Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

- 10 -

Breach of trust

Hinamori Momo

Lieutenant of the Fifth Division formerly under the orders of Aizen Sousuke

Friends with Hitsugaya Tōshirō and Kira Izuru

Still thinks that her soulmate wears glasses, youth brings lousy taste!

To wake up.

For days, trapped in a weakened body, Hinamori Momo had wished to wake up. For days, all she had been able to do was open her eyelids, and that was on the good days. Her eyelashes, pasted to her eyelids by the glue of her tears, quivered in the darkness of a room in the clinic.

She wanted to wake up.

But...

Dealing with the harsh reality of a world Aizen-Taicho would no longer be part of, and where Momo would probably not find her place made her anxious. The painful truth was that she was unable to move forward and was a prisoner of a labyrinth of illusions. There was not a wall in her mind that had not been turned into a one-way mirror. She could only observe the person acting in her stead.

She could not recognize herself.

Break the spell.

Leave the illusions behind.

Move forward.

What happened to her?

She no longer felt her heartbeat.

Then her heart was bursting in her chest after a while.

She no longer felt her heartbeat.

Then the heart, this precious thing, beat again violently in his chest.

Again and again...

Imprisoned in a same cycle.

Why?

She yelled for days at Aizen's motionless figure, his back to her.

She did not remember her own name.

She barely remembered one thing about herself.

She only remembered him.

Why?

She screamed for days and days at Shiro-chan's motionless figure. Somehow, she had turned on him.

For days ...

Prisoner ...

Days without seeing the light of day ...

Just her...

Her ghosts ...

Her mistakes ...

Her naivety ...

Her youth...

Unable...

To break...

The circle...

Like someone who had lived through a thousand deaths ...

Like someone waiting for reincarnation ...

How many more times must her heart die ?

She had waited ...

Hoping that this day would be the last.

Hoping to put an end to all her unfinished thoughts.

Hoping that this void will swallow them up.

Then...

Once upon a time...

Wishes do come true.

One day, Momo heard that voice. She was no longer entirely alone in her head. It was not Kira-Kun's quavering and monotonous voice, and it was also not the deep, hoarse voice of Shiro-Chan. It was a new sound ... High and fluty... The warm vibrations caused the fall of one-third of the glass walls that surrounded her psyché. How? A wave of powerful reiatsu enveloped her. It smelled like burnt caramel. Sweet but a tinge bitter. Locked in her prison of crystal, Momo heard someone call her.

"Momo Hinamori?"

A second wall fell, and fragments of her anguish broke on the ground at her feet. Her blood turned cold. Her eyelids quivered and struggled against gravity.

Such a presence ...

"Momo Hinamori? I'm your new captain. Suki. Suki Ichinose."

She struggled with all her strength, but nothing helped.

"I know you want to wake up, Hinamori-san. But don't try to open your eyes, regain your strength. Momo, let's get to know each other."

Momo remained motionless in her frozen palace, a delicious smell of fresh watermelon floated in the air. The activity of her eyelids doubled. She sighed. A new captain? Already? Where was Aizen-Taicho? Was he dead?

The first day.

"My whole name is Keikosuki. But I only wear it in the presence of my sisters because they are all Suki-chan and it is the only way to differentiate ourselves. Well, I have 20 sisters. The eldest, Miyukisuki, is already a great-great-grandmother, and she knew old Yamamoto-Sensei when his beard was not yet white. I swear on the Spirit King, it's true. I also have 4 mothers: Yume, Leonor, Natsume, and Midori. Two of them are infinitely older than the construction of the Senzaikyū and they all love to sew. Leonor is a crybaby. She couldn't let go of my hands just a couple of days ago when I told her I was elected captain. Natsume is more of a warrior. She graduated from the academy and used Kido to discipline us when we were kids. She hates losing at chess. Midori is a blonde, but she can cook a storm. Out of the four, she is the best cook. I love her tamago. There are simple and light on a stomach, but so full-filling. And there is Yume; she hates most men, especially the short one. She is incredibly sharp, and you can talk about almost anything with her. She always had a thoughtful answer to one's problem. Guess from which belly I came out of a beautiful March morning? They are the incredible minds behind our Home accessory brand. But more importantly, they are the amazing seamstresses behind our famous kimono line. You must have heard of it. Here, they made my new captain uniform. It's perfect for me. I usually hates Black but this is so fashionable how can I complain! I love Kimonos! It's so comfortable! Do you like Kimonos? If it were up to me all the women in the division would wear one every Friday. I always thought it was the perfect day to wear kimonos. "

Momo remained pensive. She had heard of Ichinose's Kimonos. It was said to be cut and tailor-made in the most precious fabrics. It cost a fortune in the Rukongai. To own one would satisfy a dream of hers.

On the other hand, she was not sure changing the dress code of the Fifth Division was a good thing. Aizen-Taicho would find this probably futile. He had never been a vain man. He treated everyone the same regardless of gender. No, he would not have approved.

The second day

"It's done! I ordered Kimonos for all the girls in our division! I decided that we can all get dressed up on Friday! It will be very fun! This will keep my mothers busy for the coming months! They are always quite depressed when one of us leaves the nest ... So, it is perfect. You will get the first one, obviously. You just have to recover, Hinamori-chan! You will be so pretty in kimono! Hmm ... By the way, I was born on March 21st. My favorite season is summer. I am AB positive. I hate the color black but you already knew that. I love red! I love everything that shines! I can play the piano and cello. I had 25 suitors, 2 fiances and ... once I was married... That's not a lot. That's actually quite ridiculous a number! I can't even come close to compare with my sister Cleosuki who had 415 conquests, 785 requests for weddings and 8 weddings. She is a great romantic. She was born with an iron constitution and always manages to survive her husbands. I guess it's a little sad when you think about it. But Cleo is never sad. She is very strong. I love all my sisters, even Aiko-chan, yet she is a piece of work. Oh, and Ayaka is studying at the academy... I guess she always wanted to be a Shinigami like father. Me, I never like studying much. I think that's why Yamamoto-Sensei does not like me very much! He had rebuked every suggestion I made to make this place livelier, and he refuses to let me open a cooking school in the Seireitei! There is a club for Calligraphy lover, it's not fair! Every shinigami should know how to cook! It's important! Oh, Hinamori-chan! That reminds me! A long time ago, to escape my Kido lessons, I accidentely fell into an amphora filled with Sake. I almost drowned on that day. When I came out I was so drunk I kept laughing for a day. That's probably why he hates me! Ha! Ha! Ha! When I think back, Yamamoto-Sensei was furious! I was sick for a week. I cannot bear the sight of alcohol since then, that goes without saying! Oh, I'll cook some raspberry recipes tomorrow! I wished we could go pick them up together! I know the perfect place! Oh I'm off! Bye-bye, Hinamori-chan!"

Momo was stunned. She barely had time to absorb the flow of information that Ichinose-Dono was already passing to another subject. Ichinose-Dono? Wait?! Ichinose-Do ... 25 Suitors? Four fiancés? Really? Married once...

Third day.

"I could cook for hours. But people do not have an appetite nowadays. Girls pay attention to their diet. Men only think of killing hollows! Ah! It's so sad! However, there is a man whose appetite I found refreshing! Zaraki-Taicho! I also find him quite attractive! But he always wants us to fight and really ... he is a little scary! I'm sure he's a good person though. But all the stories that are told about him ... Brrr! But Yachi-hime is so lovely! Someone who can raise such an adorable human being can only be good, right? On soup days... Yeah, forgot to tell you... I made it so we have soup days now... Everybody must have soup days... It made us healthier. Back to Yachi-hime, on soup days, she drops fishes in front of our doors! I know it's her because she leaves behind her a clear signature, a reiatsu terribly sweet and shiny like glitter! Oh ! I have never seen koi so big! With five fishes, I can make soup for at least four divisions. I offered this stupid Captain Kuchiki some, but he was unpleasant as usual! I am trying my very best with that man! But he is horrible! I heard that his young wife is dead! That's why he was searching for another wife the first day we met, Abarai-Taicho told me. He's one of your friends, Momo, is he not? He is so nice! He is my friend too now. Hum! I can understand that this loss affected Kuchiki-Taicho a lot, but it is no reason to be obnoxious! Ukitake-Taicho, on the other hand, said he really appreciated my attention. He also said that they were always waiting for the meals I sent to his division. He said they were the highlights of their days!"

She paused seemingly musing,

What an angel! He is so handsome and so kind, and always good company. He is my type. It's a pity he cannot fully enjoy my dishes with his sickness! Shunsui is also not that bad but he has declared his love to all my elders before me, and that's creepy. I mean he dated almost all of them from Emisuki to Cleosuki. He is a womanizer and an incorrigible flirt! I could never take him seriously. But he is really great and funny! Oh! This makes me think! This afternoon, there is the meeting of the Shinigami Women's Association. I am a little intimidated! Nanao Ise is very intimidating. I made rainbow meringues for the president! It's a shame that you're not up to it yet. We'd go together!"

Holding her knees against her chest, Momo blushed. Yes, it was a pity, Ichinose-Dono.

Day 4.

"Hey, Hinamori-chan, what's your zanpakutō's name? Mine is called Persephone. It's a boy if you ask the question? It surprises everyone when I announce it. But the manifestation of my Zanpakutō is definitely male. He is very elegant and adores everything that shines. He also loves when I say that. It's because he is so willful and stubborn. On top of all that he is a glutton. He only thinks of food. It's quite ridiculous. This morning, for example, I had all the trouble in the world to wake him up before lunch during junior training; as a result, I made a fool of myself in front of all the recruits! Persephone can be quite temperamental. Doesn't like when I said that. The first time he appeared to me, he asked me what my favorite dish was? It took fifteen years to answer. Imagine, there are so many good things in Soul Society. How to choose one. It would be cruel for all the other good dishes!"

Momo could not help but burst out laughing.

The Fifth Day

"Today, with all the division, we made ice cream. Everybody was tasked with creating their own favorite flavour. It was amazing. I was really impressed by a few of them. Our fellow soldiers can be truly creative. For my part I made my obsession of the moment, Cherry blossom! It's excellent for the complexion. I send a message to Captain Hitsugaya you know for help in the ice department he is supposed to be the expert... but he was busy today. He is terribly worried about you. I find him here every morning with Kira-fukutaicho."

Shiro-chan? Kira-Kun? Captain Ichinose, Shiro-chan comes to see me? But ...

"There is also the welfare of his vice-captain who weighs on his mind! What a pretty young woman! She is gorgeous! She is so tall... and her hair is radiant... She is amazing like a goddess. I'm so jealous. I wanna know Rangiku-san! I mean you're very pretty too, Hinamori-chan! I wanna know all of you. I'm so glad there are so many women out here. It kinda helped. The meeting of the association of shinigami women, for example, was great. It felt like home. Still, Nanao Ise is scary. Ah! Tomorrow, I'm going to make tempura for everyone and sweet soufflé, my invention! It's made with mango! Ah yes, there is something I wanted to tell you! Kuchiki-Taicho, that grumpy old man, hates ice cream! I have to note it somewhere! He was once again so unpleasant! He's a cranky old man, is he not? It's a pity that my Vice-Captain is not here to defend me. Oh, la la la! Hinamori-Chan! I am late. I have a captain meeting. See you tomorrow, rest well. "

The sixth day

"Today I want to talk about you, Hinamori-chan. I was told your story."

Hinamori bowed her head and cried silently. Momo felt a soft hand wipe her tears for her.

"Oh do not cry, Hinamori-chan! Your story is pretty beautiful even though it's unfortunate. "

Momo shook her head. She had been too naive. When one was young, naivety led to the guillotine. She knew it, she had understood even before the battle. But she had not grown an inch ... So ... She had no heart now as a result.

"Naivety leads to death by guillotine, Momo. It's what you think? I also happen to think so. When one is young, nothing is worth believing in it. Nothing is worth anything anyway. Like you, I was led to the scaffold by the one I trusted most. It is a strange confession to make. I usually tried to avoid remembering that time. But I wanted to share with you... You are not alone."

Momo's eyes widened in surprise from where she sat in the cell. She thought of Captain Aizen's warm hands. She thought about Kyouka Suigetsu, his Zanpakutō, carving her heart again and again. Then to Hyourinmaru doing the same thing again and again ... If only Ichinose-Dono ... Ichinose-Taicho ... knew ...

"The good news is that we come back. Momo ... We come out ... We grow up. We blossom like a rare flower. Spring always comes back."

Momo heaved a sigh of relief.

" I'll come back to see you tomorrow morning. We'll talk a little more, Hinamori-chan."

Taicho?

Seventh day.

The next day came very quickly. Ichinose-Taicho had returned as promised. And the scent of watermelon floated again in the air.

"Hitsugaya-taicho told me that you really like watermelon. He told me you had that in common! So, I made an iced mousse for him. I hope it will please him. There is too much sadness between the walls of Seireitei. It floats in the air like poison. War is something terrible. Hey, Hinamori-chan, do you remember when I told you that I was taken to the scaffold? Well, it was wrong."

Momo sighed in disappointment.

"I did not intentionally lie to you, Momo. But in my head ... It was never evident who was leading who ... who was really pulling the strings... I was just like you, blinded by my youth. I was a mere tribute of war ... for him! I was a tool! Just a pawn in a bigger chess game...and it kinda hurt to see myself that way. So everyday, it becomes unclear how much of this was my fault... how much I just let happen."

Momo swallowed hard. In her mind too, things were just as hazy. She could not remember who had hurt her the most Hitsugaya-Kun or Aizen-Taicho.

"Momo, to tell you the truth, I think I went there myself. I jump in that abyss because it seemed enticing enough. It seems there I could forget all the things that bother. That advanced class I had to take... or the fact daddy was never home... In truth, there was not a day when I did not want to go back there... get used... be a pawn... It felt like I had a purpose. It felt like I was needed. It felt like I had no other value... When everything was finished..."

Her voice broke into a mere whisper.

" I cursed life. I questioned my very existence. I didn't want to be part of this world. I let go of everything. Yes, I locked myself in my room. I fell asleep. "

Oh really? Momo had cried out loudly. She did not get an answer. But a cold hand touched her forehead before taking her hand.

"I slept for years ... decades even... I let my family down. I didn't think about anything else. I just wanted to escape. The sister, who held my hand every day, ran out of strength and died in her turn. Do you understand, Momo? I wasn't there to help. I was too selfish. My closest ally, my friend... She was gone. When I woke up, I regretted having slept all that time. I am ashamed to admit it. I am not a very good captain. I'm not even a very good soldier! If it weren't for Kuchiki-Taicho getting under my skin on that day, I would still be in my kitchen, because I'm not even a tenth of the captain that Aizen was to you all these years. I am not. Even if it was just an illusion, you were happy, Momo. That must count for something. Huh?."

That day the conversation stopped there, and Momo had concentrated all her energy on her fingers. She wanted to hold Ichinose-Taicho's hand back. There was such sadness in her voice. She really felt very close to this sadness. It's as if she could taste it on the tip of her tongue. This sadness was pungent like blood, like Captain Aizen's betrayal. Her tears moistened her cheeks. The next day she had waited for her visit, her eyes wide open. It was Hitsugaya-Kun who showed up instead.

Toshiro froze as he realized that Momo's eyes were opened.

"Momo."

He hesitated on the threshold. Momo was very angry at herself for having erected a wall between them. At that time, she believed she didn't have a choice, in fear their friendship would have gone to dust. She was so full of resentment and so confused. Still, she did not want to wake up like Ichinose-Dono, alone... With regret.

" Hitsugaya-Ta ..."

He almost jumped at the sound of Momo's voice. She noted the dark circles under his eyes, his haggard appearance. He had grown old in a few days ... a few months? How? Why? Even if his feature remained juvenile, his face, marked by anxiety, was ostensibly darkened by the horror of the war. How long had she slept? The little boy who was eating watermelons with her on the porch of his grandmother's house seemed to have disappeared. He was just as damaged as she was.

" Momo. Are you awake? "

She closed her eyes to reopen them as if in a dream. Yes, it seemed like she was awake. With the realization that she had escaped her glass prison, came the realization that she was alive. A puff of air filled her lungs, and she straightened up with a grimace.

" Don't do that! Please, you're still not completely healed. Momo, lie down."

He said that in a stern tone, however, she did not fail to notice the distress in his voice. She nodded and lied down again.

" Hitsugaya-Taicho ..."

Immediately, he turned to her. Despair squeezed Momo Hinamori's new heart.

"You never called me that way, Momo. I supposed I deserved that." He said.

No, he didn't deserve that, and she wanted to correct her mistake but found herself unable to do it. He got up and made his way toward the door. Stop. She had to hold him back. Call him back. Remember how much Tōshirō loved you and how much you loved him back like a little brother as if he was your flesh and blood.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Hinamori-chan, Hitsugaya-Taicho! I am late!"

Momo Hinamori stared at Suki Ichinose's face for the first time. She remained quiet and lowered her eyes, feeling the redness rising to her cheeks. Suki turned to look at her.

"Oh, Momo, you are awake?" Suki said that in a casual tone, as if she wasn't the least bit surprised. She smiled and put a wicker basket on a side table.

" It is all well. I was on my way to share a cup of tea with Ukitake Taicho. But since the latter doesn't know he invited me... in the first place. I think I was destined to stumble upon you two."

Tōshirō wrinkled his forehead.

" I was on my way out, Ichinose-Taicho. I apologize ... Some other time maybe.

Hearing the purpose in Shiro-chan's voice, Momo began to fumble with the sheets nervously.

"I refuse your refusal, Hitsugaya-Taicho. Please, I have tea and fruit tarts made with shortbread biscuits! Nobody is ever hungry around here..."

She showed him her basket with puppy dog's eyes. She even wiped a few crocodile tears.

"I cook and cook ... But no one eats. It is inconceivable. Listen, I come out of the sixth division where I was practically thrown out by their captain. All I want is for my cooking to make somebody happy today. It's so hard to blend in, Hitsugaya-Taicho. Everybody sees me as the fool who challenged the grumpy old man of the sixth division or the one who replaces who you know who... It's a misconception. It's not who I am."

She sniffed painfully, and Toshiro felt really uneasy.

" It's up to Momo. I don't want to intrude on your time together."

"Silly, she is delighted I am sure. Right, Momo?

Momo observed her new Taicho. A wild Orchid bouquet and pearls held her hair in a long braid that reached her back. She was so radiant like a crazy person. Momo smiled just as wide and nodded.

"Yes, please stay, Hitsugaya-kun."

"Really?"

"Really."

"That's settled then."

"Well, just a cup but I fear I am not going to be very talkative."

Suki winked at her lieutenant happily. Momo released all the air in her lungs.

" Do not worry I can be talkative for all three. I am so happy! I have heard so much about you! Huh, Momo! This one is so famous, especially among Suki-chans. Oh, I have a question! My sister Ayaka-chan asked me to ask you... She is a fan. Can you make ice cream with your bankai? I really wish you could. That's what I wanted to ask you last time too..."

"I can make ice for sure. Not the tasty kind, I am afraid."

"Oh Shiro-chan, tell her about that time where you froze the lake behind your grandmother's house in the middle of summer, and we all went ice-skating until the sun went down. " Momo said surprising both of them. They turned to her, and she was smiling wide.

"Yes, I had not reached bankai. I was barely aware of my reiatsu."

"We should totally do that again. I mean I can't wait to try that..."

"Do you skate, Ichinose-Taicho?"

"If I skate?! I am known as a cloud rider! I can ride anything as long as we're having a blast."

Kira Izuru

Lieutenant of the third division formerly under the orders of Gin Ichimaru

Friends with Momo Hinamori and Renji Abarai

He is not yet ready to give orders but is no longer willing to take them silently.

Kira had reached his quota of betrayals and deceptions for at least another couple of centuries. Within a year, two captains had succeeded each other at the head of the Third Division, and both had been traitors. In the first case, as he had explained to the captain of the Jubantai, he had been prepared by the traitor himself. In the second case, he had also been in some ways since his experience with the first had led him to question more critically the behavior of his superiors.

He did not quit his gloomy air throughout the training of the recruits. They had received an influx from the academy the week before. At his request, all the senior officers had agreed to take under their wings three to five recruits among the batch of eighty-five. The small group system worked well if he were to judge their rapid progress in group coordination.

Hands behind his back, he appreciated the repetition of Zanjutsu's movements. Footsteps echoed behind him. Manatsu Dengeki was wise enough to keep her distance. A breeze swept her black hair in front of her fuchsia eyes. She did not take her eyes off the scene below the deck.

"It's been over a week since I've been here. I'm still waiting for you to speak to me, Izuru-Fukutaicho."

Kira glanced briefly in her direction. A strong spiritual pressure emanated from the new captain, energy she seemed to keep perfectly under control. In her fuchsia eyes, he did not distinguish any malice. Beyond a sense of honor and relative duty, there was also detachment. Kira watched her for a long time without saying anything.

" I appreciated the changes you made to the division in the absence of a captain. They were very productive changes."

He still did not react. As detached as that woman's actions might seem to an innocent bystander, to Kira, her only purpose was to provoke a confrontation of sorts. He did not want to indulge her.

" I am going through the investigation report on Gin Ichimaru. It is long and really overwhelming. Terribly overwhelming! I wish I had my lieutenant to walk me through it since I am due to give my vote in a couple of days. Time is running out."

He said nothing.

" I noticed that Captain Hitsugaya added some positive notes about Gin Ichimaru's relationship with his division at your request."

Kira finally turned to face her."

"Captain Ichimaru was appreciated by his men. I see no point in denying the facts."

"Facts, you say. He betrayed the Gotei 13. He killed or attempted to kill countless soldiers. He conspired to destroy us. He helped Aizen dispatched the Vizards Captain among which I have a few friends. So facts, you say."

Kira said nothing, his gaze cold and uncompromising. Manatsu was the first to yield. She sighed.

" Listen, I understand that my arrival has not been easy to deal with. To have a traitor as captain, I don't dare to imagine. To house two is unimaginable and unacceptable. That would never have happened in my old unit."

Feigning his indifference, Kira turned his back on her once more, watching his troop.

Manatsu folded her arms against her chest, losing patience.

" Alright, this transition can happen in two ways... There is the gentle way, and there is the other ... I can find you a replacement any day, Izuru-fukutaicho. I must be able to know that I can count on you to have my back. That is what it means to be my lieutenant."

He tilted his head to the sides and glanced in her direction. He spoke again, but this time he did not speak to her sole benefit. He spoke loud and clear his answer.

"Sanbantai !"

The whole division stopped its maneuvers immediately. He lowered his head towards the 200 men below. Manatsu opened her eyes in surprise.

" Our new captain wonders why it seemed that our division is the favorite division for all those who have a grudge against Soul Society? It must feel like this from an outsider's point of view." He said disdainfully.

Some officers sneered.

" It seems we are the squad of traitors! "

Some booed in response. Kira did not look away from Dengeki.

"It seems that our motivation may be questioned! That our honor may be tainted! "

The soldiers resumed their position.

" That our sincerity could be challenged ?! What do we answer? "

Their fists split the air unanimously. Hands behind his back, Kira stared back at Manatsu Dengeki. He was no longer in a conciliating mood. His friendship was no longer for sale. He already had enough friends. He no longer offered his trust. He no longer had the patience to wait to be betrayed again.

"My whole life is devoted to the third squad. I have chosen to be here. I make this choice every day just like all the people here. You ask me if you can count on my support when it becomes clear that there is nothing I wouldn't do for my squad and all my brothers in arms. You ask for proof of loyalty when you still have to show your allegiance, Captain. "

He left the bridge, leaving her behind him. Fists clenched, she turned her head toward the garrison below. Her fuchsia eyes flew over the poisoned legacy that Gin Ichimaru left her. She almost wanted to grunt.

Next chapter = Pride