Chapter 10

In Hueco Mondo…

"Hinamori…"

She opened her eyes weakly to the sound of the voice. It took a while for her to remember the fight and her failure. She flinched when the memories of the incident flashed in her mind, but when greeted with concerned eyes, staring at her lovingly, she blushed slightly. Her gaze travelled down and saw his hands wrapped tightly around her. Tears brimming in her eyes when she looked up to the person she loves most.

"I-I'm sorry Aizen-sama …I-I didn't mean to," Hinamori said and Aizen's fingers quickly brushed the tears off her cheek softly. He leaned and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

"It's alright. You never failed me. There could always be next time. Just sleep Hinamori and…I love you," Aizen said that made Hinamori smiled. She failed to notice the smirk on Aizen's face as she was blinded by her tears and her love.

In Karakura Town…

"Arigatou Kurosaki kun. I'm glad that you offered to walk me home," smiled Inoue as she watched Ichigo from corner of her eyes.

Ichigo turned slightly and she beamed to see his smile. At first, she was uncertain about his feelings, but as they strolled to her house, even not much word exchanged, she felt contented with him around. Deep down she was relieved that the raven haired shinigami has gone to Seireitei. She knew Ichigo needed time to accept her fully and forget the Kuchiki noble. As for the other girl, Inoue had a feeling she understand the situation and will keep to her words till the end. In the recent incident where Rukia dismissed Ichigo, had made Inoue trusted the other girl to give space for Ichigo and her as a couple.

"Go inside Inoue. It's getting dark. Take care of yourself and ah…I have to go somewhere tomorrow with Kon. He needs to be 'taught' once in a while. You couldn't imagine what he did with my body when I'm not around," Ichigo chuckled trying to sound casual. The truth is he was dead nervous.

The first few seconds Inoue mentally screamed that Ichigo is going to see Rukia but when he explained that he is going to 'teach' the mod soul, Inoue couldn't help but laugh. Ichigo smirked which diminished her doubt and she nodded quickly, allowing him to have his own time with Kon. She knew that he cared about the plushie but thinking that he won't be able to be with her tomorrow left her with a pained look. Ichigo knew Inoue was depressed and slowly he bent down meeting her eyes with his and run his hand through her cheek. She was surprised but happy at the same time and when he sure that she was alright; Ichigo began to turn around and headed home. Inoue climbed the stairs smiling from ear to ear hoping that their love will be sealed forever.

The moment Ichigo turned from Inoue, his smile turned to scowl and even his legs was trying to run, but he kept firm, holding himself back, unwanted Inoue to see that he was rushing. Once he turned to a corner, he sprinted all the way to Uruhara shop. Yoruichi raised her brow, surprised to see Ichigo in front of the shop. Jinta and Ururu gaped as he ran past them in a blink. Yoruichi smiled and shook her head.

"My, my, Kurosaki san…don't you think it's a bit late to visit me?" asked Uruhara smiling.

"Uruhara, I need...huh...I need your help…huh," replied Ichigo panting.

"I don't think this is the best time…" and before the shop owner could finish his sentence Ichigo cut him off.

"There's no other better time than now! I need to see her! I just have to make sure myself she's alright…I can't… I can't let her go like that!" Ichigo barked.

"You already did Kurosaki san. You already let her go when you chose Inoue san. I think it will best if we concentrate on the upcoming war. In fact, from the recent news, Kuchiki san was well taken care by the fourth division and the young captain of tenth division," replied Uruhara.

His tone was different from the previous. He was serious. Ichigo let his eyes dropped when Uruhara mentioned Inoue but it sprang to life when he heard about Hitsugaya.

"I knew it! I knew that I can't trust the captain! How dare he stayed by Rukia instead of me! Damn him!" Ichigo's eyes flashed in anger. Uruhara smiled as he finds it amusing to see the boy's reaction and succeeded in hitting the right nerve.

"Open the gate Uruhara. Don't make me say it twice," Ichigo said with murderous tone.

Uruhara nodded quickly and hid his smile with his paper fan. Sweat drop appeared on everyone's head in the store.

In Seireitei...

"Thank you for the information Hitsugaya taichou. We will proceed with the preparation as well as training for all shinigami to protect Seireitei and all ryoka from destruction. You are dismissed for now," said the first division of Gotei Thirteenth captain.

"Arigatou Yamamoto taichou," was all he said before he started to retreat.

"Ah…taichou. Please do not abandon your mission in haste next time. To follow the matters of heart senselessly could make us lost the war. For the time being, all your missions to the human world are cancelled. You will stay and take orders in Seireitei," added Yamamoto.

"Gomendasai taichou. I assure you the recent event will be the last. I will not hesitate to fight the enemy and I will not pursue the people who betrayed Seireitei anymore," replied Hitsugaya.

'And betrayed me,' he added mentally.

The older captain raised his brow and nodded, slowly accepting the fact that the young captain had found his answers in Hueco Mondo.

Right after Hitsugaya left the building, he walked slowly, lost in thoughts. During his meeting with the first division captain, he noticed that he was already considered Hinamori, his friend and the one he loved, as enemy. He was quite surprised that he did not feel remorse and could face easily the hurtful truth that Hinamori will never return his feelings.

'No!'

Hitsugaya stopped dead on his track. He understood everything now It wasn't him who erased his anger and his frustration. It was not him who managed to overcome his sadness when he lost Hinamori. It was her. The one who made him forget and divert his earlier emotion totally. She sacrificed herself to save him and almost died in his arms. Hitsugaya raised his face to the clear sky. In the darkness he saw the moon glowed down to the depth of his soul. The moon that stood high like a flower…a lonely intense flower…

'Kuchiki Rukia…' was all he said before he shunpoed towards division four sick rooms.