"Speaking Japanese" "Speaking English"

'Thinking' 'Zanpaktou'

"Hell Butterfly" "Radio"

'Hichigo' "Hollows"

Toshiro had found very little in the way of information. For the most part people didn't want to talk to him, thinking him some kind of elementary school delinquent. The information he did get from the occasional kind person simply led him back to the military bases. He couldn't risk going in unless Byakuya was with him, otherwise they wouldn't believe him.

He had learned that the virus had yet to spread to this area thanks to the efforts of the military, but they'd been warned about a man who could change his form and hide among them. The tiny Captain kept his Spiritual Pressure searching around him for any sign of infected, hoping to steer clear of them. He wasn't sure Soul Reapers were immune to it.

"Blacklight Virus." Toshiro muttered in Japanese. "That guy was more helpful than the others at least."

'I've found traces of the virus in the air. Turns out your lower body temperature, due to having an ice type zanpaktou, keeps it out. It can't survive with you as a host.' Hyorinmaru spoke up.

"That's good to know." He sighed, trying to make it look like he was discussing something with himself. The fact that he was speaking Japanese helped it along. People left him alone.

Deciding that was all he was going to get, he turned to go back to his hotel room. He wondered if his 'uncle' was already there. It was hard, keeping up the profile of a kid. He hated being called a child above all else.

He was two blocks from the hotel when his Spiritual Pressure caught onto a high concentration of the Blacklight Virus. Being careful not to look like he'd noticed, he turned towards the source. It was a normal looking man, seeming like he was coming home from work. But no normal human had that high of a virus concentration in them. Against his better judgment, he went to follow him as the man stepped into an alley.

The buildings hid him from sight so he Flash Stepped onto a balcony a little further up. Teal eyes followed him closely.

The man stopped, looking around for anyone. Toshiro hid behind a pillar. Before his eyes, the man changed form into a man in his late twenties with a black leather jacket, gray hood over his head and shadowing his face. His jeans were tattered and loose.

This was the shape-shifter the people had been told to look out for. He really could hide undercover. Toshiro only found him because of the immense Spiritual Pressure coming from the virus in his body. Just who was this man?

'Perhaps you should confront him.' Hyorinmaru suggested.

'Not now, not without Byakuya. If even the military feels the need to warn others about him, he's dangerous.'

'Surely he can't be all that strong, if he hides away behind others.'

'I guess I'll take my chances.' With Toshiro's resolve his zanpaktou rumbled happily, anticipating a fight.

"You there!" He called out, jumping down from the balcony as the man whirled around to face him. Eyes hidden by his hood scanned him to see if he was a threat, both by his looks and by way of searching him for any sign of infection. There was no virus in him, but he did note the young man's lower body temperature.

"Who are you?" He questioned.

"That's what I'm asking you." Toshiro shot back. He tensed when the man's eyes travelled to his sword.

"I don't have to answer to a kid."

An eyebrow twitched and the temperature dropped some.

"You misunderstand me." Keeping his temper calm, he reached back for his sword. "I know you are not human, I can sense the virus inside you, a mass amount of it. I saw you transform."

"You…you can sense the virus?"

"Yes. I am no ordinary 'kid'." He spat out the last word. "So answer my questions and it won't come to a fight." He ignored his zanpaktou's protest against a fight.

"And why should I trust you? You could work for the military for all I know!"

Toshiro chose not to answer that, his grip tightening on Hyorinmaru's hilt.

"They are trying to kill me, but they don't understand." The man was growling, crouched over and fighting to keep his own temper in check. "I know what I am, but not who. There are…there are too many thoughts in my head. They aren't mine!"

Blinking, Toshiro remembered Kisuke mentioning these infected creatures consumed others to gain power and energy, like a Hollow. Could this man have done the same, against his will?

"And since I'm not one of them, the virus attacks me too. I don't belong on either side."

Toshiro narrowed his eyes.

"I'm not sure I understand, but I'll leave it at that for now." He released the hilt of his sword, much to Hyorinmaru's displeasure. "I'll meet you back here tomorrow, same time. I need to return but there are things I want to discuss."

"Uh…"

Without another word the tiny Captain turned and made his way outside of the alley.

"Wait!" The man gave a burst of speed, using some kind of ability to shift his muscles, allowing him to leap to his side in a second. "I need a name."

There was a moment of silence where Toshiro debated on telling him his name.

"Toshiro Hitsugaya." He gave a curt nod, and then waited for the man's name.

"Right. I'm Alex Mercer."

It's a lot shorter than the others, but now Alex has made his appearance! It was a good place to stop, so I cut it short. Apologies! Don't forget to Review!