Disclaimer: I do NOT own the Bleach series in any way. All copyrights go to Tite Kubo.
Synopsis: The third, fifth, and tenth divisions are sent out to exterminate a large group of Hollows in East Rukongai District 40 when Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Hinamori suddenly got separated. Together, they must fight for survival and get back to their allies safely. Hopefully, somewhere along the way, Momo can help Toshiro get all his memories back from the enemy who stole them.
Author's Note: Yes, another HitsuHina story has been posted! This story is actually loosely based on Amnesia, one of my earlier works back in the day when my writing skill isn't that great. Ah, the memories I have almost forgotten...LOL. Anyway, consider this story, Forget Me Not, to be the improved spin-off version of the old one. Hope you enjoy it!
~ Dedicated to my dear reviewers and all the HitsuHina lovers out there on fanfiction. net! ~
~ LONG LIVE THE HITSUHINA LOVE! ~
Oh yes, if you're wondering, the meaning of the title is based on the Forget me Not's flower meaning: hope, remembrance, memories, and true love.
LEGEND
"Talking." "Thinking."
Forget Me Not
Chapter One: Separation
It is dark and solemn throughout the streets of Rukongai. Nothing can be heard except for the brief sounds of flash steps passing by. The people who are responsible for nature's disturbance are the Shinigami of the Gotei 13. "Captain, we've almost arrived at our destination."
Glancing back at his subordinate, he replied, "Alright then, we'll continue running at this pace. We'll be there in no less than fifteen minutes. Be sure to keep your guard up; those Hollows can ambush us at any moment."
"Yes sir!"
His vice-captain placed a hand over her mouth and yawned. The white haired Shinigami turned his attention to the strawberry orange haired woman and gave her a stern look. "You better be wide awake once we get there."
Rangiku Matsumoto let out another yawn. "Yes Captain, but it can't be helped! You brutally woke me up after you have received word from the Captain Commander that we're supposed to East Rukongai District Forty to investigate and exterminate the Hollows there. Can't you be a little more considerate? I only had six hours of sleep!"
"You're not the only one who wants to stay in bed right now. So, suck it up," Toshiro Hitsugaya retorted.
"You're so mean!"
"Shut up, I don't want to argue with you."
Suddenly, they heard another yawn. They turned their heads to see the lieutenant of the fifth division feeling the same way as they are.
"Oi Hinamori, don't tell me you're feeling the same way too."
Raven haired girl, Momo gave her childhood friend a sleepy smile. She replied, "Sorry Shiro-chan, the only reason I'm sleepy is because I stayed up late, finishing all the division paperwork. I was falling behind on it."
The white haired prodigy let out a defeated sigh. "Okay, fine; you feeling tired is understandable, but please stop calling me by that name."
All of a sudden, he started raised his voice.
"How many times do I have to keep reminding you? You're supposed to address me as Captain Hitsugaya!"
"My my Hitsugaya-kun, you're quite lively at this late hour," said a voice.
Heads turned to the side to see the gray haired captain and his pale blond haired lieutenant joining the run with the rest of them. "Kira-kun!" Hinamori exclaimed.
"Gin, you've been sent out here too?" Rangiku asked.
A grin appeared on Ichimaru's face. "As a matter of fact, yes; just like the rest of you, the Third Division has been sent to exterminate the Hollows in that area as well."
Izuru nodded with agreement. "It has been a while since we've worked together."
"Let's get along well, okay?"
It is when Hitsugaya and Matsumoto gave him stern looks from the expression on their faces. The young captain of the tenth division soon let out a defeated sigh. "We've wasted enough time; it's time to pick up the pace."
"Whatever you say, little captain; we understand."
"Hai Hitsugaya-taicho!" Kira and Hinamori exclaimed.
"Yes sir!" Rangiku and the other lower ranked Soul Reapers said in unison before moving along together.
By the time the third, fifth, and tenth divisions arrived at their destination, they found the area already severely damaged by many hungry Hollows. "Well well, these creatures are definitely going to keep us busy for the whole night," Gin commented. "We better get started then."
It is when Hitsugaya turned to Matsumoto. He gave her a short nod, silently saying that it's her turn to command their division subordinates.
"Okay." Rangiku turned to them and instructed, "Tenth division, we're going ahead to defeat our enemies. Don't let down your guard!"
"Yes ma'am!"
"Good."
"Let's go Matsumoto," Toshiro said. As he walked past his childhood friend, he took a quick glance at her. "Be careful Hinamori."
Initially, she was surprised that he said those words. He's not the type of person who would often show great concern to others. She soon offered him a sincere smile. "Thank you for your concern; I'll make sure to come out of the battle healthy and well."
At that moment, she could have sworn that the younger Shinigami cracked a small smile on his face. But before she could ask, he already disappeared into thin air. Moments later, members of the tenth division flash stepped along with him.
After watching them leave, a grin appeared on Captain Ichimaru's face. He turned to his lieutenant and said, "Let's get going Izuru before Hitsugaya-kun and his division takes all the fun away from us."
"Yes sir," Kira replied.
Then, Gin and his group of Soul Reapers disappeared as well, leaving the fifth division vice-captain alone with her subordinates. Momo closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It has been a while since she was on a mission. Over the past few months, she was busy recovering from the injuries she got during the Winter War. "Alright everyone, let's go."
"Yes Hinamori-fukutaicho!"
Hollows roared as they engaged into battle with the Soul Reapers. Unfortunately for them, they were easily exterminated by their swords. Another creature from Hueco Mundo has fallen to the ground. Content with her work, Matsumoto put her zanpakuto back in its sheath and brushed the dust off her hands. She placed her hands on her hips and said, "Well, that's the last of them for this area."
"Lieutenant Matsumoto!" one of her subordinates said, running up to her.
"What's wrong?"
"Hitsugaya-taicho requests of your presence," he replied. "He is currently fighting against a large band of Hollows three kilometers south of here."
With a nod of agreement, Rangiku used shunpo to quickly get to where her captain is. When she reappeared in his presence, he was busy cutting a few Hollows with his sword. "Captain, is there something you need me to do?"
Slicing a Hollow in half with his Hyourinmaru, Toshiro quickly glanced at Rangiku. All of a sudden, he turned his body around to face her. Using the momentum, he stabbed his sword through the Hollow's gut. The creature gave out an agonizing roar before disintegrating into thin air. "I want you to take over my position for a moment. I'm going to check on what the fifth division is up to."
It is when Matsumoto put her hands together behind her back and simply smiled at the younger Shinigami. Hitsugaya then gave her a stern look.
"What?"
"Oh, I was just wondering are you doing this because you have a crush on Hi-"
"Matsumoto, just do what you're asked to do," he ordered.
She let out a sigh of defeat. "Yes sir."
"Good."
With that being said, the white haired captain disappeared from her sight and hurried his way to the northern area where Hinamori and her division are fighting. A group of Huge Hollows began firing ceros at him upon eye contact. His eyes narrowed with great awareness causing him to raise his sword high up into the heavens. He called out, "Souten ni Zase, Hyourinmaru!"
Suddenly, a cast of ice circled the blade as it formed into a roaring dragon. With a swing of his sword, he released his attack toward the masked beasts and freezing them on the spot. Just as he is about to land on the ground safely, he slice through every single Hollow and defeated them. He glanced back at the disappearing Hollows, making sure that they have been eliminated. Once he is certain, the young Shinigami resumed to what he was doing: checking on the fifth division.
By the time he spotted the raven haired lieutenant and her subordinates, Hitsugaya stopped running and quietly watched. "Everything seems to be under control."
All of a sudden, a praying mantis like Hollow appeared from behind. It was ready to slice his head off with its claws, but Toshiro took a quick glance over his shoulder and disappeared from its sight. As his opponent is looking around for his whereabouts, he reappeared from behind and raised his pointer and middle left fingers towards the right side of his face. Spiritual red energy is gathered at his fingertips.
"Hado Number 31: Shakkaho!"
After calling out the way of destruction spell, the tenth division captain fired his attack at the unknowing Hollow and successfully eliminated it. Moments later, another group of Hollows appeared and surrounded him. Hitsugaya held his sword up in front of him and got into fighting stance. He let out a small hiss.
"Here we go again."
"Hado Number 32: Okasen!" exclaimed a voice.
Sensing a wave of spiritual energy heading his direction, Toshiro quickly moved out of the way and allowed the attack to make contact with the enemy Hollows. A few of them roared in pain while others were slowly disintegrated into thin air.
"Are you alright, Hitsugaya-kun?" asked the familiar voice of his childhood friend, who appeared at his side.
"I appreciate your help Hinamori," he said before giving the lieutenant a stern look. "However, you're supposed to address me as Hitsugaya-taicho."
More Hollows appeared around them. The two Shinigami went back to back, in preparation to counterattack.
"How are your division members handling this?"
"They have everything under control," Momo replied.
"Alright."
The surrounding Hollows roared and charged at them. Just as they made contact with the childhood friends, they were immediately stopped in their tracks by a mysterious red-orange net of spiritual energy. Hinamori then held up her sword and allowed the blade to touch one of the net strings. With a fierce yell, she called out, "Hajike, Tobiume!"
All of a sudden, a large explosion occurred causing a thick cloud of smoke to fill the area. Seconds later from within the smoke, sounds of agonizing roars and clashing blades were heard. By the time the effects of the explosion wore off, the tenth division captain and the fifth division lieutenant had their backs turned away from the Hollows. After putting away their swords back into their sheaths, they turned around to see them all disintegrate into the atmosphere. Momo placed a hand over her chest and let out a relieved sigh.
"Thank goodness my plan worked."
"Even if it didn't, I would have used my Bankai to finish them off," Toshiro replied.
The peach girl gave him a smile. "I know, but I didn't want you to waste your power on them. Besides, there's still a possibility for stronger Hollows to appear."
Hitsugaya quickly turned his head to the side, keeping the girl from seeing the changed expression on his face. "I suppose..."
Suddenly, they heard a screeching sound. Their heads turned to where it is coming from. "What was that?"
"I don't know, but we have to go there and investigate."
When she saw him run ahead, Hinamori quickly followed behind in case he needs some assistance. Moments later as they are running on ground level, the white haired captain stopped in his tracks and stared down at the ground. All of a sudden, Hitsugaya's eyes widened upon realization. He quickly turned around and held out the palm of his right hand to his childhood friend. "Hinamori, don't come!"
However, it was already too late. Momo caught up with him. "What's wrong?"
He put two fingers over his temples and began massaging them as he tried to figure out what to do next. After letting out a defeated sigh, he put his hand down and said to her, "Both of us have just crossed a powerful barrier. Now, we're stuck inside."
"No way!" she exclaimed. "Does that mean we're stuck here forever?"
"As long as we find the person who is responsible for this and defeat him, we'll be able to get out."
Momo let out a relieved sigh, glad that all hope is not lost. "I see."
Hitsugaya said, "Let's go find him."
With a nod of agreement, she quietly followed behind the younger Shinigami.
Short seconds turned into long minutes as the young captain and lieutenant continued searching for the culprit. As she watched her childhood friend, there were times where Toshiro stopped for a moment before walking in another direction. During the other times, he would take a quick glance at her before resuming his attention to where he was going. Maybe having a casual conversation can help eases the tension between them. "We seem to be going farther away from the others."
"Yeah, we are," he replied.
"Do you think Ichimaru-taicho, Rangiku-san, and Kira-kun have noticed that we went missing?"
"Who knows..."
Just as they took another step forward, they felt something grab hold of their ankles. When they were about to leap into the air and draw out their swords, Hitsugaya and Hinamori were immediately pulled down to the ground. They quickly rolled onto their stomachs and began fighting against the pulling force with the support of their hands. "Hitsugaya-kun, I-I can't hang on for a long time!"
He bit the bottom of his lip, struggling to come up with a solution that will help them get out of this mess. Without any other alternative way, he held out the palm of his right hand toward the enemy that grabbed Hinamori's ankles and called out, "Hado Number 63: Raikoho!"
After firing an electric current of spiritual energy at his target, Momo was released from its grasp. Immediately, she jumped into the air and drew out her sword. During this time, Hitsugaya looked at what is ahead of him. If the peach girl doesn't do anything quick, he's going to get dragged down the approaching cliff. "Hinamori!"
Noticing what's ahead of her childhood friend, she gave him a nod. Just as she raised her sword above her head and releases her Shikai, a yellow rope of spiritual energy appeared from below the cliff and immobilized the vice-captain. Her eyes widened upon realization. "This spiritual energy; it's a binding spell!"
As she struggled to break free, Momo soon let out a scream. In front of his eyes, he helplessly watched her get pulled down the cliff first. "HINAMORI!"
He immediately let out a cursing word.
"Shit!"
With no time to waste, Hitsugaya drew his zanpakuto and used the tip of its blade to stab on one the grabbing hands. Right away, he was released. As the enemy is retreating back down the cliff, Toshiro chased after it in hopes of finding his friend somewhere down there.
"Hang on tight; I'm coming to rescue you."
Japanese Word Translations
Shinigami - Soul Reaper, Gotei 13 - Thirteen Court Guard Squads, Hai - Yes, Taicho - Captain, Fukutaicho - Lieutenant/Vice-Captain, Zanpakuto - Soul Cutter, Shunpo - Flash Step, Bankai - A zanpakuto's final release, Shikai - A zanpakuto's first release
Author's Note: Well, what do you think of the beginning of the story? Like it? Dislike it? Please review! Thanks.