DISCLAIMER - See chapter one
I am on a roll! Though I don't know how long it will last! Enjoy ;-)
"Go Hanataro! Go!" Yumichika called supportively as his young friend finally perfected his fourth Shunpo step in a row, crossing his fingers as he watched the young medic try for a fifth. Allowing a small smile Yumichika flicked his hair back as Hanataro tripped on the sixth step and fell to his knees, gasping yet smiling.
"Did you see Yumichika? Five steps!" He cried gleefully, the older man gracefully sitting beside him on a park bench, wearing his Gigai and dressed in casual clothing, while Hanataro was in his Shinigami form. They were in the park training, at least Hanataro was training, Yumichika was coaching while Ikkaku had gone to check out the area, spoiling for a fight and unwilling to risk taking his frustration out on the younger medic.
"Indeed, a fine effort." Yumichika congratulated as he looked up at the sky. The stretch of path they had found was perfect for Shunpo training; Humans were at work or school, so the long path was all but deserted, so Hanataro could go back and forth as much as he pleased without the risk of injuring anyone. Sitting back on the bench Hanataro took a few deep breaths; he had been training for six hours straight, dedication that Yumichika had not exerted for many months.
"I'll definitely get six next time!" The medic swore in determination, Yumichika clamping a firm hand on the boy's shoulder as he got to his feet, curious hazel eyes following him quizzically,
"But not today; the night is coming on, and you shouldn't over-exert yourself." The beautiful man advised, violet eyes twinkling slightly in the sunset, the breeze toying with his ebony locks. Life in the Human world was becoming dull, which wasn't a good sign for Ikkaku, why are they being so quiet? Something is coming…He thought with certainty, a shiver running up his spine at the thought.
"I wonder if Ikkaku-san managed to find anything…" Hanataro said thoughtfully, the older man shaking his head. He had been subconsciously following Ikkaku's Reiatsu as he dotted about the area, but he hadn't released his Zanpakuto once, which means he will be simply charming this evening…"I'm due to return to Seireitei for a while tomorrow, but I'll be back within the week; it's just a standard check in." The medic assured at Yumichika's slightly worried look,
"I hope so. Ikkaku is getting more restless by the day, and if it weren't for you life would be simply unbearable! I'll be getting wrinkles and blemishes before the week it out!" He replied mournfully, the medic smiling in amusement as he stretched out his legs to stop them cramping up. He was going to be doing similar exercises everyday, so it was best not to pull any muscles, I don't want to miss any training for something so avoidable!
"Hana-Hana!" A growingly familiar voice called, the medic turning with undisguised delight as the pink haired girl hurried towards him, dressed in denim jeans with a pink puffer jacket and trainers. Bracing himself, he was unsurprised as the small girl jumped up into his arms, however unlike Kenpachi he was unable to keep her there. Lowering her to the ground he smiled as she beamed up at him,
"What brings you here?" He asked, Yumichika turning to watch the proceedings with a knowing look. Yachiru never usually came to the Human world, not without Kenpachi, so either Kenpachi was close by, unlikely given the level of activity, or she had come to see someone else. That boy is dense, though I'm not sure Yachiru is much better off…
"Hana-Hana! I came to see you!" She replied boisterously, her sunny disposition lightening Yumichika's mood a little. He wouldn't say he missed Yachiru while he was away, far from it; she could be a pain, but after spending so much time with a grouchy Ikkaku her bright personality was somewhat refreshing.
"You shouldn't have; I'm going back to check in tomorrow!" Hanataro replied, laughing at her downcast expression, "How about we get some cake?" He suggested, the smaller girl brightening at the prospect. Seeing the pair getting along so well Yumichika slowly slipped away, using Shunpo to get out of sight. Though he liked cake it wasn't something that should be consumed on a regular basis, besides they fit so well together…I wouldn't want to be a third wheel. He thought, slipping away from the park as Hanataro called his name questioningly.
The girl sat on the edge of the bed, her blue eyes curious as she looked around the small room. The doctors had taken X-rays and MRI scans, a kind blonde man had been visiting with the stern looking Dr. Ishida, as well as the young nurse, but right now she was alone. The needle had been taken from her hand, giving her more mobility. Slipping to her feet the girl stared at the linoleum floor, the cold running along her feet.
Walking to the door she gripped the handle, pulling inwards to peer into the quiet corridor. She was wearing a thin green gown that tied at the side, a standard medical robe that made her stand out as she padded barefoot down the corridor. Her blue eyes looked around quizzically, unsure exactly where she should go now that she was out of her room. Taking a few steps down the corridor she watched as a few patients hobbled by wearing pyjamas or gowns similar to her own, along with a few nurses in uniform, one of them very familiar.
"Hey there! Where are you going?" The blonde man asked, watching as she tilted her head in return, either not understanding or unable to answer his question. "You can't leave yet; you have no clothes, no family…Come on; I'm sure someone will find you soon." He added as he ushered her back in the direction of her room, though she seemed reluctant to return. "How about a compromise? You come back now and I'll check with Dr. Ishida and see if he'll let you go out for a while." He suggested, the girl nodding vaguely as she allowed herself to be led back down the corridor.
Moving to the window in her room the girl looked out across the town, feeling that familiar tug that urged her to go. Soon. She assured herself as she raised a hand to touch the cool transparent surface of the glass. She didn't notice as the nurse left, but she did notice as Dr. Ishida and his strange blonde friend returned.
"Hello Miss, I hear you got a little restless waiting." The blonde man said kindly as he joined her at the window, his eyes shaded by the rim of his green and white striped hat, his traditional green haori almost falling from his shoulders as he relaxed at the window ledge. "It's quite a view isn't it?" He added questioningly, the girl looking at him absently before returning her gaze to the outside world.
"Her levels are all fine as far as I can tell, at least in Human terms…There are a few odd readings, but that could be normal for all we know." Ryuken said as he looked over her chart, which he kept with him rather than hanging on the end of the bed. The last thing he needed was for his nurses to see her odd levels and try to give her possibly un-required medication.
"Then it sounds like it may be time for a little adventure, hm?" The blonde man said suggestively as he opened a paper fan and covered his lower face, the girl looking at the stern doctor for some form of confirmation. Lowering the chart Ryuken gave the blonde a half glare before reluctantly nodding his agreement,
"Very well, however I would like her to return here for observation tonight." He stated, the blonde nodding and waving him off. Ryuken turned and swiftly exited the room, leaving the blonde to fawn over the blue haired girl, whose indifferent looks were beginning to get to him somewhat.
"I borrowed some clothes from a friend; you seemed about her size, and I'm sure she won't mind! You'll be able to meet her one day, but for now how about I show you around town?" He suggested kindly as he unpacked a carrier bag, handing the girl a long purple skirt and peach shirt, which was a little large in the chest as she slipped into it, "Don't worry, we'll get you some clothes of your own." He added as she slipped into a purple set of platform sandals.
"Ulquiorra!" Miaka called as she ran along the path, the taller boy turning, pausing as she caught up. He watched as she bent double gasping for breath, her hands resting on the straps of her green backpack, her dark eyes looking up at him brightly, her face looking fresh in the morning sun. "I've been chasing you for the past ten minutes!" She said as she straightened up, the ex-Espada slowing his pace to allow the Human to catch her breath.
"Sorry; I was thinking." Ulquiorra replied, his face unreadable as they walked, though Miaka was doing her best as she took in his gentle features. His face may have been blank, but his eyes were quite uncertain; whatever he was thinking about was obviously something important.
"What's up? I know something's troubling you." She said in her usual sing-song voice that somehow made everything seem better. He found it hard to dwell on his problems when Miaka was so bright and happy,
"Orihime and I are…not together right now." He said, the smile dropping from Miaka's face, something he regretted. He hadn't meant to upset her too. To his surprise she slipped her hand into his, squeezing it gently. The contact was comforting. He hadn't told anyone else, though he was sure Yoruichi had suspected something was wrong when he returned to the shop alone and Orihime didn't turn up.
"You told her didn't you…You shouldn't have told her." Miaka sighed as they walked along, her hand slipping up so that they could link arms loosely. Ulquiorra nodded his agreement as he bent his elbow to cradle her slim arm,
"I am beginning to believe that you are correct, however I wished to be honest." He replied, Miaka nodding her understanding.
"Honesty is best I guess." She conceded, though she had no idea how he'd sort things out with Orihime. It was just a kiss! She added with an inward sigh, looking up at the secretly forlorn figure at her side. Punching him on the shoulder she took a few steps ahead, "Race you to school!" She called with a smile as she ran up the street, Ulquiorra smiling gently as he followed, though he decided against using his Arrancar speed,
"A head start is cheating!" He called as he watched her back get further away. It was surprising how fast she was for her size, though the dancing must have helped. Without using Sonido he could barely keep up with her, which hurt his pride somewhat as he realised he hadn't been training as much as he should have since he settled into Human life. Pushing onwards he just managed to get even with Miaka before they crossed the gates, Miaka bent double laughing as they caught their breath,
"Looks like I beat you!" She gasped as they straightened up, Ulquiorra smiling as they headed across the playground,
"You are mistaken, we arrived at the same time!" He argued certainly,
"My foot crossed the gate first; that makes it my win." She corrected, poking her tongue out at him as she hurried into the classroom, the Arrancar following quickly, still insisting it was a tie as they took their seats, both falling silent as Tatsuki and Orihime appeared. Tatsuki shot them both a glare as she took her seat, while Orihime could barely bring herself to look across at Ulquiorra, though he still tried to catch her eye. News of his indiscretion didn't take long to make the rounds it seemed; Miaka's friends insisted on details that she wasn't willing to give, while Ichigo, Rukia and Ishida were slightly colder to Ulquiorra than usual.
The chatter barely died down during class; Sensei had to fight for silence at every interval. As break arrived Ulquiorra remained in his seat reading, quite certain that he would be unwelcome with Ichigo and the others, and Miaka seemed to be having her own problems as the rest of the girls grilled her for details. Strangely enough Orihime remained in the classroom, though her grey eyes didn't even glance in Ulquiorra's direction.
"For the last time! We are not going out! And we did not have an affair!" Miaka sighed aloud in frustration, though the rest of the girls seemed dubious, their eyes shifting from Ulquiorra to Miaka and then to Orihime, who shifted uncomfortably beneath their intense gazes.
"It is the truth…I merely kissed her in a moment of weakness. Miaka, to her credit, took it no further." Ulquiorra confirmed, his green eyes shifting to the redhead beside him, whose eyes remained firmly on the page of her notebook, though she didn't seem to be writing anything on the largely blank page.
"And it was just a kiss; it didn't mean anything." Miaka added meaningfully, her deep brown eyes meeting Orihime's with an almost imploring look that made the redhead blush uncomfortably before looking away. The silence was left hanging, an awkward uncomfortable silence. The rest of the girls returned to their seats while Miaka watched Orihime, hoping that she would relent and at least look at Ulquiorra, but it didn't happen. Break was over moments later, and the lesson proceeded as usual, for the first thirty minutes.
"Hello, are you lost?" Sensei asked in surprise as the door opened and a pretty teenage girl appeared, her chest heaving as she looked around the room. She was very pretty, deep blue eyes and hair that looked almost navy blue that flowed down to her waist. She gave off a strange aura, though the normal students couldn't place it; Ishida looked up sharply, his blue eyes staring at her intently, a look shared by Ichigo and Rukia. Something wasn't right about her. "It's alright…Do you need help?" The teacher asked again, her hazel eyes filled with concern as the girl remained silent, her eyes searching the room until they landed on Ulquiorra.
"I'm terribly sorry! She's only just come out of hospital." Urahara apologised as he appeared in the doorway, intending to guide the young girl out, though he paused as she shrugged his hand from her shoulder. It was the first sign of true life she had shown since awakening. Across the room there was a scrape as Ulquiorra got to his feet, his chair almost toppling as he stared at the girl,
"You…I know you." Ulquiorra stated, his voice quivering with emotion as his eyes all but welled up, and the girl at the front was no better as tears ran freely down her cheeks, though she was smiling as she looked at him. In an instant she had crossed the room and was in his arms, though Ulquiorra didn't seem to know what to do with her. He wrapped his arms around her and clutched her to his chest, almost feeling with a piece of puzzle had been slotted into his heart. The feeling of lacking he had felt earlier was gone, "Why do I know you?" Ulquiorra asked as he held her back to get a good look at her face.
He could feel with absolute certainty that he knew this girl; the feel of her skin as he brushed her cheek was so familiar that he could swear he'd done it a thousand times, but as he looked at her face he couldn't place it. She certainly wasn't Arrancar or Hollow; he would have felt that straight away, but she didn't seem to be completely Human either. As he looked at her she said nothing, and he hadn't heard her utter a single word since she arrived.
"Who are you?" He asked quietly, very conscious of the eyes, both Human and otherwise, watching them. The girl didn't respond, she just buried her head in his shoulder, where it belonged. Sighing, he placed a kiss on her head as he leaned against her wondering what he should do,
"Ulquiorra, do you know this girl?" Sensei asked, seemingly troubled by his reaction, not to mention the disturbance.
"Yes…She's my…" Ulquiorra trailed off, unsure exactly what she was to him. It was very similar for what he felt for Orihime, only much stronger, and with a slightly different slant. It was hard to define.
"Sister. Long lost sister." Urahara supplied swiftly as he entered and hurried to the pair, laying one hand on each of their shoulders as he looked at the teacher, "I was going to save the reunion for later, but she just couldn't wait!" He added with all the brightness and charm he could muster. Ulquiorra wasn't sure how, but the teacher fell for his charms and allowed him to leave the school, the girl gripping his arm tightly as if she were afraid of being torn away from him.
"You're the first one she's shown a reaction to…Interesting…And you say you know her?" Urahara asked as he led the way through the corridor and out of the school. Ulquiorra looked down at the girl beside him, his arm automatically shifting to wrap around her waist securely as she gripped his shirt tightly, her eyes flicking to Urahara and back again.
"I do…but I do not." Ulquiorra replied with a slight frown, the older man's eyes shifting slyly to the side, his gaze going unnoticed as he examined the pair. There was something between them, something very strong; a deep and unbreakable bond. He could see it, he could very nearly see it…
"Well, since you seem to know her perhaps you wouldn't mind looking after her. She's been at the hospital since she was found, but she seems fine right now." Urahara said, going on to explain how and where she was found, along with all the tests they had performed on her, though nothing sounded familiar to Ulquiorra. Interesting…Very interesting…
