Deep Set
What if Aizen's plan all along didn't involve Orihime? What if all he wanted to do was lure two powerful shinigami onto his side? He figured it out all he had to do was kidnap one small child.
Disclaimer- I do not own bleach or any of its characters.
Chapter Three- Unfortunate Recall
Aizen was pleased. Gin could feel it emanating from him like a beacon, and he was not hiding it either a wide grin adorned his features as he continued to stare fixated at the large door on the other side of the room. Gin and Tousen had been summoned to his side awhile ago, both wondering what on earth they where there for. With there features masking there confused status they too idly watched the end doors along with Aizen waiting for them to open.
In the end they didn't open or at least none of the three waiting in the room had sharp enough eyes to see Ulquiorra open the door before appearing in the middle of the room using sonido, Gin took in Ulquiorra's appearance then he noticed the limp body hanging from his right hand. Gin frowned under his hair wondering what on earth was going on.
"I have the girl Aizen-sama" announced Ulquiorra speaking only to Aizen and ignoring the other two in the room and holding Karin up so Aizen could see, Karin's head lolled forwards indicating to the others in the room she was clearly unconscious.
Gin was about to interrupt the exchange between Aizen and Ulquiorra but Tousen beat him to it,
"What girl?" He stated stepping forwards towards where Ulquiorra stood "I was not informed of any capture mission", Gin took this opportunity to join in as well,
"Neither was I" Gin stated stepping forward as well to get a proper look at the girl, she was human that much he could tell but she looked rather young. Questions began buzzing round Gin's head as to what Aizen might possibly be planning that involved such a small child.
"No need to fret gentlemen" Aizen started snapping Gin out of his thoughts to focus his attention onto him, "I was planning to inform you of the goings on once I was sure they where going to happen" he paused to stand up from his overly large chair, "No use telling you every plan I have when nearly all never work out" He stopped in front of Ulquiorra who handed him Karin willingly looking happy to be rid of her from his hand.
"However this one has" he grinned manically before turning round to show Karin to the others, "Gentlemen meet Kurosaki Karin"
---
Having first dropped of his body of at his bedroom Ichigo had followed Hitsugaya to Orihime's house hopping from rooftop to rooftop on there journey. Ichigo still deep in thought and worry as to his sister whereabouts he almost forgot to stop when the reached the destination and had to quickly sidestep to avoid crashing into the smaller shinigami. Hitsugaya seemingly unaware of Ichigo's close call hopped down from the roof to enter the flat Ichigo close behind.
Heading inside Ichigo saw all of the team had gathered inside Orihime's home and were crowded in front of the giant TV he watched the static showing on it in silence from the doorway of the room lost on the fuzz of the black and white he blanked out what was going on in the room. Voices became just a slight buzzing in the back of his head before a hand on his shoulder brought him out of it,
"Kurosaki-Kun?" Questioned Orihime looking inquiringly up at him, Ichigo shrugged her hand away he had no time for her concern right now
"Why am I here?" he asked sighing and rubbing his head, "I kinda have some family issues right now" he told them all pulling his eyes away from the huge screen to focus more on the people in the room.
"That is exactly why your here" Started Hitsugaya who Ichigo noticed was now on the other side of the room next to Matsumoto, "There is no easy way to tell you this Kurosaki but-"
"Kurosaki Ichigo" A loud voice cut across Hitsugaya's explanation as Yamamoto's face appeared on the large screen TV. Ichigo's eyes flicked from Hitsugaya's face to the blown up wrinkled face that was Yamamoto.
"Yes, that's me" He replied keeping his gaze steady unlike his mind which was racing with possibilities he noticed out the corner of his eye as he spoke everyone else in the room bow respectively at the commander.
Yamamoto opened his eyes wider to survey the orange haired teen and the rest of the small room that was filled with shinigami, "I'm afraid this is not good news" began Yamamoto resting more of his weight onto his large carved staff, "I have been informed by Hitsugaya-Taicho that your younger sibling was at the site of a known arrancar last night", The older man gauged Ichigo's initial reaction before continuing he noted the teens eyes go wider but before he got the chance to speak Yamamoto continued on,
"We believe she has been killed"
Hitsugaya shot Yamamoto a half glare at that, 'We indeed' he thought sarcastically before his vision was suddenly orange in colour, blinking in shock and to focus on what was in front of him he saw Ichigo mere inches from his face not looking very happy. Expecting him to have been upset by the news Hitsugaya was rather surprised to see him looking angry but keeping his usual mask in place Hitsugaya did not show his surprise,
"How did you know it was her" he snarled at Hitsugaya's face, not that he wouldn't have done the same to the commander but Hitsugaya was the one currently he could get his hands on. He watched as Hitsugaya's face fell and he dug into his pocket and pulled out a bandage.
"I found this next to the site where a gateway to huenco-mundo was found" He handed it to Kurosaki who's anger had suddenly vanished after getting a look at it so he added as an afterthought, "I'm sorry Kurosaki"
The room watched as Kurosaki stared at the bandage, He knew he was awful at sensing reatsu but he somehow knew this had been his sisters, even if only for a short while. He took in the Kurosaki clinic logo inked onto in every so couple of centimetres, his stupid fathers idea so people could tell when other people had been treated there instead of Ishida's dads place. He seemed to stare at it for an age before turning back to Yamamoto with a determined look on his face,
"You say she was killed." He stared straight into the older mans eyes at this, "Where's the proof?" he started, "Who's to say she hasn't been taken to huenco-mundo? Who's to say she's still out there somewhere just hurt?"
Yamamoto's expression did not change as he watched the teen ramble upon possibilities that he had deemed improbable. The siblings of Kurosaki were of know concern to him and besides if she had been the victim of kidnapping by Aizen he would have heard about it from his inside link but as of late he had heard nothing and guessed upon hearing Hitsugaya-Taicho's report that the girl had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Cutting across Ichigo's ramble which was getting increasingly louder he decided to put a stop to the non-sense,
"Kurosaki!" spoke Yamamoto in a commanding tone which silenced the substitute shinigami from speaking anymore. Yamamoto shot him a look to check he was going to stay silent before continuing. "I am recalling all members of Hitsugaya-Taicho's team..." But before he could finish Ichigo cut in again.
"What about my sister!?" Ichigo began to yell directly at the screen and Yamamoto knew if he had been in the room he would have felt the air rush that would have caused. But before Ichigo could yell more at the commander he felt an arm across his stomach hold him back, looking down he saw the small white haired Taicho,
"I would like to stay to investigate the strange happenings that have been going on" Hitsugaya started. He did not directly want to tell the commander he wanted to stay behind to help Kurosaki find his sister he had a feeling the commander would say a direct no instantly to that without even thinking about it.
"What happenings?" Asked Yamamoto
"You read my report I assume?" Hitsugaya shot back hoping to catch the commander of guard, he knew he did often not get round to reading all the reports. Hitsugaya always had a sneaking suspicion all the paperwork aside from important documents were sent the way of 11th squad to be used as scrap paper for Yachiru-Fukutaicho's many plans and drawings. After he had been given a drawing of himself (which if he was honest looked more like one of them snow creatures humans built in winter) and on the back of the sheet was a report from last week he had sent of to first squad.
"I did" Yamamoto frowned, "The strange happenings are no concern of Soul Society's at the moment a lower level shinigami will be sent once a proper defensive perimeter can be established" Hitsugaya noticed the slight nod he gave after that sentence of to the side of the screen. Hitsugaya frowned wondering who he could be nodding to when a rustle of clothes next to him made him turn his head to the taller shinigami he had stopped earlier from yelling too much at the commander,
"If everyone's going back to soul society, and I'm guessing here the invitation does not extend to me could you least tell me how to get to huenco-mundo?"The answer as to whether my sister is dead or alive is there and I'm going no matter what you say" Ichigo glared at the commander at the last bit as though daring him to try to persuade him otherwise.
Yamamoto paused slightly before continuing, "No, I will not tell you how, you are needed to protect Kurakura town, and it is after all the town that Aizen is after"
Ichigo scowled at the old man and was about to say something more before a Raven haired shinigami cut across him.
"I cannot follow your orders sir" Started Rukia moving forward to stand next to Ichigo, "I cannot return to soul society when I know Karin is in danger"
Yamamoto sighed why did everyone have to be so loyal to the substitute, First Hitsugaya who he had not expected it from had tried to trick him into letting him stay and now a refusal from Kuchiki's younger sister whatever next,
"I predicted your negation so I prepared beforehand so you would have no choice" and as if on cue Yamamoto watched as the gateway opened to reveal the two taicho's, Kenpactchi and Byakuya.
Hitsugaya frowned, Yamamoto had certainly picked the two Taicho's well. Neither could be negotiated with and if you picked a fight Kenpatchi would probably after cackling with glee nearly kill you, and Byakuya's shunpo was not matched by any other captain no mind other shinigami so running was not an option. Which Hitsugaya had a thought everyone in the room was thinking about doing before he appeared. Looking about the people around him Hitsugaya took in the looks on there faces and saw none were happy about returning. He imagined if given the chance all would have stood up for Ichigo and refused to come back even if not to help him find his sister.
Watching everyone's expression become dejected as one by one they entered the gateway as hell butterfly's appeared for them all. He and Rukia were the last to go through as she had stayed to say goodbye to Ichigo but a sort of grunt from Kenpatchi's direction made them step though.
---
Ichigo watched as they all left barley hearing Rukia's goodbye. He knew what Hitsugaya had been trying to do and he guessed at the time by Yamamoto's reply that he did too. Rukia's attempt might have worked as well if it had not been for there company home.
"Kurosaki-Kun?" a voice cut through the silence of the room, and Ichigo blinked and focused in on Orihime who he had completely forgotten was there
"Hey Inoe" he greeted, and not able to think about what else to say held up his arm, "Thanks for the healing by the way, good as new like always", he smiled weakly wondering silently in the back oh his mind what on earth he was going to do.
"Oh no problem" squeaked Orihime closing her eyes and rubbing the back of her neck slightly in embarrassment at the thanks, Opening her eyes again she saw Ichigo's distress and distant look in his eyes deciding to distract him a bit from his current predicament,
"I'm going to go to Urahara's in awhile... before I go do you want anything to eat?"
Food always distracted her and she got hopeful when Ichigo's eyes lit up and he seemed to snap out for his distressed like state
"Urahara! That's it!" he exclaimed snapping his fingers at the same time, "Inoe your a genius" and with a flash of Shunpo Orihime was all alone in her apartment.
---
Meanwhile in Soul Society
When they all arrived in Soul Society after the quick run most of the party shunpo'ed away, Renji remained behind awhile longer than the others but was sent away by a directed glare from his Taicho. Hitsugaya continued to watch as the 11th squad members leisurely strolled in the direction of there squad Kenpatchi leading the way his hair was still visible over the top of a building before vanishing behind a taller building. Hitsugaya nodded to the two remaining people outside the gate, noting Rukia's determined expression and Byakuya's slight show of irritation he concluded that an argument was probably about to start so shunpo'ed away toward his own squad building.
Landing outside the building his quick arrival stirred the dust that had settled in front of his and Matsumoto's office an indication no-one had been there for quite some time. He inwardly sighed with slight frustration, he should have known she would be straight of to find Kira or Hitsagi, his watch over her in the real world was quite rigid she must have taken the first opportunity to get away and get some sake down her.
Deciding that he was not quite calm enough to complete the amount of paperwork that was waiting behind that door he thoughts travelled toward 4th Squad and a patient there he hadn't seen since he had left for the real world. Shunpo'ing again he headed in the direction of his old friend, Momo
Arriving at the entrance to 4th squad, there building was the biggest but that was to be expected as in times of crisis the walls had to hold all the sick and injured. Heading inside Hitsugaya decided not to bother Unohana or her luitenant and head straight to Momo's room. He knew she would still be in 4th Squad as after a meeting with Yamamoto some time ago about her health she was declared unfit for duty until after Aizen's defeat as her emotional ties were to strong towards him. Hitsugaya also thought the old man might know something about her that he didn't but he was sneaky that way and never let anything slip he didn't want to.
Knocking on the door he waited politely for an indication as to whether he could come in or not. Not hearing a reply he was about to leave when he saw the door open slightly with a soft creak and saw Momo's eyes staring back at him.
"Shiro-chan" she cried and promptly hugged him causing a vein to pop somewhere in his head, trying not to show his discomfort too much as he hadn't seen her in awhile he merely stood there in her embrace muttering a sort-of hi back.
"Your back from the real world" grinned Momo releasing Hitsugaya who sighed slightly with relief,
"Hn" motioned Hitsugaya seeing that as the most fitting reply for stating the obvious. Following Momo into her room which had been slightly decorated, he guessed that had been allowed by Unohana since she was going to be here for awhile,
"I see you're up and about" Hitsugaya commented as Momo wondered about the room, before sitting down on the side of the bed facing him,
"I'm feeling much better now from when you left" Smiled Momo, "Have you just got back?"
Hitsugaya nodded, "Didn't feel up to the paperwork", Momo raised an eyebrow at that,
"Well its nice to know you wanted to visit" she began before Hitsugaya cut her of,
"No I didn't mean that I just..." Momo just giggled slightly watching him sweat and try and figure his way out of the predicament he had just landed himself in,
"No matter your here and that's what matters" She moved further back onto the bed so her legs dangled over the edge, "So what have you been up to in the real world?" indicating him to sit in the chair opposite the bed.
Hitsugaya filled her in on everything that had happened. He chose to leave out the main parts of the battle just leaving it as they fought the arrancar and won. When it came to the point were he had met Karin he decided to tell her, after all she was key to why they had been returned to soul society he supposed. Once he had finished Momo was silent as she absorbed the information,
"So...Kurosaki" she looked to Hitsugaya to see if he had the name correct before continuing, "Is going to Huenco-Mundo to get his sister back... all on his own?"
Hitsugaya frowned, "I suppose he is but first he would have to find a way to get there"
Momo also frowned, "But isn't it really dangerous out there for someone on there own..." Hitsugaya cut her off before she could continue,
"Kurosaki is strong I'm sure he will be fine"
Momo shook her head; Hitsugaya did not understand her meaning,
"I mean what about the other Kurosaki... Karin? What of her, I know you say Kurosaki is strong but what about her, you knew her why don't you join him if there's a possibility she's alive surely that's worth going for, you sounded like you really liked her as a friend...even if she did ruffle your feathers" Momo smiled at the last part reaching forward to pat Hitsugaya's head moving his gravity defying hair around as she did so, "You used to be so small and stubborn about things, guess your growing up"
Hitsugaya stared at the floor throughout Momo's little speech knowing she was telling the truth he sighed before looking back up at her,
"I tried to stay behind and help- Yamamoto refused then sent Kenpatchi and Byakuya-Taicho to bring us back did you not hear that bit?"
Momo smiled softly back at him, "Silly what I mean is what are you still doing here talking to me, Do you need the commanders permission to use the Senkai gate?"
Hitsugaya blinked in realisation, "That's true- he can track who uses it but he can't stop me from using it..." He trailed of deep in thought
He then stood up suddenly, "Momo thank you for being so patient with me, I think I have to go before the baka goes and kills himself"
"Bye Shiro-chan" called Momo as she watched him leave, laughing slightly at the annoyed grunt she got in reply. Falling backwards onto her bed she thought about how Aizen-sama would be so pleased with her for fulfilling her task. Not that she had to do much,
"Shiro-chans of to join our side" she hummed happily and getting up from the bed moved round the other side to re-arrange the flowers that had been given to her by Unohana, she said they helped the healing process. Momo was too afraid of her not to nod and agree but she was happy she had them in her room now; they smelled lovely when the sun shined on them.
---
Hitsugaya had decided. His rather long conversation with Momo had made him see how important friendship was. He was not overly close with the substitute shinigami but he knew that the most likely probability that if he went alone to find his sister it would be a suicide mission. Heading towards the Senkai gate at walking speed deciding it was probably better that way so he could clear his head before heading through the gate and absorb more of the atmosphere around him as an energy store. Having never been to huenco-mundo before he didn't know what to expect in terms of the place, he imagined it wouldn't have a very a rich spirit particle build-up since Hollows and the like travelled to the real world to get there 'fix' so to speak.
Upon walking past the 6th squad building which was on the way to the Senkai gate he heard yelling coming from the captain's office, this surprised Hitsugaya as Byakuya did not often yell preferring to speak in a calmer more commanding tone, he continued to walk closer until he noticed the female tones to the shouts. He concluded it must have been Rukia, not many people would dare to yell at the other Kuchiki, then again Hitsugaya was inwardly surprised Rukia was daring to; he supposed it was about Ichigo and having to leave him. Wondering if he should go over or not as he approached the office to walk past Rukia appeared at the doorway clearly still fuming,
"I am perfectly strong and capable enough to go to Huenco-Mundo!" she continued to yell back into the office as she backed away from it not noticing the other captain standing some distance behind her,
"It is not a question of how strong and capable you are..." began Byakuya following Rukia out the door when he noticed Hitsugaya standing there,
"Hitsugaya-Taicho" he stated looking directly at the smaller Taicho causing Rukia to turn on the spot and bow slightly towards him, Hitsugaya raised an eyebrow before replying,
"Kuchiki-Taicho" he replied nodding toward the other captain,
"Were are you heading on such a fine evening" Asked Byakuya attempting to make small talk to negate the topic from the previous one unfortunately he was about to receive no such leeway,
"The Senkai gate" replied Hitsugaya smoothly never missing a beat, gauging Byakuya's reaction. He inwardly smirked as the response he gave the other was clearly not expecting, "Travelling to the real world to assist the substitute shinigami" Hitsugaya's teal eyes flicked between the two faces, both with expressions of shock on there features although Byakuya was trying hard to hide his.
"Oh" Spoke Rukia her eyes quite wide then turning back on her heel she seemed to take Byakuya's shock as an opportunity to continue there earlier argument,
"If Hitsugaya-Taicho is going I think you will agree that I will not be in as much danger?" She waited for a reaction from her older brother who signed and suddenly vanished then re-appeared with two light brown coloured cloaks, he threw one to both of them,
"Seeing as you insist on going" he directed at Rukia, "And seeing as you are going as well" he directed at Hitsugaya, "You both might as well be prepared"
Hitsugaya grasped the cloak in his left hand then pulled it over himself as Rukia did the same. When Byakuya saw both were wearing them he indicated for them to follow him,
"Using the Kuchiki gate will ensure safe passage to the real world"
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I am very sorry for taking so long real life got hectic and I haven't had much time to type and this chapter was written out to be a long one so that added with that made it quite a gap between the last update and now- sorry again.
I tried to explain in this chapter the reason for Hitsugaya joining them on the mission- I hope I did a decent job anyway I don't want to disappoint you guys
And again to all of you; thank you very much for the reviews/alerts/favourites.