This is my second attempt at a fanfic. My first, Lennie and Lex's Adventures in Hueco Mundo got a really good response, so I decided to try another one. Hope you like it R&R please!

I sat in my desk fumbling with my shoulder length black hair. I looked over at my best friend Orihime. She hadn't been that same for a long time. Her smiles always seemed empty, and her eyes always seemed to be somewhere else. Ever since she had gotten back from only God knows where, she hadn't been the same; neither had Ichigo, Chad, or Uryu for that matter. It bothers me immensely that I don't know that whole story. I had always been there for all of my friends and it hurt knowing that I was no longer a part of their inner circle.

I was seeing spirits more frequently and more clearly than ever. It annoyed me to no end. I knew a lot about that world because the weird blonde guy. He had been more informative than any of my friends had been. Ichigo had told me the bare minimum, probably because he knew that I would kick his ass if he didn't. Every time I even mention it to Orihime, she just starts crying. I know that she well eventually open up. What ever had happened obviously had caused her a lot of pain. I eventually stopped asking questions all together. I don't like to see Orihime cry and don't want to be the one causing it. Ichigo on the other hand, completely infuriates me. I had already gotten in trouble for breaking a window with his head. I decided that if he didn't want to tell me, then fine.

Sitting there thinking about it now makes me mad as hell. I mean, come on I was a senior now. It had been at least a year and it still gets to me from time to time. My teacher was talking in a very monotone voice about some complex fraction crap. I was just drowning her out. My grades were fine and I know that I could just catch up later.

When the bell rang, I got up from her seat and headed out of the door. Orihime was right on my heels. She was saying something about a food creation that she had made recently. I was still in my own little angry haze. I simply nodded and smiled at whatever she said.

"Hey, Orihime, I've got practice and I'm working the late shift tonight, so I'll have to talk to you later."

Orihime waved goodbye with a big smile and headed out of the building.

Practice was hell. I had been festering over these old feelings. I couldn't concentrate. My coach let me take a break to clear my head. I rarely lost focus. He told me that he would take the late shift of beginners for me. I had been helping out at the dojo a lot recently. It helped to keep my mind busy.

"Go on get out of here Arisawa. I got this just go and sort out whatever is messing with your head."

"Thank you sir." I said with a bow.

It was late. The street lights were on. Few people were on the streets. Walking home alone at night had never bothered her. I know that I was very capable of kicking anyone's ass that tried to mess with me. Still, tonight I just had an eerie feeling that something wasn't quite right. I continued to walk down the street, gripping my bags tightly. I heard an odd noise and turned around quickly. Nothing was there. I swallowed hard and continued to walk down the sidewalk, now at a faster pace. Suddenly, I heard a loud roar. I spun around and lost my footing, making me fall flat on my butt.

There it was; a truly hideous monster. It looked like a giant grotesque bug. It was green and purple with large teeth. The thing laughed.

"Hmm, interesting, seems like you can see me. This place reeks of spiritual pressure. Yours is quite high as well. You might actually make a pretty fulfilling meal."

It let out a terrible laugh. I felt as though my heart stopped beating. The monster swung its giant arm down at me. I narrowly dodged it, but my body had reacted. The thing let out an evil hiss and struck again. I was more prepared and dodged this one even more effectively. I knew there was no way that I could actually try and fight this thing. There was only one more option, run.

I turned around and bolted down the street. I was fast. I felt the wind hit me in the face as I raced down the street. I stopped. I wasn't quite sure where I was or how long that I had been running. I took in my surroundings and turned the corner. The monster was right in front of me.

"Did you actually think that you could run from me?"

I gave no answer. I just walked backwards slowly. I was about two yards back when I hit something. I spun around and a tall boy was standing right behind me. I recognized him, but wasn't quite sure where I had seen him.

"You have to get out of here, run! NOW!" I yelled.

The blonde boy cocked his head to side and let out a toothy grin. He chuckled slightly. I looked down surprised to see what was in his hand. A sword. 'Why in the hell does this guy have a sword? Does he really think that he can hurt that thing with that, that toy?' Other questions and thoughts swirled around in my head. Before I could even utter another word, he was gone. I turned around, surprise to see what had just happened. The blonde headed boy was already several feet in the air, sword drawn. He sliced its white face clean in half; before I could even blink.

"What the hell was that?" I shouted.

I was shaking profusely. I didn't know if it was from adrenaline, surprise, or a word that rarely went through my head, fear. The boy just shrugged his shoulders and picked up his newsboy hat that had fallen to the ground seconds earlier. Then, it all clicked.

"You're that boy from school. You were only there for like two days. Ichigo seemed to have a big problem with you." I said quickly.

The boy just laughed and brushed some dirt off of his hat and placed it on his head.

"Yea, Ichigo is basically a dumbass isn't he. I'm surprised that you can see me, though if you know Ichigo it really isn't that surprising." He said coolly.

"Wait you know Ichigo, and what do you mean I can see you, you're just a boy!"

The boy just shook his head and headed down the street. I chased after him. He gave a sigh and spun around quickly and stopped. I almost bumped into him. He stuck out his hand. I just stared at it.

"You are supposed to shake it."

I felt a small blush come to my cheeks as I shook his hand.

"I'm Shinji Hirako. I do know Ichigo, rather well actually. I am also not just a boy as you put it."

With that he vanished. Who the hell was he? Ichigo will know and if he doesn't tell me, then I'll beat it out of him.

"Shit, where is my bag?" I said out loud.

I must have dropped it while I was running or even before that. The bad thing was, I didn't remember quite where I came from. I began to retrace my steps. I had no luck in finding my school bag or gym bag. 'Well this sucks. I'll have to come back tomorrow and pray that no one steals it.' I thought.

I went home and laid in bed. I couldn't sleep. My thoughts kept drifting to the events that had happened tonight. What was that thing and what was that boy. He wasn't a regular spirit because he didn't have one of those weird chain things coming out of his chest, but he wasn't a soul reaper either. He wasn't wearing one of those dorky robs that Ichigo and that guy with the afro wore. I didn't know what to think about Shinji. He had saved my life. 'Shit, I didn't even thank him!' I yelled at myself. Talk about rude. When I finally drifted off to sleep, all I dreamed about was horrible monsters and a certain tall lanky blonde headed boy; wielding a sword and saving my life.

I hoped that you liked it. Please please review! Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions or constructive criticism it is always appreciated.

~kt