Disclaimer - I do not own Bleach

Shinigami Academy

Despite Momo's glowing reports on the wonders of the Shinigami Academy when I begin classes I find that it is, in fact, incredibly boring and nowhere close to being up to the standards that she had reported upon. The lectures make me desperately want to pull my hair out or at the very least take a nap and learning the kidou moves is too easy. And I'm in the Advanced class. I can't imagine what it must be like for those unfortunate souls who are stuck in the normal class.

Why in the world did I let them talk me into taking these classes? I never wanted this and yet here I am. Sometimes I think that there is something seriously wrong with me. I really must be out of my mind.

My internal musings are interrupted by the sound of a loud and somewhat obnoxious bell ringing. It's mid day and classes will be temporarily dismissed for the lunch break. Following along behind the other students I slowly make my way out to the courtyard and over to a large cherry tree that is situated near the far wall. My classmates quickly band together in various small groups, leaving me blissfully alone to reflect on my thoughts.

At least until a certain pig-tailed pain in my ass shows up and breaks the silence.

"Shirou-chan!"

Groaning to myself I wonder how long she's going to continue calling me that. Gazing up at the girl through narrowed eyes I snarl, "It's Hitsugaya-kun!"

As always she completely ignores the fact that I hate the nickname that she has chosen for me. In fact she completely ignores the fact that I even spoke to her as she sits down beside me and offers me a glowing smile. Sometimes I wonder if she has selective hearing or someting like that. "So how's your first day going Shirou-chan? Isn't it wonderful here?"

"Honestly, no."

She seems genuinely shocked by my words and gazes at me as though attempting to determine exactly what is wrong with me. "What do you mean no?"

"Exactly how it sounds," I reply with all of the patience that I can muster. "The classes are boring and none of the other students here like me." I pause at this point as I reflect on something that I've learned in my short time here at the Academy. "They think I'm a freak."

Her arm immediately slips around my waist and she pulls me into one of her over enthusiastic hugs. There's sadness in her eyes but she attempts to hide those particular feelings from me as she seeks to offer comfort. "Oh Shirou-chan, I'm sure you're just imagining things. You're not a freak and I'm sure that no one things you are."

I open my mouth to tell her that she's wrong however I never get the chance. In stead my words are interrupted by the sound of a taunting voice calling out, "Look. The little genius has a girlfriend!"

I wince at the words. It's impossible to miss the scathing way the boy says the words genius, as though it's some kind of deformity, and now people are going to think that Momo is my girlfriend. I immediately pull away from her embrace and force a stoic expression onto my face. I will not let them know that their words effect me in any way.

"Idiots," I snarl.

The group of students look as though they would like nothing better than to pick a fight however as a teacher walks by and offers us all a smile they quickly disperse. But not before giving me a look that says plainly, "We aren't finished here."

Great. Things here are just like they were in my human life.

Shaking my head fiercely I vow to myself that I will not allow anyone to pick on me in that manner. This time around I will stand up for myself and if anyone chooses to pick a fight then they will regret it. Consumed by these thoughts I fail to notice the icy wind that's now blowing around Momo and I.

Her shaky voice brings me back to reality.

"Shirou-chan."

I glance toward her and notice that she now has her arms wrapped around her upper body and seems to be shivering. Up until this moment I hadn't even noticed the cold and I quickly reined in my reiatsu, causing the icy wind to cease blowing.

"Sorry," I mutter, my gaze downcast.

"Oh it's alright Shirou-chan." Momo's voice has returned to it's normal cheerfulness. "And don't worry about those guys. They're just jealous. You'll show them."

"Hmm."

At this point the sound of a bell rings out across the grounds. I hadn't realized that so much time had passed but now it seems as though it's time to return to class. A smile instantly appears on Momo's face as she jumps to her feet. "Well, we have to get back to class. Have a good rest of the day Shirou-chan."

Lost in thought I slowly get to my feet. I refuse to be a victim to bullying ever again so I need to apply myself to my studies and grow strong enough to defend myself from whatever threats arise. I will get stronger and it's in this moment that I decide to completely apply myself to my studies.

"Things will be much easier with my help."

I pause as I hear this echoing voice calling out to me. I quickly glance around however most of the students have already returned to the building and I'm virtually alone out in the courtyard. My eyes widen as I realize in that moment what the voice must be.

This must be the voice of my zanpaktou. The embodiment of my heart and soul.

I've already heard the lecture on the zanpaktou however no one can explain how to acquire it because the process is different for each individual Shinigami. But I'm guessing that the first step is to make contact with the zanpaktou and apparently mine has decided to initiate this process on their own.

Help. As I make my way back to class I think about this one word, uttered to me by the voice of my zanpaktou. I've always been one to take care of myself and avoid contact with most everyone, with the exception of Momo who kind of forced herself on me. Could I really accept the help of my zanpaktou?

I guess only time will tell however I am willing to make the attempt. Anything has to be better than simply existing as the person that everyone else despises. It might actually be nice to have someone in whom I can confide.

"You are almost ready Toushirou."

A/N - this chapter is short but I hope you enjoyed.