DISCLAIMER: I do not own bleach or anything affiliated with it. i do not own the characters, techniques or places

Chapter Two

It was a sunny day in the East Rukongai, mid-afternoon; Lilith was still confused about her dream. She had been traveling all day, still trying to understand the overwhelming thoughts. She was conflicted about how she feels for Yumichika, and conflicted for her feelings of her dream, where she felt so safe.

Lost in thought, head down, pondering about this strange meadow, she bumped into a tall figure, causing her to fall backwards, the figure quickly catching her by the arm.

"Ahh! I'm so sorry." She said, quickly, looking up to see the stranger smiling down at her.

"No worries," He said. "Just be more careful. The next person may not be so quick to catch a falling lady."

"Yes sir!" she said, the sun peaking over his shoulders.

"Sosuke Aizen. Capta-," He started to introduce himself

"Thank you, Sosuke. May I have my arm back please?"

"Oh, yes, right," He said, seemingly hesitant to let her go. His brown hair framed his face, his rectangular glasses glistened in the corner, caught the sunlight perfectly. "You seemed quite a bit in a daze there. Be sure to have a foot on the ground as well."

As he spoke Lilith noticed a second presence. She had a strange feeling like she was slowly being strangled by snakes.

"I apologize, Sosuke. But I'm kind of on a mission. I must be going. Thank you for catching me."

She noticed a man with silver hair slowly approaching. His eyes seemed to be in slits. How could he see where he was going?

"Where are you headed?" Aizen inquired

"To the meadow here in East Rukongai. I'm on business. Not that it's any of your concern."

"What is your name, Child?"

"Lilith Suzuran," her reply was short and to the point. She hated being called a child.

"You own the café in Rukongai, don't you? I've heard of you. Lily, the children call you."

"Yes, but to you, its Lilith. You are not a child."

"Ah," He said, interrupting her rude rant. "Speaking of children. I was seeking you out. Funny that I would run into you here. Isn't that right, Ichimaru?"

"Yes, Captain Aizen," Said Ichimaru, with a wide grin on his face, making her more uncomfortable in his presence.

"You came to me for a child? I apologize, but I don't think I'd like to take your gene pool anywhere. Nor his. So if you don't mind, please let me pass."

At this, Aizen frowned, but quickly laughed, realizing what she was thinking. "No, Lilith, nothing like that. There is a child here in the East Rukongai. He sports short, white spiky hair, turquoise eyes and carries his father's Zanpakuto on his back. It's a bit too big for him. He hopes to one day be a captain among the thirteen court guard squad. He apparently also likes to tell people he is a captain. This child has immense spiritual pressure and is in trouble. Hollows keep appearing where he goes, and I'm afraid his talent will go to waste if he isn't found in the next few days."

"I don't understand why you're telling me. You're here. Get him yourself," She said forcefully, taking a few steps back.

Gin's face no longer held a grin, but a slight frown and narrowed eyes.

"Lily, are you not a protector of children?" Aizen asked almost too sweetly taking a step toward Lilith

"Lilith. And yes. I don't like your aura. I'll find the boy. I will meet you in three days' time at my Café, Sosuke. You will find my brothers there. Hopefully the building won't be burned down by time you arrive. Yumichika and Ikkaku will serve you lunch. It's on the house. You should take your snake with you."

"Actually, since Ichimaru is also here looking for the boy, he will accompany you. For your protection, of course." Aizen was practically towering over her. His face stern. He wasn't asking.

"Whatever you say, 'Captain', just know that I don't trust either of you. Nor do I agree with this man accompanying me. But it's for the sake of a child. I'll agree. But first I still have my stop to take. So if you both don't mind…"

Lilith went to step around Aizen only to have him instantaneously grasp her upper arm.

"El Escudo!" she yelled, raising her arm, creating a light green shield to form, causing Aizen to immediately release his grasp, making him take a step back.

"Ichimaru will accompany you, child. It isn't safe out here at night." He said coldly. His eyes narrow, he gave his spiritual pressure a little push, causing her to fall her knees in pain.

"Yes sir!" she said, feeling the heat rising in her face, wanting to scream at this man. How dare he! And what was that spike she felt?

"There. That was simple. I don't know why you would protest protection." Aizen said smiling. His hand outstretched towards Lilith.

Lilith very hesitantly took the outstretched hand. "I'm sorry, Aizen, I'm not comfortable with strangers touching me. If you insist your help come with me, then I will not refuse your offer. Thank you."

Aizen was staring her kind of in shock. "Where did you learn Bakudo?" He seemed quite intrigued, while Gin's face was in a full frown from being called "help".

"As a child, I watched when soul reapers would come here to train or fight hollows. I picked up on a few things here and there."

"Maybe someday you will join the Academy. I think you could be quite useful in the Thirteen court guard squad."

"Thank you, Sir." She said quietly. "It's getting a bit late, I should be on my way, as well as you. Thank you for your counsel." Giving a slight bow she turned towards Ichimaru "What's your name?"

"Gin Ichimaru," He said, bowing his head in curtsy.

"Gin, I will ask you once, to not make the same mistake as your Captain here. Please keep your hands off me. Two, your Zanpakuto stays sheathed. If you're useless in hand to hand combat; then I'll take on whatever we are facing. Well… unless it's a hollow. Then it's all you. Are we clear? These are my requests if you are to go with me."

"Of course. I am your guest on this journey," he said, his grin back on his face.

"Hey Gin, one more thing. I will be spending the night in the meadow. There should be a cabin nearby that you might be able to room in if you ask them politely. If I need you during the night, you'll hear my scream."

Ichimaru cocked his head to the side. This girl was definitely interesting. "Sure thing,"

"Ichimaru," Aizen said, "Be sure to bring them back in one piece."

"Yes, Captain Aizen. See you in a few days." Aizen then turned leaving Lilith alone with Gin.

"Do you know where the meadow is?" She loudly whispered Gin stifled a laugh.

"We passed it on the way here. Why are you so intent on the meadow? And why come this far not knowing where you're going?"

"I... had a dream… telling me to come to the meadow." She said, shyly, looking to the ground, digging her foot in the ground. For a few moments Gin said nothing, and time seemed to pass slowly.

"Well then, let's not let your dreams down. Let's go, child."

"Lilith. My name is Lilith. Not child."

"Fine then, Lilith, we should be on our way. We're burning daylight." With that they were, hopefully, off towards the meadow.

***Later that night***

Their journey came to an end, just as the sun was setting. Lilith and Gin had finally reached the cabin on the outskirts of the meadow. The cabin was small, and unoccupied. It had two beds, a small kitchen, and a bathroom that had a wide tub big enough for someone to completely stretch out in and still be covered. Lilith took note of the tub, noticing that she was sweating very much from her walk. She placed her satchel down on one of the beds, glancing at the door way to see Gin staring at the sunset. He appeared to be in deep thought.

Not wanting to bother him, she started to unpack, putting her rations in the kitchen. She gathered a fresh pair of clothes and headed towards the bathroom. Glancing again at the door way to ask Gin if he needed the restroom first, she noticed had disappeared.

Starting the water in the tub, she let the water cascade down her arm, feeling the warmth. The water was starting to slightly scold her skin. This is perfect, she thought to herself. She plugged the base of the tub, allowing it to start filling. Looking in the cupboard she found a bottle of soap, in the fragrance of Jasmine. Slowly she poured some of the soap into the tub, allowing bubbles to form. The bathroom was slowly becoming very steamy and Lilith's clothes were beginning to stick to her. Lilith quickly began to strip; letting her hair down, her hair curled at her breasts. She put her fingers through her hair as to fall on her back, now revealing her entire naked body. She felt her head. The mark above her right eye was almost gone.

Stepping into the bath tub, she winced from the scolding the water was giving her naked body, but it felt nice. She then plopped into the water quickly, causing the water to rush out of the tub, covering the floor with bubbles and water. She breathed in the aroma of the Jasmine, feeling like she was close to home. Her mind wandered to Yumichika and the light kiss he had left on her forehead. Her hand traced her left cheek, where his hand had been. She grinned slightly, blushing a light pink. The heat from the bath was relaxing Lilith. She washed her hair, then her body, glad that she no longer smelled like sweat.

She leaned back in the bath and closed her eyes. And just for a moment she could smell the meadow. She could feel the wind surrounding her, making her cold. She could smell the flowers and the grass.

"Lily, come..." said fading voice, "Come to the meadow."

"Child! Snap out of it!" she heard a voice she wasn't used to. "HEY!"

Just then she woke up, a figure standing over her, shaking her. She was still in the tub, the bubbles were all but gone and the water was luke warm.

"Wake up!" Gin said, still grasping her shoulders.

"AHH! What the Hell you Perv! Get your hands off me!" she screamed, trying to cover her breasts, curling into a ball to try and hid her nether region. "Get out!"

"As if kid. You don't have anything I haven't seen before. But you were thrashing around in here. And your head went under water. Can't have you dying, now can we?" he said, letting go of her

"Just... Will you PLEASE get out of here… this is highly inappropriate, next time, just let me die. I'd rather die than have you see me naked."

"Noted. There's a towel over there," He said, pointing a few feet away. "There wasn't one in here when we came. I left to find some towels so I could shower but you beat me to it. You've been in there for a good hour. Your skin is going to wrinkle and you're going to look old." He said, smirking.

He rose and turned away, leaving Lilith alone. The Meadow was calling out to her. She knew she had to leave soon. She quickly got out of the bath, dried off and dressed in to her pajamas. Her shorts were a light pink with stars, her shirt a pink top that covered her shorts, making it seem as if she wasn't wearing any. She exited the bathroom to find, yet again, Gin was nowhere to be found. What was up with him? She put her dirty clothes in the corner of the bed, sitting down to rest for a moment. Her shirt riding up exposing her legs and shorts.

"Your clothes really do not flatter your girlish figure. You really ought to wear something that makes you look more like a lady and less of a dude"

"Damnit Gin!" she yelled, startled from his appearance. "Where the hell were you hiding?"

"In the kitchen. I was hungry. The food is incredible. Who made it?"

"I did, With Michika's help. I'm glad you liked it. But I hadn't planned on having a guest with me."

"Aren't you going to eat as well?"

"No. I don't have enough ration for the both of us. You can have my ration for tonight. No worries. But we'll have to cut out trip short or we'll run out of food." She said. Remembering two missions, "Gin, do you know the name of the child we're seeking?"

Gins smile grew to a big grin. "Yes, It's Toshiro Hitsugaya. He's very smart and mature for his age."

"What if he isn't ready to come with you or Sosuke? I won't force him to follow me. But if what your captain said is right, and hollows are appearing, we should find him tomorrow and make sure he's okay. Maybe he'll come back to the café?"

"Lilith, you have a way with children. I'm almost sure he'll follow you."

"Thank you, Gin. We leave in the morning. I'm leaving for the meadow now. Okay?" She said, putting on her sandals

"What? This late?" His face seemed a bit confused.

"I did tell you I would be sleeping in the meadow. I also have business there. Sleep well, Gin Ichimaru. I'll see you in the morning." She said softly. With that, she rose from her bed, walking past gin.

"Lilith," he inquired, making her halt next to him, "what if you're in trouble or get hurt?"

"I appreciate your concern, but I can take care of myself." She declared. "But it's as I said earlier, you'll hear me scream your name if I need you."

He said nothing and allowed her to pass. Did this small girl really think she was capable of taking on the things that came out at night?

Lilith left the cabin, walking towards the meadow. She could feel Gin's eyes upon her, so she picked up the pace into a jog. Soon she was in the meadow, surrounded by tall grass and many flowers. There was a tree in the middle of the field that seemed like it was placed there just for her. It was surrounded with roses, tulips, lilies, and there was a small pond nearby. She loved everything about the meadow. She loved being under the night sky, breathing in the fresh evening air. She made her way over to the tree making sure not to fall over the tree limbs. Removing her sandals, she climbed the tree to the first limb, that sat four feet above the ground.

Resting her back on the tree, face towards the sky, she softly spoke, "I am here, but where are you?" \

The wind picked up gently, swirling around her, whispering her name. Her eyes widened, "Please, show yourself. Who are you?"

"Lily, my name is…" with that the wind became a her ears, Lilith fell from the tree, hitting her head on the base, rendering her unconscious.

Lily of the Valley, I have been seeking you. Will you hear me now? Will you hear my name?

Who are you? Why do you keep coming to me in my dreams? How do you know my name?

Lily, I have been waiting for you. My name is Shiore Rozu. I am your power.

My…Power? What do you mean?

I am your Zanpakuto. I know you prefer to not have a sword, so I will remain a part of you until you are ready to use me. When you need me, you must hold your wrists together and say "Chikyu no" to activate me.

Of the Earth? How do I use you then, Shiore? If you are meant to be a weapon that I'm supposed to use, how does this work?

Just listen for my voice when you activate me. I will let you know the first command you need to say.

The voice faded out and Lilith fell into a deep slumber.