Chistuki-hime: I send greetings and a new story. This is something that's been floating around in my head, a warning though, it make take me a while to update but I may have another chapter up soon, it all depends on how chaotic my life depends to be.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Bleach, this animation is the properity of Tite Kubo, as well as rights to Shueisha, Weekly Shonen Jump, Studio Pierrot, and Viz Media.
He knew that when Yamamoto sou-taichou called him back after Orihime was reported to have joined Aizen of her own will, that there was more to this than a debriefing that was in store for him. Maybe he was paranoid, but the blood in his veins was roaring and Hyourinmaru had been abnormally quiet since they entered Soul Society, and now he was valuing his instincts over common logic that stated that he would not be harmed unless he had done something to warrant it. The dragon in his veins rustled in anticipation, he would be finding out the reason for his anxiety very soon.
The First division office was empty of all personnel aside from the Sou-tachiou himself, and if Hitsugaya was honest to himself, he felt that his apprehension was well warranted but he had no reason yet to defy orders when nothing gave reason for him to go against the general. But the feeling of dread remained no matter what logic he tried to sprout to himself.
"Hitsugaya-taichou, we have much to discuss." Was the hoarse words from the wizened old man as he turned to look at the young white haired captain tha now graced his presence.
"Of course, Yamamoto-soutaichou."
Trying to stay expressionless when so much at him was telling him to leave was harder than expected but he wasn't the Captain of the Investigation Squadron without having the attributes that benefit the squad. He could tell that the debriefing of his time spent in the human world was only a front for something more serious to be discussed. He wasn't completely unaware of diversion tactics that the general was known to use. The way that no surprise, no body movement, nothing relayed his knowledge or lack thereof of the situation told him that yes, this was just a pleasantry that was indulged in for his sake. The dragon bristled on the inside at the lack of respect or acknowledgment of his standing, the situation made him feel patronized and Hitsugaya Toushiro was anything but a child. But the dragon could be patient when the time suited him, and the information that was bound to be told to him soon enough probably required a more delicate touch, he would not rush the topic, he would buy his time and play the generals game. After all even a dragon knew when there was a stronger opponent present, but that acknowledgment t never meant that a dragon backed down from its challenge or fight.
"Hitsugaya-taichou, there is another more pressing matter that should be discussed." Yamamoto finally spoke out after a moment of silence. A statement after which the dragon tensed subtly.
"Should the other Captains also not be here for this if this matter is great importance?" Any question asked that could give him a hint as to what to be prepared for would be appreciated but the general gave nothing away.
"The other captains will be informed soon enough but seeing as this pertains directly to you, I thought to give an advanced notification." Slowly the chill was seeping into his bones, an apprehension filled him and darkly he wondered if this was as bad as he thought it was going to be and the dragon in his soul coiled tighter and belatedly he knew that it was going to be worse.
"I am assuming that you have heard of the Book of the Damned, correct Hitsugaya-kun?" Slowly the despair that was growing in the pit of his stomach fell away and made room for another emotion, fear, and his slight apprehension grew.
"The book has been reported missing. Through some investigation that has been carried out, we have determined that the disappearance has nothing to do with Aizen Souske, or anyone else currently in Soul Society and that the people who have stolen it have not stepped anywhere near the book. In fact, there is no evidence that it was stolen." Hitsugaya flinched, something like this should not have been possible but the missing book atoned to the fact that someone had done what was considered to be impossible. The Book and the best security that Seireitei offered, being located in the soutaichous chambers. He knew that the Investigation squad that was called was well trained and would not make a mistake in their conclusions, he had trained them himself. He wondered why his own squad was called to investigate the matter with his knowing so. And how this pertained to him aside form the investigation of the missing book seeing as Yamamoto-soutaichou had eliminated the Gotei 13 as suspects. But he slowed his thought procces as he noticed tha the General was going to speak again.
"There is information in that book that is as valued as the King's Key, Kidou that has been banned for millenia, and a way to control the Gates of Hell and the Akuma that reside in the realm. If the Gates can be open at will you and I both know that the consequences will be unimaginable, and that Aizen will be the least of our concern if the Court of Beasts is released." Yamamoto-soutaichou's voice did not waver, these were the facts, a possible reality that may come from this and Hitsugaya knew his words were true, Aizen would be child's play compared to the Court of Beasts.
"The only way to open the Gates and to unlock the portion of the Book that contains the instructions to control the Gates is through the willing blood sacrifice of an awakened guardian of heaven. And currently, Hitsugaya-kun, you are the only Guardian here, though you have not fully awakened. An awakening that will happen on the lunar eclipse of the winter solstice. An event that will occur the winter of the upcoming year, and until that time we must keep you hidden. This will mean that you will not be present in the battle against Aizen but that is a sacrifice that I am willing to take in the face of the consequence of your possible kidnapping if your injuries will wont it. I am sorry Hitsugaya-kun but I will do everything in my power to stop the revival of the Court of Beasts with or without your consent." Yamamoto-soutaichou had turned hardened and blazing eyes to the young captain that was slightly frozen in place as the Soutaichou's overwhelming reitsu came out.
"What do you mean by my consent?" Hitsugaya asked as he tensed and moved into a stance, that while not being outwardly offensive allowed for an easy acces to hgis sword and and easy escape root at the same time.
"It means Hitsugaya-kun, that I will be sealing your zanpaktou and you reitsu on to your skin so that you will not be able to use it unless the seal is released. This seall that I will place will block you from reaching and molding your reitsu. Since one of the primary ways of finding a person is through their individual reitsu signature, this will delay them in finding you. And even if they do, they will be able to access your power since it will be locked using some of the more historic sealing tecniques that I have perfected myself, and therefore you will not be able to remove them yourself seeing as i have removed all information from the Seireitei archives on this technique. I am sorry Hitsugaya-kun, but for the future of Soul Society, I must do this."And soon the Soutaichou's Zanpaktou, Ryuujin Jokka was released and a burning heat took over the building like none other fire based Zanpaktou could release.
Hitsugaya knew that he could not loose his wings, not when he had not soared as high as his potential could allow. He could not give up the only person that had been by his side since he had entered the academy, since he had been left alone in Rukongai. He had entered the academy uner odd pretenses that made for a difficult time in the institue. Whatever he did, whatever acomplishment that he recieved, he had to have double the proof to get recognition for it. And his dreamscape become more chaotic as the dragon coiled tighter, feeling as though it was waiting to long. And then slowly he began to push himself harder than ever to surpass expectations, to unleash the roar that Hyourinmaru was building up inside of him before he was torn open. The dragon cared for nothing, not of his apperance, his age, his experince, only of the fact that he could grant the dragon freedom The dragons silence resolved his determination and he grew stronger for the dragon's sake even though he did not know Hyourinmaru's name at the time. Ever since he had first touched his Zanpaktou he knew that the dragon inside him had finally unbound and released a roar that froze everything in the training field. The dragon had watched him, encouraged him to do what he must do if he wished to soar with dragon wings, and he had achieved many things. A name of Tensai, of Captain, and his wings.
But what mattered most to him, was if this happened he would loose the only mirror he ever looked in, the part of his soul that Hyourinmaru represented would decay if he lost that mirror. Hyourinmaru was more than a sword, more than a friend, Hyourinmaru was the blood that filled his veins and the roar to which his heart beat. He would never give any of that up willing, not when he had overcome so much and worked so hard to achieve this. Not when he passed all of Seireitei's expectations, not when he blew most people out of the water as he drove for the sense of completeness, in which him and Hyourinamu were one. Throwing it away would be going against everything that he believed in and everything that Hyourinmaru had taught him, and after the dragon had granted him something to soar with, he would not fail him so completely. So he did something that he had never thought there would be a need for. He drew his sword against the general.
"Set upon the frozen heavens, Hyourinmaru!" Crying out with outrage, the ice blue dragon roared with his cry as he appeared despite the blistering heat. There was no way that the dragon wanted to be locked away after it had tasted the freedom of the skies after so long.
"I had a feeling that it would come to this Toushiro, I will not lose and I will do what is need, if you choose to forgive me after all this is done, that will be at your own discretion. For now, let me see what you are capable of boy." And soon the battle between fire and water had begun, a battle rippling with immense spirit power that could be felt throughout Seireitei. And it was hard not to feel the rippling power struggle as the dragon fought for his survival knowing that while he was not strong enough to beat the General, he did not want to lose, did not want to give up half his soul; so he did whatever he could do to taste the sky for a little longer.
The battle aura that suddenly permutated the air of Seireitei was unexpected especially when one took into account of those that were involved in the fight that was currently being waged. Ukitake and Kyouraku were surprised to feel something like this from the inside of the First Division and they knew that this battle was serious, after all the old man had released his sword, something that didn't happen very often. What they found hard to comprehend was that the one challenging the authority of the leader of the Gotei 13 was Hitsugaya Toushiro, the young captain that was a stickler for propriety and had a sense of honour like no other. The young boy respected the general for allowing his odd acceptance into the academy and not judging his power by his apperance, instead the man had expected great things from him, some of which he had surpassed. Stepping into shunpo they headed towards the direction from which the incrediably dense reitsu was emanating from. If this was something that the 10th division captain was fighting for, they did not know if the young captain was justified in the course of action that he was taking, and with the strict General, neither knew if he would come out of this unscathed or alive. Hitsugaya Toushiro, while being formidable in his own right was only a fledgling compared to Yamamoto-soutaichou.
Upon arriving at he battle site they were surprised to see the young tensai still standing while much of the surround area had been decimated. Their arrival was shortly followed by those captains that remained in Seireitei, all of which were reluctant to step in. Besides, stepping in would only result in a situation far more serious, and it would be pointless to do something when they knew nothing. This fight was not theirs and they knew that no captain could defeat the general. Kurostchi-taichou wondered if after this battle if he would be allowed to use Hitsugaya for some experiments, it was so hard to find subjects that were strong enough to survive, and seeing that this spiecimen would have captain level reitsu made it all the better for him. Though he was mildly curious as to what could have the tensai child captain so against what the Soutaichou would want. But that was no concern of his, the soutaichou had assigned him a role and as soon as the signal was given he would fulfill it.
Ukitake and Kyouraku stood beside Unohana and watched the battle unfold in front of their eyes, because despite the seriousness of the situation, the battle was truly something to behold.It was rare to see such a display of power, even in spars between captains, but it was rarer still to see two people with such strong elemental swords being prerssed in to battle againts one another. The battle was truly awing in the power it showed the young captain truly possessed, which was hard to beleive espcecially when it came from someone so young. The battle was fierce but none of the captains had any illusions as to who would truly win in a fight against the general and the wonder how the white haired prodigy held out so long against the man. But then the slowly began to noticed how the general did not use his full power, or how re did not take any killing or debilitating blows against the boy. It was hard to understand why the general would something like this, if Hitsugaya had broken a rule or disregarded orders then the man would not be nearly as forgiving as he was. It was perplexing
"Do you have any idea what is going on Unohana-taichou?" Asked Ukitake as he tensed, wanting to aid the young captain but knowing he should not.
"Honestly? I came here as soon as I felt the reitsu climb. I am as clueless as everyone else here concerning the situation. I fear that Hitsugaya-taichou will not last much longer, and I assume that is when we will be informed of the going ons." Was the quiet captains reply. But she began to focus her attention to the reitsu of the participating fighters. The reitsu of each person was like a fingerprint, each unique, but when the reitsu was of this magnitude it always made reading her paitents all tha much easier, escpecially if they were being stubborron and refusing her aid, since it allowed her to read the story behind ther person's ailments. Though, what she did not tell everyone was that the reitsu could also be read to tell emotions. Of course that relied on a completely different way of reading and interupeting the reitsu, and she focused on that aspect as she closed her eyes. Looking at Hitsugaya-taichou's reitsu, she saw a multidue of emotions on display; anger, resetment, despair, panic, fear and resignation. Confusing but not mre so than what the soutaichou was feeling; all she could get from him was determination, understandable, but eeriely a deep guilt and regret as well. Snapping her eyes open, she knew that whatever was happening was unfair and it hurt the General to do whatever he had to do. And she began to wonder about the General's reasoning and how he got to this conclusion.
"I am sorry Hitsugaya-kun but the battle is over for you." The fire of the soutaichou's Zanpaktou had destroyed Hyourinmaru and Ryuujin now rested at the neck of the young captain. The remainder of the Gotei 13 were surprised at the extent of injuries on both combatants, though they could tell that whatever the general suffered from was superficial and nothing. But Hitsugaya had some injuries that probably required some attention. The heavy breathing of the young captain and the crackling fire were the only sounds that could be heard for the next few moments but before anything could be done Hitsugaya raised his eyes to look at the general that had handed him this cruel fate.
"No", the whispered response was passed through cracked lips and bright turquoise eyes changed and slowly started to glow a bright icy colour and slowly an immense power began to build up around the young captain. The attending taichou's were floored by the display of power, and were chilled as well; they knew that the power was unnatural and was not normal. The reitsu was strong, overbearing but at the same time it was envloping and comforting that did not lessen the danger it presented though.
"I will not give up the wings that Hyourinmaru granted me! I will not silence the dragons CRY!" Abruptly the wind picked up and the roar of a dragon filled the ears of those in attendance and the towering power was unleashed and it leapt out wildlly coming to freeze everything in the surrounding area. And the wild reitsu that remained surrounding the small captain spun and flayed wildly as it tried to reach and destroy.
"Kurotsuchi-taichou". Commanded Yamamoto-soutaichou as he held off the attack of the young boy in front of him, and as the soutaichou had expected, it was a formidable attack. The General was thankful that the boy had yet to reach his full potential and the fact that he had no control over this; it made dealing with it easier. He had to wonder, what Aizen would do, if he survived past this winters war, against a fully awakened Hitsugaya-taichou.
Taking a quick shunpo Kurotsuchi-taichou made his way behind the white haired captain and injected him with a needle before he was forced away by the wild reitsu or risk being frozen. Slowly the drug began to take effect as Hitsugaya was forcibly calmed down and his consciousness began to be drained from him, he tried to fight the effect that the drug had on him but that only made its hold stronger. And he cursed in his mind that his forgiveness was not going to be given as easily as many would think, the Soutaichou had betrayed his trust and nothing he could do that would ever allow him to earn it back. Hyourinmaru was going to be taken fro him and he couldn't help a pained whimper passing his lips as he felt the tsuka being pried from his fingers. It hurt and he could feel the dragon roaring in his mind and slowly but surely he fell into unconciousness.
"Kuchiki-taichou, if you would be so willing to help me with Hitsugaya-kun, we will be heading to your family home." Said the Soutaichou as he held Hyourinmaru and began walking away from the wreckage. Slowly as Kuchiki-taichou picked up the small captain and made his way to follow the general, ignoring the questioning glance tossed his way by the other captains as well as his own growing confusion.
Arriving at his home, the clan leader followed the general into the sealing chamber, a room made specifically to be used for the sealing of powerful beings. The room was covered in binding and sealing kidou that would effect the one that was put in the very center of the first kidou circle. Kuchiki-taichou had allowed the soutaichou to use this room and looking at the floor and he knew binding seals that were going to be put on the young captain that still lay in his arms, he wondered what the young boy had done to deserve something like this. The seals that wound circle after circle were complicated and more archaic than the ones used currently but the meaning, though not exactly translated, was easy enough to comprehend; his reitsu and Zanpaktou would be bound and sealed away. It was a very cruel fate, death would be better for any captain that was put in this sort of position. A painful fate to any shinigami, even more so to one who had reached bankai seeing as that required a closer bond to the Zanpaktou. Kuchiki-taichou knew that this was going to be very painful and was relieved that the boy would be unconcious for the proceedure.
"The ink used for the characters contain some of Hitsugaya's blood, the chamber is ready to be used. Please Kuchiki-taichou, place him in the center of the circle." Indicated the general waving his hand towards the center of the hundreds of seals, where his Zanpaktou lay waiting.
Slowly the captain of the 6th division placed the boy down gently, getting up her heard the pained whimper and the whisper of 'Hyourinmaru' as though the boy knew what was to happen. He felt a flash of pity and hoped that the would pull through and survive long enough to get his Zanpaktou back. His thought lingered on his on Zanpaktou and he knew that if he was put in a situation like this, he would have fought as well, without his Zanpaktou he would lose much of his reason to keep living. Walking to the Soutaichou's side they activated the seals and he mentally applogized for taking part in this ritual. The seals beagn to dance and move around as they slowly settled on his skin, seals that were probably burning and bringing the unconscious captain much pain, even though the drug probably nullified most of the effects.
"I am deeply sorry Toushiro-kun." Whispered the general as he watched the young boy writhe and whimper from the pain of being sealed away from half his soul and most of his reitsu.
Kuchiki-taichou glanced at the profile of the general and he knew automatically that there was so much more to this than a simple answer of betrayal or disobedience. And if the regret present on the generals face was any indication, he had been just as reluctant as the white haired tensai to do something of this nature. He would not ask anything because he knew that all would be explained when Hitsugaya was conscious again. Slowly the seals in the room were being drained away as they took on their duty to lock away Hitsugaya and soon the chamber was quiet. And on his arm was Hitsugaya's Zanpaktou with Hyourinmaru coiling around it. The chains that held down both sword and dragon should the true meaning of the seals, and the seal for chained was stamped to the middle of the tattoo. The chains that held down the dragon and sword, were in actuality were the seals that were written on the floor if one was to look close enough, the tattoo was the length of his arm stretching from his shoulder to his wrist. Making the tattoo hard to miss. Kuchiki-taichou looked to his side to find the general gone and then looked at the Young boy on the floor, making his way to the boy he picked him up and took him to one of the many rooms in the house of Kuchiki.
The sun shinning on his eyelids was what woke him up, but he dreaded opening his eyes because then he knew that it would be real. That Hyourinmaru would have been sealed away. If he was honest with himself, he knew that it was true, the emptiness that resided where Hyourinmaru was occupied was proof enough of the sealing. Opening his eyes, he immediately took notice that he was not in his division barracks but someplace of higher quality. He ignored it for now, as he looked at his neatly folded Shinigami clothes and captains cloak . Running his hand over the symbol of his division, he wondered if he would still be captain or if Matsumoto would take over in his stead. He would think about it later though, it was still painful when he got no respond whenever he cried Hyourinmaru's name. Seeing another set of clothes lying by those of his Shinigami clothes, he opted to wear those during the time in which he was unsure of his rank and standing in Seireitei. Taking a shower, he noticed the tattoo that adorned his arm and ran a finger over the dragon, and wondered if he would ever soar in the skies again. Stepping out of the shower he made his way to the clothes he was to wear . As he put the clothes on he noticed the high quality of the fabric and the cut and he could tell that it was a very expensive piece of clothing. Even though the hakama and yukata were nice enough, white with a a variety of blue snowflakes, he was most grateful for the long sleeves that fell past his fingertips but more importantly, it covered the tattoo marring his skin, that showed his failure to protect his other half of his soul. Walking back into the room that he had slept in, he raised an eyebrow as he saw Kuchiki Byakuya standing by the window, at least he knew what was going on now and where he was.
"I assumed that you would prefer not wearing your captains cloak for the time being. I am glad that you find the clothes fitting for you" He said as he gazed out the window.
"I thank you for your consideration Kuchiki-taichou." Hitsugaya said as he gave a small bow to the other captain, ignoring the mocking emptyness in his mind and the still dreamscape that usually had some activity going on, whether a storm or breeze, indicating the dragons presense.
"I am afraid that I must ask you to accompany me to the Captains meeting." The 6th division captain said as he turned to face his white haired guest. The older captain looked for any signs of outward pain but was mildly impressed at how the younger boy was able to keep his face deviod of most emotions. But he could see the pain and the agony reflected in cerulean depths as the young boy took in what was said. He could see the rising anger that slowly ebbed away and a defeated look momentairly overtook his features.
"Of course, lead the way Kuchiki-taichou." Hitsugaya said as he followed the clan leader out of the room. Glancing back he thought it better to bring his shinigami clothes as well. Clenching the clothes in a deathly grip, he followed Kuchiki-taichou out of the manor and towards Seireitei. Towards the man that locked away the most precious thing in his life. He knew that the resentment he was feeling was justified but he couldn't help but feel slightly childish. He was a captain and his duty came to Soul Society and Seireitei before it came to himself. But, oh god, how it hurt not to feel Hyourinmaru there. He could feel a prickling of tears and blinked them back, he had a duty to Hyourinmaru to stay strong, to not let this effect him outwardly. But closing his eyes, he cursed his emotions and the pain that clouded much of his thoughts. Anger also came forth the closer they got to the Meeting room and he privately wished that he had a little more time to absorb this, to get use to half hiself not being present, if he had that time, he knew he wouldn't be over the pain, no amount of time could prepare him of that, but at least then he would have been able to keep his emotions in check. Opening his eyes, Hitsugaya took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders and chin; he did have a dragons pride after all, he thought to himself with a bitter smirk.
They arrived in the meeting room before the other captains had shown up, but Yamamoto-soutaichou sat at the head of the table and Hitsugaya couldn't help but bristle as he saw the old man, he clutched his fist and he could feel the blood dripping from where his fingernails had pierced the skin. This was the man that had taken Hyourinmaru from him. The hand that was applying a pressure to his back had him snapping out of his thoughts, he looked over his shoulder at the older man who showed no indication of doing anything but the steady pressure on his back proved to him otherwise. Taking a deep breath he looked away from the head of the table and seated himself in the chair furthest from the head of the table, he would keep control if it killed him. As Kuchiki-taichou headed towards his normal seat, he gave Hitsugaya a handkerchief , who took it gratefully and wrapped it around his hand. Slowly the other captains came into the room taking a seat and giving a curious glance at the old dressed Hitsugaya-taichou and his pressence still there at a Captains meeting.
"Well, at least these clothes bring out your great colouring. Your eyes have never looked prettier nor your hair more like snow." Was Kyouraku-taichou's greeting, it allowed for the tension to dissipate as the other captains gave him an annoyed look, the man, of course, took no notice of this as he bent down to look at the prodigy more closely and raking his eyes over the boys form taking in the new style of clothing he wore for the time being. The action brought a slight dusting of pink to the white haired captain cheeks and he wished that the man had more control. Or that his vice-captain was there to stop him.
" Please Kyouraku-taichou, I would prefer if you stayed out of my personal space, you may just find a vital body part essential to life, missing." Glowered the young captain, as he glared at the man that was a little too close for comfort, he inched back in his chair to make up for the invasion of space but the action only invited the taller man to lean in closer.
"Awww, Jyuu-chan, he's blushing!" Said Kyouraku-taichou as he draped an arm around the young taichou's shoulders and rubbed cheeks with the young captain, who was a bright red and trying to get free of the mans clutch, which for the current moment was proving futile.
"Shinsui! Let him go! Can't you see that your embarrassing him!" Ukitake-taichou spoke out as he grabbed the back of his friends cloak and pulled him off the boy while smiling applogetically at the boy in front of him.
"Ah! But Jyuu-chan he looks so pretty today I couldn't help but tease him for looking so beautiful." Whined the older man as he reached for the youngest captain once again.
"Pedophile."Muttered the other captain and drug him away to his seat. Hitsugaya thanked the other man for interfering, he needed to wash his face as soon as he was out of here. He could tell that his face was still dusted pink after that embarrassing encounter. But he had to thank the man as well. Aside from being annoying, he had also dropped much of the tension and had calmed him enough to deal with the current meeting well enough. He knew that the man was more sly than he appeared to be, the calming effect was prbably exactly what he was aiming for; Hitsugaya wondered if he should buy the man some sake to thank him. Then he thought about how the man clung to him, and thought it was reward enough that he had yet to inflict damage the wild captain's person.
"Now that we are all present, I have very important news to tell you of concerning the events of a few days prior." No one mistook what event he was talking of and Hitsugaya tried to not concentrate on the presence missing from his mind, and instead focused on his breathing. He knew that the man was going to discuss what had happened but the caullous mention of the dragons name and that of the Book's disappearance still grated on his nerves.
"As you all know, Soul Society watches over many things, such as the King's Key, but there is another artifact that we watch over that has just as much importance. It is known as the Book of the Damned, and I hope that you are all aware of it. This book was recently stolen from the vault in my chambers. Stolen in such a way that there was no evidence of it being stolen, in a way that we know it was done without anyone stepping on to the lands of Seireitei. We all know that this book has the power to open the Gates of Hell, and can release the Court of Beasts. Though the only way to release the portion of the Book that instructs one in the ways that you can open the Gates to your will and how to summon the Court of Beasts, is through the willing blood sacrifice of an awakened Guardian of Heaven, that being our Hitsugaya-taichou. Since the Book can be stolen so simply, we must assume that they can do the same for summoning a living being. It was not a risk I was willing to take, th only way a summon can work is by locking on to a persons reitsu, also the only way to locate anyone, so to avoid detection I did what needed to be done." Stated the General as he looked out at his subordinates,who were slowly beginning to understand what the man was implying but too shocked to actually believe that he would do something so ruthless and cold to one of his own.
"Could you clarify what you did?" Asked Kyouraku-taichou as he looked out from under his straw hat, he needed confirmation, they all did, beofre they accused him of something, but they knew that their hope that the bind was not true was only a hope. They could tell in the way that the man sat still and rigid, in the lines of his face, or just one glance at the desolate expression on Hitsugaya-taichou's face.
"The battle yesterday was the result of Hitsugaya-taichou not approving of having his Zanpktou and reitsu sealed." Stated Yamamoto-soutaichou confirming their beliefs and causing a variety of expressions to appear on the faces of the captains. But one thing was clear, they were all indignant and angry on the behalf of the small captain. Such a thing was only to happen to those that commited the worst of crimes.
"You sealed off his Zanpaktou?!!!" Exclaimed Ukitake as he stood up out of his seat and he was not the only one, Soi Fong had also stood up. Though the woman stuck to the rules like no other, she had to admit that this was wrong. She was in chrage of handing out punishents to those that broke the rules of Seireitei or the Centeral 46, but to do something like this was completely out of line! It was a punishment, one the most severe, and he had handed it out as a percaution against a possiblity! It went against her squad and the rules of the Centeral 46, seeing as their permission was required.
"That's not- How-What gives you the idea that you could do that?! Its not fair!! He did nothing of the sort to require such a severe.. . action on your part! I can't rightfully agree to this punishment, sir." Stated the woman looking hairred.
"Jyuu-chan, Soi Fong-taichou, calm down. I can't say that I agree with this either Yama-jiji, but I can understand the options that were available." Sighed Kyouraku as he kept a hand on Ukitake's shoulder.
"You can't be serious Shinsui!" Exclaimed Ukitake as he turned to look at his friend.
"I never said that I approved, but if they were to get their hands on Hitsugaya-kun, they could release the Court of Beasts, I know as well as you, that Aizen is a major threat to Soul Society but the Court. . . The Court is something of nightmares, Aizen would be like a mouse compared to a lion if the Court were to be revived. Soul Society barely survived the last time they were revived and even then we were only able to send them back." Stated the for once somber captain.
"I want all captains to place Hitsugaya-taichou as top priority. There is no way that we can lose him. I will brook no arguements. Abandon a fight, do what you must to keep him safe. I will not lose Soul Society to the Beast Lords. Zaraki-taichou, watch over him if there is any sign of battle. I will not have Hitsugaya-taichou be at a risk like that." The old man looked at the wild taichou of the 11h division, and most of the room wondered what the soutaichou was thinking asking for such a thing form the bloodlusting captain. But maybe the man was as slow witted as he looked because he nodded in response and gave a menacing grin, he was upset at his lack of battle in the future, but he knew that the old man wasn't someone you argued with. But he was going to get th ekid captain to fight with him after he came to his full power in a year. The boy would owe him that much, and thinking back to the power he felt, he couldn't help but anticipate the battle that was to come.
"Hitsugaya-taichou, you may command your squad from here, but you are to stay away from any combative situations." Yamamoto-soutaichou and everyone that that was the implicit dismissal and took their leave. Slowly the captains began to leave the room some more irritated than others of course but they would eventually calm down.
"Hitsugaya taichou, are you well?" Asked Unohana, knowing that most sealing ceremonies were painful and being a healer she was naturally concerned. She knew that he would not answer truthfully but she understood that he may not want to have any contact with anyone as he adjusted to the loss of his Zanpaktou. She obsereved the boy, how he walked and carried himself. She could tell that it was painful for him to be here, without Hyourinmaru but he was handling himself well. She knew that he would be reluctant to tell anyone of how was dealing but she had to ask. He carried himself much in the same way before, but she could sense a lingering pain and saddness that wasn't shown in his over all person. She had to comend the boy, he was strong to be able to face the man that did that to him and not explode. She knew that the young captain would put forth his prickly and icy exterior once again but she wondered if he would be able to keep it up for long. She wondered if he would break and if they would see it coming, if he would survive, if he would live with the despair long enough to be reunited with his sword again. She knew that many a man would not make it through such a trail. But then she saw his eyes, and knew that he would surpass their expectations again and live through this, through th epain, sadness and despair, she sensed the longing and determination; he would be reunited with Hyourinmaru no matter the cost and no matter the method. He would wait if he had to, because the dragon had taught him chilled paitence. He was strong, this boy.
"Yes, any injuries that I may have received were already taken care of before I awoke. I appreciate your concern though." Said the younger taichou as turned to the healer. Giving a small nod of acknowledgment he walked away towards his own division, his shinigami clothes clutched tightly under one arm.
He may not be able to take action the same as before but he was still a captain, and that meant he responsibilities to squad, and Zanpaktou or no he still had to do them.
He smiled. And it was a smile that sent shivers down all those that saw it, because they knew that nothing good would result from it. After all those with great power who rule with an iron fist were known to be quiet fearsome when they smiled. It had taken many cursebreakers and translators before they could decipher what was written in the text. In the directions for summoning the Court of Beasts, and he found one thing to be missing. But now his trackers had found a ritual spell that would bring forth the Guardian, who , while not awoken, was needed later. This spell was to take a great deal of magical energy and effort and it was to their benefit that Halloween was to be arriving very soon. A night in which dark magic was at its peak, and the summoning ritual was considered to be dark. The augmentation was well received and now they were ready to summon the guardian when the night arose. He would have ultimate power yet and no boy or old man would stop him. The Court was a myth in the magical world, but he knew that their was a text that instructed the summonig of such a thing and low and behold, he had th ebook in his hands. It had taken many trials and a few more. . . disposeable lives but they had gotten it. Now all they required was the guardian.
Quietly Voldemort thought that Albus Dumbledore was in for a lot of trouble once the summon was successful.
Chistuki-Hime: Drop me a review and tell me what you think, If you like, then I'll continue but if not, well every author has their flop idea.