OooOoOooO

Note: This was the time when Ichigo lost his powers and spiritual awareness. (Not after 17 months but rather during it).

Chapter One
»First Days

Lucidity
by Lianne L. M.

"There is always another world beyond the wall."

I nervously ran a hand through my hair, straightening some non-existent tangles.

Like those other times, I was never good at first days in school. And today is no better–I mean, I've already talked to my aunt about this but she never understood either. So she just deduced that I'm just an unusual teenager with incredibly low self-esteem. I guess she was somewhat right, I just don't completely trust her to make any sound judgment about me. She never liked me even though I tried my hardest to change that.

What I kept telling her–still did, was that it only happened on first days of school. But after the anxiety went away and only neutrality was left, I was just a normal girl who likes to keep to herself. I don't really bother about mingling… I've been done with those for a long time. And as I said–I don't have low self-esteem issues. Much. I just didn't know how to act around people I don't know since I've never been around many to begin with.

After all, I never had permanent and long-time friends, we moved too much around Japan for me to even make a stable friendship with someone. It's not also like I'm not friendly–I'm polite and always tried to grasp on the optimistic side.

I sighed as I continued to wait outside the room. I was too nervous to really listen to the teacher's words since the only thing I had been waiting for was the signal for me to come in and introduce myself. Just the typical norm, like how it is every time there's a new transfer student.

"–those assignments after class. Now, I think I made her wait long enough. Class, I'm going to introduce to you our new transfer student. Treat her nicely and please, keep whatever thoughts you have to yourself." She paused, I have the distinct impression that she's glaring at someone else. "Yes, I'm talking about you, Asano."

I swallowed hard, trying hard not to fidget.

"Please, come in." Her voice was jovial, but at the same time urging.

Without making them wait, I entered the class quickly, rigidly walking in front as I stared ahead. I saw the teacher nod at me encouragingly just as I faced my classmates. Some of them looked interested while most are bored. In the back of my mind, I wondered if a new student always arrives to this class for them to look unfazed.

"Tanaka Junko, it's a pleasure to meet you." I gave a deep bow, almost at waist level as my bluish hair obscured my view of them.

As I straightened, I received acknowledging nods from others while some went to do their own businesses. Relief flooded me, it was over…then I could go sit down on my assigned seat and go on with class.

"Go out with me!"

My head snapped to the loud voice. It was a brown haired guy, gazing at me with sparkling brown eyes. He had sprawled half of himself on his table, his hands clasped in front of his face. He was also grinning at me, tilting the side of his mouth as if to appear charming.

I was taken aback.

Not once in my other first days that something like this had happened. I didn't even know how I should react or what to say.

"I, Uh–" I stammered stupidly in front of the class. As I felt all eyes on me, I blushed under the scrutinizing and curious stares of my classmates. I even had to lower my head so that my bangs would shadow my eyes (and hopefully, my face) from view.

Was the guy even serious? He just saw me for crying out loud! Not that I would really go on a date with him even if he was serious (like serious that he'll go around the school dressed in girl's uniform).

"So?" I peered through my bangs and saw the guy looking at me hopefully.

He was actually serious? My blush darkened. Some part of me wanted to demand why he was doing this to me? Was he doing this to embarrass me?

My saviour came in the form of a fist as it landed on the guy's head. Raising my head, I saw a dark-haired girl glaring at the brunette guy. Even I shuddered when I saw the threat in those brown eyes of hers.

"Back off, Keigo." She growled as she pushed her fist down harder. "Do I make myself clear?" She gritted out before taking back her hand and went back to her seat which was just beside the guy.

He pouted at the girl.

"Tatsuki, why'd you do that? I just wanted to be her friend!" The guy–or rather, Keigo-san whined at the girl as he gingerly rubbed his bruised (no doubt) head.

The girl didn't budge.

"Shut up, Keigo." Something in her voice shifted since Keigo-san quieted.

"Scary." I mumbled under my breath.

"Why have I done to deserve this?" I heard the teacher grumble from my side, rubbing her temples exasperatedly. I stared at her curiously but she just looked at me with a tired smile. "Sorry about that, Asano tends to be…a little overenthusiastic about things. Don't mind him." She waved off, more like a reminder than an advice.

Before I could ask her where I am supposed to situate myself, she took the clipboard tucked underneath her arm out and stared at it.

"You may seat beside Inoue Orihime and behind Kurosaki Ichigo. Would those two please raise their hands?" She called out just as two teenagers raised their hands.

A girl with what seemed to be burnt orange hair waved her hand in the air energetically. I felt warmth rise up to my cheeks as she beamed at me. I guessed that she's Inoue Orihime and she's very…well-endowed for our age. While a guy with bright orange hair lazily raised a hand and the other was leaning on his table with his elbow as he supported his head with his palm.

And here I thought my hair color was weird. I've been teased and made fun of a lot about it. Being dark blue with a hint of indigo–my aunt says that I inherited it from dad but I didn't really remember.

As I sat, Inoue Orihime instantly turned to me with a bright smile.

"Tanaka-san! I'm Inoue Orihime, it's a pleasure to meet you." She lightly bowed her head.

I returned her smile, although not as bright as hers.

"Thank you, Inoue-san." I replied quietly as I nodded to her.

"A-Ah!" She had this surprised look on her face, almost as if she was caught off guard. "No need to call me that! Just Orihime is fine!" She insisted as she waved her arms in front of her face almost frantically.

I blinked at her bewilderedly.

"But," I started uncertainly. "We just met." I pointed out like it was obvious.

I was confused, we've been barely acquaintances. And from what I knew from experience, only friends get to call each other by their first names–it was a privilege. Yet Inoue-san was giving it to me this easily.

She stared owlishly at me.

"Just do as she says, there's nothing wrong with it." A voice commented in front of me.

My eyes looked at the source just to see the orange haired guy slouched back on his seat, he was looking at me over his shoulder. I sent him a baffled gaze, how come he was so nonchalant about that?

I faced Inoue again and saw her peering at me expectantly with anticipation.

My hands suddenly felt sweaty as my cheeks warmed slightly in uncertainty, I shyly smiled at the girl.

"Orihime–…san?"

It was more of a question than really calling her by her name. I really didn't understand her, why was she being so nice? The other schools I've been to, people were too neutral or into their own worlds and groups to really interact with me. There were those who tried but eventually either grew tired of me or I had to leave again for another place.

My eyes flew wide when Orihime-san squealed and looked about to tackle me in a hug.

"That's so great, Tanaka-chan!"

I thought she would have done more if not for the clearing of someone's throat coming in front of our class. Ochi-sensei was looking at us sternly, she was in the middle of writing something on the board while some of our classmates were eyeing us oddly.

Inoue–I meant to say, Orihime-san flushed under the attention. She flashed me a brief smile before looking down at her desk with concentration.

"Tanaka…–chan?" I murmured under my breath as I also glanced down at my desk with a small smile.

It felt nice, I'll have to admit.

"You're weird." The orange haired guy remarked in front of me as my head rose to look at him, and he was still slouched back on his seat. He looked so tired as if he was lacking some sleep, I wondered what kind of assignments this school gave for him to be this exhausted.

But as his words hit me, I furrowed my brows.

"E-Excuse me?" I inquired incredulously, but I was careful to lower my voice before Ochi-sensei hears me.

"That's just how Inoue is, you're acting as if no one had been that nice to you. Or you're acting as if you're a–" He purposely cut himself off then glancing meaningfully at me. His brown eyes were searching mine, as if I should know what he was talking about.

"What?" I asked a little bemusedly, not having any idea what he was going on about.

He then shook his head.

"Nothing, I just thought…" He trailed off with another shake of his head.

I was beyond puzzled at this.

"Oh." But I kept those thoughts to myself.

Then I stared at my desk again, not really sure how we even had that conversation.

Now that I think about it, I don't even know the guy's name. He just talked to me as if I was supposed to know. Well, Ochi-sensei did mention it. But I guess I forgot since I wasn't really paying that much attention. I felt my face flushed at the embarrassing thought, how could I just overlook that so easily? And he was being rather…cordial to me so far. How shameful. I'm such an idiot–like how my aunt always told me.

I ignored the strong urge to bang my head on my table. It wouldn't make any difference than to cause myself to appear insane to others.

"Junko, right?" I heard the orange haired guy ask.

I thought the conversation was finished, why was he still talking to me? And what if Ochi-sensei saw him?

"Yes, and–uhm…" I trailed off rather pathetically.

Great, this guy had just brought up my current dilemma. I didn't know if he knew what I was thinking, and was now mocking me. Or simply he's just really confirming my name. Either way, I was just so unfortunate.

"Ichigo." He smirked at me over his shoulder. "Kurosaki Ichigo, if that's what you were going to ask."

My eyebrow twitched at that. Did he have to rub it in?

"I'll remember that." I replied rather stiffly.

It was ironic when I said that. He seemed to think so too since his brown eyes sparked briefly with amusement before facing in front of the class.

I silently huffed to myself as I crossed my arms over my chest.

What a jerk.

The sky was rather dark today.

I silently wondered why. When I went to school this morning, the weather was normal and nice. Pleasant and fresh. That's why I was baffled at its current condition. It's not like I hate the rain or anything but I forgot to bring an umbrella with me.

From how those clouds were moving, I assume that I would only be halfway to my house before the downpour sets in. Getting a cold would be rather annoying since I just started school today.

I forlornly sighed as I stepped out of the school gates.

My hands tightened around the strap of my book bag, like usual, I always felt the odd girl out. Orihime-san tried in getting me to join her for lunch a while ago. I almost said yes until I saw her friends waiting for her patiently outside the classroom. I didn't want to be a bother so I told her that I had to check something out in the library. Some part of me felt guilty since I hadn't even touched the lunch my little brother made for me.

The embarrassing thing about that was, I got lost. Geez, even I couldn't do a simple thing right. I was thankful that I met Ochi-sensei somewhere along the way and showed me where the place was.

By the time lunch had ended, I had read through at least three book subjects (math, history, and some science) and just stayed lounging in the classroom. Orihime-san then came bounding to me and even asked me if I enjoyed lunch. I had the decency to feel a little ashamed of myself for lying to her but I just smiled and told her that I did.

Her frown though told me she didn't believe me. Gosh, I must have looked so pitiful for her to react like that.

Class went on normally just like I had expected, though some were rather boring. I almost fell asleep on History!

My cheeks warmed a little at the reminder.

So here I was, on my way home from my first day in school. I was kind of eager this time since Shuichi would be the one to greet me from a tiring day. My aunt was never a good company and my brother would be a face to be of relief to me.

I walked the steady path I've been familiarizing myself with since we moved into this town. Smiling to myself, I walked down the road while humming to myself. This was one of the things I loved here–our place was a short distance away from school and my part-time job. And I also like taking walks as I could get more acquainted with the place and it helps me in relaxing. As much as I am loathe to admit, this day took a lot from me.

And I'm even starting to really love this place.

It was just so peaceful…

"Oi!"

I shrieked loudly at the unexpected interruption and impulsively (though wildly) swung my book bag behind me–where the voice originated. Unsurprisingly on my part, the strap slid off my grasp and flew off my hand.

Wide eyed, I gasped at that, my books!

A hand reached out and deftly caught the bag by its frame. Some part of me wanted to see the thing hit the person on the head for giving me a scare.

I was inwardly annoyed at the fact that I had to look up just to stare at the person on the eye and a little unnerving that he had to look down at me from his perch without any problems. Then my eyes met curious brown and I twitched despite myself.

"I need that bag back." I found myself deadpanning at the least person I expected to see.

Kurosaki Ichigo raised an eyebrow at me as he eyed the brown book bag on his clutches. He's not deaf, right? And I know that he's not stupid.

"Do you do that to every person who calls you?" He instead questioned as he held my bag by its strap and swung it over his shoulder. Looking to the whole world as if the thing belonged to him and if I didn't know any better, made for him.

"Unless calling me is defined as scaring the wits out of me." I retorted as I held my hand out in front of him. "I still need that back, Kurosaki-san." I find myself repeating, this time with a genuine plead in my statement.

He frowned but he handed it back anyways.

I instantly checked if everything was still the way it was. I gave a sigh of relief when I saw that it indeed was.

"Thank you." I stated with a small smile to him.

Kurosaki-san eyed me oddly at that and I sent a confused one back at him. What did I do?

"You know, you really are weird." He said, reminiscent to his words earlier.

Rubbing the back of my neck anxiously, I turned my back to him as my frown slowly disappeared. I don't really understand why he was so adamant about making me remember that particular description he saw in me.

"Right…" I replied slowly. "I'll take that as a compliment." I shrugged at him, forcing myself to appear as if I could care less about it.

"I didn't say it was a compliment–" He tried to protest. What was wrong with him? I took that as an insult but I was trying to save face in front of him! Wow, I never thought that I could feel annoyed at someone just talking to him for less than ten minutes.

Looking at him over my shoulder, I found myself giving him an intense stare.

"I'll take it as a compliment." I repeated with a frown. "See you tomorrow." I bid as I nodded to him politely.

He scowled at being cut off but he nodded anyways. Ignoring him, I resumed my walk. I spoke too soon and soon found myself eating my own words. Geez, I found it somewhat exasperating for having to replicate Ochi-sensei's words. What have I done to deserve this?

Then I heard the sound of footsteps behind me. I whirled around just to see Kurosaki-san still behind me and dare I say it, walking after me. I furrowed my brows and stared at him, puzzled and a little wary.

I should broach this subject discreetly because we could never know with the guy. He might be involved with gangs or syndicates! I mentally scoffed at my imagination going haywire.

"Why are you following me?"

Great, that's a very tactful approach.

His already present scowl actually deepened as he glared at me, as if offended at me for even suggesting the very idea. Then why was he still walking behind me? Didn't I already dismiss him?

"I wasn't following you!" He snapped at me with a clenched jaw. Gosh, didn't even know that the guy has a temper. "My house just happens to be the same way as yours." He insisted as a small glimmer of mortification appeared in his eyes, suddenly realizing what I was insinuating.

Eyeing him for good measure, actually squinting my eyes at him as he matched it with a glare.

"Alright, I'm sorry for that. Just paranoid." I tried to wave off (this was rather humiliating) with an uneasy grin, my left hand once again idly rubbing the nape of my neck.

He scoffed under his breath before moving around my form and strode ahead of me. What was his problem? I hung my head as I followed the same path he was sauntering on. I've got to admit that it wasn't a nice impression to make since I just accused the guy of stalking me.

We continued to walk in silence, not a word said and I kind of felt guilty about that.

He stopped in front of an average house with a large sign "Kurosaki Clinic" displayed in front. And it was rather obvious that he lived there since his name was Kurosaki Ichigo after all. I kind of envy him at that point (since it was evident how comfortable his life was) but I ruthlessly squashed that thought and simply trotted ahead. As far as he knew now, I was just an annoying classmate with how I acted.

I heaved a sigh at the disappointment I was currently feeling at myself. I was really an idiot.

"Oi, Junko!" I heard him suddenly yell out at me.

When have we agreed to be on first name basis anyway? I didn't even say he could call me that so casually. But I forced my irritation out of the way since I needed to be civil (the guilt still eating at me) to him.

Turning around, I gave him a questioning stare.

"Kurosaki-san?" I asked rather uncertainly, I thought he was upset with me.

"Would you like to stop by for a sec? Just for drinks or snacks." It was very apparent that it was out of courtesy than really wanting to invite me in since he appears to be clearly uncomfortable. Why was he bothering? I couldn't understand the guy.

I shook my head with a grin.

"It's alright. I have to get home anyways." I reasoned to him before he thinks that it was because of what happened earlier or some other bizarre reasons.

"Just give them a call." He insisted at me with an annoyed look, further darkening. His brown eyes momentarily stared into the distance where I was planning to set off for me to get home. What? Don't tell me that he's actually concerned for me.

Besides, it isn't evening yet so nothing unprecedented will happen. At least I think so.

And I actually can't, Shuichi would be worried sick if I didn't go home early. He said that he'll cook a big dinner for us to celebrate our first days in school.

"No, I really need to–"

I was cut off as the thunder rumbled rather loudly and before I could get any say in this, rain started to pour down on us and it was quite hard. I instantly put my book bag over my head, slightly shielding my head from the rain.

My head snapped to the road I was supposed to walk at. Did I just imagine that?

I could've sworn I just heard something howl. It was reminiscent to a whine and a high-pitched yowling.

Someone tugged my arm by the elbow and I yelped, flinching as I did so.

Kurosaki-san was pulling me inside his house rather fiercely that I stumbled on my steps.

"Now you have a reason to stay, wait until the weather's light enough for you to go home." His voice sounded a little urgent, not noticing that his hold on my arm was tightening to the point that it hurts. I even fancied a bruise there.

He pulled me inside and I didn't even manage to voice my indignation at all when he all but hauled me into the living room.

"Ichigo!" I jumped at the booming voice.

I turned to my classmate just in time to see a white and black blur slammed into him. Kurosaki-san instinctively let go of my arm as he hit the floor. So I stood there frozen as an…eccentric man pranced around the orange haired guy, cackling.

"You let your guard down, son!" He shouted reverently while hopping on the soles of his feet quite comically.

So he was Kurosaki Ichigo's father. Unlike his son, the man has dark hair that spiked upwards with equally dark eyes. But I could see the resemblance in the face structure. Not to mention he was also muscular and tall, easily towering my frame. He also had some facial hairlines along the jaw and cheeks, but what really stood out was his–dance, for there was no other word for it.

The man was wearing a red long-sleeved sweater with matching brown pants. Socks covered the man's feet as he continued his little jig around Kurosaki-san.

I stood there awkwardly, my clothes dripping on the floor as the man resumed his personal celebration, not even noticing me. I watched there dumbly as the man who was supposed to be Kurosaki Ichigo's father acted like a…loon– as much as I hated to admit it, I don't want to be rude after all.

But what really came first into my mind was, I needed to get out of here. If not to escape this place then to get home as fast as I could before Shuichi had a panic attack or shock for not seeing his sister home by seven.

Then my orange haired classmate suddenly punched his father straight to the nose, I couldn't help but gasped at the sight.

"Shut it, old man!" Kurosaki-san (the son) growled as he stood on his feet, brown eyes practically glaring at his father.

"I see, you waited for me to let my guard down to sneak attack me!" The father accused as he pointed his finger at my orange haired classmate derisively. "How shameful of you boy! Where's your pride? Your honor!" I was horrified to see the man suddenly starting to cry, his left forearm held to his eyes.

"Uhm…–Kurosaki-san?" I called out hesitantly, meekly shuffling my feet as I found the floor to be suddenly interesting.

When I felt their eyes on me, I blushed a little at the abrupt attention.

"I need to go home, Kurosaki-san." I glanced at the orange haired guy through my bangs, wanting them to be the ones to convey how desperate I was to go back.

"Ooooh! New friend!" The father hollered as his large hands held me by my shoulders and peered down at me with huge eyes and continuously widening grin. "A girl too! Is my son finally becoming a man now?" His question was a little too eager for me.

I was sure that my face resembled a tomato now. I wasn't used to this kind of attention. Not to mention, this man was invading my personal bubble.

A fist smacked the side of the man's face, sending him away from me as he hit the wall. Kurosaki-san stood in his place, scowling much profound as his eyebrow twitched. What was wrong with them? Was it a tradition of their family to hit one of theirs?

His father laid on the floor, groaning as he held his nose gingerly.

Looking at Kurosaki-san with wide eyes, I was just so confused. Though I was glad that the warmth slowly left my cheeks.

"So, can I leave now?" I inquired hopefully, looking at him with anticipation as I give him my full attention. I didn't want to be rude!

"You're not stupid, right? I just told you that you can leave when the weather's light enough for you to go out." He answered me, frustrated. I don't even know why he was suddenly being agitated.

Frowning at him, I found myself getting angry.

"Of course not! But I need to go home, my little brother's waiting for me. You don't have to be such a…a j-jerk about it!" I flushed at my obvious lack of talent in insulting people. I gripped my book bag tightly to my chest, giving the orange haired guy a half-hearted glare.

The sudden softening of his eyes surprised me.

"Little brother?" He instead asked quietly as he slouched a little from his rigid stance.

I nodded uncertainly to him. I've never honestly encountered a guy as moody as Kurosaki Ichigo. For that matter, I've never really dealt with guys (other than Shuichi) before now that I think about it…

The sounds of heavy pitter-patter of the rain on the roof reached my ears and the loud impact of water droplets around the place had let me know that the weather wasn't getting any better and I found myself not caring about it. Getting back home was the only thing in my mind.

"Kurosaki-san, please. No one's there with him and I just needed to make sure…" That he's safe. There, I did it. I begged the orange haired guy already, what else am I supposed to do? I could run but I was sure that I could be manhandled into staying (after all, he was the one who forced me here).

He sighed tiredly.

"Let's wait for the weather to lighten up, then I'll go with you." Kurosaki-san finally conceded.

I enthusiastically nodded at him.

Anything was better than no deal at all.

"Hey, I'm sorry for being such a…jerk earlier. I guess there's no excuse for how I acted a while ago." Kurosaki-san apologized as we walked outside.

I was currently dressed in his one of his sister's yellow summer dress that reached my knees and a pair of spare slippers hidden somewhere in their house. Held in my hands, aside from my book bag, was a plastic bag containing my still wet uniform. After what happened earlier, we haven't really talked to each other. His father was the one who accommodated me to their house (though he made a big fuss about me–being a girl–that Kurosaki-san brought home with him) and had helped me stay comfortable.

His sisters were currently staying with a friend's so I wasn't able to meet them and I hadn't really stayed for dinner. As soon as the rain had alleviated, I instantly took the chance to go back. It hadn't even crossed my mind fully how disastrous or pleasant (depending on your point of view) my first day in school was.

Right now, he was the one holding an umbrella over our heads. (He had changed into a black long sleeved button up shirt and a pair of blue jeans) I just currently realized how tall Kurosaki-san was, I barely stood at his shoulder!

But I blinked as my brain registered his statement.

"Eh? Uhm–it's okay." I replied softly. "But you're right, you were a jerk." I stated with a grin as I looked up at him.

"Hey, no need to push it." He warned me with mocked anger.

The corners of his mouth were even tilting up into a smirk. It was a nice change from the earlier scowls–not that he was scary, but he looked so depressively sullen.

"So, you're not…angry anymore?" I tentatively questioned as my hands momentarily tightened in anxiety. I've known him for less than a day but Kurosaki-san managed to intimidate and befriend me at those few hours. It's odd…

"What?" He mumbled almost unintelligently, then he blinked down at me bewilderedly. "What do you mean?" He appeared to be rather confused by this and I can't exactly understand why.

"When you invited me to come to your house, you were just so…frustrated, angry even." Frowning, I recalled that look as he stared into the distance. "I know I'm not really good with first impressions but I didn't know that I was that irritating." I shook my head with a dismissive smile.

"No, I just–saw Ishida…I guess, there are some things where I just wasn't needed anymore." He murmured quietly to himself, as if he didn't even intend for me to hear it. He was slowly shifting back to his sullen self that I was getting perturbed. I realized in the span of half an hour that a sullen Kurosaki-san was a frustrated one.

So I decided that it wasn't my business. We're not that really close so I doubt he'll tell me if I called him on it.

"Well, I guess I'm sorry too. I didn't really mean to accuse you of stalking." I sheepishly apologized as I rubbed my left arm with my right hand (still holding my book bag), effectively changing the subject.

He blinked. "Oh? Well, I couldn't really fault you for that. You barely knew me. To see a guy you don't even know walking behind you it might give off the wrong meaning since I sneaked up on you earlier." He shrugged off as if it was nothing.

But the way he snapped at me at that time told me otherwise.

"So, how do you like the school?" He inquired me, looking at me from the corner of his eyes.

I was so caught off guard by his question that I stumbled on my step, almost tripping on the solid pavement of stone. And I would've landed face-first on the ground if hadn't balanced myself in time, a hand on my knee.

As I straightened, Kurosaki-san was staring at me amusedly with a hint of…concern. I blushed at that, I hated being clumsy. But I just had to embarrass myself.

"It's–well, alright… I haven't really met anyone to hang out with. Orihime-san tried to–but she has her friends and I don't want to be a burden since she's really nice! I like her too! The other schools I've been, people were either mean, neutral, or liked me but eventually grew tired of me." I explained as I focused my eyes on the wet road, eyeing the puddles curiously as it rippled due to the raindrops.

"Other schools?" He questioned confusedly, his brow furrowing.

I nodded at him in affirmative.

"Mmhm, my brother and I live with my aunt and she always moves around Japan, even I don't know why other than she enjoys the constant change of scenery. So it's really hard to make friends when you're on the move. But I'm glad that this will be our last stop!" I beamed at him with an excited smile, I was never able to talk about this to someone else other than Shuichi and it's a very refreshing feeling.

"That must be really hard." He idly commented. "I grew up here in Karakura all my life. And I've known some of my friends for a long time. It's kind of hard to imagine to not have any of them by my side, time was the one that really stuck us together." He explained as I looked at him in awe.

It must have been an epic friendship!

"You're a friend of Orihime-san, right?" I asked with a small grin.

"Yes. What of it?" I was getting accustomed to him always giving me those odd and confused looks but I wasn't deterred! His story of friendship had really touched me whether he intended to or not, I could only imagine that bond with others…

"I didn't see you eat lunch with her…" I trailed off with a puzzled frown, I did saw Kurosaki-san sitting on the staircase by himself when I went back to the classroom (from the library) and Orihime-san had asked me to join her to the rooftop before that.

He looked away from me.

"Inoue is busy along with others, I don't want to be a bother." He had worded my exact thoughts when I saw Orihime-san and her friends. But I knew his had a deeper meaning than mine, and I couldn't help but noticed the bitterness of his tone.

"Oh, why would you think that?" I found myself inquiring, despite the fact that I shouldn't even prying into this.

"It's none of your business so don't get yourself concerned with it." He stated with a grunt and I saw his eyes harden a little, becoming guarded.

I swallowed the disappointment I felt. I shouldn't be so excited about this but I couldn't help it, I had only a few friends that eventually became strangers… But since I'll be staying here longer, I was hoping to finally make some. I planned on befriending Orihime-san but she had a lot of friends already, I didn't want to push myself to her. So I guess I was hoping to be Kurosaki-san's friend instead.

How selfish of me, we're not even friends yet and I'm already overdoing it. It's no wonder everyone grew tired and uninterested of me sooner.

I gazed at my feet for a while, idly dragging them across the ground.

"Sorry, just got a little curious is all." I uttered apologetically with a small smile as I stared up at him.

He frowned as he looked at me, he was about to say something as he opened his mouth but as we turned to a block on the left, I froze. So did he. My eyes widened at the sight in front of me, I couldn't help my hands as they trembled.

Kurosaki-san was now eyeing me warily and confusedly.

No, not another one.

I took a step back.

Tugging Kurosaki-san's sleeve, I tried to pull him back with me.

"We need to go, Kurosaki-san." I spoke gently, my voice quivering slightly in fear. But he just stood on the same spot.

For there, standing in front of us was one of those monsters I rarely saw back in other towns around Japan. Rarely, I emphasized. And by then, they were long gone before I could really go all curious about them. It was a centipede like monster–about sixteen feet long and three feet wide–with hundreds of scaly thin legs. Like the others, it also had a white mask as its face in the shape of a skeleton head. Jagged teeth, oval eyes with golden orbs beneath them while two giant horns protruded at the top two sides of the mask. A thick red line also ran horizontally from the mask's cheek to the other.

But its tongue was sticking out, saliva dripping down on the pavement.

"What are you–?" I cut his query off.

"There's a monster in front of us!" I finally screamed as I continued to pull him back by the sleeve, this time with both hands.

He looked around us frantically.

"What? Where?"

I stilled at his question as his brown eyes searched the area around us almost desperately.

He can't see them?

...

AN: Please review. I'm planning to fix the chapters first in my story "Bound to Let Go", since I didn't really expect for it to garner that much attention. Then I'll finish the latest chapter and post it. Yes, I'm still alive. Thanks for asking. College is such a pain in the neck by the way.

And as for "Frosty Blue", I'm still trying to think what kind of story I really wanted it to be. I already have a plot for that but I think FemNaru/Sasuke isn't cutting it. The group's mystery will just revolve around what Sasuke believed that are now nothing but lies. But it wouldn't be romance.

I removed Race Against Time and Alone Where I Am - (sorry for those who wanted it), I plan on reposting something much clearer about those two. I reread the chapters and I cringed at the horrible and barely held story. I'm finally back so I'll start posting again.

Tell me what you think about this chapter if I should continue it or not, I'm now currently into Bleach... but I still love Naruto so count on it. I just had this idea. Thanks.