Disclaimer - I own neither Bleach nor Fullmetal Alchemist. Just having a little fun.
Chapter Twenty-Four - Rally the Troops
"Okay," Hitsugaya said, his gaze sweeping over the occupants of his office. His usual band of misfits were assembled, along with Matsumoto. He had kept his vice-captain out of most of the training sessions, because that would only have added to the trouble that he had to deal with. But today they were actually going out to scout for more of the modified Hollow so Matsumoto was joining them for the mission. "We're going to split up into two groups and go out in search of any signs of the modified Hollow."
"Excellent!" Ed exclaimed, glad that they were finally going to do something besides train. Of course he realized that training was necessary, since most of their forces were untrained, but it was starting to get on his nerves never the less. He'd never been one for sitting around when there was a threat. "We're finally going to see some action."
Hitsugaya's teal eyes focused momentarily on the blond Shinigami but chose not to comment. Instead he continued with his instructions. "Alright, Matsumoto, Al, Hughes and Izumi are going to be one group." The young captain paused at this point and sighed. "And the other three are with me."
"That's asking for trouble," Hawkeye thought to herself as her gaze shifted to the colonel and Edward. Neither looked overly happy with this assignment.
"Why the hell…" Ed began.
"Do I have to be on the same team as him?" Mustang finished.
"So that I can keep an eye on you both," Hitsugaya replied, his tone making it obvious that his decision was not up for debate. He had neither the time nor the inclination to listen to their whining. "Now let's go."
Both Mustang and Ed looked as though they would like nothing more than to say something else. However, for once, common sense won out and the pair managed to keep their mouths shut. Which shocked Hitsugaya somewhat. He'd been all but daring them to say something and was surprised when they didn't. But of course now was not the time to dwell on this shocking event. For now they had a job to do.
"Let's go," the young captain repeated.
"Right!" the group chorused.
The group walked together until they reached the gate that divided the Seireitei from the Rukongai. They paused at this point and Hitsugaya turned to the group and said, "Everyone be extremely careful."
"Right!"
And with this parting word the two groups split up, each going their separate ways. Hitsugaya led his group toward the spot where they had already encountered the modified hollow on a number of occasions. He wasn't certain if this location was important to whoever was responsible for the modification of the hollow but decided that it was worth checking into.
"If we run into anything try not to get in the way Colonel," Ed said, gazing at his former superior over his shoulder. His voice was practically dripping with sarcasm and there was a smirk on his face.
"I'll try to stay out of the way," Mustang said, his tone casual. "But I can't promise anything since I have the tendency to overlook you."
"Who are you calling a microscopic…"
"I swear," Hitsugaya growled, interrupting the rant. An icy wind began to circulate around the group as the white haired captain spoke. "If the two of you don't shut up I'll kill you both myself."
Both Ed and Mustang fell silent, seemingly aware of the dangers involved in continuing their fight. Hawkeye heaved a sigh of relief, glad that the colonel knew when to keep his mouth shut for once.
The group traveled along in silence for a little while, each member lost in their own thoughts. This peace was shattered however as a piercing cry echoed through the air.
"Damn," Hitsugaya muttered, drawing Hyourinmaru in one fluid motion. Ed drew his own zanpaktou and Mustang and Hawkeye held up their hands in preparation for kidou attacks.
Mere seconds passed and then a winged hollow descended, razor sharp talons aimed at the group. Swinging the blade of Hyourinmaru, Hitsugaya made short work of the hollow but he didn't relax. He knew from experience that there would be many more where that one had came from and it would be foolish to let his guard down.
Sure enough within minutes the skies were filled with similar hollow and the entire group was engaged in combat.
"Purifying bullets!" Hawkeye called out, holding out her hands and launching the spray of reiatsu. Several hollow were destroyed by the attack and the blond woman moved on to the next batch. And attempted to ignore the exhaustion that this attack brought on. Because, while she had learned the attacks fairly quickly, they took a lot of energy to execute.
"Red Flame Cannon!"
"Shine the light of truth upon my enemies Hikari no Shinjitsu!"
Holding up his newly formed staff Ed launched himself into the air and took out a group of hollow with one swipe.
"I must admit that I wasn't expecting this," a voice called out, causing the fighters to pause in their respective battles.
"I know that voice," Ed whispered, his golden eyes wide as he held up his staff. "But from where?"
"I don't really think that we have time to debate that right now," Hawkeye said, her gaze focused on yet another group of hollow.
"Shit!" Ed exclaimed as the second wave of Hollow descended upon them. They weren't very high level but what they lacked in power they made up for in sheer numbers.
"That's enough of this," Hitsugaya growled, holding up Hyourinmaru. "Sit upon the frozen heavens, Hyourinmaru!"
The familiar dragon of ice and water erupted from the tip of the young captain's zanpaktou. Leaping into the air Hitsugaya directed the dragon and used it to completely annihilate the group of hollow.
"Wow," Mustang muttered, a new respect for the young captain forming. He hadn't realized that the kid was so powerful but now he was fully aware of the young captain's powers. And just how close he'd came to a second death by taunting him. "Won't make that mistake again," he thought to himself.
After he made short work of the hollow Hitsugaya scanned the terrain for the source of the voice. Because he was willing to wager that they were involved in the creation of the modified hollow. Using his flash-step Hitsugaya conducted a quick search of the area but came up with nothing.
Much to his displeasure the person seemed to have vanished into thin air.
"I know that I've heard that voice before," Ed muttered once Hitsugaya rejoined the group.
"But you can't place it?" Hitsugaya said, his teal eyes focused on the blond boy.
Ed shook his head. "It really seems like I should know but I can't place where I heard it or who it belonged to."
"Well while you think about it we should keep moving," Hitsugaya said, sheathing his zanpaktou. "Because now we know that they're out here."
"Right," the others said.
Ed allowed his sword to revert to it's sealed form and sheathed it before falling into step behind the others. The fact that the voice seemed familiar to him was really bugging the young man and he desperately wanted to remember where he had heard it.
Because he couldn't shake the feeling that the information was important.
A/N - Here's another chapter! Sorry that it took so long but I hope that you enjoyed!