Chapter 8. Into The Shadows

I do not own Bleach.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hitsugaya was seated at one of the many tables at the Central 46 Cambers.

Matsumoto sat beside him, her eyes un-moving and fixed on Yamamoto. All of the other taichou's had their fukuutaichous with them as well. Yamamoto sat in the front facing the rest of them, waiting for the shocked murmurs to die away. Then, he directed his gaze to Hitsugaya.

"Now then, Hitsugaya taichou, would you please tell the rest of us the story of what happened last night?" Hitsugaya stood to his feet so that all could see him and spoke loud so that all could hear.

"Hinamori and I had felt many strange reiatsus lately, but when we asked others, they replied that they had felt no such spiritual pressures. So, thinking it was just our imaginations, we kept our mouths shut. But then, last night…"

He told the story of how the Vasto Lorde had ambushed and surrounded the two of them. He gave descriptions of all that he could remember out of the six that had fled the scene alive. Nine of the Arrancar had fallen in battle with Hitsugaya. The taichou then recalled the words of the lead Vasto Lorde.

"He said that he wants the King's Key surrendered to them. I don't know how he will know, but he said that once we had agreed to this deal, that he would come and take it. My guess is that he doesn't know where it is being kept, and wants us to bring it out into the open for him."

Hitsugaya finished, but remained standing, knowing that Yamamoto would probably throw questions at him. Hushed murmurs of surprise and shock escaped most of the surrounding taichous and their subordinates. Then, Yamamoto's voice rang out above all others.

"And what if we refuse this offer?" He directed the question at the 10th division taichou.

"He said that if we refused, then the same fate that befell Hinamori, would befall us as well." Hitsugaya replied. He wished that Yamamoto not ask the next question he knew to be coming.

But he did.

"And just what became of Hinamori fukuutaichou?" He questioned slowly. Hitsugaya hesitated a moment, trying to think of the right words to say.

"They have taken her back to Hueco Mundo, where they will most likely kill her."

He forced the painful sentence out of his mouth, aware of a small gasp from Matsumoto. The eyes of some of the surrounding Shinigami widened, while some remained as they were, not really caring for the news. Yamamoto did not seem phased either, for he did not look shocked or worried. He simply sat there and waited for the murmurs to die once again. Then he raised his voice.

"Well, I hope they do know that they are not getting their filthy hands on the King's Key, not matter what they do or say! No threats or kidnappings can change this fact."

There was no regret in his voice as he spoke. Didn't he obviously know that he was saying that he would willingly let Hinamori die?

A small flame of anger flickered inside Hitsugaya, and apparently inside Matsumoto as well. Her eyes flared with silent rage but she remained quiet, not letting her feelings get the better of her. But Hitsugaya could not contain his temper as well as she could. He chose the words of his next sentence carefully.

"Pardon, but you are aware that they are planning to kill Hinamori?" He asked slowly. Yamamoto narrowed his eyes, and tension filled the room at the General Commander's reply to the question.

"I am quite aware of that fact Hitsugaya taichou, but we cannot afford any distractions or regrets if there is to be a war between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo. I am sorry, but we must dispose of any hopes to save Hinamori fukuutaichou."

Another eerie silence gripped the Central 46 Chambers. Un-easiness and anxiety prickled the air like static.

He's basically saying that he's going to abandon her.

Matsumoto shared Hitsugaya's thoughts. Then, Hitsugaya's voice rang out through the silence of the room.

"I ask permission to go out and rescue Hinamori."

Yamamoto sighed.

"I knew that you would ask such a question." After yet another moment of silence, the gathered Shinigami mumbled to one another, guessing at what the answer would be. Some remained silent, un-willing to show their emotions.

Finally, Yamamoto gave his reply.

"Permission denied."

No one made a sound. It seemed as though eternities passed by in the moments of silence that followed. Then, Yamamoto went on.

"Soul Society is a place of peace and balance, where souls can finally relax and rest. It is like the sun, the source of energy for all souls that have passed away. Hueco Mundo is a place of shadows; it is unpredictable and evil, the complete opposite of Soul Society. I refuse to let one of our strongest taichous risk his life for a replaceble girl. I regret not being able to save Hinamori fukuutaichou, but there are many others to take her place. You however, Hitsugaya taichou, are a prodigy, only to come along once in a million lifetimes. If you were to go after her, than you would be leaving the security of the sun, and stepping into the shadows. I will not loose you for her."

He finished his speech matter-of-factly, making it sound as though Hinamori was an insignificant burden. Indescribable rage seared throughout Hitsugaya's entire being. Matsumoto stared disbelievingly at the Commander, distrust and fury corrupting her once pure blue gaze. But most of the others gathered in the room did not seemed surprised at his decision. Yamamoto raised his voice once more.

"This meeting is over, dismissed."

Hitsugaya reached the doors first, but he turned on them all and spat one last furious statement at them.

"Well, if what you say is true, "

The others had their eyes fixed on him, but Hitsugaya stared directly at Yamamoto.

"I would much rather step into the shadows,"

He turned away from them all,

"Then burn in the sun."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: I HATE Yamamoto!! And not only in this FanFiction, but the anime too.

Reviews make me happy!!!