Juggling school and work was not an easy job, Yuzu realized years ago. She might have wished that she hadn't decided to be independent on an impulse but she wouldn't damn herself for making that decision. Her job was fun and it didn't contribute much to any complaints she might have in her head. To balance her two lives, she had to focus extremely hard. It made her wonder how did her brother juggled his when his other life involved so much danger.
Teaching is a fun job and Yuzu had the patience for it. Working as part time teacher at a language center for very young children, Yuzu could honestly say that she found a new passion. Hence, it was the reason why she took on an education course and psychology module.
All she hoped was for things to return back to the way it was. Home hadn't felt the same ever since it became deprived of the presence of her family.
I wonder Matsumoto-san and Hitsugaya-san is doing alright at home, Yuzu thought to herself but decided that she shouldn't worry since they were grown-ups. Or at least, it was what Hitsugaya would determine himself. He did seem much more mature than the boys in her class and even had an adult addressing him as a superior title. Yes, there was nothing to worry.
On the way home, Yuzu found a spirit child crouching by the lamp post. Doing what she usually did, Yuzu approached the sniffling girl and crouched to her level.
"Are you alright? Do you need help?" Yuzu asked politely.
Startled by the new voice, the spirit immediately stiffened and tried to back away as far as she could until her back hit the lamppost.
Shaking her head, Yuzu slowly reached out her hand to emphasize that she wasn't around to bring harm. "It's okay. I won't hurt you. I am only trying to help if you would let me... Why are you crying in a place like this, spirit-san?"
"A-A monster..." the spirit meekly replied.
Monster? Did she meant the hollows lurking about? Yuzu seen them very often. They hardly brought harm to the living and they usually don't react as long as Yuzu pretended not to notice them. Urahara also mentioned that Yuzu didn't possessed the reiatsu to attract them either. Or rather, her reiatsu was so mild that it might have been intentional. Otherwise, the hollows mostly liked to feast on pure souls, dead pure souls.
"Where is the monster? Were you trying to run away from one?"
The spirit bit her bottom lip, clutching onto the hem of her shirt tightly and shook her head. "I-I am still... trying to get away from it. Th-this place is dangerous. I-I want to go somewhere safe."
Before Yuzu could ask more, a small shadow appeared at the peak of the cluster of trees before it grew as tall as a building. Immediately recognizing the structure, Yuzu sprang up to her feet and grabbed the spirit's wrist to run away from the predator. She had no idea how to bring spirits to a 'safe place' other than helping them to pass on. It would be a difficult feat to accomplish while trying to avoid being a part of the hollow's dinner.
If only she had asked Matsumoto or Hitsugaya how to help a spirit to escape from this being. There were so much questions about her family that she wanted answers for that she completely didn't think of such a knowledge to gain.
A safe place, a safe place, Yuzu chanted in her head while her sight rapidly shifted around her to find a spot they could hide in. The spirit looked as though she was about to fall back in the run. They might not last long if they had to continue the escape for much longer.
"Sit upon the frozen heavens, Hyourinmaru!"
Suddenly, there was a wave of ice soaring towards the hollow and purified it within a single strike. The spirit that was residing within was able to pass on to Soul Society afterwards. Yuzu blinked at the scene and jumped back when Hitsugaya suddenly appeared in front of her. More like, he landed in front of her and it caused her to look up at the sky questioningly.
"What were you doing playing chase with a hollow?" Hitsugaya questioned with a hint of irritate in his voice. If he hadn't been on his way back from Urahara, he might not have been able to save the two escapades in time. "Didn't Urahara warned you that hollows were dangerous?"
Yes, but that didn't necessary meant Yuzu put herself on a plate for them to dine now, did it?
"He did. I just... didn't expect for it to appear when I was talking to spirit-san."
That was a fine argument, maybe. And even without the spirit, Hitsugaya highly doubted that Yuzu would live a life hollow-free. The Kurosaki should be known for their tendency to attract trouble. "Nevermind," Hitsugaya finally said and turned to the spirit, not feeling obliged to lecture anyone. Placing his hand on the hilt of his zanpakuto, Hitsugaya couldn't resist the urge to groan when Yuzu frantically wedged in between him and the spirit.
"What is it this time?" Hitsugaya asked impatiently.
"W-Wait! Are you going to kill her? S-She is just a wandering spirit. She isn't harmful!"
"I am not killing her, I'm simply sending her to Soul Society by giving her a soul burial."
"Don't worry, miss. I understand that it's a procedure for me to pass on," the spirit spoke shyly behind her. "But before that... I-I have something I want to fulfill before I die."
And it just happened not to be Hitsugaya's job to fulfill it. Such requests weren't rare and the spirits were given time to finish what they wanted to do before they would be sent to Soul Society. Hitsugaya agreed that it would be cruel to force them to pass on without giving them a chance to do so peacefully. As such, the hand on his hilt was removed and was folded neatly across his chest.
"Then go and finish whatever you need to do."
Looking down at the offer, the spirit fidgeted with the hem of her skirt nervously. Either it was impossible for her to attain her wish or many attempts made by her had been hopeless up till this point. The chain on her chest wasn't brand new and if a soul burial was not done, she might turn into a hollow.
"What is it that you want to do?" Yuzu asked gently.
A low mumble – too low for anyone to catch it completely.
Gathering up the courage, the girl looked up at them and tightened her hold on the hem of her skirt. "I want to get married."
"...Huh?" was all Hitsugaya could managed while Yuzu stared, dumbfounded.
"I want to get married," the young spirit repeated, her voice firmer this time.
First of all, the spirit didn't look as though she passed the age of fourteen. One could assume that this was a typical child's dream after watching their parents being lovey-dovey over the dining table. Even Yuzu hadn't thought of the topic of marriage when she was that young, she was too busy taking care of the chores and minding her family's love life business to even mull over her own. You'd think that she'd realized Jinta's not-so-obvious admiration for her if Yuzu wasn't that dense.
Children sure are amazing at this age, huh.
Forget about the fact that the child was a spirit, no adult would possess a straight mind to marry a kid. Unless, they are a pedophile but such people should be labeled as dangerous and kept far away as possible.
"Who do you want to marry?" Yuzu asked.
"A prince!"
It was just one problem after another.
Hitsugaya groaned and massaged his forehead. He couldn't catch onto what the spirit wanted. First she wanted to get married and now she claimed that she wanted to do so with a prince. If Hitsugaya wasn't any better, he would have openly proclaimed that she was being delusional and should be sent to Soul Society right away to start anew. Maybe her mind could start afresh.
But Yuzu wasn't above shattering a child's dream. It was as though telling a child that santa didn't exist! There was no way she could pull off something this cruel. Biting her lips, Yuzu wondered what would Ichigo or Karin have done if they were in her position.
...Oh, they would be blatantly blunt.
"Then why don't you marry Hitsugaya-san?" Yuzu blurted out without thinking.
And that didn't sit well with the ice prince himself. "What?!"
"Is he a prince?" the girl asked innocently.
"A prince is someone who saves a princess in their time of need, isn't it? Wasn't that what he did just now?" Yuzu continued on, realizing that there was no way she could take back what she suggested earlier on. It was more important to get the spirit to her world before anymore dangers come to her. "But because he lives in Soul Society, you won't be able to marry him until you pass on."
Before Hitsugaya could come up with anything decent, the spirit had already brightened up and ran to him. On the brighter note, it wouldn't look that weird if they were to wed, seeing how they were about the same height. "Then, I'll go to Soul Society and wait for you!"
"Look, I'm not-"
"Hitsugaya-san, spirit-san, I feel so happy for you!" Yuzu interjected from behind the girl's back, shooting him nervous, urgent glances at the girl. If it was not for her frantic, apologetic movements, Hitsugaya would have given her the glare that would be worthy of a ice prince. Prince, indeed.
Closing his eyes, Hitsugaya refrained himself from speaking anymore that could change the girl's mind and quickly tapped her forehead with the hilt of his zanpakuto. Then on, the girl was able to depart to Soul Society without any more problems.
All's well, ends well.
"...Kurosaki," spoke a frozen, icy captain before her.
"...S-Shall we get back?"
This was not going to end well.
Here is the third chapter. I apologize if the updates were a little slow. I am going to put more focus on this fanfiction and Miniature Form, Bigger Heart until I get a more solid idea on The Impossible Chronicles
snowbunny: Thank you! Good pointers...? Ah, I am not sure if it's considered good since I don't really consider myself any better. (nervous laugh) But I find it easier to write if you plan things before hand and finish the next chapter before posting a new one!
El Frijolero: I am glad to hear that you're interested in this fanfiction! I didn't think that anyone would at first but really, thank you so much!
And thank you for reading!
