Confusion
Ichigo and Sayuri found themselves sitting side-by-side in a small meadow filled with vibrant purple and blue wildflowers, creating an air fragrant with their strong smell, while the sun slowly set behind the horizon, leaving its soft orange light illuminating the landscape.
Ichigo found Sayuri the most stunning sight ever seen; her long dark locks had been pulled back neatly into a bun and her simple pink dress perfectly complimented the soft hue of the wildflowers in front of her.
He couldn't help but admire her as she gazed into the distance, seemingly lost in thought. After watching for several minutes, he finally asked: "What are you thinking about?"
She smiled broadly at him before speaking up. "I was just recalling when we first met," she explained.
Ichigo remembered with fondness the momentous day in which they met for the first time.
"It's strange," she observed with an amused expression on her face. "I feel as if we just met yesterday; yet it seems as though I have known you all my life."
Ichigo smiled back and replied, "I know what you mean - I feel the same way."
Sayuri smiled back and took his hand, "This journey has been amazing so far, and I can't wait to see where else it takes us!"
Ichigo smiled as he brought the girl's hand closer, gently kissing the knuckles of her hand before whispering "Me too." he added softly.
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Ichigo and Sayuri had been cuddling close together under the stars for hours, their bodies intertwined tightly in an embrace that brought comforting warmth. Drawing in a deep breath, Ichigo could smell the sweet fragrance of flowers surrounding them; while their eyes wandered across an endless night sky adorned by thousands of twinkling stars.
As they lay comfortably together, gazing upon the vastness of space around them, Sayuri and Ichigo found comfort in each other's arms, mesmerized by what seemed to be an endlessly unfolding universe. Sayuri appeared radiant under the soft glow of stars that cast its magical spell over her features like angel wings. Ichigo reached out and caressed her cheek, feeling her warmth under his fingertips – due to ichigo fighting hollows, this had been months since they'd felt close, and time seemed to stand still.
Just then, however, a loud rumble echoed through the air, awakening both from their daydream. Ichigo immediately stood up, scanning the horizon for its source, and was shocked to see something unfamiliar approaching them; its massive wingspan blotting out stars in its path.
Ichigo shouted in alarm, his heart racing rapidly. "Hide!", he pleaded, and "Get down!" were his instructions to hide from this danger.
Sayuri scrambled up onto her feet in terror as she ran behind Ichigo. Ichigo pulled his sword from its sheath and prepared to defend Sayuri from what he knew would come: the hollow was after blood!
Ichigo held his ground against The Hollow's presence, refusing to be intimidated. Raising his sword, he readied himself for battle.
Ichigo knew Sayuri had become overwhelmed by the Hollow's presence, and decided he needed to protect her as much as he could. Sayuri shrieked in pain before clutching at Ichigo who came quickly forward to try and defend her.
Ichigo lunged forward, striking out with one powerful blow, and cutting through the Hollow with ease. The hollow writhed in pain and vanished into the night sky, leaving behind only smoke trails as evidence of his defeat.
Ichigo felt relief that his problem had finally vanished. "That should do it," he announced with great relief.
Sayuri nodded as she continued clutching her head in discomfort, still clutching onto the shoulder of Ichigo for comfort. Ichigo wrapped his arm around Sayuri and pulled her close, caressing her hair tenderly while offering soothing words of encouragement.
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Sayuri looked down into the park below, feeling an ineffable sense of nostalgia wash over her. Though she couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was she missed, there was some vague emotion or sensation just out of reach for her right then and there.
"What's wrong?" Ichigo asked, recognizing her distress.
Sayuri sighed. "I don't know. Remember when I told you about these mysterious flashbacks that seem like memories but make no sense? I try to figure out what they signify, but they never stick around for more than a few seconds?" "It's been 3 years and still nothing Ichigo, I'm just so frustrated!"
Ichigo understood her anger. He knew the feeling all too well.
Sayuri recounted, "I want to remember them, but I can't. It seems as if they're only some vague memory from my dreams."
Ichigo reached out and gently took her hand. "Don't worry," he assured her gently, "it's alright; that's just how your mind works sometimes."
Sayuri smiled gratefully at his understanding. Leaning against him for some moments, Sayuri found comfort.
Ichigo sensed her discomfort and asked, "I know something else is wrong so what is it?".
Sayuri mused aloud: "I feel as if something important has slipped my mind; like I've lost something I can never find again.
Ichigo offered her his arm. "Don't worry," he assured her, "just focus on remembering. It should help."
Sayuri closed her eyes, and suddenly an image appeared in her mind: She was standing in a lush garden filled with the scent of flowers and laughter -
She remembered being held by this stranger with white and black robes on, feeling at peace in their embrace, like all her suffering had gone away. It had been like being home.
Sayuri was taken aback when her heart suddenly started beating fast during a flashback of this mysterious man holding tightly onto her in this garden who was not Ichigo, silent tears streaming down her cheeks as Ichigo comforted her against the cold of night. Ichigo's hand had been in hers, warming and comforting against its cold temperatures.
Sayuri was overcome with emotion as her breath caught in her throat and she began trembling uncontrollably, as Ichigo noticed and pulled her closer with strong embrace, wrapping his arms tightly around her in an embrace that only strengthened their bond.
"Don't worry," he offered with a gentle voice, "it was only one of your flashbacks and now you are safe.
Sayuri wrapped her face around his chest, the warmth from his body serving to ease her anxiety. Slowly, Sayuri's shaking subsided, and she experienced normal breathing again.
Ichigo pulled back, looked down at her, brushed away some hair from her face, smiled reassuringly and asked, "Are you okay now?" he responded worried.
She slowly nodded. "Yes," she whispered quietly, barely audible.
Ichigo nodded, taking her hand again. He stated, "Let's get you home," since it was getting late, and they still had school the following morning.
Sayuri nodded as she allowed Ichigo to lead her back home. As they walked together through the darkness of night and into its full light of stars twinkling brightly above, Sayuri glanced upward, watching as each one twinkled as though responding to her silent wishes; feeling an overwhelming sense of peace come over her from knowing he had always been with her from start to finish.
They walked comfortably together in silence, enjoying each other's company. Finally, when they reached Sayuri's house, Ichigo stopped, turning towards her as they approached.
"Well, it appears this is goodbye for now," he stated in his low voice.
Sayuri nodded saddenly before moving closer and placing a gentle kiss on Ichigo's cheek, whispering her thanks. "Thank you."
Ichigo smiled as Sayuri opened her door and entered, waving goodbye before closing it again and closing her eyes behind. In an instant, Ichigo had left.
Sayuri stood still for a moment, her heart still racing from her flashback. Gradually, however, Sayuri felt an overwhelming sense of calm wash over her. Ichigo had always been there for her, and he would always remain so. With an easy smile on her lips, she entered her room and closed its door securely behind her.
