Chapter 1

A raindrop fell on my cheek.

Looking up into the grey sky, I watched as all the small drops multiplied rapidly. I'd known it was going to rain, I'd known that I should've probably been indoors, and I'd known that to most people this was just odd and childish; but not to me.

I've never cared what people have to say about being in the rain. I've always had a likeness for it, and it couldn't be helped.

I spun around in a circle—my arms fully extended and my head tilted up toward the sky. I let the rain absolutely soak me from head to toe. It was a good feeling; a clean, pure feeling. Sure, I'd probably catch a cold later, but hey, it was well worth it. It felt like all my sorrows, all my pain, all my sins, everything, was being absorbed by each and every drop, and dripping off my body onto the ground—it was like an addiction I couldn't get enough of.

"Azumi! Get inside already!" My Mom yelled from the window.

Although she wasn't my real mother, she was the closest thing I had to one. She could be annoying at times, but she still cared for me, and I appreciated it very much.

"Azumi!" She yelled again.

"I'll be inside later, Mom!" I yelled back.

It was the last rain of the winter, and there was no way I was going to miss it. I looked toward the window and saw my Mom's face of disapproval. I'd be in for it later—that was for sure.

"Get inside now, young lady!" And with that, she slammed the window shut to keep the cold air out.

I sighed.

If I didn't comply, I wouldn't hear the end of it.

So with one more spin and a few more drops on my face, I unwillingly went inside. I tossed off my wet Converse and socks, and grabbed the earth brown towel that magically made its way to the table in front of me.

"Don't come crying to me when you catch a cold. I warned you, but as usual you went ahead and did it anyway. When will you learn?" My irritated mother asked.

"When I turn 256," I replied with a smirk.

She sighed and walked into the kitchen—probably to take out the medicine and chicken noodle soup. The soup was good, but it was the medicine I hated most. To this day I always spit it out when she's not looking. There's poison or something in those pills, I know it.

I rung out my shoulder-blade length dark brown hair, and wrapped it in the towel like I just got out of the shower.

As I went up the stairs towards my bedroom, I heard the front door swing open—which meant that my Dad was home. Of course not my real Dad, but the person that—like my Mother—was the closet thing I had to one.

The truth is I really don't know who my real parents were. Every time I'd ask, my parents would always tell me the same old story of how they found me. I've been a part of this family for just about all my 16 years, so, whatever's clever.

My Dad brought in the groceries—or should I say pack of beer—and set it on the coffee table. Which meant that I had to go deposit them in the fridge—oh joy, and after I just got upstairs too.

I ran down the stairs, grabbed the beer, and went directly to putting them in the fridge. My Dad patted my head as usual, set down his lunchbox, and sat down at the kitchen table to take off his boots.

He was the manager at the local Karakura town construction company, while my Mom worked in an office dispatching trucks, getting truck drivers, and all that other delivery mumbo-jumbo which I still don't understand. All I know is that she controls the trucks that get the food to the stores. They pay the bills, so despite not understanding, I'm fine with it.

He gave my Mom a kiss—as he did normally—and then proceeded to ask the daily question to the both of us.

"How was everyone's day?"

After my Mom explained how tedious and stressful her day was, my Dad side-glanced me for my response.

"Pointless and a waste of time." I shrugged.

It was true; school sucks and is a waste of time. All you really need are the basics; I ain't seen anyone that ever needed Geometry for anything!

"It'll be over in no time, just tough it out." He smirked, asking me to get him a beer with his eyes.

Thank God it was the twist-cap beer—I had no idea where the bottle-opener was, and I really didn't feel like looking. After I handed him the beer and stood there listening to them chit-chat for a few minutes, I grabbed my Converse and socks and went upstairs to go do homework and go to bed...so my parents thought.

Locking my bedroom door, I started to get ready.

I threw the towel off my head and combed my hair, then changed my already soaked jacket for my dry, pull-over black hoodie. I changed my jeans for a dry pair of black ones, then put on my socks and only pair of Converse. I grabbed my music player and looped the wires up my shirt while I stuck the music player itself in my pocket. Lastly, I grabbed my cell phone and made for the window.

It was a good thing that my parents never really checked up on me at night like normal parents; if they did and they found out I wasn't there, there'd be Hell to pay.

Propping open my window quietly, I shimmied out onto the wooden, ladder-like wall of flowers against my wall. Once I was low enough, I jumped the rest of the way down, and ran to the tree for cover. I had to check to see if my parentals were paying attention before I continued. I squinted my eyes and saw them through the window—they were still in the kitchen talking. I walked right past the window without anyone seeing, and started walking toward the park.

No, I didn't leave so that I could go hang out with friends or anything as most people would think; I actually left so I could be alone. The park would no doubt be deserted because of the hour and rain, so it seemed like the perfect place to just listen to music by myself.

Stepping into the sand—or, muddy-sand now—I sat down on one of the swings after pouring off all the water collected in the seat. I cranked up the volume of my music player to the loudest setting, and closed my eyes, enjoying the feeling of being by myself. I held onto the chains of the swing and lifted my feet off the ground; slowly swaying back and forth in the swing. I rarely ever sang, but at the moment, no one was around.

Boom.

I stopped my singing mid-sentence; a rush of wind blew my hood off. My spine went stiff, and my body froze with fear.

Thunder?

No—of course it wouldn't be something as simple as thunder. I opened my eyes and saw something from a nightmare.

A giant monster-like creature with a mask covering it's face was directly in front of me.

It was hunched down on all fours, staring at me with glowing red eyes through the small eye holes of it's mask. It bent down closer to me, just to about eye-level; it's steamy breath smacking against my face as it spoke.

"Well would you look at what I've found? I knew if I followed my nose I'd find something worthwhile, and look—I did!" It laughed.

"Do you want to do this the easy way or the hard way, Umai-chan?" It laughed a dark, demented laugh.

My heart was beating so fast I thought it'd shoot out of my chest.

If there was any situation where you were basically screwed no matter what, this would be it.

There was no way on earth I'd be able to get away from this thing alive—not even if I'd made a mad dash at that very moment. But even so, I wasn't going to give up without even trying.

"B-But, I'm not delicious in the least, y-you don't want me, I-I won't satisfy you," I stuttered, my eyes wide and my body trembling.

"Oh, but yes you are! You see, you have a strange reiatsu that I haven't felt in years; when I ate the last one, it was really tasty! The only difference is that your reiatsu is larger than his was; so if he was tasty, then no doubt you'd be delicious, Umai-chan." It licked its lips.

Without another thought, I made a dash as fast as I could away from the thing.

I had to try to get away; even if it was pointless, I just had to.

I peeked over my shoulder and saw that the thing was gone. I sighed in relief, but then crashed straight into something hard and red. I backed up a step, and noticed the lines and curves on the wall.

Or, what I thought was a wall.

I cursed under my breath as I realized that it was the monster's giant hand that I crashed into. I spun around quickly, only to have its other hand slammed against the ground.

It had me trapped like a rat.

It laughed that evil, maniacal laugh, and quickly brought its hands together; making a loud clapping sound as ut practically flattened me from the hold. I sharply exhaled and lightly shrieked; I was so incredibly scared that I didn't really know how to react from the fast action.

"What? No screams? Where's the fun in that?" It asked.

I gulped hard in response, and it tightened its grip on me.

"Scream." It commanded.

Its grip tightened so much that I screamed out of pure, agonizing pain.

Its thumbs were wrapped around my center—where it squeezed the hardest. It started laughing again as it loosened its grip a little, and at the pressure change my vision began to blur.

The monster stopped laughing all of a sudden.

I couldn't quite process what was happening, but it seemed as if its right eye suddenly slid downward—in fact its whole right side started sliding downward.

Suddenly, it turned into dust; its remnants drifted away with the storm.

I felt like I was falling; my heart rate slowed and my vision finally gave way.

I counted down for the moment I'd meet the concrete; my vision darkened as my consciousness came to an end.

-[×]-

Bright, grey light suddenly blinded my brown orbs as soon as I opened them. Just as soon I closed them again, wincing from the sting. I rubbed my eyes and sat up slowly. My body was incredibly sore for some reason.

Last night's terrifying event flashed swiftly through my mind.

But, how did I survive?

I finally opened my eyes and looked around. It was morning time apparently, and I was lying—or, sitting now—on a park bench.

Wait, it was morning.

"Shit!" I cursed.

My parents were probably freaking out by now.

I jumped off the bench, and even though I landed on my feet, I immediately fell to my knees—I forgot the fact that my body hurt like hell. With a deep, pained breath, I slowly stood up again, and ran toward home.

I checked the time on my cell phone—8 a.m.

Okay, so technically I'd still be asleep right now. So—in theory—I could get away with this without my parents knowing. Good; they didn't need to know about this.

I made it to my house, crawled under the front window in case they were in the living room, and then turned the corner to the wall of flowers that led to my window. I climbed up with a few winces, and then opened the window and scrambled inside.

"Damn it," I cursed at the pain.

It felt like I was going to throw up from all of it. I took off all clothing aside from my bra and underwear, put on my pajama sweat pants and tank top, then fell on top of my bed. As I laid there trying to sleep, my mind raced with questions.

Just what exactly was that thing? How did I get away? Why was I on safely on a bench rather than dead on the concrete? Did it…die?

It was only then that I realized today was Friday, and I had school—shit.

If it wasn't for that damn test, I would've just skipped and stayed home sleeping, but no, my damn teacher just had to give us a test on a Friday. The day everyone usually misses. How teacher-ish.

I got up and started getting ready. I threw on the uniform we were required to wear, then wiped off the smudged eyeliner and applied more just underneath my lashes. I really didn't care if people thought I was a raccoon or whatever, this was me whether they liked it or not.

My eyes actually looked an orangy-brown today rather than their normal dark brown; it was weird, but I just shrugged it off and continued getting ready. If I was lucky, I'd make it there in time for break-hopefully.

I put on my shoes, ran down the stairs with my bag, and out the front door. I didn't have time for breakfast, so, I'd just have to wait for lunch. Oh damn it—I forgot my lunch! I mentally cursed at myself while running; I had no time to go back home and make it, so, I'd just have to starve today—joy.

I finally made it to Karakura High, and ran in through the gate. Being a senior, it was bad to be late; if you were late, you'd have to stay after school and help clean up the classroom or something of equal boredom. So, maybe if I was just skilled enough, I could just slip into the classroom and act like I was there the entire time.

Everyone forgets that I'm in their midst sometimes because I'm quiet. I never really talked to anyone; I just did my work, and slept. No one really cared because I've always been the outcast of this school. Yep, everyone has a name for me: 'The Loner Girl,' 'the Emo/Gothic girl,' 'Takashita Azumi,' or just plain out 'the Weird Kid.'

What can I say? I really didn't care about people's thoughts or opinions, so I was fine with it. It's always been a 'You leave me alone; I'll leave you alone' attitude with me, and Hell, it worked. It's funny because even the lower graders knew me.

"Haha, I'm popular…not." I snickered in my head.

I took a shortcut through the freshman building. It was the fastest way to get to the senior building without running into staff, faculty, or any of those idiots that always ask: 'Where are you supposed to be right now?'

I was almost home-free when I saw a faculty member walk into the freshman building.

"What the hell? They're not supposed to be here, damn it!" I muttered quietly to myself.

Quickly, I ran to the nearest trashcan and crouched down behind it. Thanks to my shortness, I easily was able to hide without my head sticking up over the trash can.

Easy-peesy.

The guy from faculty walked by without even noticing. I suppressed a laugh until I saw that he left the building. I stood up—victoriously shooting imaginary bullets toward him through my fingertips—and watched him enter the next building as I walked backwards towards the other exit.

Suddenly and unsuspectingly during my triumphant dance, I bumped into someone.

I spun around quickly, and saw a freshman with white hair in front of me; texting something on his phone.

I looked up from his phone, and directly into his teal hues by accident—they were looking directly into mine.

I felt a faint blush spread across my cheeks,and then I realized that he was a little taller than me—damn freshman. Then again, everyone was taller than me.

"Sorry kid," I said before stepping to the side and walking toward the exit.

"Why'd I blush when I saw him? I've never blushed over anyone before. Ever. Not even that one really hot guy that was in my class last year with the body of steel that had the superman hair-curl and everything. Not even him. What the hell?" I scoffed mentally.

Once I got to the exit, I peeked over my shoulder as slyly as I could.

He was gone.

-[×]-

I made it safely to class and before I knew it, the school day was over. Of course that was because I slept through it. I walked home by myself as usual, my music player full blast in my ears to yet another rock song—I'm a rock fanatic, what can I say?

I passed by the same park from last night.

My heart started pounding furiously at just the thought of last night's scene. Picking up the pace, I walked as fast as I could past the spot. I still didn't know what that thing was, and I most certainly wasn't going to wait for another one to come and avenge it or something. I'll leave the police or whoever to figure that out—if they didn't declare me mentally insane first.

Once I reached the end of the park, I heard it again.

The same "Boom" sound from last night.

My heart-rate increased rapidly.

I looked around and everyone just continued to walk by like nothing.

Could they not hear it?

Boom.

There it was again.

It was coming closer.

Boom.

"Shit!" I looked around again, and the people were the same as before.

What the hell was going on?

I pulled a random lady to the side.

"Excuse me, did you hear that?" I asked frantically.

She snorted and pulled away from me.

"Young lady, did you ever stop to think that maybe that loud music you're listening to has anything to do with it?" She said before walking away irritated.

Whatever, now wasn't the time.

I heard it again.

Without thinking, I broke out into a run.

There was no way in hell I'd stay there to see another one of those disgusting creatures again. I glanced behind my shoulder—nothing was there. I looked forward again and stopped dead in my tracks.

In front of me stood the monster.

This one was different from before—that was for sure. It's mask was white like the other one's, but it's coloring was different; it's body was dark brown and it's hands a dark green. It was slightly smaller from the other one, and had similar features to that of a black bear; that fact didn't make me any less terrified.

I glanced left and right; no one noticed the gigantic creature standing in the middle of the sidewalk—none whatsoever.

I felt faint.

How could no one else but me see this?

Before I knew it, the monster grabbed me with it's dark green hand—much like the monster from last night had. It hadn't lifted me off the ground, but it did squeeze me all the same; I started screaming.

"Can you see me, girl?" It asked, squeezing me so tightly in that instant that I couldn't scream.

I nodded and it sniffed the air for a second.

"Ah, so you're the one I've been smelling! Your appetizing scent goes for miles; I couldn't contain myself anymore!" It said, licking it's lips as it lifted me off the ground.

"No! Stop!" I pleaded, tears escaping down my cheek.

What was it with these monsters and squeezing the be-jesus out of me?

It laughed, and then opened its mouth wide to dangle me over it.

I kicked and screamed as loud as I could, and the people around us freaked out and ran—all hope was lost again.

It let go.

I plunged head first straight into its mouth. I closed my eyes, waiting for my imminent demise.

Something flew into me.

Opening my eyes, I realized I was safe on the sidewalk.

Suddenly, there was a violent roar that came from the monster.

Sitting up, I saw the monster's arm thump onto the ground; I focused back to the monster.

There was a kid with white hair standing in front of the monster with a sword in his hand. He had on a black shihakushou with a white haori on top—something no one wears nowadays—and had the number 10 written in kanji on the back of it along with his sword's sheath.

How was it possible?

How could some kid take on something like this?

"Bastard!" The monster yelled, and with it's other still-attached arm, tried to squish the kid.

"Watch out!" I screeched.

The kid was gone.

I looked back and forth, but I couldn't see him.

Then the monster gave a distorted howl, and disintegrated into dust like the previous monster had.

The kid reappeared where the monster was.

I forced myself to move, and finally stood up—even though I fell right back down.

The kid looked over his shoulder at me—his teal eyes pierced mine for what seemed like forever.

That's when it hit me.

It was that freshman from before!

"W-Who are you?" I asked.

He shut his eyes, and crossed his arms like he was in deep thought.

"Hitsugaya Toushirou." He said.

"T-Takashita Azumi," I stuttered in reply.

He made a 'hmm' noise in contemplation, and then opened his eyes again; those eyes of his made me shudder.

"How long have you been seeing Hollows?" He asked me.

"H-Hollows? Is that what that thing was?" I asked.

"N-Never, not since last night," I breathed out.

He didn't say anything, but then he turned around like he was about to leave.

"Wait!" I shouted.

He stood there like a statue and waited for me to speak.

"Was it you who saved me last night?" I asked; he nodded.

"Go home, Takashita." He said.

"Wait! Please, tell me what's going on!" I whimpered.

"Why am I the only one that sees these...Hollow things? Please, tell me!" I pleaded.

He exhaled really loudly and mumbled something to himself—obviously he was annoyed.

"If not now, how about tonight? Please? I'll meet you at the coffee shop down the street or something at 8p.m.—Hell, I'll even buy you something to eat if you want! Just please," I pleaded again.

He disappeared without giving so much as a nod.

I stood up—shaken and confused—and walked unsteadily home.

My parents weren't home yet, which was a good thing—I looked and felt like crap. I attempted running upstairs, but ended up walking from the soreness. I ended up taking a long, nice shower because I reeked of that Hollow-thing's scent. For a little while, I just stood there in the shower, letting the hot water give me a nice, good soak—I needed it.

After I got out of the shower, got dressed, dried my hair and applied makeup, it was just about 6 p.m. That meant I had two hours to kill before going to meet Toushirou at the coffee shop.

Honestly, I was scared to meet him; if he showed up to explain, it was certain that everything about my life would change drastically. I could feel my nervousness pulsating in the pit of my gut.

-[×]-

Although time went about as fast as a snail, 2 hours had passed, and I was on my way to the coffee shop.

I was so overly paranoid that any little rustle or noise I heard had me running. I did not feel like getting eaten or anything like that tonight.

I looked around for Toushirou when I got there, and finally spotted him waiting outside the coffee shop.

He was wearing a simple grey, long-sleeved shirt with light-blue jeans tonight—which kind of surprised me because I half-expected to see him in that weird shihakushou thing from earlier.

What surprised me the most however, was that I felt a small blush rise on my cheeks. I mean I knew he was gorgeous and all, but definitely not my type, nor someone that I even wanted to get involved with that way. Plus he was younger! No way would that ever work...

As if sensing my approach, his head turned to me and I stopped a few feet away from him.

Wow, how the hell could I even start such a conversation?

I rubbed the back of my neck in frustration until finally I spoke up.

"Want some coffee?" I asked.

He stood up from his leaning position against the wall, and walked toward me.

"Listen Takashita," he began, "it's best that you just forget about what happened earlier today and last night."

Forget? How was he expecting me to just forget almost getting killed twice in such a short amount of time?

If he honestly thought I'd simply forget all this, then there was something wrong with that thing occupying the hollow cavity of his skull.

"How can you expect me to forget a thing like that? I almost died twice within 24 hours, and you want me to just forget? That's not happening." I replied, crossing my arms and looking him directly in his eyes.

He sighed and put one of his hands into his pocket'-fiddling with whatever was inside as he proceeded to ask me questions.

"You've never had any previous encounters with Hollows before last night, correct? Has anything else abnormal happened to you since I last saw you?" He asked.

"No; not since last night, and if anything did, I doubt I'd be here talking to you right now. Can you just explain to me what the Hell is going on now?" I asked, getting irritated.

He motioned with his free hand for me to follow him, and I did. He led me to a dark, secluded place that I most definitely wasn't expecting him to take me. Without realizing it, I walked closer to him as we walked into an alley.

"You know, I forgot to thank you for saving my life today, and last night as well—so, thank you." I said.

He didn't say anything.

"Stuck up brat." I thought.

He suddenly stopped and turned around to face me.

I stopped abruptly, staring into his teal irises.

"Now are you going to tell me?" I asked.

"Afraid not."

He lifted up what looked like a candy dispenser to my face, and pushed a button.

The white flash that came from the disguised bunny-looking mechanism distorted my vision, and the darkness of unconsciousness overwhelmed me again.