"The blast hit the machine, sending debris flying everywhere. I couldn't see anything through all the smoke it created, except for the man who was hitting me got blown back by a huge chunk of metal. The ice encasing me was blown apart by another chunk, it gashed my leg and I couldn't move. I thought it was because of the wound, but really, I wanted to see if Hitsugaya-Taicho survived.

"I remember hearing screams, explosions and lots of metal hitting metal. I saw my taicho flying towards me using bankai, there was only one flower… but I was impressed he could even use bankai in his state. He landed near me and encircled me with his wings. I heard one final explosion before it all went silent and Hitsugaya-Taicho's bankai crumbled. He fell unconscious into my arms… I carried him to the stairs where I entered. The strangest thing was the men we passed… they weren't human ligaments and body parts strewn over the ground, but robotic!"

This statement caused everyone there to gasp and murmur. "Robots?" Captain Ukitake voiced, "This can only mean they were a ploy in a much bigger threat."

"We must find the creator of these robots, and stop them before they are able to accomplish whatever it is they are planning." Head Captain Yamomoto ordered.

"Hai!" everyone responded in unison.

"Dismissed." The captains and company filed out of the room. Ichigo waited just outside the door along with Rukia until they caught a glimpse of Rangiku.

"Hey! Rangiku!" Ichigo shouted, earning him a jab in the ribs from Rukia's elbow. When Rangiku reached them Ichigo suggested they go visit Toshiro.

"I don't even know if Unohana taicho would let us see him." She protested, she wanted to see her captain, but a part of her was too nervous to go and really see how bad he was, she was scared to see him.

"Well we might as well try, come on!" and without further argument, the three headed toward the squad four barracks, just in time to see lieutenant Isane enter the building.

"Isane Fukutaicho!" Ichigo called to her. She turned and waited for them to reach her.

"Yes?" she already knew why they were there.

"We'd like to see To- I mean Hitsugaya Taicho." Man it was so hard to address him like that.

"My taicho knew you would ask that, she said you could as long as you don't touch anything or make any kind of disturbance. Hitsugaya Taicho's condition is still unstable, you're lucky my taicho is even allowing you to see him."

"We are very grateful." Rukia thanked her, Rangiku remained silent.

"Follow me."

They were heading through the halls of squad four. Soon they were entering a room, Toshiro's room. It took all of Rangiku's strength to keep herself composed. The only thing visible under the bandages was his face and hair, and even some of that was covered. The bandages were soaked in his blood, the once pure white sheets were dotted with red. IV wires ran down under the sheets, they knew they were connected to him. And there was the constant Beep…Beep…Beep of the heart monitor. Even Ichigo had nothing to say.

Rangiku went over and took a seat beside his bed. She grabbed his bandaged hand and began stroking it softly. Rukia went to stand behind her as did Ichigo, they said nothing, giving her strength in their silence. Each of them hoping the small captain would not be lost.

Toshiro lay on a familiar plane of ice, watching a familiar ice dragon fly towards him. The ruby red eyes of the dragon were locked on the boy as he landed.

"Why did you abandon me, little one?" he asked

"You know why I had to, Hyourinmaru." Toshiro responded. "You know I ran every possibility through in my mind, I did the only thing that would insure her safety."

"You could have slaughtered them all quickly if you had used me." The dragon sounded indignant.

"You know as well as I that the way they had her in a position that she would have been dead before I could reach her, even in bankai."

"I just wish it hadn't come to that."

"I know, thank you for protecting her."

"It was no great deed."

"Still."

"How are you feeling?" Hyourinmaru changed the subject, even though he knew the answer he wondered what his little prodigy would say.

"Terrible." Toshiro had long since learned it was impossible to lie to the dragon.

"Hang in there." The dragon knew Toshiro was feeling much worse than terrible, but he let it slide. Wrapping his icy body around the boy, Hyourinmaru brought his face directly in front of Toshiro's. "I'm sorry, little one, but it's time for you to wake up."

The captain looked into the dragon's eyes; he knew he could not stay long, there were too many things left unanswered. He leaned into the dragon and closed his eyes.

Rangiku sat by the still form of her captain, she brushed aside the piece of hair which hung down over his left eye. She felt Ichigo's hand on her shoulder and looked up at him. He smiled a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, Rangiku, it would take a lot more that a few robots to kill Toshiro, he'll be fine."

"How many times do I have to tell you, Kurosaki, it's Hitsugaya taicho to you." A weak voice filled the room. Everyone turned to him in shock, Rangiku was about to engulf him in one of her infamous hugs when she thought better of it.

"Taicho?" ended up being all she could say.

"Why are you all standing around gaping at me, it's not like I was dead."

"Excuse us for being worried about you, taicho; you gave everyone a big heart attack there, we thought you were a goner… I thought you…oh taicho!" despite everything, she gave in and hugged him, not as hard as she normally would, but enough to make him yelp. Then she buried her head in his chest and sobbed.

He could only stare at her, partly because the state he was in wouldn't allow him to do anything else, but also out of shock… had she really been that worried about him?

Rukia and Ichigo had long since left the room to give them some time, and to find Unohana. They found her in her office, working on a bit of paperwork. "How is it that none of the other captains seem to have the mound of paperwork that Toshiro has?" Ichigo voiced, earning him the second jab from Rukia that day.

"Unohana taicho, I am pleased to inform you that Hitsugaya taicho is awake." Rukia said. Unohana got up from the table and headed for the room, the other two close in her wake.

Upon their arrival Unohana gasped, "That's truly astounding, I was not expecting you awake for a few more weeks at least."

"Well there are too many things I need to do." Toshiro responded.

"Oh, taicho, don't say paperwork drives you… even to wake up so soon from a coma!" Rangiku pouted.

"Of course not! I need to find out who tried to kill me, if there after anyone else, and make sure what happened doesn't happen again."

Such a big job for one so small. Ichigo thought. "Hey, Toshiro, need any help?"

"It's Hitsugaya taicho to you," he yawned, "and in my preset state I would look the fool to say I don't need help, so this once, Kurosaki, yes… I would very much appreciate your help."

Everyone's eyes got wide, Toshiro had never asked for help! Ever! "Alright then, where do we start?" But the little captain was asleep