Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. I only own Catalina and Eita Harada.

Water (Mizu): hair color turquoise, eye color bright blue

Fire (Kaji): hair color red, eye color bright orange

Ice (Koori): hair color white, eye color bright white

Earth (Chi): hair color brown, eye color bright green

Air (Kuki): hair color white, eye color bright orange

Metal (Kinzoku): hair color silver, eye color bright gray

Lightning (Inazuma): hair color yellow, eye color bright yellow

Shadow (Kage): hair color pitch black, eye color bright violet

Chapter 10: Wounds That Never Seem to Heal Part I

"You little bitch come here!" The tall drunk man slurred angrily.

The young teenage girl stumbled out of the run-down house tripping over her own feet. She groaned painfully as she fell face first. She screamed painfully as the man roughly grabbed her by her hair.

"You good for nothing bitch! You can't even steal some god damn food?!"

"I'm sorry." She whimpered painfully desperately digging her nails onto his arm. "Please let me go, it hurts." She begged tearfully.

The man grunted angrily throwing her to the ground again. She whimpered painfully as her bruised body collided with the ground. She laid there, not daring to move out of fear he might continue beating her.

Get up. Get up. Run. RUN! She practically ordered herself. She couldn't stay there anymore. Anywhere was better than there.

She weakly stood up holding onto the doorframe tightly.

Run.

She took off. She didn't look back, she just kept running. She ignored the pain, she didn't care. What he would do to her would be more painfully than leaving.

I pant heavily sitting upright on my bed. Tears streamed down my face as I remembered the nightmare clearly. The dark memories of a forgotten past slowly flooded my thoughts. I touched my arms feelings the old scars made by him.

"Kat what's wrong?" Yoruichi suddenly asked in her human form.

She was wearing a tank top with shorts and looked like she had been training.

"He used to beat me." I whispered tearfully. "He never loved me, did he?" I whispered dully.

Yoruichi sighed taking a seat next to me. She gently grabbed my hand and with the other whipped away my tears.

"You never have to see him again." She whispered sternly.

"What time is it?" I whispered hoarsely.

"4am" She whispered gently.

"I think I'm going to go train early today."

Maybe Kisuke and Yoruichi are doing the right thing by not telling me about my memories. If half of my life has to do with that man, then I don't want to remember my past.

I jumped down the hole and looked around the place, everything was quiet. I headed off towards the place where we usually train and sure enough there was Eita training away by himself.

"Aren't you up early?" Eita murmured walking over to me stretching and I smiled at him.

"Felt like training a little early today." I said shrugging.

Eita stared at me weirdly.

"Ok, what's up? You never wake up early even if do you feel like training. Plus, you only make that face when something is bothering you." Eita said knowingly.

He stared at me and I just stared at him sighing.

I glanced at my zanpakuto and then at Eita, "I know Kisuke said we have to train first to master our shikai. But I just have a bad feeling about this whole Rukia and Ichigo thing. I want to start training for my bankai as well." I explained sternly.

Eita smirked, "Why do you think I'm down here so early? I train Kat to see if I can get stronger." Eita explained and I nodded understanding that feeling so well.

"Then let's train." I said seriously turning to face him and he looked at me seriously.

"Kat I can't fight you. Not seriously anyways. I might hurt you." Eita said seriously narrowing his eyes at me.

"Come on, just pretend I'm a hollow." I grumbled annoyed.

"It doesn't work like that and you know it." Eita growled just as annoyed and I stared at him annoyed.

"Nake. Benihime."

I turned around surprised, "KAGE!" I shouted a dark purple shield formed in front of me blocking the crimson attack and Eita stood beside me at the sudden attack.

The purple shield came down from in front of us and right in front of us stood Kisuke pointing his zanpakuto at us holding his hat down.

"Very good Kat." Kisuke praised amazed at my quick reflexes. "I guess I will take it upon myself to fight against you now." Kisuke said, frankly.

We looked at him surprised.

"But you said there was still things to teach us before Bankai training." I countered dumbfound.

"There are still many things to teach you but hands-on training is always the best way to learn." He said seriously. "I have a feeling things aren't going to get any easier from here on out. This means you two must be the strongest you can be. To help with this training I asked an old friend to come and help." Kisuke explained slyly, smirking.

I furrowed my eyebrows confused. An old friend?

"Old friend?" Eita questioned confused just like me.

"You two are wide open!" Yoruichi's voice shouted happily through the room.

"Behind you!" I shouted at Eita as I turned around.

Yoruichi kicked Eita on the stomach before he could block it, throwing him back and slammed into me sending us both to the ground.

I groaned rubbing my head an angry irk mark formed on my head, "GET OFF EITA!" I shouted angrily and Eita also groaned rubbing his stomach.

"Bitch." Eita hissed angrily standing up but was doubled over in pain holding his stomach I stood up beside him rubbing my head.

"You two are still too green. But don't worry I can change that." Yoruichi said wittily, a creepy smile forming on her lips. "I'm going to have so much with you two." She said grinning at us, and we looked at each other scared.

I walked to the school with Eita beside me while he rubbed his shoulders complaining about the training.

"How can you not be aching anymore?!" Eita questioned confused and I just shrugged.

"I asked Tessai for a small healing session before leaving." I muttered shrugging and Eita just looked at me dumbfound.

"I should do that next time too." Eita wondered thoughtfully.

"So, did you and Kurosaki make up? Have a lovely true first kiss?" Eita teased.

I glared at him.

"Just shut up! Ichigo doesn't have those types of feelings for me! HE DIDN'T AND HE WON'T!" I snapped at Eita walking away when I noticed he wasn't following, and I sighed relived. He suddenly appeared in front of me.

"What happen?" Eita questioned seriously.

"Nothing happened." I muttered seriously and he stared at me bewildered.

"Then why are you so grumpy?" Eita questioned perplexed.

"Because nothing happened." I whispered delicately, looking down at the ground, and after a bit Eita chuckled subtly.

"You are upset because Kurosaki didn't confess some big deep feelings for you?" Eita snorted and glared at him annoyed. "Listen Kat, Kurosaki is a stupid and hopeless bastard. If he feels anything for you, he won't say it because he won't know what he is feeling. So, if you want him, you have to make the first move." Eita declared seriously.

I looked at him flabbergasted. I had never thought about being the one to make the first move. I always assumed Ichigo would make the first move. But maybe Eita is right, maybe I must make the first move.

"I-" Eita cut me off, silencing me with his hand.

"Alright enough with the lies. Do you or do you not like Kurosaki?" Eita probed seriously.

I looked at him nervously, "I, I, I…I do" I whispered timidly.

Eita smirked, "Then seize the day Kat."

We walked into the classroom where I was greeted by the girls. Eita walked over to the boys but not before winking and eyeing Ichigo. I sighed exasperated. Great, now Eita would never shut the hell up about me liking Ichigo.

But something was different today with Ichigo today, he was smiling. He was joking and smiling with the boys instead of scowling like usual. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Tatsuki.

"So, it's that time of year again." She whispered solemnly.

"What time of year?" I asked confused.

"Don't' worry about it Kat." She said somberly. "He's going to skip class tomorrow, but he will be fine." She tried to assure me. I glanced at Ichigo again getting a strange feeling. I wanted to comfort him but knew I couldn't. Not without giving away my feelings.

[Later That Night]

"Mama, please don't leave me…" the little girl whimper sadly.

"Catalina, you must be strong." The woman whispered sadly, cupping her daughter's tearfully cheek. "I'm sorry."

I shot up crying. The memories still fresh. I remembered my mother, she died when I was incredibly young leaving me with that man.

My father beat her to death and there was nothing I could do. After she died, he started to do the same thing to me, I was slowly dying until I finally decided to leave.

I didn't want to remember anymore…if everything is this painfully…I don't want to remember. But not everything must be this painfully if I meet Yoruichi and Kisuke.

What will those memories be like?

I yawned tiredly that morning getting ready for school. Training went normal as usual Yoruichi kicked our butts. But I really couldn't focus as my nightmares and memories wouldn't leave my thoughts. Yoruichi could tell something was wrong but didn't question it.

"Kat, there is someone here to see you." Ururu whispered softly from the door.

I walked at the door fixing my bow tie, I opened the door and Ururu stood there shyly.

"Someone for me?" I asked confused.

Who do I know that would be here so early in the morning? I walked out of my room following Ururu to the main room where I saw Rukia sitting down and having tea. Eita was already there having breakfast and talking with Rukia.

"Rukia?" I asked confused.

"Kat, I'm glad I caught you before left to school. I have a favor to ask." She said politely.

I sat down across from her.

"What kind of favor?" I asked interested now.

"Ichigo has been acting weird since yesterday. Then he left early this morning with his family and didn't tell me where. I was wondering if you guys would take over Ichigo's responsibilities as shinigami for today. I also need one of you to come with me and find Ichigo." She explained sternly.

"I called dibs on hollow hunting." Eita said quickly and happily. "Kat's already an expert on stalking Kurosaki so you should take her." Eita snickered standing up and stretched out getting ready to hunt some hollows apparently. "I'll catch you ladies later." and just like that he was gone.

I wonder what they were talking about before I got here.

"Guess that means we aren't going to school today. Let me change and we will head out." I said standing up and went to my room.

My head suddenly hurt as I got more memories of my youth and felt anger tears threatening to fall. I held them back as more memories about my supposed Father came back. I shook the memories away changing into a pair of blue jeans and a loose white tank top with a light blue sweater. I slipped on my sneakers and walked back out to the main room.

Rukia and I walked down the streets of Karakura towards the cemetery.

"Why are we heading to the cemetery?" I ask confused.

"Ichigo's mother apparently died today and they are visiting her grave." Rukia explained somberly.

I remember back to what Tatsuki said and now it made sense. Ichigo had lost his mother too. That's why he was acting weird yesterday he was desperately trying to hide his sadness with a fake smile so no one would worry about him.

"Should we really be here then? I'm sure Ichigo wants to be alone today." I said slowly.

"There is something I have to verify and with you nearby you can take care of any hollows instead of Ichigo." Rukia explained sort of lost in thought.

"What do you need to know?"

"I believe a hollow might have killed Ichigo's mother."

I inhaled surprised.

"Are you sure?" I asked uneasy.

"I'm sure, I just need more information regarding the accident." She said dully, "That's why we are going and keeping an eye on him."

I nodded in understanding. I yelped surprised when the stupid yellow lion came out from Rukia's backpack.

"Holy shit, it's the mod soul." I said startled.

"My name is Kon big sister and may I say you look absolutely beautiful today!" Kon said excited, giving me two thumbs up.

I sighed. Great now I have to deal with him too.

"Wait, Kon? Who gave you that name?" I laughed softly.

"Big sister don't laugh! I wanted something cooler but Ichigo wouldn't let me!" he whined childishly

"Perfect punishment deserving of the crime." I chuckled.

As we neared the cemetery, I saw Ichigo and his family down below us. Seems we got here before them after all. Rukia then waved with the fakest and sweetest smile I have ever seen plastered on her face.

"Uh, Rukia, what are you doing?" I ask confused.

"Greetings Kurosaki-kun." She greeted in her sweet schoolgirl voice.

I sighed. This is going to be a long day.

Ichigo suddenly ran towards us at full speed dragging us away from his family and into the nearby forest.

"What the hell! Why are you following me?!" Ichigo questioned Rukia angrily.

"Idiot! I need to be with you just in case a hollow shows up. My timing would be delayed if I wasn't with you." Rukia explained seriously.

"Hey! What about me? You drag me out here and forget about me." I questioned offended.

"Kat? Why are you here?" Ichigo asked confused.

"Rukia dragged me out here so I could take care of hollows instead of you." I explained sighing bored.

"Why?" he asked again.

"You fool, you asked for a day off yesterday remember?!" Rukia hissed.

"Why are you angry?" Ichigo asked Rukia confused.

Rukia crossed her arms and looked at the ground somberly.

"I'm not angry." She spoke softly continuing to look at the ground. "You said…she was killed. Your mother…" Rukia started off slowly.

I glance at her and then at Ichigo having a feeling maybe I shouldn't be here.

"I didn't say that." Ichigo replied quietly.

I stood there awkwardly.

"Rukia how about-" I tried to stop Rukia before Ichigo would get angry at our prying.

"Yes, you did." Rukia continued cutting me off.

I just stared at her and then looked at Ichigo again worriedly.

"No, I didn't. Just forget about it." Ichigo said irritated.

I crossed my arms uncomfortably.

"You said you have seen ghost for as long as you can remember, right? So, tell me one thing. Was the person who killed your mother…a hollow?" Rukia concluded seriously.

I hugged myself tighter when Rukia said hollow. I looked at Ichigo's shocked expression and continued to hear what Rukia was saying. I felt my heart cringe as I watched Ichigo's face…I wanted to comfort him so bad right now.

"If your spirit force was high enough for you to have been able to see spirits for as long as you can remember, then maybe a hollow could have killed your mother by mistake thinking it was you." Rukia continued somberly.

Suddenly Ichigo snapped and I stared at him quietly.

"STOP IT!" Ichigo barked and stared at Rukia seriously. "Give me a break. According to you, every damn thing has to do with a hollow." Ichigo spat angrily. "That is the worst kind of bullshit I have heard in my life! Sorry to disappoint you, but your theory is wrong." Ichigo said sadly walking away from us and stopped beside Rukia. "It wasn't a hollow who killed my mother…it was me." Ichigo said quietly and took off running before Rukia or I could stop him.

"Ichigo!" I shouted standing beside Rukia as I watched him run off.

"I'm an idiot." Rukia muttered looking at the ground.

I softly squeezed her shoulder, "No you're not, you didn't know." I whispered softly touching her shoulder. "I'll go find him. Relax." I added smiling softly at her and she looked at me sadly.

"Ok." She whispered.

"I'll be back. Be careful." I told her seriously jogging off to the direction he took off.

I jogged down the dirt road my sneakers stomping softly against the ground. I started to slow down when I saw Ichigo up ahead. I stopped standing some distance from him and watched his back as he stood there by a pair of stairs.

The little girl stood in front of a grave holding a single white rose. The warm tears rolled down her tan cheeks mixing with the cold freezing rain drops. The thunder rumbled quietly in the background while the little girl kneeled before the grave.

"Mama." She whispered placing the single white rose on the grave.

I slowly walked over to Ichigo as he fell onto his knees crying. I slowly walked towards him kneeling in front of him. Before I could stop myself, I gently touched his cheek whipping his tears away with my fingertips. My eyes teared up as I stared at the state Ichigo was in, my heart ached for him.

"It…it…wasn't your fault." I finally spoke trying to find the right words to say.

"Yes, it was." He said dejectedly looking at the ground again.

"No, it wasn't." I said more seriously. I cupped his cheek with my hand making him look at me and I stared into his sad amber eyes. "I don't remember my mother that well yet. But from what I can remember she died when I was young too. My father," I whispered, "He was an alcoholic and a mean one. He would beat my mother until finally her body couldn't take it anymore and she passed away." I explained sorrowfully. "I think I blamed myself too. Because I couldn't do anything to stop him." I gently pulled my hands away from him hugging myself tightly. "I guess what I'm trying to say is I get it." I muttered.

I sat down crossed legged in front of him and he did the same. We stared at each other sadly, giving each other a small sad smile.

We sat like that for a while staring the ground must of the time. I then got the nerve to look at him again shyly and he seemed to be deep in thought about something. I wasn't sure what it was though. Suddenly in the distance I heard someone yelling Ichigo's name.

"IIIICCCCHHHIIIIGGGGOOOOO!"

I looked up at the cliff where I saw a small yellow lion falling from the hill. He landed with a soft thump on top of Ichigo's head. I slowly stood up dusting my jeans off while Ichigo also stood up taking the mod soul off his head.

"You bastard!" Ichigo yelled angrily.

"Ichigo." He whimpered with tears in his eyes.

"Something is wrong." I said seriously. "Rukia!" I yelled remembering we left her alone.

I took off towards where I felt Rukia's spirit force and another strange one. This wasn't good. It felt like another shinigami.

Could this be what Kisuke was talking about and didn't want me to get involved with?

[To Be Continued]

I'm back, sorry my vacation extended longer than expected. But I'm back with another chapter.

So, I decided to break this chapter into two parts since it got long. Almost 20 pages on word. So, I decided to do 10 and 10. I'll be opening a poll again to see who you guys would like to see Kat end up with. Ichigo or Byakuya.

Thanks to everyone who has favorite, follow and reviewed means a lot.