Bleach: Gazing Mirage

Yuichi woke up one morning, his dorm room cloaked in the soft light of dawn. As he began to get ready for another day of classes and training at the Soul Reaper Academy, he noticed Miel, the bee-like hollow, crouched in a corner. She had her back turned to him.

Curiosity piqued, Yuichi asked, "Miel, what's wrong?"

Miel's voice quivered slightly as she responded, "I was always taught it's polite to look away when someone is changing."

Yuichi let out a small laugh at her response. "Wow I didn’t know hollows had such thoughts, Miel," he said, "you don't have to worry about that. I hardly consider you a woman. Feel free to look if it doesn't bother you. It really doesn’t matter to me."

“A…ah no need Lord Yuichi I…I'm fine. Please continue as you were. You don't have to mind me.” said Miel in a quivering voice

Yuichi said nothing as he finished putting on his clothes. Picking up his zanpakuto he gave Miel her orders. “For today stay here. I need to find out the situation and decide what I want you to do for me. For now, stay hidden here and do not leave if you sense someone approaching then shrink down and hide.”

Yuichi continued dressing in silence, and once he was ready, he picked up his zanpakuto. Turning to Miel, he gave her instructions. "For today, stay here. I need to assess the situation and determine how you can assist me. But for now, remain hidden and do not leave this room. If you sense anyone approaching, shrink down and conceal yourself."

Miel nodded, "I'll do as you say, Lord Yuichi. Please have a wonderful day and don’t worry about me.”

Miel was left alone in Yuichi's dorm room, her thoughts a jumble of frustration and uncertainty. She muttered to herself in a hushed tone, her mortification evident.

"Hah, I can't believe I'm stuck following the orders of a brat," she grumbled, her voice filled with resentment. "I don't have much in the way of offensive power, and he can see through my abilities. Why am I so unlucky to run into someone like this? I tried so hard to grow and evolve from a savage low-class hollow, only to end up the servant of a kid who isn’t even a proper soul reaper yet."

Miel's inner turmoil was palpable, and she found herself questioning the circumstances that had led her to this point. As she contemplated her situation, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about her newfound role in Yuichi's life.

As Miel thought about her predicament, she considered the potential dangers of trying to escape Yuichi's presence. The academy's location in the Seireitei, the heart of the Soul Society, meant that powerful individuals with strong spiritual awareness were all around. Miel knew that her unique abilities made it risky to venture out on her own. While she was confident in her Perception Blocking Field's effectiveness, she couldn't be certain that no one else could see through it.

Her mind raced as she considered the consequences of a failed escape. She whispered to herself, "It's too dangerous. Even if I managed to leave this room, I might encounter someone like that brat. I can't take that risk."

The realization settled in, and Miel understood that, for now, staying close to Yuichi and playing the role of a loyal servant was her best chance at survival. She had made a promise to assist him, and she hoped he would keep his word to protect her.

Miel clenched her tiny fists and muttered softly, "I'll have to bide my time and remain hidden, just as that brat said. When the opportunity arises, I'll find a way out of this predicament. Until then, I must be patient."

As Yuichi made his way to his classes, his thoughts couldn't help but drift towards Miel. He contemplated her situation and wondered what might be going through her mind. A small, wry smile crossed his lips as he considered the possibilities.

"I wonder how many times Miel has cursed my name already," he mused quietly to himself. "Has she attempted an escape, or has she realized that my room has effectively become her prison, shielding her from the dangers of the outside world? Doesn’t matter either way, but I’d rather not lose her just yet."

Yuichi was well aware of the precarious position Miel found herself in. He had calculated every aspect of the situation, from planting the idea in her head that her unique abilities came with potential risks. He knew that she would be thinking that there weren’t many people like Yuichi, but the fear of that possibility would keep her from attempting an escape. It was a calculated move to keep her within the room until he had a clear plan and purpose for her. He knew the outside world was fraught with uncertainty, but within the confines of his small room, he could control the variables.

“I should think of a way to collar my new pet. Fear can only work for so long," mused Yuichi, his expression cold and calculating. "If I were to guess her personality, she’s probably thinking of bowing down to me until she can safely escape. I wonder if she could find the documents in Kira’s household about the forbidden kido. Although it might be a bit cruel to make her steal the collar that I’ll place around her neck."

These thoughts swirled in Yuichi's mind as he arrived at his classroom door, his demeanor focused and calm as he entered the room. Before he could take a seat Niko and Hanatarō rushed to him, their expressions filled with a mix of concern and annoyance.

"Yuichi, are you okay?" Hanatarō inquired, his usual nervousness amplified by the fact that Yuichi had been absent for four days. He began checking Yuichi over for any signs of injury, while Niko expressed his irritation more openly.

"Why do you ask?" Yuichi responded nonchalantly.

Niko's frustration was evident. "What do you mean, 'Why do you ask?' You've been gone for four days, and when we went to your dorm to check on you, you weren't there. We tried to ask Mei where you were, but she was gone too. Do you have any idea how much you guys scared us?"

Yuichi smiled and scratched his head, a bit embarrassed by the commotion he had caused. "My apologies, I had an emergency that I need to attend to back home. Everything's fine, and Mei is fine too. She should be in class #1 right now with Kira. I'll explain later. Let's not make a scene here. Everybody's looking at us. You guys better take your seats before Instructor Kensei arrives."