HELLO MY BEAUTIFUL READERS! As you can see, I've rewritten this FanFiction since I wasn't very satisfied with the way I wrote it previously :D I also didn't agree with discontinuing the story soooooooooo yeah ^3^ Thank you for choosing this FanFiction, and I hope you enjoy this new version xoxo
Prologue
"Baldie!"
"Snaggletooth!"
My fists clenched.
"Dumbass!"
"Blondie!"
I gritted my teeth and flipped the page of the classical novel I was reading –or at least trying to.
"You're blonde as well, dumbass!"
"According to you I'm bald, moron!"
"Why you lil'-"
"Will you two give it a break?!" I lobbed the book at them. Hiyori dived to the right and dodged the ten ton book. Shinji, on the other hand, wasn't so quick. The paper shredded his nose to pieces.
"What the hell Ayane?" he held his nose, "Ya could have cut my nose off with that thing!"
Hands on my hips, I gave him my best death glare, "I was aiming to break it in half but that works too."
"If I didn't know any better Shinji," Kirio chuckled, "I think Ayane enjoys hurting you."
"That would explain the flying books," he muttered, "Along with all the other airborne objects she enjoys throwing at me."
"Like what? Stuffed animals?" Hiyori scoffed.
Shinji smirked, "Try swords, pots, food, and people. She hit me with a shovel once."
"I wouldn't call it hurting," I objected, "More like punishing him."
"Punishing me for what? Punishing me for being too handsome?" Shinji growled, picking up my book, "What the hell is this crap anyway?"
I let out an exasperated sigh. Why was he always so dim? "You're a captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads yet you act like a six year old who hasn't-" I was cut off by the same leather-bound devil that assaulted Shinji's face. Now it was my turn to cradle my nose.
"You bastard, that freaking hurt!" I wailed in pain.
Shinji smirked, "That's the point."
"Hey have you seen Ayane? She's supposed to be doing paperwork?" Yoruichi came walking toward our little group.
Hiyori laughed, "Busted."
"She hasn't caught me yet," I gathered my books in my arms and ran off into the night just before my captain could find me. I saw all my friends talk to her, laughing and covering for me. Shinji, Rose, Kensei, Mashiro, and Hiyori along with Yoruichi all settled by the fire and caught up. I smiled, knowing that it wasn't often they got to do this. I, on the other hand, didn't have time to relax like my superiors –and friends –right now; I had a lot of filing I was behind on.
I turned around to leave, ready to traipse back to the Second Division in order to accomplish a well-needed nap –I mean –to finish my duties. A laugh erupted from behind me, making me stop in my tracks and relish the sound of it. Shinji's laugh always had a way of bringing smiles to the faces of others. I loved him for that…
"Wake up Moocher," I felt someone shake my body, waking me up from my dream.
"Go away Jinta," I turned away from him, "I'm trying to sleep."
The little redhead brat ripped the warm blankets off me, exposing me to the harsh morning chill. I yanked them back. And just as I was about to win our "Preteen versus Century-Old-Grandma" match of tug-o-war, Kisuke came strolling into the room. He stopped, looked at us then carried on with his task.
"Kisuke what are you doing in my bedroom?" I hollered, shoving Jinta away from me as I climbed out of bed –so much for the idea of getting more than three hours of sleep.
Kisuke pulled out his fan and giggled, "My dear Ayane, this bedroom is not only yours but mine."
Jinta crossed his arms, "Why do we even let her stay with us, Boss? She acts like she owns the place!"
"Do not."
"Do too."
"Do not."
"Do t-"
"Arighty then!" Kisuke flexed his fingers and bashed Jinta's forehead into my own. "Now that we're focused again, I have an important announcement to make."
"Shouldn't we get the others?" I asked but Kisuke shook his head.
"This cannot wait." Jinta and I leaned forward, feeling ever so special, "We must prepare the fort for this. If not, we will be destroyed. As you can imagine, this is going to be a life-or-death situation and we need to start listing all the supplies we need," he pulled a scroll from his coat. Jinta and I watched as it unraveled for another two miles down the hall.
"First thing on the list," Kisuke announced, "It is probably the most important item on the list. Without it our bathrooms will be no more."
"Our bathrooms," I repeated. Kisuke nodded solemnly and continued, "The item will be litter. Cat litter."
"Don't tell me that damn cat is coming around to visit!" Jinta complained.
I shot a glare at him, "Don't talk about Shihōin-sama that way pea-brain."
"Ooh scary," he chimed, wiggling his stubby fingers about in my face.
"You're gonna pay for that little brat!" I snatched Kisuke's fan from his hand and smacked Jinta on the nose.
He grabbed his nose as his eyes watered, cursing my very existence. I laughed but paled when I felt Kisuke tap my butt.
"Bad girl," he retrieved his fan from my stiff hands, "There is a no bullying policy in this household and… you look a little red, Ayane, are you all right?"
"Better run for it Boss," Jinta rubbed his stinging nose.
I sauntered out of the room feeling rather fabulous. Donning a short grey skirt that ended twelve inches above my knees and a white cotton shirt, I finished neatening the necktie around my stiff collar. The school uniform the girls had to wear at Karakura High was very foreign to my own fashion style. None the less, I was forced to adapt to these Human customs quickly. This was one of the few traditions I didn't mind (Much).
Ururu tiptoed over to where I was sitting on the stairs leading into the shop, "Here are you socks, Moocher."
I took the wool knee socks from the child and pulled them on, "Thank you Ururu."
"Taking advantage of Ururu again, hey Moocher?" Jinta's scoff was cut short when my leather shoe mysteriously levitated and went hurtling toward. He threw the brogue back, "How come Ururu gets to call you Moocher without getting a shoe in the face?!"
I caught the black shoe and slipped it on my foot, "Because Ururu's my favorite," I smiled at the said girl, "She's cute… unlike you."
That wasn't true though. I loved both Jinta and Ururu equally. Ururu was so kind and bashful while Jinta was the big man of the house –literally; Urahara was a creeper and Tessai was always handing out so much expired medicine that I'm surprised neither of them had been sent to prison yet for drug dealing and sexual assault. But that still didn't mean I didn't enjoy pissing Jinta off.
"Where is Urahara-dono?" Tessai, the big friendly giant, asked as he made Jinta and Ururu their breakfast.
"How come you make them breakfast and not me?" I wailed.
"Because we're still growing up while you're…" Jinta's jeers only made my pout deeper, "Well you're growing sideways."
"Not true!" I screeched, grabbing my fatless belly, "I thought there was a "no bullying policy" in this household."
Jinta pointed to my bedroom, "He's in there Tessai; probably dead by now. Ayane really beat it into him this time."
Tessai, in half panicked urgency, rushed into the bathroom to fetch the first aid kit –not that it would fix Kisuke this time around. Ururu scampered over to the door with a camera in her hands. I watched in horror as Jinta followed her in the room with a permanent marker in his hand and the cap in his other. Maybe it was best I made my escape now before anything else was blamed on me. But before that…
I crept over to the kitchen and raided the fridge. I managed to snag five apples, a pineapple, leftovers from last night –I should mention that the little liars told me there weren't any left –and three granola bars in my suitcase before slipping out of the back door.
My walk to school was peaceful. I had managed to avoid the feral llama –I never knew they were indigenous to the city –that always follows me to the Kurosaki Residence in hopes of food. The neighborhood thugs helped me with my warm-up again. It was such a shame Ururu couldn't have tagged along and taken a picture. It would have been an excellent addition to my photo album… once I had bought one.
I turned to my mental agenda for the day as I covered the lengthy distance from the Urahara Shōten to the high school.
1) Get past the horde of estrogen and testosterone filled teenagers
2) Fend off the staff of menopausal teachers
3) Attempt to talk to Ichigo (Persuade him to give me his homework so I can "check" the answers)
4) Kill all Hollows that appear during school so Ichigo can study
5) Go to band practice
6) Go home and defend self from Kisuke
Well I was pretty much screwed.
"~HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO AYANEEEEEE~!"
I looked ahead and inwardly groaned. Keigo came prancing up to me like that same mentally deranged llama that lived on my block. The impulsion to punch him was far too great but I managed to suppress the almighty sucker punch.
"Asano-senpai!" I squealed and met him halfway, "Did you wait for me to pass by?"
"Yup!" he said proudly, striking a manly pose, "I thought that you might feel scared passing this area since this is my sister's turf."
I giggled, "You're so sweet Asano-senpai." I would like to see his sister even try raise a finger to me. I would slice her pretty little thing off and give her the nickname Stubby.
"So how did you know I took this route every Tuesday and Thursday?" Kisuke wouldn't be very pleased if he had a bit of competition.
Keigo winked at me, "I took thy Leap of Faith and waited by my humble dwelling in hopes that you, my love, would stumble upon it." Looks like Shakespeare based Romeo off this guy.
"How poetic you are Asano-senpai!" I gushed over him and praised him for the rest of our walk.
If I was going to be stuck in this hellhole then I might as well make myself at home. Besides, I never knew when allies would come in handy. This place was dangerous.
Another reason I had to avoid puking whenever I was around this twit was because he was connected to Mizuiro. For a pipsqueak, Mizuiro had probably the best wooing skills I have ever seen. And wherever there're women there's gossip. Getting to the point, Mizuiro was going to be my secret weapon. I needed to know everything about the school and the people in it.
He sheathed his zanpakuto, brushing his saffron hair out of his face. I was flabbergasted; he hadn't even broken a sweat! I, on the other hand, was battered and bruised, barely holding myself up.
"Lesson One: Know you're opponents. This will give you an advantage in battle."
"Keep your friends close but your enemies closer?"
His lips curved up into a toothy smile, "You learn quickly. Don't ya think Sōsuke?"
"Indeed," I looked at the brunet, "Indeed she does."
Before I could carry on daydreaming, Keigo started shaking me violently. I would have socked him if I wasn't so dizzy. Maybe it would be best if I found an alternative associate to get to Mizuiro. This guy was a wacko.
"Keigo stop harassing the poor girl!" Both the brunet and I cocked our heads to where Mizuiro was.
"I'm not harassing…" he looked at me, "What's your name?"
"You're harassing someone without even knowing their name? Jeez you really are messed up Keigo," a new voice –one I was more familiar with –entered the conversation.
I beamed at Ichigo but only received an awkward look. It took all my willpower to stop myself from running up to him and giving him a bone-crushing hug.
"Hey Ninja Ginger!" I was toppled over by the small child, "How's my little man doing?"
"Uta-sama!" Ichigo laughed excitedly, "Uta-sama!"
I hushed him, "You're going to make me go deaf Ichi."
"Please treat Asano-senpai kindly, Kurosaki-kun," I warned him, "He was only concerned for my wellbeing."
He snorted and shoved his hands in his pockets. The four of us walked through the school gates just as the custodian closed them. I felt content looking back on the giant metal egress that reminded me of the gateway back at the Shino Academy. I had enjoyed my four years at the school. It was where my fate had been sealed. It was where I first met him, the one man I only cared about.
Ichigo led the way up the flight of stairs, chasing Keigo away as the crackpot got in his face. It was truly pathetic that the girls didn't do anything as he looked up their skirts every time Ichigo knocked him down.
I kept close to the three boys, despite their unusual way of living, and avoided eye contract with anyone. It was time to put on my game face. Kisuke had been right about these strange humans; they were emotionally corrupt. They were absolute nutcases. One minute they were laughing their heads off and the next they were scuffling with someone they weren't even acquainted with.
And the males were only the beginning of my problems. These girls –if you could even call the monstrous bitches that –scared me half to death. Their eyes screamed jealously and bloody murder, and quite frankly, made me unsettled. Cat fight didn't even apply to these animals; they acted like freaking lions that hadn't been fed for days.
And they were out for blood; my blood.
Even though I had been an onlooker for many years, I had rarely conversed with Humans. And it seemed that every generation was different, constantly changing with each little babe that was born. I'm still shocked that these barbarians, that did nothing but text and stab each other in the backs, had actually descended from people who entertained themselves with jazz and other cultural activities. What the hell was wrong with these people?
"Kurosaki-kun!"
My head snapped to the direction from where a woman ran up to us. I was about to launch onto the crazed psychopath before she could reach my Ichigo, but stopped as I slowly recognized her.
"Sup Orihime," Ichigo slumped down into his chair.
Sup? What the hell did that mean? Was it an abbreviation for supper? But it was in the middle of the day so why was Ichigo talking about dinner? Maybe it was because he knew Orihime had a crazy obsession for cooking –and I mean really crazy.
It was too early for me to think about this bizarre language that nowadays teens spoke. Plopping down in the seat behind Ichigo, I closed my eyes and leaned back into the cheap metal chair. I could probably get an extra ten minutes of rest if I started now.
"Ayane you look so beautiful today!" Scrap that idea of sleeping.
I cracked open one eye to see a purple pair staring right back at me… and my breasts. Yup, I had really got myself in an uncomfortable situation now.
"Thank you Honshō-chan," I reluctantly put on my bright and bubbly façade.
Chizuru blushed, squeezing my cheeks lightly, "You're so cute Ayane!"
"I wouldn't take it that far," I raked my nails into her surprisingly soft face.
The girl pulled back and rubbed her bruised choppers. Once the color in her reddened skin had faded, she looked around the classroom and found Orihime alone in the corner.
Good luck to her. I thought as Chizuru crawled toward the defenseless child sharpening her pencil. She could probably punch a few holes into Chizuru before she can fondle her.
My eyelids shut again and I was beginning to relax when I heard an earsplitting crash from behind me. I wondered how much nose jobs Chizuru would get before she finally learnt that she was never going to get past Tatsuki.
After five attempts to fall asleep, and five fails to do so, I growled impatiently and stood up. What could an old gal do to get a nap? I was even angrier when I found Ichigo snoring away in front of me. Well if I couldn't sleep then neither could he!
"Kurosaki-kun," I crouched down to his level.
No comment.
Okay going to Plan B. I whispered in his ear lightly, "Kurosaki-kun, I need you to help me."
He snored loudly then went back to being quiet.
"Kurosaki-kun, your house is on fire."
"Kurosaki-kun, your refrigerator is running."
"Kurosaki-kun, I need to go potty."
"Kurosaki-kun…" Okay now he was just being plain rude, "Kurosaki… OH FOR GOD'S SAKE, GET YOUR SORRY ASS UP SO WE CAN TALK ICHIGO!"
I looked up and found everyone staring at me in complete and utter shock, "Um, I mean, Kurosaki-kun, wakey, wakey sunshine."
Before I toss you out the window.
"Huh? Oh," his head shot up but he slouched when he saw it was just me, "What do you want?"
"Can I borrow your homework?" I tittered, "It was just so confusing and I couldn't bare it any long-" I stopped as Ichigo shoved his papers into my face.
He rested his head in his arms again, "Don't bother with the excuses. Rukia gives them to me all the time."
That caught my interest, "Rukia; as in the adopted noble, Rukia?"
He jolted once again, but this time stayed sitting straight, "How do you know that?"
Oh crap, I shouldn't have said that. Luckily the teacher walked in just as I opened my mouth to give him another pathetic excuse. The downside was that she threw her handbag at me which I unfortunetly didn't notice until my face was reduced to a tear-jerking mess.
"Ayane, how come you are the only one out of you seat?" The evil witch asked. When I remained silent, she sighed, "Since you cannot respect my rules I would like you to take care of the new transfer student as punishment. He will be coming at the end of the holidays."
"Yes Ma'am," I walked back to my seat. I was surprised no one was laughing at me; once again, another reason why Humans were so strange.
"Now open your text books to page six hundred and ninety-one. I will be coming around to collect your homework," she squinted at me, "I hope you all completed it."
You're so screwed. I cringed as it giggled within me.
Lunch couldn't have come any sooner. I sprinted out of the classroom in the blink of an eye, hoping that Ochi Sensei couldn't Shunpo. I had found me a quiet little spot in the school forest. I sat up in a tree, munching away at my makeshift lunch while the birds and squirrels ogled me with wide eyes.
"You're not getting any," I muttered, staring at my raisin-and-oatmeal breakfast bar.
A fluffy and dull squirrel took a step forward. It looked up at me with its adorable button eyes. I smiled at the begging little critter, raised my hand and unleashed my Byakurai on it.
"Roasted rodent anyone?" The squirrel scampered away with a fried tail.
"Aww, look a squirrel!"
"What in the world happened to its tail?"
I peered over the tree branch I had chosen to sit on. About fifteen feet beneath me, Orihime and her gang walked to the clearing a few feet away from my tree. I sighed, trying to find another way to escape the children. There was no way I was going to get caught up in their nonsense talk about schoolwork. I happened to have gone through school once and didn't have to do it again.
"I'm not going Kisuke," I flopped onto the bed.
He sighed, "Fine. I can see you're just going to break Masaki's promise, and carry on mooching on your local candy-store owner. But whatever, what would I know anyway? After all, I'm only a lowly candy merchant."
Thus leading me into the current situation I was in. Kisuke had a way with his words that make me feel both guilty and lazy. I work my butt off in that house! Who else had to put up with Jinta and Ururu for an entire afternoon while he and Tessai locked themselves up in the lab? Who else cleaned up the house or cooked the meals when Tessai was sick or absent? Who else was protecting Ichigo Kurosaki? He had absolutely no right to tell me I couldn't spend my mornings sitting on my fat ass.
"Why are there legs hanging from the tree?" I heard Tatsuki asked.
"I don't know but they are so sexy!" Chizuru swooned.
Should have Shunpoed when you had the chance, Ayane.
Shut it.
I swung my backpack on my shoulder and grabbed the thick, sturdy branch from underneath me. After bracing myself, I let my body slide off, swinging forward by pushing against the branch.
"Ayane, how did you get up in the tree?" Michiru gasped as I landed, "And get down so swiftly and quickly!"
I shuffled my feet in embarrassment, not needing to pretend to be bashful about the simple trick, "I… I, uh, have a big brother that teaches me how to fight."
"That's so cool!" Shouko screamed in my face, "He must be a wonderful sibling!"
"Um yeah," I stepped back before I was drenched in any more of her gob.
I jumped when I heard Mahana whisper in my ear, "Is he hot?"
"Yes?" I moved away from her as well before she pushed me for details.
Tatsuki slapped me hard on the back, "You gotta show me some of your moves!"
"Ayane, you never told me you had a brother!" Minori –the lead singer of the band I had recently joined –squealed, "You have to introduce me to him!"
"And me!"
"Me too!"
"Me, me!"
"Count me in as well!"
I nodded, starting to panic as the girls overwhelmed me with their demands. How the hell was I supposed to acquaint them with someone who didn't even exist? It was time to put my thinking cap on…
"I can't."
I wanted to kick myself for the feebleminded fib. Judging by the expression on more than a third of the adolescences surrounding me, I'm pretty sure they wanted to dropkick me as well.
Things aren't going very well for you, hey Ayane? Too bad you won't let me use Shuzuki for a while.
"Can it," I hissed, shaking my head until the voice faded away.
Orihime rested her hand on my shoulder, examining carefully. I closed my eyes and regained my composure.
"My brother is dead," I took advantage of my quiet voice as I tried to shoo the voice in my head away. It was like a constant buzz. Most of the time I ignored it but it was never completely forgotten.
Orihime's gentle touch hardened into a constricting force. I swear if Tatsuki hadn't pried her off me then she would have popped my arm right off. And I wasn't prepared to have it scuttling around my home like the Adam's family do.
"Inoue-chan?" I stepped forward, noticing how pale she looked, "What's the matter?"
"It's nothing," she tried to grin but it came out as a heartbreaking grimace.
I wasn't sure what was wrong with the upbeat girl. Kisuke had filled me in on all the details I hadn't known about Ichigo and his friends. Did we both miss something?
Sensing that I had created the mournful atmosphere, I walked away. It was best for her real friends to comfort her instead of an imposter. I flinched. Imposter…
"Aizen-fukutaicho, why have you summoned me?" I walked in the lieutenant's office and to his desk.
He smiled but not the usual kind and understanding smile I was used to. He walked towards me, his every stride exhibiting power and authority. I had only been in the room with him for a few seconds, but I knew for certain that this wasn't the gentle Squad Five lieutenant anymore. This was someone who wanted something. What it was? I couldn't say.
"Dear Ayane," he purred, "I need to ask you a favor."
"What's the favor?" I stepped back, my back pressing against the wall.
"So cautious." He praised, "Though you needn't be afraid of me… unless you don't do what I say. You see," he covered the space between us. "I want someone to watch over the divisions while I'm gone."
"Gone as in dead?" I couldn't imagine this man getting killed anytime soon.
He chuckled, stroking my hair, "No, no my innocent girl. Gone as in when Gin, Kaname, and I are away in the Rukongai experimenting on the Souls. Don't try fleeing Ayane." I stopped opening the door and he continued, "I always get what I want, and what I want is you…"
"Aizen-fukutaicho, stop this!" I protested, "I don't understand. Why are you hurting all the Souls in-"
"In due time," He whispered, "I will explain everything once you can be trusted. Until then, can you watch the Seireitei for me Ayane?"
"I can't be a part of something that will harm others!" I cried, "Please, I promise I won't tell anyone if you let me-"
His lips were a hairbreadth away from my mouth, "Do you want your friends to live?" he smirked as my heart stopped beating, "Yoruichi, Kisuke, Soi Fong, Tessai, Hiyori… Shinji…"
"You wouldn't," I whispered, "You can't! They're your friends as well-"
"What's the racket in here Sōsuke?"
Wasting no time, I raced to the door, "Hirako-ta-"
I yelped as I was yanked back and felt Aizen's mouth caressing mine softly, smirking as he watched his captain look at us. The brief flash of grief that burnt in his eyes numbed over. He just stared through us. I pushed the madman away and rushed over to Captain Hirako, bowing deeply.
"Forgive my intrusion sir, I-"
"Its fine," he said curtly, frowning at Aizen. Taking the hint, I hurried for the door and sprinted for my division, too scared out of my mind to think any better.
"Think about it," I heard Aizen call after me.
But what was there to think about? He was going to kill them if I didn't do as he said. I had to do this; if not for my friends then for the Soul Society. If I stayed longer and found more evidence, I could tell Yamamoto-dono secretly so Aizen couldn't play this out.
Just then, Gin came creeping around the corner. He grinned at me expectedly and I couldn't help but wonder if Aizen had sent him. Who else was on his side? Could I trust Gin? He was only a child so surely he couldn't be as twisted as his superior.
I hid my fear behind my emotionless mask, my trembling hands holding each other formally, and bowed to the third-seated officer, "You can tell Aizen I said yes."
He nodded but didn't move anything but his eyes. I didn't hide my admiration as I peered into his blue cat-like eyes.
"Don't try scheming anythin'," he laughed, "Captain Aizen won't be very happy. He might order me ta kill 'em all and then kill ya. We wouldn't want that that, now would we?"
There we go :D I felt like I didn't really explain much in my previous version of this story about Ayane's past ^,^ So let's hope I can continue to explain everything in depth xoxo Thank you for reading, and I'll do my best to update soon!
