Hello everyone! Sorry its been a while! Been getting ready with school ( now in the beginning of my second half) and college is taking a lot of time. I am a art and design major so that means I have projects coming out my ears!

I would love to say thank you to everyone staying with my fanfic. I work hard for you guys only remember that. :D

This part of the story turned out to be a challenge. Why? Well in the manga is like a whole volume, and a few episodes in the anime. There is a lot of information in this part on Ichigo and his mom along with the number of fighting scenes. So i have choosen to divide this part into two or three chapters. Leaning more so two. I have also noticed not much humor is in these two chapters. I promise after this I will bring back the humor...

My favorite part is coming up quickly, where Uryu comes in and honestly I plan to have fun with his character and the OC. I plan to make their relationship special in a humorous way. And for you Don Kanonj fans... lets just say there are some things that will be biefly go by. I am not sure if I am going to put that in even if I can get a few laughs out of it. Its something I have to think about.

Anyway enjoy this 2/3 parter and witness Rei Blossom.


Chapter 9.a

Title: Rest Calm

Morning came by sooner than I expected. Thankfully all homework was somehow done during our crazy fun from last night and I managed to stuff an extra uniform in my bag even though I was rather mad at the whole fact that my mother has been lying to me. I shook my head as I buttoned my uniform. Joining Tatsuki and Orihime for a normal bowl of cereal we talked about all the events that were going to happen when summer started. Well they talked, I just listened and wondered how cool it would be to do everything.

"The summer festival is something you really have to take part in Rei!" Tatsuki told me as she ate some of her cereal. "There's fireworks, games, and everyone always has a great time."

It sounded pretty awesome to me and I wasn't going to pass it up. "Sure! I would love to go."

Orihime clapped her hands together. "We should all go together then!"

My first Japanese festival; I knew I had to go big shopping for that. As we walked to school that's all I was thinking about. I wondered if I should wear something Japanese or something more me. I always loved those mangas where the girls dressed in such beautiful kimono dresses. My mind was wondering off so much before I even knew it I was a block from the school.

"Hey Rei you been really quiet. What are you thinking of." Tatsuki asked.

"Clothes shopping…" I spoke in a daze.

Tatsuki rolled her eyes. "You are such a girl sometimes."

I blinked; I sometimes wondered if Tatsuki was gay because of the way she acted. Eh; she could just be a total tomboy but I wondered, was that an insult or should I take it as a compliment.

"Okay?" I followed them into the school without much to say.

Getting to my seat I dumped my bag on the floor and debated if I should sleep more. We were the only people beside two others who were in class. However my blessed nap would not come. Strolling into our classroom came my brother and it was no surprise that he didn't have a girl with him. He most likely came here to talk to me alone about what happened last night. Rolling my eyes I got up from my seat and headed towards him. It's best to get it over with.

"Look nothing you say will want me to come home." I started. "I am sick of her paranoid logic."

Patrick frowned. Looks like I just cut out half of what he was going to say. "Rei you have to come back home. One you are a minor and two moms is freaking out on where you are. I don't see why you have to carry on this whole ghost thing. It's pointless."

My eyebrows narrowed; did he really think that it was pointless. "It makes up who I am, it made up who dad was, and if you for once stopped being so scared you would see it's a big part of you."

Patrick sighed and ran his hand through his dark hair. "You really have to stop trying to be just like dad. Didn't you hear from mom that's what-"

"Patrick I made up my mind. Unless she can deal with who and what I am I will continue not to speak to her. "

"You really know how to be a bitch sometimes, don't you? You have no idea what you're doing to mothers nerves. Rei just if anything pretend you are giving it up." I am sure but it almost as if he was pleading for me to come home and make my mother live in a fake world.

"Then when she finds out? You know how she gets. She'll go completely nuts and we'll both look bad since it was your idea and I was lying." I pointed out to him.

I never saw my brother think so hard. His eyes are casted to the ground, frowning, and his eyebrows so close together. "What's going on at home Patrick?"

His gazed turned to me for a moment before returning to the floor. "She is popping those depression pills again."

Guilt strung my heart strings. She was taking her depression medication again? "Look; tell her I'll be home tomorrow. I just want time to think about everything okay?"

The hope in my brother's eyes shined like a police siren. I knew what I had to do; again. I will have act as if I am giving up the little piece of father I have and let my mother live a complete lie and tip-toe around her. Why did I always have to be stuck in situations like these?

"Thank you Rei." My brother caught me off guard as he gave me a hug. It wasn't every day he gave me one or showed me any kind of affection. Awkwardly I hugged him back; I wasn't sure what to do when he got like this.

Letting him go I waved goodbye and watched him go back into class and stay there. I didn't want him returning. Going back to my seat I sat down with a sigh; I hoped this wouldn't turn out to be a long day. I really needed a nice day where my math teacher wouldn't show up and I could sleep at my desk.

"Rei-Chan, Orihime-Chan, Tatsuki; Good morning!" So others showed up as I was talking to my brother. Well at least the classroom isn't so quiet.

"You three have the art class right? Did you finish your project of your future self?"

Tatsuki grinned and pulled out hers. "Sure did! Want to see it?" The girl nodded wanting nothing more than to share and compare art work. Looking over I had to admit Tatsuki was a good artist. She drew herself winning a world champion belt in women's martial arts.

"Wow! Amazing!" Tatsuki sucked it all out allowing her ego to be fed. "What about you Orihime-Chan?" Orihime's however was…interesting to see say the least. She drew herself as a robot in a high tech future; her boobs were also bombs. Creative.

"Orihime the teacher is going to yell at you again!" Tatsuki scolded her. I couldn't help but laugh a little.

"What about you Rei-Chan?" I grinned and pulled out mine. "I really like what I did!"

I pulled out my pad and showed them. All but Orihime's face paled. "Wow Rei-Chan! That's really good!" I grinned proudly. "Thank you Orihime!"

"I thought Orihime's was weird…" Tatsuki said slowly.

"It's like they are twins in the way they think."

I blinked and looked at my picture. I didn't see the connection with Orihime's picture at all! Orihime drew herself as a robot! I drew myself as a grave keeper! There's is nothing similar there.

Suddenly Orihime's eyes widen and a huge grin appeared on her face. "Hello Kurosaki-Kun!" Jesus Christ how did this boy not see she was crushing on him? Turning I waved and said good morning.

"Good Morning!"

What the hell was that? He…he sounded mad perky! Like, over excitingly happy for no reason! It was freaky! I watched him go to his friends and wondered if he was high.

"Kurosaki-Kun is so tense." I looked at Orihime and wondered what she meant. Turning back to Ichigo I studied him. She was right, he was tense and she was able to pick up on that so quickly. A sting of pain hit my chest. That's been happening a lot lately.

"What's todays date?" Tatsuki asked randomly.

"The sixteenth of June." I answered and stopped. Oh fuck! Tomorrow is mom's birthday! Note to self, leave school early tomorrow and pick up a gift or card. Hmmm maybe a card since I am giving her my free will.

"If any of you want to do something with Ichigo take care of it today because he won't be here tomorrow." We all looked at Tatsuki. How did she know Ichigo won't be here?

"Since when can you see the future?" I joked. However Tatsuki didn't say a word and stared at Ichigo. I wondered if she knew something the rest of us didn't know.

"Tatsuki?"

"I'll explain later. Let's just get ready for class."

Well that was strange. Besides the mystery around Ichigo's and Tatsuki's attitudes nothing much really happened besides us having a surprise math quiz and get yelled out for getting the lowest score on it after our teacher checked it. Was a thirty percent really that bad? I get no E for effort? Like geez not everyone is good at math.

"Hey Orihime I'll meet back up at your house later. I really want to hear what's going on but I need to pick up a gift before the stores close."

Orihime blinked. "For whom?"

Tatsuki however grinned. "For your crush maybe?"

I glared at her. "I don't have a crush! I just have to get my mother a birthday gift so I am going to a gift shop!"

"But Rei-Chan! The stores will be closed by the time you get there!" Orihime alerted me.

"What do you mean?"

"She's right, if it's your mom you want to get a gift for the stores are in the heart of town and close around seven on week nights. "

You got to be kidding me! Why the hell did they close so damn early? What the hell was the point? I started cursing out load in plain English on how rotten my luck was. Orihime went wide eyed at some of the words and Tatsuki held in a laugh. Hey, curses were always the first thing people learn in a language and I sound funny saying curses.

"This is totally unfair!"

"Someone like you should not curse." Ichigo had appeared beside Orihime making her squeak.

I pouted. "And why not?"

"You're voice is rather high pitched and girlie when you yell, you sound like a five year old when saying fuck and its downright funny besides no one taking you seriously."

I flushed and stuck out my tongue. "Says you!"

Ichigo shook his head and waved a goodbye. I did not sound like a five year old when I swore! I know I didn't!

"I just want to throw a shoe at him sometimes."

"Kurosaki-kun isn't that bad. He is really nice." Orihime defended him. I looked at her and I couldn't help but feel a little bit jealous on how well she knew Ichigo compared to me.

"Hey Orihime, why do you call Ichigo Kurosaki-Kun if you know him so well?"

She blushed darkly and started playing with her fingers. "Well its too personal to call him that! I know him and all but I-"

"Is it because you like him so much?"

Her eyes looked like dishes at this point and her blush got darker. "I see, you don't want to call him Ichigo until you two start dating." I thought I was about to make this poor girl faint.

"Da-Date? I date…." She cut off into a daze and I blinked. A line of blood came running out of her nose.

"What the hell are you thinking Orihime?" Tatsuki screamed and I laughed.

When we finally got back to the house I helped Orihime make dinner. Poor Tatsuki I think she's going to kill me. Everything Orihime had sounded wonderful that we ended up throwing it in a pot. Here we promised not to make anything weird. I wonder if adding red-bean paste to curry powder is weird; to her it would be.

"Ta-da! Tatsuki we made Orirei Curry!" Orihime gave a bowl of purple curry to Tatsuki whom had just paled at seeing the color.

"Orirei Curry?"

"Yup! It's a new curry both Orihime and I invented so we decided to call it Orirei!" I announced proudly.

Tatsuki just sat there frightened of what is in front of her. Like the food would jump up and bite her or something.

"It isn't bad Tatsuki! We tried it and it's really good!" Orihime said as she ate a spoon fill.

"Doesn't say much for Rei's taste buds…." Ooooh she burned both me and Orihime.

It wasn't until we were done eating did we all take a seat on Orihimes bed did Tatsuki tell us she would explain about Ichigo.

"You know Ichigo and I met when we were 4."

I raised an eyebrow. "Why aren't you the one with the crush then?" I asked before I could even stop myself.

Tatsuki looked disturbed. "Because Ichigo is like a brother to me and" she grinned. "He's weaker than me."

If you were stronger than him at one point you aren't now. I thought silently to myself. "Alright go on."

Tatsuki explained that they met in a Dojo and how stupid he looked as a kid. Heh, Ichigo was a four year old with bright hair and a huge grin. I couldn't help but smile at the thought. Chubby little cheeks, big eyes, always excited to see their mom. The mental image I had of him was adorable. Then Tatsuki mentioned how she kicked his ass all the time and he would cry but then smiling like an idiot for his mom. Now that was even more adorable and I found myself wanting a baby picture of him just to confirm if he was as cute as I think he was.

"He was really spoiled back then." Tatsuki added.

"But then…when he was nine, his mother died."

Ichigo was nine when she died. My eyebrows frowned together. I lost my father as a teenager and took it hard; but to lose your mother at such a young age. No wonder why he didn't smile like that anymore. When so young like that your parents are everything to you. The gods and heroes of your life and for that to die. Oh Ichigo.

"Even at nine he stuck to him mom like glue, grinned when he was around her and was spoiled by her. But her dying…" She didn't need to continue with detail on how that affected him. But she told us how he skipped school and went to the place where she died as if waiting for her to return. Orihime looked close to tears and I felt empty.

Not much was said the rest of the night as we went to bed. What more was there to say? The atmosphere was dark and gloomy enough; no more words were needed. As I laid there on the floor I prayed silently for him to someday find his smile again.

"Papa! Papa please wake up!" Ah, such a young child she is. Orangey-red hair, big green eyes filled with fright wearing nothing but a light violet flower printed bed dress. She looked about five years old.

"Hmm? What is it?" Green orbs that looked tired stared in hers.

"There's a monster outside my window…it's going to eat me." Tears were running down the child's face.

"Anthony what's going on?" A young adult woman asked her husband as she rolled over in bed.

"Nothing Elizabeth, I'll take care of her."

Sitting up the man picked up his daughter and brought her back into her room. "Show papa where the monster is."

The child sniffled into his shoulder. "I don't want to look at it anymore, it just scares me."

The man chuckled at his child and placed her on the bed. "But if papa doesn't know where it is how can papa protect you?" His strong hand rubbed her head before wiping away her tears.

Slowly the girl looked out the window and pointed. The man chuckled even more because all she was pointing at was their neighbor's statue. "There's nothing there sweetie." He reassured her.

"It's hiding behind it…it saw you and now its hiding." The child was too young to notice the sharp look her parent was giving the statue as if truly checking if there was anything there.

"Do you want papa to stay with you?"

The child quickly nodded and reached out to her father. "Please don't leave papa."

Lying on the bed next to her he held his child in his arms. "I am not going anywhere Rei, and as long as papa is here nothing will hurt you."

"I love you papa."

Waking up from a warm dream like that always ruined my morning. I hated the warmth those dreams gave me only to wake up to knowing my papa was in fact dead. I turned towards the clock. It was only three in the morning. Three in the morning; the witching hour. I knew I wouldn't be able to fall back a sleep till four but getting up at six for school, I found it pointless to go to sleep. For the rest of the night I stared at the ceiling waiting for the sun to rise.

"Hey Rei are you sure you know what you're doing. After that Math test yesterday." Orihime asked.

"I am sure, I really need to get my mom something so I'll only miss morning classes. You're handing in my homework so the teacher should be grateful and believe I am really not feeling well."

"Well if you're sure."

"I am positive. See you guys later!" I ran out Orihime's house in a pair of tight black short shorts, a white and black t-shirt that had Avenge Seven Fold logo on it with a pair of black converse on. If I was going to go shopping it would be best to not look like a student so I wouldn't be picked up. I even put on eye liner and lip gloss. Hey if anyone stopped me I would just say I am a college student or something. Part of me was glad that I decided to wear my hair in a side tail because it was so hot out. I mean really! Usually doesn't get this hot till around July not June!

As I walked towards the center of town I regretted not learning how to use the buses here. I had no idea if they used metro card, coins, cash, or some other thing. I just hoped my eyeliner wouldn't melt off or my hair wouldn't turn into a ball of puff. By the time I saw I was getting close I wanted to pass out! I hated the heat, I hated everything that was hot. All I wanted was to be in the AC right out in nothing but my underwear and a t-shirt on my bed playing a game. That would be paradise right now.

"You can do it Yuzu! Watch daddy walk up this hill on his hands!" I blinked. That sounded a lot like.

"Don't encourage him Yuzu!"

Walking over to the road that sloped down I saw the Kurosaki family. So Ichigo ditched school to be with his family today. Understandable since it is the day his mother passed. I am sure his father wants to make this a special day for the family. I smiled at them and just as I went to wave.

"Ichigo~~~!"

"EEKK! Rukia!" What the hell? She just suddenly appeared out of nowhere! Looking back at the family I also waved at them. Ichigo looked damn near close to a heart attack and kept doing these weird movements that just made everything seem awkward. Before I knew it Ichigo had dashed toward us and pulled us into the park next to the road. What the hell was doing on?

"Why the hell are you two following me? And why are you dressed like that?" Ichigo almost screamed.

I lifted my hand with one finger pointed upward. "One I am not following you but getting a birthday gift. Two, I can dress any way I please." I shot another finger up.

"Well you look like you belong on a corner. OW!" Ichigo held his head after I punched him.

"I do not belong on a corner!"

Rukia signed and rubbed her forehead. "Well you two stop it. I swear it's like I am babysitting sometimes."

Ichigo and I glared at her. "Well sorry if I defended myself."

"Defended yourself? You hit me!"

I just cleaned out my ear with my pinkie. "You insulted my pride of course I am going to hit you were it hurts." I blew off whatever was on my pinkie.

"So you give me a dead shoulder?" His eyebrow twitched.

"Of course."

"Do you two ever stop fighting?" Rukia asked.

"You two fight like a couple all the time. We fight like-" I was cut off.

"A married couple." Rukia grinned and I glared.

"Why are you here Rukia?"

"I came to make sure Ichigo does his job. I wasn't aware your family would be so close by." She answered.

Ichigo and I stared at her. "Rukia are you ok?" I asked.

"You look angry." Ichigo added.

"I'm not angry…but Ichigo you said your mother was killed."

I was stunned. Killed? Tatsuki said Ichigo's mother had died, she didn't say she was killed. I felt completely out of place! I should not be hearing this; I should not be hearing this! I tried to inch away silently as I watch the tension between Ichigo and Rukia increase.

"I didn't say who." Ichigo spoke out.

The look on Rukia's face told me where she might go with it. A hollow; Rukia had this thing about it always being a hollow which always did this and always caused that. I am sure that is something Ichigo did not want to discuss on the day his mother died. I was right though, before I could sneak away Rukia started her speech on how a demon could have noticed him, wanted his soul and gone after him but ended up eating his mother. Nice job Rukia, blaming Ichigo's gift for the death of his mother. Make him feel worse about his lost. Sometimes that girl needed a slap.

"It wasn't a hollow Rukia!" I bit my lip as Ichigo nearly barked at her. "It was me! I killed her!"

Rukia and I just stared at him with shocked expressions. His mother died when he was nine how could a nine year old possibly kill the mother they loved so much. Has part of him never gotten he strength to get over it that he blames himself for an act of nature or maybe the act of another.

"Ichigo you shouldn't blame yourself." I went to reach out to him but he backed up keeping our distance.

"Don't…just don't." And he dashed off back into the direction of his family.

My eyebrows narrowed and I turned to Rukia. "What the hell Rukia? Like really! You know it's a painful day for him; you know how much he's hurting today! Why, why of all times?"

Rukia just stood there with a stone expression. Not one word, not one sound, not even a sorry or how she should have known. It was pissing me off.

"I hope you're happy! He's hurting even more now!" I turn my back to her. "I don't know what they tell you in the soul society but while you're here in our realm have some compassion!" And I stomped off.

When I reached the end of the park I saw Ichigo standing with his family as they prayed by a grave. He was back to his usual expression. Placing my hand on the tree I watched him with his family. I watched as each of them took turns saying their prayer; I watched as Ichigo looked at the grave with a far away look in his eyes. Turning around I leaned against the tree and hugged myself. My heart really cried out to him to comfort him because I knew how he felt. The longing for someone who is forever lost.

"Ichigo… please be strong." Pushing myself off the tree I headed towards the shopping area to get my mother her gift.

It was pink and blue. A bracelet with pink and blue crystals along with silver charms in different shapes. I thought it would be a wonderful gift for my mama. Smiling I went to pay the cashier when I saw a small a small pot with flowers. Smiling slightly I also bought them. I figured it would be nice to give it to the Kurosaki family. As I left the store I went back to the grave to see if they were there. No one. I looked at my clock and saw it was noon, maybe they went off to have lunch? Placing the pot near the grave I gave a small prayer my father taught me.

Mrs. Kurosaki please; if you are really watching over your son let him know he can move on.

Smiling I went to head back home wanting to be rid of my bag and to make up with my mother. It was hot and I just wanted to get home quickly. I really hated hot days. Walking down the path I came across just the two people I was looking for a moment before.

"Mr. Kurosaki! Ichigo!" I waved cheerfully.

"Rei; what are you still doing around here." Ichigo asked.

"More importantly why aren't you in school young lady?" Ah, Mr. Kurosaki noticed it was a school day.

"Well today happens to be my mom's birthday and with the move and all I forgot to get her a gift." I held up the small gift bag. "I was just heading back home now."

"That's still no excuse to skip school!" Mr. Kurosaki nodded as he spoke and Ichigo's eye twitched.

"For someone who is a goof ball around your own kids you sure get serious when raising someone else's."

I giggled as I watched Mr. Kurosaki punch Ichigo in the back of the head as they started to Argue. Looking around I noticed something missing from the group.

"Hey where are your sisters?"

They both looked at me. Mr. Kurosaki had Ichigo in a head lock while Ichigo was biting onto his fathers arm. What goofballs they both are!

"I was waiting on them. Ichigo! You go look over there and take your friend with you. I'll stay-" I watched as Ichigo kicked his father in the chin.

"You mean you're not going."

How I could die laughing watching these two. However a shaking feeling ended my laughter. The cold cruel sense of a hollow filled the area making Ichigo freeze and tense. Before I could blink Ichigo had grabbed my hand forcing me to run with him.

"Ichigo!"

"Just come with me! If my sisters are near where that thing is I need someone there!"

I followed silently understanding. Someone would have to get them to safety as he fought the hollow with Rukia who would surely meet us at there. Sure enough all three of us crossed paths and we were running together.

"Yo."

"Hey."

I kept quiet. I was still pissed at Rukia so there was no greeting from me. Soon they had started a small conversation and quickly it became silent. It was kind of romantic in a way. They who hadn't know each other long connected so well, knowing how to talk to each other even if they screwed up. The pit of my stomach hardens and for the first time in my life I was jealous of another girl having what I considered my friend's attention.

"What the hell is wrong with you guys?" A stuffed bear came out of Rukia's bag and it talked.

"You came?" Ichigo asked.

"Of course I came!" A talking bear…a talking freaking bear.

"CUTTEEEEEE!' I grabbed the bear from the bag and hugged it as I ran. "What a cute little bear!"

Ichigo however was quick to grab the stuffed animal back and stuff it back into Rukia's bag. "Don't humor him! That's the soul that forced my body to kiss you."

Glaring at the bear I cracked my knuckles. "Dead bear."

"Whoa! Whoa! Chill out sister! It was all in the past! Besides! I am a lion not a bear! Who wants to hurt a cute lion?"

"I do." I replied.

"AHH! Rukia! Get me away from these two!"

I could tell Rukia was rolling her eyes. "Knock it off."

"We're close." Ichigo nearly whispered.

So it was time.


I hope everyone enjoyed the first part. The second part will be out as soon as I can get time. Happy V-Day!