Disclaimer: I do NOT own the Bleach series nor their characters in any way. All copyrights go to Tite Kubo.
Author's Note: Hey everyone! I'm back with another chapter of Unforgettable. Thank you for all your patience especially my wonderful reviewers: Moonblossom15, icedragonpeach, TUranzaRE711, toshirolovehim, TheFayrinaTale, becomeafan, Reader-Favs, sukiatomomo, toshiluver123, icyangel27, and skylark dragonstar.
Re-cap of the previous chapter: A fateful showdown, the fall of an enemy, the questioning of actions, and a big confrontation.
What is going to happen next? Well, read and find out! Enjoy!
LEGEND
"Talking." "Thinking." Flash Back. Written Code. Short Flash Back.
Unforgettable
Chapter Eight: Come with Me
As she is walking with Gin and Rangiku towards the Fifth Division Headquarters, Momo let out a deep sigh. Despite what has happened come to past, she is still trying to take in everything. There are too many important details that cannot be left ignored. "Hinamori."
Snapping back to reality, the raven haired girl turned to the tenth division lieutenant. "Y-Yeah, Rangiku-san?"
"Are you alright?"
The younger Soul Reaper gave her a small smile. "I-I'm doing my best to cope with it."
"Yeah." The tall female resumed her attention to the front. "I'm still quite surprised what Shin and his army are really capable of."
Momo slowly lowered her head. She closed her eyes and replayed the recent events in her thoughts.
"My dear followers," Shin said with a wide grin on his face. "You know what to do."
Obeying their leader's orders, the seven members of his rebellion army raised their hands on the sides of their faces. With their bodies oozing out a vast amount of spiritual pressure, it began gathering in a single focal point. Before long, the Soul Reapers began to see their increase in power has formed into a single white mask. Their eyes widened in astonishment. Komamura asked, "That's absurd! They have Hollow powers?"
At that moment, an amused grin appeared on Captain Zaraki's face. "Well, that's more like it."
"Let's go," Lieutenant Kusajishi exclaimed after she appeared from the inside of his kimono. "Ken-chan!"
"Hang on tight, Yachiru!"
Realizing what the eleventh division captain is up to, Hirako extended his hand out and tried to stop him. But before he could say anything, Kenpachi has already charged towards the enemy. Shinji put his hand down and hissed between his teeth. "That idiot."
"Let's go," Soi Fon said. "Yoru."
The tenth division captain nodded in agreement. "Yes ma'am."
Following Zaraki's lead, the two trained assassins charged toward their enemies. Then, they noticed a single presence of a certain white haired male who suddenly stood in between the two opposing sides. Seeing he is in range, Kenpachi swung his sword down on Toshiro. On the other hand, Hitsugaya calmly raised his sword and parried it aside. He quickly placed his hands together on the hilt of his zanpakuto and swung once again in the other direction. "Soten ni Zase, Hyorinmaru!"
Noticing danger, the three captains jumped back to create some distance and dodge the wave of ice. Before long, the fort was easily destroyed by a series of powerful multi-coloured beams. "Cero!"
Thinking quickly, Captain Hirako got in front of Zaraki, Yoru, and Soi Fon. He extended his hand out and formed a wide reflecting barrier to shield his allies. Once the combined attack made contact with it, the barrier remained standing. Kenpachi grinned with amusement. "Let me at him."
With his opponents in his attack range, Toshiro held his sword aside and prepared to launch another assault. But before he could do that, he sensed something coming in his direction. He took a short glance to see a ball of red fire. Using flash step, he quickly evaded the attack. He scanned the area to pinpoint the user. However, no one appears to be using kido. His eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"Hey, keep your eyes on your opponent!"
Hitsugaya looked over to see the eleventh division captain charging at him. He raised his zanpakuto and clashed blades with his. Toshiro said, "You're eager to fight."
"Why don't you put on your mask?" the large captain asked. "I'm sure you'll entertain me."
The white haired swordsman pushed him back and tried to attack from a different angle. However, the taller male blocked against it.
Little did they know, the fifth division lieutenant has already caught up and joined the battle. Lucky for her, Hitsugaya didn't sense her hiding in Kyokko and was distracted by Zaraki. Hinamori glanced over to see her masked enemies fighting against her allies before resuming her attention to her childhood friend. Placing her free hand over her chest, she hoped that Toshiro hasn't gained any Hollow powers just like the rest of Shin's army.
"I have no intention of showing it to you," Hitsugaya replied. "Kenpachi Zaraki."
"Was I too late?" Momo thought, "or do I still have a chance to reach out and save you?"
"Fine, I just have to dra-"
But before the tall captain could say anything else, Toshiro added, "However, I'll be happy to show you something else."
"Something else?" Hinamori wondered. "What does he mean by that?"
Toshiro jumped back to create some distance. With a smirk on his face, he raised his zanpakuto toward the cloudy skies and shouted, "Ban-kai!"
Momo's eyes widened with astonishment. As she watched her childhood friend burst a shock wave of spiritual pressure under his feet, ice began forming on his shoulders. "No way; he knows how to use Bankai?"
Spreading like wildfire, the ice covered his right arm; feet; and back into features that resemble parts of a dragon. Once his transformation is complete, he whipped his tail down on the ground and spread his wings out. Holding his sword off to the side, he called the name of his second release. "Daiguren Hyorinmaru!"
Sensing the change in reiatsu in the air, Shin looked over to see Hitsugaya. A grin appeared on his face.
"Amongst my army, Toshiro has the most talent when it comes to mastering zankensoki," he explained. "If he didn't die, he would have certainly become one of the strongest Shinigami in the Gotei 13."
"Dead or not, I'm going to have a fun time fighting him!" Zaraki exclaimed.
"I can't believe it," Momo thought. "All this time, he was stronger than me."
Suddenly, she notice his pair of icy cold eyes glaring in her direction. Feeling chills down her spine, she cautiously placed her hands together and raised her zanpakuto. Before long, she saw him flap his ice wings. After he was lifted off into the air, he flew towards her. He raised his sword and swung it across, releasing a wave of ice. "Hyoryu Senbi!"
Immediately, Hinamori leaped back to stay out of his attack range. However, she noticed the ice is following her. She took a quick glance to see the user is directing the frozen water like a puppeteer.
"Zekku!"
Knowing that she doesn't have enough time to dodge it a second time, she raised her zanpakuto and swung it across. "Hajike, Tobiume!"
Once the two attacks made contact, they exploded like fireworks. When she looked at her childhood friend again, he already disappeared.
"Where did h-"
Suddenly, her eyes widened upon realization as Toshiro flew past her shoulder and exposed her to everyone by ripping away the curtain of kido with his bare hand. However, the revelation is the least of her worries. Sensing a strong presence nearby, Momo glanced over to see her pink haired opponent within her attack range. Angel raised her sword above her head and exclaimed, "You're going down, Shinigami!"
Just as she is about to strike down, Shinji Hirako appeared in between to block the assault. "Hirako-taicho!"
The fifth division captain briefly glanced over his shoulder. Once he resumed his attention to the front, Shinji pushed his opponent back. He quickly raised his hand and fired a ball of spiritual energy at her. "Momo!"
Breaking out of her thoughts, the female lieutenant tried to move away from the battle. However, she sensed something coming in her direction. By the time she noticed the ice tail, she launched a fireball from the tip of her zanpakuto. The two attacks made contact and exploded. Using the emerging smoke, she went down to the ground where her Soul Reaper allies are fighting against the other members of Shin's army.
At that moment, she became surrounded by other elite members of the Gotei 13. Momo looked to her left and then to her right at the Soul Reapers from the sixth, eighth, and thirteenth divisions. At the same time, Ichimaru and Matsumoto also arrived. "Hinamori, you're alright!"
"Rangiku-san!"
"Oh dear," Gin said. "It seems like this party has already started without us."
As he oversaw the battles, Shin narrowed his eyes at the arrival of more enemies. After flicking his elderly hair over his shoulder, the leader turned around and began leaving the field. "My dear followers, I think they had enough fun with us for today. It's time to head back to the hideout."
Being the one closest to him, Ryoga fired a cero at his opponent and turned around. Facing Shin, he asked, "Huh, we still haven't taken revenge on our fallen comra-"
Without any warning, a strong spiritual force began leaking out of his leader's aged body. Just as Shin glanced over his shoulder, the surrounding people felt the immense pressure. It made them have chills running down their spines. So, they stopped what they were doing and turned to watch him and Ryoga. "Let's go. We'll annihilate them all in our next encounter."
"Y-Yes sir."
As they watched their ally retreat, the other members of Shin's army ignored their opponents and followed his lead. Dissatisfied with the decision, Angel puffed her cheeks and folded her arms. While she walked past Hitsugaya, she muttered, "He just had to spoil our fun."
Just as Toshiro is about to follow his ally, he sensed a nearby threat. He quickly looked over to see the tenth division captain within range. He raised his sword to defend only to realize Yoru disappeared from sight. The wielder of ice narrowed his eyes, waiting patiently for any abnormalities.
"Cutie, watch out!"
By the time he noticed it, he felt the weight on his right shoulder suddenly became lighter. Hitsugaya glanced over to see his ice wing shatter into pieces and the face of the one responsible for it. Yoru extended two fingers out and exclaimed, "Bakudo Number 4: Hainawa!"
However, Angel stepped in between the two combatants. With a single hand, she swatted the binding spell like a fly. After placing her hands together on the hilt of her sword, she glared at the tenth division captain. "I won't let you hurt my sweetheart."
"Oi Angel."
"I'll make sure to kil-" Without any warning, she felt a cold chill run down her spine. She slowly glanced over her shoulder to meet the glaring eyes of Toshiro Hitsugaya. "S-Sweetheart?"
Suddenly, he grabbed her by the shoulder.
Realizing what the white haired sword wielder is doing, Yoru tried to stop them. But by the time he caught up, the two allies already disappeared from sight. He cursed under his breath. "Shit."
Upon seeing what happened from below, Hinamori wondered, "Where did he go?"
"Today was only a preview of what we're truly capable of," said a voice. Hearing Shin's voice, everyone turned their attention to the gathered enemies. Shortly, Angel and Hitsugaya joined them. "The next time we meet, I hope your Captain Commander will be with you. It will make things more satisfying for us once we kill him along with the rest of you."
With that said, Seto placed his hands together. After spreading them out horizontally, a small bright green prism appeared. As he is preparing the forbidden kido, Angel noticed the raven haired lieutenant hastily approach them. The grip on her sword suddenly tightened. Knowing that they used to be acquaintances, the pink haired female couldn't help but hate the Soul Reaper for continuously chases her crush. "She doesn't know when to give up on you, cutie."
"She really wants to bring my old self back." While the rest of the Gotei 13 followed the young lieutenant's lead, Angel took a quick glance to see the expression on the stoic male's face. "However, it's already too late. The Shiro-chan she once lived with died a long time ago."
She smiled in response, content that he remained emotionless in his encounter with his so-called childhood friend. Hirako, Zaraki, and Komamura tried to stop them by launching an attack. However, Seto called out the forbidden kido spell just seconds before he and his allies disappeared from sight. As a result, the captains's attempt to interfere has failed. Kenpachi hissed between his teeth. "They got away."
Shinji put his zanpakuto back in its sheath. "There's no point chasing after them; they used Kukanten'i to escape."
With his finger and thumb, Kyoraku fixed the position of his hat. "It seems like we're back at square one."
At that moment, a Shinigami appeared next to the fifth division lieutenant. Seeing the beaten up vice-captain from the third division, Momo said, "Kira-kun."
"Oh my," Gin said. "You look quite battered, Izuru."
The blond haired Soul Reaper cracked a small smile and replied, "I'm fine, Ichimaru-san."
He then turned his attention to the gathered captains. Soi Fon folded her arms and said, "Well, spit out the news."
Izuru nodded in agreement. "Otoribashi-taicho, Muguruma-taicho, Hisagi-fukutaicho, and I recently engaged with two members from Shin's army. We managed to apprehend them."
Eyes of several people widened. Yoru questioned, "Really?"
"Yes sir."
"Rose and Muguruma do have Visord powers," Hirako speculated. "Plus, they were outnumbered. So, it does make sense."
"Good," Soi Fon said. "We'll make sure you don't get out of here alive."
The second division captain then turned to her former subordinate.
"You can handle them, right?"
Yoru let out a smirk on his face. "Feel free to help me out if you don't trust my security."
"Very well; lock them up in the tenth division until further notice."
Hinamori reopened her eyes and replied to the taller lieutenant, "Yeah, I know."
As the two females continued their conversation, Ichimaru looked down and noticed something peculiar. There is a thin piece of paper stuck between Momo's sash and hakama. Curious, the former third division captain quickly snatched it without the young Soul Reaper realizing and checked the contents written on the paper. Seconds later, a grin appeared on his face. "Gin."
The gray haired male quickly slipped the paper into his sleeve. With both hands hidden in his kimono, he asked, "Yes?"
"Are you going to stay here for the night?"
Showing an apologetic smile on his face, Ichimaru replied, "Sorry Rangiku; I have to go back. I've got a few things to tell Urahara."
"Oh okay."
With that said, the wielder of Shinso began parting ways from the two lieutenants. Suddenly, he stopped and said, "Take care and don't get killed out there."
Matsumoto frowned and folded her arms. In the meantime, Gin turned his attention to Momo. "See you, Hinamori-chan."
The raven haired girl slowly nodded her head. "Ah yeah..."
He let out his trademark smile and raised his hand up. He waved a bye bye before disappearing off into the night. "Hinamori."
She turned to Rangiku.
"What happened after you were taken away?"
Recalling the recent memory, the fifth division vice-captain let out a sad smile and lowered her head. After a brief moment of silence, she raised her head up and asked, "Is it okay for us to stop by at the tenth division for some tea?"
"She must have been through a lot. It's probably about her childhood friend," she thought. "Sure, I have no problem with that."
As they are taking their long journey back to their hideout, Ryoga suddenly stopped. His fellow allies soon noticed and stopped as well. The follower approached his leader and asked, "Shin-sama, why did we have to escape?"
"That's right," Jun agreed. "We had enough strength to take them all down."
"What about our revenge for Leon's death?" Miyu further asked.
The elderly male closed his eyes for a moment before he took a step forward. Once he reopened his eyes, Shin said, "First of all, I have a question for one of you."
He then turned his attention to the loyal member of his army.
"Toshiro."
"Yes," Hitsugaya asked. "Shin-san?"
"What happened to Kotaru?"
Realizing the valid question, everyone else began looking around. Seto said, "Come to think of it, I don't see him around."
"Yeah," Angel agreed. "I thought he would be with you, cutie."
The white haired male lowered his head. After finding the words to say, he replied to his allies, "Kotaru was killed while we were trying to escape."
"What?" Miyu asked. "Did the Shinigami kill him?"
He slowly nodded. "Yes."
As he listened to the conversation, Shin narrowed his eyes at his follower. "Is that so?"
Turning his attention to his superior, Hitsugaya said, "If I tried to help him, I might have died too by their hands."
Suddenly, Ryoga punched the palm of his other hand. "They're unforgivable."
"Speaking about missing people," Tetsuya said, "Eriko and Hibiki should be back by now."
The wielder of ice sighed in defeat. "They're probably captured by the third and ninth divisions; they were facing two Visord captains."
"Toshiro," Shin ordered. "Bring them back."
After giving him a short nod, Hitsugaya began making his way back to Seireitei. In the meantime, Seto asked, "Eh, you're letting him sneak in again? He might not be so lucky this time."
The white haired stopped for a moment and glanced over. He replied, "Considering the circumstances, I'm guessing they'll be jailed in the tenth division."
"The tenth division?" Angel asked. "Why ther-"
Seeing the grin on his face, the realization dawned to her.
"Oh, I remember now. He's there."
"I almost forgot about him," Jun said.
"It's no surprise," Hitsugaya replied. "He's done well blending in up to this point."
With that said, Toshiro resumed his walk. Angel pulled away from the group to give him a heartwarming farewell. "Have a safe trip, sweetie!"
Tetsuya folded his arms over his chest. "You know, Toshiro is never going to return your feelings."
All of a sudden, the pink haired female shot him a glare. "He's just shy."
The nearby members sighed in response to the oblivious female. They soon turned their attention to their leader, who has been silent all this time. Wondering why he's still focused on the direction where Hitsugaya left, Sai asked, "Is there something wrong, Shin-sama?"
After a brief moment of silence, the elder male closed his eyes. As he walked through his crowd of followers, Shin replied, "Let's head back to the hideout."
The army of eight looked at one another before they obediently followed his lead.
"I'm home." Just as the white haired boy stepped into the house, a piece of white paper slapped his face. Annoyed for not seeing anything, Toshiro pulled it away to see some inked writing on it. The child raised an eyebrow before he turned his attention to the smiling raven haired girl, who came to greet him. "Welcome back!"
The younger Rukongai resident gave her a stern look. Holding out the crumpled paper, he asked, "What the hell is this?"
Hinamori took the bag of rice from his hand and turned around. While she walked back into their home, she glanced over her shoulder and replied, "It's a code I made up. Try and figure it out."
"A code, huh?"
Hitsugaya took a moment to look at the writing once more.
omuom, ylwasae davn eorofvre nrsfelid etbis
Just as she was about to leave him behind, Hinamori heard Hitsugaya mumble something under his breath. "Best friends forever and always, Momo and...I love you."
Amazed by his intellect, the peach girl turned around and approached him. After taking hold of his shoulders, she questioned, "Eh, how did you find out so quickly and...Why is your face red?"
The white haired boy turned a few shades darker and quickly turned his head away. He sputtered, "I-It's just the reflection of the sunset! A-Anyway, the code is not hard to figure out. The words just need to be unscrambled and read in the reverse order."
Slowly, he resumed his attention to her.
"As for the extra letters in each word, you just put them together to make a hidden message."
Suddenly, a wide smile appeared on her face. "Sugoi, you really are smart!"
With a grin on his face, Hitsugaya turned his body to the side and folded his arms. He teased, "At least I'm not absent-minded like you."
"Hey!" Momo pouted. "T-That's not true!"
"Yes, it is."
"Oh Toshiro." Recognizing her voice, the two childhood friends turned to see Obaa-san join them. "You're back already?"
Her grandson nodded his head. "I got the rice you wanted."
The elderly woman smiled. After approaching the white haired boy, she placed her hand on the top of his head. "Arigato."
Hitsugaya smiled back in response. Once she put her hand down and left, the boy glanced over to see Hinamori's smiling as well. "What are you so happy about?"
"I'm just thankful to be a part of this family. If Obaa-san didn't take me in that night, I would still be on the street."
"You still remember that?"
She nodded in agreement. "I also remember our first meeting."
He suddenly gave her a look as if there was something on her face. "...and that too."
"What?" the raven haired girl asked. "Don't you remember it?"
"It happened a long time ago."
"Yeah, but it was memorable." Toshiro shook his head and began walking away. "I'm sure you remember it too. Besides, it did happen almost a year ago."
Momo lowered her head for a moment before she raised it up again.
"I love you."
Suddenly, the white haired boy froze on the spot. Just as he glanced over his shoulder, Hinamori could see the redness in his cheeks. "D-Don't say those things; it's embarrassing!"
"I don't see anything embarrassing about telling your friend I love you."
Toshiro then turned his attention away from the raven haired girl. Because they were a few steps apart, she could faintly hear her childhood friend say, "A friend, huh?"
"Hey, are you upset?" Momo asked. "Is it because something I said?"
After a long moment of silence, the boy continued walking. He stubbornly replied, "I'm not telling you."
"Oh, come on!" Hinamori followed his lead. "Tell me the truth."
"Never."
"Pretty please?" He stopped walking for a moment to give her a look. "I won't judge you."
He soon sighed in defeat. "Fine, I'll tell you..."
As she anxiously waited for his answer, Hitsugaya suddenly let out a sinister smirk.
"...after I'm dead."
"Mou, Shiro-chan!"
"For the last time, stop calling me by that ridiculous nickname!"
Momo slowly opened her eyes to find herself resting on the table by the framed windows. Wondering where she is, she raised her head and looked around. "The tenth division office, huh?"
Then, she noticed a familiar mope of strawberry orange hair behind several empty jugs of sake. Seeing that she got drunk and fell asleep, the fifth division lieutenant sighed and watched the scenery outside through the window. As she watched the glittering stars in night sky, Hinamori recalled her conversation with Matsumoto.
"Hinamori, I'm not trying to make fun of you or anything. Please think about this carefully..."
She placed a hand over her chest as she pondered those words in her head.
"...Right now, are you really just thinking of him as your childhood friend?"
However, her thoughts were soon interrupted by the opening slide door. Momo jumped and turned around to see the tenth division captain. "Y-Yoru-taicho!"
"Hinamori, what are you doing here?" The dark haired Soul Reaper stepped into the office. After closing the door behind him, he approached her. "It's late, you know."
"Hmm..." The two co-workers glanced over to the sleeping vice-captain. "Don't touch me there..."
"Oh dear, she's drunk." Yoru sighed in defeat. "I guess you were having some girl talk."
Momo let out a faint smile and slowly nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's something like that."
"Are you alright? You look worried about something."
"It's about Toshiro Hitsugaya."
Yoru suddenly put his hands into his sleeves and looked away. "Oh, that guy. He used to live with you when he was alive."
Again, she nodded her head before she lowered it. "I'm...still finding it hard to accept of what he has become."
Suddenly, she felt something on her shoulder. By the time she raised her head, Momo was turned around so that she is facing the taller Soul Reaper. "Hinamori, do you remember when Aizen betrayed us?"
The fifth division Shinigami hesitated. "Yes, I do."
"It's pretty much the same thing."
"So, you're saying that I should treat him as an enemy now?"
With a short nod, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Momo then froze at the sudden display of affection. "I know you'll get over it just like what happened with Aizen."
"I reall-"
"I care about you, Hinamori."
The lieutenant's eyes widened with astonishment. Her heart raced, pumping blood all the way to her pinkish cheeks. "I-I should get going now."
She suddenly broke away from the captain and hurried over to the door. "Do you want me to walk you back?"
Momo stopped and opened the slide door.
"No, it's alright. Thank you for the offer."
With that said, the fifth division lieutenant left the office. Once the door closed, Yoru placed his hand over his face and sighed in defeat. Then, he heard a loud groan. "Taicho, what are you doing in my room?"
Recognizing her voice, the dark haired captain put his hand down and looked over to see his sleepy vice-captain. "It's about time you woke up, Rangiku. You're in the offic-"
He soon noticed the woman looking around.
"She's not listening."
"Where's Hinamori?"
Putting his hands into his sleeves he replied, "She just left."
"I see." Suddenly, she slammed her hands on the table and stood up. "So, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be looking after the prisoners?"
Yoru then walked over to his desk. "Yes, but I needed to get something from here to entertain myself."
"Oh..."
After picking up a thick book from the top pile, he carried it over to the door. He stopped for a moment and said, "When I come back here, you better have cleaned up your mess."
"Hai..."
Hibiki and Eriko were quietly sitting in their cell, meditating when they heard a noise. They opened their eyes and lifted their heads to see a hooded figure at the door. Recognizing the zanpakuto he's carrying on his back, the two allies smirked. As the known intruder approached their cell to pick on the lock, Hibiki said, "It took you long enough to get here."
The hooded person stopped for a moment to shoot him a glare, revealing his emerald-teal eyes. After he resumed to completing his task, he said, "Oh, shut up. Be thankful that Shin-san didn't abandon you."
Suddenly, everyone heard a soft click. Toshiro opened the cell and entered. As he approached them, he drew her Hyorinmaru from its sheath.
"Hold out your hands." After doing as they were told, Hitsugaya swung his sword down and up. As a result, he sliced the binding kido in half. Once Hibiki and Eriko are released, Toshiro placed his free hand on the two sheaths resting under his sash. He then tossed the sealed blades to their respective owners. After he put his sword back into its sheath, he said, "Let's get out of here before the Soul Reapers arrive."
"Can we not do that?" Hibiki asked as he and Eriko walked past their rescuer. "We haven't done enough damage to them."
"I'm sure we'll get another chance," the female replied as they stepped out of the cell. "Besides, Shin-sama sent Toshiro to bail us out."
"Speaking about him..." They stopped for a moment and turned to their white haired ally. "Are you coming or no-"
Without any warning, a blast of purple spiritual energy flew into their faces. Before long, the kido exploded into hot flames. Both victims fell to the ground and tried to put out the fire. However, the flames began spreading down their bodies. "Hado Number 54: Haien."
Realizing the one responsible for the assault, Hibiki opened his eyes to see the culprit's face. However, he couldn't see him properly through the flames. He cursed, "You bastard, what's...Argh, what's the meaning of thi-AHHH!"
All of a sudden, he cringed in pain. With Eriko following his actions in a similar fashion, she exclaimed, "Y-You'll pay for this!"
However, the white haired male just stood and watched their bodies turn into a crisp. After a few minutes, Toshiro closed his eyes and turned around. As he began leaving the room, a smirk appeared on his lips. "If you have any complaints, ask Shin-san. He's the one who sent me to kill you."
Just as he stepped out into the empty hall of the tenth division headquarters, Hitsugaya heard the siren go off. Knowing that it is his cue to leave, he got ready to use flash step. However, he was soon stopped by a single tug on his wrist. Just as he is about to strike the person with his backhand, Toshiro suddenly ceased his attack at the sight of the fifth division lieutenant. "Shiro-chan."
From under his hood, he gave her a stern look before he turned his head away. "You're very persistent, Momo Hinamori. You must really want to be my hostage."
"It is the only way to stay close to you."
Curious, he looked over his shoulder to read the pleading expression on her face. "You still think you can save me?"
"Yes, I do," Hinamori replied. "It's because I care about you..."
She lowered her head for a moment to recollect her thoughts. By the time she's ready, she further explained her previous statement.
"...a lot in the past, but I never understood my emotions and treated you like family. It is after your death I began to realize how much you really mean to me. The thought of never hearing you call me Bed-Wetter anymore or waking you up in the morning or eating fresh watermelon together in front of the sunset or lots of other things that I can't seem to recall at the moment...makes me really sad." She raised her head and took a step forward. Momo declared, "Despite how many years passed, I can't seem to get over the loss."
Then, tears began appearing in the corner of her eyes.
"Do you get what I'm trying to say, Toshiro Hitsugaya?"
The white haired male sighed in defeat. Fed up with hearing the same plea, he looked away and retorted, "Will you stop talking already? You sound like a broken reco-"
"I love you."
He suddenly fell silent.
"After so long, I-I finally understand why my world turns upside down when...whenever I think about you and the times we've shared." Momo released his wrist and raised both hands over the centre of her chest. She continued, "So, please...forget about taking revenge on the Gotei 13 and come back to me."
Hinamori paused to see his reaction. However, he didn't move a single muscle. She tried to persuade him again.
"We can go back to those peaceful days we cherished so much." Once more, he didn't answer. "Are you even listenin-"
All of a sudden, Hitsugaya turned around and grabbed her shoulder. With considerable force, he pushed her all the way to the wall. She winced in pain. By the time she raised her head to see what is going on, he leaned over to capture her lips with his own.
Her eyes widened with astonishment. Her heart raced like never before, causing her face to feel a hundred degrees hotter. As much as she would like to drift into cloud mine and return the sentiment, many questions flooded her thoughts which all revolved around one main point: why is he kissing her? Is it an act to trick her or is it what he truly feels? Which of the two is the truth? But before she can come up with an explanation and act upon it, Toshiro slowly pulled away. Quietly, he raised his head so that their eyes meet: emerald-teal and chocolate brown.
"Shiro...chan?"
After remaining silent for so long, he finally said, "Come with me."
Japanese World Translations
Zanpakuto - Soul Cutter, Kido - Demon Arts, Reiatsu - Spiritual Pressure, Zankensoki - Soul Reaper's basic fighting techniques, Shinigami - Soul Reaper, Taicho - Captain, Fukutaicho - Lieutenant/Vice-Captain, Sugoi - Amazing, Obaa-san - Grandmother, Arigato - Thank You, Hai - Yes
Author's Note: Did he kiss her out of love or is it an act? What is the Gotei 13 going to do next and what is Ichimaru up to? Well, stay tuned to read what happens next! Please review! Thanks.
