NOTE:~ Chapter three guys! Enjoy~!
Your Guardian Angel
Chapter 3: The Festival
"Everything is ready for tonight, sir!", a member of the tenth division stated as he bowed to Toushiro.
"Good, you can take the rest of the day off before the festival", Toushiro spoke simply, looking over some paper work he had been given earlier that day.
"Thank you sir!", the shinigami spoke once more, bowing before leaving the room.
"Wow, that's awfully generous of you taicho~!", Rangiku stated, turning around on the couch so she could see her Captain, "Why the change of heart all of the sudden?".
"It's not a change of heart. The duties for our division are over until after the festival so there is nothing I need them to do right now", Toushiro replied simply, not looking up from the papers, "You may go as well, Rangiku".
This was quite a surprise to her as he said this. He was dismissing her that easily? "Oh wow, taicho! You are being nice today", she giggled slightly, "Are you sure you don't want me to help you with that stack of papers?". She pointed towards the stack on his desk that he appeared to be looking over.
"Hm?", he looked up at her, "Oh..No, it's fine...I'll see you and Momo at the festival".
Rangiku blinked in surprise. She had offered to help him with paper work and he completely objected to the offer. That was a first, since she was actually willing to stay and help him. She sighed, he must want some alone time.
"Alright then. But remember taicho, I have my own booth this year~! So you'll have to come and visit me!", she rose to her feet, winking at him. He raised a brow.
"Since when did you get your own booth...and what is it exactly...?", he questioned.
"Ahh, I arranged it the other day, and it's a secret taicho~! You'll find out at the festival~! Bye for now!", with this, she was quick to leave the room. He watched as the door closed behind her, now wondering what kind of booth she had. Knowing her, it was most likely something he would not enjoy. He released a sigh and turned his attention back to the papers he was reading. He had done some research on the past disappearances from Aizen over 100 years ago to find out more about it. So far, from what he understood, he had been trying to turn people into hollows and the people always died because of it, their body's always disappearing as a result.
The only thing different between now and then was the fact that the people weren't dead, not to their knowledge anyway, and Aizen was dead so it wasn't him this time. But then who could it be? A new enemy rising up? He began to wonder just who exactly this new enemy could be. How powerful were they? What were they after?
He jumped as he suddenly felt a hand placed on his shoulder, causing the other person to jump as well. He looked over quickly, seeing it was Izuru. Why did he tend to show up a lot more now a days?
"I-I'm sorry H-Hitsugaya-taicho! I didn't mean to startle you!", he quickly apologized, bowing deeply, "I-I did knock...and called your name...but you were in a daze sir....".
"What is it Kira?", he questioned, ignoring the males stuttered apologies.
"Ah..! Ki-Kibaske-taicho wanted me to inform all of the captains that the Ca-Captain-Commander wanted to see all the captains before the opening ceremony's!", Izuru quickly stated.
Toushiro thought for a moment. Another meeting? Maybe they had found more information on the people that were mysteriously disappearing.
"Alright. You may go", Toushiro turned his gaze back to the papers, Izuru bowing once more before turning and leaving him alone once more. Toushiro looked back at the papers. He had a feeling that something bad was going to happen soon, and normally his bad feelings were right. "I wish I had known the real Aizen better...", he grumbled, "And then maybe I could figure this out...".
He didn't like having thoughts like these piled up in his mind. He always had to search, had to find the answers to those questions and thoughts or else he would be endlessly pondering on them. And for him, pondering on something for too long just aggravated him. He sighed, setting down the papers and leaning back in his chair, looking towards the ceiling.
'I wonder who this new enemy could be. We have no suspects...maybe it's hollow just killing people? But that doesn't explain the disappearances in the living world since its humans disappearing there and humans can't see hollow and hollow do not go after humans. And if it was hollows in this world, they would have been detected immediately and killed. Why is this so complicated?!', he groaned, rubbing his temples in annoyance. He couldn't figure anything out. Not even a possible situation that would explain this. It was so complicated and annoying.
---
"Really?", Kibaske questioned in surprise.
"Yep", Rangiku nodded, taking a sip of sake, "he's being really odd today. Dismissed the whole division for the day so they can prepare for the festival".
"Huh...Guess little Shiro-chan is starting to loosen up!", Kibaske laughed, raising her glass of sake to her mouth and gulping it down quickly.
"I doubt it will stick", laughed Rangiku, "By tomorrow he'll probably be back to normal".
"Ah maybe, but probably not", Kibaske replied.
"Huh..?", Rangiku looked at the third division captain questionably.
"Well...let's just say he's gunna be doing a lot of thinking, as will all the Captain's over the next little while", Kibaske stated as she poured herself another glass of sake.
"What do you mean?", she was still confused.
"Ahh, forget it Ran-chan~! DRINK!", she poured more sake into her cup before chugging down her own once more. Rangiku looked down at her cup of sake. What was going on? Why would the Captain's all be doing some thinking? Something was up. Something was happening.
---
"This meeting is to inform you all that Captain Soi Fong has returned with some news", the Captain Commander stated as the meeting occurred. All the Captains were dressed in their festival kimono's since right from the meeting they were to go to the festival. None of them had their zanpakuto's.
Toushiro wore a crystal blue kimono with a snow like pattern on it and a dark blue dragon on the back, the obi around his waist was also dark blue, like the dragon.
His teal eyes looked towards Soi Fong as she stepped forward and faced them all.
"The Second division has discovered that people are indeed disappearing, but it is not the result of hollow. There is something greater at work here. What that is, is currently unknown but we have found traces that may lead us to who is responsible. But whoever it is, is acting in both Soul Society and the world of the living, and there also has been some strange disturbances in Hueco Mundo. We are investigating there but currently have found nothing that connects to this case", Soi Fong looked down the row of Captain's for a moment as she paused, "But we did find something...disturbing. We think someone, like Aizen had in the past, has been creating arrancar once more. Who it is, is also unknown. But as of late the two cases do not connect".
'Someone's making arrancar?!', Toushiro stepped forward, "How can you say the two cases do not connect? Both of these things Aizen has done in the past, right? Wouldn't that mean someone is copying his past actions?".
"Silence", the Captain-Commander ordered, "Don't speak out of tongue, Captain Hitsugaya. It is true that Aizen did both of these types of things in the past, but that is the only link between them and it is a very weak one. There is no reason for someone to follow in Aizen's foot steps. You need more than a hunch to say someone would be doing that. Now I ask that not of you discuss these matters in public. We need more answers than what we have before we inform anyone and start a panic. You are all dismissed. Enjoy the festival".
Toushiro stood there for a moment as the rest of the Captain's cleared out. 'But it does make sense! Why did the Captain-Commander say that? Is it because he doesn't want to face the fact there may be another Aizen in the making out there?! But it fits. It explains some of it at least. Those two things are connected, no matter what Yamamoto says...', Toushiro quickly turned and left the meeting room. Hopefully tonight he would be able to relax instead of thinking about this, but he had a doubt about that.
---
He stepped into the area of the festival, looking around in amazement at how good the decorations were this year, not to mention the turn out. The streets were filled with people in festive kimono's in all sorts of colors and designs. Everyone was walking about, chatting and having fun. A small smile tugged at his lips as he could just picture Meimu running out into the crowds in excitement saying "Come on Toushiro-kun! Let's go play some games!".
He snapped out of his thoughts as he heard his name, a hand being waved in front of his face. He looked over to see it was Momo, whom he was now a little taller than.
"Are you ok?", she asked with a laugh. She wore a nice purple kimono with a golden flower design on it, and her hair was put up into a bun, except this time held up with gold chop sticks.
"Yes, I'm fine. And that is Captain Hitsugaya", he stated, recalling that she had said his name and not his rank when she had pulled him from his thoughts.
"Oh come now Shiro-kun! Surely you can lighten up just for tonight on that Captain stuff! We're here to have fun, remember?", Momo grasped his arm and pulled her old friend into the crowds, "You haven't been here in 5 years, so I'll refresh your memory on how this festival goes!".
"I remember", he replied simply.
"I'll still explain", laughed Momo, "For the first part of the night, everyone gathers to have a good time, being able to eat what is available when they would like it, and they can play games that are also available. Also, there is live entertainment such as sword fighting, dancing, comedy skits, and other stuff like that. Then around midnight everything shuts down and everyone gathers in the field just beyond this area for the fire works that last an hour, and it's normally a gorgeous display. After that, everything dies down and we all go home. Remember better now?".
"I remembered before...", he murmured a little coldly, causing Momo to frown, "But thank you...". She smiled again.
"No problem", she looked around the crowds, "So what do you want to do first?".
Toushiro looked around the crowds and then back at Momo, "Do you know where Rangiku's booth is? She said she had one this year and that we can see her there...".
"Oh! Her booth...hm...well I heard it's around the entertainment area. I'm not sure what's she's doing for it, but let's go and find out!", Momo stated, now leading Toushiro through the crowds, holding his arm so they wouldn't lose each other in the large group of people. Toushiro looked around at the different booths, catching a glimpse of what each one offered. They all looked quite good.
"Huh...there seems to be a large crowd around her booth...", Momo called back to Toushiro. He turned his gaze ahead, looking at a large crowd surrounding a particular booth. In fact...that whole crowd consisted of men. Oh no.
"Excuse me...Sorry...excuse me..", Momo made her way through the crowd, the men stepping aside for her when they saw Toushiro was with her, and being a Captain they just naturally made way for him. As they got to the front and to the booth, they caught Rangiku kissing one random guy in a festive green and gold kimono. Toushiro's eye twitched at this.
"RANGIKU!", he growled, "A KISSING BOOTH?!".
Rangiku pulled out of the kiss and looked over at Toushiro, smiling at him, "Ahh! Hey taicho, Momo!", she waved to them casually before looking at the men, "Come back in fifteen minutes! Booth is taking a break!". A lot of men could be heard murmuring their displeasure for the booth taking a break, but did not argue since Toushiro was present.
Toushiro crossed his arms, turning away from Rangiku's booth. How embarrassing for his Vice-Captain to have a booth such as this.
"Aww, what's wrong taicho..? Upset that you haven't gotten a kiss~?!", Rangiku teased.
Toushiro turned to her, narrowing his eyes, "No", he replied coldly.
"Aw, don't be upset about the booth! It's all fun and games, taicho! Plus, any money the tenth division booths get, our whole division gets the money! And with something like this, with a hot women such as myself running it, we're sure to get a lot of money!", Rangiku stated, winking at Toushiro.
"Hmph...I'm going to get something to eat...", he murmured before turning and walking off into the crowd.
Momo let out a soft sigh, "He's more grumpy than usual...I wonder why".
"Maybe it's because something's happening...", Rangiku said as she watched her captain disappear into the crowd. Momo looked back at her.
"What do you mean?", she asked.'
"Kibaske-taicho said something earlier...about the captains. That they're all going to be doing a lot of thinking over the next little while, but when I asked her why she just told me to forget about it", Rangiku looked back at Momo, "Something is going on and everyone but the Captain's are being left in the dark, I'm sure of it".
"B-But why would we be left out...?", Momo asked.
"I'm not sure...But whatever it is, it can't be good", Rangiku let out a soft sigh, "Just what he needs after not sleeping or eating properly the past month...".
"W-What?!", Momo asked in surprise.
"He hasn't been sleeping or eating well over the past month. He said he's been having nightmares, but wouldn't explain it any further than that", Rangiku explained to Momo.
"Oh no...! And I made him come out to the festival when he must be so tired!", Momo frowned, looking towards the ground, "What a horrible friend I am".
"Hey! Don't be like that!", Rangiku scolded, "You're not a horrible friend, and despite how drained her must be, it looks like he really wants to be here. So don't mention that I told you, ok? He wouldn't want to worry you".
Momo looked back at her and nodded slightly, "O-Ok...Well I better find Shiro-kun. I told Izuru and Renji that we'd go and watch them for their comedy skit".
"Ahh! Well say hello to those two for me, and tell them to come visit my booth when they have a free moment!", Rangiku winked, "Have fun with taicho!". Momo nodded at this, "See you later Rangiku!", and with that, she disappeared into the crowds as well.
---
Toushiro now walked in the food area, looking around at the various food booths but not entirely sure what he was in the mood for.
"Mmm! Sweet dumplings are the best, don'tcha think, Toushiro-kun?".
He stepped towards the booth selling sweet dumplings, getting in line to get some. 'Meimu's favorite food...', he thought to himself. As he got to the front of the line, the women behind the booth smiled at him.
"Oh! Captain Hitsugaya!", she bowed slightly, "Here you go! First batch is free!". He looked down at the sweet dumplings she had handed him before looking up at the girl.
"Thank you", he turned and left the line, taking his dumplings to one of the sitting areas and having a seat at a table. He slowly began to eat the dumplings, his mind not entirely there and he found himself thinking about the past again. A lot of memories in Soul Society with her.
"There you are!", that familiar voice once more tore him from his thoughts. He looked over, seeing Momo standing beside him. She took a seat across from him, smiling. "Once you're finished those, let's go and watch Renji and Izuru. They're doing a comedy skit with a few members of the Third and Sixth divisions!", she stated. He gave a slight nod, looking back down at the dumplings. He suddenly lost his appetite. He pushed the plate towards Momo, "You can have the rest...".
She looked down at the dumplings and then back up at him. He was starring off into space like he had been when she got there. She looked back down at the dumplings. His mind was somewhere else, and she knew exactly where. Meimu. He missed her a lot, even after five years. She felt bad for him. She missed her to, but not nearly as much as Toushiro did. She looked back up at Toushiro with a smile, rising from her chair and grabbing his arm, pulling him to his feet. He looked at her questionably.
"Come on! There's no reason to let the night waste away! Let's go have some laughs!", she stated before dragging him off into the crowd and in the direction the stage area was set up. 'I know you miss her, but I won't let that ruin tonight. You're here to have fun Toushiro, and from what I hear there's going to be a lot happening soon...so you have to have your fun now. I'll make sure of it!', she thought to herself.
---
"Hey look, they're on stage already!", Momo stated as they arrived at the stage area, pulling Toushiro into some empty seats in the third row. The two watched the show in front of them as Izuru and Renji performed. It was quite entertaining really, and even Toushiro smiled and even laughed, if only slightly. Momo was glad though. At least this way he was smiling. At least this way he wasn't thinking about things. Good.
"Haha, you two were great!", Momo complimented Izuru and Renji as they stepped off stage.
"Thanks", Renji grinned, "Glad we got a lot of laughs".
"Oh, Rangiku said to go and visit her at her booth when you two have a free moment", Momo stated, "But don't be surprised if she asks you to kiss her for money...!".
The two males looked at her questionably before looking at one another. Now they weren't to sure if they wanted to go and visit Rangiku. Kiss her for money? This would be interesting.
"So what are you two doing?", Renji asked Momo. She looked over at Toushiro, who seemed to be starring off blankly once again and then looked back at Renji, "Well it's now only a half hour from midnight, so I think we'll head over to the hill and get a good spot for the fireworks. You guys come and meet us there with Rangiku, alright?".
"Alright, that sounds good", Renji replied, and with that him and Izuru bid their goodbyes for now and walked off. Momo faced Toushiro who looked at her now.
"Let's go grab a good spot", she took his hand and began to, once again, lead him through the crowds. After getting out of the crowds, they walked down a small dirt path towards the hill, which was lit with lanterns the entire way.
"Did you like the festival...?", Momo asked, looking over at him.
He looked down at her, "It was ok...". With this, Momo frowned and looked towards the ground.
"I know you miss her and your mind has been on her all night but...You really do have to let her go", Momo shook her head, "I mean, it's been almost five years now. She's gone and mourning over her like this won't bring her back. This was supposed to be a night of fun, to drop everything and just relax, have a good time! But all you've done this entire night is mourn!".
Toushiro stopped walking, Momo walking a little further before stopping and looking back at him. "I am not mourning...", he stated coldly.
"Oh really..?! Tell me Toushiro, why were you dazing out at the beginning of the festival? Why were you dazing out when you were eating those sweet dumplings, and you couldn't even finish them?! Why haven't you been eating or sleeping properly in the first place?!", Momo questioned.
He looked at her in surprise. Rangiku had told her. He then narrowed his gaze, "That isn't any of your concern".
"Yes it is! I'm your friend! Remember, we grew up together?!", Momo growled, reminding him of their history.
"It doesn't concern you", he growled, turning away from her. If he was grieving, he wanted to face it alone. That was just the type of person he was. He liked doing things alone.
"Stop trying to be noble! Do you think you're protecting anyone or making anything better by doing everything alone? You have me, you have Rangiku. There are a lot of people around you that care if you just let them in!", Momo exclaimed, feeling tears come to her eyes.
"As I said before, it doesn't concern you, any of you", he turned away from her, "Coming to this festival was a bad idea. I have paper work to be done. I'm leaving...". He took a step away.
"Stop!", Momo exclaimed, "Stop running away! We know how you feel! But instead of mourning alone, we do it together! Why can't you let someone in just once?! What do you think Meimu would say if she saw this?! 'Stop being so stuck up! Let loose, let others know what's going on! We're here to help, ok, Tosuhiro-kun?!'".
He paused, looking back at her, "What do you know what Meimu would say over something like this?! Don't put words in her mouth if you don't know if she would say them!".
"I may not know if she would say those exact words, but I do know she would be angry with you for your actions. You can't do everything alone! It doesn't work that way!", Momo stated, "We're here to help, you just have to let us in!".
"I don't need anyone's help. I'm not mourning. I'm not upset over Meimu! Stop talking about stuff you don't even know about! You and Rangiku both!", he turned around to leave, taking a step forward only to see Renji, Rangiku, and Izuru standing there in shock.
"Toushiro...You're such a bad lyer...and a big fat jerk!", with that, Momo turned and ran off in tears.
"Momo!", Izuru called after her, quickly running to follow his friend. Renji ran after them to, looking at Toushiro as he passed. Even though he was a Captain, he had no right to treat Momo that way. He glared at him.
"Taicho...", Rangiku began.
"Don't...", Toushiro looked away from her.
"No! I won't stop this time", Rangiku crossed her arms over her silky white and silver kimono, "you have to stop this right now. You're hurting everyone around you with your secrets. If you keep doing things alone like this while others try and help then when you want help, no one is going to be there to give it. I know you're upset still about Meimu, but that was a long time ago, you have to let her go. Remember, she's watching. She wouldn't want this! You may have grown, but you're still a child, Toushiro". With this, Rangiku walked passed her shocked captain. For once she hadn't addressed him as captain but by his name. She had even spoken out of terms when he asked her not to speak.
He shook his head, punching a nearby tree before heading off to his office. This night just turned into a nightmare.
---
"How are the plans coming along...?", came a soft, soothing male voice.
"Just fine. But ya know, he's bound to find out, ya? 'Cause he'll be seein' her soon", came another rather sly and eerie voice.
"That is fine. After all, it is all part of the plan. He may see her, but she won't see him, no matter how hard her tries...", chuckled the soothing voice, "Our plans have been set in motion, and this time they will turn out".
END:~ DUN DUN DUN!! Hey guys! Ok, so end of chapter 3! Man...poor Momo and Toushiro and their fight. Wonder what shall happen next? And who are those mysterious people at the end! O.O Well please review and see ya next chappy~! Also, please forgive any spelling errors x.x tired.