So, I made an amazing discovery earlier today. When I was picking a name for Nanami's Mod-Soul, I picked the name 'Yui' from my memory, but couldn't figure out where I had heard that name from. And then, when I was listening to the Bleach openings, I realized that the name came from the 5th opening—Rolling Star by Yui! I was so excited by this discovery; a little giddy even. lol Yui has mazing songs, and although I'm not sure how many of them are used as openings for other anime, one of them for sure is used in FullMetal Alchemist. Just a small rid-bit for you :)

Anyway, here's a thanks for the last reviewers:

Kaneko Aikawa: My ever faithful reader! Thank you so much for sticking around this long. I'm glad you're liking the story, and I'm always so excited to get your feedback. I love the Hiroshi/Nanami moments, too! And I think you'll like what I have planned for Sakura and what she has planned for Nanami. Stay tuned!

Elfan Children: You are a riot! I laughed out loud when I read your review. I had to go a little dark with Nanami's past, because everyone has a little darkness they would rather keep hidden. And I think you'll like how Nanami handles Sakura's return.

I was very happy to discover two new faithful reader and reviewers when I went into my e-mail and read all of the reviews—

sw8Rukia: Thank you so much for the review, and I'm glad that you were so into the story from the beginning. I hadn't even noticed the mess up in your first review until you had said something about it, so my feels aren't hurt, lol. I hope you're sticking around for more and that you'll continue to show your encouragement!

Reader Of Fate: I'm happy that you called this story a 'gem' because I didn't think it would be anything special when I first started writing it. My ideas are everywhere 75% of the time and my updates are sporadic and at random, but I hope you'll stick around and keep reading and reviewing!

Thank you so much! Seriously. You guys reviewing is really boosting my confidence and motivates me to stay at my computer just a little bit longer. I will try my hardest to keep the chapters coming.

Speaking of which, here's the next one!

(I read through this one 100 times, but you guys know even that can't save me from looking like an idiot… Let me know if my grammar is getting better of worse, because I might have to consider looking into a Beta if I can't get a handle on it. Thanks!)

. . .

Chapter 14: It Haunts Me

The look on my parents' faces… It would have broken my heart if they got up and left me there in the room. Thankfully, though, they didn't. But the shock and pain in their face was almost unbearable.

Their…scared of me…, I thought.

I swallowed hard, and pushed through the rest of my story. There was no point in stopping now.

"I…remember seeing everything after I Hollowfied—every horrifying detail. Sakura hadn't expected that I'd live and I attacked her. It was like…wearing someone else's skin. I could see, hear and feel everything that was happening around me, and yet I could do nothing to stop it. Captain Ukitake, Uncle Byakuya, and even Aunt Hisana tried to talk me out of attacking anyone else—and no matter how loud I screamed for them to hear me, my voice never broke through the roar of my Hollow. For some reason, I…I attacked Uncle Byakuya the most."

Dad mumbled something about understanding wanting to attack him, but mom smacked his let to quiet him.

"I guess since he was the first person to show up I figured he was my primary target. All Captains were ordered to contain me, and if they couldn't, to kill me. And then…Shinji arrived. But…he was carrying my best friend's body. And it was like someone had flipped a switched. Seeing Una…stained with a mixture of our blood…un-moving… I suddenly had the will power to fight for control. It was painful and exhausting but…I gained control again. The last thing I remember is dropping to my knees and passing out."

I took a deep breath and then let it out.

Mom and Dad didn't say anything for a long second, taking in all of the information I just gave them. I took that time to say one last thing.

"Captain Unahana healed my wounds, and I was placed under arrest—also known as one of Hachi's strongest Barriers—until they were sure that I wouldn't completely lose it again. Needless to say, Una was a tough topic to talk about, but they wanted all the facts before they would let me go. And…I want you to know that I have never come close to losing control after that day. I trained every day of my life since then controlling my Hollow. Shinji, Hiyori and the others were relentless, but every time I was reminded of Una, it increased my control ten-fold. I…I won't ever let the beast out of it's cage again… I swear on my life…"

Dad suddenly pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around me. I was taken aback couldn't react before it was too late.

"I understand, Nanami. I know it's scary. I know what if feels like to lose control." His chest rumbled with a half-hearted laugh. "In fact, I've lost complete control more than a few times; especially when I was your age and was still very unfamiliar with my powers. It's amazing that you lost control and lived to tell the tale. I'm so proud of you, Nanami. You have control and have the will power to stay in control. You've done better than me by far, but that's because you have your mother's calm personality, so you can focus and concentrate better than anyone else, I'm sure of it." His grip on me tightened slightly, though it wasn't constricting. "I couldn't be any more proud of my oldest daughter. And I couldn't be happier that you're here with us. Don't ever forget that, okay?"

Having not expected that, I nodded slowly, not sure what to say. It was one of the most sincere and heart melting thing he's said, and I knew that he meant it. I could never have another doubt about being here—about being a Kurosaki.

. . .

Once I got my bearings and I wasn't crying anymore, we sat back against the couch cushions. Now that that topic was done with, I put on a serious face and took a deep breath.

"When I found out Sakura survived my attack, you could say I was a little less than trilled. But they questioned her and she wouldn't break or give up any useful information. So…they contained her until she decided to talk. Taking care of Sakura isn't going to be easy. She doesn't seem like a tough opponent, but she's smart. And trust me when I say she will do anything and use anybody to get what she wants. Just like she used Una…"

"If she's a Vizard, than she was around during Aizen's rise for power," Mom pointed out.

I shrugged. "No one really knows where she came from. The only Vizards I know of are the ones you met when you were just finding out about your powers. Shinji and Hiyori worked the closest with me when I was learning my control, and even they don't know anything about Sakura."

Mom seemed to be lost in her thoughts for a moment. "If I recall correctly, Aizen triggered their Hollowfication when they were all members of Soul Society. But Ichigo's was triggered when he became a Soul Reaper."

I knew where she was getting at. "And you think Sakura and Kaguya's Vizard powers were triggered when their bodied were being pulled back and forth from becoming a Soul Reaper and becoming a Hollow. Just like how gained his Hollow powers. But, like I said, no one is really sure."

She nodded. "It makes the most sense if Shinji and no one in Soul Society knows were they came from."

"And how they heard of you is a complete mystery, too?" Dad asked.

I nodded. "No on knew about my Hollofication powers. I only told Una, and obviously everyone in the Kuchiki estate knew, though they never approved," I added sadly. I shrugged, as though it didn't really bother me. "The Head Captain wanted my training and powers kept a secret. I think…he was training me to be his secret weapon."

Dad's face twisted in anger. "That old bastard," he cursed under his breath.

Mom gave him a 'Shut up' look, and then switched the conversation completely. "What's my brother's plan?"

I had contemplated telling them everything that happened this morning because I hadn't keeping things from them. But then…I would have to tell them about Hiroshi…

I mentally slapped myself. No! Stop thinking about that—this is serious!

I cleared my throat, as if I had been choking on something. "Well, I don't have the details. He wanted to keep us all out of it."

"Typical Byakuya," Dad said, crossing his arms over his chest.

I half smiled, because it was amusing how much Uncle Byakuya annoyed him. "He made a good point—if Sakura is after me, the less involved I am, the safer everyone will be and no one will get hurt. I couldn't argue with that, despite how much I want to be a part of the search."

Mom nodded. "I agree. I don't want you being involved, either."

"But you guys don't want me involved for a different reason," I pointed out. "Uncle Byakuya doesn't want me in his way, while you guys want to keep me away from danger."

Dad shrugged, not disagreeing at all.

Mom looked like she wanted to agree as well, but instead said, "So long as you're only going after Hollows, I don't might. And…well…" She hesitated and looked over at her husband.

Dad locked eyes with her, and then shrugged again. "It's not up to me, Rukia. I think she'll be fine."

She scowled at him. "You could at least pretend to be worried about your daughter, Ichigo."

Dad returned her scowl. "I am worried, but I'm not going to smother her. You always have a habit of over-worrying."

"And you have a habit of being a reckless idiot."

I looked between them. "Hey! I'm clearly a part of this conversation! What are we talking about?"

Dad broke their eye contact first and sighed in defeat. "Rukia is just being cautious, because that's just how she is… But I don't necessarily disagree with her."

"Thank you, Ichigo," Mom said with an approving smile. "That's the kindest thing you've ever said to me."

Dad rolled his eyes. "I tell you I love you all the time, Midget. Don't make me seem like a terrible person."

Mom's cheeks turned a light pink. "Idiot."

"I still don't know what we're talking about!" I half yelled, half whispered in frustration. "What this idea you have?"

"Well, considering I know you don't need help taking care of Hollows, this idea may seem a little…unnecessary, but it would make me fee better if you didn't go out on Hollow hunts alone."

I blinked a few times, processing what exactly she meant.

"S-So…you want to babysit me while I'm hunting Hollows?" I raised a brow. "Don't take this the wrong way, Mom, but that doesn't make any sense. Why would you come with me if you could take care of the Hollows yourself? I mean, If you want to hunt them while I stay home, that's…fine, I guess. But it wouldn't make much sense to—"

She waved her hands back and forth, cutting me off. "That's not what I meant! God, you are so much like your father when it comes to assuming things like that…"

Dad and I looked at each other. And we both just shrugged.

"What I'm trying to say," Mom huffed, "is that, yes, you should have someone with you. But I wasn't saying that it would be your father or I."

Then…who? I wondered to myself.

As if reading my mind she said, "Obviously, Uryuu and Orihime can't, what with the baby and Uryuu being at work. Chad has his own job to worry about and Tara is too young to be going out chasing Hollows in the first place. None of the kids are going to go with you—I would never want them anywhere near Hollows if I could help it. I doubt Mr. Kisuke would be willing to lend a hand—let alone have Mr. Tessi, Ururu or Ginta help out…"

As she went through the list of our closest friends, I slowly started to realize the person she had already chosen as my 'partner' in fighting Hollows.

"No way!"

I stood up from the couch suddenly, and I felt my face heat up—both from embarrassment of just making a fool of myself and the thought of my potential 'partner'.

They looked at me, dumbfounded. In their eyes, I haven't had a problem with Hiroshi up until now. Sure, He had irritated me and made crude comments, but as far as they knew, we were basically friends. What they didn't know was I feel…something strange for Hiroshi. And…what with this morning…

I pushed down my embarrassment and dried to hide my face in my hair. I sighed.

"I-I mean…I shouldn't have to…burden anyone with my job."

Great cover, I though to myself. Doesn't help you though—they're still looking at you like you're crazy.

Mom smiled in an almost understanding kind of way. "I know Hiroshi can be a bit…awkward."

She just had to use the work 'awkward', didn't she?

"But he's a good fighter. He'll help watch your back, and it will make me feel better that you have someone with you. Yes, you'll have my brother, Captain Hitsugaya, and Rangiku out there on the look out but…" She glanced at her husband warily. "With our experience, you can never be too careful."

I sighed, feeling as though there was no point in arguing. "If it will make you feel better…"

She smiled and nodded. "Thank you for understanding, Nanami. As soon as they catch Sakura you can be on your own again."

Arguing was pointless, and I didn't have any energy left in me to do so. I reluctantly agreed to the suggestion.

. . .

Dad said he was going to have a talk with Urahara in the morning—about what, he didn't say. Although, he almost seemed…excited about it.

And with a dismissal and a quick exchange of 'good nights', I headed to my room.

As soon as I saw my bed my body and mind shut down. I flop down on the neatly made bed, face-first. I lay there for a second, enjoying the warm breeze coming from my open window. My mind starts to go hay-wire again, trying to wrap itself around everything that's happened in the last few months that I've been in the human world: I discovered who my parents are and was more or less kicked out of Soul Society; I met everyone in my family and finally feel like the void in my heart is filled; I came to realize the hard way that fighting Hollows here is a lot harder than fighting Hollows in Soul Society; I finally started fitting in with my new life…and then Sakura comes back.

Just the thought of Sakura being out there somewhere looking for me has got me on edge again. I sat up in bed, let my feet touch the floor, and I put my head in my hands.

"What am I going to do…?" I wonder allowed, keeping my voice low so no one else could hear. "She ruined my life once. I…I can't let her ruin this one. I won't let it happen."

I new found determination filled me, and though my body felt exhausted, my mind was wide awake. I wanted nothing more than to bring this to an end, and I would do it without someone getting hurt. I promised Una I wouldn't let anyone else die because of me—I swore on her grave.

Suddenly, there was a noise from outside my window. It started me at first, but then I realized that it was probably Hiroshi on the roof of his house again. It was always the spot he went when he wanted to be alone. Did he like being alone? Was he always alone?

I got up from my bed and leaned out of the window. Sure enough, there he was in his usual spot. His back was to me, facing the back yard and looking over the small line of trees and lined all three back yards. I couldn't see his face, but his posture was the most relaxed I had ever see him. Something about what he was seeing over the trees was calming him. Something about this calm side of him was…comforting. And then I wondered what exactly that something he was so interested in was.

Without thinking first, I said loud enough for him to hear me, "What's so interesting that you stare at it for so long?"

I bit my lip, immediately regretting opening my mouth. His shoulders tensed and he quickly turned to me, still sitting his spot on the roof. The look on his face was mixed with annoyance and shock. Obviously he hadn't realized that I was watching him.

His glare was lighter than normal, but still definitely present. "Now you've resorted to spying on people? That's a sure sign of a creepy person. I guess everyone should watch their backs around you."

I glared right back, now just as annoyed as he was. "Well, you're going to be very disappointed when you find out what you'll be doing the next time a Hollow comes around. Jerk."

With that said I huffed and closed the thin curtains to in front of my window, not sparing him another glance. Still worked up, I paced my room, looking for something to take my mind off of him, his attitude—everything!

"Ugh! He's such a…a jerk!"

"Who's a jerk? Besides that idiot Kon?" Yui walked into my room just then, and watched me stalk over to my dresser, looking for pajamas to wear. I felt her eyes on me for a moment.

"Oh, I see what's going on here…"

I looked down at her, a knowing smirk on her alligator shaped face. I was confused, having no idea what she was referring to. "What are you talking about?"

She put her stuffed hands on her hips. "I way not have real eyes or a beating heart, but I'm not blind. I remember what it was like to be in love, and I certainly remember what it looked like on others." Her smirk grew larger, though my face only got redder the more she talked. "You're in love, Nanami. That's so sweet!" she gushed.

I dropped to my knees, putting my face right up to hers, glaring as best I could with the red staining my cheeks. "I-I don't know what you're talking about, Yui."

Damn it. I stuttered. Not very convincing if you stutter, Nanami, I told myself silently.

Yui smirk only grew brighter. "Nice try. You'll have to work on your lying skills if you ever have to tell that to your mom and dad."

I sat back on my heels, deciding it was best not to open my mouth on that topic in particular. "Hiroshi is…just a friend."

She nodded. "Sure, sure. And I'm a stuffed, pink Flamingo."

I glared at her, not needing her sarcasm.

"Look, I know love when I see it. It's been a long time, albeit, but it doesn't change."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Love is…a strong word. I don't think this is what love it. At least not from the stories and books I've read."

She shook her head. "Do us all a favor and stop reading old romance books. They're wrong about everything."

She hopped up on my leg, placing her plushy hand on my arm. "Whatever you're feeling, you have every right to feel it. Don't push it away because he's not the average guy. Yes, he's crude and closed off, but maybe you can find out why he is the way he is. Maybe you can get him to open up to you a little bit. And then go from there."

I rolled my eyes. "That's easier said than done if all that comes out of his mouth is an insult."

I looked down at her. She wasn't smirking like she was a minute ago. Her words were completely kind and sincere. How could someone say no to that face?

"Fine," I groaned, sighing in defeat. Then I looked at her quizzically. "When did you become so interested in what I feel for Hiroshi?"

She shrugged. "You looked like you needed someone to talk to."

Well, she wasn't wrong about that. I know teenagers my age have friends they talk to about…'crushes', whatever that is. But, having only been here a few months, I didn't have friends. And I didn't really think I needed them. That had been Mom's worry, saying I should go out and meet other girls my age and make friends. She had even gone as far as suggesting I enroll in school, where I can socialize and make friends. But then my job as a Soul Reaper came up and the topic was pushed aside.

I was about to something else, when Yui looked out the window, a serious look on her face. "Nanami."

I looked over at the window too, confused. "What is it? A Hollow?"

She nodded. "Yeah, and it's close to here."

I stood, taking her with me as I did. "This conversation will have to wait." I looked at the stuffed animal standing in my hand, smiling. "Ready?"

She smiled, too. "Sure am. I wasn't that tired anyway."

I grabbed my Soul Reaper Badge from my dresser and pressed it to Yui's chest. As soon as the Badge made contact, a little green pill popped out from her mouth. I would had been grossed out if stuffed animals produced any kind of saliva—thankfully, that wasn't the case. As soon as I swallowed the pill, my soul was ejected from my body, and Yui's immediately took my place.

She gave me a cheerful thumbs up, smiling. "Be careful, and good luck."

I nodded and turned to the window, but quickly stopped, remember my conversation with my parents just a few minutes ago. I sighed, shoulders sinking in defeat.

"What is it?" Yui asked from behind me.

I sighed. "Well, I just remembered my promise to Mom, and I need to have a partner when I go out to take care of Hollows. At least until Sakura is dealt with." I sighed again, wanting to fulfill her wishes, but not wanting to deal with Hiroshi right now.

Yui shrugged. "Then I guess I can go with you."

I turned to her and raised a brow. "Uh…what?"

She smiled, though I still thrown off by the fact that it was really me that was smiling at me. "Your mom wants someone to watch your back, and since I know you can handle Hollows on your own, I don't see the harm in having me there. Besides, I'm ten times strong in your body than when I'm a stuffed animal. I'll even lend you a hand if you need one." She made a fist and 'punched' the air in front of her. "Let's do this! It's been a while since I've seen some real action."

I chuckled at her eagerness to get out of the house for the second time today. "Alight. Let's go before Mom realizes she got an alert."

I quickly scribbled a note for Mom and left it on my bed where I was sure she would see it. And—after having Yui check to see it Hiroshi was still on the room—we jumped from the window and too off toward the direction of the Hollow, the Mod-Soul leading the way.

. . .

That's a good place to end it! And then I can pick right back up with a cute family moment and little Nanami/Hiroshi fluff! XD

I'm going to be honest and say that I'm 90% sure that 'hollowfication' isn't a word, but I'm using it any way. I don't recall any other way they might have described the process. If anyone has a clue, let me know!

Also, I showed another weaker side of Nanami in this chapter because of the introduction of Una and Nanami's dark past. Don't worry. She will tough up in no time and be that bad ass girl her father would want her to be! XD

I really hope you guys are enjoying the twist and turns and mountainous cliff hangers of this story. I'm really enjoying writing it, and I promise that it won't be too long of a story. I have plans for Nanami to start school and making at least one other friend, but that comes later. So stick around for that fun adventure!

Thanks For Reading And Reviewing!

—Romni