Searching for Answers

With the dawn of the new day, indicating a new week, both Orihime and Gin were getting ready for their day. Gin was now no longer the teacher for 1-3, which meant he wasn't going to see Orihime anymore until after school. He was a bit anxious on that as her dreams continued to get worse. He was glad Isshin Kurosaki and Kisuke now knew about the dreams but that didn't give him any sense of comfort as they had no clue what could be done. He also had no idea the two men weren't the only ones listening to his words. Rukia Kuchiki was there the whole time.

"Well I'm off now," Gin announced when he was fully ready.

"Ok," the girl answered, cheerfully. "Have a good day and see you after school."

Gin gave her a smile before sliding his shoes on and then left. Ever since he started bringing in a steady pay, there was no need to worry about heat. He easily slept comfortably in the living room, that was until Orihime's dream would begin. As he closed the door behind him, he looked up to see someone walking towards him.

"Well, well. This is an unusual sight," he grinned, eyes narrowed into slits.

"This is not a social call," replied the voice. The head lifted to reveal Kisuke's eyes shadowed under his bucket hat. "I wanted to know how Orihime is doing," he replied.

"Shall we walk together?" Gin suggested.

Kisuke nodded and together the two left building, heading towards the school.

"The dreams are getting more frequent," Gin answered honestly, frowning. "I'm not sure what more I can do. I fear there's something sinister at work. It's possible there's an Arrancar who can manipulate dreams."

"What makes you say that?" Kisuke asked as they two walked, getting further and further from the apartment where Orihime lived.

"There was an Arrrancar who was loyal to Captain Aizen, and he had never showed us what his Zanpakuto could do. Though, I've heard a humor of an Arrancar who could swallow into dreams, which is why this has me so concerned. If the Arrancar has this ability, and he's still alive, the trouble with Heuco Mundo may not be over."

Kisuke silently nodded. "That is a high plausible theory. And with what happened last week to Miss Ochi, it makes me wonder if the one who sent the Hollow is trying to corner of the students. At first I thought maybe it was Ichigo since he recently lost his powers."

"No, it's not Ichigo," Gin answered. "Everyone in Heuco Mundo would have learnt by now Ichigo Kurosaki is the son of a Soul Reaper who was a Captain of the 13 Court Guard Squads. And since his powers has returned, he's probably keeping his home well guarded."

"Agreed." Kisuke smirked. "His place of business is actually right in his home. Yuzu and Karin could become targets but that is more just tantalizing the beast. Isshin is too powerful in his current state."

"Between you and him, someone keeps tabs out and sends messages back to the Soul Society."

"Oh?" Kisuke quirked a brow. "What makes you say that?"

"Come, come now Kisuke, former Captain of Squad 12. You're not as stupid as you look." Gin put his usual trademark grin back in place. "You're more sneaker than Mayuri Kurotsuchi ever can be. You'd be surprised how often things go unnoticed around him. Oh I'm not saying he isn't sneaky, but if I were wager on which squad Captain was sneakiest, my money is on you."

Kisuke chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment." His smile then faded. "The Arrancars would think twice in going after Uryu or Chad."

Gin nodded as his grin too faded and he frowned oncemore. "The Quincy has really become quite powerful since the days Ichigo and his friends broke into the Seireitei to rescue Rukia. And the tall Mexican..." Gin paused a moment. "There's more to him than meets the eye."

"Yes, I have figured that," Kisuke answered. "See you around Gin." Without another word, Kisuke turned away from Gin and headed down another street, leaving the former Soul Reaper to his travels to the school.

/

As the sun was setting indicating the end of day, Orihime gathered her books and prepared to head for home. With Gin no longer their teacher, the day felt a little lonely. Though it was nice to see Ichigo acting somewhat like himself. She gave a sad smile as this time she would be walking home alone unlike the past month with Gin most evenings.

"Hey Orihime," Ichigo called out, as he approached her.

"Oh! Ichigo!" she gasped, surprised to see him approaching her.

"So where's the bastard?" he asked.

She sighed. "You know he's now teaching another class but we're no longer travelling together if that's what you mean. I wish you wouldn't be so hard on him."

"Tch, whatever." The young teen looked at his busty friend. "How about we walk home together?" he suggested.

Orihime then smiled. "Ok! That would be great!"

With their books in hand and jackets on, the two left the school and started to make their way down the street. For the first several minutes, the two were quiet. The silence was a bit eerie.

"Ichigo," she began, breaking the silence. "By any chance have you seen or heard from Rukia?"

"No," he answered. "Dad said no one from the Soul Society would come as they are working on fixing the damage caused by Aizen. And even when they are done, they can't associate with us anymore other than when fighting Hollows."

"I figured," she replied. "I miss Rukia. I haven't even seen her during any attacks."

"It's to be expected," he shrugged. "She's moving on with her life just as we all are. And ever since Miss Ochi was attacked, which dad told me it was a Hollow attack, I've been very on edge."

"So it was a Hollow," she gasped. "I was hoping Gin was wrong on that. He told me he visited Miss Ochi in the hospital but wouldn't say how the visit went."

Ichigo clenched his fist. "That would be like him to keep us in the dark, the bastard."

"Ichigo, I really wish-" she was abruptly brought to a halt in her words as she felt something. Dread filled her heart as she could feel a power closing in on them.

Ichigo was quick to see she stopped and something got her attention. "Orihime?" He looked to her as she stopped walking and began to tremble.

"Ichigo... you better get out of here and fast," she breathed.

"I'm not leaving you!" he blurted. "There's a hollow approaching isn't there?"

She turned to him. "You have to get out of here! You can't see them, but I can."

Hhe shook his head. "I'm not leaving you."

"Ichigo, you must-" Orihime immediately pushed Ichigo out of the way. "Santen Kesshun! I reject!" she yelled. Like before the pedals on her hair pins, suddenly sprang to life forming a shield between her and whatever was on the other side.

Ichigo watched as Orihime's hair pieces formed the shield. If it weren't for his eyes able to see something was pushing against it, he would probably think Orihime was going nuts. His eyes widened in horror at the situation. He was powerless. He couldn't do a damn thing to stop. Oh yeah, sure. He could try and attack something invisible but it would probably just knock him away like dirt on its foot.

"Damn it!" he cursed. "Orihime you can't hold him off!"

"I know!" Orihime yelled out. "But I have to try!" She paused a moment. "Koten Zanshun! I reject!"

Again, another flower pedal came to life, this time it was her only offensive power. She once defeated a Hollow using the little 'fairy' like guy, but it would seem this Hollow was stronger than the first one.

Ichigo watched as the little fairy guy fly through the shield but moments later he say the little creature bounce off something.

"Tsubaki!" Orihime cried out as she held her hands up to try and hold back the shield.

Half a block a way, Gin was minding his own business, heading towards Orihime's apartment. He had a bag full of papers he was going to take a look at after getting home. As he strolled, something caught his attention. Looking up, his eyes beheld something that caused his grin to immediately fade, transforming into a look of horror and his eyes opened wide. "Orihime?!"

Before his very eyes, he could see Orihime was holding up her power shield and it was visibly noticeable the shield was cracking under some form of strain. Ichigo was on the ground behind her, clenching his fists as he was powerless to do anything.

"No! A Hollow!" Gin dropped his things and rushed towards the scene. He had to do something, but like Ichigo, he too was powerless but that wasn't going to stop him from trying. He would give his life to save Orihime's. As if in slow motion, he ran towards his room mate but felt like his legs were suddenly lead weight. In no time at all, Orihime's shield broke into a million pieces and she collapsed on the ground. Orihime was going to be hurt or worse... killed and Gin wasn't going to reach her in time.

"Orihime!" both Ichigo and Gin shouted at the same time.

No sooner was the shout called out, a sudden glowing arrow came from out of nowhere. Gin saw the arrow and stopped suddenly as his eyes followed the glowing object and it made an impact on something about 40 feet high up. Relief instantly washed over. The hollow had been defeated. He glanced over to the direction the arrow originated from, to see Uryu Ishida, still holding his bow, standing in a very regal manner.

Ichigo too saw the arrow and snapped his head in the direction it came from. "Uryu!" he blurted.

"It looks like you two could use some help," he Quincy remarked. If Ichigo had still been a Soul Reaper, he would no doubt gloat, just to bug the teen, but that wasn't the case.

"Shut up!" Ichigo yelled before looking to Orihime as she was on the ground, breathing heavy, worry in her eyes. She could see the Hollow was gone, but it scared her to no end. With Ichigo right there with her, she had no one to protect her this time. Uryu probably sensed the Hollow nearby and came to investigate.

Uryu casually approached the two and walked over to Orihime, helping her to her feet. "You ok?" he asked, generally concerned.

"Yeah, I think so," she replied, a little shaken. "I couldn't stop him."

"Yeah, that Hollow was pretty strong," Uryu replied.

"Hey!" Ichigo snapped, jumping to his feet. "She was protecting me damn it!"

Gin, able to see both students were ok, continued to run towards them. This time, nothing seemed to be holding him back.

"Orihime!" he called out, catching the attention of the two teen boys.

The girl turned at the sound of her voice to see Gin rushing towards them. "Gin!" She gasped. Pulling away from Uryu, she rushed to the man, causing both men to blink in confusion. She didn't stop running until the two bodies collided into an embrace.

"Tch... That's going to make me sick!" Ichigo groaned in disgust as Gin held Orihime tightly.

"Oh god," she breathed into his jacket. "I was so scared. This was the first time I had no one to be able to back me up."

"It's alright," the man whispered into her hair as he held her close. "At least the Quincy was able to sense it coming. I was unable to help." He glanced up to see both teens were gawking at them like deer caught in the head lights. He would have found it quite amusing if it weren't for his deep concern.

Getting over the shock, Ichigo marched towards them. "Get your damn hands off her!"

The two looked up, seeing Ichigo getting closer.

"Ichigo, I don't think this is the time," Uryu stated, pushing up his glasses and then rushed towards his friend.

Gin gently stepped away from Orihime, putting some distance between her. "As you both very well know, I am her roommate and I'm deeply concern for her well being."

Orihime looked to her friend. "Ichigo... please... don't fight. Not here. I just want to go home."

Gin looked behind him to see that he had dropped his things where he saw the whole thing going down. "Oh dear, this just won't do. I better get my things before the wind picks up."

"I think it might be best if I were to walk with you until you're safe at home," Uryu replied.

"Thank you," Orihime smiled, but you really don't have to.

"I insist it," Ichigo stated. "We were attacked. Your power isn't strong enough to defeat a Hollow."

"At least not that one," Uryu interrupted. "There have been some Hollows she's been able to defeat."

"Guys, really," Orihime tried to reason with.

"I agree with the Quincy," Gin interrupted as he approached the three teens once again. "That Hollow was targeting you."

Ichigo's eyes widened a moment. "What the hell are not saying?" he demanded. "How do we know it wasn't after me? One went after Miss Ochi."

Gin turned to the boy and gave him his famous grin. "Call it a hunch," he simply added. "I did work with the Hollows for some time and there are still Arrancars still alive. Some still loyal to Captain Aizen while there were others who opposed him."

"Which is the whole point I don't like you near Orihime!" Ichigo growled as Uryu, grabbed his arm.

"You do realize he's antagonizing you? Which is also another one of his angles," replied the Quincy.

"Perhaps we should discuss the matter in a more private setting," Gin said, "I believe we are starting to attract some attention."

"Fine," hissed the orange haired boy. "We will all go to Orihime's."

For once, Orihime was at a loss for words. She knew deep down it was for the best for Uryu to walk with her, but that wasn't the main reason for the loss of words. Her dream last night was heavily on her mind. The attack, was just exactly like her dream but unlike in her dream, Uryu was able to save the day. That was greatly shaking her up.

/

The small group were approaching Orihime's apartment, but to their surprise there was someone waiting at the door. Gin's eyes widened in shock on who was standing there before them. He never thought in a million years he'd ever see her again. Then again, she probably thought the same thing.

Orihime grinned at who was at the door, waiting for them. "Rangiku!" she gasped.

Ichigo shook his head in disbelief. Rangiku? Why wasn't it Rukia? Why was the flirty Lieutenant of Squad 10 there? "What's going on?" he asked. He was happy to see a Soul Reaper, even if she was in a gigai.

"You know about the attack with Orihime, don't you?" Uryu asked, who was surprised as well.

"Which is why I'm here," replied the busty woman who was currently dressed in a modesty type outfit with a jacket over top, unzipped.

"Wait a minute!" Ichigo blurted. "I thought it was now forbidden for anyone to be here because of me."

Rangiku looked to the former Substitute Soul Reaper. "If Orihime wasn't attacked just now, I wouldn't have been dispatched. My Captain was given word the other day of a situation that has risen about Orihime."

"A situation?" Ichigo blinked. "What situation?"

Orihime looked to Gin, somewhat surprised. He told someone about her dreams. Uryu saw the look she was giving Gin and immediately knew whatever the problem was, Gin was already well informed on it. He gave the man a stern look.

"I must admit, I didn't think word of it would come out so quickly," Gin admitted.

"So you know and you didn't tell me?" Ichigo hissed. He was about ready to lunge at the lean man when Rangiku stepped between the two.

"Ichigo, whatever the situation is, do you honestly think you can do something about it?" the busty woman asked. She then flipped her hair. "You can't even see Hollows anymore and what happened a short time ago and what happened to your school teacher could happen again. I will be staying with Orihime for now on to be sure nothing more goes wrong and if something does happen, I'll be able to protect her."

"Ichigo," Uryu tried to reason as he stepped towards the boy. "What can be the harm? At least he won't be staying with her alone anymore. If he is doing something wrong, she'll know about it."

Rangiku looked to her childhood friend. "You've been staying with Orihime?" She truly looked surprised by this revelation. She was not informed of that piece of information and she was sure Kisuke knew about that.

"Why yes," Gin grinned at her. "Been with her since Christmas."

"Christmas?" Rangiku blinked, confused.

Uryu cleared his throat. "Christmas is a holiday in many countries. It's a day when people give and receive gifts. In other countries it's more of a dedication of a man who died 2000 years ago."

Rangiku looked to the Quincy. "You mean humans actually worship a dead man from 2000 years ago?"

"Well actually it's more of a religious reason," Orihime added. "Some cultures worship him as a religious leader who did many things. Japan only adopted the tradition in the last 30 years. Not everyone celebrates it. We have embraced it though."

"I see. Sounds interesting," Ranigku smiled. "Come on, lets go inside where it's warmer and we can discuss sleeping arrangements."

Ichigo glared at Gin. "Keep an eye on him, will you. I don't trust him." He then turned away, intending to head back to his house.

"See you tomorrow Orihime," Uryu replied giving a wave and headed in the direction towards his home where he shared with his father, though rarely saw the man.

"Bye Uryu," Orihime called before following Gin and Rangiku into the apartment. The three removed what was needed and moved towards the couch. Gin and Rangiku took a seat on the couch while Orihime took a seat in a cushioned chair.

Rangiku looked between her long time friend and the human she took a liking to. "So what exactly has been going on?" she asked after a few moments.

Orihime lowered her head in embarrassment as Gin looked at the woman. "I arrived at Orihime's on what she called as Christmas and been staying with her ever since. I was left in the streets in this gigai after being sentenced to life here in the World of the Living."

The busty blonde sighed. "I was told you were living out your sentence in the World of the Living but wasn't told exactly where you were staying. And then Central 46 announced that no one who has spent any time in this town was to step foot here."

Gin frowned a moment. "Well that's a bit contradicting, isn't it? They tell you that but then here you are."

"Yes, it's because Captain Sh... I mean former Captain Kurosaki had a message sent to the Soul Society and I would presume it was through Yoruichi in her cat form. The message stated Orihime Inoue is possibly a target. It also stated she's been having strange dreams that have developed into nightmares nearly each night. We already knew about the school teacher being attacked as it was reported by Squad 12 on that activity."

Orihime lifted her head at the mention of her name. "Why did you tell Kisuke about the dreams?"

Gin looked to his room mate. "Because I fear for your safety. You went through so much being held hostage by Aizen only to learn he lured you to Heuco Mundo as bait for a trap for young Ichigo. I didn't wish to let Ichigo know about this since there's already a lot of animosity from him. There was only one other person I could go to and that would be the one who created this gigai."

Rangiku quirked a brow before turning to the girl. "Orihime, this is a serious matter. Well it would have to be if Central 46 has gone against their own rules to send me here to keep an eye on you. They were originally going to send someone who has never met you. Luckily Captain Ukitake stood up for you and suggested it would be someone you know and could trust."

"Wow, Captain Ukitake actually vouched for you? I'm amazed." Gin was surprised by this. He knew the good Captain was kind and decent but to actually suggest in sending someone who knows the town, that normally wasn't like him, was it?

Orihime gave a weak smile. "Captain Ukitake allowed me to stay at his barracks when Rukia and I were training, when we thought the fight was going to happen in the winter. In fact I stayed in Rukia's room while Rukia stayed at her brother's mansion."

"I see," Gin grinned, putting on his custom creepy grin. "That explains why Aizen had Ulquiorra go into the Dangai. He already knew you were staying in the Soul Society. This I never knew."

"So that's why you left," Rangiku replied. "When Captain Hitsugaya and I were here, we saw that you disappeared. We had your note saying you and Rukia had gone to train, but didn't know where. We knew you were safe as you were with Rukia."

"Yes," Orihime agreed. "I wanted and felt I should have been part of the battle just as much as the others. Uryu was hard with training to get his Quincy powers back and even Chad was training hard with Renji to be stronger. I didn't want to be left on the sidelines."

"That's understandable," Ranigku nodded.

"So you were sent here on the request of Captain Ukitake," Gin continued. "But why you?"

"Now that took some feminine wiles," she then grinned, showing off once again how she could manipulate situations just with her own body language.

Gin's grin widened further. "That's my girl. Always the flirt when she wants something."

"Why not?" Rangiku defended. "I lived with Orihime for a month. I felt I was the best logical choice. I thought she was living here alone so it would be a good chance for her and I to catch up. No one told me you were here though."

Gin shrugged. "Can't help you on that one. You know how Kisuke Urahara is. He has a habit of not explaining everything." He then frowned once again. "I would suggest for you to share a room with Orihime while I remain here on the couch. Her dreams really have me worried."

Orihime once again, lowered her head. "I... I think I'll start on dinner. I'm sure there's some left overs in the fridge we can heat up. Excuse me." She stood quickly enough and head to the kitchen before the two childhood friends could get a word in edge wise.

Rangiku's blue eyes shifted from the entrance to the kitchen to Gin. "So I take it you're the one who has been consoling her this whole time when she dreams?"

He sighed. "Yes, unfortunately. And it doesn't help matters with Ichigo always giving me ice dagger glares. I wanted Kisuke to look into the matter. I have told him I believe there is an Arrancar who can manipulate dreams. He could be the one, but then with the attack on Miss Ochi, which has me quite concerned, I'm not sure which is more important."

"Yes. I've heard. Miss Ochi has no spiritual pressure and yet she was attacked by a Hollow. There are a couple other Soul Reapers here looking into the matter. We think Orihime is the prime target. On what, we don't know." she turned to regard her friend fully. "So what exactly is going on between the two of you?"

"Now, now. You can't just come in here and immediately interrogate me." He did not like the implication of her words and was trying to get out of it.

"Oh, no you don't." She was determined to win this time. "For years now you've done that to me. Always disappearing with no word or good bye. Not anymore can you. Besides you're no longer someone of high stature anymore."

"You have me there." His grin remained in place. "I am no longer your superior but I am your friend and always will be."

"That you are, which is why as a concerned friend, I would like to know what is going on. I have a right to know since I'm going to be staying in Orihime's room."

Gin sighed, knowing the situation wasn't going to go anywhere. "We're friends, that's all. Besides she's a human and I'm a soul. You know it's against the law for a soul to be with a human."

"But you're banished from the Soul Society. You'll live the remainder of your life here as a human, for ever how long that is. They are not monitoring you so you can live in any form you wish." She then leaned closer to the man. "Do you like her?"

"Rangiku," he gasped.

"It's an honest question," she giggled, seeing he was getting flustered.

"Can we just stick to the subject at hand which is to protect Orihime from danger." He stood from the couch and reached over getting the table hanging on the wall, putting it down on the floor before getting the cushions.

The whole time, Rangiku watched him with a grin. For some reason she had the feeling he did like her. She knew Orihime's feelings for Ichigo but also knew Ichigo did not have romantic feelings for the busty teen. In fact, she had reason to believe the young human boy had feelings for someone else who was probably forever unattainable. Rukia Kuchiki.

Author's Notes: It's unknown yet if I'll be making other pairings for the story. But if I were to it will be Rukia/Ichigo for sure as a side pairing. There will be no OCs added besides ones that will enhance the story, like Arrancars/Espadas and yes one will be making their presence known soon.