Title: Silver Bonds and Snow Memories
Summary:
Fifth Division squad abandoned by Aizen Sousuke is having a new captain. No one knew who it is and where he came from making the rest of the Gotei 13 captains and vice-captains anxious especially Hinamori Momo.
Tenth Division Captain, Hitsugaya Toushirou is extremely worried about his childhood friend and sister-figure Hinamori especially now that her squad is having a new captain and obviously the girl hasn't gotten over her previous captain's betrayal.
As the new captain appears, things started to change… political issues among noble families heightened as the long forgotten Dragon Clan emerge in the midst of the chaos.
How will Tsukino Yuki's arrival in Soul Society change Gotei 13 especially, the fifth and tenth squads?
ON WITH THE STORY
Silver Bonds and Snow Memories
Episode 2: Duel under the Moon
It's been a month since Tsukino Yuki became the captain of Gotei 13's Fifth Division. No one complained how she handles her squad.
In fact, everyone seems to get along with her and even in a short span of time Tsukino Yuki had managed to form a bond with her vice-captain Hinamori Momo and the rest of the squad.
Somehow… that worries the tenth division captain.
Hitsugaya Toushirou had enough of fraud people like the traitors Aizen, Ichimaru and Tousen who only used their subordinates and allies for their evil plan against Seireitei and deceived the entire Gotei 13.
This time, he is not going to let another innocent and beautiful face like Tsukino Yuki take advantage of Hinamori.
Walking towards the Fifth Division Squad quarters after an entire day of work he is planning how to test Tsukino's abilities without looking bad in Hinamori's eyes. His brows knitted in annoyance because the more he thinks the more the old memories resurface.
'That cannot be her… the first time I saw her is in the bountou incident. That time only. Because Tsukino Yuki cannot be the same girl in my past, it's been years since I've last seen her and even if she was the same girl why in the name of seven hells is she here… so basically it cannot be her.' he thought.
"That is right… that couldn't be her." He muttered.
"Then who is she?" a voice beside him asked.
Toushirou's eyes widened and almost miss his footing. His head shot immediately to his side to find the woman of his musing walking with him looking serene and naïve of his mental battle.
"What are you doing here?" Toushirou asked the woman.
Tsukino Yuki smiled at him. "Walking" she answered.
Toushirou raised an eyebrow. He sighed. "that's pretty obvious. What I mean is why you were walking with me?" he asked.
"Is there something wrong with walking with you Hitsugaya-taicho?" Yuki asked innocently.
Toushirou's eye brows twitched in annoyance. "It depends on your answer, Tsukino-taicho" he replied.
Yuki smiled at Toushirou. "I saw you walk pass our squad's gate, I thought I'd walk with you… and get to know you more" she explained.
"And why would you want to get to know me?" Toushirou asked not bothering to hide the obvious animosity in his voice.
Yuki stopped walking her eyes were hidden in the shadow of her hair. "You've changed a lot" she murmured almost to herself.
"Huh? What did you say?" Toushirou asked missing her words.
Yuki shook her head and looked directly into Toushirou's eyes. "I said you are too tense when it comes to me, have I displeased you in any way?" she asked.
Toushirou winced inwardly. "You remind me of someone" he replied.
Tsukino Yuki didn't say a word.
Toushirou didn't realize that they have reached a certain place in soul society where the training ground is located.
"I can remind you of anyone except the previous fifth division captain." Tsukino Yuki said seriously.
Toushirou eyed her sideways but didn't respond.
"I am not like him. I will never be." Yuki's hard and stern.
"So you do know about Aizen" Hitsugaya said noticing the tone she used.
"Of course, I know him…" Yuki said between gritted teeth, her eyes suddenly narrowing.
"He owes me a lot that even his life wouldn't be enough compensation." She added her voice lowering two notches.
Hitsugaya stared at the woman beside him. "Why do you hate him that much?" he asked curious.
Yuki looked directly at Toushirou. "He hurt the one I love the most." she answered.
"Your lover? Or friend? Family?" Toushirou asked.
"Younger brother" Yuki said her eyes softened.
"I see… I understand. Among all the vacant squads why pick Aizen's squad?" Hitsugaya asked again.
"I chose the fifth division because I owe someone in that squad, and I will do everything to erase Aizen's trace in my squad." She said.
"The wounds Aizen left behind cannot be healed by someone who doesn't share their pain." Toushirou said.
Yuki chuckled. "I know you'd say that" she said.
Toushirou arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"You think I don't share their pain just because I wasn't part of the squad before… but you are wrong… I share their pain… regardless of what degree… Aizen inflicted pain to my brother by hurting the people he treasured a lot. I was powerless to stop him before… that thing has changed… I will do anything to make up to my brother. I will keep his happiness safe." Yuki said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
"You're talking riddles" Toushirou muttered clueless. "The way you talk about your brother… is he someone close to Aizen?" he asked.
"Not even close" Yuki muttered. "Aizen is far from my brother's league… He will never befriend a monster like him." She added.
"Then who is your brother?" Toushirou asked. "How is he connected to the fifth division" he added.
Yuki stiffened her face darkened.
Toushirou noticed the clenching of her hands.
Silence reigned.
"I see… you're not going to tell me then…" Toushirou assumed.
"He is not a matter of discussion. I am sorry" Yuki apologized.
"I understand" Toushirou said.
Yuki shook her head and looked at the young captain. "Hitsugaya-taicho… I know about it. Your real objective… you want to test my abilities. That is the reason why you are investigating about my personal, professional background. You are also following and observing me on your spare times. Am I mistaken taicho?" she asked.
Toushirou's eyes widen. 'How…?!'
"I knew it from the start. You're not the only one in Gotei 13 who is apprehensive about the recent betrayal of three of your captains. I can understand their concern. Like you I became a captain in a young age and a female at that. I know deep inside… people have doubts in my ability to lead and protect my subordinates…" Yuki said.
Toushirou didn't reply and continued staring at the woman.
"Staring at me wouldn't answer your questions Hitsugaya-taicho." Yuki said wearing a serene smile.
"How did- - - you know?" Toushirou asked regaining his composure.
Yuki chuckled. "Believe me when I say it's written all over your face. And as much as you try and hide the disturbance in your reiatsu I can still feel it. In simple terms you are not comfortable with me around and I perfectly understand how you feel." She said.
Silence reigned again.
After a while, Yuki looked at Toushirou knowingly. "It's bound to happen sooner or later. Especially after the rebellion and betrayal of your so-called comrades." She said.
"I have anticipated these things from the beginning… am I right Ukitake-taicho, Kyouraku-taicho?" she said turning to a different direction.
Toushirou was again surprised. He didn't know that she knew they were being followed by their fellow captains. She didn't show any sign that she notice it.
A gust of wind and Captain Kyouraku Shunsui appeared smirking as he glance up from his famous straw hat while his vice-captain Ise Nanao stands beside him.
The Leaves falling from the tree revealed Ukitake Juushirou as scratched the back of his head. "Here I thought we've masked our reiatsu perfectly." He said.
Yuki smiled at them. "They are perfect. I am just trained in reading reiatsus. I can determine them either they are hidden, disturbed or what ever the individual is feeling." She explained.
"I see…" Kyouraku said. "So you also know that not only Hitsugaya-taicho is watching you and investigating about your backgrounds… and yet you manage to stay cool and composed. Impressive." He added.
"Yes, I do know… however, it's a little disturbing and unusual that even in my personal quarters and baths… I find someone spying on me." Yuki said eyeing Kyouraku dangerously behind her paper fan.
Ukitake and Hitsugaya looked at Kyouraku with raised eyebrows. The old captain laughed nervously scratching the back of his head. Then, a loud whack came out of nowhere and Kyouraku-taicho cried in pain as his vice-captain Ise Nanao hit her perverted captain.
"Forgive my captain's rudeness Tsukino-taicho… I'll make sure he doesn't reach your bath room or your quarters. Ever again." Nanao said with veins popping out of her forehead.
Kyouraku flinched and sweat dropped.
"Thank you Ise-san" Yuki said with a genuine smile.
Nanao straightened pushing her eyeglasses on the bridge of her nose. "However, I cannot promise you that we'd stop investigating on you until we are satisfied about knowing you from head to toe inside and out. We cannot afford to let history repeat itself." She said seriously.
Yuki put her paper fan down, her smile still on her lips. "There is really no need for all of you to go through so much trouble… if you want to know about me… you can directly ask me on whatever you want to know about me… I am an open book." She said.
"You didn't answer Hitsugaya-kun's question about your brother." Ukitake said.
Yuki paused.
"You're not being truly honest with us." Kyouraku said.
"I understand. However, the matter about my brother and the grudge I feel towards Aizen is quite personal. It doesn't have anything to do with serving soul society." Yuki said.
"Then tell us honestly why do you want to be part of Gotei 13 when you can be one of the noble families." Ukitake asked.
Yuki's eyes widen. "You know that?" she asked.
"Do not underestimate our ability to get information" Nanao said.
"I see… I assume it was Kuchiki Byakuya who told you about my relationship with his clan…" she said.
The three exchange glances.
Toushirou looked at the three Gotei 13 officials. "What does she mean?" he asked.
"Tsukino Yuki is part of the Kuchiki Clan for the past 10 years and it was the Kuchiki family who sent her to the real world to study." Ukitake narrated.
"Meaning… she's of royal blood." Toushirou said.
"I am. But my existence is not solely for the Kuchiki clan. I am born from a clan long forgotten by soul society. A clan who was wiped clean by vast lordes in an all out assault launched 600 years ago." Yuki said.
Hitsugaya, Kyouraku and Ukitake's eyes widen in shock.
"Surrounded by the six elements of earth. Soaring through the high heavens are the guardians of the King's throne… behold the Dragon Clan who wields the power no one have seen before. Kneel and bow down to their command… shinigamis of pure souls" Yuki said.
"You are from the dragon clan?" Kyouraku asked bewildered.
"I am" Tsukino Yuki said. "But that doesn't matter now… our clan no longer existed." She said.
"Are you insane!?" Ukitake exclaimed. "That fact that you are living means your clan can be revived! Does captain-commander know about this?" he asked.
"Of course… he got the recommendation through Byakuya and the elders." Yuki said.
"Then why isn't he doing anything to help you revive your clan?" Kyouraku asked.
"Because I told him to leave it be. The restoration of our clan will come after I have gotten my revenge. And when the real heir is ready to take his position. Until then, we'll remain in the shadows of Seireitei." Yuki said.
"That's insane." Ukitake muttered. "and what do you mean real heir?" he asked.
Yuki sighed and shook her head. "can you just trust me when I say I am not a threat to soul society and I have no intention of betraying Gotei 13." She said.
The four Gotei 13 officials looked at each other.
"I guess we can trust you about that… however…" Toushirou said but was cut off by Yuki.
"However, you still doubt my abilities… well I can do something to resolve that…" she said folding her paper fan neatly placing it inside her haori.
"And what do you suggest about it?" Hitsugaya asked.
"Draw you swords. I careless whether you attack one at a time one or you all attack together. It won't change the result, I won't be defeated." Yuki said confidently.
Kyouraku chuckled. "I see you are very confident about your self." he said.
"I have my reasons" Yuki replied.
"Do not underestimate us, Tsukino-taicho. We've seen arrogant officials before and now look where it got them… a good hundred feet below the ground." Ukitake-taicho said sincerely.
Yuki smiled at him. "I am not underestimating any of you. Honestly, do you think I'd challenge you to a fight without any knowledge of how you'd do in it, what your abilities are… you are the ones underestimating me." She said wisely.
Tsukino Yuki closed her eyes in thought. "Hitsugaya Toushirou… the youngest Gotei 13 captain in all of Seireitei's History, Souten Ni Zase, Hyourinmaru." She said looking at Toushirou.
She turned to Ukitake and Kyouraku. "Ukitake Jyuushirou… one of the two incomparable twin blades Zanpaktou in Seireitei. And of course, Katen Kyokotsu… the other twin bladed Zanpaktou which belong to you… Kyouraku Shunsui… saa… who will be the first one?" Yuki asked.
The three captains' exchange looks. Seconds passed… Ukitake and Kyouraku stepped back.
"More than our curiosity… it is Hitsugaya-taicho who deserves to know more about your ability." Ukitake said seriously.
"I see…" Yuki said. "All these for my dear Hinamori's sake. Very admirable." she said.
Toushirou draw his sword. "Then I won't hold back" he said.
"Neither will I" Yuki assured him.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Hinamori just finished her paper work when she felt her childhood friend Hitsugaya Toushirou's reiatsu. Worried. Hinamori immediately stood up an eerie feeling ran down her spine. 'Shirou-chan' she thought.
She ran towards the source of the huge reiatsu release. Hinamori found Toushirou's Vice Captain Matsumoto Rangiku being stopped by Kyouraku-taicho while Ukitake-taicho and Kyouraku's Vice-Captain Ise Nanao were just standing nearby.
"Taicho!" Rangiku exclaimed trying to get her captain's attention. "That's enough!" Rangiku called.
Concerned about his so-called little brother and childhood friend. Hinamori ran towards the commotion. "Rangiku-san! What's going on here? Ukitake-taicho! Kyouraku-taicho! Nanao-san!" she asked as she approach the group.
Ukitake immediately let go of Rangiku, Kyouraku and Nanao looked in a different direction.
Hinamori looked clueless and confused.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Instantly, Toushirou's reiatsu disappeared. "Hinamori…" he muttered looking at Hinamori's direction.
"Hitsugaya-kun? What's going on here? Who are you fighting with?" Hinamori asked worriedly.
Toushirou sighed. "No one" he muttered.
"I felt your reiatsu." Hinamori said suspiciously facing the young Gotei 13 captain.
"We're just having a sparring Hinamori-fukutaicho" a deep baritone voice said next to Toushirou said.
Hinamori turned to look at the owner of the voice to find the silent captain of the Six Division Squad, Kuchiki Byakuya sheathing his sword.
Hinamori eyed them suspiciously she looked back to Toushirou. "But it wasn't Kuchiki-taicho's reiatsu that I felt." She muttered.
"Are you saying I am a lying?" Byakuya asked sternly.
Hinamori stiffened considerably.
Toushirou sheathed his sword. "I think we've had enough for today Byakuya." He said walking towards Hinamori.
"Thank you for today." He added eyeing the older captain.
"Anytime" Byakuya said as he turned around walking away.
Toushirou pulled Hinamori away from the training grounds. "You're troublesome Hinamori. I can take care of myself. It's you who needs taking care of." He said.
Hinamori huffed and crossed her arms on her chest. "I do not need a baby sitter! Have you forgotten I am older than you Shirou-chan!" she said annoyed.
Toushirou raised an eyebrow. "Oh. Convince me some more will you bed-wetter Momo and I am not a child either stop calling me Shirou-chan." He retorted back.
Hinamori glared at the young captain. Toushirou glared at her too.
Rangiku faked a cough trying to get both Toushirou and Hinamori's attention.
The two stiffened considerably.
Rangiku winked at Hinamori before forcefully pushing Toushirou towards their squad's quarters. "Taicho… Dinner will be served, let's go back to our squad." She said.
Hinamori smiled and waved goodbye to the two. "Goodnight Shirou-chan!" she called.
Toushirou twitched, a vein popped out of his forehead he wriggled out of Rangiku's grasp. "Let go… you---" he muttered darkly.
Rangiku sighed. "Do not make a scene taicho… Hinamori is still looking at us… you do not want her suspecting anything right?" she warned.
Toushirou's eyes narrowed. "Whose side are you any way?" he asked annoyed.
"That's cruel taicho. I been but loyal to you." Rangiku said.
"Che!" Toushirou muttered and walked ahead leaving Rangiku behind.
Rangiku smirked shaking her head.
oooooOoOoOooooo
"I owe you one Byakuya." Yuki said behind a tree.
Byakuya snorted. "If you want to fight. Do it where I won't be disturbed." He said.
Yuki smirked. "As you wish your highness" she teased.
Byakuya glared at her.
Yuki opened her paper fan hiding her lips behind it. "Ja ne. Kuchiki-taicho" she teased more before disappearing.
Byakuya narrowed his eyes. "What a bothersome girl" he muttered.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Hinamori watch as Toushirou and Rangiku turn around the next corner leading to their squad. She sighed. 'I definitely felt something wrong awhile ago…' she thought.
Shaking her head, Hinamori pouted. "MOU! Shirou-chan tara…" she muttered.
"What's the matter Hinamori?" a familiar voice asked from behind Hinamori.
Hinamori nearly jumped. "AH! Taicho!" she exclaimed.
Yuki raised an eyebrow. "What's going on? You seemed edgy." She asked.
"Oh… no nothing… nothing… shall we go in taicho… dinner will be served soon." Hinamori said.
Yuki stared at Hinamori before shrugging and going inside their gate.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Two hours passed dinner Hitsugaya Toushirou is watching the full moon from the empty porch in his personal quarters. "Kuso" he muttered.
Suddenly, a shadow appeared behind the tears near the koi pond. The presence was hiding in the shadows.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Toushirou asked venomously without looking at the intruder's exact location.
"I have something for you" the female voice said.
"HN?" he snarled.
Something flew into Toushirou's way. He caught it accurately between his fingers and was surprised to see a Lily flower in his hands.
"A Lily?" he murmured.
"Casablanca" the intruder said.
"Shut up" Toushirou said staring at the flower.
A memory flashed in his mind.
A girl probably a couple of years older than him standing in the middle of the snow staring at the slowly freezing river, the cold wind make her silver hair sway gently on her right hand is a white flower.
A six year old Hitsugaya Toushirou watches her with curiosity before walking away.
Later that night…
"Obaa-san… won't someone get sick if they stay too long under the snow?" Toushirou asked his grandmother.
"They will…" the old woman answered.
"I wonder if she'll be alright." Toushirou muttered.
"Who are you talking about?" his grandmother asked.
"I saw a really pretty girl standing at the riverside all alone, watching the river freeze. She's holding a white flower on her hand… like the ones growing at the back." Toushirou said.
A loud clanking echoed in the kitchen. Toushirou's grandmother dropped her kitchen utensils. Toushirou winced standing up from his position. "MOU! Obaa-san! Be careful we can't afford to buy anymore utensils" he said helping his grandmother pick up the fallen utensils.
The old woman stared at the white haired boy. Sadness written in her eyes. "I'm sorry" she murmured.
ZIP ZAP
A ten year-old Hitsugaya Toushirou just arrived with his so-called sister Hinamori Momo from their market-visiting ritual. As they settle their groceries at the kitchen, Toushirou's grandmother asked them to change into something warmer.
It's winter again. Toushirou love winter among all the seasons there is…
One, because during winter days… the sun shines less. He hates sun.
Two, he can play with snow.
Three, he can see her again… the mysterious girl standing under the snow watching the freezing river. Every year during winter he sees her on that same spot and it became his habit to watch her.
He was about to enter the room he's using when he notice someone sitting at the porch near the back of their shrine. Curious, he approached it.
To his surprise, he found the girl he's been watching under the snow in the past four years.
And for the first time, he gets to see her face up close and clearly.
She's watching the pouring snow. In her hand were white Casablanca flowers.
'All this time… she's been getting flowers from our garden?' Toushirou thought.
Toushirou studied the girl's features. She's grown up. Her skin is white as snow and looks delicate. Her hair looks perfect as it cascades freely behind her back to the wooden porch.
Toushirou was in awe.
"Shirou-chan! Dinner is ready… let's eat!" Momo called from the dinning area.
Toushirou looked at the direction of the dinning room. He cursed under his breathe. 'MOU! You bed-wetter Momo… you're so dead.' He thought.
Looking back to the girl. He found her standing at the rows of flowers before she slowly turned to him, for a brief moment… their eyes met. Red locked with sea-green eyes.
The snow wind blew and before Toushirou could react. The girl is gone leaving behind the white flowers. Picking up a flower he stared at it.
ZIP ZAP
It was his first night as the tenth division captain and still feels uncomfortable. It happened so fast he accidentally killed his grandmother and was recruited by Matsumoto Rangiku into entering the Shin'ou Spirit Academy. First he's just a new comer at the academy then the next thing he knew he's acknowledged as a 'tensai' then before he knew it he's already a captain of the most powerful defense and offense squad in Seireitei… Gotei 13.
"Why does my life have to become so complicated?" Toushirou murmured staring up at the ceiling.
He sighed, he stood up and looked outside his window he watched the white flakes falling down. "Snow… I didn't realize its winter already…" he said a smile gracing his lips.
He'd seen gardens before but this is the first time he'd seen a garden larger than he can imagine. Weirdly… this garden near his quarters is very much like with the garden they used to have in Rukongai only a lot bigger.
"Speak of coincidence." He muttered watching the snow fall. He extended his hand to catch some snow in his palm he stared at them with a smile.
"Still not asleep?" a voice asked.
Toushirou gasped inwardly he raised his head immediately. He found a familiar girl wearing a pure white kimono and white veil to accent her clothes. Her face is hidden but the sense of familiarity surround her. She's standing in the snow.
"Who are you?" he asked. 'I didn't see you there before' he added mentally.
The girl smiled underneath her veil. "I am of no importance taicho. I only came here to deliver my present to the new tenth division captain." She said.
"A present? For me?" Toushirou asked shocked.
"Yes." The girl answered and held her hands towards Toushirou.
Curious, Toushirou accepted her hand. He felt it when she place something on his palm before flipping it close.
"Omedettou Gozaimasu Hitsugaya-taicho" she said sincerely.
He held it in his palm carefully he opened his hand and was awed. She had given him a necklace. It was made of platinum and white gold with a flower and a dragon design intertwined together. The item gleamed brightly under the moonlight.
"Why are you giving this to me?" Toushirou asked curiously.
The girl gave him another knowing smile. "A welcoming and congratulatory gift to you." She said.
"Why… who are you?" Toushirou asked again.
"Let's just say… I am your guardian angel" the girl said with a smile.
Toushirou stared at the girl. She giggled femininely and started fading away. "I'll see you again Captain Hitsugaya Toushirou…" she murmured.
As the girl fade away completely the flowers in the garden started emitting powder like particles dancing in the air as the snow fall.
Toushirou remembered the girl he used to watch in the snow when he was younger.
"I never thought I'd see her again" he thought staring at the necklace in his hand.
To his surprise a white Casablanca materialized in his palm above the necklace.
"My guardian angel huh?" he chuckled at the thought.
Deciding to get some sleep Toushirou went back to his bed and tried getting some sleep.
After a few minutes, he drifted peacefully to sleep.
ZIP ZAP
The girl re-appeared beside his bed smiling at him. "Oyasumi nasai… Ototou-chan" she whispered touching the Casablanca flower beside the necklace she had given him before fading away completely.
'Was that my imagination?' Toushirou thought.
"Resonance" the woman in the shadows said. "I believe you are familiar with what resonance means… memories from the past resurfacing when two similar powers collide. Right now, you were synchronized with the Casablanca's memories…" she said amused.
Toushirou glared at the shadows. "Leave" he said.
"As you wish" the intruder said and disappeared.
Toushirou stared at the flower in his hand again. He sighed. "I guess I have no choice but go back to the past" he said, he stood up and started changing into his usual attire.
oooooOoOoOooooo
An hour later:
Toushirou stood in his and Hinamori former residence. 'Why would Tsukino Yuki want to meet me here…' he thought.
"I thought you'd never come." Yuki's familiar voice said.
"Why here?" Toushirou asked walking towards her.
"Just because" Yuki answered.
"Who are you really?" Toushirou asked. "Aside from what you have told us…" he said.
"You already know who I am… and you know me better than anyone. Why are you keep on denying it?" Yuki countered.
Toushirou looked away. "Because it is impossible." He said.
"Why would that be impossible?" Yuki asked.
"Just because" Toushirou said. "But since you're real I am guessing there is a reason why you have shown yourself to me those years ago." He added.
Yuki smiled. "At first, I didn't intend for you to see me. I am satisfied with just looking around" she said.
Toushirou didn't say a word.
Yuki touched the still growing Casablanca flowers in the garden. "I love Casablancas. This flower reminds me of my younger brother and the season he was born in… winter." Yuki said in a distant voice.
Yuki looked at Toushirou's direction. "I do not belong in Rukongai… that far you know… I… I on the other hand know I shouldn't have come to Rukongai. I should have stayed away but I cannot. The river, this garden, these flowers. I found myself coming back every year. I am satisfied with just watching the river freeze… pick flowers from this garden and watch the snow." She narrated.
"Then I accidentally met you, eye to eye in this garden and that is when I knew the reason why I kept coming back… I was drawn by you. I know from the start that someone has been watching me. I was happy… even if you didn't know who I am you anticipated my existence every winter. You wanted to see me." She said.
Looking above the sky reaching a hand towards the moon. "However, because of the rules… I have to stop. I decided not to go back Rukongai so I did not come back the next year and the years after that…" Yuki said sadly.
Yuki smiled sadly. "I know about it… the flowers that you've been leaving in the porch of your garden and the riverside during the winter. Somehow, in that far away place it made me happy that even if you do not see me anymore you still remember my existence." She said.
"But the time when you stopped bringing flowers to the riverside. You changed. And the next time I saw you is during your inauguration as the Gotei 13's tenth division captain. I was one of the witnesses of your inauguration." She continued narrating.
"So, I decided to pay you another visit hoping that somehow you still remember me. But you didn't. You asked who I am. Deep inside it saddened me." Yuki said.
"And the fact that you gave away the gift I gave you shows only how insignificant my existence is…" Yuki said sadly bringing her hand down and just let it rest on her side.
When she looked up to Toushirou her eyes were sad and lonely.
"Hinamori is important to me" Toushirou said not knowing why he needed to somehow explain.
Yuki smiled but her smile didn't reach her eyes. "I know. Everyone can see that Hitsugaya-taicho." she said she plucked a flower and smelled it.
"Such a sweet smell" Yuki said the she walked towards the porch then she sat down. "The moon looks beautiful from here" she said watching the moon.
Toushirou remained silent but watches her moves cautiously.
Yuki chuckled. "Why do you feel so threatened by my presence…?" she asked.
"I don't know" Toushirou answered.
Yuki smiled and looked at Toushirou's direction. "Shall we fight here?" she asked.
Toushirou stiffened. He gripped the tip of his Zanpaktou.
Yuki chuckled seeing the young captain tense up. "Do not worry. I won't create a scene in the middle of the village." She said.
Standing up, Yuki dusted herself off. "Alright… enough of the drama…if you really want to test my skills meet me at the riverside where you first saw me" she said before turning into flower petals.
Yuki was gone already but Toushirou hasn't move an inch from his post.
After a while, he sighed heavily. "I guess I have no choice but to go there…" Toushirou muttered.
oooooOoOoOooooo
As he was leaving he saw something glimmer in the darkness. Curious, he went inside and found a crystallized iris in the place where his grandmother died.
'What is this?' he thought.
Toushirou bent down and touched the crystal. It shined in the dark. 'Thank you' a soft voice echoed in his mind.
Toushirou blinked. "What was that…" he muttered.
Shaking his head he decided to finish this once and for all for his and Hinamori's sake.
oooooOoOoOooooo
If Toushirou stayed a little longer at their old house he could have seen the apparition of his grandmother smiling happily.
'It's good to see you again Shirou-chan…' she whispered. 'Keep him safe Ojou-sama' the old woman whispered before disappearing.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Tsukino Yuki stood in the riverbanks watching the water run smoothly, the bright moonlight bathing her figure. The night breeze dancing around her making her long silver blond tresses sway with the wind. She spreads her arms and let the wind envelope her.
Yuki felt a familiar reiatsu behind her she hid a smile before placing her arms down and looking at Toushirou's form standing not far from her.
"I thought you've changed your mind" she said as she turn towards him, having the moonlight shadowed her from normal view.
Toushirou didn't respond.
Yuki looked in a different direction. "You can come out as well… it's tiresome to pretend I do not know." She said amusedly.
Nanao, Kyouraku and Ukitake showed themselves.
Toushirou looked at the three with a glare. "You shouldn't have come. I can take care of this." he said.
"Relax Hitsugaya-taicho." Nanao said. "This is for research purposes." She explained.
Ukitake smiled a little. "As for me… I am really curious as to what her abilities are." He said.
Yuki chuckled. "I guess it cannot he helped." She said. "Yamino… Hikari" she summoned her two subordinates.
"Hai?" both answered appeared kneeling behind Yuki.
"Stay back. Hikari create a barrier trice thicker than the usual." Yuki ordered her.
"As you wish" Hikari said making fast hand seals. Lavender light covered all of them.
"Yamino… my sword." Yuki said.
"As you wish" Yamino said standing up. He then inserted his hand in his stomach and started pulling out Yuki's incredibly long Zanpaktou.
Hitsugaya, Nanao, Kyouraku and Ukitake gaped in shocked in what the guy had done to himself.
Yuki smirked at their expressions. "Don't worry. Yamino is special… he's not an ordinary shinigami… his abilities were like of Kurotshuchi Nemu from the twelfth division. The only difference is that his ability isn't scientifically based but was hereditary." She explained.
Holding her blade on her right hand Yuki smiled darkly. "The truth is… Yamino is the real sheath of my Zanpaktou." She said mysteriousness lingering in her tone.
Despite of his shock Toushirou was able to draw his sword.
"Now that the barrier is up… our swords were drawn… let us begin." Yuki said, the wooden case of her sword disappeared.
Toushirou emitted a huge reiatsu and started attacking.
Yuki blocked his attacks effortlessly. "If you do not take me seriously, you will lose" she said to Toushirou as she continuously block Hitsugaya's attacks.
"Do not underestimate me." Toushirou said his eyes glimmered and release his reiatsu.
Yuki smiled. "Now this is interesting" she muttered.
"Sit upon the frozen heavens Hyourinmaru." Toushirou said releasing his Zanpaktou's power.
Yuki's eyes sparkled darkly watching the sea-green water and ice dragon get summoned by the young captain.
"Beautiful…" Yuki murmured her eyes shining while staring at the transformation in front of her hands shaking in anticipation.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Yamino immediately noticed the mint green circles that appeared in Yuki's red eyes. Yamino straightens up. "Hikari! Release the King's barrier!" he exclaimed.
Hikari stiffened and made a faster hand seals.
Yamino clenched his fists. "Ojou" he murmured.
Yamino noticed the calculative looks on the three spectators. He also noted the alertness of the two captains. They are ready to strike if they see the need to.
'This is getting out of hand… Ojou-sama' he thought.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Yuki trembled. She can hear Zanpaktou screaming for release. 'Oh yes…' she thought. Her eyes transfixed in Hyourinmaru's power she dropped her sword wrapping herself with her arms.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Nanao stared at the scene in front of her. "What's going on? It seems like Yuki-taicho is suppressing something." She commented.
"It does seem like that…" Kyouraku said.
"I wonder…" Ukitake muttered.
Kyouraku and Nanao looked at the guy.
"What?" Kyouraku asked.
"For a shinigami of this rank to perform a high level barrier like this and for someone to make use of his body as sheath of a powerful Zanpaktou… now I am wondering if they are really just ordinary shinigamis…" Ukitake said.
"And by the looks of it… Tsukino is not your average captain as well. She's mysterious and yet there is something about her that is very pure." Ukitake said remembering the conversation of Toushirou and Yuki in Hitsugaya's garden.
Kyouraku hummed in agreement. Nanao push her glasses on the bridge of her nose.
oooooOoOoOooooo
"We are ordinary shinigamis but with special abilities nothing mysterious about our identities Ukitake-taicho." Yamino appeared in front of the three officials.
"Stay back." He added.
"But this girl is not ordinary. She's powerful" Kyouraku said.
"Yuki-sama does not know the meaning of ordinary. Since her childhood she's branded as the prodigy child." Yamino said.
No one spoke.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Toushirou watched with knitted eyebrows as Yuki tremble but her lips were curved into a unruffled smile and her eyes were wide with glee.
"You're not scared are you?" he asked.
Yuki held her body tighter then after a while straighten up, her left hand covered half her face, hiding her eyes from sight. "No… in fact I am tremendously excited." She whispered.
"What a troublesome woman" he muttered and attacked.
Yuki chuckled and deflected Hitsugaya's attack with one swing of her sword. "Don't get me wrong Hitsugaya-taicho. I don't intend to fight you. However, I do intend to show you my real power." She said.
Suddenly, a great amount of reiatsu pushed Hitsugaya downwards.
"What is this?!" Toushirou exclaimed. He can feel Hyourinmaru being sucked and pushed down.
Lifting his head Toushirou saw Yuki raise her blade.
"Descend from the High Heavens, Hakuryuu…" Yuki said releasing her Zanpaktou, her long sword starts emitting a violet aura. A dragon roar echoed around the closed area then the sword vanished as it takes the form of a dragon surrounding Yuki.
oooooOoOoOooooo
"What is that?!" Ukitake exclaimed feeling his Zanpaktou emit protective aura.
Surrounding them is an extremely powerful reiatsu, their own Zanpaktou were reacting with its power.
"That is Yuki-taicho's Zanpaktou. Hakuryuu" Yamino said. "Queen protector of the Heavenly Guardian" he added.
"That dragon looks wild and vicious." Kyouraku said gripping the hilt of his sword.
"Hakuryuu is wild and vicious" Yamino said uneasily.
"That is the reason why it needs a shinigami's body to act as a container to hide its real power" Nanao concluded.
"True." Yamino said.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Yuki smiled. "This is my Zanpaktou… Hakuryuu, Hitsugaya-taicho. He said he's pleased to meet you and your Zanpaktou… Hyourinmaru." She said.
Toushirou glared. "Daiguren Hyourinmaru" he said releasing his Zanpaktou's attack.
Yuki frowned. "Persistent I see…" she muttered. "Very well… I already told you that I have no intention of raising my blade against you but if you do the first move then I have to retaliate." She said.
As Toushirou's attack neared Yuki she smiled then deflect Hyourinmaru's attack with bare hands.
"NANI?!" Toushirou exclaimed shocked.
Yuki smiled. "Now it's my turn… Strike… Supreme Lightning" she murmured releasing a huge amount of lightning ki from her palm.
Toushirou's eyes widen. Hyourinmaru reacted and shielded Toushirou. The entire place was surrounded by light.
oooooOoOoOooooo
In a different dimension.
An overly huge moon lights their ground as two individuals stood there.
One, Yuki smiling while Hakuryuu floats around her.
Two, Toushirou frowning as Hyourinmaru shielded him.
"You dared attack my ward. Hakuryuu." Hyourinmaru's booming voice echoed.
Yuki smirked. "Looks like the Ice King has finally made his appearance." She muttered. Hakuryuu made a sound of agreement.
"Hyourinmaru" Toushirou muttered to the ice dragon.
The ice dragon looked at Toushirou. "Do not worry." He said.
Toushirou grunted. "I am not worried." He replied.
Hyourinmaru chuckled. "Stubborn brat" he retorted.
Toushirou glared at the dragon. "Unreasonable beast" he retorted back.
Hyourinmaru laughed then he turned serious. He turned to Yuki and Hakuryuu.
"It's been almost near a century now… since the last time I saw you… isn't it… " he said.
Yuki smiled. "It has been… exactly 600 years now. Hyourinmaru." she answered in a distant voice.
"Do you know her?" Toushirou asked curiously.
"No dragon with power like mine who doesn't know the only woman born in the hundredth generation of the Dragon Clan… She is known as Protector of the Heavenly Guardian and balancer." Hyourinmaru said floating around Toushirou.
"Is she's a bad person?" Toushirou asked curiously.
Hyourinmaru paused and looked back at Toushirou. "Why would you think she's a bad person?" he asked.
"No one knew where she came from, who she really is… She might be someone dangerous." Toushirou said.
Hyourinmaru laughed. "Indeed, she is dangerous." He said. "However, this woman will not hurt you or the people you hold dear in any way… because…" he said but was cut off by Yuki's booming voice.
"Hyourinmaru!" Yuki yelled her reiatsu rising filling the entire dimension.
The ice dragon's eyes widen considerable before roaring loudly dispelling Yuki's release of reiatsu.
Yuki narrowed her eyes at the ice dragon.
Hyourinmaru smirked ignoring Yuki and looking at Toushirou. "Because Hakuryuu and I are related by blood." He said.
Toushirou gaped at the dragon. "He is your brother?" he asked again.
"Yes…" Hyourinmaru answered.
"Oh" Toushirou muttered.
Yuki heaved a sigh. "Release" she muttered something shined in her forehead and Hakuryuu was released to his original dragon form.
Toushirou stared. "That is his real form?" he asked.
Hyourinmaru and Hakuryuu were so very alike except for their color Hyourinmaru is a combination of blue and green while Hakuryuu were a blend of white, silver and lavender.
"Now that you already know that I am not a threat in Soul Society will you withdraw your sword?" Yuki said to Toushirou.
Toushirou eyed Yuki with hesitation. "I haven't heard your intentions" he said.
Yuki sighed. "You are one very troublesome person Hitsugaya Toushirou" she said.
Toushirou smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment." He said.
Yuki raised an eyebrow. "I guess I really have no choice but tell you." She said.
Straightening up, she said. "We are here in representation of the heavenly guardians protecting Seireitei. We are from the Dragon clan. We're one of noble families aside from the Shihouin and Kuchiki Clan who protects the king's throne from any possible threat." She said in nobility tone.
"There are very few circumstances where, we from the dragon clan or We interferes with Gotei 13 but since the threat came directly from Gotei 13 the heavenly guardians were alerted so they sent me to make sure there will be no more traitors living in the premise of the Gotei 13." She said pulling out a badge from her haori she showed it to Toushirou.
"And with the power, authority and duty bestowed to me. We have the absolute power to eradicate and cleanse Gotei 13 of its negative forces." Yuki said her eyes glinting dangerously.
Toushirou stared at the woman in front of him.
Placing the badge back to where it was hidden Yuki smiled at Toushirou her features softening. "Now you know these… I will have to ask you to keep it a secret from everyone else, especially from my vice-captain." She said.
"Hinamori?" Toushirou asked.
"Yes… because it was her and the fifth squad who emits the most negative auras. That is why I chose to be their captain. So I can watch over Hinamori Momo and the fifth squad." She said.
"You won't hurt Hinamori?" Toushirou asked seriously with narrowed eyes.
"Never" Yuki said.
"You've got to promise me" Toushirou said. "Because, I will kill you with my blade if you hurt Hinamori in any way" he added.
Yuki didn't respond her eyes were hidden under her bangs.
"Swear" Toushirou said.
"Alright. I promise. I will die by your blade if I hurt Hinamori Momo in any possible way." Yuki said in a distant voice, she looked away and murmured something again but Toushirou didn't catch it.
He sheathed his sword. "Pardon?" Toushirou asked.
Suddenly, Hyourinmaru and Hakuryuu let out a loud roar and they were enveloped with another bright light.
Back to reality.
oooooOoOoOooooo
The bright light surrounding them slowly disappeared leaving Yuki and Toushirou in the middle of the barrier, the big full moon illuminating their figures and their swords both in its sheaths.
"What happened?" Nanao asked.
Ukitake sighed. "Looks like we missed it." He said.
Kyouraku scratched the back of his head. "Yeah"
Nanao looked at both captain. "Who won then?" she asked.
Both captains pointed at a scowling Toushirou.
Nanao stared at the young captain, her eyes widen seeing the ever serious young captain wearing a deeper scowl than he usual wears then she looked at Yuki to find her smiling fondly at her opponent.
"Hitsugaya-taicho was defeated." Nanao muttered.
Toushirou heard her and turn to glare at Nanao, a vain popped out his forehead. "Ise Nanao-san… I was not defeated I yielded on my own." He corrected.
Nanao blushed. "Gomen nasai" she murmured.
Kyouraku hushed Toushirou. "Now… Now…" he said turning to Yuki. "It's safe to assume that our young captain has proven you worthy of serving Gotei 13." He said.
Yuki reclined her head a bit, placing a finger on her chin. "I don't know… maybe you should ask Toushirou-chan" she said with a smile.
Toushirou glared at Yuki. "Do not call me by that!" he complained.
Yuki giggled. "Fine. Fine. How about Hitsugaya-chan." She said. "Anyway, Hikari. Yamino. Take down the barrier… we're heading back" she said.
Yamino and Hikari complied. Yuki turned to the three captains and Nanao. "So… I guess it's good night then." She said before disappearing.
Toushirou grunted. Ukitake waved. Kyouraku smiled. Nanao bowed.
"Would you like to share something Hitsugaya-taicho?" Ukitake Jyuushirou asked.
"She's not a bad person" Toushirou said before sighing. "It's for our own good to have her around" he added.
"That's it?" Kyouraku asked.
Toushirou nodded. "That's it" he said.
The two captains looked at each other.
"Are you sure you're not hurt anywhere?" Ukitake asked.
Toushirou nodded. "I am fine" he said.
"Well, if you say so." Ukitake said.
"I guess it's safe to trust again. After all, she went all these trouble to prove her worth." Kyouraku said.
Nanao agreed.
Toushirou gave one more glance at the area where Tsukino Yuki previously stood. He sighed and disappeared with the three Gotei 13 officials.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Even after he has proven her as a good person, her personality is still a mystery to him.
'Who is Tsukino Yuki… and what really happened during that last second?' he thought.
Toushirou tried remembering the last few seconds before the bright light surrounds them bringing them back to reality.
"Alright. I promise. I will die by your blade if I hurt Hinamori Momo in any possible way." Yuki said in distant voice, she looked away and murmured something again but Toushirou didn't catch it.
He sheathed his sword. "Pardon?" Toushirou asked.
Suddenly, Hyourinmaru and Hakuryuu let out a loud roar and they were enveloped with another bright light.
Toushirou turned to the other side of his bed. He cannot sleep. He knew he missed something in those last few seconds but somehow he cannot remember a thing.
Toushirou isn't sure if what he read on her lips were right. Because if his eyes were right then the next phrase Yuki said after she promised not to hurt Hinamori are along the lines of: 'I will never betray you even if it means dying in my own brother's blade'.
He could be mistaken… but at the back of his mind. Somewhere… there is a feeling of hope brewing.
Is he subconsciously wishing that somehow Tsukino Yuki is his sister? And that he is the brother she's talking about…
"That's impossible." He muttered turning to the other side.
Few more minutes passed and it seems that he won't get any sleep. Deciding that it would be hopeless to try forcing himself to sleep when he can not. He decided to train to give himself some peace of mind.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Meditating Toushirou made a strong mental connection with Hyourinmaru in his dimension.
"It's pretty late… why are you still awake Hitsugaya Toushirou?" Hyourinmaru asked floating around.
"I cannot seem to get any sleep." Toushirou answered.
Hyourinmaru chuckled. "Shall I keep you company?" he asked turning into a blue wolven.
"You can shape shift?!" Toushirou asked amused.
"Yes" Hyourinmaru answered placing his head on Toushirou's lap.
"I guess there are still lots of things I need to know about you" Toushirou said stroking Hyourinmaru's fur.
The wolven purred.
"That woman really puzzles me…" Toushirou said after a while.
Hyourinmaru looked up at Toushirou. "Tsukino Yuki?" he asked.
"Yes… there is something about her" Toushirou answered.
Hyourinmaru closed his eyes laying his head back to Toushirou's lap. "Maybe it's the bond both of you share… that calls your blood." he said.
"You mean we're connected because you are my Zanpaktou and her's is Hakuryuu who's your blood brother?" Toushirou said.
Hyourinmaru didn't respond.
Toushirou sighed. "That could be the answer. I am connected to her because you and her Zanpaktou are siblings." He said. "That's right." He said as he started to disappear in Hyourinmaru's dimension.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Minutes had passed since Toushirou had vanished in his realm before Hyourinmaru returned to his dragon state. 'We are just mirrors of your souls. We get connected because you were connected. Not only by memories but as well as blood.' Hyourinmaru thought.
'My young ward… there are so many more things in this screwed world you need to know…' he added.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Yuki appeared in front of Toushirou's room she opened the room's door slightly and held her palm. Powder particles come floating out of the young captain's room and into her hand, she smiled. "Sleep well Ototou-chan" she murmured before disappearing in the night.
'There are so many things in this world you cannot understand now… but you will when the time comes' she thought.
TO BE CONTINUED...