Nostalgic Memories

"A million words would not bring you back, I know because I've tried, neither would a million tears, I know I've cried."

Ichigo and Yoruichi had finally made it to the Seireitei, which was still in much turmoil. The two went their separate ways; she went off to see if any of the captains had seen Rukia. As for Ichigo, he planned to quickly check on Toshiro. He was very concerned about Rukia, but after the story Yoruichi had to told, he just wanted to make sure he was alright. He stumbled over some shattered pieces of wood and wreckage to Squad 10's barracks. He walked through a corridor that was only slightly damaged, guessing Toshiro might be there.

He continued strolling through until he realized he almost walked past a room whose door was ajar. He gently opened the door and found the interior completely undamaged, much to his surprise. Hesitant, Ichigo entered the room slowly. The room was obviously vacant as he scanned, then looked at a shelf of pictures. Many of the frames showed Toshiro with a beautiful blue haired girl; from his childhood and some later on in Seireitei.

"And just what are you doing here?" he heard someone ask coldly. Ichigo turned around and saw Toshiro standing at the door.

"Sorry, I was trying to find you and the door I saw that the door was open." He replied. Toshiro sighed in frustration and crossed his arms.

"Leave it to Rangiku to not lock up this room even when I clearly ordered…"

"Hey Toshiro, who's this girl in the picture with you?" Ichigo interrupted, showing him the photo.

"It's not Toshiro; you're supposed to address me as Captain Hitsugaya." He said, snatching the frame from his hand. He placed the picture frame back on the wooden shelf, still viewing the picture.

"Why're you here?" Toshiro asked.

"Rukia went missing and we figured we'd come here and look." Ichigo answered. A few silent moments passed; Toshiro was still glued to the memento that held the past and Ichigo could tell something was wrong.

"When Yoruichi came to the World of the Living to bring back some news, she mentioned a girl named Michiko Michishige. Is that her?" he asked. Toshiro didn't reply; his eyes were glued to the floor.

"She is, isn't she?" Ichigo inquired. He just nodded slightly.

"Yoruichi said that you really cared about her, but she disappeared. So what happened?" he persisted. No answer. "Who exactly is… or was she?" he asked. Toshiro then smiled warmly, something he didn't do very often.

"She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen." He replied, softly and happily. The grin on his face then disappeared. "You should go back to finding Rukia, this matter isn't important."

"Uh, alright; but are you sure you're okay?" Ichigo asked.

"Just go." Toshiro demanded. Ichigo didn't say a word and exited the room.

After that, Toshiro went in his office (which was only a bit damaged from the ruckus before) and stretched out on the couch, hoping to sleep for a bit.