Remember that the Aizen and Coge here are from the world our heroes are in, not from theirs.

The War Intensifies

Our two heroes are in the worst place they could possibly be. They were in an alternate world where both sides were at war with each other because, according to what they've been told, they think that the other side is helping their side's nemesis. When thinking about all of this, Toushiro was actually glad that his Vegeta wasn't with him right now. Because if he had been, then our young captain would've had a HELL of a time explaining that to his counterpart and his comrades! Same thing for Vegeta. Our saiyan prince was actually glad that he had failed in catching up with Toushiro in the vortex. For if he had and they had landed where he did, he would've had a VERY hard time protecting him from his own counterpart and his friends. This was a situation where it was best if they tried to avoid becoming too involved in this world's problems to begin with. Unfortunately they didn't have much choice than to agree to aid each of their sides, at least until they could find a way back to each other without the other side noticing and get back home. Easier said than done. While with his counterpart, Vegeta noticed something a little different.

Lieutenant Vegeta: "What's wrong with you? You look like you can't stand on all fours."

Vegeta: "I can't, not well anyway."

Krillin: "Yeah, Vegeta's only just starting to embrace his animal transformation abilities."

Lieutenant Vegeta: "... You must suck at running than!"

Vegeta: "Shut up!"

Piccolo: "Settle down, Vegeta. We're gonna need this one's help. Tomorrow we'll survey the area from the sky. They don't seem to be able to sense energy like we do."

Lieutenant Vegeta: "Uh, just so it's out there... I can't fly."

The Z-Fighters all seemed stunned.

Yamcha: "You what?..."

Lieutenant Vegeta: "... I can't fly. Long story short, my Coge's the reason why."

Gohan: "... Okay..."

Goku: "So Vegeta, eh the new one... Why isn't your world at war with the Soul Reapers too? Is it just over or something?"

Lieutenant Vegeta: "Em... Not exactly..."

Piccolo: "What than?"

Lieutenant Vegeta: "Well we... never really HAD a war."

Tien: "They must just keep to themselves then... Lucky."

Lieutenant Vegeta: "Y-Yeah... They just keep to themselves..." *I hope Toushiro's at least in a better situation than me...*

Our Toushiro wasn't in a better situation. If anything he was in a near identical one.

Chad: "So what about these guys in your world? Are they as dangerous?"

Toushiro: "Not really, as long as you give 'em space. They haven't done anything hostile to us ever."

Ikkaku: "Man you're lucky!"

Ichigo: "No kidding."

That night, both sides rested peacefully believing that they now had the key to turning the tides against the other. As his counterpart slept, Toushiro kept thinking about something that Vegeta had once told him along ago. At first it hadn't made any sense to him whatsoever, but now it was becoming clearer as to what the saiyan prince meant.

Lieutenant Vegeta: "Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. But sometimes fear clouds our vision. Sometimes our strength gives out. And yet sometimes, when all seems lost... a light... shines through the darkness, and we are reminded that even the smallest amount of courage... Can turn the tides of war!"

It was true that even the smallest amount of courage can change the fortunes of others, he himself has proved that once or twice. And these were definitely dark times for the people of this world. Maybe he and Vegeta were the light that this world was in so desperate need of. It was worth a try at least. The following morning and both sides were abuzz with renewed hope. It was obvious that, even though it hasn't been going on for long, this war was already starting to ware down everyone. Toushiro joined his counterpart as he led the next scouting team.

Hitsugaya: "Remember... Don't engage with any of them if you find one. If you do find one, just quietly return with the information of where they are and how many there are. We'll decide if we can take them or not from then."

Scouting Team: "Yes sir!"

The team left, leaving the two Hitsugaya's alone.

Toushiro: "What about me?"

Hitsugaya: "You'll stay here with me and wait. I'm hoping to find the one that beat up the last scouting team yesterday. I think they said he's called 'Vegeta' or something."

Toushiro just glanced away for a second, thinking that that sounded about right along the line of something Vegeta could and would do.

Hitsugaya: "Hopefully you'll be just what we need to end this."

Toushiro: *I wouldn't count on it.*

Soifon: "Captain Hitsugaya!"

Soifon appeared. This was odd. It was only suppose to be a scouting day.

Soifon: "We're ready on our end."

Hitsugaya: "Good. I just sent the team out. We should hear from them soon."

Toushiro: "What's going on?"

Soifon: "The Head-Captain has decided that TODAY is going to be the last day of this war!"

Hitsugaya: "We're hoping to have the element of surprise on our side."

Toushiro: "Hold on! You can't just do this!"

Soifon: "The Head-Captain has made it clear. This ends TODAY!"

Toushiro was afraid of this. Yamamoto and the others have become bold now that they have his help! In the living world, Vegeta was also in the same boat if not worse. Because he was stronger than both this world's Goku and Vegeta combined, the Z-Fighters have become very bold.

Lieutenant Vegeta: "Listen, I'm all for ending this. But going into an all out attack is crazy!"

Goku: "I don't like this anymore than you do, but this has gone on long enough! Just a few days ago they came close to seriously injuring Goten, but Trunks stopped them using himself! I'm sorry, but I'm not gonna stand by and wait any longer while my family and friends are in danger!"

Lieutenant Vegeta: "I understand that, but this is crazy! Have you at least tried to talk to them?!"

Goku: "Multiple times but they don't listen!"

Lieutenant Vegeta: "Are you SURE they heard you?"

Piccolo: "We're sure."

Lieutenant Vegeta: "Then let me ask you this: Are you SURE that the ones helping my brother are WITH them?"

The Z-Fighters all stopped and looked at our Vegeta.

Lieutenant Vegeta: "I've encountered them enough to know that one of their captains betrayed them, taking two others with him. Now think about this carefully... Is there a chance that maybe that's what's going on here? That maybe those three have joined my brother who, if you recall, is crazy and we don't even understand his reasons ourselves?"

Goku and the others thought about that for a moment. But as usual, one of them couldn't forgive the enemy so easily.

Vegeta: "Trunks was also with Goten that day and he came home seriously injured because he defended him. They tried to kill my own son! I will NEVER forgive them for that!"

With that returning to their minds, the other Z-Fighters remained firm on their plans. Our Vegeta just watched as they headed off to confront the Soul Reapers.

Lieutenant Vegeta: "... Now I know how Kakarot and the others felt about me back then. I truly was a fucking rock-head."

Vegeta hurried to catch up with the others. Toushiro wasn't having much luck in trying to stop his side either as they entered the living world.

Toushiro: "Look I haven't encountered these guys all that much but I do know that the one you described is not with them. I actually have seen him try and kill the one who beat up the scout team yesterday. It might be possible that Aizen convinced him to join him."

Kyoraku: "That's true but we're not gonna take that chance."

Byakuya: "It's better to act now while we have the chance."

Suddenly one of Hitsugaya's men returned.

Squad 10 Scout: "Captain! We spotted them! Some are heading east while others are heading west!"

Komamura: "They're splitting up?"

Unohana: "They might be setting up a trap."

Yamamoto: "There is that risk, but this is also an opportunity. If we can separate them further, we can pick them off."

Soifon: "Alright let's go!"

The 13 Court Guard Squads and allies mobilized. The hunt was on.

Toushiro: "For once I WANT Aizen to show up right about now."

Little did he know that...

Aizen: "Is everything ready?"

Tosen: "Yes, sir. The 13 Court Guard Squads and the Z-Fighters are on their way to finish things once and for all."

Aizen: "Looks like you were right on the ball, Coge. I'm impressed."

Coge: "Just remember our deal, Aizen. No one but no one touches my brother... Except for me."

Aizen: "And for your help in both awakening the Hogyoku and creating chaos among the Soul Reapers and the Z-Fighters, I will deliver your brother to you both alive... and personally. Let's move."

Aizen and his army began their journey to the living world as well. Meanwhile, Vegeta and a few others were heading east. All of a sudden...

Iba: "NOW!"

They were ambushed, and they weren't the only ones! All of the Z-Fighters were ambushed! In just a matter of minutes there were fights going on everywhere! While chaos ensued around him, Toushiro took the opportunity to begin his search for his Vegeta. With everyone occupied, he just might be able to find the prince and slip away. Toushiro ran off to look for Vegeta. Meanwhile our Vegeta was looking for his Toushiro as well. The saiyan prince ran through a forest and searched everywhere. The sounds of fighting echoed around him. He turned a corner and saw a familiar boy standing there, looking around with sword drawn. At first Vegeta thought it was his Toushiro, but he quickly realized that it wasn't when the child prodigy spotted him and glared at him.

Hitsugaya: "You're the one who attacked our men yesterday..."

Meanwhile, Toushiro turned around and saw Vegeta!

Toushiro: "Vegeta!"

Toushiro was happy to see Vegeta and started running up to him. The saiyan prince turned around and glanced at the boy. But then, a certain look came into the saiyan's eyes. It made Toushiro stop dead in his tracks. The look he saw in those eyes was one he'd never seen pointed at him, but knew all too well just the same. It only took him seconds to realize the lethal mistake he had made. This was Vegeta... But it wasn't HIS Vegeta.

Toushiro: "Oh-no..."

Vegeta slowly started walking towards the Soul Reaper while Toushiro started backing away at the same pace. It was too late to hide. It was too late to slink off. In his wake and closing the gap was the second most powerful fighter in this world. What's more, it was the one that is his best friend in his world. The gap was closing between them and fast. The only hope Toushiro has is to try and outrun this Vegeta. Since this Vegeta was still new to walking on all fours, embracing his animal powers, he was drastically slower than his future counterpart. But was Toushiro fast enough? The moment where the answer would be found out came. Vegeta started chasing Toushiro, and the poor young captain started running for his very life! The only thing keeping this Vegeta from catching up to the Soul Reaper was his inexperience with running on his hands and feet! It was a chase of endurance and stamina now! Who would tire first?! Toushiro kept on running, harder and faster than he's ever ran before! Even if it destroys him, he absolutely CANNOT let this Vegeta catch up with him!...

He's twice his weight...

He's twice his power...

If this Vegeta caught him...

That will be the end of Toushiro Hitsugaya...

Keep running, Toushiro... Just keep running...