Forgotten
6 years. 6 years I, Toshiro Hitsugaya am going to visit the Human World. Time flew by very slowly, the same routine of paperwork and hollow missions every day.
None of that matters now, because I finally get the break I deserve, a vacation to the human world. Again, Head Captain Yamamoto had no idea where to send me for my vacation, and again I am here in the human world.
It's a lovely summer's day, around 3pm but I would prefer it to snow. I could make it snow right now if I wish, but these humans seem to enjoy the warmth.
The human world has not changed at all. People enjoying their life as generations grow on continuously. Well, I have grown myself. The once midget 10th Division Captain is now 5'8, still an accomplishment. I sense a very familiar spiritual pressure... No wonder, the Kurosaki Household is just ahead, flaring with spiritual pressure.
The house of where Substitute Shinigami, Ichigo Kurosaki resides. Quite beautiful, the clinic looks much larger than I remember; business must be going well over the years.
Might as well pay the Kurosaki's a visit, it may be informal after being gone so many years but they deserve a greeting. As soon as I knocked on the door, I saw none other than my ex-captain Isshin Kurosaki of the 10th Division.
''HELLO TOSHIRO CHAN! You've grown much taller over the last 6 years!'' Isshin Exclaimed.
Surprised that he counted the years, I replied with a slight smile, ''Sorry Kurosaki-kun, I've been very busy over the last few years; I have been meaning to pay you a visit.''
''It is no worry my hardworking Captain! What has given you the chance to pay a visit now?'' Isshin gave the biggest smile he could.
Returning to my serious look, I simply replied, ''I have been given another holiday, the world of the living is always the easiest option. Besides, I had promised my grandmother and your daughter I would visit again.''
Isshin's face lit up as he exclaimed, ''YOUR HERE TO VISIT YUZU?! TOSHIRO I AM GLAD YOU HAVE TAKEN AN INTREST IN ONE OF MY DAUGHTERS, MAYBE I CAN BE YOUR FATHER-IN-LAW!''
''NO, Kurosaki-kun, I am not in a relationship with Yuzu, besides I am here to visit Karin, not Yuzu!''
I think he understood finally, because his expression of happiness faded away. ''What is wrong Kurosaki-kun?'' I asked.
''It's just, you can't see Karin anymore.'' I was taken aback by his words, I have not visited a few years, well 6, and Karin is angry at me?
Seeing my expression Kurosaki-kun changed his words, ''No, no Toshiro-chan! I am sure Karin still wants to be friends with you, I just do not know where she is.''
My eyes widened as my face displayed all shock I just felt. No words came out of my mouth, the girl that taught me to enjoy life by playing games with her, is missing. ''Where did she go?'' I demanded.
''Now, now Toshiro-chan. Karin-Chan went with her own free will.'' Now this was becoming more confusing. Seeing my reaction he continued. ''On Karin-chans' 17th Birthday, she had gone through a hard time. I cannot tell you what it was about, only Karin-chan can tell you that. We had an argument over this, and Ichigo had gotten involved. In the end Karin-chan packed up and left. It is almost her 18th Birthday soon...Almost a year she left.'' A tear dropped down Kurosaki-kun's eye, which was quickly wiped off by him.
I didn't know what to say, I am not a man known for his words. I am a man for actions. Karin had left, and I will go and retrieve her. 'Don't worry Kurosaki-kun I will-''
*BEEP BEEP*
Great...perfect time for a hollow.
With a reassuring smile Kurosaki-kun placed his hand on my shoulder while quietly saying, ''Don't worry about it, do your job.''
I silently nodded and placed a mod-soul in my mouth, leaving my body in the care of a mod-soul and Kurosaki-kun.
I flash-stepped as fast as I could, I could sense 3 or 4 hollows. Seemed I was too late.
A girl around 17, with pitch-black raven hair coming down to her mid-back already destroyed all the hollows. I watched in awe as she gradually placed her feet onto the floor and ran to her body. Who is this girl...?
She picked up her soccer ball and ran to a field where a game of football was taking place. I noticed she was wearing a uniform with the number 10 on the back of her blue shirt and shorts, identical to the male players in her team.
Her spiritual pressure was intensely strong, as a captain himself. Who is this girl?!
Deciding it was not best to confront her with many innocent witnesses; I watched and waited while masking my spiritual pressure. She played very well indeed, seemed as if it were many years of practice. I watched carefully for an hour, and witnessed the incredible back flip kick she done as a whistle was heard and everybody stopped. They all seemed exhausted, but she was full with energy and cheered with her team in happiness.
She had now said her goodbyes to her team, thanked the audience which congratulated her, and packed up her winning soccer ball. Being the last one to leave she threw her bag over her shoulder, and without turning around said, ''You can come out now.''
My mouth would have dropped open if I was not as self-controlled as I am. Instead, I maintained my position, and flash stepped gracefully over to her. She turned her head over her should to face me, with piercing brown eyes. A few inches shorter than me, but with a great amount of courage. I could see her more clearly now, and study her more carefully, she had silky hair, fair skin, and a womanly figure.
She broke me from my trance in one word, ''What?'' I quickly established the fact I was rudely staring, but it seemed like she was used to that, and I see why. She is quite a sight.
Gathering up my dignity I calmly stated, ''May I ask you a few questions?''
She stared at her watch and simply said, ''Sure, why not.''
As we were walking to who knows where I asked, ''So how long have you been a shinigami?''
She did not even flinch to answer, ''Almost a year...'' Hmm, it's almost as if there was a depressing tone in her voice.
I was not satisfied with this answer, ''Is that all you're going to tell me?''
She thought for a moment and led me down to a riverside while the sun set and replied in almost a whisper, ''I'll tell you whatever you want to know, I have nothing to lose anymore.''
I asked almost too curiously, ''Why's that?''
She gave a small smirk while saying, ''I already lost it all.''
She was speaking in riddles; this did not help me investigate. ''Lost it all? You seemed to win your game.'' I gestured toward her team uniform.
She let out a sigh, ''That has nothing to do with anything. Playing football only has to do with my duty of not letting my friends down. Letting my title of number 10 Captain of the Ice Crystals Down.'' She paused and continued, ''What about you, you're from soul society?''
I was slightly amused by the fact she knew so much and replied, ''Like you, I am a captain of the 10th Division, who has duties.'' This must have amused her because for the first time since she won her game, she gave a truly meaningful smile.
''I must be getting home.'' She said arising from the grass, I swiftly did the same. She was looking dazzling in the sunset, with the pink and orange rays shining on her hair as the wind sways it back and forth.
''Maybe I shall walk you home.'' She turned her head toward me for the first time since our conversation and said knowingly, ''You have no-where to stay, do you?''
Once again, she surprised me by her talent of understanding. I nodded my head to imply 'no'.
She grabbed my hand and turned me towards the direction of her apartment whilst saying, ''Feel free to stay at my place.''
