Jaddasroots

Hiya everyone! What's up? Glad to see you again.

Well…not much news.

So on with the story.


ooOEqualityOoo

"I'm sorry Toshiro." Ichigo apologized as he ran up to him with Chad behind.

"I'm glad I came. If I hadn't, Momo could've been taken away!" He snapped.

"Hitsugaya. We assumed that her new status meant she could take care of herself." Chad said in attempt to make peace. Toshiro glanced down at Momo, in his arms, unconscious.

He clamped his eyes shut, conflict raging in his mind. "You still have to take care of her!" He shun-po'ed to the nearest bench and placed her down, then returned to be infront of Ichigo.

"Toshiro calm the hell down!" Ichigo demanded. "Rangiku warned me about how much you cared! It was never my intention to lose her!"

Toshiro's spiritual pressure rose and his reiatsu crept along the ground, beginning to ice. Toshiro pointed his sword at him, challenging.

Ichigo readied Zangetsu. Hyorinmaru hovered over Toshiro roaring. "Don't do this Hitsugaya." Ichigo offered one last time.

Toshiro's eyes narrowed and he readied his sword just as he felt a sudden weight on it. Toshiro turned to see Momo, hovering and glowing, holding his sword with her hand. "Momo…" he whispered. She stared at him with indigo eyes, shining.

She floated between them. "Kurosaki-san put away your sword."

Watching dumbfounded at first, Ichigo proceeded to return Zangetsu to its binding.

Momo turned to Toshiro again. "Why did you attack Kurosaki-san?" Toshiro bit his lip, choosing his words carefully. "He lost track of you!"

"That is no reason to draw your sword!" She cut off. Toshiro gasped and looked away. "Kurosaki-san." "Yeah?" "Will you take me to Renji-kun's home?"

"Sure thing." Reigning in her power, she glared at Toshiro. "I will see you at school tomorrow Shiro-chan." He visibly cringed; Momo had never said his name with such anger.

She climbed on Ichigo's back, which surprised him. "See ya Toshiro." He said before he took off, Chad following.

Toshiro crumpled to the ground. "Why did I get so angry…I can't remember being so angry…"

The dragon moved to be in front of him.

You have experience this rage before.

"When?"

When we battled Aizen.

"Right…" Toshiro stood and began the painful walk home. Alone.

Your love for the girl has made you fearful.

"I can't believe how strong she was just then. And she pointed her sword at me…again. She is sensitive.

"I don't understand at all. I need to talk to Rangiku." He hopped on the ice dragon, and flew into the sky.


Ichigo landed on Renji's balcony. He knocked on the door and waited. Glancing over his shoulder he looked at the girl on his back, clutching his robes and burying her face in them too. "Kurosaki-san…I apologize for Hitsugaya-kun."

"Hey, don't sweat it. And the name's Ichigo. I'd be pretty upset if Karin or Suzu got hurt." Momo gave a weak smile, assuming those were his sisters.

Just then Renji's door swung open. "What the hell are you," he noticed Momo on his back.

"What's wrong with her?" he asked immediately serious. "We were killing a hollow when some guys almost got hold of her. Toshiro showed up and scared 'em off, but got super pissed because we lost track of her. He drew his sword but she pushed him back."

He swung her from his back and into Renji's arms. "She wanted me to take her here." "Thanks Ichigo." He nodded and turned to walk inside the apartment. "I'm sorry about Hitsugaya Momo." He shut the door with his foot and set her down on his couch.

"Don't worry. He's just never been so mad at me…" Renji looked away, unsure of what to say. "He wasn't mad at you. Hell would have to freeze over." He chuckled at the unintended pun. "He cares for you too much."

He sat next to her. "You know how he is. Maybe…after Aizen's betrayal, he doesn't want to lose you again."

Sighing he leaned back and laid an arm across the back of the couch. "I know I wouldn't."

He yawned, and covered his mouth with an open hand.

Momo hugged him earning a surprised look from Renji. "Thank you Renji," Chuckling slightly, he held her and petted her hair. "I know you care for him, but you're always welcome here."

He smiled as he rested his chin on her head. "I'll swoop by your place and get your gigai. You can sleep here."


Landing on the banister, Toshiro sealed Hyorinmaru back into sword form. The door flew open with a sweaty Rangiku in a tank top and shorts. Pop music was playing in the background. "Hitsugaya-taichou, Whatcha doin' here?"

Rangiku took in her captain's dejected look. "Something happen tonight?" "Yes…with Momo." "Heh. Why else would you stop by?" She giggled. "Come on in!"

Stepping to the side, she let her captain waddle in and shut the door behind him.

"One, two, kick kick! Three, four, kick, kick!" Orihime turned from the boom box. "Oh hello, Hitsugaya-san!" She waved.

"Well, she was working out and asked me to join her." Rangiku said answering his confused look. "Orihime, mind getting us all something cool to drink?" Nodding, the ginger haired girl skipped to the kitchen.

"Allright, now speak up." "Momo pointed her sword at me again." "What? Why?"

He sighed as he slid down the wall, coming to a stop on the floor. "I…had a feeling I should follow them. And I did." "That and you didn't trust strawberry with him?" Sighing he brought his knees to him.

"Ichigo and Chad were fighting a hollow and lost track of Momo. The wind blew and she was in the arms of some stranger…they fled. And…" he growled and cradled his head in his hands. "I lost control of my temper like never before. I wanted to hurt Ichigo, for letting her get…" he heaved out a sigh.

"So you pulled your sword at him first." "Yes."

"But she woke up, and her reiatsu was flaring…and she stood between us. She held back my sword with her hand. Then she hopped on Ichigo's back and left me there."

"It sounds easily solved." Orihime began as she came around the corner with their drinks.

"As I have heard, Aizen is the one you almost lost Momo to right?" He nodded, not bothering to bring up the memory. "You simply don't want to lose her again."

She sipped and continued. "You've gotten skeptic about who you trust her with. And should anyone betray that small trust, you'd lash out at them."

Toshiro looked at the girl with understanding.

"Orihime is right captain. You just need to apologize and have her understand. She adores you. Compared to the Aizen thing, I'd find this pretty trivial to ending your relationship."

Slapping him on the back, Rangiku stood. "Watch it Matsumoto! I'm still your captain!"

"But right now, you're a captain who will be in deep doody if you don't make up with Momo!" She growled, and for a second Toshiro feared her.

"Now go home. You need rest so you can grovel for her forgiveness tomorrow."

Nodding Toshiro opened the door and leapt away.

Sipping from her cup, Rangiku made a face. "Orihime what is this?"

"Grape yogurt, celery and chicken puree with honey!" She called from another room.

Staring at it skeptically, she took another sip. "It's not bad!"


Toshiro stretched as he walked through the gates. Momo stood there. "Ohayou."

She murmured head down.

"Momo…I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost my temper like that.

"Me neither Toshiro-kun. I barely remember a thing."

Gaining the courage to look at him, she gave an apologetic smile. Toshiro began to walk forward and flicked her on the head. "Let's get to class bedwetter."

She caught up and hit him in the shoulder. "I'm not a bedwetter!"

Later…

"So, Momo, what's your bankai like"? Ikkaku asked before taking a bite of his sandwich.

"Oh, it's very pretty! Like Rukia-san's or Kuchki-taichou's!" She replied, stars in her eyes.

"But if you were to compare it," "I won't tell you Ikkaku. You'll just have to find out."

Ikkaku grumbled.

"Momo, where'd you get the pins in your braid?" Orihime asked.

"Oh, Kyoraku-taichou gave them to me as a gift when I became captain." She said automatically reaching a hand up to touch them.

"They're gorgeous…" "He said they're very expensive."

"I heard his pins weren't cheap either. I wonder what they're made of." Yumichika asked gazing at the tinkling snowflakes in her braid.

"Well, pull out the box; it's time to decide who's on patrol again." Rukia grunted as she tried to sit in the circle.

"Lemme sit in the circle Ichigo!" "You shouldn't have stood around! No way!"

"Now, now guys…" Momo reached in the hat. "Ishida-san." "Fine."

"Rangiku-kun." "All right." The strawberry-blonde said nonchalantly.

"And…Yumichika-kun." "But I went earlier!"

"And you're going again, man up girly boy!" The group laughed.

"Hitsugaya-taichou." No response. Momo smiled a bit. "Hitsugaya-taichou." Still no response.

"Shiro-chan?" "What?" Unable to hold back the laughter, she quickly brought her hands to her mouth.

"Momo-chan?" Orihime questioned, drawing everyone's attention.

"What's so funny Momo?" Toshiro asked. "You…oh you heard me didn't you Rangiku?"

"Hear what? You call his name?" "Yes! And he only answered to Shiro-chan!" She let the giggles flow forth.

"What! Not True! I'm Hitsugaya-Taichou!" "Sorry captain, she was sitting there calling you by that title. And you say you don't like it when she calls you Shiro-chan." The group laughed again.

Growling, he stood and stormed off, snowy hair blowing in the wind. "Shiro-chan?"

Momo stood and ran after him.

"Toshiro-kun! Toshiro-kun!"

She called as she walked the hallway. "I'm down here." With a running start, Momo ran and jumped over the railing of the staircase. She gracefully landed behind him, just as he turned around. "What's the matter?" She asked eyes wide and concerned.

Sighing he leaned against the wall and looked away. "Look at me Toshiro-kun."

He turned his face to her, eyes dark. "No one else…"

"No one else what?" In a second he was standing over her, looking into her soul. "Only you Momo. Only you can call me Shiro-chan."

"Why didn't you just say so?"

"That's childish!" He complained, flustered. "Complaining over a name…" She giggled. "I'll be the only one to call you Shiro-chan I promise."

He smirked. "You wouldn't want anyone to call you bed-wetter." "You…wouldn't dare!" She pouted, heat already rushing to her cheeks. "Would I?" he teased, smirk becoming more profound.

He chuckled and leaned against the wall again. "Why don't we spar later? I know a place away from here."

"How far?" "Don't worry. You wanna go or not?"

"All right, I'll go." "Good. After we get home, we'll go." "It's a plan then."

"What's a plan?" Ikkaku snickered behind them. "None of your business." Toshiro retorted.

"So what are you guys going on a date?" He asked looking at Momo. "No!" he growled. "Don't worry, I won't tell!" he chuckled. "Have fun at your little love nest." He said as he walked down the stairs.

"I'll see you later Toshiro-kun. I can't wait." She smiled. Giving him one last look she ran down the stairs to her class.


Later…

"So where is it?" Momo asked before eating a soul candy. "Don't be so impatient. Sheesh." He tied his haori. "Are you ready?"

"Yup!" She answered cheerfully.

He allowed Momo to exit first then closed the door behind him as he followed her out. Unsheathing his Zanpaktou he sighed. "Hyorinmaru!" The dragon roared as it existed again. Toshiro hopped on its back, right after its head.

"Well are you getting on or not?" "We're….flying?" Momo squeaked.

He blew his tuft of hair. "Obviously." He held a hand out to her. "But what if I slip because he's made of Ice, or I slip," The dragon's head came to face her and stared into her eyes.

"It's not that I don't trust you Hyorinmaru…" she whispered as if she read his mind.

"I've just never flown on you…." Huffing, Hyorinmaru twisted around grabbed Momo by the collar. "Hey!" She wriggled around. "Put me down!" Dropping her she landed in Toshiro's arms who proceeded to putting her behind him.

"Now stop whining." "I'm not," she began but with a flap of his wings Hyorinmaru lifted from the building. "Hold on to something tig-" Momo immediately wrapped her arms around his waist in a death grip and buried her face into his back.

The dragon rumbled as it chuckled. "Let's just go…" he said giving an exasperated sigh.

In two more flaps they were airborne and heading away from the city.

Slowly prying open her eyes but holding onto Toshiro Momo looked below them. "Toshiro-kun we're so high!"

"That happens bedwetter." He groaned some as Momo purposefully squeezed tighter. "Ow Momo!" "Don't call me bedwetter!"

Diving down, Momo whimpered as they quickly descended. Coming to a stop, Hyorinmaru hovered a few inches over the ground. "Momo, we're here." Toshiro said over his shoulder.

Slowly opening her eyes, Momo turned and looked behind her and saw the city lights far behind. Momo gazed at the pale bluish grass beneath her,

"Sugoi Toshiro-kun…" She hopped off Hyorinmaru without a second thought and took a few steps. "It's beautiful." "I guess. For a field." He replied as Hyorinmaru settled behind him.

"Let's get started Momo." "So soon?" she pouted. "That's why we came out here…" He closed his eyes and sighed, shaking his head. Then he felt her presence closing in fast. Dodging to the right, he saw Momo skid in the dirt, zanpaktou in hand.

"That's cheating Momo!" "No its not! You said let's start!" She retorted, flying toward him. Their swords clashed as they made contact.

Toshiro stared into her playful eyes and smirked. He pushed her back. "Hyorinmaru!" Roaring, Hyorinmaru came toward Momo. She stepped backwards and smirked. "Not so fast!" Toshiro yelled.

The dragon curved and came at her again. She shun-po'ed this time but it came at her again.

"Hah!" She leapt over it. "Snap, Tobiume!" her sword glowed as it transformed.

'That's her shikai…now to get her bankai…' Toshiro thought as he brought Hyorinmaru back to him.

Waving her sword Momo sent two balls of energy at him. Waving his sword he made a wall of ice just in time to stop them. Leaping over the wall Toshiro teased, "Try harder Momo!"

Momo growled and sent a ball at him again and he slashed it in half.

'I forgot this is Toshiro-kun…I've got to try harder. I'm a captain too.'

She landed on the ground about 3 yards from him. "Taisan Tobiume!" The sword floated from her hands then burst into lights. The lights swirled around her as she moved her fingers elegantly.

"Try it now Shiro-chan!" 'This is new…' Toshiro thought.

He swung his sword, sending a wave of ice at her. Leaping backwards, the lights spread out from her and formed a barrier stopping the attack.

Smirking, Momo backflipped and landed on the ground again. Swirling around, she brought the lights around her again.

"Well that was unexpected." Toshiro mumbled as he watched Momo stand in her fighting stance. 'Her spiritual pressure has been collected into little lights from her sword…she can control them to make a barrier. But…'

"Let's see how it does on offense."

He readied his sword. "Go Hyorinmaru!" The dragon sped toward Momo who quickly side stepped it. As it turned to come at her again she stepped back wards. "Watch out Momo!" Momo gasped to see Toshiro flying at her with sword in hand.

"Henkan!" The lights gathered themselves and formed into the Zanpaktou again, just in time for Momo to block Toshiro's attack.

His eyes widened. Momo shook from the pressure Toshiro was exerting. 'It reverted back…'

He stepped back. "Well you obviously didn't see that coming Toshiro-kun." She giggled. "It's getting late, we should get home."

Toshiro inwardly frowned. 'Maybe she'll do bankai next time.' He hopped on Hyorinmaru and Momo followed. With two flaps of his wings, Hyorinmaru took to the skies.

"Why are we going so slow?" Toshiro whispered to the dragon. 'You are in no rush to get home.' The voice chuckled in his head. "The air feels nice Toshiro-kun." Momo offered dragging him from his thoughts.

"Yeah." The dragon wobbled. Momo whimpered and Toshiro held tight. "What was that for?"

"What do you mean?" Momo challenged thinking he yelled at her. "Your dragon almost knocked me off!" She huffed crossing her arms. "Well,"

Suddenly Hyorinmaru flipped over leaving Momo free falling. "Toshiro!"

"Momo!" Doing a loop, they dove down toward the screaming girl. Twirling they got under her and Toshiro grabbed her hand and pulled her into him.

Toshiro scowled as the dragon gave a rumbling chuckle. "That wasn't funny." The head turned so Toshiro could see the knowing look in its eye.

With a flap of its wings, it ascended into the clouds. "Sugoi…" Momo muttered. She readjusted herself in Toshiro's arms to look at the moon and the sea of clouds.

"It's so pretty…" "Yeah…" Momo turned into his shoulder and watched the moon bathe the clouds. "What do they feel like Shiro-chan?" The dragon dipped down for Toshiro to scoop some with his free hand. "You tell me."

Tentatively she reached for it. "It's water…" He nodded as she let it float out of her hands. "Hang on." She nodded as they dove down from the clouds.

Slowing down, Hyorinmaru pulled by the building across from their apartment. Toshiro leapt off and placed Momo down. Hyorinmaru burst into dust and returned to sword form, back into its sheath.

"We should get inside." "Thank you Shiro-chan." Toshiro turned to Momo who was fidgeting with her sleeve. "I…had a good time…so thank you." Toshiro blushed. "Just get inside bedwetter." He said turning away from her.


Elsewhere…

"Our little peach has gotten stronger…" the voice pondered. "Let's infiltrate."

"Mei, Hua."

Two girls came into view.

"It's time for you to further your horizons…and study abroad, don't you think?"

"Of course…"


I'll apologize next chapter. Just wanted to post!

Taisan- Disperse

Henkan- Return