Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ An Arrows Wind ❯ I Can't forget... ( Chapter 12 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Aneko is kicked out of the group, being sent home. Just as she realizes that she was really considered as the "weakest" on in the group, she bumps into an unexpected visitor.
Meanwhile, Uryu and Ichgio argue, only to see that acting like children would not get them far...and with that, they continue their mission.

Anime/Manga: Bleach Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Comedy / Drama / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.18.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 9.6K | Visits: 166 | Status: Work In Progress

I do NOT own Bleach or the Places/things/characters from it. Only the OC.

Aneko continued to walk away. She kept thinking it was a joke and any minute they'd tell her to come back, but that wasn't the case. She glanced back and noticed she was all alone.

“Damn…” She sighed and continued to walk, “I should have figured I'd get booted out…” She glanced down at the ground and began kicking a small rock that lay on the ground, “I mean…who do they even think they are? I can handle myself…right?” Stopping, she realized her words of encouragement were useless.

“Yeah right…"

"Who am I kidding? There's obviously a reason I was kicked out…because I'm weak,” She sat down on the side of the road. Aside from the breeze that blew once awhile and the scary, dark, deformed clouds, it was almost peaceful and quiet. No cars passed by, not even a single sound could be heard.

“Well…I obviously can't do anything about it…now can I…?” She got up and began walking off again. She took big steps, counting them in her head. After the fifth step she noticed a portal opening on top of a house that was just around the corner. “Humm…?” Losing track of her counting she began running towards it. Her mind filled with many questions. Who was it? Were they strong? Good, bad? Once she reached a close enough spot her mind shut down. She noticed who it was coming out of the portal.

“Stupid idiot! Why did you just kick her out like that?!”

“What! If you didn't want her gone then why didn't YOU say anything!?”

Uryu and Ichigo began fighting, both glancing at each other, upset because they had different point of views.

“I…!” Uryu then paused and glanced away. He bit his bottom lip. He didn't want Aneko to be with them but he didn't want her to be kicked out of the group. It was complicated for him to even think it through, let alone explain it. Besides he knew Ichigo would have protested on her staying. He was stubborn like that. “…Never mind…” He mumbled.

“Either way…we don't have time to just stand here arguing…” Ichigo then spoke. Uryu glanced back at him. He knew Ichigo was right. The longer they stayed arguing the longer the Hollows would populate in their city and attack. “Yeah…”

They both walked closer to the group. Renji and Rukia just finished explaining to Chad and Orihime about the situation in Soul Society.

“Well, I hope what ever it was you two had to talk about was important and worth losing time,” Renji then said.

Both of them ignored his comment. Ichigo then gazed at the sky, “Where do we even start?”

Rukia walked up to him, “We should scatter and look for as much hollows that we can…”

Ichigo nodded, “This time I get to partner up the groups,”

Everyone nodded and awaited Ichigo's command. He glanced at Chad, “Chad…you go with Renji.” Chad glanced at Renji and noticed his nod.

“Good…and Uryu you go with Rukia,” Uryu nodded. He knew with Rukia he didn't have to worry about hearing complains and lectures…well, he wasn't sure about lectures part, but he knew Rukia wasn't someone to slow him down at all.

Orihime blushed and glanced at Ichigo, “Umm…does his mean I'm with you?”

Ichigo blinked at her a couple of times and realized that she was still there, “Oh…uhh…yeah…I guess it does,” He rubbed his head giving her a somewhat crooked smile, `Damn! How could I have forgotten about Orihime!?'

“Well I'm going to do my best!” She then assured him, her spirits where high. Ichigo nodded. He knew that this only meant he had to protect her.

Rukia then approached Ichigo, “Then it's settled…” He glanced down at her and nodded, “Yes,”

Everyone gave each other one final glance. They all had courage, nervousness, fear, determination and most of all, high hopes. It showed in their eyes.

“Make sure you all survive this!” Ichigo then warned, “The last thing…I'd want to hear is…someone was killed. Got it?” Everyone nodded and scatter in different directions. Renji and Chad ran towards the forest, chances are that with a quieter and more private area hollows could be hiding there. Rukia and Uryu paced towards the city. They figured one more round wouldn't hurt, and Orihime and Ichigo headed towards the hometowns. If Hollows were hungry for souls, then that's where they'd go.

“Ohhh…so you're Shunsui…Kyoraku…is it?” Aneko then asked. She looked straight at the Shinigami she happened to bump into. Well, the Captain of the 8th division as she recalled him saying.

They stood by the side of the building from which he and this woman he was with, Nanao Ise, Lieutenant of the 8th Division, appeared from.

The laid back Captain nodded. He seemed rather calm and polite from Aneko's perspective.

“Captain…shouldn't we be doing something important?” His right hand man, well woman, then asked. She was obviously more organized and responsible in what she did. “Yes. Don't worry, I didn't forget about it,” Shunsui then replied.

He then sighed and stood straight, adjusting his straw hat, “Well…it was a pleasure talking to you kid, but I have something important I must do…”

“Umm…if you don't mind me asking…” She then spoke. She felt awkwardness and didn't know why. It was probably because this was the first time she actually met a Captain from soul society in person. Both he and Nanao watched her, waiting for her question. “…umm you two are obviously here to help fix the Hollow situation, right…?”

They both gave her a surprised expression. Nanao's seemed more animated, where Shunsui's seemed calmer. “Humm…it seems that most humans know about Hollows, huh?” The Captain then asked as he stoked his chin.

“U-uh…don't you know who I am?” She then asked. She felt a slight breeze of humiliation blowing.

“No,” He then replied flat out.

Nanao sighed, “Sir…she's that boy's sister,” He glanced at her surprised, “You mean the spiky haired guy, the one who came to soul society to save Rukia Kuchiki?” Nanao nodded. Her face showed impatience towards her Captain.

He smiled rubbing his hat, “Well…now that you mention it…you do strike a somewhat similar resemblance,” He then leaned closer to her and examined her face, “Here I thought you were just part of their group, not related to the boy.”

“Uhh…w-well,” Aneko then replied. Her voice seemed shaken. “So…are you his older sister or younger?” He then asked as his eyes scanned her, up and down.

“I'm his twin sister…” She then replied uneasy. She always felt like a freak when she had to tell people that. Suddenly his eyes showed interest, “Oh…?”

Aneko nodded, “Yeah…but, that's not what I wanted to even talk about,” She then replied. She wanted to change the subject. Her voice sounded rude and in a hurry, “Umm…sorry” She then murmured.

“Alright…lets here it,” He then replied, giving in.

Aneko glanced at the dark thick clouds once more. She'd been staring at it for the whole day, so it seemed, she could even give a full detailed description of it with no problems. “I was wondering…” She drifted off. She wanted to ask him flat out but she didn't want to be a bother. What if he reacted differently? She wasn't sure how Captains even got treated back at soul society. Did people bow to them like kings every time they passed? If asked a request that they didn't want to do or even get offended over, would they kill the person who asked it? She began feeling sick in the stomach. `I'm gonna die…aren't I?'

“Well…?” His voice drove her off course from thoughts. She glanced at him with an apologetic expression, “U-umm…s-sorry! N-never mind! I'm sorry to have bothered you. Just do me a favor and help end this thing,” Her eyes widened, she slapped her hands over her mouth, `Ah! I just asked a favor! I'm going to die!'

They both gave her questioning glances. They maybe figured she was having some sort of episode. It was possible. “Do you think she's sick?” Nanao then asked backing away.

“Beats me…” He then placed his hand on front of her face, waving it, “Are…you…ok?” He then asked, speaking slowly. Aneko nodded slowly. Her hands still coved her mouth.

“Good. Now, if you'll excuse me…we have some business to attend to.” He then took his leave. They both dashed out of sight. Aneko watched as they darted towards the city, “Uhh…” She slowly dropped her hands to her side, “Ok…”

She sighed, `I guess…my theory was…wrong?'

Once again she was all alone. “I guess…they really don't need my help. Wait, what am I saying? I wouldn't have been able to do anything anyways…it's difficult for me to even carry this thing around without feeling back pain…!” She glanced back at her weapon. The strap which supported it was slowly peeling. The metal from the weapon itself was rusting. It looked unused, like it wasn't taken care of properly.

Aneko sighed and placed it down, “I was kind of surprised on why they didn't question it…I mean why I was holding you. But now that I think about it…it's because you look like a rusted, NOT weapon thingy…whatever that may even be,” She sighed realizing she was talking to an item. A cheap looking item, it wasn't the items fault it even looked like crap in the first place.

“Man…what am I going to do with it?” She then asked herself. She fell on her rear and hugger her knees staring at it, “Let's see…I could sell you…nah, I think even a hobo from the street wouldn't want you…” She began looking around, trying to figure out what she was going to do with the item. She didn't even think of it as a weapon but more as an item. She felt it was pathetic…for the item, not her. In fact she felt bad that the item was given to her in the first place…

“Tell me…” She sat on the couch of their home eating a bag of chips. She was in the middle of watching a movie, it wasn't so interesting, and since Karin and Yuzu were, once again, at the hospital,she had nothing else to do. So she decided to bug Ichigo.

Ichigo sat in the dinning room reading his textbook,“What…” He then replied irritated. He knew Aneko was probably just going to ask him, once again…

“…Where were you during summer, exactly?” She shoved a handful of chips in her mouth. Ichigo sighed tapping his pencil against his book,“Itold you…I had to do something,” He then replied simple. He flipped a page and continued reading.

“Uh-huh…you keep saying that…but I'm not buying it.” She then replied. Her mouth was filled with chips that crunches could be heard after each word.

“It's rude to talk with your mouthful…” He then stated, ignoring her reply. She glanced at her bag of chips,“Pickle flavor”

“Humm…?” He glanced up at her. “I said pickle flavor,” She took more bites. Finally she stood up and walked in the kitchen. “Do we have anymore?” She then asked trying to reach for the high door on top of the kitchen counter, in other words the snack shelf.

Ichigo glanced back at her,“Didn't you just finish two bags?”

“No…” She thenreplied, still reaching for it,“Damn it! Why are the snacks so high?”

“To keep you from eating them all in one night...”

She glared back at Ichigoand continued to reach for the shelf, “Shut up…you're just jealous…”

He glanced at her; he didn't bother to think twice about it,“I'm jealous…?” He then repeated. Confusion showed in his tone.

She stopped reaching for the snacks and glanced back nodding. He sighed and placed his pencil down. His attention was now towards her,“Alright…care to fill me in?”

She shrugged her shoulders,“Sure…” She grinned and satherselfon the counter,“You're just being mean because I made it on the swim team,” Her nose stuck in the air, showing she was proud.

Ichigo sighed, “Yes…I'm sooooo jealous…!” The sarcasm in his voice made Aneko's proud moment fade. Hethen turned back to his books.

“Well…” She stopped and sighed. She knew she was defeated. Getting on a swim team wasn't SO thrilling. In fact, compared to other accomplishments that Ichigo had been recognized for…it was like coming in second, no, not even second, like coming in third, winning the bronze metal and having people say `Good job! You tried your best!' but in reality you know you lost and that's that.

“…ugh…”

Ichigo reach for a piece of paper.“What?” He then asked, writing down notes. She placed her hands over her stomach,“I think I'm gonna puke…”

Ichigo nodded, still gazing his attention towards his books,“It's from eating too much…you should cut down on the junk…”

She got off the counter and walked out the room,“Yeah…yeah…I'm going to lie down in my room.” He didn't respond, still continuing with his work.

She managed to make it in her roomwithout throwing up in the hall. Shethenthrew herself on her bed and placed her arm over her eyes, as herother hand patter her stomach, “Ok…maybe eating chips WAS a stupid idea…”

Just as she began drifting to sleep she heard a loud cry. Startling her, she screamed. Ichigothenran into the room, his face filled with many expressions. “Aneko, I want you to stay here!”

“W-what!?” She got off her bed and ran to him,“W-what the hell is going on?!”

Ichigo opened his mouth but didn't speak. He gave her a serious look,“Aneko…you heard it…right?” Aneko felt her body shake,“Y-yes…!”

“Listen…it…it was just a lost animal…” He lied. His face became less panicked. He tired putting on an act, not to scare Aneko more.

“A-a…animal?” She then questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah…! An animal” He then replied. Aneko nodded, trying to understand,“Umm, that didn't sound like an `animal'to me!”

Ichigo smiled, his lip twitched trying to stay firm and honest, though it wasn't. Aneko didn't know what Ichigo was hiding but shecould tell he was lying to her,“Oh…”She then spoke.

“I'm going to try and find it…and…return it to its owner…” He then replied, his voice uneasy. Aneko nodded. She knew if she went along with it and let him go she could see what he was really up to,“Alright, I'll be here…waiting.”

Ichigo nodded and ran out the door. Aneko waited a bit before following. She didn't want to wait to long for she didn't want to lose him.

Once she walked out the door she noticedIchigo wasn't anywhere insight.“Humm…?” She then heard voiced from the side of the house. She quietly sneaked and caught a glimpse of Ichigo holding a small little stuffedkitty, though it hadspikes around its face like a lion. She placed her finger on her chin trying to figure out what Ichigo was doing with a toy.

“Kon, I want you to stay here and look after Aneko for me, got it?”

Aneko's eyes widened. Suddenly the little stuffedanimal moved,“W-what?! Where the hell do you think you're going?!” It then demanded. Aneko gasped, causing Ichigo to glance at her direction but missed her. He shook his head and glanced back at the little lion, “There's a Hollownear by.”

Aneko glanced back and watched as Ichigo squeeze the life out ofthe stuffed creaturetill a little green pill popped out of its mouth.

“Huh…!?”

Ichigothen shoved it in his mouth. Suddenly Ichigo's body split out another Ichigo. Aneko was amazed more than frightened, though that wasn't to far off. She noticed the other Ichigo wore a black kimono and had a sword the length of his body, “A-amazing…” She then whispered to herself. She noticed the little toy wasn't moving anymore. It lay their lifeless on the grass. But that didn't matter because she was now witnessing two Ichigos'.

“Take care of her!” The Ichigo with the sword then shouted as he ran off into the city. Aneko's mouth was open wide; she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Were her eyes playing tricks on her? No, she knew that wasn't the case. She didn't even know what Ichigo was…or who he was anymore.

“Yeah…yeah…” Suddenly the Ichigo, the one that looked like the normal Ichigo,glanced back and noticed Aneko,“Uhh…” They both stared at each other.

“H-hey…sis!” He then spoke, waving. His nervousness was more than noticeable. “W-what…are you doing…here?” He then asked, still waving. He hoped that she didn't witness anything and that she'd just gotten there. Aneko began backing away. Her lips trembled in fear, “I…! I…!” She stuttered. Was she witnessing aliens? Maybe even a new type of species? The thought scared her.

“Uhh…!” He began walking up to her, his hand reaching out,“H-hold on…!”

She let out a scream and fell back on the ground. She began pushing her body away from him as he walked closer,“L-leave me alone! I don't want to die!”She cried.

“Aw man…Ichigo's gonna kill me!” He then stated to himself. Aneko heard him,“W-who are you…?!”

“I-I'm…uhh…” He began speaking nervously and not sure what to reply with. Does he tell her the truth? Yes, that would make things easier…on his part. But he could just imagine it, Ichigo straggling him to death. He shook his head from the thought. He could lie as well, that was always another option, but she'd already witnessed it so that was not so wise.

“W-well…?!” She then asked. Her voice still shook.

“I'm…uhh…” He sighed giving in,“My name is Kon…” He then replied. He made it so his voice wasn't so frightening.

Aneko nodded,“K-Kon…?” She then asked. He looked at her eyes,“Y-yes…?”

Aneko managed to stand, but kept her distance,“What…what is Ichigo?” She then asked. She took a deep breath preparing for the answer. If Ichigo wasn't who he was supposed to be-if he was some alien sent to earth or something along the lines of that…she'd feellike she never had a brother. But it would explain why he was so perfect…compared to her.

Kon also took a deep breath. He figured he's been honest with her so far and she hasn't run away or called for help…yet, it was probably safe to continue and tell her the whole truth.

“Ichigo…he's a soul reaper…”

Aneko gulped,“A…soul reaper?” She then asked, regretting it. He nodded,“I've been told that your family can see spirits…right?”

Aneko gave him a confused and shocked expression, “W-what?! They can…!?”

Kon realized that she was the only “un-gifted” one in her family. She bared no gift like they did. “Yes…” He continued on,“…Ichigo though, he was chosen to be a soul reaper…it was the day he met Rukia Kuchiki…” Aneko looked at him. She tried to think of when that particular day could have been. She closed her eyes, concentrating but she just couldn't remember.

“When…?” She then asked, giving up.

“I…well, I'm not sure-but I believe it was sometime last year,” He then replied. His face still showed signs of nervousness but somehow calmer.

Aneko sighed,“I see…so…he's not a human then?”

“Yes…he is…” She was shocked but relieved by his reply. “…he's a substituted reaper.”

“Ok…?” She didn't know what that even meant. She was a bit surprised that she managed to follow along so far. Kon then took a step towards her. She noticed and took one back,“H-hold on there! I'm just not use to this all yet…how do I even know you're telling the truth?” She then asked. She tried not to sound rude and ungrateful. Even though she can't say what he's saying is true she was grateful he didn't try to do anything and cooperated.

“W-what!? You don't believe me!?” He then whined. Aneko nodded, “Sorry…but…” She then paused, thinking of a way that she could trust in Kon. “I know! You can take me to him!”

He blinked at her a few times, “Take you to him…?”

She nodded. He thought about it. He knew if he'd taken her to him that would be the end for him, especially if Ichigo was in the middle of a battle. That would just piss him off to a whole new level.

He shook his head, “I can't do that!” He then protested.

“W-what…!?” She gave him a disappointed look. She felt like taking back anything positive she may have thought about him, especially being so cooperative. “Well then, you're probably lying to me! You're probably dangerous!”

He flinched. The thought of him being a wanted man was unbearable,“Alright! I'll take you to him…” He then replied, irritated.

Aneko smiled gratefully,“Thank you,”

He walked up to her, surprised she didn't move away. “But, I'm only showing you him. We can't let him see us. Got it?” He then demanded.

She glanced at him and nodded, “Gezz…you're starting to sound like Ichigo himself…” She then stated. He looked at his body (Ichigo's) and gave a disgusted expression.

“Let's go!” She then shouted. She was already running towards the direction she saw Ichigo go.

“H-hey! Wait up!”

Aneko's memory gently faded. She looked around, feeling a nice warm breeze. Leaves rolled down the road, and the grass danced as it got heavier. She got up and grabbed her weapon, her eyes scanned it. `I know I was given this gift…I'm not gonna throw it away…' She placed it on her back and strapped it over her shoulder, heading back towards the city.

“Got it!” Rukia sliced through the beaten hollow. It was rather scrawny and tiny compared to the other ones they'd come across. Uryu walked up to Rukia. “Looks like even the weakest ones are starting to show themselves.” She then stated.

He glanced at the box that contained the three jars that Urahara gave him and Aneko, unaware of what Rukia just said. He knew that chances are if they came across one of the cursed Hollows and they didn't have the right jar for it, then it would be over. Orihime and Chad had the other set; he regretted not noticing who went with the jars though. He hoped that whoever had them would find the right Hollows they need.

“Uryu…? Hello?” He glanced back and noticed Rukia was there, “Oh, umm…”

“Are you ok?” She then asked worried. He nodded, pushing his glasses up, “I was just thinking…”

She nodded understanding, “Anyways, I said...it seems that all the weak Hollows are only showing themselves…did you come across a cursed Hollow?” She then asked as curiosity filled her voice.

Uryu glanced at her for a moment then back at the box, “Yeah…”

“And…?” She then asked, urging to hear more details and lots of it.

“Well…Urahara kind of forgot to mention that the jars where all used for a specific Hollow…that, or we just completely forgot…”

Ichigo popped his head out from the side of the building. His eyes watched cautiously, he thought he heard the cry of a Hollow near. Orihime glanced at him, awaiting his command. He glanced back at her and nodded, signaling that it was safe to continue on.

They both walked out, more into the streets. “Did it leave?” Orihime then asked. Ichigo nodded, his face showed disappointment towards himself for not being able to stop it.

“How long…” She then spoke. Ichigo glanced back at her. “…do you think this will last?” She then asked. She tried not to make eye contact but failed.

He sighed, “I don't know…” He then replied truthfully.

“I understand…” She figured this was something that took patience.

“Come on…” She glanced at him. His face seemed more confident, “We will stop this, you'll see.” She smiled back and nodded, “I believe you…Ichigo.”

Renji and Chad continued running towards the open area of the forest. Three medium sized Hollows chased them from behind. Each of their blood-red eyes gave off piercing glares, wanting their spiritual energy.

“Man, who knew the only Hollows we'd find here are the crappy weak ones?!” Renji then announced. Chad shrugged, following right behind.

Once they reached the open area they both turned back, facing the hollows and readying their weapons, “Roar Zabimaru!” Suddenly Renji's war cry extended his sword into a snake like length. Its body moved in loops as it swung towards the Hollows. After slicing all three, Chad moved in and smashed them, causing the finishing blow.

“Damn…when are those cursed Hollows going to show?!” Renji then asked impatiently. Chad's spiritual arm faded back to normal, “I'm not sure…but we can't come across one. Our job right now is to kill all the normal Hollows.” He then explained. Renji glanced at him surprised, “W-what…?”

“We wouldn't be able to stop the Hollow…”

“I don't get it…what are you talking about?” Renji then questioned.

“…you see, we were giving seven jars by Master Urahara, before meeting up with you guys. He sent Orihime, Uryu, Aneko and I to find the Hollows and stop them ourselves,” He glanced back at Renji making sure he was following. Renji nodded in return allowing Chad to continue. “He told us that these jars were used to stop each hole from expanding and sucking everything into it. But we discovered that each jar was made for a specific cursed Hollow...”

“Meaning…?” Renji then asked. Confusion still expressed on his face.

“Meaning, luck has to be on our side during this battle…” His sudden words caused Renji to gulp. He was sorry he even asked.

He then felt angry and useless that they were stuck doing the low class work, “Man! Why do I have to get stuck doing the crummy work?” He then complained. He sighed sheathing his sword and sat on a rock near by. Chad glanced at his childish act and sighed.

End. I hope this chapter was good. Plz feel free to comment.