Chapter Two- Waiting for Shirou-Chan
Captain Unohana led the way back to an empty room and she gestured toward the bed that stood in the middle of the room. "Lay him down and tell me all that you know."
Captain Ukitake nodded and stepped over to the bed. Since Captain Hitsugaya's injury was on his back Ukitake placed the young captain on his stomach and then turned to face Unahana.
Ukitake held out his hand to her, palm up. "These are the remains of the thing that hit him."
Captain Unohana gazed down at the fragments in Ukitake's hand and gasped. "Do you have any idea what that is Ukitake?"
"I was actually hoping that it wasn't what I thought it was however judging by your reaction I can see that it is."
Captain Unohana nodded gravely. "It is but I don't see how it's possible." As she spoke she walked over to the bed where Toushirou lay and leaned over the young captain. "I thought everyone who had knowledge of the Reiatsu Poison Darts was dead."
"So did I," Ukitake said. "But obviously we were wrong."
Captain Unohana quickly removed Hitsugaya's captain's coat and the shirts of his shihakusho and stared down at the wound between the young captain's shoulder blades.
"I can treat the wound you inflicted upon him with your zanpaktou," Captain Unohana said. "But as for the poison I have no cure. He'll have to fight that battle on his own."
Captain Ukitake looked grim. "Is that even possible? Did anyone survive the last time?"
Captain Unohana nodded, the same grim expression on her face. "There were actually three survivors. However the poison completely destroyed their reiatsu and though they managed to cling to life, when they finally recovered they were no longer Shinigami."
Ukitake sighed. This couldn't have happened at a worse time. The living world was in grave peril and the Thirteen Court Guard Squads were already short by three captains, thanks to the rebellion that Aizen had led. They really couldn't afford to loose Hitsugaya.
Captain Unohana set to work treating the wound in the middle of Captain Hitsugaya's back and in no time she had it partially closed and bandaged.
It only took about five minutes for Captain Unohana to treat Hitsugaya's zanpaktou wound however in that short span of time the young captain had begun to sweat profusely and he now thrashed around as though in extreme discomfort.
Captain Unahona summoned one of her subordinates and sent them for an ice pack and once they returned with it she placed it on top of Hitsugaya's head in an attempt to cool his fever.
After Captain Unohana had made the young captain as comfortable as she could, she turned back to Captain Ukitake. "You should inform Head Captain Yamamoto of what has happened. Arrangements will have to be made for Squad Ten."
Ukitake nodded, however his eyes lingered on Hitsugaya. The boy was like a son to him, even though Hitsugaya didn't really return
those sentiments, and he was hesitant to leave the boy even to attend to his duties.
"I'll stay here with Captain Hitsugaya until you return," Unohana told him, in an attempt to alleviate his worry. "And I'll have someone from my squad at his side at all times until this is resolved."
"Thank you Lady Unohana," Captain Ukitake said. Ukitake untied the sash that secured Captain Hitsugaya's zanpaktou across his back and he placed the sword on the floor beside the young captain's bed. Then he turned and left the room.
Ukitake made his way to Squad One headquarters where he was fortunate enough to find Head Captain Yamamoto in his office.
"Is there a problem Jyuushirou?" the old captain asked.
Captain Ukitake nodded grimly. "Someone with knowledge of the process for the creation of the Reiatsu Poison darts is still alive."
"That's impossible," Captain Yamamoto said, his eyes wide. "Everyone who was involved with that project was executed centuries ago. There's no way anyone could have knowledge of that."
"I didn't believe it at first either sir," Ukitake said, holding out the two pieces of the dart in the palm of his hand. "But Captain Unohana confirmed it and I have the evidence right here."
Captain Yamamoto stared down at the pieces of the dart. He sighed when presented with the indisputable truth of Ukitake's words. "Unohana confirmed it? Who was the victim?"
"Captain Hitsugaya sir," Ukitake said.
"Then we've lost another captain," Yamamoto said angrily, thinking that this couldn't have happened at a worse time.
"No," Captain Ukitake said, shaking his head. "Captain Hitsugaya is still alive."
"Incredible," Captain Yamamoto said. "Although the darts were never used on a captain, the renegade researchers took out three vice-captains with them."
"So no one of captain level was ever hit with the darts?" Ukitake asked.
"No."
That knowledge gave Ukitake a measure of hope where Hitsugaya was concerned. He knew that there had been three survivors, none of whom had been at the level of a captain.
"Maybe there's hope for Toushirou yet," he thought to himself.
"Send word to the world of the living that vice-captain Matsumoto is to return to Soul Society immediately," Captain Yamamoto ordered. "She will temporarily have command over Squad Ten."
"Yes sir," Captain Ukitake said.
With that Captain Ukitake left Squad One's headquarters and once outside he immediately summoned his subordinate Sentaro.
"You sent for me Captain?"
Ukitake nodded. "I have a job for you. I need for you to go to the world of the living and deliver a message to vice-captain Matsumoto. Tell her that she is to immediately return to the Soul Society but don't tell her what has happened here."
"Yes sir Captain Ukitake."
With that Sentaro used his flash-step and vanished.
Sighing Captain Ukitake made his way back to the Fourth Squad barracks and, being careful not to be seen by the vice-captains who were still waiting in the courtyard, he went back inside.
Ukitake had to avoid Isane and Hinamori because he had no information to give them at this point and he knew that Hinamori wouldn't be happy about that.
Isane had to return to her duties after a few hours of waiting, however Hinamori remained in the courtyard of the Squad Four Barracks. She was determined to wait there until there was news on Hitsugaya's condition. However the longer she waited the less likely it seemed that anyone would come out and tell her how the young captain was doing.
As she sat there, with her knees drawn up to her chin and her arms wrapped around them protectively, she saw someone approaching.
Hinamori watched as the Tenth Squad Vice-Captain Rangiku Matsumoto, came to a stop in front of her. "What are you doing here Rangiku? I thought you'd been sent to the living world."
"I was," Matsumoto said. "But I received an urgent summons telling me to come back. Captain Ukitake of Squad Thirteen sent word that I was to immediately return to the Soul Society, which I found to be quite unusual. You'd think any news important enough to bring me back from my mission in the living world would have been delivered by my own captain or at the very least someone from my own squad."
Hinamori lowered her gaze so that the look in her eyes wouldn't give anything away. She had no desire to be the one who told Matsumoto about what had happened to Hitsugaya.
"Momo," Matsumoto said suspiciously. "Do you have any idea what's going on?"
Hinamori hesitated and thankfully she was saved from having to answer by the appearance of Captain Ukitake. "Vice-Captain Matsumoto, you're here. That's good."
"You wanted to see me Captain Ukitake?" Matsumoto said.
Captain Ukitake nodded, a grim expression on his face. "You will not be going back to the world of the living Rangiku. I called you here to tell you that as of now you are temporarily in charge of Squad Ten."
"Why?" Matsumoto demanded, completely forgetting that she was supposed to treat the captain with respect. "Did something happen to Captain Hitsugaya?"
Hinamori glanced up at Ukitake, hoping that he would give them some information about Hitsugaya. However Ukitake didn't answer the question.
"The two of you should come with me," he said and with that he began walking back toward the Squad Four Barracks. Hinamori jumped to her feet and she and Matsumoto followed Captain Ukitake into the barracks and down the hall to a small room.
The three Shinigami entered the room and both Hinamori and Matsumoto gasped when their eyes fell upon Hitsugaya. The young captain lay on his stomach in bed, bare from the waist up except for a bandage in the middle of his back, right between his shoulder blades. More shocking was the fact that he was drenched in sweat and obviously having difficulty breathing. It was quite clear to both vice-captains that his condition was not good.
"Captain," Matsumoto called out, walking over to him.
Matsumoto stood staring down at her captain, unable to believe the sight that met her gaze. She had never, in the entire time she'd known him, seen Captain Hitsugaya as anything other than strong. The sight of him lying unconscious in bed, fighting for his life, was disturbing to her.
Hinamori turned her tear filled eyes toward Captain Ukitake. "He's going to be alright isn't he Captain Ukitake?"
Ukitake thought briefly about what answer he should give to Hinamori. He could lie and tell her that Hitsugaya would be just fine however he decided to tell her just what a struggle her friend had ahead of him.
"Captain Hitsugaya was hit by something called a Reiatsu Poison Dart," Captain Ukitake said. "Simply put this poison combines with the reiatsu a person possesses and then together they attack the body from the inside. The poison causes the victim's reiatsu to attack their Soul Chain and Soul Sleep. These darts were first designed by the technology department but once the higher ups discovered that the creators of these darts made them more powerful depending on how much reiatsu a person possessed and that they could therefore be used to go after the higher ups of Soul Society, they decided that they would be too dangerous and ordered them destroyed. Needless to say the creators of the darts weren't too happy with this decision. They had after all devoted years to the creation of the darts. So the creators revolted and used the darts against those who attempted to stop them. They were finally stopped but not before many Shinigami fell victim to the poison. And from what Captain Unahana tells me out of all the victims only three survived. And those three all lost their powers."
Hinamori gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. Then she began shaking her head in denial. "That won't happen to Toushirou. It can't."
At that moment Hitsugaya cried out from the pain, his already closed eyes now clenched tight.
"Captain!" Matsumoto called out. She leaned over him, desperately wanting to do something to ease his pain but knowing that there was nothing she could do. She placed a hand on his shoulder, in the hopes that a caring touch might aid him in his battle.
"He's in pain," Hinamori said, gazing beseechingly at Captain Ukitake.
"He's being attacked from the inside by his own reiatsu," Captain Ukitake said. "An unpleasant thing for anyone with even an ounce of spirit energy, absolute hell for someone with such prodigious skill as Toushirou possesses."
"Can't you do something to help him?" Hinamori begged, even though deep down she knew that Ukitake didn't have the power to heal him.
"There's nothing we can do Momo," Captain Ukitake said. "Believe me, I'd love to be able to help him but there is no cure for this."
"This isn't right," Hinamori said. "He should have just let the dart hit me."
Captain Ukitake gazed down at Hinamori, a serious expression on his face. "If he had, you'd be dead right now Momo."
Hinamori walked over to the bed and came to stand beside Matsumoto. She gazed down at her childhood friend, tears glistening in her eyes. "Shirou-chan."
Ukitake could tell that seeing Hitsugaya in this condition was upsetting Hinamori and he was slightly worried that she might have another breakdown, like the one she'd had after Aizen's attack.
"Come on you two," Ukitake said gently to the two vice-captains. "We should go and let him rest."
Matsumoto nodded but Hinamori was a little more hesitant to leave. She briefly looked over at Ukitake but after only a second or two her gaze returned to her childhood friend, not really changed that much from the days when they'd played together before becoming Shinigami. "I don't want to leave him alone here."
"It's okay Momo," Captain Ukitake said kindly. "He won't be alone. Captain Unohana said she'd have someone from her squad at his side at all times."
And as if he'd been summoned by the captain's words, Fourth Squad member Hanataro Yamada appeared in the doorway. He walked over to the bed and placed a comforting hand on Hinamori's shoulder. "Don't worry vice-captain Hinamori, I'll look after him."
Hinamori nodded and reluctantly left with the others.
Once they were back out in the courtyard Captain Ukitake turned around to face the two vice-captains. "Rangiku, I think you should go and inform your squad of what has happened."
"Yes sir," Matsumoto said. And she turned and walked off.
Once she was gone, Ukitake turned kind eyes to Hinamori. "And Momo, I think you should go back to your squad's barracks and get some rest."
"I'll go back," Hinamori said softly. "But I don't think I'll get much rest."
Captain Ukitake placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Try."
Grateful for his kindness and understanding Hinamori offered the captain a weak smile.
"If you need anything just let me know," Captain Ukitake told her.
Hinamori nodded and turned to go to the Squad Five barracks. As she walked away Hinamori saw the captain of Squad Eight and his vice-captain approaching and she vaguely wondered what had brought the two of them to Squad Four however she didn't care enough to ask and just kept walking as they passed her.
"Ukitake," Captain Shunsui Kyouraku called out as he and his vice-captain Nanao, approached. "What are you doing here? You're not sick again are you?"
Captain Ukitake shook his head. "It isn't me this time Kyouraku."
Captain Kyouraku knew that something was wrong the minute he got close enough to see the strained expression on Ukitake's face and he knew that it was something serious because had Ukitake been himself he would have answered Kyouraku's question with one of his own. Probably something to the effect of "What are you doing here Kyouraku? Do you have another hangover from drinking too much sake?" Kyouraku immediately became serious, which was something that almost never happened, as was obvious by the shocked look on Nanao's face. "What happened?"
"Do you remember when those researchers from the technology department revolted?"
Kyouraku nodded. "Yea. The Central 46 ordered them to destroy their new toys and they threw a tantrum. Killed a lot of good Shinigami before they were finally defeated."
"That's right," Ukitake said. "Weren't they all supposed to have been executed?"
"Yea. The Central 46 decided that the knowledge that they possessed posed an imminent threat to Soul Society and the ones who had survived the battle were all condemned to die. But why are you bringing all this up?"
"Because at least one of them escaped execution," Captain Ukitake said.
"Why do you say that?" Captain Kyouraku wanted to know.
"Because centuries after the first uprising the Reiatsu poison darts have claimed a new victim."
Kyouraku's eyes widened in disbelief. "One of your men?"
Ukitake shook his head. "No. Captain Hitsugaya of Squad Ten."
"The little guy?"
Captain Ukitake nodded.
"Is he still alive?"
"At the moment," Captain Ukitake said. "But he's suffering horribly and I don't know how much longer he can hold out. And even if he does manage to survive Captain Unohana said in all likelihood he'll loose his powers as a Shinigami. There's never been a survivor who's reiatsu has remained intact."
"When did it happen?" Captain Kyouraku wanted to know, not even wanting to think about the possibility of Captain Hitsugaya loosing his powers.
"This morning, outside the Seireitei. Vice-captain Hinamori and Captain Hitsugaya both decided to take a walk and although they didn't go together they both ended up at the same place. And from what I gather, Toushirou sensed the dart heading toward Momo and jumped in front of her at the last possible second."
"So whoever is responsible was trying to kill Momo?" Kyouraku asked.
"I don't think so," Captain Ukitake said. "I think they were after Toushirou but knew that he could dodge the dart if they attacked him outright."
"I see what you're saying," Kyouraku said. "So they aimed the dart at Momo knowing that Toushirou would jump in front of it in order to protect her."
Ukitake nodded.
"Well that's low," Kyouraku said. He despised enemies who fought using dirty tactics like that.
Ukitake nodded again. "Yes and it means that whoever is responsible is that much more dangerous. Toushirou wasn't around when these guys were researchers and the darts haven't surfaced in several years. So the one who got away probably has a spy inside the Seireitei. There's no other way they could know about the friendship between Toushirou and Momo."
"Wonderful," Captain Kyouraku said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "So why would they target the kid? Like you said, he wasn't even around the first time."
"I have no idea why the unknown assailant targeted Toushirou however I intend to place guards around the Squad Four barracks just incase they try again. Toushirou's lucky to still be alive and there's no way he could fight off an attack."
"I'll provide some men for guard duty as well," Captain Kyouraku volunteered. "Because if the assailant does have a spy inside the Seireitei then it's only a matter of time before they find out that the kid didn't die."
"Thank you Shunsui," Captain Ukitake said.
Kyouraku waved his hand in dismissal of the show of gratitude. "Don't mention it Jyuushirou. The kid's on our side after all and it would really suck to loose an ally. Especially one with his brains and skill."
"I agree," Ukitake said.
And with that the two captains went their separate ways, each planning to go back to their squad barracks and organize a guard detail.
As Hinamori made her way back to her barracks, tears flowed down her face as her guilt-ridden mind thought about Shirou-chan who was on the verge of death because he had helped her. She wouldn't have thought it possible but this pain was even worse than loosing Captain Aizen back when she'd idolized him, before she found out what a traitorous bastard he was. At least then she hadn't had to deal with the knowledge that it was her fault.
"Oh Shirou-chan," she whispered through her tears, her voice breaking. "I'm so sorry."
"Momo," a voice called out, breaking into her thoughts and startling her back to full awareness.
Hinamori gasped as she looked up and saw the Squad Three vice-captain Izuru Kira standing in front of her. She wiped at her eyes. "Izuru."
"I heard about what happened to Captain Hitsugaya," Kira said, staring down at Momo with a concerned look in his eyes. "Is he okay?"
(Toushirou had kind of taken Kira in after Squad Three's Captain Ichimaru betrayed them and revealed himself to be an ally of Captain Aizen. After the betrayal Captain Hitsugaya had somehow ended up with both Kira and the Squad Nine vice-captain, Shuhei Hisagi.)
Without warning Hinamori threw herself into Kira's arms, crying in earnest now.
Kira knew, without her having to say a word, that Captain Hitsugaya's condition was not good. He instinctively wrapped his arms around Hinamori, wanting to comfort her. "Come on Momo. I'll walk you to your room."
Hinamori nodded and allowed Kira to escort her back to the Squad Five barracks.
"Try and get some rest," Kira said as he turned to leave.
Hinamori nodded and went inside her room. Once she was alone in her room, Hinamori changed her clothes and lay down in bed. She curled herself up into a ball and lay there crying until no more tears could come.
Finally, after laying awake for many hours, Hinamori's exhausted and sleep deprived brain finally gave in and she slipped into unconsciousness. And as she slept, she dreamt of the hours she and Hitsugaya had spent playing together.
"Shirou-chan," she murmured in her sleep.
(Hitsugaya had always hated being called Shirou-chan and the fact that she called him that had been the cause of countless fights between the two of them, but that hadn't stopped Hinamori from using the nickname. In fact it may even have been part of the reason why she'd persisted in calling him that.)
Hinamori awoke a few hours later and although she'd only gotten about four hours of sleep she got up and quickly got dressed. Then she left her room in the Squad Five barracks and made her way to the infirmary.
When she arrived at Hitsugaya's room she saw that he was being watched over by a member of Squad Four whom she did not know.
"Good morning vice-captain," the female Shinigami said politely.
Hinamori nodded politely in her direction and walked across the room to Hitsugaya's bed. She gazed down at him and noticed that he didn't look any better than he had the day before. In fact, although she wouldn't have thought it possible, he actually looked worse. He was still drenched in sweat and his breathing was still very labored.
"Doesn't look very good does he?"
Hinamori turned to see Captain Ukitake walking through the door.
"Captain Unohana came in to see him early this morning," Captain Ukitake told her. "And she thinks it's a miracle that he's still alive. So try not to worry so much Momo. Toushirou's holding his own, which is a truly amazing feat in and of itself. If anyone can beat this, he can."
Hinamori offered him a small smile. She knew that he was trying to cheer her up and she appreciated the gesture, but she wouldn't stop worrying until Hitsugaya was completely well and back to his old self again.
Captain Ukitake gazed down at Hinamori and a concerned expression appeared on his face. "Did you get any sleep at all last night?"
"Some," Hinamori replied.
Ukitake nodded, understanding.
Hinamori walked over to a chair that was sitting next to the far left wall and she pulled it over to Hitsugaya's bedside. Then she sat down and tentatively touched the young captain's hand.
The next several days passed in much the same manner. Hinamori spent her days at Hitsugaya's side and at night she went back to her barracks and attempted to get sleep, which usually didn't work out so well.
"Come on Shirou-chan," Hinamori whispered, gazing down at Hitsugaya's pale face. "You can beat this. I know you can."
She was still sitting by Hitsugaya's side a little while later when Captain Ukitake entered the room to check on the young captain. She was amazed by the fact that the captain was so concerned about Hitsugaya however when she thought about it more, it kinda made since. After all, he had been the one who'd helped them out before Hitsugaya had became a Shinigami.
Flashback
Hitsugaya was standing in the front yard when he saw a figure walking towards him. The figure was coming from the direction of the Seireitei and after a few moments the young boy saw that it was Hinamori.
She was dressed in a yukata instead of her school uniform and Hitsugaya guessed that she had the day off. She walked over to him and placed a hand on top of his white hair.
"Hello Shirou-chan," she said with a smile, ruffling his hair.
A vein popped up on Hitsugaya's forehead and he glared at Hinamori. "I told you to stop calling me that!"
"Tell you what," Hinamori said with a smile. "When you graduate the same time I do then I'll use your real name."
Hitsugaya scoffed. "Like I'd go to some stupid Shinigami school."
"Come on Shirou-chan," Hinamori said, seizing him by the hand. "Let's go for a walk."
Still annoyed about her persistence in calling him Shirou-chan but not really having anything better to do Hitsugaya allowed her to lead him down a trail, into the forest.
The two of them had only gone a short distance when they heard the sound of something crashing through the forest. And a few seconds later that something appeared in front of them.
"A Hollow!" Hinamori cried out, instinctively reaching for her zanpaktou only to remember that she didn't have it. She would have to use kidou to stop it. Holding up her hands she began the spirit chant.
Roaring its displeasure the Hollow charged toward Hinamori.
"Don't just stand there you idiot, MOVE!" Hitsugaya yelled, pushing Hinamori out of harm's way just as the Hollow swung at her.
The Hollow's claws grazed across Hitsugaya's back. "Dammit!"
The young boy jumped into the air and fired a kidou blast at the Hollow, striking it in the face but not hard enough to kill it.
"Shirou-chan!" Hinamori screamed, jumping to her feet.
The kidou blast was enough to make the Hollow change targets and it now went after Hitsugaya. It swung it's arm, this time catching the boy across the chest. Hitsugaya screamed as he was lifted off his feet, the Hollow's claws piercing his chest.
The Hollow lifted the young boy into the air and held him in front of it's face, staring at him. Seeing his chance, Hitsugaya held out his arms.
"Red Flame Cannon!"
A burst of red light hit the Hollow full in the face. It's mask split down the middle and then it disintegrated.
Hitsugaya fell as the Hollow vanished and the young boy hit the ground with a sickening thud.
Hinamori ran over to her friend and fell to her knees at his side. "Shirou-chan!"
Hitsugaya's eyes remained closed.
Knowing that his wounds required immediate treatment Hinamori scooped Hitsugaya up into her arms and quickly made her way back to the house. Once there she lay him on a pallet in the floor and removed his blood soaked yukata. Hinamori cleaned the wounds on Hitsugaya's back and chest and then wrapped bandages around them.
Once she had him stable Hinamori got to her feet. "Hang in there Shirou-chan and I'll be back soon. I'm going to the Seireitei for help."
In all truth she didn't know whether or not the Shinigami would help him or not but she knew that she had to try. So she left the house and rushed back to the Seireitei.
When Hinamori arrived back at the Seireitei she happened to bump into an officer from the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
"Are you alright?" he exclaimed, gazing at Hinamori's blood-stained kimono.
"It's not my blood sir," Hinamori said to the officer, whose name she did not know. "A friend of mine was badly hurt fighting a Hollow. He needs help but he's not a Shinigami so I don't know if Squad Four will help."
"Come with me," the black haired officer said.
"Yes sir." Hinamori nodded and fell into step behind him.
The officer led the way to a building which had a large black diamond above the door, with the number thirteen inside the diamond. The two of them entered the building and the officer led the way down a hallway. He knocked softly on a door at the end.
"Enter."
The officer slid the door open and he and Hinamori entered the room.
Hinamori saw a white haired man wearing a shihakusho and a white coat sitting on a pillow in the floor. The man looked up as they entered the room.
"Kaien," the man said softly.
"Captain Ukitake," Kaien said, kneeling in front of his captain. "I have a request I'd like to make."
"Go ahead," Captain Ukitake said, his gaze on the young girl who'd came with Kaien. Her clothes were covered in blood.
"This girl has a friend who was badly injured fighting a Hollow," Kaien explained. "And she came here seeking help for him but he's not a Shinigami so Squad Four might not help."
"I see," Captain Ukitake said softly. "Where is your friend now?"
"Not far from the Seireitei," Hinamori said softly.
Captain Ukitake got slowly to his feet coughing slightly. "Take us to him."
Hinamori nodded. "Thank you sir."
Captain Ukitake nodded and he and Kaien followed Hinamori back to the house where she'd left Hitsugaya. When they entered the house Captain Ukitake's eyes immediately fell upon the young white haired boy lying on a pallet in the middle of the floor. The boy was bandaged from his waist all the way up to his neck and his breathing was ragged. It was obvious to both Captain Ukitake and Kaien that the boy's condition was serious.
"A Hollow did this?" Captain Ukitake asked, kneeling at the young boy's side.
"Yes sir," Hinamori said.
"Did the Hollow escape?" Kaien asked, knowing that they would have to track it down and destroy it if that was the case.
Hinamori shook her head. "No. Shirou-chan destroyed it. He used Red Flame Cannon and he did it without using the spirit chant."
Captain Ukitake's eyes widened in surprise and he stared at the boy. This could prove useful.
"Kaien."
"Sir?"
"We're going to take this boy back to the Seireitei," he said, getting to his feet. "Squad Four can heal his wounds and then we can find out more about him."
Kaien nodded and wrapped the young boy up in a blanket. Then he scooped Hitsugaya up into his arms.
Captain Ukitake led the way back to the Seireitei and he took them back to the Squad Thirteen barracks. He had Kaien place Hitsugaya in a vacant room and then he sent his vice-captain after someone from Squad Four.
Hinamori sat in a chair at Hitsugaya's side, staring down at her friend. She'd always known that he possessed reiatsu, his voracious appetite had been proof of that, but she had no idea that he could use kidou. And more surprising had been the fact that Hitsugaya had been able to use Red Flame Cannon without saying the spirit chant. There were full fledged Shinigami who couldn't do that.
About fifteen minutes after they'd arrived at the Seireitei, Captain Ukitake returned to Hitsugaya's room and he was followed by a woman with light purple hair.
"Hinamori," he said kindly. "This is Isane, the vice-captain of Squad Four. She'll take care of your friend."
"Thank you," Hinamori said softly, standing up and stepping away from the bed.
As Isane began to treat Hitsugaya's wounds, Captain Ukitake placed his hand on Hinamori's shoulder. "Your friend will be safe here with us. You should go and change out of those bloody clothes and get some rest."
Hinamori nodded and with one last look at Hitsugaya, she left the Squad Thirteen barracks.
Hitsugaya groaned as he opened his eyes however all thought of the pain he was in vanished when he saw that he was in a strange room. He quickly sat up, wincing as his wounds throbbed in protest of the sudden movement, and gazed around the room.
"So you're finally awake," a voice called out from across the room.
Turning toward the sound Hitsugaya saw a white haired man dressed in a black kimono and wearing a white coat with black diamonds and circles around the bottom hem. "Who are you?"
"Captain of Squad Thirteen Jyuushirou Ukitake," the man replied, walking across the room and coming to stand at Hitsugaya's bedside. "And your name is?"
"Toushirou Hitsugaya," the boy replied.
Captain Ukitake pulled a chair up to Hitsugaya's bedside and sat down. "Those are some pretty serious wounds you've got Toushirou. Your friend Hinamori tells me that you got them fighting a Hollow. Is that correct?"
Hitsugaya nodded, wondering where the captain was going with this.
"I see," Captain Ukitake said. "She also told me that you used kidou to destroy the Hollow. Is that also correct?"
Again Hitsugaya nodded.
"Amazing," Captain Ukitake exclaimed. "Tell me how you learned Red Flame Cannon."
Vaguely wondering whether he'd done something wrong but holding a defiant look in his brilliant green eyes, Hitsugaya replied, "I saw Hinamori and a couple of other people practicing the move. It sounded easy enough so I gave it a try."
Captain Ukitake's eyes widened, however the look of amazement quickly left his face. He stood up and gazed down at Hitsugaya. "You should get some rest. I'll come back to check on you later."
And with that Captain Ukitake left the room. He made his way down the hall to his office, where he found Kaien awaiting his return.
"How is the boy doing sir?" Kaien asked as Captain Ukitake made his way across the room.
"He's regained consciousness," Captain Ukitake said, sitting down across from his vice-captain. "And I must say, I'm intrigued by him. The boy said that he learned Red Flame Cannon simply by watching Hinamori and some of her classmates practicing the move and Hinamori said that he performed it without the aid of the spirit chant. This kid has power, there's no doubt about that."
`"What are you going to do sir?" Kaien wanted to know.
"I think I'll have a talk with the Head Captain about him," Captain Ukitake replied.
"You think he could be a Shinigami," Kaien said.
"I think he could be much more than just a Shinigami," Captain Ukitake said.
It had been four days since his fight with the Hollow and thanks to Squad Four's assistance Hitsugaya felt relatively good. He was lying in bed, when Captain Ukitake entered the room. He walked over to the bed and offered the young boy a stack of folded clothing.
"I brought you some clothes," Captain Ukitake said. "I'll just step outside while you change."
And with that Captain Ukitake left the room.
With a shrug Hitsugaya got out of bed, removed the white robe that he was wearing and pulled on the clothes that Captain Ukitake had given him. When he was dressed he stared down at himself. The clothes that Captain Ukitake had given him looked a lot like Hinamori's school uniform except that it was black. It was the uniform of a Shinigami.
Slightly curious about what was going on, Hitsugaya left the room and found Captain Ukitake standing out in the hallway. The white haired captain smiled when he saw Hitsugaya. "Those clothes suit you."
Hitsugaya snorted. "Yea right."
Captain Ukitake smiled and motioned for the young boy to follow him. Confused, Hitsugaya fell into step behind the captain and followed him down the hall to his office.
Once inside the office, Captain Ukitake sat down on a pillow and motioned for Hitsugaya to site down beside him.
Hitsugaya sat down and stared over at Captain Ukitake in confusion.
"Have you ever considered becoming a Shinigami?" Captain Ukitake asked the young boy.
"No," Hitsugaya replied without hesitation.
"I see," Captain Ukitake said. "Well Toushirou I think that you should rethink your position. With your powers you could enter the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and more than likely come in as a ranked officer."
It was at that point that Hitsugaya recalled what Hinamori had said to him the last time he'd yelled at her for calling him Shirou-chan.
"Tell you what. When you graduate the same time as I do then I'll use your real name."
That single statement from her was enough to make Hitsugaya want to give it a try. And it wasn't so Hinamori would quit calling him Shirou-chan, although that would definitely be an added bonus, it was because she'd made it sound like a challenge. Like she thought he couldn't do it.
Captain Ukitake saw a new light in the boy's vivid green eyes. "Would you like to give it a try?"
After a moments hesitation the white haired youth nodded.
"Great," Captain Ukitake said. "I've already spoken to Head Captain Yamamoto about you and he gave his permission for you to sit in on classes at the academy for a week. They're reviewing what they've learned so we'll see how much you can pick up in that time span."
Hitsugaya nodded, thinking that it shouldn't be too hard.
At that moment Captain Ukitake and Hitsugaya heard a soft knock on the door.
"Enter," Captain Ukitake called out.
The door slid open and Kaien entered the office, carrying a sheathed zanpaktou in his hands. He knelt down in front of his captain and offered him the sword.
"This is the one he chose?" Captain Ukitake asked as he took the sword from his vice-captain.
Kaien nodded. "Yes sir."
"Alright," Captain Ukitake said. He held the sword out to Hitsugaya.
Confused, the boy accepted the sword, which was nearly as long as he was tall.
"This is your zanpaktou," Captain Ukitake explained. "Once you've trained with it for awhile it will be your partner. You should get to know it since it's powers increase when you become able to call it by it's name."
Hitsugaya nodded. Hinamori had told him how that worked, in one of the rare moments that he was actually paying attention to her.
"Okay," Captain Ukitake said, offering Hitsugaya a smile. "While you're going to class you shall be our guest and should feel free to continue to use the room you've been using."
"Thank you," Hitsugaya said, getting to his feet.
"One more thing," Captain Ukitake said as Hitsugaya prepared to leave the room. He picked up a stack of clothing that had been sitting beside him and offered it to the boy. "This is the academy uniform and while you're practicing with your zanpaktou, you should wear it so that none of the members of the Court Guard Squads give you any problems. It would probably also be advisable for you to wear it to class so that you fit in with the others."
"Understood," Hitsugaya said.
Hitsugaya took the clothes and left the office. He made his way back down the hall to the room he'd been using and quickly changed into the school uniform that Captain Ukitake had given him. Then he tied his zanpaktou across his back and left the barracks.
Hitsugaya made his way to a secluded spot within the Seireitei and pulled his sword from it's sheath. "So I just have to learn it's name huh?" he thought to himself as he played with the sword. "I can do that."
Early the next morning Hitsugaya once again donned the blue and white academy uniform and when he stepped out of his room he ran into Captain Ukitake.
"Good morning," the captain called out cheerfully. "Ready for your first day of class?"
Hitsugaya nodded, determined to do well if only to show Hinamori that he was capable of becoming a Shinigami.
"Excellent," Captain Ukitake said. "Come with me and I'll show you where to go."
Hitsugaya nodded and fell into step behind Captain Ukitake.
Captain Ukitake led the way to the Shinigami Academy and then explained the situation to the instructor of the advanced class.
"Have a good day at school Toushirou," Captain Ukitake said as he turned to leave, giving the boy an encouraging smile.
"Thanks," Hitsugaya muttered, slightly embarrassed.
The students had already assembled in the classroom and there was a great deal of confused muttering when the instructor walked in followed by a young, white-haired boy.
"Shirou-chan," Hinamori said, staring at her friend in confusion. "What's he doing here?"
The instructor held up his hands and immediately the class ceased it's muttering.
"Class this is Toushirou Hitsugaya and he's going to be observing the class this week by order of Head Captain Yamamoto. Please disregard his presence and go about your work as usual."
With that the instructor nodded to Hitsugaya who made his way to the back of the class and sat down.
Class began and even though Hinamori had always spoke of how great the school was Hitsugaya found it to be quite boring.
When the students were released for their first break Hitsugaya went outside and sat underneath a large tree, where he was soon joined by Hinamori.
"What are you doing here Shirou-chan?" she wanted to know.
"Studying," Hitsugaya replied nonchalantly. "Same as you. And stop calling me Shirou-chan."
"Studying," Hinamori repeated, confused, completely ignoring his anger over her use of the despised nickname. "When did you take the entrance exam for the academy? And how did you managed to get them to allow you to enter halfway through the year?"
"I didn't take the exam," Hitsugaya informed her. "And I'm not entirely sure how I came to be here however Captain Ukitake wanted me to sit in on classes for a week so here I am."
That statement only served to increase Hinamori's confusion. "The captain wanted you to?"
Hitsugaya nodded.
"That's kind of weird," Hinamori said, giving Hitsugaya a speculative look. "And what's weirder is the fact that you're actually doing what he wants."
Hitsugaya sighed. "I owe him."
"Shirou-chan," Hinamori said softly, staring at her friend.
A tic mark appeared on the side of Hitsugaya's head. "I TOLD YOU TO STOP CALLING ME THAT!!!"
After school, Hitsugaya went back to the Squad Thirteen barracks and collected his zanpaktou. Then he made his way to a secluded area to practice.
This was to become a daily ritual for him. He spent half the day in class, the other half he spent practicing with his zanbakto.
After a week of this Hitsugaya was summoned to Captain Ukitake's office. Kaien came to his practice area to deliver the summons.
When Kaien stepped through the bushes an amazing sight met his gaze. The skies overhead suddenly became dark and something huge burst from the tip of Hitsugaya's zanpaktou.
Kaien stared in awe as a dragon, which seemed to be made of ice, circled around the young boy, who stood in the center of the clearing with his sword pointed toward the heavens.
"Amazing," Kaien breathed.
Sensing that he was no longer alone. Hitsugaya lowered his zanpaktou and gazed around.
"Sorry to interrupt," Kaien said, stepping into the clearing. "But Captain Ukitake wishes to see you."
Hitsugaya nodded and sheathed his zanpaktou.
"That really was amazing," Kaien told the boy as they made their way back to the Squad Thirteen barracks. "You learned Shikai in only six days."
"Shikai?' Hitsugaya repeated.
"It's the released form of your zanpaktou," Kaien explained. "The result you get when you call out it's name."
"I see," the boy said, touching the hilt of his sword.
When they reached their destination Kaien knocked on the office door.
"Enter."
Sliding the door open Kaien allowed Hitsugaya to enter the office first and then he followed the kid inside, closing the door behind them.
"Welcome," Captain Ukitake said as Kaien and Hitsugaya sat down across from him. "Toushirou I summoned you here because Head Captain Yamamoto wishes to see what progress you've made this week."
Hitsugaya nodded. He'd thought it would be something to that affect.
"Alright then," Captain Ukitake said, getting to his feet. "Kaien you hold down the fort here while Toushirou and I pay a visit to the Head Captain."
Kaien nodded and watched as Captain Ukitake and Hitsugaya left the office.
Captain Ukitake led the way to the Squad One barracks and when they reached the Head Captain's office he knocked on the door and called out, "Captain of Squad Thirteen Jyuushirou Ukitake reporting as ordered sir."
"Enter."
Captain Ukitake slid the door open and stepped inside the office, followed by Hitsugaya who closed the door behind them.
"This is the one I told you about Sensei," Captain Ukitake told the old man sitting behind the desk. "Toushirou Hitsugaya."
"I see," the old man said, standing up. "I think we should go out into the courtyard and see what your young friend is capable of."
Head Captain Yamamoto led the way out to the courtyard behind Squad One. Once there he and Captain Ukitake stepped to the side while Hitsugaya went to the middle of the courtyard.
"Whenever you're ready," Head Captain Yamamoto said.
Hitsugaya nodded and held his hands out in front of him. "Red Flame Cannon!"
A burst of red shot through the trees, striking a rock about twenty feet away and blowing it into a thousand pieces. Hitsugaya then proceeded to go through all of the kidou moves that he'd learned, all of which he could do without the aid of the spirit chant.
"Impressive," Head Captain Yamamoto said. "Now show me what you can do with your zanpaktou."
Hitsugaya nodded and pulled his sword from it's sheath. Pointing it toward the heavens he cried out, "Reign over the frosted frozen sky, Hyourinmaru!"
The skies overhead turned black and a dragon comprised of ice and water erupted from the tip of Hitsugaya's zanpaktou. The dragon circled the boy a few times before flying off.
"I've seen enough," Head Captain Yamamoto said, turning to Captain Ukitake. "The boy is a member of your squad from this day on. Third seat, I'd say."
And with that the head captain turned and walked away.
Captain Ukitake walked over to Hitsugaya and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Welcome to Squad Thirteen Toushirou. Come on, let's go back to the office."
Hitsugaya nodded and followed his new captain back to the Squad Thirteen barracks, where they found Kaien awaiting their return.
"How'd it go?' he asked as they entered the office.
"Toushirou gets to turn in his school uniform," Captain Ukitake told his vice-captain.
Kaien's face fell. "The Head Captain wasn't impressed?"
"He was beyond impressed," Captain Ukitake said, with a grin. "You are looking at the new Third Seat of Squad Thirteen."
"Wow!" Kaien exclaimed. "Way to go Toushirou. Welcome to Squad Thirteen."
"Thanks," Hitsugaya said quietly. He was having a little trouble believing what had just happened. He was now a member of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and a full-fledged Shinigami. And not only that, he was a ranking officer.
"Well Toushirou," Captain Ukitake said, breaking into the boy's thoughts. "I think you should take tomorrow off and rest. Then, the day after that I'll introduce you to the rest of the squad."
"Thank you," Hitsugaya said. He bowed to his captain and then left the office.
The next morning, despite being fairly exhausted from all the hard work he'd put in, Hitsugaya awoke early. He got out of bed, pulled on his shihakusho and made his way back to his house. He hadn't been there since the Hollow attack and he felt the need to go back.
When he arrived he saw that he wasn't the only one who'd felt the need to go there. Hinamori sat on the porch, staring off into the distance.
"What are you doing here Hinamori?"
"Shirou-chan!" she called out, smiling at the young boy as he approached.
"Hey now," Hitsugaya said, pointing his index finger at Hinamori. "You can't call me that now."
"Why not?" Hinamori wanted to know.
"You're looking at the newest member of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads."
Hinamori did a double take and stared over at Hitsugaya. She could tell by the look in his eyes that he was telling her the truth and yet she still found it hard to believe. Her little Shirou-chan a full-fledged Shinigami and member of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
End Flashback
Hinamori and Ukitake weren't the only ones who came to see Hitsugaya on a regular basis. Although she was busy with the work involved with running Squad Ten Matsumoto made time everyday to go to the infirmary to visit her captain. Her visits were usually late in the evening but she made it a point to go everyday.
On one such visit, about a week after the attack had occurred, she pulled a chair beside Hitsugaya's bed and sat down heavily. She'd been working hard over the last week and she was exhausted however she would never dream of not coming to visit her captain. She gazed down at her captain's pale face.
"You need to hurry up and snap out of this Captain," she said to him. "You can beat it, I know you can."
