DISCLAIMER: I will do this once, I do NOT own the series Bleach, any of the characters being associated with the series nor the song Riot by ONE OK ROCK. I only own the plot and the few characters i've myself had made up in this story which you will see very soon...

B/N: HELLO READERS! This is my very first fanfiction, The First Hollow Arc! *applauses myself* ^-^

SUGGESTION: when you start reading this chapter, (or continuously read more I hope! .) listen to Riot by ONE OK ROCK. Why? Because it's the perfect op theme song for this story arc(I can see the images in my head clearly and stuff hehe)

Now that's settled with... HOPE YOU ENJOY! ^-^

.

.

.


The school bell of Karakura Elementary School rang, and the students jumped for joy, knowing their long, hard day of studies was over. The entrance of the building was flooded with departing students, all mostly in groups while leaving to their after school activities. All were jabbering about some event that happened recently, in addition on festivities that were to happen in the upcoming months. Despite the obvious laughter and giggling igniting from students, there was a street not too far in proximity of the elementary building, which was quiet and peaceful to one's ears. There was a person toddling along this unobtrusive lane, and that person was a young ten-year old girl. Her motion was of a bouncy pattern, happily humming to herself as she bobbed her head side to side lightly. Her hands were behind her, holding her schoolbag as well, and it rested at the curve of her bottom, where the ends of her hair gently brushed her forearms. Her hair was long, possibly close to reach her waistline, and it was tied in two low pigtails with red, thick ribbons. Not only was her hair exceedingly straight, but it also possessed a rare hair colour—one would describe it being auburn.

The day was clear with very few clouds in sight, and the sun was shinning proudly on anyone's head that decided to walk outdoors at the very moment. Yet, in this seemingly peaceful atmosphere, the girl was being watched heavily in a small distance behind her—a creature known as a Hollow. This spirit, or once a human one, licked its lips greedily while watching the child. The monster's meals weren't the finest in the past while, rather pretty unappetizing, but the energy raiding off the girl was like a beacon to any oncoming Hollow that crossed path, and luckily, it was he. Before he could decide what tactic to use to apprehend the girl, the child suddenly start running rapidly away from his view.

No way he was going to let this delicious soul get away! As swiftly as the girl changed pace, he began charging at her, to which immediately he noticed how she flinched when his feet were slamming into the ground.

She could see him. Made sense why she was delectable.

Soon the Hollow trapped the poor girl in a corner, to where he saw the human trembling in fear that racked her entire body. He couldn't see her face due to her head staring straight down at the ground, but the circumstances of her trepidation was no concern of his.

She would be devoured soon.

"You have no where to run." He smiled mischievously, for as much the mask concealing his face would show. The dark green foot of his stepped closer towards the meal, yet if his ears could deceive him, he heard a sudden chuckle. Abruptly, something flew past him, and in confusion the monster's eyes followed the direction of the moving object.

This was her chance. She ran out of the ensnared corner and with concentration swiftly leaped onto a wall. Grabbing an object out of her bag, she slammed it onto her chest with a small thud. Something sounded odd to the creature's ears since the moment his attentiveness broke from the thrown object, which by the way was a large, grey pebble, two objects fell from the wall and onto the ground; a backpack and a body. A body? It was the girl's, recognizing the bright orange hair. But why would— he paused, realizing his predicament.

"Ha! You really think you were going to get a meal today?!" A girlish voice exclaimed proudly. "Well, think again!" She placed a hand on her hips and while the opposite one pointed directly at the hollow.

"Because I, Kurosaki Rin, will defeat you!"

The Hollow stared at the girl's sudden confidence, almost pondering at the proclamation, and then began to laugh.

"You?! Defeat me? A mere child? At least I will know I would enjoy my meal."

Rin frowned furiously, with lips sinking downward. "Don't take me lightly! I'm a Shinigami! A soul reaper! With my powers, you wont stand a chance!" She then indicated this by showing her Zanpakutō, which was strapped at the side of her hip. "See?!"

Right after, a hand lashed at her, which luckily only damaged the wall. Rin quickly moved when she saw the grotesque hand reaching for her, and she now stood on the ground, glaring at the Hollow. The creature turned its head, thinking the child had only luck, and shifted its body towards the girl fully, showing his large grey body with hands fisting the terrain.

"Now!" Rin shouted as she grasped the handle of her Zanpakutō, ready to fight. "Time to—!"

Slash! In that moment, the Hollow didn't move, rather a straight, firm line formed on the mask, and before the Hollow could realize its end, it fell back and instantly disappeared into black, faded dust. Rin blinked widely in confusion, and she would kept on contemplating what had happened if she didn't see who's figure was hidden behind the once roaming monster. It stood there relaxed, retracting a sword downward, resting the tip on the ground. Rin jerked at the appearance of the human, rather the substitute Shinigami, and she let out a nervous giggle with her face copying the emotion.

"Heh, heh, heh…ohayo Otou-san."

Who stood there was her father, Kurosaki Ichigo. A scowl was on his face, as his bright orange hair draped slightly over his eyes, mirroring the appearance when he had his final fight in the Winter War. He was in his Shihakusho, just like her, while Zangetsu was firmly in his hand. They both had different versions of the traditional Shingami clothing, since Rin had a large, red ribbon wrapped around her waist and Ichigo's Shihakusho was consisted of a thick strap across his chest and four black vertical lines on his forearms and back. That was because of his past battle with the Fullbrings, but let's leave that mention aside.

"What were you doing Rin?" Ichigo asked almost tiredly as he placed his sword on his back. He didn't question if he didn't know what was happening, just inquiring why she was there.

Rin stiffened at the question and, as reflex, fisted her hands on her torso with eyes looking determined. "I was fighting a Hollow like a good soul reaper should do!"

He raised his eyebrow at the response, for he knew it was a good answer of a Shimigami. However, she was trying to beat around the bush about it, which was something he never did.

"Rin, didn't we already tell you that if a Hollow confronts you, do not go into battle alone. Go get help from me, your Okaa-san, Ishida—"

"But it's not fair!" Rin yelled out. "How come I have to wait and get help, Otou-san?! I can transform already and know some moves. I can defeat them if you let me!"

Ichigo wasn't taken back at his daughter's stubbornness. No surprise she inherited from him, and some days, he felt it could be a disadvantage. His constant question of what was she doing was of a broken record, to never be heard properly and only be skimmed as a sheer sound.

"Rin, you just started learning how to spilt your soul from your body. It's risky to think just because you know that, you can take down any Hollow that comes your way."

Rin opened her mouth to retaliate at the comment, yet her mouth remained wide, nothing to be said by her voice. She knew he was right. It was somewhat strenuous to separate soul from body, and her experience at fighting was awfully low since, six months to be precise, she was officially allowed to fight Hollows with her Otou-san.

Well... that was what she believed.

"Besides," Ichigo stated as he glanced upward to the late afternoon sky, "we should be getting back now. It's almost dinner and you know how your Okaa-san enjoys family time at the table."

Rin didn't disagree at the comment since she nodded in accord, scurrying to her fallen body and school backpack. She pouted when she saw a light starch on her arm, which must have been made when she recklessly dropped her form onto the ground as she grasped her badge. Once in proper order, she ran back to her Otou-san, and with wide eyes saw him bend down on one knee, silently indicating her to go on his back. She smiled brightly at the suggestion as she grabbed on, holding tightly for she knew her Otou-san could flash step extremely quickly. In split seconds, the pair disappeared, and moments later were in front of their home—a house with white brick walls and dark red roofing matching the entry way. Ichigo released her before entering the home, and immediately was greeted with the familiar scent of food cooking. Not even settling into the living room Rin caught a small glimpse of auburn hair flying gently across within the kitchen. The hair, if realized there were spectators near the premises, flinched and whirled around, revealing the face of the owner, Kurosaki Orihime.

"Oh! I didn't even hear you come in!" she pardoned, placing the spoon down on the counter quickly to apologize. "Gomen."

She then wiped her hands on a pink apron that was gracelessly wrapped around her waist and smiled sweetly.

"How was your day you two? Busy?"

"Great Okaa-san!" Rin said gleefully, speaking on behalf of herself and Ichigo. She assumed her Otou-san had a good day otherwise he would have been much more cross with her after the little venture with the spirit.

Orihime smiled kindly at the expression her daughter was showing, then looked to Ichigo and gave a varied smile to him, the one he could only receive from her, full of affection as a lover and a wife.

Rin phased out what her parents were saying to each other, (not that it was inappropriate; simply discussing bills and work hours) and went to place her bag on near the couch, deciding to put it in its proper resting area later. As she walked to past the living room and into the dinning room, knowing she would be told to sit down soon, Rin couldn't help but admire her Okaa-san's appearance. The ten-year old knew her Okaa-san was extremely beautiful. The slightly wavy hair danced freely when she moved, despite Orihime's hair being in a low, loose ponytail. Her bangs framed her face gorgeously, bringing ultimate attention to her stormy grey eyes that were always soothing to look at. Compared to Rin's Otou-san, Ichigo, his were dark brown that looked courageous and sturdy— like the eyes of a protector. Rin inherited her Otou-san's eye colour, maybe more of a light chocolate though, but wondered why they didn't have the same feeling as his. If she didn't have the wide eye, innocent expression like her Okaa-san, she could intimate her opponents easily and glare at people with ease! But noooo. Any menacing face she would throw at people they would laugh at her attempted angry appearance.

"Oh, dinner is actually ready you two." Orihime said happily, regarding back to Rin now. "So please, have a seat! I'll be right back with the food." She then scurried off the kitchen to retrieve the food, while Ichigo went to his laid body on the sofa before seating himself at dinner.

"Bon appetite!" Orihime exclaimed as she placed the meals in front of them. She seemed very fond of her creation. "It's ramen but I did a twist to it to make it extra special."

"Extra special?" Ichigo repeated, his face darkening as he looked to the seemingly normal ramen that sat in front of him.

Orihime giggled as she sat down. "Don't worry Ichigo! Yours is still the same. I'm really talking about Rin's ramen and mine. Extra chilly peppers, onions, squid and a hint of cinnamon."

Rin drooled at the description as she looked to her dinner. She would of kept on staring in admiration at the delicious sight but blinked when she realized something was missing from the delicacy. Her eyes gazed ahead of her and reached for the wad load of wasabi on the table and carelessly threw a large amount on her ramen.

There… now it's complete.

"So how was school Rin-chan?" Orihime asked merrily when they began to eat after the said their blessings. "Did everyone like your muffins?"

Rin halted her chopsticks of its motion as her head throbbed of the thought. Oh yeah, she forgot. How could she forget? It wasn't the muffins, since everyone in her class did like them, and it something Rin felt like doing once in awhile to prove she could make normal things but it wasn't of importance right now! Today there was a kid getting bullied in the schoolyard, and Rin marched right up to them, demanding them to stop their mean antics.

What the bullies told her after that made her want to throw a chair at them.

Both adults noticed the uneasy pressure of Rin's Reishi, (plus her sour face was clearly evident) and Ichigo, the person he was, demanded to know what happened.

"It's…it's…" Rin tried to compose herself, not wanting to yell in front her parents. She took a deep breath to inhale much oxygen as possible.

"JUST BECAUSE I'M A GIRL, PEOPLE THINK I'M WEAK!"

Well, screw that idea.

"I was trying to help this kid from dumb bullies but then stupid stupid Boro said 'you're just a girl Kurosaki! Go back to being a nice little girl!' " she mocked his voice, then suddenly clenching her fork, pouting furiously. "And everyone agreed Otou-san! I hate, hate how everyone judges me on my looks! They think I'm nothing but harmless, g-gentle girl!"

Rin panted harshly after rant, quickly realizing she completely exploded at the table. Her Okaa-san taught her to always tell them what she felt, but Rin struggled to control her temper. She quickly shoved her hands into her lap, sweating dropping in embarrassment. To be honest, she didn't know what they would do next.

"I agree with you sweetie." Orihime replied. "It's hard how people judge the appearance of a person instead of their personality. Your Otou-san and I experienced harsh judgment upon others, even in middle school I was bullied, but never let people's opinions stop you from being who you are. You were helping someone at a time of need, and even though those bullies might not like your actions, you were doing the right thing."

Rin widened her eyes in disbelief as she looked to her Okaa-san's face. Who in the world would try to pick on her Okaa-san?! She was kind, sincere, and considerate of others. She then looked to her Otou-san who had a kinder expression then she would usually see. Well, she would understand if people try to pick on her Otou-san for his bright hair and rebellious attitude, but she heard that he fought back and beat them up!

Huh. That's one way to do it.

She exclaimed eagerly, "Can I beat them up like Otou-san did when he was a teen?!"

Ichigo scowled at the thought of his only child turning into a rebel like himself when he was young.

He continued his usual frown at his daughter. "That won't be necessary Rin."

Rin pouted in reply, which had no effect on the senior substitute Shinigami. She turned her expression to her Okaa-san, who said nothing but had a sympathetic look in her grey irises.

The young girl however refused to loss the small debate. "I want to fight though! I want to fight—"

"Like today with that Hollow, Rin?" Ichigo interrupted, already presuming where the conversation was going. The person being referred to winced, feeling hair sticking out of the back of her neck sharply. Oh no! Now her Okaa-san—

"Eh?!" The auburn-haired woman exclaimed in surprise, processing the information Ichigo had just stated. She looked to her daughter. "Rin-chan, did you fight a Hollow by yourself?"

Rin could only answer with a reluctant nod.

Orihime saddened her eyes. "Rin-chan, didn't we discuss that when you're a bit older you can—"

Rin sighed dejectedly. "I know Okaa-san. It's just… I-I had a plan and it seemed really weak when I felt it! So, I pretended to be oblivious to its presence and then the moment when it put its guard down, I could strike!"

The only sound that came out of the dinning room was her parent's sighing at her impulsiveness. Ichigo wondered, was he like this when he was younger? He still had some in him but to see it take action in front of him wore him out. He guessed it was justifiable for his father to attack him back then but still the morning greetings of his father were completely random and fuckin unnecessary. Yet for some strange reason, he let out a small grin at his daughter's pleading look.

"Okay, if you're really wishing to get stronger, we can take more serious training at Urahara's training grounds."

Rin's face lit up.

"But only if you master your shielding technique."

Her shoulders immediately fell.

"Okaa-saaaan…" Rin whined, silently asking for help to convince him to let her train with the ex-captain. But instead she got those eyes, telling her she agreed with her Otou-san.

Rin might be a substitute Shinigami, something she clearly got from her Otou-san, but her abilities incorporated into her soul reaper powers were like her Okaa-san. Rin always saw, even at their dinning room table, her Okaa-san had those precious hairpins pinned on her clothing.

Sadly she had to admit it, she couldn't really fight that well. She was still learning right? Only time and she'll get better, just like her Otou-san. Hearing all those stories of their adventures when they were younger brought thrill and admiration to her. If they could do it, she could too! She'll just make sure she'll get better before that stupid Quincy does.

That Quincy named Ishida Daichi.

.

.

.


A/N: Thank you to all those who continuously read, comment and follow my work! (critique/suggestions are welcomed!) ^_^

P.S REVIEW!

Till next time,

IBG