Needless to say, I didn't end up sleeping at all.

After Toushirou tossed and turned for a bit, he finally drifted off to sleep—although I could tell he was still bothered. For the rest of the night, I kept thinking about how obvious it's been from the get-go.

I had a crush on Hitsugaya Toushirou.

I've had a crush on him probably since the first time he saved me from that Hollow. Granted, it kind of doubled from a light crush into a full blown one after I regained my memories—I was just too stubborn to really see it. I had always thought that I of course liked him as a friend, but that he mainly was just a cold, grumpy old man in an attractive young body.

Hideki was definitely cute, but it was such a different feeling with him than it was with Toushirou. Hideki made me feel like an ordinary girl who had a movie star choose her out of all the other celebrities he could have. It was a like an empty satisfaction that looked great on the outside, but had no meaning on the inside.

With my feelings for Toushirou however, although his feelings for me were unknown, there was much more fulfilling satisfaction that came with the feelings.

It's funny; I never thought that I'd fall for a guy like him. I thought that since he found me pesky and annoying that it was a challenge—a challenge to change his mind so he could consider me a close friend. But now thinking again, I've realized that not only did I want his acceptance, but I wanted so much more than that.

But of course, now there's no hope for anything other than light friendship to ever ensue—if that. If anything, he might just be the literal end of me. If I can't control myself and turn into a Hollow…he'll promptly do what needs to be done.

As completely gut-wrenching as that fact was, if anyone was going to kill me, I guess I would want it to be Toushirou. At least he would put me down 'humanely' as silly as that sounded.

Soon enough, the sun came up, and Toushirou got up to get ready for school. I got up with him, bid him a good morning without making eye contact and then hopped in the shower. I felt disgusting—like some sick animal that needed to be taken to be euthanized.

I really hoped and prayed that Ichigo would help me. I wondered if there was some type of cure for my situation; someway to reverse what I am. Maybe I could talk to Urahara today—he seemed like a really smart and scientific guy, although my life is now science fiction and all logic has been thrown out the window.

I got out of the shower, and got ready for school. I looked at my eyes; Toushirou was right, wearing makeup to sleep every night did in fact bring bags. I mean, I knew it would, but now that I actually see it, it looks terrible. I applied more makeup to cover it up. Maybe I could get one of those eye masks so he wouldn't see it. Or more than likely I should just take my damn makeup off and let him think I'm ugly so that he can ignore me more and my crush would dissipate. There we go, that's the easier, probably better option.

I finished up and headed back downstairs to the kitchen; my stomach felt like it was eating itself. I made some toast and put a little butter on it, then made a simple PB&J sandwich for lunch. Toushirou was sitting at the table drinking his tea as always, while Rangiku was sprawled across the couch, waiting for us to finish up.

"All right, I'm ready to go." I said as I finished my toast.

Toushirou downed the rest of his tea, and we left.

The first couple periods were so straining. Because I had missed so much, I couldn't afford to go to sleep; I had to stay up and pay attention—it sucked. I literally had so much to catch up on already since I took off school from my parents passing away, and now I missed another week. It was so much that I honestly felt like I was going to fail and not graduate.

Although the day was dragging, it was finally fourth period; at least after this period I could get lunch. As soon as I walked into the classroom was when I saw him.

Hideki Katsu.

I'd almost forgotten amidst the madness of how much homework I had to catch up on. I walked over to my desk, and immediately when I sat down Hideki scooted his desk against mine.

"Good morning, Kawaii-chan! I'm so happy you're finally back!" Hideki smiled, placing his hand on mine.

I immediately took my hand back.

"Hello Hideki, thanks." I mustered, folding my arms together.

"I have a surprise for you," He said, grabbing his book bag.

He reached inside, pulled out a stack of paper, and put it on my desk.

I looked at it and saw that the first page had my name written up at the top. The page looked really familiar…

"What…is this?" I asked as I began flickering through the pages.

"Your homework for the past week. I picked it up each day from each class and did it for you since you've been sick." Hideki said, pushing the papers toward me.

Oh my God.

My eyes were beaming; this was too freaking good to be true. Now all I had to worry about was the homework from when my parents passed—which I already had a good handle on from spare time in the last 3 periods.

"Hideki, you…"

"…are amazing?" He cut in and finished.

I chuckled lightly and flashed a small smile.

"You didn't have to do this Hideki; I really appreciate that you took the time out of your day to help me while I've been sick." I said.

"No problem at all, Kawaii-chan. Only the best for you." He grinned crookedly.

I put the homework he completed for me in my bag and then class began. Hideki kept his desk up against mine, and even though Toushirou said that I don't owe him anything, I felt like I did. I mean, he definitely just helped me save my grades big time! The end of the school year was close at hand, and the fact that I missed so much school meant that every assignment was vital. Thanks to Hideki, I would have a better chance to get all this work in and to graduate.

Class ended, marking the beginning of our lunch period. I gathered my things into my bag and started making my way to the end of the classroom.

Hideki was waiting for me at the door; I looked up at him and flashed a small smile.

"Thanks again, Hideki!" I said.

"Again—not a problem—but please, let me escort you to your friends for lunch." He smiled and motioned me forward.

"Oh, uh, it's fine, I'm capable of walking by my—"

"Nonsense! It would be my pleasure!" He looped his arm through mine and started walking; me dragging behind him.

I stuttered out some weird half words trying to pull away and stop at first, but then I just let it happen. I took my arm back and walked alongside him, exhaling loudly.

Toushirou was going to lose it.

We walked up the stairs and opened the door up to the roof. Everyone wasn't there yet—thank God. Once we got to my normal spot, I spun around quickly to face Hideki.

"Well, thanks for walking me up, and thanks for the help with the homework! I'll see ya later!" I said.

I turned around to put my bag down, but before I could, he grabbed me by my wrist and turned me back around. I looked back at him and he knelt down on one knee, a single rose in his hand.

"Oh my God, what the Hell is happening!" I internally screeched.

"Kawaii-chan, I've been dying to ask you," he began.

At that moment, everyone walked into the rooftop area—including Toushirou and Rangiku. I mentally cringed because whatever happened now was not only in sight, but also in ear-shot, which meant whatever he said would definitely be heard.

"Oh shit oh shit oh shit."

"Would you be my date for the Promenade this Friday evening?"

Well needless to say I was definitely blushing—I had completely forgotten about Prom.

I could only stutter from how shocked I was.

"I, uh…well,"

Suddenly, another hand pushed Hideki's hand out of mine and took its place.

"Sorry, but she's already attending with me."

Frozen, I looked up at the person holding my hand tightly.

Honestly, I didn't know how to react.

Hideki chuckled.

"My, my, it seems that I'm too late in asking you. How unfortunately unfair." He then stood up and placed the rose in my free hand.

"At the very least, the rose is still for you, Kawaii-chan." He turned toward the door to the staircase.

"Hopefully, you can spare me a dance at the Prom; surely you could grant me that," He paused.

I stared breathing again.

"T-that'll…uhh…sure?" I barely choked out above a whisper.

He smiled, then opened the door and walked out.

I looked over at Toushirou—whose hand was still holding mine—and did nothing; I didn't really know what to do.

He let go of my hand and shoved his own in his pocket.

"Come over here for a moment, would you?" He asked, but there was no room for exception—it definitely was a command.

I followed him behind one of the sheds. He combed his fingers through his hair.

"What happened to keeping your distance, Takashita?" He asked coolly.

I could tell he was trying not to seem pissed off.

I twisted the flower in my hand lightly, staring at it for a moment.

"I tried, but he did me a huge favor. In return for the favor, he wanted to walk me up to lunch. I had no idea he was going to ask me out to Prom—I'm really shocked." I explained.

"And what huge favor did he do for you this time?"

The way he asked the question pissed me off, so I took out the stack of homework Hideki did for me and held it up in front of his face.

"He did all of my homework for the past week since I've been sick. You out of everyone know just how much school I've missed lately; I've honestly been thinking that I might not be able to graduate with how far behind I am. But now with this little bit of help, I think I'm going to be able to get caught up. School may not be important to you, but It unfortunately has to be for me. If I somehow make it out of this whole situation we're in alive, then I have to graduate so I can get a job. Once you and the others go back to the Soul Society, I'll have no one. No financial support at all, and no family to rely on. It's because of those reasons that I at the very least let him walk me up here as a way of thanks." I explained.

He didn't say anything; just looked at me, thinking.

"As far as the Prom thing goes, I had no idea he planned on asking me. I didn't count on anyone actually liking me enough to formally ask me. It's stupid and I suck at dancing, but Prom has always been the one high school function I've ever wanted to go to. I just figured that I wouldn't end up going because I'd just be sitting there by myself anyway. Hideki and I aren't close, but I would've considered taking him up on his offer just to go. But now you're saying that you're taking me? Or did you just say that to get him off me?" I asked trying not to let my voice crack.

He sighed.

"Rangiku had told me about it a while back; she had heard other girls in the school talking about it. She thought it would be fun for one of us to take you, and wanted to talk to you about it, but was afraid it might be a little too feminine for your liking. And with everything that's happened, the thought to even bring it up hasn't crossed our minds, until now that is."

He looked at me for a moment and then continued.

"But given everything that's happened, if you would really like to go, then I'll be the one to accompany you. I'd rather take you than let Hideki."

"Toushirou..." I trailed off, looking down.

"I'd rather just not go if you're only taking me for that reason. If you yourself actually don't want to go with me, then I feel like I'm forcing you—which isn't what I want…" I told him.

I instantly felt sad.

While it gave me butterflies that Toushirou intervened the way he did, it just didn't feel right. I'd always wanted to go with someone who wanted to go with me—not because of some obligation. But then again—with my situation—it would only be under obligation. He was here to watch me, not fall in love with me like some poorly-written story. And on top of that, anything more than friendship was out of the question.

Toushirou sighed pretty loudly. He ruffled my hair like I was some child and placed his hand on the top of my head. He then came down to eye level, and I already knew I was blushing.

"You're not forcing me, Takashita." He started, teal orbs staring at mine.

"With what you've said earlier about your future, you need to enjoy the times before having to work hard for the rest of your human years. If there is something you'd really like to do, then do it. If you need somebody to go with, then myself or one of the others can go with you. As for this event in particular, I'd be more than happy to escort you, especially because..."

He closed his eyes, frustration creases starting to form in between them.

"I don't trust Hideki, and I'd never forgive myself if something happened. Not even just because it's my job, but because I care about you as a person." He stated, opening his eyes to stare directly into mine again.

I looked away, unable to keep the same gaze any longer due to shyness. A small smile crept on my face.

"Thank you, Toushirou; I'd really like it if you would accompany me."

God this was so hard; why the Hell did I like this freaking kid so damn much?

He let go of my head and stepped back.

"Then it's settled." He confirmed.

"But again, until then please be careful around Hideki."

I nodded in acknowledgement before changing things into a lighter subject.

"Do you even own a suit?" I asked, chuckling.

"What's a suit?"

-[×]-

School ended and it was time for training to resume back at Urahara's. It was also time to talk to Kurosaki—which had my nerves in disarray. I ended up convincing Toushirou that Kurosaki was going to escort me to Urahara's, and with a little help from Kurosaki himself, he bought it. Toushirou and Rangiku left with the others, and Kurosaki, Renji and I started walking to Urahara's.

"Hey Renji, why are you tagging along?" I asked walking closer to him.

"Was there something you needed to talk to Urahara about?"

Renji laughed loudly.

"Azumi, you haven't noticed that I'm living with him at the moment?"

My eyes widened.

"O-Oh! You do? I had no idea! I didn't even see you!" I forced out a small laugh.

Could that mean…

He chuckled again

"You ought to pay more attention; in a battle, you would've already been dead." He put his hand on my head.

I pushed it off immediately, huffing.

"Yeah, yeah I know, that's why I'm still trying to learn." I stuck out my tongue, pushing him a few steps back.

We finally arrived at Urahara's, and he sat with us at the little table upstairs in the shop. Tessai poured some tea and then suddenly Renji joined us at the table. Urahara looked at me while fanning himself.

"It's okay, Azumi-chan, he already knows."

I looked at Renji with a tad bit of shock in my gaze.

He looked back at me for a moment and then looked away.

"Go ahead; I won't say anything." He said.

I looked down at my hands. Well, at least one Shinigami didn't turn me in. But still, I wasn't about to take my chances yet with the rest of them.

And so, I told Kurosaki everything. From top to bottom. Renji definitely was interested the entire time as well; I assumed that maybe he just knew the basics but he clearly corrected me.

The way Renji found out was when I transformed into a Hollow the other day. He was also in the basement at the time—far off in the distance training—when he felt my reiatsu spike. He ran over and witnessed a Hollow trying to fight Urahara, and before he could go to help him, another Hollow was tossed into a pit, then I was kicked down after it. Urahara explained it all to him, and told him that 'Moochers follow the owner's rules,' and made him swear secrecy.

Kurosaki suddenly cut in.

"So then, if this is all true, what do you plan on doing about it?"

I straightened myself up and replied.

"I wanted to see if you had any information about Hollow transformation, if you could show me how you transform at will, and how to control it."

Kurosaki sighed.

"I've only recently begun to understand it. The most I can do, is transform for a couple seconds, then I have to recuperate for a while." He replied, folding his arms.

"It's very frustrating; the damn Hollow inside just wants full control at all times. In his words; he wants to be the 'King' and make me the 'Horse.' So far, it's been through willpower alone that I'm able to keep him at bay. The times I have slipped, however, have been very dangerous. I'm sorry I can't give you much more pointers." He concluded.

"Kurosaki, are you saying that there is another entity inside you that you can communicate with?" I asked, beyond curious now.

"Yes, but he's still me—how can I put this." Kurosaki started, only to be interrupted by Urahara.

"Azumi-chan, Shinigami all have a Zanpakuto. Their Zanpakuto are their own souls that they are able to communicate with and use for their benefit. Abarai-san has Zabimaru, Kurosaki-san has Getsuga, and I have Benihime. Our souls take the form of a Zanpakuto to help up fight. Each Shinigami communicates with their Zanpakuto—or inner soul—as if they were separate entities, and they utilize this to train and get stronger. Learning about your own soul is necessary to perform Shikai and Bankai, which are released stages of Zanpakuto. When trying to communicate with your soul, for a moment you go into your own mind, which would be the world they live in. After some time, it is easier to meditate and go into that world to train." He paused to make sure I followed, and continued.

"However, with Kurosaki-san it is a bit of a different story. He not only has Getsuga, but Hollow Getsuga as well. It's almost like having two-parts to his soul—am I correct in saying that?" He asked Kurosaki, and he nodded in response.

"When I dig inside myself, there is an old man there named Getsuga, and he helps me to better myself for battle and shows me how I can find peace. The other form of Getsuga—the Hollow one that looks identical to me—only really tries to take over everything. It's as if I had 3 personalities; the normal one you're used to seeing, the wise and careful one, and the violent and destructive one. If I slip up, the violent one will take over and kill everything and everyone." He looked sharply at me.

"But if I am able to control it, I can use it to my advantage and become stronger. Even now, using it for a few seconds increases my power dramatically. But still, I can't completely control it." He furrowed his brows angrily.

The room got quiet as I tried to soak in everything just thrown at me. I'd always heard them calling their swords names, but I had no idea it went that deep—I just thought it was like naming a car or something. But it's the name of their inner souls…I wondered what Toushirou and Rangiku's were.

Kurosaki continued.

"So what about your Doll? Wouldn't that be similar to our Zanpakuto? Wouldn't you be able to communicate with it to see if you can gain control?" He asked.

"I don't have a Doll yet. At the moment, I'm still too weak to have one and will most likely be killed immediately; right Urahara?" I asked.

Urahara nodded his head.

"Yes, it is true, but now I'm wondering if Kurosaki is on to something." He cupped his chin in thought.

"Dolls are similar to Zanpakuto in the sense that they are a part of your soul. The difference is that they manifest into separate beings rather than take the shape of a Zanpakuto. They also will turn on you if they consider you weak, whereas a Zanpakuto will help you get stronger. It's definitely interesting to say the least. But Kurosaki may have a point; if you had a Doll, you may be able to find a way to control yourself." He concluded.

"I think it's worth a shot," I said before drinking some of my tea.

"Hopefully I get stronger fast so that we can test out the theory." I said with an exhale.

Urahara stood up suddenly.

"While we're on the topic, I've actually alreqdy completed the construction of yours, Azumi-chan. Maybe with Abarai-san and Kurosaki-san here, we can control the situation and use your Doll to our advantage early. If you all would please follow me, I'd like to see if we can do this right now." He smiled.

I hopped up immediately.

This was too exciting.

"If you think im ready, then sure of course!" I responded giddily.

We followed Urahara to the back of the shop and into what looked like an office/lab. It had a few counters along the walls and a huge table with a rolling chair in the middle. There were papers scattered on some of the counters along with some beakers and microscopes, but the real focus was a wide tray on the table. The tray was rectangular, and eight vials were positioned along the edges with a candle in the middle. Urahara walked up to it, and took out a matchbook.

"Azumi-chan, I need you to come over here please." Urahara called.

I walked over to him with Kurosaki and Renji following suit.

"Urahara, what is that?" Kurosaki asked for me.

Urahara pulled a book out from a drawer under the table.

"This is a book created by Kariya—the former leader of the Bounto. It's all in German, so it took me a little time to decipher, but I finally was able to translate it, and figure out how to create a Doll. It calls for a few different compounds which took me a little while to find as well." He motioned to the vials on the table.

"Now Azumi-chan, this is where I need you. I need you to mix your reiatsu with the compounds. The only ones who can successfully create a Doll are Bounto. I can't pour my reiatsu into it, but I can do all of the main work. When the time comes, I need you to call out to the Doll; can you do that?" He asked.

I gulped and agreed to it.

I put my hand on the tray and let my reiatsu flow through; letting it seep into the powders in the vials. At that moment, he lit the candle at the center of the tray and opened the book. He chanted something in German, and then lightly tapped my shoulder; I assumed that was the signal. I didn't know exactly how I should come off, but I just went with it.

"Doll, please come forth." I called.

At that moment, the flame on the candle grew and burned fiercely.

I took my hand back and stepped away from the tray. Immediately Urahara created a barrier around the table and we all stepped back.

The flame from the candle knocked all of the vials toward it, and all the compounds set on fire in unison. There was an ear-splitting, high-pitched shriek, and immediately all of our hands went up to cover our ears. A faint golden glow surrounded the tray and the shrieking stopped. I walked up to the barrier and placed my hands up against it, looking at the small creature now on the center of the tray.

It was a brownish gold pudgy-looking ball; like the creature was still developing. It wiggled around until it's arms—or should I say wings—unmolded from its sides. Two little legs started to form at its base, and they wiggled around as well until they gained better form. It was then that I noticed Urahara, Kurosaki and Renji were at my sides as well—eyes fixated on the little being. What looked like a head popped out from the top, and slowly eyes and a beak began to form.

"It looks like an owl," I whispered.

Urahara looked for another moment at the being and agreed.

The beak suddenly opened, and the creature—a female—began to speak.

"Where is my Master? Step forth and prove your worth."

She didn't even have her eyes open and she was already putting me on the spot.

I inhaled deeply and motioned Urahara to make the barrier larger and to let me in. He was against it, but I pressured him to give in.

"We'll be right here, Azumi-chan. If something goes wrong, we'll take care of it." Urahara said sternly.

I nodded and he let me in.

I walked up to the creature, and stood in front of her. Her eyes flickered open at me, and took my image in for a few seconds before speaking.

"Show me your reiatsu, Master." She asked.

I held my hand out in front of her and let my reiatsu flow into the palm of my hand.

"What is your name?" I asked.

I tried to sound stern, but I tinged it with a little bit of motherly affection so as not to cause conflict.

The miniature owl walked over and sliced one of my fingers with one of her sharp talons. I sucked in air to stifle the shriek I wanted to give out, and she responded.

"Yoru no Shedo." She replied.

She then bent down to my bloodied finger and sniffed it before licking it up; I could already tell that my eyes were turning red.

"Takashita Azumi." I replied back.

After Yoru no Shedo finished licking up my blood, I saw that the wound she gave me was healed completely.

She took a few steps back and folded her legs in. I have to admit, I'd never seen an owl sit before, but it was pretty hysterical. But of course it wasn't the time for laughter.

"I need rest to completely develop. I will require 3 days, and need to be connected to you at all times. On the 4th day, you will have to prove yourself in combat to me or I will destroy you." She looked at me, and then before any response could be made she continued.

"See you soon, Master." she concluded.

She then glowed brightly and turned into two flat, metal, silver talon-shaped earrings.

I looked at her jeweled form; stunned by her threat. Immediately I took her jeweled form and put her on each ear. Urahara removed the barrier and we all stood in silence for a moment.

"Well, looks like we've got work to do." Urahara snickered.

I gulped.