Author's Note: I don't own Bleach, except for this story and the characters. The characters are just works of fiction, not more than that.

Bleach: Just another former Shinigami

Chapter 1: What I am in the mortal world

My name is Arisuke Takahashi and I am sitting on my bed, looking out the window. The window was facing a main road and across it, a 24-hour convenience store. It was nice to see people coming in, buying things and coming out in the middle of the night. The untainted air, the quietness of the night with sometimes the sounds of passing vehicles, it was peaceful. Some nights were just so beautiful with the stars up in the sky, except for a few Hollows that disturbed that peace. When it rained, it sounded nice and calm. It almost reminded me sometimes of the other place, but the place was too far away for me now.

I am working at a supermarket, carrying the goods to the storage room and refrigeration room, and sometimes helping to fill up the racks. This particular supermarket was a 20-minute walk from my rented room and lately, I began to work on a part-time basis from 7-to-3, five days a week. I always have my dinner at a small diner in that housing area, but I sometimes bought my food at the convenience store. Working at the supermarket made me feel a bit disgruntled for all the skills that I learned. Still, it was much better than staying and doing nothing in Rukongai and looking at the walls of Seireitei.

I joined a local kendo dojo and because of what I learned in past, I rose quite high in the ranks. It was just six months after I joined the dojo that I was offered to become a junior assistant instructor. I was honoured to accept it and felt very happy.

I don't usually recalling my past in the night like this. I usually listened to the calm surroundings where there was very little activity and looked high up in the sky at the stars and go to sleep. However, tonight, I can't seem to forget the man that came earlier this evening while I was training my students in the park.

"Arisuke Takahashi, I presumed," said the man suddenly out of nowhere.

"Yes, and you are?"

"My name is Hyuro Nikatama. May I speak to you privately?"

"What is this all about that you want to speak with me privately?" I asked with a voice high enough for every one of my students to notice.

He grinned and looked at the students, "Something that concerns loyalty to Yamamoto-Sotaicho."

"Yamamoto who? What are you talking about?" I asked, pretending not to know.

He grinned again, "Don't pretend, Takahashi…," he got closer, "former 8th Seat of 1st Division."

Now that got my attention. "Just who are you, exactly?"

"If you want to know, follow me then," he said and took off to another part of the park.

I ordered a senior student to continue on the training and I followed the stranger. He stopped suddenly and gave me a card. On it, the card read in capital letters: FALLEN CRUSADE. Underneath those words, there was an address and that was all in the card. I grinned and shook my head at its simplicity. Still, the capital words sounded very familiar, as if I read about it from somewhere, but I can't place it.

"I think you know what Fallen Crusade is," said Nikatama.

"I heard it from somewhere, but what does this concern me? And how do you know my name?"

Nikatama smiled, "You will get more and better answers if you go to the address. Be there or be square." With that answer, he just left.

His answer was rather cheesy to me. I don't intent to go at all, but my curiosity kills it. Tonight was quite peaceful and I finally slept soundly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is the first time I am writing a fan fiction, so please read and review it. Please give constructive criticism if you have any. If any part of this story is familiar, please tell me and I will try to change it.