Authors Note- I will be stating names as Last, First. (Example: instead of Ichigo Kurosaki, I will be saying Kurosaki Ichigo) Just so we're clear. ^.^

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to it's rightful owners, I do not own Bleach in any way, the only thing I own is my odd imagination. :)

Chapter 1:

Do you know how it feels to be shunned by the one thing a Shinigami is supposed to count on their entire life?

"I want to take a nap, you're free to go any time you want."

I was growing completely frustrated. Why couldn't he just talk to me? I've been a Shinigami for plenty of years now... Made it to 4th seat of the 1st division... do you know how hard it is to become a 4th seat in the first place? Yet here I am, and I did it without even knowing my Zanpakutōs name... without a shikai. Why can't he just tell me, dammit?!

"If you aren't going to leave, then at least calm down. I can't even get into a relaxed position when this world is shaking about because of your uncontrollable anger." The Zanpakutō sighed, turning onto his side, away from where I was standing infuriated a few feet away.

My inner world was indeed shaking, almost as if an earthquake was about to strike. But I can't help the way I feel, especially when he keeps talking down to me, as if I were absolutely nothing but a nuisance... when all I want is to get to know him. "Can't you just talk to me?" I knelt beside him, hoping a closer proximity might convince him... although it hadn't worked hundreds of times in the past.

The slender body of the man turned onto his back, an eye narrowly opening to look up at me above him, the other eye covered by an eye-patch that hid half his pale face. "I'm pretty sure I have been talking. But fine, I see you want a conversation. How's the weather? Oh! Wait, its absolutely terrible here, too damn hot." He pointed up at the sun shining brightly above us as if to prove his statement.

It was my turn to sigh now. This was always how it went with him, he'd always make some silly comment about absolutely nothing, and why? I mean, it wasn't my fault my inner world was just some massive feild filled with rocks and sand. Not even a single tree. "Forget about the damn weather! You know what I want to talk about!" Once again, the ground shook beneath us.

The Zanpakutō suddenly leaned up to look me straight in the eyes. "Well, I do not wish to talk about that. I don't believe you are ready, or capable." He laid back down and automatically turned away from me, something he'd done several times before, when he was done with talking and just wanted to be left alone.

Without another word, I left.

Opening my eyes, I find myself next to a small pond in a garden located behind the barracks for the 1st division. I quickly get up, putting my Zanpakutō back in the sash located on my waist. I look down at the pond, shimmering with my reflection. Dirty blonde wavy hair that reaches to my mid-back falls over my shoulder as I look down at my reflection. I'm petite, standing only at 155cm, and the water is making me look even paler than I already am. I don't look too different from my Zanpakutō actually, only he is about a head taller than me, and has pitch black, long hair that is loosely tied back.

I brush off the back of my shihakushō and turn to return to my quarters, only to be stopped by a figure suddenly appearing beside me, kneeling. "4th seat Shinobu Yuuko, Captain-Commander Yamamoto has requested your appearance."

I swallow back my shock. As a seated officer, I shouldn't show that I was caught off-guard by a messengers sudden arrival, not while in the 1st division anyway. "R-right, thank you." Damn, that came out too shaky. But either way, the messenger nodded and disappeared.

We in the 1st division are known for mobilizing quickly, usually even before an official order is issued. And so, less than a minute after receiving the message, I was knocking on the Captain-Commanders office door. I heard a short "Hn," which, knowing my Captain, means he already knew it was me and to come in.

As soon as I was in and within 10 yards of my Captain, I immediately knelled before him. "Sir."

Captain-Commander Yamamoto nodded, staying in his seat behind his desk in a relaxed position, which immediately told me there was nothing wrong. Knowing this made me relax slightly as well, but I stayed kneeling; my Captain doesn't request someones appearance for absolutely nothing.

My captain looked at the view his office provided him, one that allowed him to view all of Seireitei. "I saw you out there, in the garden. Did you have any luck this time?"

I let his statement sink in. Of course my Captain knew I didn't know the name of my Zanpakutō yet, but I didn't think he realized how much it bothered me, or... well, that he even cared. I knew he was waiting for an answer, and after a much too long pause, I finally felt I had the control to give one, "I..." Dammit Yuuko, get a hold of yourself! I haven't told anyone about how my Zanpakutō refused me outright; for all I knew, everyone thought I couldn't speak with him at all. This is my Captain, if I can't tell him, who can I tell? I shook away my doubts and attempted again, "No, sir... I still do not know the name of my Zanpakutō." Why is it... that just saying that simple statement to my Captain has filled me with such regret... sadness... frustration?

Genryūsai Yamamoto nodded once again, looking back towards me, his 4th seat, with a look filled with sadness. "I know that must be painful for you, Yuuko. It's very rare that a Zanpakutō doesn't reveal important information, especially one such as its name." He then sat up straighter in his chair, prompting me to straighten my own back, although I stayed kneeling before him. "I do have something in mind that may be of interest to you."

I was prepared to hang on to any word he said after that, but it didn't come. What was he waiting for? Normally I would keep quiet and wait, no matter how long my Captain took. But... after he said something like that, I just couldn't stay silent, no matter how much I wanted to bite my tongue. "Sir, what would that be?" I sounded very eager and full of hope, which lit up my Captains eyes.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto stroked his beard lightly, "I'm not quite sure you are aware of it, but while you are inside of your own inner world, your reiatsu... well, it almost completely vanishes. I'm still not completely sure what causes it, but I have an idea. Am I correct in assuming that you cannot use Kidō?"

My eyes widened; when it came to using Kidō, I am worse than a baby trying to wield a kitana. "Um... well, Sir, It's not that I do not know the basics and learned everything in the Academy, it's just..." I had no clue how to explain it, I can't just keeping blabbering on like a fool in front of the Captain-Commander! Before I could panic any further, my Captain raised his hand, signaling to let him speak.

"It's alright. I suspected you couldn't. I believe you should talk to Captain of the 13th division, Ukitake Jūshirō. Have him explain to you everything he knows about the substitute shinigami badge. That should inform you some on what I suspect may be a power of your Zanpakutō." He looked back at me as he said his next words, "Also, I suggest you find yourself a Captain to tutor you in Kidō. I have a recommendation, although I know you are not fond of each other, so I doubt you'll be willing to use him as your first choice. Captain of the 6th division, Kuchiki Byakuya."

I immediately stood, completely shocked that my Captain would recommend that person. But once again, my Captain raised his hand to keep me in line and began speaking.

"Yuuko, I understand you have a past with the Kuchiki clan. I do not know the specifics, as I'm sure it's a private matter that you do not wish to discuss. However, that was a long time ago. Kuchiki Byakuya himself hasn't done anything towards you, correct?" He looked at me sternly, patiently waiting for an answer.

Deep breaths, Yuuko... I sighed, getting angry at just the mere name is pathetic..."No, sir... If it is your recommendation, then I will gladly ask Captain Kuchiki for his assistance with Kidō."

...and I'll also pray he'll say no.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto nodded his head, satisfied with my answer. "Well then, it is nearly sunset, I suggest you go to your quarters for the night and start all of this tomorrow." He once again looked out towards Seireitei.

"You are dismissed, Shinobu Yuuko."

Authors Note:

Hope you all enjoyed, leave a review to let me know what you think! ^.^

Look for an update about every week.

-The Neko Lover