Phoenix: OMG
Unborn Phoenix: What?
Phoenix: We're actually… Working together on the same story! Even though we placed it as our second... That's only because we work on this story a lot... I don't like updating my other stories, this is a good one, I promise!
Unborn Phoenix widens her eyes: Can ya kill me now?
Phoenix: I don't own Bleach…

A strange feeling of fear overcame me as I was walking home. I let out a raspy breath and hid behind a corner as a large inhuman thing walked by. It had three horns on its head and black wings folded over his body. His four feet were covered in red liquid, "Blood…" I bit my lower lip and silently scooted closer to the door of another house.

-Unborn Phoenix and Phoenix awesomely present to you-

I quickly shut my eyes and ran to the door. The large thing with the mask ran after me, "Open the door!" I was surprised to see that the door had actually opened, but ignored the fact. I stumbled into the house and slammed the door closed, "You can see them." I panted and looked up at my savior, "Who are you?"

"I… I'm Nira Kurosaki… Who are you?" The boy in front of me turned slightly, "You're related to Ichigo?" I widened my eyes, "How do you know my cousin?" The boy turned his head, "Go over there, the hollow will come through the walls soon." I silently obeyed and peeked from behind the wall. I heard a loud crash and squinted to see what was in the dust.

I winced in pain when I heard a scream, "It's useless to hide, little girl." I bit my lower lip as a white tentacle crept around the corner and found its way in front of me. A boy walked around the corner and smirked, "Found you."

Truth: So It Begins

"Get away from me you freak!" I ran past him and turned so my back was against the wall. I spotted something in one of his other tentacles, "What did you do to him?!" The dark haired man cackled, "I've been revived, by another life force inside the earth. I've come ten times more powerful than ever! Which means I'm calling you all weak! Oops, did I say something wrong? Sorry!"

"Let go of him!" I was annoyed by the boy's attitude, "Or what? Luppi won't listen to you!" 'Luppi' ran forward with his sword drawn. I yelped and ducked down. I inhaled sharply and kicked the boy in the stomach. He growled and stumbled back, "You little brat!"

"Look who's talking!" I gripped the steel rod next to me and swallowed. Sweat poured down my brow and blurred my vision. I yelled and brought the steel object down. The boy easily caught it and threw me into the wall. I bit my lower lip to keep from shouting and found that it was bleeding.

Luppi cackled once more and threw the other boy into a pile of debris, "Hey!" My voice faltered and my vision began to fade. Luppi frowned, "What? You just met him, why do you care so much?" I backed down and looked away. Luppi chuckled maliciously and brought something down on my head. I yelled in pain and fell to the floor.

I opened my eyes slowly and saw a bird rise from the fire that surrounded me. I looked around, "What? Who are you? What are you?" The bird scoffed, "We should be asking you the same thing! What are you doing? You're not weak, you could have beat that girly guy!"

"I'm not strong! Not at all!" I lowered my gaze to the floor, "I can't even protect anything. I just involve people and get them hurt…" The phoenix screeched, "You idiot! Don't you get it? We can help you!" I looked up, "What are you talking about?"

"Haven't you ever wondered why people are always warm when you're near?" I paused, "I'm not following…" The bird landed and folded its wings around itself, "Have you really no idea? You think this is all a dream, but you don't know what you're getting into. If you want to become strong, then will yourself to."

"I can't!" The bird roared, "You can! With our help, you must shout it out! Unsheathe us!" I grit my teeth and held onto a small sword, "I… I…"

"Do it!" I pulled on the small hilt, "Release us!"

I opened my eyes quickly to see that I was in the comfort of my own room. My emerald eyes scanned the room for any dangers, and my feet kicked the sheets off of me. I jumped out of bed and stretched out a bit, "It was that dream again." I yawned and wiped the small tear from my eye.

I tripped over my own feet and tumbled down the stairs… Or would have if I didn't put my hands in front of me and jumped onto the floor, "Morning Mom!" A brown haired woman turned and beamed at me, "Good morning Nira! Today, you're going to Karakura High, so remember to behave!"

"Seriously Mom, you're taking this new start thing a bit too seriously! Besides, Ichigo will be there. I'll be fine." I bit into the buttery toast and glanced at the clock, "Wow, it's already seven thirty." I smiled and nibbled on the rest of my breakfast, savoring the last bits of the food, "Ah, sweet food. Too bad I'll be eating jail food from now on."

"I am tired of your sarcasm, dear." I smiled, "And I yours." My mother smiled and rolled her eyes playfully, "Oh yeah, I got a letter about something. From Ichigo." I blinked, "Ugh, if that boy is in trouble again, he'll answer to my fist." My mother sighed, "I actually wonder if you're really twelve at times."

"Hey, not my fault I have to learn to protect myself because I skipped grades and everybody there is older than me!" Mother smiled, "You'll manage. After all, you are my daughter." I chuckled and lifted myself off of the chair, "Sure, Mom." I walked over to the desk and picked up the small white letter.

Nira, I really don't think you should be here. It's too dangerous for you to be here. Please, try to convince your mother to go back to America! There's just no way that you can survive here, in Karakura. This place just isn't meant to be for a girl like you. In this small town, people are endangered by things they've never seen or heard of. Leave this place Nira, it's not what you've been looking for, trust me.

Sincerely,

Ichigo K.

I narrowed my eyes and ripped up the letter, "He thinks I can't protect myself… Well he's in for a big surprise. I'm leaving Ma!" I scooped up my bag and left for the door, "Oh! Before I forget! Nira, your father told me to give something to you."

"Hmm? Dad?" My mother nodded happily and handed me the package, "Umm, I think you had better take it upstairs. I'll open it later." My mother looked quizzically at me before nodding and walking up the steps. I grumbled incoherently and opened the small wooden door.

I walked up the low hill to the school, "Nira?" I looked behind me and saw a very pale Ichigo, "Hey Ichi-nee! Don't think I'm going to be leaving, because I've decided to stay here." He held his head and pointed at me, "Fine, but you're going to have to do something about your fighting."

"What's wrong with it?" Ichigo sighed and walked forward, "Well, Aunt May said you were fighting a bit too much at your old school." I frowned and walked alongside him, "Not my fault those jerks cut off my hair." Ichigo chuckled quietly, "So that's why your hair is shorter than before."

"I can tell that's sarcasm Ichigo. That was three years ago anyway. Why would Ma talk about that?" Ichigo shrugged, "Hey, this is a new start for the both of you. So you had better get used to it." I stuck my tongue out and wrinkled my nose, "Not to a very good start though."

"It'll get better, I hope." I looked at the orange haired teen, "Ichigo, what did you mean by it wasn't safe here?" Ichigo stopped briefly and quickened his pace afterwards, "Nothing. Just some gang activity lately." I narrowed my eyes at my cousin, fully aware that he had just lied, but said no more.

We arrived at the school and I widened my eyes, "It's huge!" Ichigo scratched the back of his head, "Is it? I never thought of it like that… Oh well, you're classes are the same as mine. Come on, I want you to meet some of my friends." I raised an eyebrow, "So now the cold and icy prince has been melted and he found friends?"

"Hey! I am not a cold and icy prince!" I laughed, "That's what you think Ichigo." I followed my grumbling cousin and hummed a small tune to myself. Ichigo perked up, "That song…" I chuckled, "It's the song dad sang to us, when we were living together."

"Ah, no wonder it was familiar." I nodded solemnly, "He hasn't been home lately, and I think he's sick too. I just wish he didn't have to work so hard." Ichigo looked at me, "Hey, don't worry. If anything happens, you and Aunt May can always stay at our house." I shook my head, "Nah, you guys shouldn't really bother with our family's matter."

"Your family is my family." I looked down, "Ichigo, I've been sensing weird auras lately. They get stronger and stronger, but they always disappear before I can get to them. It's like playing tag with an invisible person." Ichigo looked into the sky so I couldn't see his expression, "I'm sure it's nothing."

"You too Ichigo. Your aura is very strong now." He grinned at me, "That's cause I'm older. Now let's get to class, the sooner the better." I smiled and ran forward, "Well hurry up then!" Ichigo smiled and we began to race to the classroom.

Ichigo entered the classroom panting, "I got here first!" I pouted, "No fair Ichi-nee! You knew where the class was." He scratched his head, "Hey, you're the one who didn't come to the open school day." I looked up thoughtfully, "That's true, ne…"

"Hey Ichigo!" A black haired girl went up to Ichigo, "Hey Tatsuki…" I widened my eyes, "Tatsuki!" I hugged the girl fondly, "Wah! I haven't seen you in five years!" Tatsuki blinked, "N-Nira?" I nodded, "Yes!" She smiled and hugged me back, "I missed you too Nira! Your brother has been awfully rude lately, and needs some straightening up!"

"I do not!" I rolled my eyes playfully, "Of course Ichigo! You were always in trouble." Ichigo sighed in utter defeat, "Sheesh, it's not good to pick on your own cousin you know."

"Cousin? I didn't know you had one." I looked at the girl and cocked my head, "Who's that, Ichigo? Your girlfriend?" Ichigo fumed, "No, she isn't Nira. She's just a friend." I sighed and turned to shake my head, "She's a girl and a friend." Ichigo frowned, "Kurosaki! I've been looking for you!"

"Huh? Ishida?" I looked at the newcomer with distaste, "What's wrong?" Ichigo asked Ishida. Said boy panted, "It's about Soul Society." I perked up and listened intently, "The captain of the tenth division and his fuku-taichou are here. Plus two other seated shinigamis."

"Huh? That would be… There would have to be a problem then." I looked away from the two, getting bored with the conversation. I walked over to the window and looked out, "She never told me her name either…"

Would you be talking about me, mistress?

I scowled.

Who else would I be talking about?

It's true you don't know my name, but knowing it would be very dangerous for both you and your friends.

Friends? What friends? They are in America, and I'm on the other side of the world.

-Sigh- Mistress, please calm yourself. There is no need to get angry. Know that when you learn my name, the destruction of others will follow when you summon me.

The voice in my head faded and I brought my hand to my waist, "Nira." I turned and smiled cheerfully, "What is it?" Ichigo turned to the clock, "It's about time to get into our seats. I nodded and sat in a nearby seat. I looked out the window and gazed longingly at the blue sky above.

It was right before lunch when the bell rang, "Umm, go to the roof and wait for me Nira. Tatsuki will be there too." I looked at Ichigo strangely before marching toward the door, "Oh, before I forget Ichigo! Ma wants to talk to you."

"What about?" I shrugged, "If I knew, I'd tell you." I turned and walked out the door… Or rather bumped into a person. I fell to the floor, "Ouch." I looked up and paused to stare into the sky blue eyes staring into my emerald ones, "Toushiro…"

"It's Hitsugaya-taichou, for your information. Who is she?" The boy rudely pointed at me and I glared at him, "She's Nira Kurosaki, my cousin from America." I stood up and dusted myself off. I walked right past the shady group and gave one last glare to 'Toushiro.'

I kicked the gate and it rattled, "Who does that ungrateful brat think he is!" I growled and punched the wall. It crumbled under the pressure, "I'm starting to think this isn't a spar anymore." Tatsuki dodged another of my hits, "Sorry Suki, it's just that I'm so angry at him!"

"Well don't take it out on me!" She ducked, "I usually transfer my anger into my energy, so that I give more powerful blows." I tripped Tatsuki and caught her, "Sorry for giving you a hassle." She sat upright, "Not your fault. That guy gets on my bad side too."

"Ugh. You have no idea!" I sat down and leaned against the gate, "Ne, Nira-chan." I looked at the orange haired girl I came to know as Orihime, "What is it Hime?" She shook her head, "N-Nothing! It's just that… Kurosaki-kun told me that you could also see spirits."

"That's true." I closed my eyes, "I can see them, and even touch them. I even have the energy to channel them." I opened my eyes and looked at my right hand, "With this hand…" I lifted it, "I've… done so many things…"

"Nira?" I looked up and saw Ichigo, "Hey Ichi, what is it?" He looked down, "Actually, some people want to talk to you. They're my friends, so you don't have to worry." I glanced behind Ichigo and saw that same white haired boy. I grit my teeth but reluctantly stood.

I sat in a seat and looked up at the six people in front of me. The white haired boy waved his hands in my face and I attempted to bite him. He reared his hand back just in time, "She can see us." He frowned, "That's not good."

"Hey! I have a name you know!" I growled and the boy just looked away from my face. The orange haired woman smiled, "I'm Rangiku, and this is Hitsugaya. That bald one over there is Ikkaku, and the guy with the peacock accessories is Yumichika. The red haired one is Renji, and the girl is Rukia."

"…Why is it bad that I can see you?" Hitsugaya spared a glance at me, but soon averted his gaze. He opened his mouth slowly, "You're going to be targeted, by masked creatures." I narrowed my eyes, "I know about those already. They're called hollows, right?"

"How do you know about that?" Renji growled. I stuck my tongue out at him, "I'm not sure. I've seen them around a lot, and that's why we moved here. I found out they were hollows in a dream. I remember someone explaining something to me… and…"

"…What?" I gripped the ends of my jacket and looked down, "That's all…" I could feel Hitsugaya glare daggers into my head. I glared back at him, "Well then Toushiro, explain to me why I'm being targeted." Said boy had a vein pop, "It's Hitsugaya-taichou!"

"Now, now…" Rangiku tried to reason with the boy. Rukia turned to me, "People with high spiritual pressures have good tasting souls to the hollows. They will go after you no matter where you are."

"Then… But why?" Rukia looked down, "Hollows eat souls to ease their own pain, only creating more in their true hearts for killing the innocent. Their grieving never ends until they're souls are sent to Soul Society." I looked down again, "What about the gigantic gates… And that wretched stink of blood? Is that the ceremony of going to Soul Society?"

"You've seen… Hell's Gate?" I bit my lip, "That's what it is? Then… I feel bad for them…" I closed my eyes to try to ignore the tears falling down my cheeks, "Nira…" Ichigo tried to approach me, but I turned.

I sighed heavily, "I'm fine…" A hand gripped my shoulder and I followed it to be an unexpected one. The pale finger wiped the small tear away, "When people cry, it hardly means that they're okay. You have to be careful. Watch for any nearby hollows." I looked into the expressionless face of Toushiro, "You…"

"It was an order to protect you, and making you cry is hurting you emotionally." I widened my eyes, and soon narrowed them. I hit him on the head, "So you did that just for a- You are so rude!"

"What's your problem!" I growled, "You! You selfish all work no play addict!" Toushiro frowned, "How would you know what I do?" I glared, "Please, that order your following is against your own will. You probably would give your life for it."

"Don't be so cocky." He hissed. I grit my teeth, "As if!" I stormed out the room and threw my hands into the air, "Honestly! Some people need to take others' feelings into consideration!"

"Nira!" I turned and glared at Ichigo, "If I knew better Ichigo Kurosaki, I would think you were hiding this from me all along!" Ichigo blinked, "What are you talking about?" I growled, "You have a -somewhat- steady rate of spiritual pressure, or whatever they call it! It feels like what they have! You're a shinigami too, aren't you?"

"Nira, you don't understand! These hollows will kill your friends if you don't learn to suppress your reiatsu!" I grit my teeth and turned. I ran down the long hallway quickly, ignoring the protests of my cousin.

I panted and leaned on the wall for support. I widened my eyes when I sensed a spike of spiritual pressure. I popped open a candy dispenser and swallowed the small candy, "Where is it…" I looked sideways and ran left.

The hollow roared, "Where are you little girl?" I stepped behind the large gorilla-like hollow, "Over here you overgrown monkey!" I held the long spear on my back and swung it in front of me, "Let's see you take the heat!"

"Graar!" The hollow charged at me and I flash stepped behind it. I stabbed it in the face and swerved my hand upward so it cut the mask in half. I let the white pieces fall onto the ground, "Hnn. You can fight hollows, with a zanpakto no less." I turned swiftly and looked through the strands of my red hair, "I have no business with you."

"But I do with you." The long slender fingers wrapped around my thin wrist. I bit my lower lip, "Let go of me…" Toushiro shook his head, "You'll just run away." I looked at him through the tears that appeared on my face, "Let go, please!" With that, my aura burst out and knocked the thirteen-year-old boy back into the wall. I grit my teeth as wings of fire burned through my back and spew my blood onto the floor.

I fell to my knees when the transformation was complete. He first looked at my wings, then at my eyes. He looked one last look at my wings before looking into my green eyes once more with a strange mixture of curiosity and fear.

Unborn Phoenix: This is scary, even for me
Phoenix: We just have to… Get used to it…

Next time on 'Truth:'

"I… I'll go back."

"Don't listen to him Kurosaki!" I looked at the white haired boy in my hands, "Don't go to that side! It's evil! The Sotaichou won't accept this!"

"What do you people care?" I let Toushiro onto the ground, "I'm sorry to do this, but it's for the best." Toushiro gripped the hilt of his sword, "I'll have to stop you then!" I turned around, trying to hide the tears that urged to fall from my eyes. I laughed softly, "You think I want to do this?"

"Tis great choice, ne? Yer lil Soul Society won't be destroyed. An' we'll have one of our own back." Toushiro grabbed my shoulder, "What is he talking about?" I looked into Toushiro's eyes, "I don't want to do this, I'm so sorry… Burn your way through sunlight and air,

My Sword Kikoou

Phoenix: That's the title of the next chapter, please review for me, ne?
Unborn Phoenix twitches: You mean… 'us.'
Phoenix: Whatevs -rolls eyes-