A/N: A series of loosely related, interconnected drabble and mini chapters (maybe actual chapters) with no timeline whatsoever. Set after the Winter War.
Criticisms are welcomed.
Follow me down the rabbit hole~
The first time he sees her, Ichigo is still reeling from the tearing of his soul. He feels empty in a way that he has not felt since his mother's passing. It doesn't hurt and he doesn't feel sad. No, he is far beyond that at this point. He is numb, to everything and everyone; from his allies to his friends to his sisters. His father tells him it will get better, that it will be hard but he will heal. It has been weeks and nothing has changed. He can see no end in sight.
He walks these days. For hours. For miles. He wanders aimlessly, listlessly. He walks merely to do something. Perhaps he will get lost. Perhaps he will walk straight out of this town. Perhaps he will walk until he reaches the edge of this world. Or perhaps, he walks (hopes) to find what is missing.
The first time he sees her, Ichigo takes no notice. He is in a stage beyond mourning and he only registers people as objects to walk by, her included. His mind scans and inventories her as normal (not a threat). In the split second his eyes take her in he categorizes her (dark hair, red and white, miko) and dismisses her.
She is no one.
He walks on.
Welcome to Wonderland~