Disclaimer: I do NOT own Bleach in any way! All copyrights go to Tite Kubo.

Author's Note: I'm back again with another chapter! Special thanks goes to my reviewers: MoonLightView, Pieps XD, KnowledgeandImagination, Samantha, cool!!!!!!!!!!!!, ScienceAngel, Neko-cheung, AznInvasionGirl for leaving your comments for me to read. Here is chapter three. Enjoy!

LEGEND

"Talking." "Thinking." Flash Back.

The Greatest Treasure

Chapter Three: World on the Other Side

"I'm just your ordinary citizen living in Rukongai Princess Hinamori Momo," he replied.

"I see; So, I'm in Rukongai right now." Momo blinked. "Wait, h-how did you know I'm a princess...um?"

"Hitsugaya Toshiro," the boy introduced himself. He then extended a finger out and pointed at a particular object around her neck. "Members of the Royal Family always carry their heirlooms somewhere."

Momo looked down on her pendant necklace and looked back at the white haired teenager. "How did I end up here?"

"I found you lying in the middle of the street unconscious last night."

"Lying in the middle of the streets?" she thought. Suddenly, memories of last night's events came resurfacing back into her mind: Aisu no Ryu, the stolen young maiden, and her disappearance from the palace. "He must have left me here all alone."

Momo pull the covers off her body and got out of bed, "Um, thanks for helping me and everything, but I must get back to my palace. My folks must be worried about me. Can you please show me the way back to Seireitei?"

Hitsugaya did not answer immediately. He just stared at her for a moment. Finally, he let out a sigh. However, before he could say anything, the white haired boy heard another voice say, "Tadaima."

Looking over his shoulder, Toshiro replied, "Okaeri Obaa-san."

Once the elder entered the room, she placed a hand on her grandson's head and then turned to Hinamori. She smiled. "How are you feeling dear?" she asked.

Momo quickly bowed down. "Thank you for letting me stay here."

"Iie, it's no problem."

"Well, it's time for me to get going."

"Are you sure you don't want to rest here a little longer?" the elder asked.

"I would, but it also would worry my folks," Momo said.

Hitsugaya suddenly tossed her gray robe across in her general direction. Catching it into her arms, the raven haired princess looked at the boy who is already at the door. "I'll escort her to the Western Gate."

Obaa-san smiled, watching him leave the room. "Don't worry too much about Toshiro; that's how he is."

"I see. Thanks again for your hospitality," Momo replied as she put on her robe.

"Have a safe trip."

"Hai, ja ne!"

Once Momo left the house, she soon found herself in a completely different territory. This is definitely not what she imagined the land to look like. Compared to Seireitei, the streets, the homes, the people, and their way of life are totally different. In her perspective, it's more...primitive yet more sociable. "You look surprised," said a voice.

Startled by Toshiro's sudden presence beside her, the princess jumped. "Ah, you scared me!"

"Really now?" he said, walking past the girl. "It's your fault for daydreaming too much."

"Mou..."

"Stay close or else you're going to get lost."

"Ah hai."

Momo slowly followed behind the white haired teenager. For the next few minutes, thoughts about the white haired boy sparked her curiosity. Something about him has gotten her attention as if he is some sort of unsolved jigsaw puzzle. "He acts all nice one way and then shortly after, he freezes you. It's not natural for someone his age," she thought. "It is as if he has some sort of dark secret hidden from the rest of the world."

She then looked around, watching people selling various merchandise, children playing, and adults chatting with one another. Looking back at Hitsugaya, she noticed a lot of people are greeting him. Momo just smiled. "But then again, it's probably just me."

Once they arrived at their destination, they both stopped in front of it. "This is where we part ways," Hitsugaya said.

"Thanks again Hitsugaya-kun," Hinamori replied.

With a nod of agreement, he watched her approach the guard, watching the front gate. The white haired teenager then tilted his head forward and let out a sigh of relief. "It is best she returns to where she belongs," he thought. "Besides, it's not my intention to steal her from the palace in the first place."

He opened the door into the late Queen and King's master bedroom. Standing behind it, he slowly closed it again without any sound. Looking back to confirm no one has followed him, a smirk formed on his face. "If you can't beat them, then join them," he said.

He then took off his guard disguise, allowing him to move more freely in his dark coloured thief clothes. "Tch, how can those people can move around in these clothes anyway?" he wondered.

Brushing some dust away from his shoulder, the thief looked over to the bed to see the young maiden statue rested on the mattress. Just as he approached it, an eye twitched. He suddenly stopped. His emerald-teal eyes narrowed. "A barrier and...A fake, huh?"

Placing his hands on his sides, he gave it some thought. Walking towards a large family portrait of the Hinamoris, he glanced at it. Taking a few steps closer, the thief raised his hands out and gently removed it from the wall. On the other side, he found the secret locked compartment. "Royalty never bothers to bring out the real thing. They always felt their hiding spot is the best spot to conceal items."

Putting his ear against it, he slowly turned the dial while listening for the combination to unlock the safe. Once he heard a clicking noise, Hitsugaya opened the safe and took the real young maiden out. "Bingo."

Noticing that no one noticed his presence, Hitsugaya made his way towards the large window. "Now, let the chase begin..."

Taking out his sheathed sword, he carries on his back; the thief used it to smash the window. Using the short time he has, Aisu no Ryu put away his treasure in a bag, got back into his disguise, and hid against the wall which is right next to the door. He waited for reinforcements to arrive. Once they did, Hitsugaya used this opportunity to blend in with the crowd. "He was here! Aisu no Ryu has stolen the young maiden!" one of the guards exclaimed.

"He can't be too far away," Ichimaru said. "We won't let him get away."

In his mind, he is amused by this predicament. His plan is working. "Baka, I'm right next to you," Hitsugaya thought. "Some Captain you are..."

"Half of you secure the hallway!"

"Hai!"

He ran with his "peers" into the palace halls to search for the thief. At one point, he changed course and headed straight for the unattended kitchen. Using the emergency side door as his escape route, Hitsugaya swiftly left the Royal Family building and made his way towards the opened stables. His getaway ride is waiting for him. Once he arrived there, he quickly undressed and got changed into a different disguise: a shop dealer. Getting on his horse pulling cart, Hitsugaya carefully left the stable and got onto the streets of Seireitei unnoticed. "Mission accomplished," he thought.

After taking a few rounds around town, he finally made it to the Western Gate. "State your reason for leaving Seireitei," the guard demanded, stopping Hitsugaya.

"It's only me Jidanbo," he replied, revealing his sword which is in its sheath. "My work here is done for today."

"Oh Hitsugaya, of course..."

The gate slowly opened, enough for him and his mode of transportation to go through. "Thanks."

"No problem, anything to help a thief who only has good intentions to help his people from further poverty."

"Really? I doubt the wealthy agrees with me."

The large gatekeeper smiled. "Of course, in their eyes, you're the bad guy."

"As long as the government remains like this, I doubt that I'm going to be retiring anytime soon."

"Have a safe trip home," Jidanbo Ikkanzaka said.

"I should say the same to you. If they found out what you're doing, it is certain that they will execute you."

"I know."

"Well, take care."

"Ja ne."

With that said Hitsugaya left Seireitei and headed back home in Rukongai. Once the gate behind him closed, Hitsugaya put down his hood and let out a sigh of relief. Once again, he managed to get out of there safely. "Alright, it's time to go home."

By the time he arrived at his home stay, Hitsugaya got off of his horse and noticed something seems to be out of place. He got on the cart and noticed that there is something under the tarp. He extended a hand out, grabbed a hold of it, and pulled it off to the side. Hitsugaya blinked. "What is a girl doing here?"

Noticing a shiny object near her, he took a closer look. It is a matter of seconds before he realized what he just did. "Oi, I stole two young maidens from Seireitei," Hitsugaya said, scratching the side of his head. "How am I going to explain how she got here by the time she wakes up?"

"I'm telling you; I'm the princess of Seireitei!"

Hitsugaya opened his eyes and noticed Momo being prevented from getting into Seireitei. Instead of the West Gatekeeper watching this side of the wall, it is a few people from the Royal Guards. "That's what everyone says," one of them laughed as the other pushed the girl to the ground.

Rukongai residents were watching the whole scene, yet they were unable to do anything about it. They fear of receiving punishment for acting rebellious. "Now get lost you little runt."

"And don't bother to come back!"

The group of guards mocked and laughed as they went back into Seireitei, unknowingly aware of a pair of emerald-teal eyes narrowing in their general direction. With that said, the Western Gate is closed, leaving the young princess on the other side. Hitsugaya rushed to her side, got down on his knees, and asked, "Are you alright?"

Momo then lowered her head and started to cry. Watching her sober like this got the boy to feel uncomfortable. People are at the scene witnessing the whole thing, assuming that he's the one that hurt her. He has no idea what to do. How is he suppose to make her feel better? "Oi...um, stop crying."

The princess sniffled and then looked up at Hitsugaya, still feeling teary. "I-It's so mean...are they always like this?"

"Well, not everyone...there are a few exceptions."

"I see."

"Anyway, um...you can stay over at my place for the night. We can try again tomorrow."

Hinamori slowly nodded with agreement. "Arigato Hitsugaya-kun."

By the time he got back on his feet, the male teenager brushed the dust off the bottom of his yukata. Extending a hand out to her, Momo looked up and then took his hand with her own. She stood up again. "Let's go back."

"Hai."

"Tadaima," Hitsugaya greeted as he and Hinamori returned to find the elderly grandmother sitting on the porch outside, tending to the food over the bonfire.

"Okaeri Toshiro, oh...you're back too."

Momo nodded with agreement. "Yes, I am."

"We ran into some difficulties," Toshiro replied. "So, she's going to sleepover here again."

She smiled and nodded. "Alright then. Why don't you two sit down? The food is almost ready."

"Thank you Obaa-san letting me stay here," Momo thanked as she and Toshiro sat down on a low bench together, waiting for the elder to serve them their meal.

"It's really nothing dear."

As the two children received their bowls, Hitsugaya began eating while Hinamori just started staring at it. Unlike the type of meals she had back at the palace, this one looks more homely. Noticing her from the corner of his eye, he stopped and said, "Hey, be thankful that we're serving you food even though they're not composed of the high quality ingredients you people normally have on a daily basis."

"Toshiro, you know that's rude to say that," Obaa-san warned her grandchild, who just turned away.

"Iie, it's alright," Momo replied, looking down at her food. "He does have a point. I should be thankful."

With one look at her, Hitsugaya quickly finished his food and went back into the house. A few moments later, he returned with a small bag at hand. "I'm going out for a bit. If I'm lucky, I might bring back a juicy watermelon for us to eat."

The elder and the princess watched him leave. "Don't take it to the heart, he doesn't mean any harm," she explained.

Momo shook her head and smiled. "I know. He seems like a nice person even though he doesn't act like it." She took a sip from her stew. "Umai, it tastes good."

"I'm glad you like it."

She then noticed a beggar walking by, pleading to a passing woman and child for some spare change or food. "Our lifestyle in Seireitei is a lot different than the way you people here live," Momo said.

"I know. It's because we both live in different social worlds," Obaa-san replied. "The people here are either of the lower or the middle class while in Seireitei are of the high, noble, and royalty classes."

"I see."

The elder then looked to the side in the direction where the Western Gate is located. "It is the distinguished class differences that determine the wealthy and the poor. To be honest, a lot of people here struggle to survive and that includes that beggar you just saw."

"I never knew. Who could have done this to you?"

"They are tax collectors. I don't think you're aware, but every week, they would come by here and collect the taxes we're supposed to pay. Those who couldn't would get their homes taken away."

A hand is placed over Momo's mouth. "That's terrible!"

Obaa-san nodded with agreement. "Despite living in these darkest hours, there is always hope. In Rukongai, we have a savior; a brave soul with a kind heart."

"Who is he?"

"He calls himself Aisu no Ryu."

Hitsugaya opened a door to find himself in a room full of tough looking men and beautiful women, who are sitting at round tables, drinking sake, and playing cards. They all silenced and stared at the white haired teenager. After a few moments, one of them soon burst out with laughter. "Well, guess who finally returned; it's Aisu no Ryu!"

"Oh please, enough with that name," he retorted, walking across the room. "You can only call me that when I'm dressed as the notorious thief everyone knows about."

"Judging by your physique, it seems like even the Royal Guards are no match for you," another commented. "You came out of the Hinamori Palace without any damage."

"Tch, easy for you to say," Hitsugaya replied, taking a seat at the bar table and placing his bag on it.

"Hey Hitsugaya, I'm glad that you managed to come back here safe and sound!" said a familiar and cheery voice.

Placing an elbow on the table and resting his chin on his fist, Hitsugaya looked up at the bartender and gave her a look. "You're actually working today Matsumoto?" he asked.

The strawberry orange haired woman, Matsumoto Rangiku then placed her hands on her hips. "What are you talking about? Of course I have to work! I need to make a living, you know."

"And I thought all you do is sit here, be lazy, and drink sake all day and night long," Hitsugaya mumbled.

"Now that's mean..."

"Anyway, is he here?"

Matsumoto looked from side to side and then leaned closer to the younger teenager. She whispered in his ear, "He's in the back room right now."

With a nod of agreement, Hitsugaya grabbed the bag and left his seat. After mouthing a thank you, the white haired boy proceeded to meet him in the back room. He knocked on the door first before he was granted permission to come in. Once he entered, he saw the black hooded person sitting on the table with a single lit candle, lighting the room. "Hn, it's you again. Are you already out of cash?" the mysterious cloaked figure asked.

Putting his hand into his bag, he pulled out the shining young maiden statue and showed it to him. After walking up to the table, Hitsugaya placed the statue on it. Picking up the young maiden, he took a brief moment to examine it. A grin formed on his lips. In return, the mysterious person tossed a large pouch full of kan coins and bills inside on the table.

"Thank you for doing business with me. If you ever need more, you know what you need to do."

Taking the pouch away and putting it into his bag, Hitsugaya looked at him and replied, "Of course."

Just as he turned around and is about to leave the room, the cloaked person suddenly said, "I also heard an interesting rumour coming from Seireitei. It seems like Princess Hinamori Momo has been reported missing."

Hitsugaya stopped his movements. "Oh really?"

"Yes, you know...if you have her, you can always sell her off for a great fortune."

"You're asking the wrong person." He turned his head around, looking at him. Even though he is doing business with the dealer, Hitsugaya knew he is a person not to be trusted. Also, he doesn't have the heart to allow people like Hinamori to suffer over his selfish ambitions for getting cash for his family and the people of Rukongai. "I am a thief who steals valuable items, not innocent people."

"I see. Sorry for asking." With a short nod, Hitsugaya left the back room, leaving the dark cloaked person to let out a short chuckle. "You're one interesting person, Hitsugaya Toshiro."

References

Aisu no Ryu - Ice Dragon, the notorious thief's codename, Tadaima - I'm home, Okaeri - Welcome Back, Obaa-san - Grandmother, Iie - No, Hai - Yes, Ja ne - Good Bye (informal/casual), Arigato - Thank You, Yukata - A casual type of kimono worn by both males and females during the summer months, Kan - Currency used in the Bleach universe

Author's Note: Hitsugaya is pure good to the bone, isn't he a nice guy? xD On the other hand, the money dealer is...ugh. What is that man up to? Oh well, stay tuned for my next update. In the meantime, please leave a review. Thanks!