Okay guys. Chapter 1. If you have any questions about anything, just leave it in a review and I'll answer it to the best of my ability. These chapters may be long or short so depending on the length I have no idea when I'll update. But it will be soon! Oh, and just so you guys know, next weekend, on the 21 to the 23, I will be in Sacramento attending the Anime Con so I might update ealier that week but I'm not sure since I start school monday. (junior. yay...) So ya. Read and enjoy folks!
Disclaimer: Don't own.
Chapter 1
Kurosaki Ichigo let out a small sigh as he sat up in his bed, running tan hands through his bright orange hair. 'Why am I having that dream again?' he thought in frustration. Slowly getting out of his bed, Ichigo made his way to the small kitchen in his apartment. Standing at a height of 5'7", Ichigo was quite tall for his age. He had tanned skin, bright orange hair that often drew attention, and not for good reasons either, and brown eyes that were like the color of chocolate.
Walking to the counter to put on some coffee, Ichigo looked at the calendar hanging up on his wall. Not seeing anything there that was important, Ichigo decided that he would just stay home. Just as he got a small cup of coffee, the phone rang. Letting out an irritating sigh, Ichigo went to go pick up the phone.
"Moshi moshi." (A/N: 'Hello' on the telephone in Japanese.)
"Hi Kurosaki-kun!" a voice yelled on the other end.
"Hi Inoue." Ichigo said, not quite hiding the smile that crept on his face. Inoue Orihime was an old of Ichigo's from their high school days. Orihime was 5'7" in height, had dark orange hair, and doe brown eyes. She had a nack for making the weirdest and most dangerous tasting food in the world, and she had a HUGE bosom, which, unfortunately for her, gave her a lot of admirers. And, like Ichigo, she's a Healer as well.
"What's up?" he asked, as took a small sip of his coffee.
"I was calling to remind you about the Healers Council meeting today." Orihime laughed when she heard spluttering on the other end.
"What?! That's today? Shit I thought it was tomorrow!" exclaimed Ichigo.
"No it's today. I thought you wrote it down?" she asked, laughter in her voice.
"I did! I just don't know what I did with the date…" Ichigo said.
"Well good thing I called you then. It's at the same place we usually have our meetings, but it's going to start earlier since there's also an Elders meeting." Orihime said.
Ichigo let out a sigh as he ran another hand through his hair. "Okay. So at what time do I have to be there?"
"Ano (A/N: Japanese for 'Um')…ten o'clock." She said.
"Okay. Thanks." Ichigo said.
"No problem! I'll see you there!" she said.
"Okay. See ya." Ichigo said before he hung up. Looking at the clock, he realized he had two hours till the meeting. Finishing his coffee, Ichigo went in to his room to get out his Healer robe that he knew he would have to wear. Looking out of the window next to his bed before he went to go take a shower, he wonder how that person in his dream was doing.
X
"So basically, you are telling me, that not only that you let the creature escape…you helped in doing so?!" a voice asked in suppressed anger.
"H-hai…"
There was an irritated sigh, then the person that had spoken first said, "Then you know what this means. I understand that you knew the person before they changed," he waited a beat. When there was no reply he continued, "but understand that when they change, they forget who they were. For you to not only let them escape but help in doing so forces me to make a tough decision. One I'm sure you know.
The trembling man bent his head low. "I will accept any punishment you seem fit taicho-san."
"I will take into account your services though, Asayo. You have shown great loyalty and the ability to use your resources to your advantage. Not only that but you have shown to put other's needs before your own." A pause. "I will only charge with lack of security. You will spend 6 months in isolation. You are dismissed."
The man looked shocked before he said, with great relief and gratitude, "Arigato taicho-san!"
Hitsugaya Toshiro watched as two guards took the man he had been talking to away. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he let out a small sigh. 'Why did this have to happen today?' he thought in irritation.
Standing he walked over to a large window to look out at the estate's garden. Despite popular belief, vampires could, indeed, stand sunlight. Newly made vampires, however, get irritated by the sun and get third degree burns. After a few decades though, they could stand to go out in sunlight and do whatever they wanted.
Standing at 5'1", Hitsugaya was considered the smallest, shortest, and youngest of the Elders. He had snow-white hair that was considered unusual to most, teal eyes that could look like glaciers when they wanted to and pale skin.
"Taicho!"
Letting out another sigh, this one filled with exasperation more than anything, turned from the window to the door where the yell came from. Standing in the doorway was his second in command, Matsumoto Rangiku. Matsumoto was 5'7" with strawberry blonde hair. Her eyes were gray and the most noticeable feature about her was her enormous chest.
"Yes Matsumoto?" Hitsugaya said, sitting down at his desk to look through some papers.
"You do realize there is a meeting today right?" she asked, a smile one her face.
Looking up from what he was doing, he replied, "Yes I do. And I also know Unohana-taicho went ahead since the Healers had a meeting as well."
At that she pouted. "Aw taicho! I was gonna tell you!"
Teal eyes rolled in their sockets. "Whatever. Just leave me alone so I can work."
Smiling, Matsumoto nodded. "Hai hai. I'll let you work. See you later taicho." Walking out of her taicho's office, she smiled. Knowing all about the incident with her taicho seven years ago, concerning a well known Healer's son, she grinned like a Cheshire cat.
She practically skipped down the hall. The Healers meeting would end right when the Elder's would start. Coming to her destination, she let out a small giggle. Meaning that her taicho would get to see his rescuer from all those years ago…
X
Ichigo tried not to let his irritation show on his face, though it was becoming very difficult. Some of the council members were just plain stupid! He swore some them asked the same questions every two goddamn fucking minutes! It was insane!
Letting out an inward sigh of irritation, Ichigo let his mind wander for a moment, though he kept one ear open, so when they asked him something he would be able to answer.
He wondered why he had that dream after all these years. That incident happened seven years ago. He doubts that the person in said dream would even remember him. Shrugging his shoulders so that it looked to others he was relieving stiffness, Ichigo thought about the boy in his dream. He wondered if he was doing well.
"We should start finding a cure for them! If we find one, we can save many people's loved ones." One of the members said.
Ichigo rolled his eyes. They were talking about finding a cure for those that have Changed. Ichigo, in a way, could understand where they were coming from. He let out a small inaudible sigh.
"Is there something you would like to add Kurosaki-san?"
Ichigo looked up at the person who had spoken. The one who asked was Unohana-san, the head Healer and one of the Gotei 13 Elders. She was very young looking, which was granted to her by the head Elder Yamamoto for her help saving a lot of lives a thousand years ago.
"Yes. Say we do find a cure," Ichigo began, looking around the table at the other council members. "What would happen to those that have accepted their loved ones departure? And how will we know if it works? The only way we will find out is if we capture a Hollow. That, in itself, is dangerous. And if we succeed in capturing one, we must take into account their species, since all species' are differnet." Ichigo said, proposing interesting questions.
It was silent for a few moments, until Unohana spoke. "That is very interesting Kurosaki-san. And he is right." She said, looking to the member that had suggested a cure. "If we somehow managed to capture a Hollow, what will happen to them? We would have to capture all the different Hollows. Meaning all the shapeshifters, werewolves, vampires, Wolf-folk, sorcerers, witches, etc."
Many members nodded their heads at this. The council member that had suggested it was fuming. "We can't just give up on them!"
Unohana turned cold eyes towards him. "I know that, Imano-san. Nor can we put our lives on the line for something that may or may not work."
Standing, the one known as Imano spoke. "You won't do it merely because that boy" –he pointed to Ichigo- "suggested not to do so! He doesn't know what it is like losing a loved to the Hollow!"
Narrowing brown orbs, Ichigo said, "Yes, I do. So before you point fingers and start blaming someone, get your information correct."
Laughing, Imano said, "You know nothing! Nothing I say! Unohana-san, just reconsider and –"
"I will not." Unohana interjected. "I will not stand by while you insult Kurosaki-san. Not only is he a valued and trusted council member, he has saved many lives do to his training. Not only that but he is his father's and mother's son. And since his fathers is a valued member as well, I do believe he would not take kindly to you insulting his family."
Standing, she continued, "Imano, you are hereby removed from the Healer's council." As Imano just stared, she continued. "You will also be removed of your Healer powers. You are dismissed."
Sitting back down, Unohana was about to talk again when Imano interrupted. "How dare you! What gives you the right or privilege to –"
Turning cold eyes towards him, Unohana said in a cold voice, "You will not speak to me that way. You are forgetting that not only am I head Healer of this council; I am one of the 13 Elders as well. I said you are dismissed Imano."
Spluttering, Imano was lead out by two guards assigned to protect Unohana. When he was out of earshot, Unohana turned towards the other members and gave a smile. "I am sorry for that. Please forgive me."
Ichigo gave a small smile when he saw the other members just merely nodding and mumbling 'No problem.' After all, what she said was true. Ichigo and his father were the most valued council members, besides Unohana and her second in command, Kotetsu Isane.
"Speaking of your father, where is he, Kurosaki-san?" Unohana asked, looking at him.
Blinking, Ichigo wondered what she meant when he realized that his father was, indeed, not there. "Unfortunately, due to an emergency at home, he could not make it. He sends his apologies, Unohana-san."
Concerned, Unohana said, "Emergency? What happened?"
"It seems that my sisters have fallen ill. And due to the fact that they rarely take ill, my father stayed home." Ichigo explained.
"Oh my. How long have they been sick?" Unohana wondered.
"Since last Thursday I believe." Ichigo said, worry seeping into his tone.
"I see. If it is alright, after the Elders meeting I would like to come by and take a look at them and see if I can figure out what's wrong." Unohana asked.
Taken aback at the request, Ichigo gaped like a fish before he answered. "It's fine! I mean, of course. If you like, during the Elders meeting I can call him and let him know you are coming by."
Smiling, Unohana nodded. "If you don't mind. Now," she said, moving onto the other topics. Giving an inward sigh, Ichigo tuned out the rest of the meeting and his mind once more went onto the boy he met…
X
Ichigo let out a relieved sigh as he and Orihime exited the room they had their meeting in. Moving his neck side to side to relieve the kinks, he gave a small smile.
"Phew. Glad that's over. I thought I was going to die of boredom!" he said, exaggerated.
"That was a boring meeting." Orihime agreed. "I can't believe they brought up the cure again." Shaking her head, she continued walking with Ichigo. "I mean, I understand where they're coming from, but I just don't see it happening I suppose."
Ichigo just nodded in response. It was true. Many people believe that since they can heal almost anything, they can heal those that have Changed to Hollow. But that wasn't the case. It seems those that have really studied, like him, Orihime, their friend Ishida, Isane, and Unohana, they know what would happen if they Changed back.
"Can you wait a moment Inoue? I have to call my dad." Ichigo said, walking over to a secluded spot.
"Of course, Kurosaki-kun. I'll be waiting over in the restaurant." She said, then walked over to the restaurant that allowed them to eat after a meeting, since they usually ended around lunch.
Pulling his cell-phone out of his pocket, Ichigo dialed his dad's home number. Waiting a few seconds, Ichigo merely gazed at nothing. Until, finally, the ringing stopped.
"Kurosaki Clinic. This is Isshin. How may I help you?" a voice asked. Ichigo smiled.
"Hey dad. It's me."
"Ichigo! How are you my son?! How was the meeting?!" his father asked in his usual perky way.
"I'm fine and the meeting went well. Listen, I need to ask you something. Well, more like tell you something." Ichigo, said, looking over and seeing Orihime sitting by herself, looking at a menu.
"Of course my son. How may I help?"
"Unohana-san asked why you weren't in the meeting and I told her. She's concerned about Karin and Yuzu and she said she was going to come by. I told her I'd call you to let you know."
There was a small pause, then his father spoke up. "I see. That is really gracious of her. Tell her I would be happy to have her at my home. Is she there?"
"No. She is in an elder meeting. They decided to have one the same day as us so she had the Healer meeting moved up. When she's done I'll tell her."
"Thank you. So how are you doing son? And don't tell me nothing again."
"I'm fine. Really dad. I'm just sort of tired. Listen I gotta go. Inoue is sitting by herself at the restaurant and she looks like she's about to swallow something. I'll call you later okay? Tell Yuzu and Karin I love them and I'll try and see them soon."
"Bye son. Have a good day!"
Flipping his phone closed and chuckling, Ichigo made his way over to Orihime to have some food, and to catch up some more with his old friend.
X
Ichigo looked up at the sound of people exiting a room. Standing up, he walked over to where they were exiting. Standing to the side, Ichigo waited in silence as he looked for Unohana. Spotting her easily among the crowd, Ichigo stayed where he was. When some of the Elders left, he made his way over to her. Noticing that she was talking to someone, he merely waited for her finish. He silently took a look around as he waited.
Noticing that their meeting room was exactly like theirs, he suddenly wondered what they talked about. He was suddenly brought out of his thoughts when a voice spoke.
"Kurosaki-san?"
Ichigo blinked a few times before he realized that Unohana was talking to him. Blush lightly staining his cheeks, Ichigo dipped his head in a small nod then said, "Gomen. I was thinking about something." Pretending to just notice that she was talking to someone else, Ichigo said, "Gomen. I didn't know you were busy. If you like I can wait."
At that Unohana shook her head. "No. That is all right. What is it you wanted to tell me?" she asked.
"I called my father like you asked. He said he would be honored to have you this evening." Ichigo said, trying very hard not to look at the person she was talking to a moment ago.
Nodding her approval, Unohana said, "Arigato. I'm sorry to ask that of you."
Looking startled, Ichigo said nothing for a few seconds before he said, "It's alright. It was no problem Unohana-san."
Giving him a smile, Unohana turned her head slightly to look at her companion. "I'm being rude. I didn't introduce you two." Turning her head back around, she said, "Kurosaki-san I would like you to meet a fellow Elder. Kurosaki-san, meet the 10th Elder and leader of the 10th division, Hitsugaya Toshiro."
The moment Unohana said that name time stopped for Ichigo. Hitsugaya…Toshiro…? As in the same Hitsugaya Toshiro from seven years ago? No way…but yet it may be true. He was, after all, a vampire. Turning his head so that he could look, he dipped his head in a small bow that was customary of all creatures if they meet an Elder. Looking up from his bow, Ichigo's breath caught in his throat.
Standing before him was indeed the vampire he met all those years ago. He had gotten taller Ichigo noted and looked just a little older too, but at that thought he slapped himself mentally. Before he could think further, Unohana introduced him to the Elder.
"And this, Hitsugaya-san, Kurosaki Ichigo, one of the most respected Healers and 4th seat of the Healer's council." Unohana said, her smile radiating pride in a motherly way. Ichigo squirmed at that comment and blushed a little more.
The Elder, meanwhile, was having his own thoughts. Kurosaki Ichigo? That was the same name from seven years ago. Was he the same boy? Looking over Unohana (in a sense) he saw that he was, indeed, the boy from seven years ago that saved his life. His shoulder ached as if the memory alone could reopen the wound. Toshiro remembered that after his wound had healed, he returned the bandages with a small note saying his thanks.
In a way it was rude, but for some reason he was embarrassed to show his face to him. Looking at him now, he dimly noted that he had matured. His features were a bit more hardened, but still looked rounded. The bright hair that he often unconsciously thought about was just as bright as ever. When he realized he was being stared at, he forced down his blush and said, "I know. We have met before."
One brow raised, Unohana said, "Really?" She looked at Ichigo for a moment before her eyes widened in understanding. "So you were the one that healed Hitsugaya-san's wound." She watched in amusement as Ichigo's face turned pink.
"Um…y-yes?" he uncertainly.
Unohana smiled. "Don't sound so uncertain Kurosaki-san. I was merely shocked that's all. I knew you were talented even at such a young age but I did not realize how talented. Though I shouldn't be surprised, since you became a council member at the young age of 16."
Hitsugaya rose a brow at this statement; a council member at 16? That was interesting. He looked over at the mentioned boy, noticing he was blushing.
"You became a council member at 16?" Hitsugaya asked, his surprise showing in his teal orbs.
Ichigo nodded, his blush fading a little. "Yes. I was approached by Unohana-san and was asked to join the council. I declined at first but a few months later accepted."
Hitsugaya's eyes widened. He declined? As far as he knew, no one had ever refused an offer to be a part of a council. Besides himself of course.
At that moment, Ichigo felt his phone vibrate. Looking down as he opened it to see who was calling him, he saw that it was the hospital. Flipping it close he looked apologetic at Unohana and Hitsugaya. "Sorry, but I have to go." Ichigo said. Bowing to both Elders he said, "I'll see you soon Unohana-san and it was nice seeing you again, Hitsugaya-san."
"It was nice seeing you too, Kurosaki." Hitsugaya said, watching him walk away, then raise a brow when he saw someone bump into him. He turned to Unohana who had a small smile on her face, like a mother proud of her son.
"I must say, I did not expect this." Unohana said, looking at Hitsugaya.
"Expect what?" Hitsugaya asked, wondering where this conversation was going.
"For you two to know each other so well." Unohana commented.
"We don't." Hitsugaya said, forehead creasing in confusion.
"Oh? Perhaps I misread then." Unohana said, laughter dancing in her eyes. "I must go now. I will see you soon, Hitsugaya-san."
Bowing to him as a fellow Elder, Unohana walked in the direction of the restaurant. Hitsugaya watched her before he too turned to leave.
"Taicho!"
Hitsugaya stopped when he heard Matsumoto calling him. "What is it Matsumoto?" he asked, beginning to walk again.
"I was coming over here to remind of the new recruits we're receiving this afternoon. You have to be there to welcome them." She said, making her strides a little shorter so she could walk behind him.
Hitsugaya let out a small sigh, wanting nothing more than to take a quick nap. Catching something from the corner of his eye, Hitsugaya stopped and looked, noticing something on the floor. Walking over to it, he bent down to pick it up.
"What is it taicho?" Matsumoto asked, her eyes shining in curiosity.
"I'm not sure…" Hitsugaya said examining the thing he had picked up. It was a gold pin, the kind where you put on the front of your shirt. It was a circle, and inside was a snake, wrapped around a pole with wings beside its head. It was the sign for medicine to humans, but also the sign for Healers.
"It seems to be a Healer pin." Hitsugaya said. Turning over, he saw the initials I.K. and a small symbol underneath it. It was two crescent moons, where the curves were connected, and a mask like shape on top of it. 'It seems Kurosaki dropped his pin.' Hitsugaya thought, eyeing the symbol with curiosity. 'I guess I'll have to find him and give it to him. And that means seeing him again as well.' Hitsugaya did not realize he was smiling as he thought those words.
Wow. Already feeling for each other? Before you say anything it will be explained. So don't flame, review please! And don't just 'Favorite' it or something! Click the button!
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