A flame that burned brighter than any star. A red deeper than crimson, the shade of fresh blood. The outline of a phoenix as it rose out of the ashes of its enemies. All the glory in the world seemed to be hers. Yet when I look back at her laughing image surrounded by a field of fire, I cannot forget the tears on her shadowed face, as if she wasn't happy about all that power, but almost as if she was sad.

as written on the inscription of the recca scroll, location: the forbidden library

I can still feel the heat of the fire as it brushed past my cheek. The bright flames as it spread all around me, devouring my pictures, my memories, my home…my family….myself. Why was I born a failure? Why do I always cause pain? The things I end up loving always end up gone, forever by my own hands. I rage at the world, so unfair and bleak. I see no future, just burned remnants of what once was. I am locked away because I was deemed a threat. I allowed myself to be locked away because I am a threat. I acknowledge the danger that I present. I no longer want to feel for the end result will always be pain and so I enclose myself into the flames.

"Hey, new guy. Be careful in there. Remember no fire of any kind is supposed to even go near that place alright?"

"Yessir. I'll keep that in mind." A smile permanently stuck on his face, Sasuke felt oppressed and stuck. I am so much better than any of these guys, why the hell do I have to even listen to him? Don't bring anything with fire. He mocked. Screw that, it's freaking dark in there, I'm bringing a torch. Slowly he made his way into the dark prison, muttering curses. Sasuke walked through the dingy hallway when suddenly he tripped and the torch fell on the floor. Shit. He fumbled trying to pick the stick back up but it was too late. The fire as if pulled, made its way towards the ominous door, revealing the horrifying images painted on the walls. He could only look in horror as the door to the prison creaked and groaned. The last thing Sasuke would remember was red.

"Yamamoto Ichibantai Soutaichou! Yamamoto Ichibantai Soutaichou!"

The yells seemed to be coming from outside the door. Toushirou was confused. How could anyone have the nerve to disturb a Captain's meeting? Must be new. He straightened and faced his head captain. "Yamamoto Soutaichou please allow me to set the officer back in his place."

Turning, he walked towards the door when suddenly they were flung open, hitting him square in the face.

"AHAHAHAA!"

"Shut up! Matsumoto!"

"Sorry Taichou that was too funny."

"Ken-chan! Look! Little whitey chan got hit!" Yachiru giggled. Kenpachi smirked. Even Byakuya seemed to have a ghost of a smile.

"It's alrighty Toushirou." Ichigo said. "Everyone has those days."

"That's Captain Hitsugaya to you!"

Toushirou blushed furiously. Stupid doors. And quietly returned to his place, a red bump on his nose. The rest of the captains smiled.

Amidst all the chaos, the messenger had made his way to Yamamoto.

"Aww little Captain Hitsugaya is blushing."

"Little shorty got too big for his breeches."

"My, my."

Hitsugaya smacked his forehead, gosh even Captain Unohana is making fun of me.

The whole hall erupted into playful teasing, with Toushirou glaring at his fellow Captains the entire time. However, when his eyes rested on Captain Yamamotos's, he sensed something wrong. Captain Yamamoto seemed to be even more grim than usual and that wasn't a good sign. Suddenly, he stood up to leave. "Meeting dismissed." And with a swish he left; causing confusion and daze. Toushirou grit his teeth. Definitely not a good sign.

I am the fire. The fire is me. I hate the flames therefore I hate myself. But it always calls and beckons, forever tempting me with its power. Time after time I resist, reminding myself of the pain and suffering it brings. And for hundreds I was able to ignore my yearning, want. But now that I see that flame again I know I can deny myself no further. I am the fire. The fire is me. And this time…this time I will answer its call.