Let's see what you think about this then…

I am truly sorry, but I have not been able to even think about writing for a while now, especially this story. However, all you readers deserve to get a proper ending, and therefore I hope that this will suit you.

Until the next time I write a story you might want to read.

Chapter 14 – The Road to Recovery

Toshiro was sitting in bed, this was the morning after his first try at getting up himself. Hinamori had left for a short while, after a lot of persuasion on Toshiro's side. She had duties, and the young taicho did not wish to be the cause of her lagging behind on them.

For the first time since he woke up Toshiro had the time to sit completely alone and talk to Hyourinmaru. It did not matter how often he consulted in the dragon, it was always something refreshing and soothing to have him there.

He was now sitting at the edge of the bed with the sword resting in the crook of his arm, the handle was in his hair and the shaft crossed his torso. If anybody had walked in, it could have seemed as if he was cuddling with a teddy bear.

Do not be afraid, little one. You are gaining strength rapidly, I am sure you will be able to get out of here soon. The dragon tried to calm the young taicho down, he had hit a little wall after last night's failure.

I only have two months, Hyourinmaru. When those months are up I have to be back at work. I need to protect Seireitei. What if it is more of those monsters out there? Toshiro asked, worry obvious in his voice.

The dragon let more of his cold seep out of the sword, letting the room grow chilly. By doing this he hoped to be able to calm his master down. Thank you.

Now, you will rest for a short while and then you can try again. You were able to get out of bed, you just need to be able to stand and take a few steps. I am positive that some rest and a colder environment will be good for you, little one.

Toshiro slept, but not for too long. The young taicho was to determined to lie in bed all day and when he woke he decided to try again, saying that the cold had helped and he felt his strength return. I think that some real fresh air in the gardens would to me good, Hyourinmaru. But I am afraid I will not be allowed unless I sneak out or prove that I can walk there myself.

You might be right about walking in nature, young master. I do know you appreciate the outside. We can find a remote area and freeze it to your liking. The dragon said, smiling a bit at the thought of getting out of the little room. If you are able to walk the way yourself, you can hold the sword. Some energy will be drawn, but I do know that you also feel stronger with it in your hand when the cold courses through you.

Reaching for the sword and getting out of bed Toshiro made his way to the door and rested for a short while, making sure his breath was controlled. He could feel the dragon growing worried. I am fine, Hyourinmaru. Just taking a second to feel how it all is.

When Toshiro felt ready to walk again he opened the door and looked up and down the corridor before hurrying to the exit to the gardens. Toshiro knew that most of the garden was monitored, but there was a little corner hidden by the building that was very rarely visited. That will be a nice place for you little one. Not only hidden by the building, but also by several plants. It should be no trouble for us to freeze the area without attracting unwanted attention.

Toshiro had to move slowly, but still trying to keep a tempo that did not attract too much unwanted attention. When he finally was able to reach the small patch of the garden that was well hidden and drew the sword out of its hilt. Toshiro made sure he had a good grip before he allowed the cold to seep from the katana, through him and to his surroundings. When he opened his eyes and allowed his posture to slump he saw a beautiful winter wonderland in front of him.

Well then, I have a feeling you would agree to start with meditation to strengthen the mind. He could feel the dragon's support as he entered the meditation position and lay Hyourinmaru across his lap. Then let us begin.

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"I need you to follow me." Toshiro said as he approached Ichigo. As he turned he noticed Hinamori and gave her a sign to follow him as well. It was six weeks since Toshiro had woken up in the hospital and was now able to walk around with only the support of one crutch.

"Sure!" Ichigo answered and followed the white-haired taicho to his remote area of the gardens. When they arrived Toshiro turned towards him again and looked at him for a few seconds before speaking. "Draw your sword. Don't ask questions, just draw your sword and get into your stands."

As he spoke Toshiro had taken his own katana from the hilt. Are you ready little one? I feel ready to let my power flow again. Toshiro let a little hidden smirk cross his lips, a sure sign that the young taicho was ready for a fight.

At first it looked like Ichigo would go against Toshiro's wishes, but before he could voice his concern the taicho cut across him once again. "The crutch is just for show so that the other shinigami won't bother me about my recovery. I am not a cripple, so now can you please attack me. Or do you want me to start."

When it stilled looked like Ichigo wanted to protest, Hinamori stepped in. "Believe me. Toshiro would not ask you to do something he was not sure he was ready for. I know he can handle this, I know he can walk without support and I know you are making it worse for yourself by not doing as he says."

After this Ichigo finally gave a little nod, drew his katana and charged at the white-haired shinigami. It was too late when he understood just how much power Hitsugaya Toshiro had regained.

It was a mistake he would regret, if not only for the sake of his own ego.

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All the taicho of Seireitei, except Hitsugaya Toshiro, were gathered at a meeting to discuss these new creatures that had shown up. None of the taicho felt confident about bringing Hitsugaya back at his post yet, not even this meeting. Even though they all knew that the taicho's statement would be invaluable.

The group had barley started the meeting before the doors opened and Hitsugaya walked, straight backed and with a purpose, in and sat himself down in his chair. The other captain started at him for a while before anyone spoke. "Shiro-chan," Ukitake started. "How are you able to walk?"

Your colleagues truly do underestimate you, little one. It is almost sad, after all this time. The dragon spoke. Do not worry, Hyourinmaru. I have grown quite used to it by now.

"I have done my own physical therapy to be able to return to my post by the two month mark of my awakening. I have been able to keep this promise to myself and my squad, and this is my first official day back."

Once again it was a silence in the room, and quite a few stunned faces. "Now, we need to get this meeting started. I am the only one of us who knows how to deal with these monsters and you will need my knowledge to be able to handle the rest that might come our way."

All would do good in not underestimating you, master. However, they seem to be unable to grasp it.

Maybe it is for the best Hyourinmaru. It has given me the upper hand more than once.

THE END

I would like to thank all of you that have followed this story and hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. It is strange to end it, but it is really for the best.

Thank you for all support and ideas.

Mizuryu