Title: Silver Bonds and Snow Memories
Summary:
Fifth Division squad abandoned by Aizen Sousuke is having a new captain. No one knew who it is and where he came from making the rest of the Gotei 13 captains and vice-captains anxious especially Hinamori Momo.
Tenth Division Captain, Hitsugaya Toushirou is extremely worried about his childhood friend and sister-figure Hinamori especially now that her squad is having a new captain and obviously the girl hasn't gotten over her previous captain's betrayal.
As the new captain appears, things started to change… political issues among noble families heightened as the long forgotten Dragon Clan emerge in the midst of the chaos.
How will Tsukino Yuki's arrival in Soul Society change Gotei 13 especially, the fifth and tenth squads?
ON WITH THE STORY
Silver Bonds and Snow Memories
Episode 1: New Captain Arrives
"Did you hear?! We'll be having a new captain! Hinamori-fukutaicho is preparing for the inaugural ceremony this week… who you think he is?" a low ranking shinigami asked his companions as they head towards the fifth squad barracks.
"I don't have a clue… but I hope this time, he'd be much better than Aizen. Hinamori- Fukutaicho had it really bad when Aizen betrayed us." The other companion replied.
"I agree… our squad has gone though a lot… especially the criticisms from other squads." The first guy said.
"Hah! I bet that our new captain would be as rotten as our previous captain or even worse." Another guy from fifth division squad said.
"I hope not" the second man said.
"Yeah" the first agreed.
oooooOoOoOooooo
It was a peaceful sunny morning in Soul Society, Matsumoto Rangiku and her captain Hitsugaya Toushirou were having tea in one of the local restaurants in Soul Society when they heard some of the fifth division shinigamis talking.
Matsumoto immediately noticed a vein throbbed on her captain's forehead and decided to intervene before her captain murder the three nosy shinigamis.
"Ohayoo Sakujun-san, Morimoto-san and Kuraki-san. Isn't it a very nice morning?" Rangiku greeted the three with a smile letting the three guys know that they are just nearby.
Rangiku smirked when she saw them stiffen considerably before slowly turning to their direction. Terror written all over their face, they bowed nervously at them.
"O-Ohayoo G-Gozaimasu M-M-Matsumoto-fukutaicho, Hi-H-Hitsugaya-t-ta-taicho" the three stuttered.
Rangiku grinned at them but her eyes were stern, she secretly sent the three shinigamis a warning look because she knows how her captain's temperament is when a certain fifth division vice-captain is concerned.
Instead of greeting back the three nosy shinigamis her captain glared at the three shinigamis, Rangiku not wanting to witness bloodshed so early in the morning decided to order the three to leave immediately telling them that Hinamori was assembling her squad for a meeting. Knowing it was their chance to escape Hitsugaya's death glare the three ran away to save their asses.
Rangiku heard Hitsugaya Toushirou growl in annoyance after a while he stood up and headed towards the nearest exit.
"Where are you going taicho?" Rangiku asked.
"None of your business" Hitsugaya muttered sliding the shoji door shut leaving Rangiku.
"Mou. Hitsugaya-taicho sure is grumpy" She muttered before sighing then the thought ran in her mind, she rubs her chin. "Now… now… those idiots do have a point… even we don't have a clue on whom and where the new captain is from… how weird…" she added sipping her tea. "Hmmm… I dunno what taicho likes in this… I like sake more" she commented after finishing her cup with an unpleasant facial reaction.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Hitsugaya Toushirou walked towards the fifth division office. He's worried about Hinamori. Reaching the main office, Toushirou hesitated if he'd knock or just barge in. Sighing, he decided it is only courteous to knock at someone else's office, raising his hand to knock when the door suddenly slid open to reveal Hinamori carrying a box full of stuffs.
"Hinamori" he muttered blandly.
Hinamori Momo looked up from the pile she's carrying. "AH! Shirou-chan! What a pleasant surprise." She said with a smile.
Toushirou raised an eyebrow at her.
Momo laughed cutely, few of the items in the box she's carrying fell without her noticing it. She adjusted the box on her hands. "What are you doing here Hitsugaya-kun?" she asked emphasizing Toushirou's name.
Toushirou sighed in annoyance. "Checking up on you" he replied.
Hinamori giggled. "I am fine, Hitsugaya-kun… you don't need to worry about me" she said resuming her walk and she failed to notice an item lying near her and tripped on it, if not for Toushirou catching her in time and managing to lift the box Hinamori is carrying to a safe distance it would have been disastrous.
"What were you saying again Hinamori?" Toushirou asked with a hint of playfulness sarcasm.
Hinamori laughed embarrassedly.
Toushirou escorted Hinamori to the stock room, Hinamori chatting animatedly about the preparations she made for the appointing of the new captain.
"What are these anyway?" Toushirou asked carrying the box for the girl.
"Oh… those are old stuffs. I figure it's time to remove them since a new captain is coming." Hinamori said her voice wavered a little.
"Are you nervous?" Toushirou asked disposing the box in the stock room.
Hinamori didn't reply immediately but nodded after a while then smiled at Toushirou. "Hey, don't worry about me… I am just a little nervous..." she said then sighed after a while.
Toushirou led Hinamori to the garden of the fifth squad. As they reach the koi pond, Hinamori crouched down and looked at her reflection in the water. "I wonder what kind of person our new captain would be." She muttered with a smile.
Toushirou noticed that Hinamori's smile didn't reach her eyes. He sighed and got something from his neck. "Hinamori" he called the young girl.
Hinamori looked up from her position. "Yes?" she asked.
"Stand up" Toushirou told Hinamori.
Hinamori looked confused but stood up. "Why? Is there something wrong Hitsugaya-kun?" she asked.
Toushirou grabbed Hinamori's hand and placed something it in. He closed his hands around her before lifting a hand to hit her forehead. "Relax dummy. You're doing fine. Meanwhile, keep this. It's my lucky charm." he said.
Hinamori opened her palms and she gaped at the item in her hand. Right in front of her eyes is Toushirou's most precious possession, Hinamori's eyes widens.
The bright color of platinum-silver and jade necklace in twisted flower and dragon design shines in her hand. "Shirou-chan!" she exclaimed. "I c-cannot…" she mumbled.
"Shut up. Remember, I am just lending that to you… understand? Take care of it." Toushirou said as he started to walk towards the squad's gate.
Hinamori called him before he could completely walk out of the fifth squad's territory. "Shirou-chan! Arigatoo! I'll definitely take care of this!" she said.
Toushirou just raised his hand in recognition before turning sideways "It's Hitsugaya-taicho, Hinamori." He said. He felt a lot calmer after talking to Hinamori. 'Everything is going to be fine…' he thought. 'I'll make sure of it.' He added.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Above one of Seireitei's tall buildings, two individuals watches Hitsugaya Toushirou walk away from the Fifth Division office. A small smile graced their lips.
"He's grown a lot…" one said.
"Indeed…" the other agreed. "It's been such a long time… very long…" the other voice added.
Someone joined them. "It's time Ojou-sama… Captain-Commander Genryuusai is waiting for your audience." he said from the right side.
"I see… let's go then…" The second voice said as she disappeared. The two followed shortly.
oooooOoOoOooooo
The preparation is done and everyone in the fifth division squad is both anxious and excited in the arrival of the new captain.
Finally, Today is the day.
Hinamori sighed deeply. She's been working hard for this day and she's not going to fail. Clutching the necklace Toushirou lend her she gathered her courage. After glancing one last time on her closet mirror she smiled at her reflection then she stood up went out of her room and headed towards the First Division head quarters.
On her way out, she saw her childhood friend and little brother-figure Hitsugaya Toushirou standing in front of their squad's gate with his vice-captain Matsumoto Rangiku who upon seeing her waved a hand, smiling prettily at her.
"What are you two doing here?" Hinamori asked them with a smile.
"Since it's on the way Matsumoto suggested we walk with you to the head quarters" Toushirou said coolly.
Hinamori looked at Matsumoto who winked at her she couldn't help but smile at Toushirou. "Thank you Hitsugaya-kun!" she said.
Toushirou looked clueless. "For what?" he denied.
"For everything" she said.
Toushirou didn't reply instead walks ahead of them.
Rangiku giggled. "You're very much welcome Hinamori." she said imitating Toushirou's voice and a playful smile.
Hinamori giggled.
"Oi! You two hurry up!" Toushirou called to them.
Both women laughed and followed the stubborn young captain.
oooooOoOoOooooo
"I am very curious about this new captain. I heard she didn't go to the academy instead she studied in the real world and underwent intensive in-house training." Captain Kyouraku Shunsui said.
"Yeah… I've heard of that as well. That's a bit weird, for Yama-jii to appoint a captain who didn't graduate in Shin'ou Spirit Academy. But I believe he's got a very good reason as to why she was chosen." Captain Ukitake Jyuushirou said.
"Kyouraku-Taicho… I am sorry for butting in but you kept on saying 'she' does this mean aside from the Second and Fourth Division Squad a woman will be leading the Fifth Division too?" Ise Nanao asked.
"Ah… I haven't told you Nanao-chan? Yes, Yama-jii said that it would be a woman this time… but as to whom she is… its unknown." Kyouraku replied.
Nanao looked thoughtful.
"Konnichiwa. It's a very nice day, isn't it?" Fourth Squad, Lady Captain Unohana Retsu joined their group.
The three Gotei 13 officials turned to her with a smile.
"It is" the two captains said in unison while Nanao bowed in respect.
Vice-Captain Koutestu Isane who is standing quietly beside her captain bowed to the three other squad officers as a greeting and the five of them walked towards the main hall.
Later on, they met up with the twelfth division Captain Kurotshuchi Mayuri and his vice-captain Kurotshuchi Nemu then saw Zaraki Kenpachi and his vice-captain Kusajika Yachiru.
When the seven shinigami officials entered the main hall they found the first, second, sixth, ninth division captains and their respective vice-captains standing on their places while the third and eight division vice-captains are standing on their own positions.
"We made it just in time for the main introduction." Ukitake-taicho said.
"Just in time" Captain Komamura said.
"The only ones missing are the tenth division captain and vice-captain, and of course the fifth division vice-captain." Soi Fong said.
The huge wooden door opened to reveal the missing Gotei 13 officials.
Walking to their positions no one dared to speak. Silence reigned for quite a while.
Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryuusai half-opened his eyes before stomping his staff on the floor.
"It's been a while since I have appointed a captain. Right now, there are three vacant positions for the captain position but today only two spots will remain unfilled because today I shall appoint her to be the fifth division squad's new captain." Yamamoto Genryuusai said.
"Her. Yes, you heard me correctly." Genryuusai said noticing the quizzical look on some of his subordinates.
Yamamoto Genryuusai smirked. "Her… meaning a woman will lead Gotei 13's fifth division squad." He said.
The curiosity in his men's face deepens. It amused him. He chuckled. "Some of you might have known that she didn't graduate in Shin'ou Spirit Academy but you are wrong… she did study in Shin'ou Spirit Academy only that she graduated after six solid months of extensive training under me so rest assured that she is well knowledgeable of leadership, fighting and even healing." Genryuusai said.
"With three other captains we conducted the captain selection exam and we all decided that she's more than capable of being a captain. Although, it cannot be helped that some of you might still have doubts about her since she's an unknown person, but like I said… I assure all of you that she is passionate into serving soul society." The old first division captain said.
"I am just curious Yamamoto-taicho how did she fair in the Captain Qualifying Exam" Ukitake asked.
Genryuusai smirked. Kuchiki Byakuya, Soi Fong and Unohana Retsu exchange looks.
"She passed the Captain Qualifying Exam with flying colors for every category mentally, physically and emotionally." First Division Captain answered.
"I see…" Ukitake murmured.
A knock on the main door caught their attention.
"First Division Squad Captain, Yamamoto Genryuusai-dono… Tsukino Yuki-sama has arrived." A female voice said.
"Lead her in" Genryuusai's voice called.
The main door opened and everyone except Yamamoto Genryuusai, Soi Fong, Kuchiki Byakuya, Unohana Retsu, Komamura Sajin and Zaraki Kenpachi literally dropped their jaw at the sight of the new female captain.
Tsukino Yuki is a sight to behold. Wearing the traditional shinigami uniform and captain's haori she entered with the most intimidating stance and phase none except Byakuya does. She's holding a paper fan with her left hand as the right hand hold her overly large Zanpaktou.
Tsukino Yuki's physical features are simply incomparable in all aspects, her long Silvery- Lavender hair flow perfectly elegant behind her. Her eyes were closed and when she slowly opened her eyes everyone was captivated with a set of ruby red eyes with a mist of mint green swirling in its depths.
"Hajimemashite" Yuki said as she tucked her hair neatly at the back of her ear, showing off a personalized earring with the fifth squad emblem.
"Watashi no namae wa… Tsukino Yuki desu… Yoroshiku" she added. "These are my subordinates Yamino and Hikari, they will be joining the fifth squad from now on too…" she said.
Silence reigned for a while.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Hinamori Momo was stunned to the core, she haven't seen a woman this feminine but intimidating.
And she will be her 'new' captain.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Hitsugaya Toushirou was speechless standing in front of them and the new captain of Hinamori's squad is the woman who helped them / him defeat those bountous.
Another memory from very long time ago flashed into his mind, a reminiscence of a woman standing in the snow watching the river freeze holding a white lily flower, her long silver hair sways with the gust of cold wind.
Then another vision, the same woman sitting on the old shrine where he grew up watching the snow fall, in her lap laid another lily flower.
And the very same woman appeared in the captain's chamber on his first night as the tenth division squad captain. She didn't say a word, only stared.
But even before he could utter a word she disappeared with the wind leaving behind a necklace and a piece of Lily Flower which he found out is his favorite winter flower 'calla lily'.
"Yuki" it came out of Toushirou's lips unconsciously.
Tsukino Yuki must have heard him, because she turned to him locking their gaze together then something sparkled in her eyes but it disappeared as soon as it came.
Hitsugaya Toushirou shook his head to get rid of the memories flooding his mind.
oooooOoOoOooooo
"Captain Tsukino Yuki…" Captain Commander Yamamoto muttered.
The new captain turned to the first squad captain before bowing. "Hai?" Yuki murmured.
"You are a Gotei 13 captain now. Use your power for the sake of Soul Society. Protect, Respect and Care for your subordinates like you would to your family." Genryuusai-taicho said.
Yuki smiled and nodded "I will… with all my heart and soul" she muttered.
The old knowing captain-commander nodded at her.
Then every captain of each division introduced themselves and their respective vice-captain then the time has come… it was now down to Hinamori to introduce herself…
To Hinamori's surprise Yuki came up to her raise her left hand which holds a paper fan then she ran the tip of the paper fan in Hinamori's collar bone stopping at the center.
Hinamori secretly flinched.
Using the paper fan, Yuki pulled out from Hinamori's gi the necklace Captain Hitsugaya lent her.
Hinamori gasped. "Tsukino… T-Taicho?" she muttered unsure of the older woman's actions.
"Yuki… call me Yuki" Yuki said as she stares deeply into Hinamori's eyes withdrawing her paper fan. "You are Hinamori Momo… right? My vice-captain…" she added.
Hinamori nodded tensely.
Yuki smiled warmly at her. Hinamori gaped.
"You don't have a clue how glad I am to have finally met you… Hinamori-fukutaicho." Yuki said.
"I am glad to meet you too Tsuki--- errr… I mean… Yuki-taicho" I replied embarrassed.
Yuki gave Hinamori a heartfelt smile before turning to Hitsugaya Toushirou's direction.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Toushirou's eyes were drifting to focus and defocus, the memories won't stop flashing in his mind so he didn't hear Rangiku's voice nor did he feel the new captain of the fifth squad approach him, until she had touched him.
"Huh?!" he exclaimed feeling a cold hand cup his face, his eyes widened.
"Are you alright, Hitsugaya-taicho?" Tsukino Yuki's voice brought Toushirou out of his reverie.
Taken aback, Toushirou stepped back and nearly tripped, if not for his vice-captain, Rangiku steadying him.
"Taicho" Toushirou heard Rangiku murmured.
"I… I-am f-fine" Toushirou said with unease pushing Yuki's hand away from him.
Yuki smiled at him. "Yokatta…" she whispered.
"What's the matter?" Ukitake Jyuushirou asked worried about the young captain.
"I just remembered something" Toushirou said looking at a different direction.
By doing that, he missed the smile that graced Yuki's lips.
oooooOoOoOooooo
"If there are no more questions this meeting is adjourned. Everyone back to your squads, Hinamori-fukutaicho please give your new captain and squad mates a tour on your quarters." Genryuusai said. Hinamori nodded affirmatively.
"Tsukino-taicho… I am looking forward to your achievements." Yamamoto Genryuusai added.
Yuki bowed as well as Hinamori. Everyone started to leave when Yuki called Hinamori.
"What's wrong taicho?" Hinamori asked.
"Hinamori, if it isn't too much of trouble… can you prepare me some tea. My head suddenly feels light." Yuki said.
Hinamori looked worried. "You must have overdone yourself taicho" she said.
"Could be… don't worry… a hot tea will surely do the trick." Yuki said as they walk towards the fifth squad quarters.
Hinamori oriented Yuki, Hikari and Yamino about the previous activities done by the fifth squad. Their duties and responsibilities and previous rules and regulations.
Yuki stopped walking in the middle of Hinamori's discussion.
Hinamori looked back at Yuki. "Taicho?" she asked.
Yuki's bangs shadowed her eyes, when she lifted them up her eyes were deep red and almost angry. Hinamori flinched.
"Taicho?" Hinamori repeated.
Hikari and Yamino exchange glances.
Hinamori was about to call Yuki's name again when Hikari spoke first. "Yuki-sama" she said.
Yuki blinked, she stared at Hikari then looked at Yamino before staring at Hinamori. After a few seconds she looked away. "I am sorry… I just remembered something unpleasant… please do continue." She said.
"Are you sure you're alright taicho? You look pale and shaking" Hinamori noticed the shaking of Yuki's clenched fist.
Yuki closed her eyes and calmed herself. "I am so sorry Hinamori… whenever I hear something about the former fifth division captain… I cannot stop myself. Forgive me." She admitted.
Hinamori hid a flinch. "Are you mad at Aizen-taicho?" Hinamori asked.
Yuki didn't reply. Yamino and Hikari tensed up.
Hinamori's eyes widen when blood starts dripping out of Yuki's hand. "TAICHO!" she exclaimed and immediately reach out for Yuki's hand.
Yuki snapped out of her maddening trance. "Hinamori… its fine." She said in a calmer tone.
"But you're bleeding." Hinamori said.
"Someone is bleeding more than I do." Yuki said pulling her blood stained hand and walked ahead of Hinamori.
Hinamori followed her silently. Realization dawned her that the new captain must be upset because she's been talking about her previous captain. Ashamed, Hinamori chose not to speak anymore.
As they neared the quarters, Yuki stopped walking and turned to Hinamori.
"Hinamori… please inform the rest of your squad that I am skipping dinner however, Yamino and Hikari will join you in my stead. I'll meet up with them tomorrow. I am sorry if I have hurt you when said something bad about the previous captain… I know nothing about him except his betrayal in his duty. For someone like me…it's unforgivable. I hope you understand. Hinamori, I am not going to ask anything big from you or anyone who had served and loved Aizen. But I am begging you. Do not call him 'captain' when you are with me. It makes me feel awful." Yuki said.
A sad smile graced Hinamori's lips. "You do not need to apologize to me taicho… I am the one who is sorry. I shouldn't have mentioned Aizen-tai--- I mean… Aizen's name in your presence. You are now our captain and our loyalty and respect must be solid with you." Hinamori said.
Yuki smiled at Hinamori but it didn't reach her eyes.
They entered the fifth squad gate Yuki headed towards the captain's chamber Hinamori lead her while Yamino and Hikari waits for Hinamori at the squad's lobby.
As they reach the captain's room Hinamori started opening the shoji door when Yuki stopped her and ran a hand on the closed door. "This is not the previous captain's room… am I right?" she asked Hinamori.
"Yes… I was informed earlier that you do not wish a big room. Just a simple room with a nice view. This is the best spot I found. You can see the entire squad's ground and the buildings outside the gate." Hinamori said looking at the view.
Yuki looked at where Hinamori is looking. "Does the sun shine in this spot?" she asked.
Hinamori turned to her. "This is the perfect spot to watch sunrise and sunset" she said.
Yuki smiled genuinely at Hinamori. "Thank you Hinamori. I'll be retiring for the night. I'll see you tomorrow. I wish I could still have tea with you but I am not feeling too well. I am sorry. I'll be fine tomorrow then I'll have that promised tea with you. Good night Hinamori." She said.
Hinamori nodded. "Good night Yuki-taicho" she said.
Before Yuki closed the shoji door, she called Hinamori again.
Hinamori turned to her. "Hai?" she asked.
"I promise a will come when you can say my title wholeheartedly. Till the day your heart completely heals from its wounds. I will protect you." She said meaningfully and casually slid the shoji door close.
Hinamori was rooted in her place her eyes wide. "Taicho" she whispered unconsciously.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Yuki closed her eyes and sighed titling her head backwards resting it in the closed shoji door. The room is still dark and she prefer it that way.
"So close but still too far to reach…" she murmured.
Minutes passed. Yuki decided to change into lighter clothes. She adjusted her eyes in the dark room and headed towards what she thought the dresser and started undoing her clothes. Wearing her night yukata Yuki neatly arrange her clothes in a nearby table and settle into the bedding she unrolled from one corner.
Staring at the dark ceiling. Yuki remembered the events in the past two weeks. She still cannot believe she's finally in Sereitei. She can see him as often as she wished. Unlike before that she can only see him once a year. Now… they can talk, see each other and even fight together.
Yuki smiled at the thought.
"Ojou-sama… Kuroki-sama requests your audience at the main hall" Yamino said behind the blinds hiding her from anyone's sight.
"What does my eldest brother want from the family's black sheep?" Yuki asked.
"Please Ojou-sama do not speak lowly of yourself. You are no black sheep." Yamino said.
Yuki didn't reply.
"Ojou-sama" Yamino said.
Yuki sighed. "Fine, I'll see him. Tell him to prepare tea" she said.
"At once" Yamino said.
Yuki stepped inside the throne room.
"What do I owe you this time big brother?" Yuki asked the guy standing at the veranda of the large room watching the sky his long jet-black tresses swaying with the wind.
The guy turned to her. "Yukino" he whispered.
"What do you want from me big brother?" Yuki asked.
"I want us to talk" the guy said before walking towards a small table with complete tea set.
Yuki didn't reply.
"Sit down Yukino…" he said again gesturing a vacant chair as he sits down at the other vacant chair.
Yuki didn't move from her spot.
"Do I have to beg?" he asked.
Silence.
The guys sighed. "Please" he said.
Yukino closed her eyes and sat on the offered chair.
"Do you wish to see him?" Kuroki asked pouring Yuki a steaming hot tea.
Yuki remained silent she stared at her tea.
"Tell me honestly." The guy said.
"At what expense?" Yuki asked sipping on her tea.
"If I tell you 'nothing' would you believe me?" Kuroki asked sipping his own tea.
Placing the tea cup down she kept her eye contact with him. "No. Never. Not in this lifetime." Yuki answered truthfully.
Kuroki smiled sadly. "When did you come to hate your big brother so much Yukino?" he said.
"Spare the act Aniue… Just go straight to the point." Yuki said.
Kuroki sighed. "Yukino… don't be like this… it's not our fault you were held in your chambers. You're supposed to be just a spectator you do not and can not meddle with Seireitei's issues." he explained.
"Yeah right and risk my brother's life. Try again." Yuki said annoyed.
Kuroki shook his head. "Yukino… it's ours not yours alone… he's our brother too…" he said.
Yuki snorted "Since when did any of you care?" she muttered.
Kuroki ignored her. "And he can perfectly take care of himself besides there are capable people who can make sure he'll live. He won't die that easily." He said.
"For your information… he nearly died. If I didn't stop time, he could have died. That no excuse of a man used his blade to cut my brother. Do you think I'd just sit down and watch him slay my own flesh and blood? NEVER!" Yuki exclaimed raising her voice, her fists tightly clenched.
"I know how you feel but it was his fault. He let his emotions get the best of him and he was blinded by rage. He forgot that, that man is the ruthless killer who killed 46 people without hesitation." Kuroki said in explanation.
"If someone tried killing someone important to you… would you pause and think logically? Wouldn't you act upon instinct and protect the people you love?!" Yuki asked mockingly.
"That is not the issue here Yukino. What our brother did is purely selfish. He went there without back up and when he saw that girl bleeding he lost it. His senses were all thrown out of the window and act solely out of rage." Kuroki said.
"Because he cares for her?!" Yuki retorted. "She's all he's got…" she whispered lightly tremors start building up around her.
Kuroki gritted his teeth. "Stop this Yukino… I am not going to argue with you again. I summoned you because I want talk to you… civilly without you raising your voice or releasing your reiatsu on me." He said as calm as he can be.
Yuki closed her eyes trying her best to calm down. "Then get on with it" Yuki said with tight lips.
"After thinking very hard about it I came up with the decision to let you stay with our younger brother at Seireitei. The previous events in the court of pure souls are alarming. I believe it would be difficult for other noble clans to deal with it especially when most of the good clans are being internally dominated by negative feelings of greed and power." Kuroki said.
Yuki snorted. "You mean the Kasumi-Ojou clan right? You and Shiroki have been investigating them for years now. Have you verified the rebellion among its members?" she asked.
"Yes we and we pulled several strings to make things happen." Kuroki said.
"I see… what else?" Yuki asked.
"If the events in Sereitei escalate more not only our little brother will be endangered but as well as the royal throne. Shiroki suggested to go but I thought of sending you since you're the one who's been there before and you'd know who the right people to trust" Kuroki explained.
Yuki couldn't help but gape at her eldest brother. "Do you mean that?" she asked.
"Yes." Kuroki said. "However… our brothers aren't too happy about my decision." Kuroki said..
"I am not a little girl anymore… Besides, it's about time my Zanpaktou is put to some use." Yuki said.
Yukino's head twinge, she gasped clutching her head. "Kuso…" she muttered.
"You shouldn't speak ill about Hakuryuu…" Kuroki said amusedly.
"That wasn't Hakuryuu… that was the seal." Yukino muttered darkly.
"You still can't control the four gods?" Kuroki asked worriedly.
"Unfortunately for me but I promise, I'd deal with then soon. I will need their sealing ability will help lessen my reiatsu to a certain level so I won't arouse suspicions from the members of the Gotei 13." Yuki explained.
"Good. The heavenly guardian and the Elemental guardian will soon meet again on the same plane. Something that only happens once in a thousand years. It's all written in the stars." Kuroki said.
"Don't lecture me about destiny, fate or stars now Aniue… I had enough of those crap. The only thing I know is my brother is without a family in soul society and now he's in pain and yet I am powerless to help him." Yuki said grimly.
Kuroki sighed. "Will you stop blaming destiny?! Everything happens because it needs to happen. If he grew up like the heir he is, what do you think would he be like, especially in the way you will spoil him? How can he overrule and control over his ability?" He said.
Yuki remained silent.
"Remember… his power is untamed. Unlike yours his is different and only in soul society can he learn how to use his powers the right way." Kuroki said.
Yuki still remained silent knowing the truth behind her brother's words.
"We didn't want him to grow up away from us too, but in order to become the man he needs to be he needed to experience joy, pain, helplessness and despair. Father said before he died 'No matter how strong the spirit is when the body is not worthy to control it then all is useless'" Kuroki reminded her.
Yukino clenched her fists.
"You are not the only one who wants our brother back Yukino… us too…we want it as much as you do." Kuroki said closing his eyes in pain.
Yuki still didn't react.
"Have you ever considered our feelings?" He asked. "He is our brother too… it is difficult for us as much as it's difficult for you." He added.
Yuki still didn't say a word.
Kuroki stood up and walked towards Yuki, he tilted her chin for him to see her face. "Do you understand?" he asked.
"I tried… I really tried understanding… didn't I?" Yuki said avoiding eye contact with Kuroki.
"But in the end you didn't listen." Kuroki said.
Yuki winced. "I got scared that he might die. I do not want him to get hurt." She reasoned out.
Kuroki smiled. "Trust our little brother Yuki… he's powerful." He said.
Finally, Yuki nodded. "Can I really go to Seireitei?" she asked.
Kuroki caressed her cheek. "Yes you can." He answered.
"Thank you" Yuki whispered.
"You are welcome my one and only sister…" Kuroki said and kissed Yuki's forehead.
The main door opened again.
"Does this mean we're all forgiven?" The third eldest, Takumi asked entering the hall with a small smile on his face and beside him is his twin brother Narumi.
"Takumi-niisama, Narumi-niisama" Yuki whispered her brothers name.
"You're not leaving me behind are you little girl?" Shiroki the second eldest said walking inside as well
Yuki smiled. "I love you all." She said.
The four men cracked a smile.
Shiroki messed Yuki's hair. "Take care of our youngest brother and come back safely okay…" he said.
"I will." Yuki answered.
"Do not over spoil him Yuki… do you understand?" Takumi asked.
"Understood and I wont, promise." Yuki reassured him..
Narumi chuckled. "And find yourself a boyfriend. I don't care if he's in lower rank… as long as he can baby-sit you for a lifetime." He joked.
Yuki glared at the younger twin. "You're mean" she said with a frown.
Narumi looked at Takumi. "Am I being mean?" he asked.
Takumi shrugged his shoulder. "You're asking Yukino something impossible, how can you not be mean" he said.
Narumi smirked. "Aww… my bad. Sorry lil sis." He joked.
A vein pops out of the corner of Yuki's forehead.
Kuroki patted Yuki's head. "We'll miss you Yuki… take Yamino and Hikari with you." he said.
"I will. Thank you." Yuki murmured.
"And the seal, be sure to properly execute the sealing of Hakuryuu's excess reiatsu. We don't want more threats coming to Seireitei." Shiroki said.
"I got it" Yuki said.
Yuki sighed, eyes slowly closing. 'At least now I am here… I can make up for the times I wasn't by his side.' she thought.
"Oyasumi nasai… Ototou-chan." Yuki whispered lovingly before drifting to sleep completely.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Dinner passed by in a whirl. Everyone enjoyed the meal and they welcomed the two additional members of their squad (Kurou Yamino and Shimizu Hikari-both in 3rd seats) with open arms. Dinner could have been livelier if their new captain had joined them but still Hinamori enjoyed the company of the two new comers.
"I apologize for Ojou-sama's absence Hinamori-fukutaicho. She must been feeling a little tired because of the pent up stress on her inauguration. You do know that we came from a long journey just to arrive on time here in Seireitei and there is the tension in meeting the entire Gotei 13 officials. Stress must have taken toll on her body." Hikari explained.
"Do not worry about it, I understand completely. I have accompanied Yuki-taicho to her chambers so she can rest. She promised to be up and healthy tomorrow." Hinamori said with a smile.
"Thank you" Hikari bowed with a smile.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Almost everyone went to bed already and only few squad members are up for their rounds. However, Hinamori Momo is still wide awake.
She cannot stop thinking about their new captain and her words. Deciding that pretending to be sleepy will only make her tired, she decided to walk around the grounds to get some air.
Looking at the big new moon, Hinamori stretched her hands above her. "What a night" she muttered.
"How did it go?" a familiar voice said from behind Hinamori.
Hinamori nearly jumped out of her skin in surprise "Mou! Shirou-chan, don't scare me like that!" she complained.
"How many times do I have to tell you that it's Hitsugaya-taicho stop calling me Shirou-chan I am not a six years old kid, you know and it's your fault for letting your guard down." Hitsugaya Toushirou muttered.
Hinamori giggled at the young captain's obvious annoyance to her pet name for him. "It went well… although Yuki-taicho decided to retire in her chambers earlier and did not join us for dinner. But she promised to join us tomorrow in breakfast instead." She said.
"I see" Toushirou muttered.
"You know what Hitsugaya-kun… I think Yuki-taicho is a good person." Hinamori said.
"You think everyone is good Hinamori" Toushirou commented.
Hinamori giggled. "I mean it. Do you know what she said to me?" she asked Toushirou.
The young tenth division captain didn't respond.
Hinamori continued. "She said she'll wait until I can whole heartedly call her 'taicho'. As if she knows what I've been through." she said.
Toushirou didn't reply but continued walking with her.
Hinamori stopped at the open air garden she looked at the clear water in the pond. "And she's got the most beautiful set of eyes I've ever seen." She said. "You should have seen the emotions there… it's like looking into one's soul" she added.
"Since when did you become poetic Hinamori?" Toushirou asked leaning against the bridge.
Hinamori giggled. "I am not. I just can't stop admiring her features. She looks like a princess who stepped out of a fairytale book" she said.
"Don't be deceived by looks alone Hinamori. Looks can be deceiving. There is more that meets the eye. Keep that in mind." Toushirou reminded her.
"I know that already Hitsugaya-kun…" Hinamori assured him. "But this time… something tells me… that somehow… she's different, very different from Aizen-taicho." She said.
Toushirou remained silent.
"Ne how about you Hitsugaya-kun… what do you think of Yuki-taicho?" Hinamori asked.
Toushirou looked at a different direction. "I don't know. I just met her a few hours ago." He said.
"I see…" Hinamori said yawning.
"You better get some rest Hinamori." Toushirou said.
"I think so too. Night Shirou-chan" Hinamori said rubbing her eyes.
Toushirou just grunted before disappearing.
In less than a few minutes, Hinamori is back in her room she immediately drifted to sleep.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Toushirou is on his way back to his own squad when he felt a tugging sensation. He decided to pay the new captain a small visit.
As he landed effortless outside Tsukino Yuki's room. He heard a soft female voice say 'Oyasumi nasai Ototou-chan…'
Something cold run down his spine. The voice is tired and lonely. 'She doesn't sound like the way she sounded before…' he thought.
He remembered what he said to Hinamori. 'There is definitely more that meets the eye…' he thought before disappearing.
TO BE CONTINUED…