CHAPTER 28: ICHIGO'S NEW ACQUAINTANCE

Footsteps were heard as six new students walked into the campus of Karakura High School. They walked down the corridor, attracting a massive amount of attention to themselves unknowingly. One of them was a tall guy with striking red hair, tied up in a ponytail. There was also a man with short dark hair, with eye feathers and an air of confidence surrounding him. Also, there was a tall female with strawberry blond hair, who wore her uniform rather inappropriately, leaving the top few buttons unbuttoned. Lastly, there was a short boy with spiky white hair and turquoise eyes. He had one hand in his pocket and the other holding onto a young girl's hand. The young girl had purplish-blue eyes and long black hair, with a pink hairband in it. They walked down the hallways, ignoring the strange looks they got from the other students.

"Where is Ichigo?" The red-haired man thought aloud.

"We would have found him by now, if only someone had remembered to bring the memo with her…"

"I told you, Yumichika! I forgot where I had put it…"

"I still can't stand these uncomfortable clothes!"

"Well, like I told you before, Ikkaku, students here are required to wear them…"

"Just search for his reiatsu…"

"I have no idea who he is, so lead the way, Susu-chan!"

"Tayomi… Do not call me that in public."

"Why? It's an adorable name…"

"Let's just search for Kurosaki. As for you guys, shut up back there and search for his reiatsu!"

"Yes…"

Ichigo sighed in content. Life had been rather peaceful ever since Aizen's defeat and he was sure that Aizen would not dare to wreck havoc in any dimension ever again. His life had returned to normal and he remained as the Substitute Shinigami of Karakura Town. He had kept in contact with Shinji and the other Vizards. Rukia stayed in the Living World beside him and they watched over Karakura Town together. As for Ishida, Chad and Orihime, they were there to offer their help whenever the town was in need of saving and they had grown closer as a group, after having gone through so much together. The bell rang at last, signifying the end of a school day. The students rushed out of the door and he had to stay back to clean up the classroom, along with Ishida, Keigo and Mizuiro. Rukia, Chad and Orihime decided to wait for them outside, at the school gates.

At that moment, the door to his classroom swung open. Ichigo turned his head immediately, to see five people staring straight at him. He recognised them instantly. It was Renji, Ikkaku, Yumichika, Rangiku and Toushirou. As per usual, Hitsugaya told him off for not addressing him properly, demanding to be addressed as 'Hitsugaya Taicho'. Ichigo was still stunned. The war with Aizen was over. Soul Society had returned to normal and everything was peaceful again. The Shinigami from the Gotei 13 had no reason to come to the Living World, unless there was an emergency. His mouth hung agape, as possibilities of their visit ran through his head. It was definitely possible that Aizen was about to make his comeback again. Just then, he realised that Toushirou had one hand in his pocket and the other was holding onto something behind him.

Renji informed Ichigo that Aizen was on the move again. He had fled to the Living World with Ichimaru and it was likely that they would be planning their attack on Karakura Town and Soul Society soon. Ichigo was still shocked, in utter disbelief. He was right after all. Aizen was about to make his comeback and he would definitely come after him. After all, he was the one who defeated him. Aizen had every reason to seek revenge against him. Toushirou pulled out his other hand, forcing a young girl out from behind him. The girl was shorter than him and had long black hair, with a pink hairband in it. She had purplish-blue eyes and had a flawless look. She was wearing the Karakura High School uniform as well, leaving her shirt tucked out like the others. Ichigo noticed that Toushirou was holding her hand rather tightly.

"This is Tayomi Sakuri, the new Captain of the 5th Division." Toushirou spoke in a serious tone. "You will address her as 'Tayomi Taicho' and nothing else. If you try anything funny with her, I will kill you."

"Eh, Hitsu-chan… You don't have to be that serious!" Tayomi laughed nervously.

Did she just call him 'Hitsu-chan'? And did Toushirou just keep silent? He usually flares up whenever someone fails to address him as 'Hitsugaya Taicho'…

"Ah Toushirou, is Tayomi Taicho your sister?" Ichigo asked.

All six Shinigami stared at him blankly. After a few seconds, Matsumoto could not hold it back any longer and burst out laughing. Yumichika sighed and shook his read. Ikkaku simply stared at Ichigo blankly, clearly in shock. Renji had his jaw hanging wide open and was completely stunned. Toushirou grumbled, clenching his fist and accidentally squeezing Tayomi's hand too hard. She let out a small squeal and blushed. He instantly rubbed her hand, apologising profusely. Ichigo stared at the two of them, with a strange look on his face. He had never seen Toushirou care so much about someone, or act so affectionately. If she was not his sister, what else could she be? He made another guess, asking Toushirou if Tayomi was his cousin. Toushirou sighed angrily and walked away, pulling on Tayomi's hand and making her follow him. Ichigo blinked twice.

"Ichigo, are you really that daft?" Renji teased.

"WHAT? AREN'T THEY RELATIVES?" Ichigo screamed back.

"YOU IDIOT! OF COURSE THEY'RE NOT!" Renji shrieked. "MATSUMOTO! TELL THIS IDIOT WHO TAYOMI IS!"

"OF COURSE I KNOW WHO SHE IS! SHE'S THE NEW CAPTAIN OF THE 5th DIVISION!" Ichigo rebuked.

"Ichigo…" Matsumoto sighed. "Tayomi-chan is not only the new Captain of the 5th Division… She is also Taicho's girlfriend…"

"TOUSHIROU HAS A GIRLFRIEND?"

Hitsugaya dragged Tayomi all the way up to the rooftop, where he usually stayed during breaks to send reports to Soul Society. Tayomi let herself be dragged, fully aware that he was furious over what Ichigo had said. Once they were at the rooftop, Hitsugaya sighed and scratched his head, asking her if their relationship with each other was that vague. She was stunned by his sudden question and stared at him for a few seconds, before walking up to him slowly and giving him a hug. She felt his arms go round her waist and his cheek touched her right ear. Hitsugaya was hugging her really tightly, as if he had not seen her for years. Tayomi ran her fingers through his hair, smiling and trying to calm him down. It seemed to work, as she could feel his anger dissipating and disappearing. She stroked his cheek with her hands, before poking it and giggling to herself. He smiled at her, before patting her head. Feeling slightly random, she took out her phone and quickly took a picture of herself and Hitsugaya. It looked rather good, with both of them smiling at the camera and looking as perfect as they could be. She showed the picture to him and laughed, then set it as her phone's wallpaper. After placing her phone back in her pocket, she turned back to him and smiled. Just as she had expected, he leaned forward and let his lips touch hers gently, as they tightened their grip on each other. A minute later, they drew back and looked at the door leading to the rooftop.

"Rangiku-chan, we know you're there…" Tayomi giggled, blushing.

The whole gang came out of hiding nervously, expecting to be scolded by Hitsugaya. Rukia appeared behind Ichigo and slapped his head, telling him off for being stupid. Tayomi instantly ran up to greet Rukia, whom she had not seen in ages. Rukia smiled at her ex-4th Seat, who had now rose up the ranks and held the same rank as her brother. Tayomi giggled excitedly and hugged Rukia. It was nice to see her friend again.

Ichigo scratched his head and walked up to Toushirou. Rukia slapped his head again and he immediately apologised to both Tayomi and Toushirou for failing to recognise their relationship status. Tayomi simply laughed and told him it was alright. Their first day at school had been rather entertaining. As their apartment was relatively close to Ichigo's house, the six Shinigami decided to walk home with Ichigo and his friends. One by one, they introduced themselves to Tayomi. Tayomi smiled at them, reminding herself to remember Orihime, Chad and Ishida's names.

The sky had turned dark and it rained without stopping. The raindrops beat against the window panes, producing a sleepy environment. Hitsugaya woke up from his nap and realised that Tayomi was awake. Her bed was empty and he knew that she was up. Ruffling his hair, he threw off his blanket and dragged his feet to the living room, searching for her. His heart started to beat faster and faster, when he realised that she was nowhere in sight. She was not in the living room, or the study or the kitchen. Crossing his fingers, he raced up to the rooftop, hoping she was there.

True enough, Tayomi was there. She sat on the ground, wearing her grey jacket and hugging her knees to her chest. He knew that she had been sitting there for quite a long time, as her hair and clothes were completely soaked. Tayomi stared at the building across their apartment as the raindrops continued to fall on her. The only time she did such things was when she was upset. Walking up behind her, Hitsugaya hugged her tight.

"They died there…" Tayomi whispered. "That was where the massacre took place."

She began to cry and Hitsugaya tightened his grip around her. He kissed her cheek, hoping that she would stay strong. Whispering back into her ear, he told her that someday, Aizen would get his retribution. The deaths of her friends would definitely be avenged. Tayomi nodded, telling him that she wanted to kill Aizen. Sharing the same sentiments as her, he squeezed her waist tight, promising her that when the time came, they would kill Aizen together. Remaining in the rain, the two of them stayed in the open air, holding each other tight, carrying the same resolve to get rid of Aizen for once and for all, for the sake of the innocent lives that he had mercilessly taken. Tayomi sighed in content, glad to have someone like Hitsugaya by her side to care for her, protect her and love her. Hitsugaya rested his chin on her shoulder, determined to help her fulfil her wish.

Author's Note:
YAY! So Ichigo and friends have finally met Tayomi :D Next chapter onwards, we will return to Tayomi's point of view. And next chapter will be more light-hearted, as the Shinigami learn to adapt to life in the Human World :D Like Internet, homework, irritating classmates, strange encounters and what lots of people call 'camwhoring'! XD It's time to spam candid shots!
I'm so happy that I managed to get this chapter up. Have to write as much as I can before my pace slows down due to the exams :D My exams end in 15th October, so I'll definitely be full steam ahead by then, spamming Chapters! But for the time being, I'll write minimum once a week, hopefully I have time to have my life and write more often :)
I hope you all liked this chapter! Please review (I love hearing your comments on the story!)! :D Thanks for reading + reviewing! ^.^