"Well, here we are Hitsugaya-kun," said Aizen. The ex-captain inserted a key into the door and it opened with a soft click. They walked into the room and Hitsugaya was completely unprepared for what he saw inside…
0-0-0
As they walked into the room, Hitsugaya looked around the room in confusion. He had been expecting a place full of mysterious devices that Kurotsuchi-taicho would kill to get. Instead, there was just a plain white room (A/N: anticlimactic I know, please don't kill me. But don't worry, there's a lot of good stuff ahead, I promise).
Aizen gestured for Hitsugaya to stand in the middle of the room, and growling to himself at having to obey the traitorous ex-captain's orders the white-haired boy did as he was told.
Aizen then sat down on a tall throne-like chair that Hitsugaya hadn't noticed before. The ex-captain then pulled a shimmering black orb from his white robes—the Hogyoku.
What's he going to do with that? Hitsugaya wondered as he stared at his enemy. He already turned me into a vaizard…
Hitsugaya jerked in surprise as Aizen casually tossed the Hogyoku at him. Despite his surprise, he caught it easily—he was a captain after all. Holding the black sphere in one hand, the white-haired boy stared quizzically at Aizen. The Hogyoku? He betrayed the entire Soul Society to get his filthy hands on it, so why exactly did he just give it to me? Despite his status as a genius, his brain could come up with no solution.
"You appear to be confused about something, Hitsugaya-kun," smiled Aizen. "Allow me to explain." The ex-captain pushed a button on the side of his chair, and a glass wall appeared, separating the two. Looking at the barrier, Hitsugaya could tell that it contained some very powerful spells that could negate even the strongest kido. That doesn't look good…What's this bastard up to?
"Here's the examination will work." Aizen said, still smiling. "It's pretty simple. All you have to do is try to survive. I'm sure that shouldn't be too challenging for one of your ability, Hitsugaya-kun."
"What are you talking about, Aizen?!" hissed Hitsugaya.
"I'll show you." As Aizen said this, he pressed another button. Hitsugaya watched apprehensively as a door opened in the wall next to him. "As I said, try and survive." Aizen then leaned back in his chair, as if watching a show.
Hollow began to appear through the door in the wall, first one, then dozens, then hundreds, until the room was filled with monsters, all looking at Hitsugaya with hunger apparent on their masked faces.
Hitsugaya gulped. He had never seen so many hollows before. He could tell that they were all low-class monsters, the sort that he could destroy without even releasing his zanpakuto.
If he had his zanpakuto…which he didn't.
"Begin." said Aizen. The hollows instantly started advancing, bloodthirsty howls emerging from their mouths.
Hitsugaya was all too aware of the fact that he was defenseless against the approaching danger. He knew kido of course, but it would be next to useless against the extreme number of hollows that he was up against.
Shit. I'm hugely outnumbered and weaponless, unless you count the Hogyoku. And I don't think that turning these hollows into Arrancar would be of any help to me whatsoever, even if I knew how to use it, which I don't…
Hey Shorty, miss me?
Hitsugaya had never been happier to hear the arrogant voice of his hollow.
You seem to be in a bit of a…situation here. Need some help?
What kind of help? And you're just as short as I am.
Well, you asked me before to come up with a plan, and being the genius I am, I came up with a brilliant strategy to slit Aizen's throat. But, as we appear to be stuck in a box, while that bastard grins at us, we first need to get out of here, agreed?
Agreed. So…?
Simple, let me take over. I slaughter these lowlifes, we bust out of here and give Aizen whats been coming to him.
Hitsugaya was now having dodging the leaders of the hollow pack in a series of fluid motions that seemed more suited to a dance. He ducked underneath a claw about half as big as he was, and leapt over the head of another hollow to reach the relative safety of the other side. The young captain knew that he was out of options, he couldn't dodge forever.
Very well, he replied. But don't get too beat up, we still have to take down Aizen.
Me? Get beat up? I don't get beat up, I beat others up! Just take a little rest, and it'll be over before you know it.
Black swarmed over Hitsugaya's vision, he heard the maniacal laugh of his hollow before losing awareness completely.
0-0-0
Aizen Souske leaned forwards in his chair. The boy had stopped abruptly in place, and the hollows had formed a circle around him. Suddenly, a hollow's mask began to form over the boy's face. The hollows surrounding him began to back away, but they were too slow. The boy leapt towards the nearest one and slashed at it with fingers that were suddenly looking more like claws. More soon followed the path of the first one, until the boy was standing on a pile of slowly disintegrating hollow bodies.
Aizen smiled, the speed at which the hollow-boy had demolished those hollows had been incredible. He will be a worthy addition to my army.
Then, the hollow-boy looked up at him and grinned, teeth flashing. The bloodlust and hatred in those yellow and black eyes made even Aizen shudder, though it was just for a fraction of a second. He pressed the button on his chair again, and more hollows poured out. They were more numerous and powerful than the previous ones.
The hollow-boy's smile increased even further and he launched himself at the new arrivals. He was only just getting started…
0-0-0
Wake up Hitsugaya. The familiar voice echoed in his head as a cold nose bumped him in the side.
Hitsugaya slowly opened his eyes, taking in the usual dreamscape. His vision seemed blurry, as he could see two dragons standing next to him instead of one.
"Hyorinmaru? What's going on?" the young captain asked in confusion. He shook his head to clear his vision, but the double image still persisted. "There's something wrong with my head, I keep seeing two of you…" He was beginning to get a weird feeling about the inhabitants of his inner world. "There really are two of you, aren't there?"
Yes, replied the dragon nearest to him. Though we are not actually the same being.
Hitsugaya's tired brain made the effort. "You're the spirit of my hollow's zanpakuto, aren't you?" he asked the other dragon.
Correct, the other dragon answered. Now that his brain was functioning better, Hitsugaya could see that this dragon, though similar to Hyorimaru, was actually darker than Hyorinmaru, almost black. It is a pleasure to meet my counterpart's wielder.
Hyorinmaru snorted. If only the same could be said about that hollow of yours, Hitsugaya. He's going on a rampage out there. I think even Aizen's getting a little bit nervous. The hollows just keep coming, and sooner or later, you'll be overcome.
Hitsugaya closed his eyes. By concentrating hard, he could see the outside world through his hollow's eyes. His vision was a frenzy of slashing and dodging. Blood was splattering everywhere, and though Hitsugaya could tell that most of it was not his own, he could still feel several deep wounds on his hollow-possessed body.
"You're right, Hyorinmaru," Hitsugaya said as he opened his eyes. "Aizen will just keep sending the hollows out, and not matter how strong he is, my hollow can't keep on going forever. We have to find another way to defeat them; otherwise we are all going to die."
The dragons exchanged sober looks. Maybe the Hogyoku can help us, said the dark dragon. That bastard Aizen no doubt had a reason for giving it to us.
Maybe if we all focus our reiatsu into it, we might gain enough power to annihilate these vermin, agreed Hyorinmaru.
"It's worth a try," decided Hitsugaya. He focused his thoughts into reaching his hollow. Hey hollow, we've got a plan.
Go away, I'm having fun out here, came the annoyed reply.
If both of us and our zanpakuos combine our powers with the Hogyoku, we might be able to destroy both these hollows, and Aizen, Hitsugaya responded, refusing to be turned away.
Well, why didn't you say so? Let's do it!
0-0-0
The boy had paused again, Aizen observed. The yellow and black eyes turned away from the trembling hollow before him and were now staring at the Hogyoku with a fierce concentration. Even though he was on the other side of a powerful magical barrier, Aizen could still feel the huge increase in the boy's reiatsu, as he focused it all into the Hogyoku. The black sphere began to glow, softly at first, but getting more and more intense until it suddenly released all of its radiance in one bright flash, the brilliance temporarily blinding all present.
When the light faded Aizen could see three things, first, that the remaining hollows were lying seemingly unconscious on the floor, second, that the Hogyoku had changed color—from black to a bright green, the color of Hitsugaya Toshiro's eyes, and third, that Hitsugaya had lost his hollow form and had transformed back into a shinigami. The boy's green eyes were fixated on the Hogyoku, looking in wonder at its new appearance.
0-0-0
Hitsugaya stared at the Hogyoku in amazement, fascinated by its change in color. The now green orb seemed to pulse in his hands, and he could feel its energy seeping into him, giving him new strength.
I guess it worked… he thought.
I still think you should have let me finish them, said the voice of his hollow in his mind. I was having fun.
My way was better. The Hogyoku seems to be pouring power into me. I think that we somehow bonded with it when we all poured our reiatsu into it.
Bonded with the Hogyoku…I'm sure Aizen will be pleased,sniggered the hollow.
As the hollow spoke, Aizen stood up from his chair. "Congratulations, Hitsugaya-kun," he called. "You passed the test…both of them."
Hitsugaya looked up. "What are you talking about, Aizen?" he growled.
"Come with me, Hitsugaya-kun, and I'll explain further." Aizen replied. "Besides, I did promise to let you see Hinamori-kun, didn't I?" The ex-captain pushed a button, and the magical barrier disappeared. Hitsugaya got to his feet shakily. Even with the power of the Hogyoku flowing through him, his body was still worn out and bleeding from his hollow's recklessness.
Hey, I said I was sorry.
Humph. At least tell me you have a better plan for getting us out of here.
You'll see.
Realizing that Aizen was waiting for him, Hitsugaya slowly walked towards his enemy. How could the man stand there so calmly after all of the things he had done, all of the people he'd hurt? He felt the anger of his hollow added to his own as he remembered the feeling of Aizen's zanpakuto lodged into him. You just stand there and smile, Aizen, we'll see who's laughing when it's my turn to stab you.
"Follow me, Hitsugaya-kun." Saying this, Aizen walked away, not bothering to look back. Gritting his teeth, Hitsugaya once again followed the traitorous ex-captain. I can't believe that I'm taking orders from Aizen, but I have no choice as long as he has Momo…
0-0-0
They walked for what seemed like an eternity to Hitsugaya's battered body.
I'm going to kill that hollow as soon I get the chance for being so reckless with my body.
HEY! I heard that!
Shut up.
Make me!
I will as soon as we get out of here.
Bring it on, I'll kick your ass!
We'll see about that!
WILL BOTH OF YOU BE QUIET!!! came the united draconic roar in Hitsugaya's mind. Both Hitsugaya and the hollow fell silent.
Let's just focus on the task at hand—killing Aizen.
Hyorinmaru is right, we have no time for senseless fighting.
You sound like that blind fool, Tosen.
Why you—
Hitsugaya rubbed at his temples wearily. It had been challenging dealing with just Hyorinmaru in his head, but adding another two beings was just insanity.
For once, I'm going to have to agree with you—the sooner we get this deal over with, the sooner we get to find out once and for all who stays and who goes. But killing Aizen comes first of course.
Speaking of Aizen, I think we're there.
Hitsugaya blinked, taking in the scene before him. They were in what was evidently Aizen's throne room. Like the rest of Las Noches, it was painted white with few furnishings, except for the throne in the center of the room. Aizen sat down on the throne and beckoned for Hitsugaya to stand in front of him, which the white-haired captain reluctantly did.
"Before I clear things up for you Hitsugaya-kun, I have something for you, a reward for exceeding my expectations on my little examination," said Aizen. He produced a sheathed zanpakuto with a four-pointed star shaped guard and a light blue hilt. A green sash dangled from the ends.
"Hyorinmaru," breathed Hitsugaya as he accepted his zanpakuto. He attached the ends of the sash with the star-shaped fastener, the weight of the sword on his back made him feel at ease for the first time since entering Hueco Mundo. He could feel the dragon's presence far more strongly now, and a rush of icy energy infused his body.
I'm ready Hitsugaya, just call on me and let's show this traitor that you don't mess with a dragon and get away with it!
Be patient Hyorinmaru, we should find out what that "test" was really about, as well as what happened to Momo before we do anything. Hitsugaya replied, even though he longed to end Aizen's days as much as his companion did.
Aizen was still talking "And as promised, I shall let you see Hinamori-kun." As he said that, a girl stepped out from behind Aizen's throne and stared expressionlessly at him.
It was obviously her. Though he knew the power of Aizen's zanpakuto, he thought that after all of the years that he had spent with Hinamori he would know if he was looking at an illusion. He took a deep, relieved breath as he saw that she seemed unharmed, at least physically. But the blank look in her eyes scared him.
"Momo?" She didn't respond. Something was obviously wrong.
"Momo!" He ran up to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Momo, speak to me!"
"It's no use, Hitsugaya-kun," Aizen smirked. "She can't see or hear you."
"Teme…"
He must have used Kyouka Suigetsu on her; she can only sense what he tells her to. He's going to pay for that.
"Release her right now, Aizen," hissed Hitsugaya, placing his hand on Hyorinmaru's hilt. "Or else…"
"Or else what, Hitsugaya-kun?" asked Aizen, still smirking. "Or else, you'll attack me? Well, if you choose that course of action, you might find a certain shinigami in your way, and I know you wouldn't want that."
Hitsugaya flinched. Aizen had him trapped and they both knew it.Hitsugaya released his grip on Hyorinmaru and returned to glaring at Aizen, though thoughts of Hinamori were still running through his mind.
Is there a cure for 'complete hypnosis'? Maybe, if I manage to get her back to Soul Society, Unohana-taicho can heal her…He couldn't bear the thought of his oldest friend remaining a brain-washed zombie forever. No! I have to believe that there is a solution! I'll find a way to help Momo even if I have to take the answer from Aizen's dead body!
He suddenly remembered the Hogyoku and raised the green orb into the air. "Explain what happened during that 'test'."
Aizen gave him another amused smile. "It's actually pretty simple. When I first arrived in Hueco Mundo, I did some experiments with the Hogyoku to test its capabilities. Despite its incredible power, which I used to create my army, I felt that there was something missing, a key element that was needed to fully awaken the Hokyoku to its full potential.
"So? What does that have to do with Hinamori and me?" Hitsugaya asked angrily.
Aizen continued as if Hitsugaya hadn't spoken. "I continued to research the Hogyoku, hoping for a clue as to what I lacked. In the very beginning of Urahara Kisuke's experiments, I discovered some vital information that I had previously overlooked. The Hogyoku has an affinity for the element of water. After all, the very purpose of the Hoyoku is to break down barriers, and water is the ultimate medium for doing so.
"And that's not all, Hitsugaya-kun. After creating the Hoyoku, Urahara realized that somebody might try and use it for evil purposes." Aizen smirked again. Hitsugaya's rage was building; he wanted nothing more than to wipe that grin off Aizen's face. "And, afraid that somebody would hunt him down to gain knowledge of his creation, he took certain key information about the Hogyoke's use and hid it, even from himself."
"Hid it?" Hitsugaya repeated.
"That's right. And the hiding place that he chose…was you, Hitsugaya-kun."
