"Something troubles you. What is it, Hime?"

Splinter calmly asked you again. It was the same question your mind echoed for the last two weeks since….your brief encounter with Isshin. He only asked that when he sensed something a missed with you, with everyone.

He was never wrong and normally you'd have an answer.

You'd tell him in private, as you always did. He'd bring or call you into his dojo and have you sit either across from him or you'd sit next to him. Sometimes he'd reach out his paws and take hold of your hands giving them a comforting squeeze or you'd both meditate together and after immersing yourself in his calming presence, you'd tell him. Other times you just blurt it out without holding back.

You'd tell him everything. You'd always…answer his question and after you did, he'd open his arms and wrap them affectionately around you followed by words of assurance and compassion with a sprinkle of wisdom that dissolved any troubles you had away.

What peace.

Hopefully, Master Splinter will forgive you for your refusal to reply.

How disrespectful, you thought shamefully flying through the night over the sleeping residences of Karakura.

Well, most of the residents were asleep and wouldn't notice your aerial presence. You remembered to keep a well-appropriate altitude to remain out of sight. Plus, with your dark oversized hoodie on allowed decent camouflage on your part. It was minimal at best but it did the trick.

Master Splinter always drilled into you, April, and the guys the important art of intonjutsu and hensojutsu. They were essential and after all these years you've kept those lessons and then some.

You wondered…briefly what Master Splinter would think if he saw you now? You deeply wondered what April and your father would think.

As the thoughts emerged your heart slowly began tightening in your chest.

You couldn't lose focus, not on matters of the past nor could you lament buried memories. Time wasn't kind to you and it would be…trivial. Right now your thoughts and focus were required elsewhere.

Not with Isshin, no, that moment you quickly shelved aside. It was a one-time thing and nothing more. You'd make sure it wouldn't happen again. Having distance was best. Master Splinter's words you locked them away, tighter this time.

Your hands started trembling a bit, of course, it did. Closing your eyes, calmly inhale and exhale until it stopped. You didn't want to ruin the small box you held before you got there. Once your hands stopped you opened your eyes. Your destination was approaching. Once it came into view, you descend gently and place it down on the doormat, before leaving you knock three times on the door and quickly vanish. Normally you'd stay behind and make sure they took in but you needed to get back, though not before making another stop just to check and nothing more.

Calm nights like this almost took you back, to simpler times. Feeling yourself begin to submerge into those thoughts, you shut them down, just as their echoes resurfaced. Again, you rebut yourself, you hadn't the time to linger on those memories or moments. You reached your second destination. Their lights were off...good. Meaning they were getting a good amount of sleep and hopefully they ate the dinner you prepared for them it wasn't hard to heat up.

Tempted to move closer, you held back and left.

This town...this whole place you still had yet to adapt to it, how different it was from...Xaava-Dal and...New York City. You weren't as close to the stars as in Xaava-Dal or reached the highest building like in New York City. Still, you managed to..adjust it took a minute(it'd been years since normalcy) but you did and that's something you hoped for Rukia.

You knew this sort of adjustment...it wasn't easy. And the transition part is even harder. That's where your thoughts resided, over the last two weeks something was troubling her, you saw the parakeet you could sense and knew it well. You'd often caught staring longingly at her hand at the house and in class. Also, she was uncharacteristically quieter than usual, reserved. Even with Adam to some degree. Ever since the last day, you saw the parakeet and the brief meeting with Isshin; at first, you wondered if it was because of the injury she had that same day when you came home with Adam. Her shoulder was roughly wrapped and bleeding a bit, she tried to dismiss it but you tended to it and you noticed.

The bitter confusion and anguish shimmering underneath her eyes conformed into frustration and thousands of questions with no answers. Your heart went out to her and you had the words ready to speak but, you held back and when her eyes meet yours, you simply smiled. She couldn't be buried in her thoughts, you didn't want her to.

Change was hard. It was never easy.

You had a plan to help her, it might not be grand but...it might just do.

The house came into view, all lights were off, and you sensed Adam and Rukia were still asleep, good. With delicate precision, you glide into the open window of the master room. Your room and quietly slide it shut.

"These are so good!" Keigo exclaimed taking another bite of the matcha concha, walking onto the school grounds, with tears running down his face. "How are you getting these delicious treats, Chad?" he asked with a mouthful.

Chad holding the small white box in one hand, and with the other held his concha taking a bite. It was sweet and soft. So authentic, it tasted just like...back when lived with his grandfather. The flavors where though were different, a mixture of common Japanese flavors but delicious all the same. He didn't have an answer to Keigo's question, who'd been asking the same one for the last two weeks. Ever since the parakeet...no Yuichi left, he'd been receiving these boxes randomly and each one was filled with different treats. Either Mexican or Japanese treats. He wasn't sure who delivered them, but every night they came there came two or three knocks and when he went to open his door, he'd find no one just the box with his name on it.

"It has to be an admirer," Keigo suggested coyly, nudging Chad a bit. "Who else would leave a guy, sweets?"

Ichigo let out an exasperated sigh, "It's not an admirer."

"How do you know?" Keigo countered, "It makes the most sense. Dropping off sweets late at night for over two weeks now. What else could it be? A ghost?"

Mizuiro took a bite of his bread before speaking up, "A ghost? Really how would a ghost even be able to hold anything? You should stop watching those shows. Besides," he gave Chad a friendly look, "if it is a secret admirer they're rather lucky. I'm happy for you Chad. Can't wait to meet her so we can tell her thank you for this."

Chad gave a nod and turned to Ichigo, "You sure you don't want one? They're really good."

Ichigo peered at them for a moment, "Sure." He reached in, grabbed one, and took a bite. He was surprised, "Whoa, these are good."

"So, you guys ready for our first Market Day Field Trip," Mizuiro asked changing topics as they entered the building, Ichigo's frown deepened, "I am. I wonder how far we're going to go?"

Keigo sighed dreamily, as they climbed the stairs, "I wonder what Miss Bishop will be wearing today. That's more important. Can't you just picture it!" He began gushing becoming lost in his fantasy, "She's standing there all in a long, flowing white gown. With a fitted bodice that accentuates her figure and a voluminous skirt that flows gracefully as she walks towards me. Her shoulders bare and a veil covering her face."

"I think you're describing a wedding dress," Chad said a bit uncomfortable.

Mizuiro shook his head, "You can't marry her. You know that right?"

Keigo turned up his nose, "Age is nothing but a number! Besides once I turn eighteen I'll be able to-"

Ichigo irksomely smacked his school bag in Keigo's face cutting him off. Keigo fell to the floor unconscience, flinching a bit. Ichigo stepped right over him with Chad following and Mizuiro who continued shaking his head. Tatsaki and Orihime, who were already in class noticed like the other students the assault and were confused a bit.

"What was that all about," Tatsaki asked crossing her arms, her attention still on Keigo who was barely starting to come to. "What did he do this time?" She looked at Ichigo for an answer.

Ichigo didn't answer and instead sat down, annoyed, Mizuiro answered her question, "Keigo was dreaming about marrying Miss Bishop. Again."

"What! Again!" Tatsaki flared, "Serves him right! I told him not to. He never listens."

Chizuru pops up, "Yeah! Besides, we all know I'm going to marry Miss Bishop. Oh, but don't worry Orihime, you can be my second wife." She turns to Orihime and just as she was about to jump her, Tatsaki's fist came down on her head.

"The same goes for you too!" she snarled, then whipped around like a typhoon to the whole class, her eyes dangerously dark, "That goes for everyone here! Miss Bishop is off-limits! You got it!"

Everyone flinched, she snarled at them and they all answered a resounding yes. Orihime who wasn't paying attention to Tatsaki, kept her attention on Ichigo, she noticed him muttering and mumbling to himself.

"What is it, Ichigo?" she asked moving closer.

Realizing what he was doing he quickly stops, and brushes it aside, "Nothing. Just...nothing."

Orihime opened her mouth to say something but closed it and let it be. Mizuiro spoke up repeating the same question to Orihime and Tatsaki, "Ready for today's Market Field Trip?"

You were, almost, ready for the first field trip, you just needed to do a few things first before the students came in forty-five minutes. The school bell rang and you got started. First, you took out all signed permission slips, ensuring they had been signed, though there were some students you made an exception. Once you confirmed the slips signed you moved on to your second task, individual and personalized tote bags for each student. Each tote was either one of the four colors, red, blue, orange, or purple. In the center of the bag, was the student's name, and inside the bag was a small clipped pocket so they could place their money. You placed each bag at the student's assigned seat, and along with it, you provided a small goodie pack consisting of a water bottle, a small fan, a small bag of snacks, and if needed a hat against the sun.

It was good to be prepared and make sure those around you had what they needed. They need not ask, it was your duty after all.

Forty-five minutes passed and the bell rang. It was time and Keigo was the first one out of Ms. Ochi's class, leaving a stream of smoke behind him, leaving some of his classmates confused, minus Chizuru who raced right after him. Both managed to avoid Tatsaki's snapping grasp.

"Good morning Miss Bishop! You look lovely today!" Keigo and Chizuru sang loudly, throwing themselves at you, the second you opened the door to greet everyone.

Startled a bit by their presence and action, instinctively you swiftly strike them at a particular pressure point. Causing them to collapse. Realizing your mistake you quickly help them just as the other students approached.

Tatsaki snickered at the sight, "Serves them right. Morning Miss Bishop."

"Good morning, Miss Tatsaki and everyone," you greet her and the rest quickly while tending to Keigo and Chizuru, goodness you hoped you didn't strike a damaging point, "everyone please make your way inside. I shall be in shortly. Careful Mr. Keigo. Careful."

The students did as you instructed and went inside. Back outside you were able to recover Keigo and Chizuru to health. They popped up and you quietly sighed relieved there was no damage.

"How are you two feeling," you gently inquire, as your eyes attentively inspect them while helping them up.

It took them a minute to settle their senses and surroundings, as they did you took this moment and helped to fix their appearance. You straightened out their red tie and dusted them off respectfully.

"There," you muttered to yourself, stepping back and examining them for any wrinkles or injuries. They looked just as they came, again you sigh quietly and repeat the question. "How are you both?"

Keigo answered first, blinking a few times, "Good. What happened?" he looked around a bit confused, scratching his head.

You stiffen quietly and try not to laugh nervously, "Oh, well you both were quite excited about today's field trip, you must have blacked out. Yes, too much excitement can do that to an individual."

Chizuru and Keigo exchange bemused looks, your heart raced with panic, but you remained calm and composed and quickly changed the topic. "Come, everyone is waiting to begin." You hurry to the door and hold it open for them eagerly, "I must take roll before anything. Come now. Let us linger. Yes. Good. Good."

They walk inside the room, still confused but said nothing further. Before going in, you turn away and fan yourself glad it went well. You took a few seconds to collect yourself, adjust your yellow headband, and smooth out any wrinkles on your white wide-leg, sleeveless, cut-out belted jumpsuit. You even check your brown wedges for any scuffs. After an adjustment with your belt, you were ready and headed inside.

"Alright," you clasp your hands together with a bright smile, "I shall take roll an-"

"Thank you, Miss Bishop!" the class shouts elatedly, minus Ichigo, holding up their tote bags. Some hugged them.

That surprised you, that you lost your words. Most of their faces were just lit up with joy, some looked at the totes admiringly. Others gushed with a treasured expression, which was mainly Orihime. You weren't expecting such a reaction over something so... simple. Something...something warm quickly washed over you, a feeling you hadn't felt...you couldn't break away from their expressions. For a moment you became lost in them and found yourself...surrounded by the same appreciative faces of...everyone and...

Your bottom lip trembled softly, but it wasn't noticeable, and you quickly you shove that memory and feelings aside. You give the class a gentle warm smile in response and without a word walked to the front to take attendance.

The market was bustling with mild traffic but fruitful and busy. Vendors were set up covering a good full block and a half. The scents of fresh fruits and species and much more filled the air. Providing a spring and lively presence. A few students' mouths gapped open, while others' eyes widen eager to begin. Shoppers who were present stared with arched brows at you and the students. You politely greeted them and walked through to the center of the market where the fountain was. The students followed.

"Alright, everyone please pay attention," you address them, keeping your voice tempered and leveled, though it was apparent you were happy at their reaction. You waited a bit until their clamoring settled before you spoke again, "It pleases me to see your reaction and I cannot deny my anticipation of your exploration of the market. Before we begin, a few guidelines. First, after your two-hour duration please promptly return here. Second, collectively be in groups of either four or six. If you desire, I mean prefer eight that is suitable. Third, remember you are shopping for the proper ingredient needed for your workstation's assigned recipe. Fourth, be respectful to other attendees and vendors. Should you desire to provide the opposite, you shall not accompany the class on our next outing. Finally, do enjoy yourselves. Any questions?"

No one raised a hand until Uryuu did. "Miss Bishop, is there a provided perimeter?"

"A good question. The market extends on this block and the next, however, you must remain on this block. If you decide to disregard my words then consider yourself unable to accompany us next time. Now, before you, I have a layout of the market to help you better navigate yourself through."

You take out a clip stack of papers, unclip them, and hand them out, "This will show you where fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients you need are. If you decide to shop for clothing or other trinkets I implore you first to focus on gathering what you need, however, once you have you are free to do as you please with the remainder of your time. Again, two hours. You have two hours. I will be walking around checking on you and ensuring you are safe. Now, anything else?"

No one had anything to say and you could see their delight to begin. Holding back the rising laughter you had, you give a dismissal nod and let them go.

The clamoring of the students filled the market, they paired up just as you instructed. You walked by a few to check and make sure as you said. They were doing just fine, a few times some asked for your help or suggestion. There were times some students were a bit confused about what to get or if something was actually editable. You had the answer.

It delighted you in seeing their enjoyment, the weather was perfect and there was nothing hoovering around ominously or with a darker intent. You made sure of that. Rukia and the others could just enjoy themselves. As you continued your walkthrough, you thought for a moment if Orihime managed to find what you put in her bag. It was a little something. You wondered if Rukia had enough, and if she would be able to do this(you left her instructions, hopefully, Ichigo could help her), you gave money this morning for today. She was hesitant to take it at first, but you insisted, she was under your care it was only natural and right.

"So, what do you think of that guy?" Michiru suggested to her friends, pointing to an average-looking guy buying something. "He seems like her type."

Tatsaki, Orihime, along with Ryo, Mahana, and Chizuru take a gander at the man and shake their heads disapprovingly.

"Not even close," Tatsaki scuffs, turning her attention back to the eggplant she was holding, "besides we should be finishing our assignment. Not trying to find Miss Bishop a boyfriend."

Ryo shoots her a sharp look, "It's not finding her a boyfriend. It's finder her a husband."

"Why does it matter though," Tatsaki huffed, setting the eggplant down and picks up some corn, while checking her list, "yeah I think this is it. Hey umm, how much?"

"It does matter," Mahana exclaims with determination, "we've discussed this. We don't know if she is seeing anyone. You don't know Tatsaki, so the only logical choice is we find her someone. A person like Miss Bishop should have someone. It's only logic."

The other girls nod agreeing, Tatsaki rolls her eyes shaking her head, "It doesn't matter. Clearly, Miss Bishop is just fine. Besides it isn't logic. It's just annoying."

Orihime spoke giving it a thought, "Well, I think Miss Bishop should have someone. It could be a prince if she is royalty. Lost royalty. Maybe her life there didn't work out and she didn't love them. So she came here to find it. Plus it's only right to her help. After all the things she's doing for us."

It took every ounce of Tatsaki to not facepalm, but she restrained herself. "Let's just...just focus on our assignment. Okay?"

"But this is more important," Michiru objected when you appeared behind her.

"What have you deemed a higher urgency Miss Michiru," you calmly ask.

Your presence startled her and the rest, they screamed. You stare at them surprised and confused, their faces went redder than a brick. It was quite clear whatever it was they were talking about caused their embarrassment. Never had you seen such wide eyes before, feeling you should leave give them a nod and walk away.

"I wonder what that was about," you ponder for a moment when someone called your attention.

"Miss Bishop, a moment."

You look and find it was Uyruu, he was with a group and ushered you over. You walk over and find him holding two items, behind his stern eyes you picked up on his uncertainty.

"Yes, Mr. Uyruu?"

He cleared his throat and took a moment to collect his words, "The recipe requires a particular sort of cheese, mozzarella. I know mozzarella is white, which you can see in what I'm holding. However," he paused and pushed up his glasses(just like his father), "which one of these are mozzarella?"

You look at the two white cheeses he held in each hand. One was packaged in a small bag of water, while the other had a softer consistency than a silky one, though was shaped as a block. Right away you knew which one it was.

He was so serious, you thought for a moment before answering, "This one. Right here." You point to the one in the bag, and for a moment to your surprise, his eyes widen with understanding.

"I see. Thank you," he gave you a nod and set the block of cheese, and paid for the mozzarella.

With nothing else, you leave to check on the others. Your thoughts again went to Rukia and you wondered how she was doing, you saw her from afar with Ichigo, Chad, Keigo, and, Mizuiro. She seem to be doing just fine.

After you did another check-in with the students you quietly did your own shopping, you still had your idea in mind for Rukia and wanted to make sure you had what you needed. While you shopped you remembered you needed to get a few extra things for the meal you promised you'd make as payment for Mr. Urahara, Mr. Tessai, and the kids. You hadn't picked a date just yet, but it was coming up soon.

Time quickly vanished and soon it was nearly time for you to meet the students back at the fountain. You do another check-in and find a few of the students had begun shopping for other items. You quickly remind them of the time and continue. Markets...you enjoyed them, they held so many emotions. The memories you had, ones with you and April going to one. Others...with Masaki and her family. You use to go with them and every time you did...Ichigo...he held your hand. Of course, he'd switch between you and Masaki or sometimes just hold both. But when it was just you and him, it was just...you just felt touched and how he'd smile at you with such love and joy. Not now with his scowl and detest, is what it felt like.

Your hand felt so empty.

It took every part of you not to look at it. If you did, what difference would it make?

Clearing your mind, you focus back on the present and head to the fountain. When you arrived a few students were there and others were coming. They were chatting amongst themselves. Not wanting to interrupt them, you quietly took attendance without looking at your roll sheet. Once you had everyone it was time to return back to school.

On the way, you took solace in listening to the students and their chatter. Quietly smiling to yourself a sudden gust of wind came, ruffling your hair a bit while startling a few students.

"It is alright. It is alright," you assure them, calming them. "It is nothing but the wind. Just a change in the wind."

One student was still startled, "Are you sure? That was a big gust."

You offer them a soft smile and nod, "Yes. Just a simple change in the wind."