ATTENTION: I am re-posting this story on my new profile ( u/4406893/kaineno4I4). If you wish to continue to read, feel free, but I have made revisions and changes to the new version and would appreciate the support on my new profile. Arigatou!

AN: This is my first fanfic ever, so I'm a bit nervous posting it. Please read and review and let me know how I'm doing.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach (probably a good thing though…)

Prologue: Emerald and Amber

Amaterasu walked along the forest path, listening to the sounds of the birds and the whisper of the wind through the trees. As a gently breeze blew through her hair, she closed her eyes, relishing in the coolness that it brought. She slowly opened her eyes, and as she looked down the narrow path, she noticed something she hadn't seen earlier. She walked over to it and realized that it was boy.

He was tall, and had a scowl on his face, despite him being unconscious. His hair was a brilliant shade of orange that made Amaterasu wonder if it was actually natural. He must have just died. She knelt down next to him, looking at his face. She gently pulled him into a sitting position and pulled him over to a tree, resting him against the trunk. When his back touched the tree he moaned, slowly opening his eyes. Amaterasu smiled, sitting down next to him.

"How are you feeling?" she asked. Her voice was soft and kind, and the boy automatically turned towards its enchanting embrace.

"I-I feel like crap," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

Amaterasu laughed, producing a sound even more enchanting than her voice. It was like the sound of tinkling bells, and seemed to make the entire forest come alive. The boy smiled despite himself, enjoying the sound of her laughter.

"That's to be expected. Do you know what your name is?" she asked, smiling sweetly.

The boy sat, contemplating. His eyes got a far off look, then seemed to become pained when the answer evaded him.

"To be honest, I can't remember," he muttered, looking down.

"Don't feel too bad, many who have come to the Soul Society lately can't remember much about their lives," she said, reaching out and putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Soul Society? So I'm dead."

Amaterasu looked at him with surprise. He knows that the Soul Society is where people go after death?

"Yes, but how did you know about the Soul Society?"

"I'm…not really sure," he said, flushing slightly. Amaterasu smiled gently and stood up.

"We should leave before dark, before the hollows come out."

She helped the boy to his feet, and as he stood straight, she realized just how tall he was. She only came up to his chin! He looked down at her and smiled warmly. Amaterasu returned his smile, noticing his eyes for the first time. They were brilliant amber, and they seemed to radiate warmth. He blushed slightly and looked away, instead taking interest in the blade of grass in front of his foot.

"Thanks," he mumbled.

Amaterasu just smiled, and grabbed his wrist pulling him along down the path. Once they were out of the woods, Amaterasu led him to a small house near the edge of town. It was nothing large or fancy, but it was nice and had a homey feel to it. She led him inside and offered him a chair next to a small window. He sat while she began making some kind of tea.

"So…what is your name?" the boy asked her, watching her as she pour tea in a wooden cup for him.

"I'm Amaterasu. It's nice to meet you," she said, handing him the warm drink.

"Do you live here alone?" he asked, looking around the small room.

"I have for many years," she sighed.

"Many years? But you can't be older than sixteen, yet you make it sound as if you're older," the boy replied, confusion appearing in his bright eyes.

"I may look to be around your age, but I assure you, I have lived for much longer."

The boy looked at her curiously, but didn't push the subject. Amaterasu watched him as he looked around again. He seemed somewhat familiar with the decoration and architecture, which made Amaterasu wonder if this wasn't his first encounter with the Soul Society.

"Do you remember anything about your life?" she asked gently, knowing that it would be a sensitive subject.

He shook his head, looking slightly pained. Amaterasu looked at him with sympathy, causing him to blush yet again.

"Well, would you like a name? I can't just call you boy, now can I?" she asked playfully. The boy smiled and nodded slightly.

Amaterasu thought for a while, not sure what name might fit the boy. She knew nothing of his character, and had not spoken to him enough to find out about his personality. She looked at him, and her eyes wandered back to his. Amber eyes met emerald, and at that moment, she found a name for him.

"How about Kohaku? It matches your eyes," she said with a slight pink tinge on her cheeks. The boy smiled again, and then nodded. Amaterasu smiled back and took a sip of her tea.

"So, where exactly are we?" Kohaku asked, looking out of the window at the buildings that were now bathed in late afternoon light.

"We are in the Rukon District, the area of the Soul Society where all souls go to live, unless they are picked to become a soul reaper."

Kohaku froze, as if he recognized what she was saying. He slowly put his cup down on the table and looked down at the ground, his eyes going distant. It looked as if he was trying desperately to hold on to some memory, but was not being successful.

"Are you alright?" Amaterasu asked, concern written on her face.

"Y-yeah, I think I should go now. I need to find somewhere to sleep for the night." He stood, heading towards the door but Amaterasu reached out to stop him, grabbing his arm.

"Y-you could stay here if you wish. I have an extra room," she said, blushing slightly.

He looked down at her with his intense eyes, smiling gently. "I don't want to be more of a burden than I've already been. Thank you for helping me," he answered, bowing slightly.

"It would not be a burden. It would be nice to have someone else around," she said, blushing even more. What she didn't tell him was that she didn't really talk to many people, and she had been alone in that house for more years than she wished to count.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am."

"Then I guess I'll stay," Kohaku said, smiling as he sat back down. Amaterasu just looked away, trying to mask her blush with a curtain of brown hair.

AN: I know it sort of started off slow, but the next couple chapters are going to be more exciting, I promise. please R&R, I would really like to where I can improve. Arigatou!