Disclaimer: I do NOT own the Bleach series nor their characters in any way. All copyrights go to Tite Kubo. The only original character I do own is Kiyoko Kazumi aka the guardian of darkness, Kuro.


Author's Note: Hey everyone! I'm back with another update! Thank you everyone for all your patience especially Hitsuhina Fanatic, skylark dragonstar, turanzare711, icyangel27, Hyourinmaru10, i. am. PyR, AutumnsFlowers, Chibi-Chibi x3, Noa Nee, UnbelievableAnimeFreak, KnowledgeandImagination, Hazama-Chan, and Reader-Favs. Thank you for all your reviews! They're greatly appreciated. Without any further adieu, here is the chapter twenty-nine! Enjoy!


LEGEND

"Talking." "Thinking." Vision of the Near Future.


Beyond Perspective

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Sacrifice

Seeing what is going on below, she too became shocked. She never expected for something like this to happen. "Hinamori."

She could only imagine the feelings her white haired friend is currently going through. It's astonishing and heartbreaking. He tried to kill her under their enemy's influence. Kazumi bit the bottom of her lip.

"He's going to pay for hurting them."

Then, she realized something.

"Shit!" She looked over to find her opponent is in the presence of the four unconscious students of Seireitei and West Rukon High. She quickly dived down to rescue them from harm. "Come on, make it in time."


After he carefully removed the sword from her body, Hitsugaya got down on his knees. He slowly flipped her over and rested her head on his lap. All he could do is helplessly watch his love suffer in this state. Hinamori coughed some blood before she got a chance to see his horrified face. She weakly said, "T-Toshi...ro..."

In response to his name, the heavenly guardian ignored his surroundings and tended to the injured girl. He shakily extended his hand out and cupped her face. After a long moment of silence, he whispered, "Momo, I-I'm..."

She let out a faint smile, knowing too well that he's feeling guilty for his actions. She replied, "I-It's okay; just...defeat him."

"B-But you need he-"

Before he could say anything else, she interrupted, "I-I'll wait for you, I promise."

Hitsugaya fell silent, stuck in a dilemma. Should he leave her to fight Aizen once more? What if he tries another stunt like this? Most of all, what if she breathes her last breath while he's away?

"You're...the heavenly guardian; you...have a duty to fulfill, Shiro."

He lowered his head and didn't answer right away. After a long moment of silence, he leaned over and kissed her forehead. He whispered, "Until then, please don't die on me."

By the time he pulled away, he saw her slowly nod her head. With that said he scooped her body from the ground and carried her towards the nearest tree. He placed her down and rested her head against the tree trunk. After giving her one more kiss (on the forehead), Toshiro turned his attention to the evil guardian.

During the time he was with Momo, Kyo managed to use their friends to inflict damage to the guardian of darkness. Suddenly, his body became shrouded in a thick layer of icy aura. It turned into a heavy pressure that went unnoticed by the guardians near him. "AIZEN!"

Sosuke looked over to see the furious guardian. "Hn, somebody's angry."

"I-I'm not...finished yet."

Recognizing the voice, he glanced over his shoulder to see Kiyoko struggling to get up on her feet. "You're still alive."

By planting her blade in the ground, she used her sword as support. "Damn right, I am."

Suddenly, Toshiro appeared in between them. With his sword out on the side, she knew he is ready to make a move.

"Shiro, I can sti-"

"You need to rest, Kuro." Hitsugaya said without looking at his companion. "You're seriously injured."

"But I-I can still fig-"

Ignoring the dark guardian, Kyo took the initiative to make the first move. However, his attack was blocked by Shiro. As they quickly started their sword exchange, Kazumi tried to help. However, she felt a sharp pain in her gut. She stopped all movement and dropped her sword. Suddenly, she placed both hands over her abdomen.

"Damn it..." She raised her head up and helplessly watched the battle unfold. "Shiro."


Not wanting the battle to remain like this, Aizen jumped back and quickly flew up in the air. However, Hitsugaya easily caught up and quickly started up his series of fierce attacks.

He can't afford to lose him. If he does, Sosuke may use Hinamori or the others to defend. He has already harmed one too many innocent beings in this world. He won't let it happen again. "Aizen, I'll make sure you pay for every single crime you committed!"

"W-What's going on?"

"The powers you've gained are finally back firing on you."

By the time he snapped back to reality, he felt something pierce through his side. Hitsugaya gasped, seeking for breath. As a result, he began coughing blood. He soon bit the bottom of his lip and raised his head. "Hn, now what were you trying to do? Oh yes, you were trying to make me pay for all the crimes I've done. I wouldn't say that if I were you. Besides, I'm not only one here who has committed a grievous and illegal crime."

Seeing that Sosuke is at close range, he angrily swung his sword across. However, his opponent anticipated the move and stepped back. Aizen tried to pull the sword out, but he couldn't. He noticed the heavenly guardian has taken a firm hold of the blade using his bare hand. Then, he became aware of the ice daggers that are hovering around them. Toshiro ignored his previous statement and said, "I won't let you get away."

The daggers moved and pierced their bodies. Blood began to seep out from their wounds. "So, this is your...decision. You're sacrificing your life for the survival of the living beings."

Hitsugaya coughed several times.

"What have they done for you? Most of them don't even believe guardians exist. Why should you suffer for them?"

"Your manipulation trick is not going to work on me, Kyo."

"Really, Shiro...think about it," Aizen explained. "Don't you deserve something in return for once? How about this? If you join me now, I'll spare your girlfriend's life."

"Shiro, you can't save her. Her life is alrea-"

"She'll live; I won't let her die."

Toshiro narrowed his eyes at the evil guardian. "Thanks for the offer, but no thanks. I don't think you're going to keep your word."

"Fine."

He raised the palm of his hand and fired a sphere of spiritual energy at the heavenly guardian. Once the attack made contact, an explosion occurred and smoke filled the area. By the time the visibility became clearer, he noticed shattered pieces of ice falling down. Kyo narrowed his eyes with great suspicion once he concluded that Shiro somehow gotten away from the attack. Suddenly, he felt something move from behind. He quickly turned around and fired a spell. However, he only managed to hit nothing.

"Sajo Sabaku!"

As his arms are bonded to his body, he noticed Hitsugaya with Kazumi's sword in his possession. The blade suddenly became shrouded in a dark aura while his ice sword (which is in his right hand) did the same in a light aura.

Before long, Toshiro's icy cold spiritual power began leaking from his body. He raised both swords in his dual sword stance. Then, he changed the grip on his ice sword and held it on the reverse side.

Recognizing what he's doing, Aizen let out a shout before the air turned heavier. As he tried to escape from the binding spell, Sosuke felt something pierce through his wings. He glanced over to see the gray winged guardian has returned to the battlefield. His menacing eyes narrowed. He yelled, "G-Gray!"

Suddenly, he extended his arms out and broke free from the binding spell. Ichimaru grinned. "Sorry Kyo-san, but...you can't count me out just yet."

At that moment, he heard a yell. Turning his attention to the sound, he saw Hitsugaya throw Kazumi's dark sword in his direction. It pierced through his lower portion of his left arm. Using this opportunity, Ichimaru commanded his sword's length to return back to its original size. He quickly swung his sword down and cut one wing off. Aizen let out a fierce yell.

It is when he felt another sharp pain. He looked over to see his other lower arm was pierced by Hitsugaya's ice sword. He growled and glared at the coughing heavenly guardian. "You're knocking on death's door. There's no way you can finish what you've started, Shiro."

Suddenly, he noticed the area turn dark. Sosuke glanced over his shoulder to see a large fiery blue and gray gate from behind. Its doors burst open to reveal nothing but red light. His eyes widened. "Oh, don't worry; I will finish the job."

He turned to the white haired guardian.

"I saw the near future." He raised the palm of his hand. It became shrouded in a mixture of black and white light. "You will be defeated."

With that said, he disappeared from sight. By the time he reappeared, he got in front of the evil guardian and slammed his palm in his face. All of a sudden, the light had shown brighter. Soon, a rainbow coloured light was shot through the thick clouds and high up into the sky above.

Once Hitsugaya finally let go, Aizen let out an angry shout. He tried to release more spiritual power. However, he began to burning sensation. He looked down and noticed his body is beginning to burn. "W-What's going on?"

"The powers you've gained are finally back firing on you," Hitsugaya explained. "You've reached your limit."

"No, this can't happen! I shouldn't have a limit!"

"Oh yes, you do." He turned to Ichimaru. "Yes, your powers made you unbelievably strong. However, you totally forgot your body's limit. Don't you remember?"

Gin rested his sword on his shoulder.

"Our wings are the source of our lives and power." He suddenly let out a wide grin. "That's why I made sure you lose both your wings while Shiro released the Great Guardian's powers from you. Together, we took your power of immortality away."

Ichimaru extended his hand out.

"Now, good bye...Sosuke Aizen. It's time to kill."

His eyes widened. Not liking the way things are going, he let out an echoing shout. "NO!"

Suddenly, his other wing burst into nothingness. As a result, the rest of his body burned at a faster rate. But before he could disintegrate, the gate released many sharp weapons and pierced through his body.

"Guardians of the heavenly afterlife, this isn't the last time you'll see me!"

Before long, he was pulled inside. Soon, the two swords of ice and darkness were spit out. After Toshiro grabbed them by the hilts, he and Gin watched the doors slam shut and disappear into thin air.

He soon closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. "Sorry for getting the finishing blow, Hitsugaya-kun."

Hearing the gray winged guardian, Shiro looked at him and replied, "It doesn't matter anymore. I have other things to worry about."

With that said, both guardians flew back down to the ground where Matsumoto, Kazumi, and Hinamori are. Upon noticing them, Kiyoko walked up to Toshiro. All he did was returned her sword before he continued walking up to his injured lover. Once he is close enough, he got down on his knees and placed his sword down. Then, he took her hand. Seeing that she has fallen unconscious, he checked for her pulse and the life aura that is surrounding her.

"Shiro, you can't save her. Her life is alrea-"

"She'll live," Hitsugaya suddenly said. "I won't let her die."

Matsumoto asked, "What do you plan on doing to save her?"

After a long moment of silence, he finally replied, "The same way that she did to save my life."

Once the realization dawned to her, Kazumi grabbed his shoulder and turned him around. She exclaimed, "No, you can't do that! You do understand what this means, right?"

Of course, I do understand," Toshiro said. He resumed his attention to the raven haired girl. "I'm well aware of the consequences."

Kazumi frowned. "No, I still won't let you do it. You've already had your life and powers restored three times in your current life. If you make lip contact one more time, you'll pro-no, you'll lose your life!"

"I don't care," he retorted. "My life means nothing back then. Why should it matter right now?"

"Toshiro, I don't believe your words. Now that the catastrophe is over; we're free from our everlasting curse. We can live our lives to the fullest and die when our time comes. Don't you want to live the future you've always dreamed about?"

"I do, but..." He paused. "If I do that, I'll never be happy. Momo will already be gone from this world."

Suddenly, they heard a loud yawn. Everyone turned their attention to the boys. Matsumoto said, "You're alright."

Noticing the others, they slowly got up and walked over. Hisagi replied, "Yeah, somehow..."

"Whoa, what happened to Hinamori-kun?" Kira asked. "She's hurt."

Ichimaru replied, "It's a long story, Izuru."

Hitsugaya let out a sigh. "She means everything to me. I'll be glad to lay down my life for her survival."

"Is there really no other way?" Kusaka asked.

Toshiro nodded his head. "I had a great life. I've done a lot of things I would have never expected to do especially after what I've been through for countless centuries."

He took a moment to caress Momo's hand.

"If I had something to regret about, it is being unable to spend the rest of my life with the person I've grown to love. I'll never forget her...or the rest of you: my dear friends."

"Shiro," Kiyoko said. "You hopeless lover..."

Despite the comment, he let out a soft smile at the guardian of darkness. "Thanks for everything, Kuro. Enjoy the new life you have now."

Matsumoto frowned. Not wanting things to go the way they're supposed to, she took a step forward. Just as she is about to say something, she and everyone else felt an invisible force pushed them away from Toshiro and Momo. They fell back on the ground. "Ow, that hurts..."

Once she looked, Kazumi noticed the heavenly guardian is looking back at her. Knowing that he is going to proceed as he intended, she quickly got on her feet and ran over to him. However, she was stopped by a thick barrier. She slammed her fist on the spell and shouted, "Toshiro, put down the barrier! There has to be some other way to save her!"

"Kazumi's right!" Matsumoto exclaimed as she joined the guardian. "Don't you dare do something stupid!"

She growled and turned to Ichimaru.

"Gin, can't you do something about the barrier?"

"I would, but I don't have enough energy to break it down," he replied. "I'm sorry, Rangiku."

The strawberry orange haired teenager hissed between her teeth. Then, she went back to helping Kiyoko to break down the barrier. However, her efforts were futile. The shield separating the group of friends is too strong.

"Hitsugaya!" Kusaka called out.

While everyone called out to the heavenly guardian, Toshiro's eyes are focused on the weak peach. He placed a hand on her cheek. "Momo...I have a lot to say to you, but I don't know where to start. Please try to understand why I'm doing this."

He took a moment to let out a deep sigh.

"Hopefully, you'll be able to use that to move on with your life."

Hitsugaya leaned towards her face.

"No matter what happens, I'll always look after you."

He then closed his eyes and captured her lips. Immediately, he became shrouded in an aura of blue light. However, the moment didn't last long. As if he was stabbed through the heart, he broke the kiss and clutched his hand over the location of his heart. He began gasping for breath. "Hitsugaya!"

Ignoring the voices of his friends, he placed his other hand on the ground and tightly gripped onto a few strands of grass. He hissed between his teeth. "Damn, my vision...it's getting blurry."

All of a sudden, he let out hoarse coughs. He glanced over to see his special one. Her injuries have fully healed, returning back to her youthful state.

"I'm sorry for leaving you like this." He slowly extended hand out to her. "I'll always love you, my dear Momo."

But before he could reach her, the heavenly guardian suddenly lost all strength to move. As a result, he collapsed on the floor...


Author's Note: Is this the end of the heavenly guardian? What is going to happen to everyone? Please review and I'll be back with the final chapter to this story! Laterz!