AN: Here we go with the first couple of chapters outlined I'll actually start updating.
Chapter One:
Market
Yuzu was sitting in her favorite alcove at the Market. She'd just finished trading a few of the fruits Ryo-chan managed to grow for some fresh deer caught by a few Trappers. Yuzu had a sneaking suspicion that she'd been given better quality than her small trade had deserved, but it was always like that. Most of those who visited the Market had lost their children and knew that Yuzu and Ryo-chan were raising a few. It was also true that they were partial towards her because she always used the medical skills she'd learned from her father free of charge. Or tried to, objects such as chickens, meat, and needed clothes for the children always had ways of appearing. She was always grateful for the kindness. It reminded her that despite everything, there were still good people out there.
Sitting alone in the cool darkness Yuzu's mind drifted to other things. It had been a week since Yuzu's mishap with the Arrancar and the subtle tension in the house had, yet to disappear. Ryo-chan had been furious when she'd learned of Yuzu's actions. The younger girl hadn't even dared to speak of the Arrancar. She knew very well it would only add fuel to the fire. But despite her usually passive nature the girl had refused to so much as flinch at her beloved caretaker's icy disapproval, at least not in front of her. She was firm in her resolve that it had been worth it to keep the children happy and feed.
The only time Ryo-chan hadn't been acting cold was when she'd allowed herself a tiny sad smile over the children's excitement over the candy Yuzu had traded for a can of peas. Even though it had been stale they'd adored it. Having not been old enough to remember the taste before Aizen, or in four year old Panna's case, hadn't even been born yet. Ryo-chan had then been further distracted by the children's coaxing for stories about the past. This allowed Yuzu a chance to escape as the nostalgic twenty-two year old gave into the request with sad eyes. Yuzu knew Ryo-chan was only like this because she cared, but she really wished she hadn't mentioned the promise. It always made her wounds feel fresh when she was reminded of what she'd lost.
The nightmares weren't helping, either. For the past weeks vivid dreams had danced their way across her mind during the night. Dreams of a deep growling voice, messy blue hair, his piercing blue eyes, with their feline tilt to them mocking her as he lifted her into the air by her quickly bruising throat, a mad grin slowly spreading across his face in enjoyment as she felt herself slowly dying, air unable to reach her feebly moving lungs. She could hear her heart beat so loud and stuttering in her, slowly failing, accepting the death she fought against with all her strength.
And then it would suddenly change, she was on her knees, being pulled toward him held by her chin, with his large rough hand. She felt his warm breath against her lips, closer than she'd ever been to any male, his eyes focused intently on her as he hissed a question, his deep, deep voice sending a shiver of fear down her spine. And finally he would trail his slightly calloused finger gently down her face, leaving a trail of fire that would make her gasp, as his amused blue eyes bore into hers questioning her in a smooth, teasing voice, that mocked her slightly, eyes eager for her response. But she'd wake up panting, the night air feeling pleasantly cool against her cold, damp skin.
She'd been terrified of him, absolutely terrified. Then why couldn't she stop thinking about it? When she'd lost her temper something changed, she was less afraid. She'd been so angry, so bitter, about everything. Panna being left alone, only three months old, found abandoned and screaming along the out skirts of an old animal reserve, which she'd been named after. Aashiq watching his parents murdered before his eyes, not by a Hollow, but by his own older brother who used their souls as a distraction to escape. Iku unable to speak and always terrified after watching the destruction of Karakura town first hand when she was barely three. Ryo-chan abandoning everything she'd ever known to save a girl she didn't even know, because of a promise she made to a classmate she'd barely knew. Herself terrified all the time, so hungry, having lost everything dear to her. Her sister, her own twin left behind, with no knowledge as to rather she was even still alive. And all she could do was leave in some remote village in India. Waiting for the rumors of resistance to come true.
She'd wanted to do nothing more than to claw his intense blue eyes out with her own hands. But then he'd done unexpected things. The gentle touch. Releasing her. Somehow preventing the other Hollows, which she knew had been there, from attacking her. The sudden change of pace had been unnerving. It was just so bizarre she couldn't stop herself from replaying it over and over, trying to find some motive. Groaning as she felt her face heat up, Yuzu buried it in her hands appalled by her reaction. Why was she so obsessed with this? Why could her paranoid mind just accept that she'd gotten lucky?
"So who is he?" a voice questioned causing the girl to jump and look up at the familiar face. She knew she was wearing the same look of a child caught with their hand in a cookie jar, but she couldn't stop. Looking down at Yuzu, pretty features glowing with amusement at the reaction, Tarlam smirked.
"He who?" Yuzu countered a bit too sharply.
"The man who so obviously is occupying your thoughts," the girl teased sitting down delicately beside Yuzu. Her slightly faded royal purple sari wrapped elegantly around her voluptuous body.
"No one's occupying my thoughts," Yuzu lied instantly, bristling in embarrassment and agitation. Then again Tarlam didn't actually realize she was accusing Yuzu of thinking like that of an Arrancar of all things.
Tarlam gave her a sharp look her round golden eyes disbelieving, but she simply smiled and smoothly changed the subject. "I just heard some interesting news if your curious."
"Not curious in the least," Yuzu told her dismissively, causing her friend to pout. "But you can tell me anyway."
Tarlam perked up and leaned foreword a serious expression dawning on her face.
"There was another attack, this time an entire town was wiped out." Tarlam told her gravely. Yuzu's blood went cold. For the past few months Hollow attacks had been steadily increasing on the smaller outlying families or towns. Usually attacks could only occur if someone was off their property after curfew. Any other time and it was considered 'poaching' of their 'King's property'. Normally such things made Yuzu nauseous at the thought of being someone's property, but it had always been something of a safety blankets for them. They knew that even the Hollows feared and respected their King and would never defy his laws. To hear that one would dare was more terrifying than anything else. The King's words were the only thing that kept them all from being killed.
"It's getting bolder," Tarlam said thoughtfully, ignoring the pale anxiety on Yuzu's face. She sounded almost like she was talking to herself. "The Peace Keepers will have to step in soon or else."
Yuzu nodded her agreement. The Peace Keepers were lower level Hallows who kept order in District 6. They were said to be specially chosen by the King himself and were even trusted by him. The thought of Hollows having emotions, of being able to respect, to trust, always intrigued Yuzu. Was it possible? The face that had haunted her for days appeared, eyes glowing with amusement.
"I hope they do." Yuzu stated, hands tightening their grip on her makeshift seat. Her voice was stiff. "I hope they do."
Tarlam nodded, but her face was troubled. Yuzu didn't blame her. Whatever was going on it wasn't good for the humans.
"I need to get home." Tarlam said rising to her feet.
Yuzu rose to her own feet. She needed to go too it was getting late. The sun was lower in the sky and the market was suddenly empty. After quick good-byes Yuzu left the town under the sinking Indian sun. Something in her heart warned her something was about to happen. Something big.