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This place is like a labyrinth of ice, suspended far away from the rest of the Makai, thought Hitsugaya walking through the snowy wind. It must be always winter…for me it's perfect, I can't complain. What could be better than to be surrounded by your own element? I wonder if the koorime's personalities have been influenced by the constant winter and the landscape. Or rather by the fact that they must run and hide from many threats? Hitsugaya's feet sank deep in the snow while he walked slow but steadily. He could spot few koorimes and each of them disappeared as soon as he laid his eyes on her.

They are like shadows…shy and distant, afraid to come in contact with other creatures. That's a pity! My mission won't be so easy, after all, thought the young Captain with a sad smile.

Suddenly he could see something move fast on the silver surface of the snow, heading in his direction. When the creature came closer Hitsugaya recognize it as a baby kitsune (fox). The little one came to him and began rubbing its small white head to his feet.

The word "cute" popped in the boy's head, but he quickly reprimanded himself for such a choice of words. However, he knelt to pet the kitsune's head and scratch it behind its ears. You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?! Thought Hitsugaya with a smile. Right then a blue bird found the best place to rest on Hitsugaya's head. Oi! Thought the boy scowling in annoyance. But before he could chase it two other birds landed on his shoulders. Also more kitsunes and a bunch of snow usagi (rabbits) came around him.

Great! A few more moments and I'll have my own zoo…or they will have the perfect home, unfortunately for me.I can't stay like this forever! Sighted the silver-haired Captain.

- They came to you, which means you can't be that bad, said a tender and soft voice, fallowed by a small giggle, like the sound of birds in spring. So strange, thought Hitsugaya, such a voice here, in the middle of a freezing world!

The young Captain turned towards that voice as fast as he could, still being surrounded by all the animals. He saw a beautiful and delicate little girl dressed in a white and greenish kimono that matched her hair. Her skin had that typical paleness of a koorime, which was in contrast with her warm and lively eyes and smile.

-Don't let yourself be fooled by appearances, said Hitsugaya getting up slowly. Two of the birds came to sit on Yukina's arm and shoulder. How can you be sure you can trust me?

-I don't sense any evil intent within you, said the koorime gently. Besides, I've been watching you for a while…you're searching for someone, aren't you? Her eyes grew a bit sad. I've been searching for someone for a long time, too…

-For who?

There was a small pause in which the girl studied Hitsugaya intently.

-My twin brother. My family and other koorime told me to forget about him, that he might not be alive and even if he was I would be in danger if I ever went looking for him.

But…, here the koorime's voice received a note of determination and hope,…I don't want to give up! I want to find him! One way or another, I will leave this place one day, I don't want to be stuck in here forever. I want to see different places and meet other creatures and someday I will find my brother, because I feel he's alive somewhere…I want to believe that! Her gentle eyes sparkled with confidence and determination.

She's strong, thought Hitsugaya impressed. He smiled.

-Than you'll see him soon! He's your brother, after all! If you feel and believe in your heart that he's alive, I'm sure you will find him!

The girl's features changed from surprise to joy and ran to Hitsugaya to hug him. The birds flew into the forest.

-Thank you!

-My name is Hitsugaya Toushiro. May I know the name of this brave girl? He asked, petting the koorime's soft hair. She lifted her eyes towards him.

-I'm Yukina.

-Yukina…will you come with me to Seireitei? It's the place where I live and you will be safe there. You can make friends and also search for your brother, since we have advanced equipament for various missions, including searching or tracking someone down.

-I would like that! But let's not tell them about my brother, they won't allow me to search for him.

-Than we'll just tell them I'm taking you to a safe place so that you can make friends.

Yukina bent down to tell the animals to leave. Just than a fireball passed Hitsugaya by a few inches, burning his hand a little, than disappeared in the snow. Hitsugaya flinched.

- Is there something wrong? Ah, you're injured! Please let me help!

-You have healing abilities? Yukina nodded.

-Than yes, please! Hitsugaya asked, smiling.

Yukina took his hand in hers and focused her youki to heal it.

She has useful abilities, indeed; and lucky for me she's not so afraid as the other koorime. But there seems somebody doesn't want me to take her away or approach her, thought the young Captain looking towards the forest, in the direction from which the fireball had come. And whoever that someone is he's not weak, because he managed to aim precisely at me from a considerable distance. Looks like I can't move on till I see who this obstacle is and what he wants.

-Yukina, please go inside without me and prepare your family for my arrival, said Hitsugaya when the girl finished healing him. I have some things to take care of first, it won't take long.

-Will you return after that?

-Sure, said Hitsugaya reassuringly. The little koorime nodded and headed towards her house. Hitsugaya watched her for a few seconds, than used Shunpo to head towards the forest where somebody was already waiting for him…