The next two chapters will be in Chihiro's POV. Just warning you now.

OCs (c) Me

Sakura Kinoshita, zanpakuto (c) TheTroublesomeZorua AKA C-chanLovesGamingX3

Bleach (c) Kubo Tite

The Bleached Chronicles

Chapter 38

-2 Years Later…-

I sighed as I looked up at the clear, blue sky. The sun was shining brightly overhead and there wasn't even a cloud in the sky, nothing but what seemed like an ocean of sky blue. Today was a perfect day for kids to be out playing in the park and for everyone to enjoy the clear sunshine. But of course, today was a school day that just ended.

"Chihiro-chan!"

I turned to see Orihime-chan running towards me, a wide, goofy smile on her face as she waved her arms in the air. I smiled and I raised my hand to wave back, stopping just as I got to the school gate. Her long, somewhat curly hair flew out behind her as she ran at me, and for a second I thought she was going to tackle me.

"Hi, Orihime-chan!" I called, smiling as I waited for her to catch up. She stopped at my feet and panted lightly, her hands on her knees as she bent forward, before laughing as she straightened herself out.

"Chihiro-chan, me and Tatsuki-chan are going with Ichigo-kun to the movies as a celebration for graduating. Would you like to come?" she asked, her face slightly flushed due to the exertion. I was silent for a moment, should I go with her? Graduation was tomorrow, and today was our final day of actual school before we graduated. Maybe… a movie would be a nice way of celebrating. I nodded without hesitation, smiling as I did so.

"Of course, Orihime-chan. I would love to go." the girl smiled brightly and cried out in joy as she began jumping up and down, and I laughed. Orihime-chan hasn't changed one bit, she was almost like a kid. But she had matured some, so I have to give her credit for that.

"How are things between you and Ichigo-san?" I asked, deciding now it was time for our usual "up-to-date" discussions on how things were going between Orihime-chan and Ichigo-san. After the winter war, he did keep his word and confessed his feelings to Orihime-chan, who was ecstatic over the whole thing.

Ever since then, they've been nothing but close and lovey-dovey when no one was watching. And if someone happened to catch them being lovey-dovey… poor Ichigo-san would get so embarrassed! He'd start yelling and denying it, with his girlfriend blushing brightly behind him.

Orihime-chan blushed brightly at my question before stammering, twiddling her hands as she did so.

"A-ah… w-well things are… good. T-this Saturday we're planning on going skating and maybe having dinner. Kurosaki-san told us of a great place to go, and was happy when Ichigo-kun told him he was going to take me." she answered sheepishly, a blush dusting her cheeks and giving them a nice rosy color. I smiled a little at this, but I was sure that it didn't reach my eyes. I was happy for the both of them, I really was. But… them being together… it reminded me of-

Without warning, I felt some movement inside my bag as three little dragons popped their heads out. Mae, Rae, and Tae all stared at the busty young woman, two of the three excited at the news as they smiled at her.

"That's good, Orihime-sama! You finally found your special person!" Mae giggled as she held her paws over her muzzle, trying to stifle her laughter. Tae nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling as she stared at her.

"Yes, when do you think he'll pop the question?" she spoke quizzically. I laughed as Orihime-chan blushed brightly before I looked down at her.

"Tae, they're too young to get married! Maybe in a few years they'll be old enough, but certainly not anytime soon!" I laughed, patting her lightly on the head and causing her to blush a little in embarrassment. Rae scowled and quickly went inside the bag, not at all interested in the conversation. She still didn't like Orihime-chan, no matter how much the girl tried to reconcile with her. I looked at Orihime-chan, ignoring the troubling thoughts for now.

"So, when are we going?" I asked. She smiled as she handed me a slip of paper with some writing on it. Taking it, I could read that the movie started at six in her messy handwriting, and that we were to meet at Ichigo-san's house.

"We'll meet at Ichigo-kun's house at six, and then we'll go to the theatre. After that, we might even have dinner at the restaurant near by! But I'm so excited… we're going to see a anime movie!" she explained, excited at the thought of going to see a movie. With that she turned and began to head to the school gate, probably to walk home with Ichigo-san.

"Well see you later, Chihiro-chan!" she called before disappearing. I stood there in silence before walking out the gate and towards home. I sighed a little at the thought of home.

Home… I thought that two years ago, I would never see home again.

It's been two whole years since the winter war. Aizen-san had been imprisoned by Ichigo-san, who had lost his shinigami powers shortly afterwards because he used a hidden but life-altering technique that caused him to lose his powers after he used it. Life had been quiet for seventeen months after that, until a man named Ginjou-san showed up and decided to cause havoc.

I had a vague idea of what was going on, but stayed as much out of it as I could. Urahara-san was kind enough to keep me updated, and after a few things happened, Rukia-chan and the others appeared and gave Ichigo-san his powers back. Then he successfully stopped Ginjou-san and his partner-in-crime, Tsukishima-san. There were a few others, but they either died or disappeared, so I didn't hear much about them.

There were a lot of casualties in the winter war, most of the arrancars, besides Nel-chan, Pesche-san, and Dondochakka-san, were killed and a few other besides those three remained. I even found out that Halibel-san and her fraccion were still alive, because the four had showed up at my house a week or so after the war ended. I was happy, but sad at the same time to see them, and they promised to keep in contact as often as they could.

A few shinigami became casualties as well, mostly the traitors though. Tousen-sama was killed and a lot of the others including the taichos and fukutaichos were wounded severely. Gin-sama was saved, something I was grateful for because no one thought that he was going to make it. He had been terribly wounded by Aizen-san, but Orihime-chan was able to save him. And that's when we found out why he had betrayed the soul society, he was trying to stop Aizen-san. He did it for Rangiku-san, but unfortunately, he couldn't go back to the Soul Society. So he chose to remain in Hueco Mundo, where she would sneak off on occasion to see him.

Things had gotten a bit crazy after the war, and things weren't over between myself and the Soul Society, as much as I wanted things to. I was accused of betraying the soul society, and some wanted me executed and brought there immediately. Thankfully, a lot of people had come to my defense, and I was freed from all charges.

When I got home afterwards, my parents as well as Hiro were crying with emotion as they hugged me, having just gotten back from Kyoto. After telling a white lie about being kidnapped and not knowing where I was for the past couple of months, my parents were eager to find my captors. But… they would never find them. How can you find something that you can't see?

But… things were hard afterwards. I was an emotional wreck, but was able to act normal in front of my family. But… when I was alone… my heart would ache terribly, like a million little knives were stabbing it repeatedly. And my heart still does, whenever I think of him…

I don't try to forget him, or wish that I had never met him. But I never talk about him with anyone, because Ichigo-san, Orihime-chan, and even Sae and her sisters still feel guilty about what happened, so I never say a word in respect to their feelings. But it doesn't change the fact that I always think about him, even when my mind tells me to forget about him and move on.

The feelings get so much worse when either Orihime-chan, Rukia-chan, or the other shinigamis invite me to come along to have fun with them. They almost always bring their special person along with them, which makes my heart hurt every time. Orihime-chan had Ichigo-san, Rukia-chan had Renji-san, Rangiku-san had Gin-sama, Uryu-san had Nemu-chan, Momo-chan had Toushiro-san, Sakura-chan had Hanataro-san, Shinji-san had Hiyori-san, and… everyone just seemed to have somebody that they were always with. Even Nanao-chan had finally got together with her Taicho, Shunsui-san.

Rae always said they did it to constantly remind me of what happened and what they did, but I couldn't say anything. I can't deny them to bring their significant other along, because if he was still alive, I would've done the same thing.

It tore me up sometimes whenever I was left alone and waiting for them to come back from the bathroom or for them to meet me, because all I could ever think of and have been thinking of for the last two years was him.

Grimmjow…

I shook my head as I walked home. I knew that he wouldn't have wanted me to be miserable for the rest of my life, but… I loved him. I loved him so much. It was like I was constantly stuck between a rock and hard place, should I forget him and move on or continue to morn for him? At this point, I wasn't sure anymore.

Mae poked her head out of the bag and looked at me smiling as she reached out and tugged on my sleeve with her tiny paw.

"It's good that you're all going to the movies the day before graduation. It's nice for you to have some fun once in awhile, because you've been studying way too hard lately." She giggled. I smiled softly, the Tres Ae have been doing whatever they could to keep me happy since then, and I owe them for that. I picked her up and cradled her to my chest, her two sisters joining her as I carried them home.

"Yes, Mae. It's good to have fun every now and again."

-A Few Hours Later-

"That was so much fun! I loved the part when they confessed their love for each other, it was so sweet!" Orihime-chan gushed as we walked home from the movie and after-movie dinner at the restaurant. Ichigo-san had wrapped his arm around her waist as Tatsuki-chan and I walked on either side of them, holding her close to his side as we all walked home together. He smiled a little, his face almost free of his usual scowl or "I don't care" look.

"I'm glad you liked it, Orihime. Though some of it was cheesy as hell. What kind of guy dumps his girlfriend in order to protect her from a gang of thugs? I wouldn't do that." he chuckled. Orihime-chan frowned a little at this and Tatsuki-chan growled, whacking him in the head as she did so. Since Orihime-chan wanted to see an anime movie, we saw the only one there, which was a romance-drama about a school girl and a gangster falling in love with each other. It was actually pretty sweet.

"Ow! What was that for?" he growled as he rubbed his head, glaring at her. She glared back at him.

"It wasn't cheesy! It was sweet, and you know it!" The two glared at each other as Orihime-chan looked between them frantically, trying to prevent them from fighting. I smiled, things didn't change much after the war. But now Tatsuki-chan, Keigo-san, Mizuiro-kun, Chizuru-san, and a few others, knew about the existence of shinigami and hollows. I looked to my right, deciding to just enjoy the walk home, and immediately stiffened. We were right in front of a familiar building, the same building where I had first met Grimmjow two years ago…

"It's okay, I won't hurt you. My name's Chihiro, Chihiro Kururugi. What's yours, arrancars-san?"

"Grimmjow. Grimmjow Jeagerjaques."

I felt the tears fall freely down my cheeks at the sudden jab of pain within my chest. I had no idea that it would hurt so much to see the place where we first met, even after two long years since his death. I hoped that the pain would dull over time, but it didn't. I was just fooling myself, of course it wouldn't go away. I don't think the pain of losing someone precious ever goes away, it's still inside your heart somewhere and once you see something that reminds you of them… it all comes back.

I quickly turned away and wiped at my eyes furiously, I was acting foolish. I didn't want to spoil their fun by crying, I didn't. But I felt someone's eyes on my back and resisted the urge to turn, since I still had tears in my eyes and on my cheeks.

"Chihiro-chan? What's wrong?" I heard Orihime-chan ask from behind me. I shook my head, I didn't want to let them know what was wrong.

"Uh… nothing! Just got dirt in my eyes, that's all!" I exclaimed, trying to keep my voice calm. That first encounter was a secret between Grimmjow and I, and the only other ones that knew about it were the Tres Ae, Hiro, and I think Orihime-chan. It was something that Ichigo-san and the others didn't need to know about. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder before someone spun me around. Ichigo-san was looking at me with a soft scowl on his face, clearly not believing my lie.

"You're thinking of him again, aren't you?" he asked. I was silent before nodding, it was obvious now that every time I cried was because of him. He sighed at this, shaking his head like he was ashamed about something.

"He wouldn't have wanted you to be sad, he would have wanted you to be happy. To live a good, long life." He murmured, trying his best to cheer me up. I nodded a little as I wiped my tears away.

"Y-Yeah…" He smirked before ruffling my hair and planting a kiss on Orihime-chan's cheek, causing her to squeak and blush brightly in response.

"C'mon, it's getting late and we should head home. Before our parents start worrying." He chuckled. I smiled as Tatsuki-chan punched his shoulder, causing him to cry out and start rubbing it.

"You mean before your dad starts worrying. That man has a lot of issues he needs to work out." She laughed. Ichigo-san growled at her before picking up Orihime-chan bridal-styled and smirking at her.

"Race you back!" he challenged. She smirked at the challenge.

"Fine, then! Catch ya later, Chihiro. I'm gonna kick his ass!" she cried. Immediately the two flew down the street, trying to run faster than the other as they ran home. I smiled as I watched them go, before walking down the street towards my house.

-An Hour Later, Kururugi Residence-

I was on my roof, staring at the night sky as my mother and father tucked Hiro into bed for the night. All was quiet, except for the distant sounds of the city's night life starting up as the clubs and bars opened for their patrons. After I had gotten home, I went upstairs and changed into my pajamas before climbing onto the roof to just sit there and enjoy the scenery.

"Ah…" I sighed softly as I stared at the night sky, it was beautiful. The many stars twinkling and blinking as they hung in the sky, like small crystals on black velvet blanket. The moon shone softly, its white, pale light reaching out towards the distance, to wherever darkness reigned. I smiled sadly, tomorrow I would be graduating from Karakura High School, and moving onto college. Then… I would be on my own.

I looked down at the white cloth with specs and blotches of red that I held in my hands, as Hoshiookami rested on the roof beside me. It was the same, bloodstained cloth that I found after Grimmjow was killed. His scent was still on it, reminding me of him and bringing me a little bit of comfort, despite how faint it was. I kept it as a reminder of what happened, and to prove that he was still gone.

"Milady, I thought you would be happy that tomorrow you'll be graduating from school. So why aren't you happy?" Hoshiookami asked from where her sword rested beside me. I was silent before picking it up and placing it on my lap, rubbing my hand against her sheath.

"Hoshiookami… I am happy. It's just… bittersweet. I'm happy that I'm graduating, but… I'm also sad. I… wish he could see how much I've become. How much I've grown." I explained. It was true, I still had a childish face, but my body and mind proved otherwise. My hair grew longer, down to my waist instead of mid-back and I think I grew about a centimeter. Maybe. I wasn't as hesitant about fighting as I had been, because Ichigo-san couldn't fight the hollows himself and someone besides Uryu-san had to fight the hollows while he was still human.

"Chihiro! It's time for bed!" I heard Mama calling from downstairs. I smiled a little and shook my head before getting to my feet.

"I'm coming!" I called back as climbed down the roof and onto my windowsill. Within moments I was getting into bed, the Tres Ae shooting under the covers immediately as well as my now full-grown cat Akari joined them. Mama came into the room a few minutes later and smiled at me.

"Goodnight dear, have pleasant dreams. You don't want to be tired for the big day tomorrow." she said softly. I nodded in agreement, that I wouldn't.

"Night, Mama." She blew a kiss before softly closing the door. After a few moments I pulled the covers to my chin as the Tres Ae and my cat curled up and rested against my sides, already falling asleep as their breathing evened out. I smiled softly as I drifted off to sleep, hoping that tomorrow would be a good day.

-3rd Person POV-

As Chihiro slept, a figure stood outside her window as he watched her, a wide smirk on his face. A dark-skinned woman and three others were standing a few feet behind him, all also keeping watch over the girl.

"I wanted to congratulate her while she was still awake, but it seems that I have to wait." the dark-skinned woman, Tia Halibel, mused as she watched the girl. She then looked up at the man who was just feet from her window.

"You better be on your best behavior. Once she sees you, I'm not sure how she will react. But there's a chance she will reject you, so you better heed my advice." the man scoffed at this.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." with that he turned his attention back to the girl, his scowl softening as he watched over her.

"Don't worry, I'll see you soon."

-The Next Day, Graduation-

"Congratulations on Graduating!"

"Ah! Now I can become a baker, an astronaut, a nurse…" Orihime-chan babbled as she held her diploma in her hand, cradling it like it was the most important thing in the world. In this case, I guess it was. I smiled as I cradled mine, it was a nice sunny day until later, when it would start raining. I adjusted the little ribbon they had us pin to out uniforms to signify that we were graduating, since it was starting to fall off. Ichigo-san nodded as he held his so that the end of it rested on the back of his head.

"Yeah, and maybe I can finally take over for the old man. He needs to slow it down a bit." he agreed. Currently Isshin-san, Yuzu-chan and Karin-chan were talking to the other parents as he gloated about his son. Hiro clung to my side as the school grounds got more and more crowded, laughing as she talked with Ichigo-san, Yuzu-chan, Karin-chan, and the others.

Mama and Papa had left early because of work, and promised to celebrate with us later. Meanwhile Hiro wanted to play with Yuzu-chan and Karin-chan afterwards, so it was decided that she would stay at their house while Mama and Papa were at work. We all decided to go and walk around until the party, which was going to be held at the school later. Uryu-san pushed up his glasses as he glanced at Ichigo-san, a small smirk on his face.

"I can hardly believe that you were able to graduate at all, Kurosaki." he spoke, a small tone of sarcasm in his voice. Ichigo-san glared at him as he clenched his fist.

"Shut up, Uryu!" he spat. I giggled, those two would never change. They always fought when they were together, but it wasn't as bad as it used to be from what I heard. I looked and saw some of the shinigami had also come to the graduation, as well as Kisuke-san and Yoruichi-san. There was Toushiro-san, Momo-chan, Rangiku-san, Gin-sama, Byakuya-san, Ikkaku-san, Yumichika-kun, and Nemu-chan as they walked over and smiled. Renji-san and Rukia-chan were also with them.

"Congrats, Ichigo. Didn't know you had it in you." Renji chuckled as he patted his shoulder. Ichigo-san glared at him, clearly not liking the remark.

"Why you-" he started before Rukia-chan smacked him, causing him to cry out in pain. She growled at him before clasping Renji-san's hand tightly, earning a small glare from Byakuya-san.

"Shut it, Ichigo! He was only complimenting you!" she spat. Yumichika-kun rolled his eyes a little at this, not believing her.

"I highly doubt that." he muttered as he flipped his hair. I laughed, he always seemed to have something sarcastic to say. As we continued to talk and joke around, I felt a familiar presence. I stiffened at this, no way…It couldn't be!

I turned and saw a man with spiky blue hair dressed in a black jacket with a black shirt with an embroidered white skull on it underneath, a gold skull belt and dark jeans, and a gold skull wristband. My heart almost stopped as I looked up to see striking blue eyes with familiar teal markings underneath them. I felt my heart stop.

"It's been awhile… Chihiro."

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