Konnichiwa, Minna-san!

DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING BUT THE FANCONCEPT OF MY FANFICTIONS.

More randomness at the end; as for now enjoy!

-x-X-x-

Locked In

'Failure', 'Fear'. In the lives we lead, these things are inevitable. How you deal with it, however, is your true test of character.

-x-X-x-

''Worsened?! What do you mean Miyuki's condition worsened?!'' I asked, bewildered. Natsume had just explained to us that the attempt has caused Miyuki's soul to be unstable, and that she was definitely in a critical situation. The reason for that reaction was because Miyuki rejected someone looking into her heart that is a 'stranger' to her- in other words Unohana. We were in her office, sitting on the visitor's sofa; the 4th division captain had just woken up and was in a resting room with Kotetsu. Ukitake and Soifon had left.

And what Natsume had told us came down at me like bricks.

''Exactly what I said, Hitsugaya!'' she said, annoyance clear in her voice. She ran a white-gloved hand trough her hair, sighing wearily. ''In any event, we need to redo it, it's now doubtlessly the only shot left!'' I gave her the deadliest glare I could muster. Even Matsumoto flinched, sitting too close next to my cold eyes.

''You mean you want to make a second attempt on a method that just made everything even worse?!'' I asked, unconsciously rising up a bit from my sitting position. She frowned in an annoyed manner.

''Damn straight, and you're comin' with me!'' My eyes were wide when those words left her mouth, ''Miyuki can only accept those who are close to her into her heart- Hitsugaya, that's a role I'm afraid only you are able to fulfil.'' She brought her hand back down on her lap as she gazed at me with serious eyes. ''Though I can't guarantee that you won't end up like Unohana... you're the best choice we've got. Flamel and I will need to calculate another formula for the transmutation circles; that'll take a few hours. After that everything will be set and ready.'' Natsume crossed her arms and gave me a hollow stare.

''This is the only way to save Miyuki. Its up to you now, Hitsugaya Toushirou.''

That was when I remembered what you call the emotion that was starting a storm within me.

It was 'Fear'.

I sighed as I re-ran that event in my head again. The first thing I did when I arrived in my office to 'prepare myself' was slumping into my chair. My fingers linked together and I leaned in. So many thoughts ran through my mind, but they all had something in common; they all revolved around Higurashi Miyuki.

I groaned as a violent headache attacked my forehead. I haven't been sleeping enough, but I had too much adrenaline in my veins to be tired. My head perked up when I saw a tea cup placed in front of me and I was surprised when I saw the one responsible was Matsumoto.

''Here. It'll help,'' she said. Muttering small thanks, I took a sip from the green tea, relishing the taste. ''...Are you okay, taichou?'' My hand slowly set the cup back on its usual spot on my desk. A sigh escaped my lips.

''...I don't know.'' I wasn't.

''Its okay to be scared.'' I twitched at her words, gritted my teeth and glared at her. All my bottled up frustration burst out.

''No, it's not 'okay'! How the hell can I save her like... like this?!'' I asked, gesturing myself. ''Tell me, Matsumoto, how?!'' That was a question not even my fukutaichou could answer. She didn't retort because she knew what I said was right, and that she was only saying pampering phrases like 'its okay' to make me feel better. I clasped a hand over my forehead, covering my eyes from view. ''How...?''

''Taichou...''

I wasn't an unrealistic person. I never allowed my mind to leave the boundaries of reality.

That was why I knew that in this state, there was no way I could save Miyuki.

-:-:-:-:-Critical Commitment-:-:-:-:-

To design and draw out the transmutation circles. Between two civilized, intelligent individuals, that shouldn't be a difficult task, right?

Yeah, that's what I thought too.

''YOU STUPID BRAT!!!'' Flamel yelled, sending a few documents flying. Apparently I angered her during the work; God knows what.

''WHO THE HELL ARE YA CALLIN' A STUPID BRAT, YA SENILE COW?!'' My retort was just as loud as her yell, but soon her green eyes narrowed to slits and she gave me a glare that could wipe out whole of Soul Society.

There was a crash, there was a boom, and then there was silence.

''Let me give you a piece of advice; DON'T call me old.''

We were in Flamel's room, one of the guest chambers of the 1st Division. There was no reason to lodge in Unohana's office if there's nothing for her to do, and Flamel decided her room for the attempt. The chamber was large with a big bed, big table, big chair, and pretty much big everything. All was in perfect order, as if nothing was ever touched. Unlike Miyuki's room- her sense of tidiness was nonexistent. It's impossible to walk into her room without stepping on a random clothing or paper. Scratch that; it looked like Zaraki went on a rampage in it. I sighed when I finished the last stroke of the circle I was supposed to make on the floor. Raising the black-inked paintbrush and stood.

''Flamel, it's done,'' I said, throwing the brush to my side with a careless expression, knowing that Flamel was there. Her hand swiftly caught it, her expression mirroring mine. Her head tilted to one side to see me walking towards her. ''Are you sure its okay to just doodle on floors which don't belong to you?'' I asked. She shrugged.

''It's fine. Worse comes the worse I'll get rid of it with alchemy,'' she said before staring at me with furrowed eyebrows. ''...Why did you give the chisan more time than necessary?'' I sat on her couch and looked at her with bored eyes.

'' 'Cause he needs to snap outta his little boohoo phase. But mostly was that I thought you'd be uselessly lame,'' I said. Well, at least I wasn't completely lying. She glared at me as she set the two brushes on the table and sat on the other end of the couch, crossing her arms at me.

''Funny. I was thinking the same about you ...and to be frank my estimation was quite right.'' My eye twitched in anger, and I jumped up, my fist shaking as I gave her an insane grin.

''Whad'ya say?! Ya wanna piece o' me?!'' I asked, and she stood up. We both stood in aggravated positions, both giving each other threatening grins and leers.

''As if you're worth my trouble!'' she yelled, her fists rising.

''HAH! I eat people like ya fer breakfast!''

''LETS SEE ABOUT THAT, YOU WEAKLING!''

''WANNA TAKE IT OUTSIDE THEN, YA OLD HAG?!''

''WHO DID YOU JUST CALL AN OLD HAG?! AND YEAH, WE'LL TAKE IT OUTSIDE ALRIGHT, JUST LET ME THROW YOU OUT THE WINDOW FIRST!!!''

''DON' MAKE ME LAUGH; YA CAN'T EVEN LIFT A PEN WITHOUT STRUGGLIN'!!!''

''I'M GOING TO TRANSMUTE YOUR SORRY ASS!!!''

''LIKE THAT'S GONNA HAPPEN!!!''

*CRASH*

''WHY YOU LITTLE-!''

''BET ITS HARD TA CATCH A TIGHT ASS LIKE MINE WITH YER SAGGY ONE!!!''

''LOOKS LIKE YOU GOT TOO BUSY WITH BOOBS, WAIST AND ASS INSTEAD OF YOUR THIGHS! EVEN I COULD FIT IN THERE!!!'' That particular sentence made my ears perk and a pulse run through my head.

''THAT'S IT! IMMA KEEL YOU!!!''

We obviously didn't notice the two officers eyeing the closed doors, sweating nervously. Or when they shivered as they heard our battle cries, and jumped to hug each other for dear life as they heard the explosions and earthquakes from the room.

''T-They're monsters...!''

We opened the door, glaring at both with murderous intent.

''SHUT THE HELL UP! WE'RE HAVING PHYSICAL ISSUES!!!'' We yelled in unison.

''Eep! Yes, ma'ams!''

-:-:-:-:-Frozen Passion-:-:-:-:-

''Hinamori!'' After my exclaimation, Hinamori's head perked up to see my face. She was leaning against a fence, looking at the mid-day view of Seireitei. Surprise became evident on my face; this was the first time I've seen her since the whole mess started. I felt slightly ashamed that I had forgotten about her during the uproar. That pair of brown eyes was wide when she looked at me, and slowly, she opened her mouth to speak.

''Hitsugaya...kun...'' she said. My expression must've been something between a smile and a frown. She looked so exhausted. I had another hour left until we start the procedure; there was time for me to spend with my childhood friend. My arms crossed inside my sleeves as I walked towards her.

''How are you doing? Are you sure you're well enough to walk around?'' I asked, not wanting to directly imply Aizen's betrayal. She gave me a weak smile.

''I'm all better now!''

''Souka? Yokatta,''—'You don't look alright, dumbass.' She smiled at me, but she soon lowered her head.

''You know? I've said 'I'm sorry' more times this week than my whole life... and I still don't think that it was enough,'' she said, ''I don't think that it could ever be enough...'' A look of mild surprise crossed my face when I saw her shaking slightly. ''I'm sorry, Hitsugaya-kun! I doubted you... I w-wounded Miyuki... I... I'm so sorry...!''

''It wasn't your fault,'' I said and she twitched, as if she was shocked.

''But... I attacked Miyuki! I was prepared to kill her! I would've if you hadn't stop me in time, Hitsugaya-kun!'' she said as she tilted her head back up to look at me, disapproval clear on her face.

''I know, and I'm very pissed off at you for that, Hinamori!'' She flinched at my outburst, her eyes showing hurt and guilt. My glare instantly faded and I sighed. ''But that doesn't mean that I didn't forgive you.'' I leaned on the fence, a few feet next to her and looked out in the view as well. I heard a few sniffles coming from my friend and saw her wiping her eyes from the corner of my view.

''Arigato... Arigato, Hitsugaya-kun!'' she said, and I smiled slightly.

''Whatever. Just go back to bed and get rid of those bags under your eyes. Not to mention you still look like a kid, you need sleep if you want to grow.'' I didn't need to turn and look to know that she blinked in stupefied surprise. ''Take a look at Matsumoto; you'll need to sleep ten years straight if you want to catch up with her.'' I said with bored eyes, still looking out at Seireitei. I felt a clear vibration on the ground when she jumped up tall, waving her arms about in protest.

''U-Urusei na! Besides, you're not really in the position to lecture people about growing, Hitsugaya-kun!'' she yelled, her arms over her head.

''Hinamori!'' I yelled and she cringed. ''I'm getting tired of repeating myself.'' I smirked when I turned to look up at her. '' 'Hitsugaya-kun' ja naku tte, 'Hitsugaya-taichou' da. (It's not -kun, it's captain)'' She blinked at me a few times before she soften her expression to a smile.

''...You need to sleep yourself, you look even worse,'' she said. I looked out at Seireitei again. I mentally frowned. Was she right?

''Can't. I have... something to do.'' I didn't think that telling her about Miyuki's current condition would be a good idea. But I was shocked by Hinamori's response, which made that concern of mine disappear.

''You're going to go save Miyuki, aren't you?'' I looked at her with raised eyebrows.

''How do you...?''

''Natsume-dono told me.'' I blinked at her, unable to hide my surprise. ''I went over to see if you were in your office, but she was there instead.''

''By the sound of it, you already know the wench,'' I said grumpily, crossing my arms. Just thinking about that person just made me ticked off by reflex.

''You shouldn't call people names like that, Shiro-chan!'' My eyes narrowed in annoyance and I scowled.

''I can call anyone whatever I want!'' Brown irises eyed me sternly, and I knew that her big-sister treatment was about to come. She surprised me when she sighed with what seems defeat and leaned on the fence as she looked out at the view.

''Natsume-dono and Rangiku-san told me that you aren't doing well with this... situation,'' she said and my eyes gaze out on the view of Seireitei.

''Is that so?'' I asked, indifference in my voice.

''Hitsugaya-kun...'' Her voice trailed off, telling me that she was willing to listen. And in a standpoint like this... there was no one other than her who would understand me.

''This is my last chance to bring her back, Hinamori, and I... I can't afford to fail her again, I really can't.'' My hand balled to a fist. ''One mistake, and Miyuki...''

''You're really scared, aren't you, Hitsugaya-kun?'' Hinamori asked, but her tone seemed to be stating that as a fact more than a question. I smirked bitterly.

''Who wouldn't be?'' After those words left my mouth, Hinamori placed a hand on my head, stroking it slightly- as she used to do when I was a very young child. I twitched in surprise and was about to snap at her, but her words stopped me.

''Do you remember what Oba-chan used to say when we were small?'' she asked with a distant tone, as if she was remembering the old days. Days where we didn't suffer like this.

'' 'Never think that you'll fail.' Its not 'Will I be able to save her?' or, 'Will I be able to protect her?'. Its 'I will definitely save her' and 'I will definitely protect her'.'' I was surprised when I did remember this saying from my grandmother.

''But that's stupid, Baa-chan!'' I said, looking up my grandmother as a child. Her smile never wavered and I crossed my arms. ''If you don't plan for failure, how can you improvise? No one can do anything right in the first go!'' Obaa-chan laid a soft hand on my head, patting it slightly.

''I didn't say 'never expect to fail', did I, Toushirou?'' she said with a wise voice. I narrowed my eyes in annoyance at the old woman. ''The mindset is the most vital influence we have for our ambitions.''

A frown crossed my eyebrow as I saw her looking over her shoulder to the kitchen after Hinamori's yell.

''Oba-chan! Where's the nattou?''

The old woman smiled slightly. ''I'll come and show you, its in a hard place to find since your outouto (little brother) hides them all the time,'' she said, eyeing me with a cheeky glint. My mouth twitched in annoyance. For a grandmother, she was more than energetic. My eyes followed her as she stood up and walked out of the room.

''The mindset is the most vital influence we have for our ambitions...'' I recited, and shook my head, my hand scratching the back of it. ''The hag's going senile.''

''I know that this doesn't sound like me, but...'' Hinamori's voice jerked me back to the present. ''But I think that this is what Miyuki would've said.'' I blinked and a small smile crossed my lips. She was right; it was something which would've easily left Miyuki's mouth. I scoffed softly when I felt confidence within me starting to flicker again, and I felt like a fool. Gaining trust in myself too easily.

I thought that I had grown up, become more complex, more difficult to get through. But I haven't.

I haven't grown at all since then.

My eyes narrowed in annoyance when I realized how much that implied on my height. But I soon shook it off.

Slowly my hand travelled up and smacked Hinamori's hands off gently. ''I already know that, bed-wetter. Quit patting my head.'' My eyes wonder up to the skies. A question I wanted to ask for a while now came out. ''How's Baa-chan?''

''She's doing just as fine, as always. She also sent her love to you,'' she said, ''And Obaa-chan seemed to be very fond of Miyuki.'' Just by hearing her voice, it was obvious that she was smiling. ''I think that I'll drag Miyuki along again next time!''

''...I'll...'' I swallowed the lump in my throat, slightly embarrassed, ''I'll come, too.'' Hinamori jumped slightly and looked at me with incredulous eyes.

''...You'll what?'' I glared at her with narrowed eyes.

''No way am I saying it again,'' I said. She giggled and I had to suppress a groan of annoyance.

''Are you that eager to introduce Miyuki as your bride to obaa-chan already, Shiro-chan?'' I could feel a blush creeping on my cheeks and my eyes narrowed at her. She leaned to torture me with that grin of hers.

''Hurry and wake Miyuki up! We need to prepare everything!''

''Get out of my face or I will hurt you.''

Arigato... Hinamori.

--

I was walking through the unfamiliar hall of the 1st division, my lieutenant behind me. Hinamori wanted to come as well, but I had convinced her that it would be best for her to go back and get some rest. As we got closer to Flamel's room I noticed that the number of members to walk past in the hallway became decreased. I walked past two shinigami, who were seemingly terrified.

''Do you think that it's safe to walk around yet?''

''I'm not moving anywhere until there's proof that I won't get killed.''

''Come on! The ryoka haven't even left yet, and we've already got another factor to be scared shitless over!''

I frowned as I looked at them from the corner of my eye, confused of what they were talking about. There were no alarms, so it couldn't have been a serious uproar, but their behaviour was quite distracting. Down the hall there was a door slid wide open, Natsume had her arms crossed and was leaning against the frame.

''Well, you took long enough!'' she said when she looked up at us, a scowl on her face. I glared at her.

''Don't talk as if I arrived later than you told me to,'' I said and she scoffed. Matsumoto and I soon came up beside her, with a push from her leg she stood properly on her legs, not leaning anymore. Her emerald eyes bored into mine, and I narrowed them in scepticism. It was as though she was searching for something, looking for something. A small smirk crossed her lips.

''You're ready,'' was all she said.

With that, she turned and walked into the room. A frown creased my eyebrows, but I followed her into the room, and I could quite literally feel Matsumoto's grin. Flamel was standing in the middle of the array, her arms crossed as she looked at me with indifferent eyes. ''Huh, I'm actually surprised that he showed up.'' I scowled at the woman's words, and returned the cold look before crossing my arms in my sleeves.

''What the hell did you two do? The whole division thinks that monsters have infiltrated in their headquarters. Though... they aren't too far off.'' I felt the corner of my mouth twitching upwards for a slit-second when I saw Flamel giving me a horrific glare.

''You seem just fine to me,'' she said. Natsume walked over to the array an sat next to where Flamel was standing. Exactly the same fashion as she did when she tried the first time with Unohana. As soon as I took a step, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and saw Matsumoto was looking down at me with a small smile.

''Gambatte, Taichou. (do your best/good luck)''

I blinked. But soon nodded and she retreated her hand. My head turned to look ahead again and I walked towards the array. I sat down in front of her in the circle like Unohana previously, and had to force myself to take a deep breath before I looked up into Natsume's eyes.

''We improved the formula of this circle, so it should be easier for you to break open the barrier,'' Flamel said, her arms falling limb on her side. ''Just shout like you did last time and I'll transfer my reiryoku, Natsume.'' The black-haired nodded, and even though I was curious, I didn't question her; we had other things to worry about rather than me learning alchemic terms. Flamel sighed and raised her hands before asking one final thing.

''All set?''

I could feel Natsume's eyes hardening at me, and I just returned the glare.

''Yes.''

I could hear Flamel inhale sharply and her chanting in a language I couldn't understand. As her voice boomed, my head turned to the side to glance at my fukutaichou, who gave me a supportive grin and winked. I narrowed my eyes at her, knowing that was one of her teases. But to be honest, I was happy to feel this annoyed sensation in my mind. It gave me confidence. I returned my head to look at those emerald eyes. Soon, it instinctively turned into a leer.

Our eyes held a glaring match.

Not because of the fact that we hated each other.

But because it was a habit.

However, there was a mutual understanding between us.

Miyuki.

''-Scatter!'' before I could make out that last word leaving Flamel's mouth, she clapped her hands together and smacked them against the floor- on the arrays. The same, white-flame coloured light engulfed us. I saw Natsume closing her eyes, tilting her head down. And I felt an enormous tug in my soul. Darkness consumed me, and then blinding light. When I opened my eyes again, I saw Natsume in front of me, flouting, her arms crossed. We were in essence, surrounded by nothing but black.

''Come,'' she said, turning around and flying towards a certain direction. I followed her, my heart pumping furiously in my chest. Shock was apparent on my face when I saw a faint glow- as we came closer, I realized that Miyuki inside a light grey barrier.

''Miyuki!'' I called, picking up speed to fly over to the barrier. Just when I was about to lay my hand on the surface, Natsume's voice stopped me.

''Don't touch it!''

I retreated my hand and saw Natsume coming up next to me. ''Flamel!'' she yelled out suddenly and I blinked in confusion. But soon crimson sparks filled the air around the barrier and she tilted her head to the side to look at me with serious eyes.

''When I put my hand on the barrier, you'll need to follow the suit... no matter what, don't let go.'' she said, and I nodded in understanding. She returned her gaze to the girl in the barrier and laid a hand on the surface, and I did as well. I could feel lightning rushing through my body as soon as my hand made contact with that glass-like barrier. The barrier started to glow brightly, making me having to squint my eyes.

It was as if I was being pushed away.

Miyuki...

I gritted my teeth and pushed my hand in harder. My eyes flashed with determination.

...I have no intentions of abandoning you.

This time, Miyuki, I'll...

''...I'll definitely protect you!''

And I was engulfed by light.

I could see Miyuki in a void of white. Her back faced me and her long hair waved along with that white dress she wore. I reached a hand out for her, and tired to call out her name, but nothing came out of my mouth. My voice was mute.

All I could do was watch her standing there, alone. I never saw her face. Yet I knew that it was Miyuki.

A strong wind went by us, that first past her before it reached me. My eyes widened when I felt droplets hitting my cheek and I raised my hand to touch them.

Tears.

I frowned.

Miyuki's tears.

--

''FOR THE LOVE OF YAHOO, WAKE UP!''

My eyes snapped open and I instantly shot up to sit upright. I saw Natsume standing next to me, her arms crossed and her expression ticked off. I rubbed my temple and observed our surrounding area. We seemed to be in a facility of some sort. The walls were dull and grey in the room we were in. No windows. A bed. A sink. And a door.

As my eyes trailed I saw a young girl with short, black hair crouched down in a corner of the room. I recognised that white dress she was wearing- identical to the one I saw Miyuki having on.

''Who is that girl?'' I stood up next to Natsume. She turned her head for her gaze to rest on the girl. Her eyes flickered for a moment.

''That's...Miyuki as a child,'' she said and I was shocked when I heard that. Though when she lifted her head up from her arms, I could see those amethyst eyes brimming with tears.

The child, Miyuki, looked pitiful. She was shivering and sobbing, making me frown deeply. Even if this wasn't the Miyuki I knew, I still... ''What's the meaning of this?'' I asked, my gaze never averting from Miyuki's trembling form. Natsume sighed and I heard her steps on the ground as she walked towards one of the walls.

''Looking into someone's heart can take on many forms. In Miyuki's case, it's her past we are looking at,'' she said and I looked at her over my shoulder. ''We're not visible to anyone nor can be make an influence because it's a mere memory.''

I narrowed my eyes and looked at Miyuki again, my eyebrows knitted. Slowly I walked towards Miyuki and my hand reached out to touch her head- but it only went through it instead. I narrowed my eyes further as I retreated my hand, clenching it to a fist.

This really was just a memory.

''Most likely we'll be seeing the events she has the most problems with. The ones she remembers most,'' Natsume said. ''During that time, we have to reach the real Miyuki.''

''What do we do until then?'' I asked as I turned to look at her over my shoulder. I saw Natsume closing her eyes.

''It might be hard for you, but...'' she opened them again, her eyes showing a serene glint. Something I have never seen before in her eyes. ''...We'll have to watch.''

A look of horror crossed my face, and I was about to open my mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a knock on the door.

''ZeroZero-chan? Its time to play now...'' a male voice said, and I saw Miyuki tilting her head up to look at the door. She flinched, and dug her nails into her thighs, nails which I knew she wouldn't have in the future...

The door opened, and two men in white over-coats walked in. I found their attire strange, but it must've been the fashion in the real world. Their sick smirks and grins never flicked, only making Miyuki widen her eyes further in horror. I gritted my teeth and ran in front of Miyuki, gripping my Hyourinmaru's tilt, not drawing it yet. They didn't show any signs of even noticing me as they came closer.

''Don't you dare touch her, or I'll-'' My threat was cut off by their hands reaching through me and then pulling Miyuki up. Pure shock was evident on my face when I saw the young girl going right through me. My eyes followed her as she was dragged towards the door.

''No, no, no...! Please, no more!'' Her pleas only made their grins wider, and she clenched her eyes shut as tears flew out.

''You know we can't do that, Miyuki-chan~''

That's right...

...This was only a memory...

...There was absolutely nothing I could do.

I clenched my hands to a tight fist, my knuckles turned white. ''Kuso...(shit)'' I cursed through gritted teeth. Natsume looked away, also fighting a tough battle in herself.

''Needless to say...'' She turned to look at me with her hard eyes.

''This is Miyuki's memory of Wahrheit.''

-Owari-

A/N: I'm going to have to rush on this, because I have to go somewhere XD

Okay, first off - the next chapters will be psychological and horror orientated. There will be character deaths - but only my OCs, so no worries there XP

You have been warned!

27 Reviews! ! ! Thank you all so much! I write only for you!!!

And a special thanks to my beta, Dragon of Twilight!

I hope that you'll all continue reviewing!

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Review, review, REVIEW!!!

.Jibun no Omoi
Ones Memories.