wide. I heard my name called and I squealed a little as I looked at my friend Renji. He smiled back flirtingly. He's such a womanizer! I giggled a bit before I walked up onto the platform and looked into the eyes of the Head Captain. His old wrinkled skin folded as he smiled at me and handed me a piece of paper and my very own zanpakuto. Three years I had studied and worked to be a great Soul Reaper. I had made great friends, and graduated before the rest of my class. I was graduating 2 years ahead of my own class and I looked into the excited faces of my peers who had come to cheer me on. I took my zanpakuto and I thanked and bowed to the Head Captain.

"Kai Helsenki, due to your great success in the Soul Reaper Academy you will be placed in the hands of Captain Hitsugaya. You now belong to squad ten. Stay loyal and true young Soul Reaper" said the Head Captain. I smiled broadly. Squad ten? Captain Hitsugaya was a very highly respected captain, his snow white hair and………lack of height made him very easy to pick out from a crowd so I scanned the rows to look for him as I exited the platform and another Soul Reaper was called up. I looked around before taking my seat on the opposite side of the students that had yet to be called. A voice sounded behind me and I jumped, not prepared to hear a voice so close.

"Hello there, Kai Helsenki. Congratulations on being placed in my squad" Said Captain Hitsugaya. I grabbed my chest and I turned to look at him. I gasped to see he was only slightly taller than me while I was sitting, Rangiku wasn't kidding when she told me he was………gravity impaired. His eyes were a beautiful teal color and his snow white hair dazzled me. I stood quickly only to bow at my waist.

"Captain. I apologize. I did not see you there," I blushed as I whispered my apology "Thank you for the congratulations. I am thrilled to learn under your expertise." My eyebrows furrowed as I heard a chuckle.

"Stand, Soul Reaper Kai Helsenki. No need to be so formal. Welcome, I can tell already you will be a delight to have" said Captain Hitsugaya. I stood and smiled at him. He nodded.

"Thank you again, Captain." I said. My stomach did flips in nervousness, holy…..crap. I looked my new captain in the eyes, they seemed old, but they exploded with knowledge. I saw Rangiku run up to both the captain and I.

"Captain, I see you have met my friend, Kai. Isn't she a riot?" laughed Rangiku. The captain smiled at her and nodded.

"She seems a bit star-struck, Rangiku. What lies have you been filling her head with?" asked Captain Hitsugaya. He chuckled again. I smiled widely and laughed along. Captain Hitsugaya glanced up at the sky. He frowned a bit then turned back to Rangiku and I.

"It seems it is time for me to excuse myself. See you both tomorrow, Rangiku, Kai" said the captain. He nodded in goodbye and then Rangiku and I had our chance to rejoice that we were in the same squad.

"Rangiku, tell me more about the captain" I said excitedly, "for some reason he doesn't seem to think he's all that special. Doesn't he know who he is exactly?" I asked.

"Oh, he's a very mysterious man, I'm closer to him than anyone here in the Soul Society, but I don't even know all that much about him" frowned Rangiku.

"What do you mean 'closer to him than anyone in the Soul Society'?" I asked, confused. "Are you two together???!!??" I giggled. Rangiku blushed deeply.

"NO!" yelled Rangiku, though she wouldn't look at me "He's my captain! I wouldn't even think of such a thing!!!"

"Right, Rangiku, whatever you say……" I laughed. She swatted at my arm so I just dropped the subject. Rangiku was quiet after that. She showed me to my dorm and she showed me where I could keep my things. I ran to my old apartment to get all my belongings. When I had returned my eyes were drooping. Man, what a day. I slumped down on my bed, fully clothed and on top on the covers, and fell asleep.

The next morning

"GET UP!" squealed Rangiku as she pushed me right off my bed.

"Ah!" I yelled as I hit the cold floor. I laughed. "Idiot!" I giggled as she reached to help me up. Renji arrived in the doorway. I smiled broadly at him. "Renji!" I laughed. I ran to him and I gave him a hug. He laughed at me.

"Look who 's all chipper and bright today!" he laughed as I removed myself from him. He put his hand on my shoulder. "I was just dropping by to say 'good luck' and don't let midget face walk all over you."

"Renji! Don't speak poorly of Captain Hitsugaya!" I said as I punched him lightly in the chest."So far, he's been nothing if not kind to me."

"Whatever you say Kai. Anyways, good luck" said Renji as he turned and walked out the door. Waving as he walked out my door and down the street. I waved and Rangiku just nodded in his general direction. She wasn't so fond of my red-haired friend. I laughed at her.

"You better get ready Kai. The captain will be angry if you're late. He expects great things from you, Ms. Smarty-pants-graduating-2-years-early" Rangiku rolled her eyes. She stood then and left me to get dressed. I watched her go nervously. I hoped I could live up to Captain Hitsugaya's expectations. Now, there, in lies the challenge.

I dressed in a daze, barely noticing the pull of the robe over my skin. I looked over at my mirror to check my hair. I pulled it into a long and silky ponytail and brushed the long tail. I slid my zanpakuto in its place and took a moment to relax. Suddenly I heard an announcement calling all Soul Reapers to their training quarters. I smiled and ran down the streets of the Soul Society. Young souls that were not able to be Soul Reapers stood at the edge of the street and waved as I hurried to not be late to my first day of training. I grinned wider as I saw the symbol of squad ten on an arch. Captain Hitsugaya and Rangiku were greeting all as I slowed and walked slowly and respectively toward the pair. I bowed to them both and whispered hello's before I entered the large room in which I would learn how to fight as well as the older and much more experienced Soul Reapers. Hoping to get some guidance on today's activities I walked right up to a small group of older Soul Reapers.

"Hello, my name is Kai Helsenki, I am a new recruit" I bowed in respect to my elders and the three Soul Reapers all stood and bowed back to me. I glanced around to see any of my class mates, but surprisingly I didn't see any. Maybe they were late?

"And I am Hojo. You may regard me as such" said a large Soul Reaper who bore a dark scar that tore down from the left side of his fore-head all the way to his chin. When he said this the other two men chuckled and whispered more inappropriate nick names. I giggled.

"Honored" I said as I stood to greet the other two. After introductions they invited me to sit with them and join their "Team" for the exercise that we would be doing today. I smiled and accepted. I grinned at Rangiku as she entered with Captain Hitsugaya. Everyone stood and bowed in respect and the captain told us all to sit. He relayed instructions on how to complete the exercise that Hojo and the others had mentioned. I smiled at the group as we walked forward to be the first to compete. We each grabbed a wooden stick. I walked forward into the sand pit with the rest as we took our stances.

"Ready?" asked Captain Hitsugaya as he looked at me with the other Soul Reapers skeptically. I furrowed my eyebrows. He thought I was no match for them, well I guess I would just have to show him then. All I had to do is hit the men in a place where it would have injured them past fighting ability if I were using a zanpakuto.

"Yes, Captain!" we all yelled in unison. He smiled a bit and then gave us the signal to start the simulation battle. The three men rushed towards each other. I ran into the mix and rammed one man in the stomach. He fell to the ground with a cough. The remaining two were exchanging blows. They were so busy fighting each other that at least one of them stood no chance. Bad move on their parts. I turned to the man fighting Hojo and I rolled and came up on the other side of him. I gave him a good whack on the shoulder. Hojo's eyes were wide. I looked at the captain and Rangiku quickly and I saw both their jaws drop down in surprise. I looked back at Hojo. He narrowed his eyes at me, I smiled and I swung my stick at him, for the first time my opponent wasn't distracted so I was countered. The sticks hit each other with a loud crack and I grinned wider. This is FUN. I narrowed my eyes and decided now was the time to concentrate. I saw Hojo's two friends rooting him on while it seemed the rest of them were rooting on the newbie. I roared as I tried to hit Hojo again. He countered again and I decided to unleash my secret weapon. I threw my stick into the air and did a tight flip into the air. Mid-air I punched Hojo on the side of his neck. I laughed as I landed gracefully in the sand and caught my stick as it came down. Hojo fell to the floor, unconscious. A roar of laughter and cheers erupted. Rangiku ran up to me and we hugged for a moment before Captain Hitsugaya walked over to me. I bowed quickly. I looked into his ice blue eyes and I was glad to see pride there. I barely noticed Hojo's friends as they carried him away.

"Congratulations. Kai, you are my first recruit to ever beat three experienced Soul Reapers in a battle simulation on the first day. You are going to do well here. I can now see why the Head Captain placed you here" smiled Captain Hitsugaya. I gasped as he bowed in respect. I smiled and bowed back.

"Captain would you mind if I had a go with our new pupil?" asked Rangiku, my jaw dropped.

"What? Oh, I guess I was under the wrong impression. Are you two not close?" asked the captain. His eyebrows furrowed.

"Oh, we are. Don't worry Captain. I would damage her too badly" she winked at the captain and then smiled at me. What the HELL does she think she's DOING!