Hello lovely readers! I know that a couple of times before I have forgotten to press complete before I post (I get too excited XD), but I left it as In-Progress on purpose this time. I am seriously thinking of turning this into a short fic (lovingly referred to as a fic-lit in my mind), but I wanted to know if anyone would actually stick with it and read it. This was very difficult for me to write, a lot of research was put into this, and I am still not completely happy with it. If you would be kind enough to leave your thoughts in a review, it would be greatly appreciated.
On another note, I am still taking requests! I happen to really enjoy them!
Disclaimer: If you recognize it, then it probably isn't mine.
She awoke with a start, her eyes focusing on the stretch of ceiling above her bed, and she waited for her gray orbs to adjust to the darkness that the room was currently cloaked in. She sat up slowly, scanning the room for what might have woken her. She spotted one of her pictures lying on the floor, a few feet away. She slipped out of her warm bed and ghosted across the cool wood floor to where the silver frame lay.
She picked it up with gentle fingers, and caressed the picture within it. It was the last picture her family had taken before her brother, Sora died. Within the confines of the frame were two happy and smiling children with a handsome man and beautiful woman standing proudly behind them, eyes conveying love even in the picture. She was, of course the smallest, she had only been fourteen when it had been taken. Her brother, Sora, was standing behind the her, a hand place on her shoulder. The girl from the picture, now a young woman, smiled sadly and placed it back in it's special place, on her dresser facing the window so Sora could always have a clear view of the moon.
Just as she was turning to crawl back into bed, a dim flash caught her attention. Orihime turned back to the picture. A soft glow was coming from behind the jewelry box she had received from her best friend, Tatsuki, for her birthday. She reached out hesitantly to it and held her breath as she nudged it aside. Behind the ornate box stood a miniature human, about five inches in height, with black hair and wide brown eyes. She had two curious appendages sprouting from her back, both red with yellow diamonds decorating them.
Orihime released the breath she had been holding captive as she gazed at the curious being. The poor dear flinched and held her small hands up in measly defense. Her eyes were squeezed shut tightly and she was trembling.
"Oh! Don't worry! I won't hurt you!" she quickly reassured the frightened girl.
The small creature unclosed her eyes and stared up at Orihime with wide dark eyes. The frightened expression left her face, replaced by a look of awe and curiosity, much like the one Orihime was sporting. She was leaning on her left leg, her right slightly suspended.
"You're not…gonna trap me or anything?" she asked in a small, soft, but beautiful voice.
"Why would I? You're so small and defenseless it would hardly be fair, and you are hurt." Orihime pointed out.
The girl smiled and blushed a tiny bit, "I-I'm Ayame. What's your name?"
"Orihime, nice to meet you Ayame!" the auburn haired girl replied with a cheery smile.
They had a short staring contest before Orihime recalled her injury.
"Do you need any help Ayame? You hurt your leg, didn't you?" the young human asked.
"Yes. I wasn't paying attention and I cut my leg pretty badly." the small girl explained sheepishly.
"Well then let me help you! I can help you clean the cut and I have some small pieces of cloth that I should be able to tie around your wounds!" Orihime said after a moment of thought.
Ayame smiled and nodded her acquiesce and Orihime left to get her healing materials. She, with the mystical creatures help, wrapped up the tiny foot and tied it carefully. When they were finished, and the small girl relieved of some of her pain, Ayame looked around nervously before returning her eyes to Orihime.
"W-Would you like to accompany me Orihime?" she asked nervously.
"Where Ayame?" she asked.
"A special place. My home and the home of my friends. It'll be my way of repaying you for the bandages and the medicine." Ayame said hopefully.
Orihime's smile brightened and she nodded enthusiastically. Ayame smiled back at her and the curious things on her back began to flap furiously. Ayame lifted off the dresser and beckoned Orihime to follow her. Together they crept out of the sleeping house, careful to avoid making any noise.
Feeling daring, Orihime decided to carry on without her shoes, she loved the feel of the cool grass beneath her small feet anyways. Ayame led her across a few sleeping fields, many of the flowers shut tightly until morning's first rays, and into the shadowed forest. There weren't enough trees to block out the moonlight, so Orihime could see well enough, and Ayame's perpetual red glow helped as well. After a few minutes of walking in the forest Ayame glided to Orihime and landed on her shoulder, careful to avoid jolting her injured leg.
"I have to help you with this part." she explained.
Ayame closed her eyes and a look of concentration morphed her features. She spread her arms out wide and raised them up. Her pink dress began to flutter, as if being teased by the wind, and she opened her brown eyes once more.
"Orihime. I need you to recite something for me before we can continue." Ayame said.
"What is it?" the auburn haired beauty asked.
"Repeat after me. Koeru sono shinseina feariringu*." Ayame instructed.
"O-Okay." Orihime said and took a deep breath, "Koeru sono shinseina feariringu?"
Ayame smiled encouragingly, assuring Orihime that she had spoken the words correctly. A yellow light appeared before them and cloaked the two within a spherical shape. Orihime gasped and her eyes widened in surprise and slight fear.
"Don't worry Orihime! It's a shield meant to protect you as you pass through." Ayame explained, patting her companions hair, so as to calm her.
"A shield? What's it shielding me from?" Orihime asked, her fear melting away.
"Just the portal. What humans call a 'fairy ring.' It protects our home from those who would wish to harm it." Ayame explained as she motioned for Orihime to continue foreword.
Orihime nodded her head in slight understanding and continued her trek through the woods…though they seemed different somehow. She could have sworn she heard whispers and saw lights all around her, but when she looked there was nothing. Ayame floated a small ways ahead, looking back often to smile at the girl. A bright light soon loomed ahead, casting a warm glow on Orihime's pale face.
"Welcome, Orihime. This is my home!" Ayame said with a smile, gesturing to the light.
Music floated to the two girls and Orihime moved foreword curiously, wondering what was going on. As she got closer voices- laughing, singing, and loud- became distinct. Sweet smells wafted to her and she felt an immense hunger overtake her. She opened her eyes, not realizing she had closed them, and quickened her pace to keep up with Ayame, who had sped ahead. The small fairy led her to a bright clearing, lit by lamps of all different colors, with a bonfire in the center. Many bright banners and other colorful decorations adorned the tree limbs and it was all rather cheerful. Orihime noted that there were many of the odd wagons, that the gypsies usually traveled in, lined around the edges of the clearing. Women and men whirled passed her, dancing gracefully in time to the music, but upon further inspection Orihime realized that they weren't quite men…or women…or even human. Many of the clearings inhabitants were unearthly, beautiful and handsome and some had animalistic aspects. Orihime knew her eyes were wide and her mouth was probably hanging open, but she didn't care. She was too shocked to care.
"Aya-chan!" a shrill and happy cry reached Orihime's ears as an indigo and pink streak raced towards them.
Ayame was soon wrapped up in a crushing hug by another fairy. She had pink hair pulled up into three buns and she wore a strapless indigo dress. She had pink wings with a white semi-circle pattern decorating them. She bounced, as well as one can while floating, hugging Ayame tightly.
"L-Lily! I-can't-breath!" Ayame gasped.
"Oops! Sorry Aya-chan!" Lily said, releasing Ayame and smiling widely.
Ayame wavered dangerously and Orihime quickly held out her hand for her to rest on. Ayame smiled at her with her thanks shining in her eyes. Lily seemed to notice Orihime then, and studied her quizzically.
"Aya-chan, who is this?" Lily asked pointing a small finger at Orihime.
"Lily, meet Orihime. She helped me return home when I got hurt tonight." Ayame explained.
Lily's smile widened, "No wonder you brought her here! She's so nice! And pretty, too, but that's beside the point! Welcome Orihime-chan!" Lily cheered, flying laps around Orihime.
"Thank you Lily. But where exactly am I?" Orihime asked.
She was slightly thankful that the clearings other inhabitants had yet to notice her, they were still hidden in the shadows of the trees.
"You are in what we call home. Mythical, magical, and mystical creatures come here to relax and party after they finish their 'work' in the human world. You may know us, well some of us anyway. The humans make up many stories about us." Lily explained.
Orihime glanced around the cheerful glade once more and realized she did indeed recognize some of the mystical beings, from story books and legends. Sure some of them looked different, much different, but they were still recognizable.
"Lily? Where have you gone?" a voice rang out, rather close to their location.
"Over here!" Lily called back.
A busty woman with strawberry blond hair appeared out of the crowd, her silvery-blue gown revealing a good amount of cleavage and her blue eyes sparked slightly in surprise when she saw Orihime, but it soon faded into curiosity. She smiled warmly at the gaping Orihime who was stunned by the woman's beauty.
"Well hello there! It's been awhile since a human has been invited to the Meadow. Did Ayame bring you?" she asked, sizing up Orihime as she did so.
"Y-yes ma'am." Orihime stumbled, realizing that she might not be completely welcome.
The woman laughed, her eyes seemed to dance, and she laid an affectionate hand on Orihime's shoulder.
"Just call me Rangiku! Now we must let Lady Unohana know you are here. But don't worry, we'll take the back door!" Rangiku whispered the last part to her conspiratorially and caused Orihime to giggle.
"My name is Orihime, it's a pleasure to meet you Rangiku!" she chimed.
They shook hands and then Rangiku led her around the festivities, still in the safety of the trees, and to a woman with long black hair. The woman emitted a natural grace, even while standing still, and was beautiful. White flowers were threaded through her raven colored tresses, and her dress was pale green silk. She turned, sensing Rangiku and Orihime's presence, and smiled at them. Rangiku smiled as well and pushed Orihime foreword.
"H-Hello. I'm Orihime. Ayame brought me here." Orihime flailed, trying to explain the reason for her presence.
The woman smiled again, it was warm and made Orihime think of the sunshine, and looked to Ayame as Orihime fell silent.
"I accidentally cut my leg and it was bleeding pretty badly. Orihime cleaned the wound and bandaged it. I've seen her reading fairy tale books before so I thought she would enjoy coming here and it was all I could give to show my appreciation." Ayame explained.
Orihime looked to Ayame, but the fairy ignored her glance. It surprised her that Ayame had seen her before. She had thought that tonight had just been a coincidence. Orihime noted that something seemed to pass between the two, a hidden message of sorts and the magnificent lady's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Her eyes soon softened, and she returned her attention to Orihime.
"So you helped our beloved Ayame? That's a very rare thing for a human to do when they stumble upon one of us." the magnificent lady said, her voice was like wind chimes- musical and enticing- and made Orihime wonder what her singing voice was like.
"I-It was nothing! She was just so scared and if I was her I would want someone to help me so I just did what I was taught, you know the whole treat oth-"
She placed a finger to Orihime's lips, halting her rambling, and smiled.
"Thank you, Orihime. I am Lady Unohana, known throughout the world as Mother Nature. It is my responsibility to care and protect the Earth and it's inhabitants. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"No the pleasure is mine, M'Lady." Orihime replied cheerily.
Unohana smiled and something swept through her eyes. Before Orihime could decipher it, the emotion was gone.
"Rangiku? Would you be kind enough to look after our young friend tonight?" Unohana asked.
"Of course! Now, lets go Orihime! We're going to have so much fun!" Rangiku cheered, clapping her hands together.
Orihime smiled and allowed herself to be led away from the regal Unohana. They stayed near the edge of the forest, Rangiku was scanning the crowd, looking for something or someone in particular. Orihime decided to break the ice and get to know more about Rangiku. Lily and Ayame were currently floating a few feet away, heads close together and speaking intently, so help from Ayame was a no-go.
"Rangiku? May I ask what you are?" Orihime inquired, trying her best to avoid insult.
"Of course! I am a siren." Rangiku grinned.
"A siren?" Orihime asked, confused.
The term sounded familiar but she wasn't sure where she had heard it before.
"My job is to sit on whatever rock formation I choose and sing for those that must stay in the ocean. It always ends up attracting stupid sailors, though. The idiots get so distracted that they crash!" Rangiku huffed.
Orihime giggled, finally remembering the Greek myths she had heard dealing with sirens. In those legends, the sirens were cold hearted temptresses whose only goal was to kill innocent sailors. Rangiku seemed to be telling the truth, and Orihime decided to except her version over the human tales that were sure to be biased.
"Now let me see… I could have sworn they were right over there…..Ah! There we go!" Rangiku exclaimed and took Orihime's arm. She lead the auburn haired girl across the clearing, weaving through the crowd, that seemed to take no particular notice of Orihime, and over to a group that was gathered around a medium sized fire.
A man with long, wavy, chestnut brown hair wearing a flamboyant pink garment around his shoulders, that Orihime was certain was meant for a lady, was waving one of his arms in a large arch and those with him laughed. In one hand he held a bottle, it was white and had a red symbol painted on it, the other was no where to be seen, but Orihime had her suspicions it was in the care of the woman sitting to his right. The man took a swig before returning to, what Orihime assumed was an amusing story. The woman next to him, a quiet beauty with a stern expression, indigo eyes, dark hair, and wearing a simple yet beautiful brown dress, was the first to notice them and offered a small smile. Noticing the woman's smile, the man turned and grinned widely. He had very mischievous brown eyes, they seemed to glow in perpetual amusement, and a roguish face.
"Ran-chan! We were wondering where you'd sauntered off to!" he thundered.
"Oh, Shunsui! You know me! I was finding some more drinking buddies!" Rangiku bantered playfully.
He laughed, an infectious and wonderful laugh, and beckoned them closer. As they drew near Orihime noticed the inquisitive glances she was receiving and tried to ignore them. Rangiku would not allow her to stay invisible, however, completely disregarding any plans Orihime had put in place. Sitting quietly and becoming invisible was not an option.
"Everyone, I'd like for you to meet the wondrous, beautiful, and saintly Orihime. She saved Ayame from certain death with her healing touch and we all owe her a great deal. To Orihime!" Rangiku cried dramatically, raising her glass of alcohol. Orihime had no idea where the glass came from, nor the one that magically appeared in her own hands.
"To Orihime!" the circle of friends cried jovially, all save one.
The tall man near the shadows simply raised his glass in a half-hazard fashion and took a single sip. He had gazed at her intently from underneath the black hood he wore since she had arrived at their small party within the party, and she felt the urge to hide behind something. She felt uncomfortable and yet, at the same time, she felt she did not one those chocolate eyes to leave her, even if the world would end because of it. Confused, she felt herself blush and let Rangiku lead her to a plush cushion where she was wedged between the siren and a petite woman with short black hair and huge blue eyes. The small woman greeted Orihime with a warm smile.
"Hi, I'm Rukia." she said, holding out her hand.
"I'm Orihime."
They shook hands and Orihime felt something, it was as if they were making a deal or agreement. It was like Orihime was finally experiencing something she had known would happen for years. The simple gesture had a ring of finality to it and Orihime felt extremely happy for some reason. Rukia looked into her eyes questioningly, but Orihime held no answers.
"Did you?…Never mind." Rukia waved her hand, as if to brush the feeling aside for later examination, "Anyway, welcome to the Meadow! I'll try and answer any questions you have seeing as I'm the closest, least intoxicated being."
"Ayame and Lily told me that this is a place for mythical and legendary beings. I slightly recognize some of those present, but I have never heard of someone like you. Are you a part of some other culture's mythology?" Orihime asked hesitantly.
Rangiku seemed happy, almost eager, to tell Orihime about her "job", but Rukia may have been more private.
"In Japan they call me Koori Odoriko, Ice Dancer. I help Lady Unohana with the snow fall every winter, but they believe it falls because of my dancing. Pfft! Silly beings, no offense of course." she added quickly.
"None taken." Orihime chirped, glancing to her left shoulder as she felt something alight on it.
"Good evening Rukia. How are you tonight?" Ayame asked politely in her small voice.
"I'm well Ayame. Rangiku told us that you were injured, are you all right?" Rukia asked.
"I'm all right now! Orihime helped me patch myself up." Ayame said patting the shoulder she was currently sitting on.
"Orihime!" Rangiku cried in a sing-song voice.
"Yes Rangiku?" Orihime responded politely, slightly afraid of the wide grin on the older woman's voice.
"We've toasted and chatted, it's time to have some real fun!" Rangiku cheered.
Orihime found herself on her feet and being pushed toward the dancers. Most of the group was following behind she and Rangiku, smiling at the siren's antics.
"It'll be alright." the man with the mischievous eyes, Shunsui was what Rangiku called him, assured her.
He held out a hand and after waiting several short moments he chuckled and took Orihime's.
"If we're going to dance you have to respond, my dear!" he teasingly instructed.
Orihime blushed but took the stance she had been ruthlessly taught. Shunsui smiled in encouragement and placed a warm hand on the small of her back. Without warning he whirled her away, her surprised expression causing him, and several others from Rangiku's circle, to laugh. Orihime could have sworn a small smirk appeared on the mysterious man's face, even if it was only for a moment.
Shunsui was a graceful and all around wonderful dancer, and after a few steps Orihime picked up on his style. The two whirled together, blending in with the other dancing pairs. When the song ended Shunsui bowed floridly and led her back to where Rangiku and the others waited. She wasn't allowed to rest as the white haired man that had been sitting next to Shunsui politely invited her to a dance. He had friendly green eyes and a kind smile and Rukia nodded encouragingly behind him. Orihime accepted and he lead her back into the fray.
"My name is Jushiro Ukitake, please call me Jushiro." he said as they began their dance.
"I am Orihime, it's a pleasure to meet you." she mouthed the practiced phrase.
He smiled and nodded towards Shunsui, "He can be a bit flamboyant and outrageous, but I assure you he is a good man. Even if he is a partying pervert that leads many other partying perverts, that call themselves Satyrs."
Orihime glanced in the direction Jushiro had nodded and spotted Shunsui dancing with the woman in brown that had been sitting next to him. She was smiling softly and he was practically melting. Orihime turned back to her partner, feeling as if the moment the two were sharing was to intimate to be spied upon. Jushiro laughed at her slight blush.
"The woman's name is Nanao. She's a Nymph that helps out Retsu- er- Lady Unohana. She and Shunsui have been together for many years." Ukitake said, now sporting a small blush of his own.
Orihime raised a brow at his slip of the tongue, but let it pass.
When the song ended they both bowed to each other and Jushiro politely lead her back to Rukia. The two women were chatting quietly when Rangiku returned, a man with an unsettling grin following behind her. Rangiku wore a wide grin of her own, her aura completely different from before, she was practically glowing.
"Orihime! I want you to meet someone!" she said, her smile growing wider, if that was even possible.
Orihime waited for Rangiku to pull the silver haired man beside her and wrap her arm around his own.
"This is Gin, he's the leader of all the kitsune spirits." Rangiku explained, not taking her eyes from his face.
"Translated: all of the troublemakers of the world." the man laughed, his smile becoming more natural as Rangiku melted against him. She seemed to soften him and in return he transformed her into a serene and amazing woman. Orihime smiled at how well they complimented each other, it was if they had been made with the other directly in mind. She hoped she would one day have a love as deep and natural as Rangiku's.
"It's wonderful to meet you Gin." she said warmly.
"You as well, Miss Orihime." he replied with a fluid bow.
Orihime, Gin, and Rangiku conversed easily, Orihime hadn't noticed that Rukia had disappeared until she spotted her waltzing with a tall man who had bright red hair. She smiled as she watched her new friend and almost screamed when something sent her reeling backward. A pair of strong arms steadied her and a solid chest pressed against her back.
"My how clumsy of me!" a man with blond hair cropped just above his shoulders apologized while flipping out a suspiciously appearing fan.
"Watch where you're going Kisuke." a low voice growled, though menacing Orihime found it oddly comforting.
"My, my Kurosaki. Now that you finally have a woman in your arms why don't you take advantage of it." an ebony skinned woman with golden eyes laughed.
Orihime's savior glared at the woman, causing her to laugh jovially. He finally helped Orihime right herself, and she turned to thank him.
"T-thank you!" she fumbled, a light blush dusting her cheeks when she came face to face with the man in the black hood.
Up close, she could see how deep his eyes were. Their chocolate depths seemed to go on forever. She could see orange spikes peeking out from beneath his black cowl, which mildly surprised her. He had a deep scowl etched on his face, which did not make Orihime self conscious, on the contrary it made him seem more…handsome. She blushed and looked away, embarrassed of her obvious admiration.
"It was nothing, just glad I could help." he said, his voice soft and calming.
She offered him a bright smile and, to her immense surprise, his cheeks took on a delicate pink, barely visible in the shadows of his hood. Her smile grew at his slight embarrassment, feeling more comfortable around him than any of the others she had met over the course of this fateful night.
"Just do it already!" Rangiku cried, exasperation coloring her voice.
"What are you talking about?" Kurosaki snapped, his eyes leaving Orihime's.
"You are so dense sometimes, Ichigo!" the siren growled, marching over determinedly.
She yanked his arm up and held it out for Orihime. She grabbed his jaw and moved his mouth.
"Orihime, will you please dance with me though I am not worthy?" she said in a ridiculously deep voice.
Orihime giggled and looked to Ichigo questioningly.
"She won't leave me alone until I do it." he said swatting the older woman away, "Would you please?"
"Of course." Orihime said with a small nod.
He tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and whisked her away. She could have sworn that he smiled when she agreed to dance with him.
The song they waltzed to was upbeat and Ichigo lead her with ease. He was a great dancer, almost as good as Shunsui, and Orihime had no fears of tripping over herself when in his care. She beamed throughout their dance and his eyes never left hers. When the song came to a close they reluctantly parted, stepping apart and letting their hands fall away from each other. They stood their, in awkward silence, until the next song began.
"Would you like to…?" Ichigo began.
"Yes!" Orihime smiled, trying not to act to excited.
After that, no more questions were needed. The two danced until they were exhausted, then they talked for hours. The spoke of trivial things, laughing and joking. Orihime was oblivious to the awed looks she was receiving from the others, she was to wrapped up in her own world with Ichigo. All too soon, Rangiku floated over to the two of them, an apologetic expression replacing her usually happy-go-lucky glow.
"It's getting late, we should be getting you home." she said smiling sadly at Orihime.
"Oh…well then I guess I should be going." Orihime couldn't keep the sadness from coloring her tone.
Rangiku held out her hand and helped Orihime rise.
"Goodbye Ichigo. It was wonderful meeting you." she offered the man a smile before following Rangiku through the crowd.
"Wait!" he said, his hand gripping her thin wrist.
Orihime turned, Rangiku making her way back through the crowd to the two. Curiosity was plain in her eyes and they asked the question she didn't voice.
"I'll escort her home." he said, pleading to the older woman with his eyes.
She scrutinized him, as if sizing up all of his motives, before smiling, a small knowing smile, and nodding. Orihime felt herself smile and hugged the woman and whispered her goodbye.
"I'll miss you Orihime, you are a very rare treasure." Rangiku whispered back.
The auburn haired girl sniffled and smiled, then turned to the hooded man. He held out a hand and she grasped it with no trace of nerves or embarrassment. Her small cool hand fit perfectly in his larger, warm one and gave a nice contrast to his rough skin. He lead her through, shielding her from all of the drunken revelers, and into the quiet woods.
They did not speak as they walked, simply enjoying the others company. Their hands did not part, even though there was no need to continue the simple action. Orihime's heart was pleasantly racing and she knew she probably looked foolish with her dreamy smile. She had never felt the way she did with the mysterious carrot top, currently leading her through a mystical wood, with any other man she had ever met. Ichigo glanced back at her and she was awarded a quick smile. They soon passed through the shield, Orihime reciting the words with ease.
When they reached her home Ichigo walked her right to the large oak door. They stood, facing each other, and waited for the other to speak.
"I-I had a really nice time tonight. Would you give Ayame my thanks, once more?" Orihime stumbled, looking anywhere but his face.
"As you wish, Milady." Ichigo said softly, his hand cupping her cheek and leading her eyes to his own.
He was smiling at her, his eyes were unbelievably warm. As he let his hand fall from her red cheeks, his other gently raised her hand. He placed a soft kiss on the top of her tiny hand, and Orihime was sure she looked like a tomato.
"F-Farewell Ichigo." she said, her hand fumbling behind her back for the knob on the door.
He laughed gently and reached around her and twisted it for her. He waited for her to safely step inside and waved his hand as a last farewell. After she closed the door, she ghosted up the stairs and back into her room. She glanced out her window and watched as Ichigo disappeared back into the forest.
Orihime hugged her pillow to her chest and fell onto her bed with a soft girlish squeal. She sighed and rolled onto her side and under her quilts. She drifted into the land of dreams, though she felt as though she had just left, with a serene smile glued to her face.
AN: I hope you enjoyed this and I hope to read some of your thoughts/ideas! (That's your cue to press that little button!) They are greatly appreciated and always bring a smile to my face! Thank you so much for reading!
* Koeru sono shinseina feariringu means To pass through the sacred fairy ring.
~Trapped in Wonderland