Author's Note - Thanks again for all the reviews! Here's some more, coming at you!
Chapter Seven - Butterfly Wings
"N-Nani?!" Hitsugaya Toushiro blinked in surprise as he listened to the Hell Butteryfly's message a second time. "Why are they sending her now?"
5 TH SEAT, NAGAYAMA KAORI, OF SQUAD TEN HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR A MISSION TO THE LIVING WORLD. HITSUGAYA-TAICHOU YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED TO A MISSION BREIFING. PLEASE BRING NAGAYAMA AND REPORT IMMEDIATELY.
Hitsugaya clenched his teeth, obviously annoyed. Kaori was strong indeed but, to send her to the Living World now, only days after discovering her Zanpakuto's ability? It was a strange move indeed. One he intended to question. Coming swiftly to his feet he moved for the door, then stopped short, a look of puzzlement sweeping across his face. What was he doing? Since when was he one to question orders sent down from the top command? He shook his head, as though the motion would clear his thinking. Why did this bother him so much? He knew Kaori was fully capable of handling a mission to the Living World, even before she had awoken her Zanpakuto he would have been more than confident in her abilities. So.. why then did this bother him?
In his mind he could see her, so delicate and lithe, but strong and resolute. Her eyes burned with a passion for life, a hunger to grow strong, a fierce spirit and quick wit. There was something about her that seemed to draw out the kind of confidence that could inspire an army. She will make an exceptional Taichou one day… He caught himself thinking with a smile, but even that thought made something inside of him ache. His brow furrowed in thought. Was that it then? Was he afraid to lose her? If she became a Taichou she would have to leave his squad, sure they would still see one another, but their time would be limited. It was the same with this mission, she would have to leave him to go to the Living World. Would she come back…?
Enough!
Hitsugaya silenced his inner brooding with a growl. Of course she would come back, she was strong, they had worked hard, he knew that he had trained her well. She would come back and then.. Then what…? Would things go back to normal? He silenced his thoughts once more with a swift shake of his head. I don't have time for this now. Moving with purpose now, he headed toward the door once more.