Out of all the nights for those…those creatures, hollows, to pursue you it was tonight. Normally you managed to keep them at bay, not in the most convenient way many others would, like Masaki would or Isshin used to, but it worked(with their guidance), since coming here.
If you hadn't experienced strange and unusual things throughout your life and more, these hollows would have surely left an impact on you with their strange skull faces. They did surprise you, slightly, but that was it. And after learning and figuring out how to defend yourself against them, they weren't much of a concern. Still, you held some compassion for them, a creature(Masaki and Isshin informed) that was once a soul unable to pass over. Becoming corrupt spirits, who lost their hearts from despair and grief(a relatable sentiment), filled with an eternal and insatiable hunger that couldn't be satisfied so they sought souls either living or dead to devour and fill the hole that opens in their bodies (mostly their chest). No hollow looked the same or the powers they developed(which range from mid to high), most were mindless, most! Some managed to retain their intelligence and that mixed with their hunger wasn't in your mind a delightful combination.
This hollow pursuing you did so aggressively, no matter how you tried to shake it, it refused to let up. It was fast, despite its large and bulky appearance not just in speed but reflexes and attacks. It slashed its claws upward at you. You managed to dodge its attack with aerial fluidity and grace. Your advantage at the moment was flight, allowing you to keep a respectable and safe distance and allowing you to dodge easier. You wondered, dodging another swipe from its claws, if this was the thing that you felt following you these last couple of days. It had to be, you didn't sense...that...so by all accounts it was this hollow. You weren't sure why it stalked you, but you were quite sure you kept it at bay, or maybe...you let your guard down.
You've been lacking lately.
Dealing with situations with Adam and school(Mrs. Eto wanting to submit a psychological evaluation), then with Rukia, she was a dutiful student...occasionally, often she'd either show up late to class or go missing with Ichigo. She would run off more like nearly every morning when her cell phone would...ring or ping, and before you could say anything she'd say it was a 'friend'. Though you were glad she was making...them...it seemed rather constant, especially during the evening or night. A few times just as dinner was being set she'd up and leave, you wouldn't see her for hours and knew she returned late into the night. She manage to do the homework, which you couldn't complain about, it was just...you wished she'd tell you. But, you wanted her to naturally do so when she was comfortable. You continued to remain pleasant with her, you understood adapting to a new change of pace, and you just wanted her to be safe. Finally, the last one, Ichigo...something was different with him...you sensed it the day he and Rukia came into your class late. Your heart filled gravely with worry, but you withheld it as graceful and orderly as you could, and that didn't stop your eyes from observing him from afar. You kept your eyes on him longer than before and a few times you were sure he felt it by the way his shoulders bristled and the hard grunt he shot at you whenever you passed. Still, your hand itched to reach out and just...just...
Suddenly, the hollow lept up and swiped! It nearly got you, if you didn't think quickly and form a shield. You repelled the creature back, a roar of pain and wailing agony erupted into the night, and it was left stunned for a moment. You took this opening and swiftly flew away. You kept your speed until you reached the destination, covered and concealed by tall and thick trees. You take a quick glance around ensuring you were safe and nothing, and you mean nothing, dive down through the thicket.
"Adam! Miss Kuchiki! Breakfast!" you call from the kitchen and let out a few yawns, taking a sip of your tea. There was no response or sound of footsteps proceeding down the stairs. You call for them again, with less strength.
Breakfast sat fresh and ready for Saturday. You managed to put the delightful meal together despite your current state, turning your head and letting out a sharp and forceful cough. You had to set your tea on the counter so it wouldn't fall from your hand to the floor, the cough lasted for quite some time. Using your arm try to muffle it, after another minute it ended. Your chest slightly burned as the room slightly spun around. You gave yourself a moment when the room stopped spinning, you stand without an aliment and go to get the two already knowing where and what they were doing.
"This color. This one right here," Adam muttered to himself grabbing a dark brownish-red marker from the scattered markers on his room floor and began coloring in the figure's body he drew.
Rukia sat across from him, with her own drawing pad(you bought for her) drawing herself using Adam's markers, they were both still in their pajamas; Adam in yellow ones with blue stars, Rukia's a simple orange one with yellow rabbits(again something you bought for her). In comfortable silence they sat, Adam's merry hums breaking it. Occasionally, Rukia peered over her pad to see what Adam was drawing or to better observe the decorated walls of his drawings. So many...'Boney Faces' and people in black(some looking eerily familiar) as Adam described them and said he they just came to him. Rukia was surprised by them when Adam showed her, she wasn't sure if this was just some funny child's imagination or maybe...Ichigo crossed her mind with the pictures. She wondered if Adam was like Ichigo...she didn't sense any sort of...spiritual awareness like Ichigo. There was something though...with Adam she just couldn't put a finger on, he was a rather...eccentric child. Loveable but eccentric. One thing was clear, he loved drawing just as much as she did and more importantly, he loved her work!
"Look! I finished!" Adam proudly said, holding up his finished drawing for Rukia to see.
Rukia stopped her drawing and looked. Her eyes widen and her eyebrows rose at it; it was another Boney Face. This one had shoulder-length black hair, yellow eyes, a muscular(she believed) dark brown body, and red arms with a snake tail for legs. There was a hole in its chest.
Adam smiled innocently from ear to ear, awaiting her response, "What do you think? Do you like it? Huh?"
Rukia was at a loss for words, she tried to find them...but they didn't come. Adam didn't seem to mind and lowered his drawing, he peeked over to see what she had drawn and his eyes lit up.
"Oh wow! You're so good!" he praised, jumping up and down and giggling, "What are you bunnies doing? Huh?" He stopped and pointed at her drawing ignoring how close he had become to her.
Rukia could taste some of his hair, as his head obscured her drawing. "Umm...well..." she began finding her words and sat her drawing pad down so they could both see, Adam sat right by her and waited, his eyes remained on her drawing, "Well, this is," she began finding the confidence in her voice and proudly pointed a finger at her drawing, "This is Mr. Tuffle Orange," he said about the rabbit with truffle of familiar orange spiky hair wearing a black robe holding a large knife, "he's taken up an important task."
"Wow! Really?! What is it?" Adam gasped attentively.
"He has to defeat Dark Souls. Right over here," Rukia moved her finger over to some larger creatures with holes in their chest.
"Why?"
"Because it's his duty now. Until, the powerful Yuki rabbit, this one right here." She moved her finger to another rabbit dressed in black similar black robes with short black hair and a yellow power sign behind it, "Gets her powers back. Right now, she doesn't have her powers. She had to give them away."
"Why?"
"So Mr. Tuffle Orange could say his family. You see Yuki was sent on an import mission to help others from other Dark Souls. But right now she's just a little low on power. So once she regains them, she'll be able to go back."
Adam's voice lowered sadly, "Why? Why does she need to go back?"
"Well, because Yuki doesn't belong here. She belongs to another, wonderful, and amazing place."
"What's the place called?"
Rukia almost slipped up, but caught herself and quickly changed the name, "The Kingdom of Sweets!"
Adam's eyes stared up, "Really! Wow! What's the Kingdom like?"
Just as Rukia was about to explain, a knock came on the door, it was you,"Adam. Miss Kuchiki, breakfast is ready. Please come down and eat. Thank you."
Adam's face fell, Rukia felt herself shrink but responded, "Umm...Y-Yes. O-Of course." she turned to Adam and whispered, "W-We should go. Come on."
They both stood and hurried out of the room. Within a minute you heard their rushing footsteps coming down the stairs and entering the kitchen. You were just putting a few things away, Rukia and Adam sat down. The table was once again filled with different variety of food to eat, each one delicate and heartily made. And it tasted just as good as it looked, there truly had to be a magical touch. The warm, comforting aroma it emitted stirred a loud growl in Rukia's stomach, she flushed a bit and looked over at it wondering if you heard. You hadn't, she noticed something was off with you...you looked...tired. Or maybe it was just her imagination. Feeling eyes on you, you turn around just as Rukia dropped her gaze to the food.
You finish the last thing and go to join them.
Breakfast went by well, Adam talked the most, mainly about Rukia's story. You couldn't help but laugh and turned your attention to Rukia.
"Your story sounds wonderful, Miss Kuchiki," you praise, taking a sip of your tea, "quite enjoyable. What an imaginative mind you have. I was not aware of your potential as a respectable storyteller. Perhaps we should have time to tell stories"
Rukia stuffed a small muffin in her mouth, her gaze remained on her cup of juice as a bit of red crept over her. You were stunned for a moment, then let out a soft laugh that was gentle and warm. Rukia snatched up her cup and gulped down the liquid. She kept her eyes adverted from you. You chuckled to yourself quietly and turned away. Adam seeing what Rukia was doing copied and tried to gulp down his drink only to almost choke if not for your quick thinking and Rukia's. He was fine and just shrugged it off.
The rest of breakfast was done with caution, but still pleasant. Once it finished you began clearing the table to start the day. Adam climbed out, not before grabbing a cinnamon roll first, he wrapped it in a napkin and and went out to the back. Rukia watched him from the sink window as he went to the fence and sat the food down, something she noticed he's been doing. You noticed her steady attention on Adam as you put the dishes away.
"He enjoys sharing anything we eat with his little friend, Licorice." you inform her, she gives you a quick questionable glance, and you continue, "A stray cat. It seems to enjoy its presence here and the food apparently."
Rukia took your words as confirmation. "Miss Kuchiki," you call her attention, turning on the water to begin washing the dishes, "as you know the weekends we use the time to obtain what we need. Today we will be stopping by The Shop, would you care to join Adam and me? I am quite sure Mr. Tsukabishi would be pleased to see you. It has been some time since you last saw him, family is treasurable. Additionally, it would be wonderful for you to join us."
The words hitched in Rukia's throat as her mind tried to come up with the right response for you. You began washing the dishes, patiently waiting for her response though you knew the answer. The faint ringing sound coming from upstairs was the answer. Though you didn't show disappointment, respectfully accept it.
"Perhaps another time," you said with understanding, Rukia's phone kept ringing, you gesture slightly in that direction, "it would be rude to let them wait."
Rukia remained in her spot for a moment, then left and hurried upstairs. Adam came back in and noticed Rukia's absence, he too ran upstairs to follow. You shouted after him to get dressed for the day and went back to finishing the kitchen, unaware of the dark green flicker in the candle's flame.
The day was clear, as always, with nothing disturbing or unusual(for most people), Orihime was out and about gathering groceries and hummed merrily to herself. Her thoughts were in the clouds and her smile was as bright as the sun on her face. She was thinking about a few things, mainly what she was going to make for dinner. She had some ideas and a recipe book from Miss Bishop's class. You had given everyone to take home should they want to practice at home, a thoughtful gesture. Some of the recipes Orihime had tried...unsuccessfully(adding her personal touch). As the thought of you crossed her mind, swelling rose in her chest warmly, as if her heart was on cloud nine. This warm and comforting sensation washed over her, she hadn't had it since...for some time.
She paused her walking and thought back to what you did for her...that day and how you've been with her in class and more. She told her brother so much about you, describing you with high praise and respect and your beauty that it...Tatsaki teased her for having a mommy crush on you. Orihime wasn't sure if that was...true. Still, she thought for a moment, continuing walking, when Mizurio gifted you with a present and that's when the idea came. Taking out her wallet she looked over her funds, hoping she had just enough, and hurried away unaware of something stalking her.
"I made you a new drawing, see!" Adam proudly gave Kisuke, after you and he arrived at The Shop. Adam again, jumped out the wagon and hurried in. He didn't collide with Jinta this time.
Jinta was prepared for him, stopping and slowing him down before anything happened. Leaving Ururu to come and greet you, she greeted your arrival eagerly and welcomed you. You returned the greeting with the same level and as always Ururu joined you in shopping, holding the basket and following you around.
Kisuke sat with Adam at his usual spot on the elevated floor of the shop, Jinta worked nearby carefully watching Adam. Adam shoved his drawing in Kisuke's face, nearly obscuring the man's vision. Kisuke's attention became slightly divided looking at the drawing which caused him to raise a brow of uncertainty. This drawing wasn't like Adam's other ones with...Boney Faces. This one was...different. He was able to deduce some of the pictures, without Adam's explanation, there was a star or it looked like one. It had four long points, with tips that were nearly identically the spear crystal you constantly wore, there was a dark circle drawn in the center with four small spikes evenly spread out. Another small, colored in, circle in the center with the same spikes and another small circle in the center of a different color.
There were figures he couldn't quite make out that...seemed to be either bowing to the star or raising their hands up. Or maybe it was to the figure hovering above the star wearing...a dress..gown? He wasn't sure.
"Now this one!" Adam moved the picture away and showed him a new one, he even pointed to something drawn in red with wings breathing green fire, "This one here is scarier. This thing is not nice, sort of like a dragon, I think so. See how their fire is attacking the others?"
Kisuke looked at the picture and nodded, "So I see. Who are the others?" He pointed to six figures on the drawing.
Adam looked and gave it a thought, "I guess they're the defenders or something. But they're good. Really good. Especially this one!" He pointed to the figure with long pinkish hair, next to the one with reddish-orange hair. "The dragon doesn't like them. Oh, this one too!" Adam brought another one, this one was just completely colored gray with a small light in the middle. "This one is the...the...I can't remember really. But their voice is really nice. Here you go!"
He gave them to Kisuke.
"Thank you," Kisuke thanked him and lightly set a hand atop Adam's hair, "I'll make sure to frame them."
Adam smiled before turning around and finding Tessai coming carrying two small round trays with cups. The man greeted Adam and handed him a cup, Adam gave him a drawing.
"Thank you," Tessai accepted and handed Kisuke a cup, he then went over to you, "Miss Bishop, here."
You didn't notice him, your mind was a bit foggy, and your eyelids strained to remain awake; also you were doing your best to withhold the rising cough ready to come and keeping your airs. Tessai moved the cup before your sight, this time you noticed him and tried not to be startled. Kisuke's eyes narrowed slightly.
You present your smile and noticed the cup, "Mr. Tsukabishi, thank you. Your hospitality is warranted, I mean kind. Though I will have to decline such an offer, please give it to Ururu."
Urur fidgeted uncertainly with your basket for a moment, lifting her eyes to you. You give her an assuring smile and gesture for her to take it.
"Here," you take the drink and hand it to her taking the basket, and kneeling to her level,"besides," you reach out to pat her lightly on the head, tenderness spreading across your face, "I have finished. Thank you, Miss Ururu."
Ururu swelled with emotion her eyes pour them out and she smiled taking the cup. Jinta seeing the moment had stopped and felt his cheeks warm before quickly diving back into his work.
"Thank you, Miss Bishop," Ururu mumbled in the cup bashfully looking away.
You smiled pleased to hear it and made your way over to Kisuke. "How much Mr. Urahara?"
Kisuke whipped out his fan and his jovial voice, "Goodness Miss Bishop after witnessing such a tender moment. You made my heart go a flutter, how can charge such a noble woman," your heart skipped at those words but your smile remain, "anything. Besides, your kindness in taking Miss Kuchiki requires no payment from you. It's only fair and I am a businessman who honors fairness."
You, again, were surprised by this. And again your words were lost. Why must he keep doing this? As tempted as you felt to decline, graciously relented and accepted.
"Alright, Mr. Urahara. Thank you," you said with a gentle smile agreeing. Tessai came and collected your things to bag. You turn to Adam and hold out a hand, "Come Adam, we need to go."
Adam, having finished his drink, reached for Kisuke's hat. Kisuke didn't mind and let him, "Green and white," Adam said looking at the colors before counting the strips.
"My apologizes, Mr. Urahara," you said turning to him with an apologetic look.
Kisuke jovially fanned it away, "Oh, it's fine! He just has a curious little mind. That's all. Besides, I enjoy his company and yours. It's refreshing."
You were taken aback by his words and felt a rush of gratitude and joy. You heard Masaki's voice for a moment, followed by...hers, and many others. A small voice inside you whispering didn't earn them. The guilt crept in, tainting the moment and leaving you feeling uneasy. Your smile almost quivered.
"You okay?" Kisuke asked setting his fan aside, Tessai came back with your items now bagged. Kisuke took them instead.
You reach to take them, "Thank you. I have-"
He withheld them and got up. To your surprise, your blood ran cold for a moment. "I'll help." He said walking away towards the wagon. Adam climbed down and followed.
You remained where you stood. Your thoughts swarming with dread...and disbelief, Kisuke he shouldn't have...he shouldn't be...for a moment everything darkened and drowned out by horrific screams. Your hands started trembling and...
"Are you coming?" Adam's called his peachy voice brought you back.
You snapped out of it and everything returned, Adam was standing at the entrance with Kisuke waving at you. Relief and joy washed over you seeing Adam. You wished the others bye and hurried over, extending a hand and grabbing Adam's waving one. He giggled following you to the wagon. You pick him up, kneel down, and set him in. Kisuke walks over and stands behind you carefully peering over your shoulder at the tender moment. Feeling eyes on you, you look over your shoulder and meet his gaze. He flashed you a kind smile and like before held out a hand to help you up.
Tessai, Ururu, and Jinta stood at the entrance watching. Your heart dropped at the sight of Kisuke's offered hand, and again you refused. You stood on your own, dust yourself off, and collect his hat from Adam.
"Here you are, Mr. Urahara," you hand him his hat, dusting it off decide to instead set it properly atop his head. "There, perfect fit. We must be off, thank you again. Oh, Mr. Tsukabishi, Miss Kuchiki sends her regards and I shall do the same. She is doing splendidly, you need not worry. I mean there is no need for you to worry."
Tessai gave a nod of gratitude. With nothing else you pick up the wagon handle, wave to the others, and leave.
The day was nearly done, Orihime was rushing back home, her cheeks bustling red. Not from running but from her encounter with Ichigo at the park and his offer to walk her home. She declined instantly, though wished she hadn't. She wasn't sure why he was at the park, but Rukia was there to her surprise. Those two have been hanging out quite a lot, Orihime observed. She couldn't deny it was good to see, but she also couldn't deny how she...felt. Her shoulders slightly slumped and her eyes cast downward she didn't pay attention to where she was going and bumped into someone.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention," She quickly apologized with a light smile, "I was just thinking."
"Thinking about what, Miss Orihime?" You asked.
Orihime stared stunned, not because it was you but also, as her eyes trailed down to the wagon...you with a child. A little boy. Her mouth nearly fell open. You noticed her attention on Adam and realized something...none of the students(besides Rukia and Ichigo) knew you had a child. Your mind raced for a moment on what to say, but just settled on the truth. Before you could, Adam introduced himself.
"Hi! I'm Adam!" he gave a big smile and pointed to her bag, "What's in your bag?"
Your attention went to her bag of...groceries. You managed to see some of the things she had...and none of them were suitable ingredients. "Miss Orihime, what do you plan on making with all that?"
A nervous chuckle rose for Orihime as she tried to explain them, you were not amused and knew exactly what to do.
"Adam please be mindful, this is not our place," you warn him entering Orihime's apartment, Adam rushed right in and began looking around. Clearly, he didn't listen, "My apologies Miss Orihime. He just enjoys new places."
Orihime, nervously shutting and locking her apartment, didn't mind, "No. That's alright. I want him to feel at home. Umm, my kitchen is over there." She pointed with a shaky finger and took you.
She couldn't believe you were here. In her place...and what you offered to do for her...she just couldn't believe it. Her heart hadn't stopped racing. Should she have told you no? No, that would have been rude and something told her you would not take it.
"A-Are you sure you want to do this Miss Bishop?" She carefully asked, "I mean, I don't mind. It just seemed you and your ummm...you and Adam were on your way home and well...the day is almost done. I don't want to take up any of your time."
You reach her kitchen, it was smaller than yours and by opening a few cabinets and the fridge find quite a palette of a variety of food that didn't pair well together. The majority of this would make someone's stomach churn unpleasantly. You could see why in Home Ec she was rather eager to learn.
"I do not mind, Miss Orihime," you assure her, taking down and out a few things, "Besides, as I mentioned at the start of the year, it is my duty to ensure all my students are well taken care of and I am here for you. Though I do wish you would have informed me of your predicament sooner."
Orihime blinked a bit confused, "Predicament? Huh?"
You realized what you said and quickly change, "How does Surprised Gyoza sound? Hm? With everything you have, I can make them, with a side of savory rice, and some sweet lemon and cherry tea. Or would you prefer dessert?"
Orihime didn't know what to say, you took her silence as a yes and began. You pretty much kicked Orihime out of her kitchen to the living room, Orihime could hear you lite the plight of the stove, set a few skillets on, and add whatever you needed. Followed by swift and masterful chopping and cutting sounds. A few times she peered in from the living to see what you were doing, but the speed and precision you had made it difficult to follow. You did everything effortlessly, with grace and poise. The way your hands moved with such fluidity, almost like magic. Instinctively you seem to know what you needed and where to get it, without breaking concentration. It was as though Orihime was watching a ballet or some kind.
The way you spun the knife in the palm of your hand and grabbed it by its handle and chopped away. Soon her place was filled with a savory and warm aroma she hadn't known since...her brother. It wrapped around her with a caring and kind embrace.
"Hey, your eyes."Adam pointed out, looking at her.
Orihime almost forgot he was there. Hearing his words, she lifted up a hand and touched underneath one of her eyes, finding it wet. She was crying. These weren't sad tears, not at all...still. She touched under her eye again, then her other, and found more tears. She looked back at you and felt more come.
Feeling eyes on you, you stop for a moment and look over your shoulder at Orihime, she was engaging with Adam pleasantly. You return to finishing her meal, smiling quietly to yourself.
After an hour of staying at her place, you finished her a proper dinner. You made a bit more than you expected, but Orihime said Tatsaki was coming over soon and thanked you heartily for the meal. Her eyes lit up with joy and mouth-watering hunger. Before you left, you tended to her wrapped arm and bruised leg, then informed her to start coming to you for proper meals if she'd like, you also left something. Orihime didn't know what to say except a bashful thank you. She saw you and Adam out and remained waving until you both were out of sight.
On the way back to the house, your heart pained for Orihime. You noticed the small shrine of her brother and pieced it together, that poor child...living without...without family in a place alone. A part of you would have offered her a room if you had an extra. Realizing what just crossed your mind pulled back and reminded yourself...to keep it professional.
When you and Adam arrived back, Rukia of course wasn't there. She was going to be out late...again tonight. You'd make sure to set a plate aside for her while praying she remained safe.
It was nearing half pass 11:30 when Rukia returned to the house, as she opened the door she expected the lights to be off only to find the kitchen one on. This surprised her, and she wondered if you might have accidentally forgotten to turn it off, then again someone like you wouldn't. Shutting the door and locking it she went to the kitchen and straight to the fridge. She opened it and found her plate of food with a note attached from you.
Taking it she opened the note and read. What she read rose a small tinge of guilt in her eyes. Rukia reached for the plate of food, warmed it up, and ate it. Once she finished she went up to her room, on the way she stopped before Adam's room. His drawing from earlier, of that 'Boney Face' with the serpent body was the same as the hollow she and Ichigo fought at Orihime's place that was her brother.
Adam's drawings, Rukia tread carefully with her assumption, but the boy's drawings clearly weren't of 'Boney Heads', not at all.
She continued to her room and quietly opened the door when she heard the sound of your door creaking open.
"Miss Kuchiki," you said, your voice soft and laced with sleep. Rukia remained still, "Welcome back. Goodnight."
There was no response, except the sound of your door closing.