Chapter 3: Teach me…someone

A/N: YES!!! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!....0.0…^^' sorry, got a little carried away there! Uh-hem, but yes I am back. I apologize to you all for the long wait, but I had some difficulty thinking of this next chapter. This will be short unfortunately, so I again apologize beforehand for this. I want to thank all of you who have become involved in this story and your words of encouragement have been an anchor to me. I ask that you continue to encourage me and if there is anything that you would like to see change, I will gladly see what can be done. I will, however, in no way change this story. So if you do not like it or my writing style, then I ask that you please let me know in a mature manner and I will see what can be done. With that said, let's hit it!! Enjoy!

A/N: Warning- there will be mild cursing in this chapter and hints at sexual abuse. Please be cautious when reading. If this offends you, then please skip from "when memories" to "Whimpers." You have been fairly warned. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own this........never will, will never happen......NOW GET OFF MY CASE!!! *sob*

Blackness engulfs me on either side, my vision completely blocked. I vaguely feel a slightly pulsation from somewhere in my lower abdominal area. A small grunt vibrates through my chest as pressure gently builds around the area, and then vanishes only to appear briefly, and repeats. Blackness starts to lighten to a dull gray, and accompanying this transition was a buzz of distorted words barely tangible to my mind.

"She must….."

With each passing second my mind becomes less foggy and the words become sharper.

"Gotta get Urahara..."

"This could be bad….."

"That couldn't have been her could it?"

These words swirling in my mind, the blackness trying to take back control, the slight pulsing in my head and the searing pain flaring in my abdomen all merged into one ball of tension…and I let it out.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" My throat constricted tightly, abruptly cutting off my air supply and causing me to convulse. Hot tears slide from my tightly closed eyes and my insides felt as if someone had poured steaming, boiling water all over them. I suddenly felt pressure being applied to my arms, legs, shoulders and thighs. A sob broke though my lips as dark memories surged forward, reminding of who I was….what I did…..disgust and horror blasted through the walls I had created around myself, and time stood still.

I became still.

And the memories played on.

"Dirty, filthy whore!!"

"Ungrateful slut!!"

"I WISH YOU WERE DEAD, YOU BITCH!!"

Whimpers shuddered through me as more hot tears streamed down my cheeks. A keening sound tore through me as the memories kept replaying over in my head. Shame and guilt swirled within me, and I let myself be pulled once again into the darkness of my soul.

Knowing that I could never purge myself of this burden, of my past. Knowing that no matter what I did, I would never be pure again.

Numbness seeped into my soul and mind, encasing me in my nightmare. A voice sluggishly reached me, piercing through the thick dark like a knife.

"Hey, onna, can you hear me? Oi!"

Warmth encased my frigid hand, halting the trembles that shook it, shook my entire body. The warmth tingled from there and then spread. My body seemed to pulse in time with the person's own heartbeat, creating a soft rhythm that soothed the fire in my veins; the healing balm that caused a sigh to pass from my lips in contentment.

The pressure and warmth that originated from my hand let up. Fear gripped me instantly and I tightened my grip, trying to make it stay. Keep me from falling again.

'No…don't leave me….don't let me fall……I'll be good….I'LL BE GOOOOOODD!!!!' The scream tore from my mouth, causing the person to also tighten their grip, a war between who could hold on longer waged against us. A burning pain seized my throat, making me battle my own body for the right to live.

I felt my body being grasped and pulled toward something solid, hard…..safe. Trembling hands clutched at coarse fabric as I buried my face into a warm surface, breathing in sweat, blood, and power. The rushing of blood tempted me, singing to me, soothing me. My ragged breathing began to even out as I clutched tighter.

Silence soon filled the area I was in and when I felt ready enough to face the audience I was certain had gathered, I tilted my head slightly so that I could see through the curtain of my hair and take in my surroundings. The same people as before were there, I made sure to quickly skip over the male that had caused my faint in the first place, and was surprised that there were a couple of new additions to the group. The first that caught my attention was a redhead with a scowl much like the first I had observed, only mini-size and minus the tattoos. 'Kawaii.' Next to him was a young girl with midnight black hair and a melancholy disposition. A burly man came into my line of vision next. Tanned skin, dark glasses, and braids were put in and immediately I felt a sense of affection for him akin to that of a girl to her paternal grandparent. My eyes slightly widened at the last two people. A man with a fan and a green-and-white striped hat made me uneasy, yet curious. The dark-skinned woman beside him made me desire to just sit and stare at her for as long as possible. Thick purple hair in a high ponytail and piercing yellow eyes captured me. I blinked and suddenly was assaulted with a burning raw feeling pounding into my soul. I shuddered and shook my head, a keening sound escaping from me and shrunk into the body that still held me.

………….wait………..NANI!!???!!

I whipped my head up fast to yet again be met with burning dark eyes. I quietly gasped as a bright orange attacked my senses and a tugging desire to run my fingers through the locks flooded me. Eyes locked in a silent struggle gave me time to realize just how I was situated with him. My upper body was pressed flush against him and my arms were completely wrapped around him, fingers anchoring into his white school shirt. A blush lightly surfaced to my cheeks. Looking down to my lap, I relaxed, sliding my arms from his back and gently pressing him away. Quickly assessing everything, I took one more glance at him, witnessing the stunning shock and confusion within golden eyes….wait golden?

Blinking rapidly, I stared again into his eyes. Ocher eyes starred back, a scowl engulfing his features. Raising an eyebrow in silent challenge, I turned my head to face the man in green with the fan. Licking my lips to prepare my self to speak, I once more glanced at everyone, making sure that there was not one that I had not counted. Once assured, I locked eyes with the blond man and spoke.

"Where I am and who are you people?" I spoke firmly, leaving no room for interruptions.

The man grinned and opened his fan, hiding his face. My fingers tightened into the covers on my lap. This seemed to jolt everyone from their stupor from the moment that the male to my left and I had just a few moments ago. Putting up their guards, they all looked at the man as well. Once assured that he had everyone's attention, he replied back to my questions.

"Ah, I am relieved to see that you are okay! You gave us quite a scare when you passed out on us for a second time."

Eyes widening again, I shifted my head to hide the blush that surged forth with vengeance. Swallowing, I cleared my throat.

"*Arigatou gozaimasu. I am grateful that you fixed my wounds. If there is anything I can do to repay what you have done, please do not hesitate to request it and I shall fulfill it with gratitude."

Silence wrapped itself around the room. I could feel everyone's stare settling onto my figure. I braced myself for whatever his request could be, praying that it would be quick and merciful. A chuckle rang through the room and snapping my head up to stare at him, I cocked my head to one side, regarding him with caution.

"Well, if it is repayment you offer, then you can fulfill it by simply answering some of our questions."

Shock raced through me as I let my mouth open slightly. I snapped it closed quickly, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Of course, we won't ask anything too personal!" He grinned, slightly laughing.

I went over his request in my head, dissecting it and turning it over, looking at any hidden meanings behind it. Finding no faults or suspicion, I slowly nodded my head in agreement.

Snapping the fan closed with a flick of his wrist, he smiled at me. "Excellent!! Well then, I shall hand it over to Yoruichi-dono!" Gesturing to the woman next to him, he looked to her.

I looked over to the dark-skinned woman.

Her eyes had been closed once the conversation started, but now her eyes were trained solely on me. Bracing myself for a new onslaught of questions and placing walls around myself, I waited for her to begin.

Her mouth opening to begin, we were interrupted by the hat bearing man.

"Sumimasen, but I just thought of something. Instead of Yoruichi-dono asking all the questions, why don't we allot a question per person? We would not want to over-work you….."

At this point, he looked at me. It took me a second to realize that he was waiting for me to provide my name. Sliding my eyes close, I debated whether to use my real name or one of the many names that I had been living under. Weighing the pros and cons, I decided with the latter. Opening my eyes, I gave it to him.

"My name is Arena….Shitoname, Arena." I spoke with confidence, praying that he would accept it and move on.

Grinning, he shifted in his seat and leaning down, grasping the cup of steaming tea I front of him, his sipped it. Sighing, he set it back down.

"Fine, we will go with that for now. In the future, however, I hope that we have the honor of knowing your real name, Arena-san."

Hitching my breath into my throat, I looked at him with frightened eyes. Thoughts causing chaos within me, and unknown fears welling in me all at once made tears stream from my eyes. Swiftly leaning forward and clutching the blankets with a trembling grip, I forced myself to calm down and breathe deeply. Regaining my normal breathing, I slowly brought my head up, but looked at no-one, keeping my eyes on my hands.

"Ask your questions whenever you are ready." I said quietly.

"Then let's get going." He replied in kind.

The room filled with a sweat breaking tension that had the occupants strung up, tensing with the weight of the situation.

So it begins…..so it shall start…and the world will fall…

So how was it? I'm sorry if it was a bit sloppy, but I promise to fine tune the next chapter, so go easy on me pwease!! Reviews are encouraged and suggestions will be gladly looked at! Also I am debating on having a contest concerning this story in later chapters. Details will be provided when I have decided on what I shall do. Also, I would like to warn beforehand that this chapter will start to hold dark meanings in it, but not for long!! So have no fear! So tell me whatcha' thinking and see ya next chapter!! JA NE MINNA-SAN!!

*Arigatou gozaimasu – This is a deeper thanking than Arigatou, one that offers immense gratitude.