AYTHOR'S NOTE: It's finally the last chapter. I can't believe it! Another complete story to remind me that I have one left uncomplete (rivers of sweat) Now that heartbeat is over I'll compete "Witches and Shinigamis" and after that I'll start posting another HitsuHina story called "Reason wo sagashite" which means searching for a reason. It's an old story I have came up in my hich school years and I'm going to follow a different updating tactic to avoid big delays between chapters.
Disclaimer: Once more I do not own Bleach
I wonder if the completion fairy is still around?
Chapter 14: Hinamori's and Hitsugaya's resolve
Everyone was relieved when morning came. Sleep came with difficulty since anxiety, about what tomorrow would bring, was eating them away. Also Renji's snoring made it difficult for everyone else to fall asleep.
Hitsugaya in particular was bothered by a feeling of tightness in his stomach. He kept clenching his fists and sighing in a heavy way. Since Hinamori was assaulted they had decided to sleep together in one room to make sure nothing would happen. For that reason the conference room was turned into a giant bedroom. If it wasn't for the absence of Hinamori it would be like a sleep over but despite Yachiru's attempts the gloomy atmosphere didn't change.
In the morning Soi Fon appeared with an anonymous letter in her hands addressed to Ichigo and Hitsugaya. The icy prince took it quickly in his hands before someone could react. He scanned it carefully and then said.
«It's from them! It says that if we want to see Hinamori again we must go to the Thorny Tower in the North. Just me and Ichigo».
«They have the upper hand now and they can order us like that!» said Matsumoto annoyed.
«What are we gonna do? It's obviously a trap. They want to lure you in their field and make you do what they want by threatening you», said Rukia while a wrinkle appeared in the middle of her forehead.
«However that doesn't mean we have to fall in that trap»,said Unohana in her usual calm tone looking at the letter. The party looked at her with curiosity and she explained.
«They do not actually mention Hinamori-san's name, meaning that they do not know who she is. Besides I doubt they could easily take Hinamori-san with them. Elvira may have some formidable allies but Hinamori-san isn't your average witch. She hides some amazing tramp cards in her sleeve».
«Truth to be told she displayed some awesome abilities during the enemy's last assault», said Nanao.
«Not to mention the fact she doesn't appear to be in this world. The ones who sneaked into the palace left some traces of their magic while Hinamori-san's have vanished completely. I believe that she was trapped with the help of a magical item», said Nemu.
«What do you mean? Doesn't that also count as being captured?» asked Kira.
«Technically she is captured by them but they must have used an item to seal her away. They have her with them but they cannot hurt her physically», explained Nemu.
«So how can that affect our moves?» asked Hitsugaya who was itching for action for some unidentified reason.
«They tell us where to find them but you don't have to go there alone, since they are bluffing about hurting Hinamori-san», said Unohana.
«Ok that means we have to find a way for us to accompany you two in the Thorny Tower without anyone else realizing it. Find where Hinamori is, free her while we beat the living daylights out of them!»said an excited Matsumoto while her eyes glinted.
«Live the infiltration plan to me, the master of hide-and-seek!» said Yachiru as she grinned widely.
«I'll take care of our transportation to the Tower!» said Nanao
«Then I guess Rukia and I will find a way to track Hinamori-san and make a list with useful spells», said Matsumoto.
«I'll provide us with potions», said Nemu.
«And we will train until we leave» said Renji zealously «It's about time we get some action!»
«Ok but first we'll have breakfast», said Yachiru.
«Well this place is not called North for nothing», commented Ichigo as he gazed around the snow and ice covered landscape.
« Yes I certainly feel like I'm playing in my field», said Hitsugaya. «That will come in handy if things get really bad».
«That's right you are the Ice Prince you can freeze them in blink of eye...By the way you may have earned this nickname due to your ice-water based sword but your country is not really a snow country», said Ichigo as the two princes were heading to a Tower who was visible in the horizon despite some traces of mist. Rukia and Matsumoto had prepared a spell that transported them in an instant a few miles away from the tower so that they could have some time to prepare before they meet whoever was waiting for them.
«That's true Aqua Timez has a rather mild climate only the most mountainous areas see snow».
«I hope you are not thinking anything about moving out here», said Ichigo sarcastically.
«Who knows, if I find a good place with a view near a snow center», replied Hitsugaya with the same sarcasm in his voice.
«I don't think Rangiku will like living in a place like that».
«On the contrary it will give her more excuses to go drinking. They say alcohol helps people to keep themselves warm in cold weather. I bet she approves but I think it's about time we put an end to this story», said the white-haired prince as he stopped in front of the Thorny Tower's gates.
«Yes, do we still have our mirror?»
Hitsugaya checked the pocket of his winter coat to see if the mirror where the rest of the party was hiding was there.
«Ok the mirror is safe let's go inside», said Hitsugaya as his well known frown made its appearance. As they walked inside the snow covered garden Hitsugaya felt as if a hand has just grabbed his heart. Ever since he heard Hinamori has dissapperared he felt all upset. He could not understand why he felt so uneasy. It wasn't like him. He was not called Ice prince for nothing. No matter what kind of mission he was given he would complete it perfectly. So why did he felt so helpless and mad. Yes above anything else Hitsugaya felt mad at himself. He used to spend so much time with Hinamori if he had gonne with her he wouldhave done a better job protecting her.
His head was full of all these thoughts as they were approching a big iron they stood before it Hitsugaya cleared his head of every single thought and focused on his own movements. His and Ichigo's sensors were at their best for anything they were about to come across.
The gates opened and they stepped inside. There was a long corridor in front of them and they assumed they had to follow felt the mirror getting warmer inside his pocket as if his fellows inside it could sence the tense atmosphere. After walkingfor a while the two princes found themselves in front of another door. Incomprehandable whispers could be heard in the other side and become more vivid as the two of them placed their hands in the door in order to open it.
Soon they had full view of the room which was oocupied by several witches and unfamiliar creatures. At the center of the enemy party sat a woman with long brown hair and brown eyes that were fixed on them. Her lips twisted and formed a smile of victory and satisfaction when the wooden door closed behind Ichigo and Hitsugaya.
«I see you decided to honour us with your presence Your Highnesses!», said the woman contened.
«We had no other choice after receiving your letter»,said Ichigo.
«I'm sorry you had to come all the way out here alone but I could not find anyone who could be your guide», said Elvira as she got up from her chair and started walking towards them.
«Is our witch friend ok?» asked Hitsugaya in the most intimidating of ways.
«Do not worry about her. No one has hurt her».
«You better release her now that we came here as asked», continued Hitsugaya.
«No need to hurry. I will let her go as soon as I have finished my business with you two. But there is no need to get upset Your Highness, I will keep my word since I have no use of her».
«Still I would rather see her leaving this place with my own eyes», insisted Hitsugaya and Ichigo nodded for emphasis.
«I do not trust that she will leave obediently if she knows that you are here and you intend to stay forever».
«Will you at least show us where she is? That would take a load of our minds», said Hitsugaya diplomatically.
«I do not see the reason why. I don't know whether you are aware of my plans for you but I tell you already I will be the one giving the orders and the two of you will obey».
«We have found out about your plans and for your information we don't agree to that», said Hitsugaya.
«We will not consent to you taking any part of our bodies for your own personal doll», said Ichigo.
«I do not see what you can do to stop me», said Elvira more hostile now as she turned to her company.
«We can do this», said Hitsugaya as he took the mirror from his pocket and smashed it to the floor and next to them appeared Kuchiki Rukia, Matsumoto Rangiku, Ise Nanao, Kusajishi Yachiru, Kurotsuchi Nemu, Abarai Renji, Kira Izuru and Hisagi Shouhei. At the same time he and Ichigo unsheathed their weapons and prepared for battle.
Elvira looked at them with no surprise and called a witch to get rid of the nuisances. The witch moved to do as she was told so but she didn't have time for that as Yachiru stunned her with a spell. Following her lead all the other witches started throwing offensive spells to Elvira's companions. Everywhere you could see the bodies of the enemy party falling unconscious or getting thrown out of the windows. Elvira was also targeted but she calmly evaded them or neutralized them. The five men of the company were in charge of everyone who managed to escape from the witches' spells. When Elvira called for reinforcements, who marched into the room from a hidden room, Hitsugaya decided to take the situation on his hands and froze every single being except from them and Elvira who managed to get out of ice's way in time.
She looked calm as if she expected that the princes would bring friends with them but still she didn't look pleased with her companions' performance. Then with one impressive move she raised a full-body mirror from the floor. It was a strange mirror since they could not see their reflection but the form of a sleeping man.
«Oh dear! That's Urahara Kisuke the Magician!»said Nanao.
«That's right I have one of the three persons I need for my plan and he happens to be under my complete control. Let's see what you guys can do against a white level wizard». As Elvira finished her speech she snapped her fingers and Urahara Kisuke was free from his unusual prison. He seemed to move freely but when he opened his eyes his pupils were gone. In an instant Hitsugaya made an attempt to freeze him but Urahara used a fire spell to protect himself. Then he used another fire spell to separate Hitsugaya and Ichigo from everyone else. Huge flames dominated in the room and they could not be extinguished by anyone. The seeds of anxiety and despair started to grow inside the hearts of them finding Hinamori seemed impossible in this situation.
Elvira smiled once again and said.
«I would appreciate it if you handed yourselves over. I do not want Your Highness's injured». But her request was not answered. While Hitsugaya tried his best against these magic flames he heard something shattering. Immediately the room was filled with bright light and the flames vanished. When Hitsugaya opened his eyes he saw a white dressed Hinamori standing a few steps away from Elvira. Her determined eyes scanned the room quickly and then asked Elvira.
«Are you the one who's after prince Ichigo of Oz and prince Toushirou of Aqua Timez?»
«That's right and you are?»
«I'm Hinamori Momo or Snow white's descendant if you prefer it». Elvira looked at her white clothes and her eyes darkened then said.
«let's see what you are worth», and ordered Urahara to kill her. However Hinamori was quicker and shouted a spell that made the flames vanish and his body fell lifeless.
«Hinamori-san! Why did you do that to Urahara Kisuke?» cried Nanao.
«Don't worry Nanao-san that wasn't the real Urahara. He was only a doll that looked like him trough an illusion's spell.» said Hinamori reassuringly. Nanao and everyone else looked at the body and saw that it was indeed nothing more than a puppet made by clay. Elvira stared at it with obvious surprise and wrath and said .
«How could this be? I had captured the Magician there's no mistake about it!»
«I know you did. But it seems that someone helped him escape from your prison and left this thing behind. Don't forget our queen has gone missing too and she was a friend of him», replied Hinamori.
«...Then answer me this! How did you see through the spell with just one glance and I failed?»
«I could always see things that were to come or that had already happened. And now this power seems to have gotten stronger», explained Hinamori and after that she left no room for other conversations. She stunned Elvira before she could react. Then Nemu and Nanao created white chains that emitted a weird white light and chaffed the witch.
«We also have to do something about these people», commented Kira as he eyed the mass of ice that imprisoned Elvira's minions.
«I guess it's about time we call the authorities. They will deal with them», said Nanao. «All we have to do is contact prime minister Unohana. She'll be glad to know that we are all safe and sound».
«Expect that Magician guy. We still don't know where he is», said Ichigo.
«I have a feeling he will appear any minute now along with the queen»,said Matsumoto confidently.
Hinamori watched while smiling as Matsumoto and Yachiru started telling theories about how the queen must have ditched them and went on holidays with Urahara. Everyone seemed to have forgotten that she had been at the hands of the enemy just a few minutes ago. Nanao was the only one who asked her a few questions about her well being and congratulated her for making it to white level. However as she was listening to some ridiculous story of Yachiru she felt a usually cold, now warm hand grabbing hers and hold it for a few seconds intensively and then let it. Her hazel eyes followed the back of the white haired prince who was walking towards Ichigo and then blushed slightly.
The prime minister sent help to take control of the situation soon. Elvira who was still unconscious was taken into custody and was to be trialed. A big group of witches was to melt Hitsugaya's ice and take Elvira's followers to question them. It was a demanding job that would take hours and Hitsugaya claimed that they should just leave them there until the ice melted on its own. The party returned back to the palace and their pace before the whole incident.
A few hours after their return queen Yoruichi was back along with Urahara Kisuke. The commander of the witch army Soi Fon seemed like she would love to have a blazing row about the queen leaving her duties to run after a man but remained silent. The queen explained that she knew that Elvira planned something and after Urahara Kisuke was kidnapped she made the proper arrangements for the two princes to come to her country. She didn't exactly knew what Elvira wanted to do but her spies had told her that her minions were watching the two of them.
Hinamori's leveling up was welcomed with great joy. She was given new clothes that indicated her new status and she was proposed to join other white witches but she was quite reluctant to do so. She was too young, even for witches' standards to join councils or any other white witch formation. She felt that a new path was opening and she wanted some time for herself. She didn't feel ready to take the role of the adviser for other witches. She still had some things to clear out.
One evening the ebony-haired witch went out in the palace's garden, where just a few days ago she had conversed with Hitsugaya. The atmosphere was full of the rich scents of the flowers just like always. Hinamori walked quietly until she reached the Sakura Lane. The trees were still in full bloom and little pink petals were dancing around her. Unlike the previous time she was there she moved into the heart of the Lane, where she found the oldest and biggest cherry tree. Bathed in the sunlight the tree looked as if it was on fire. Hinamori approached looking at the branches and failed to notice the figure who was resting in the trunk of the tree.
«This is the third time we meet in the garden isn't it?», said a voice calmly. Hinamori turned her head to the direction of the speaker with no signs of surprise.
«It is indeed», she answered and she moved to sit next to him.
«By the way congratulations for making it to white rank. It seems that it's a big honor for your people», he added as he fixed his eyes on her. He remained silent for a few moments but then he asked.
«So in the end did you solve the mystery of your beating heart?» Hinamori smiled and looked at him before she replied.
«Actually I did. I had a dream about the time my mother was still alive and I got to remember something she had told me. It seems like my mother was really afraid of me being a witch. Surely she didn't want her only child to lose her emotions and be governed by wild instinct». That's why I stopped myself from being a complete witch so that I could keep some of my feelings».
«You did this yourself?»
«It seems so. Amazing isn't it. All this because I didn't want to make my mother sad, even though she was dead».
«So how did you manage to overcome this situation you had created yourself?» he asked puzzled.
«Simple I found something worth caring more about than my mother's words», said Hinamori not looking at him in the eye and fixing her hair. Hitsugaya thought her eyes seemed to be red but he wasn't sure what to make of this so he let go of it and concentrated on his own thoughts. He was interrupted though when Hinamori said.
«While I was trapped in the mirror I almost got mad thinking what might had happened to you». Hitsugaya's eyes widened and τhen he decided to speak his mind.
«I think I can relate. When I heard you went missing I lost the ground under my feet. I couldn't relax until I saw you were safe and sound». Hinamori peeked at him with the corner of her eye. The atmosphere was tense. Both of them was thinking whether they wanted to do the same thing but didn't know how. Maybe it was too much to hope that they shared the same feelings for each other.
Hitsugaya decided to be more brave and moved from his seat closer to Hinamori. Then he extended his hand to reach for hers. She didn't resist to his gesture, she let his hand slip and capture hers and then she closed her fingers on her own. At the same time she turned her position to face him better and her eyes turn to be captured by his gaze. She had never seen him looking at her like that before, her or anyone else. All the ice and cold fronts were gone and it was as if his aquamarine orbs were smiling. However his mouth was not expressing itself yet.
Hinamori felt her cheeks burning but did not avert her eyes from him and smiled encouragingly. She knew by now that Hitsugaya was not the most expressive of people. It was more difficult for him to share his thoughts with others so she had to give him some time.
«Hinamori have you ever thought that the company of other people isn't enough for you? That you need a person who will never make you feel lonely and will be more than just a friend?»
«Yes I know what you mean».
«I dare say I have found this person. She's kind and always has a smile for you and her inner flame is strong enough to stand the company of my inner ice», he said and he squeezed theirs fingers with more intense.
«And I have found a wonderful man even though he doesn't look like it», she replied.
«So will this lady follow me in Aqua timez?»
«I don't know. I wasn't given any strong reason to do so», she replied with amusement in her eyes.
Then Hitsugaya closed the gab between their faces and finally captured her lips. Hinamori was surprised at first but then she replied to his kiss. Hitsugaya used his free hand to embrace her waist and bring her closer and she placed her own hand to his cheek and started caressing it.
Hitsugaya broke first and said grinning.
«Is that a strong reason for you to come with me?»
«I was certainly convinced», she replied with a dazzling smile. The white-haired prince leaned and kissed softly her cheek and said.
«I am glad I accepted the queen's invitation».
Hinamori agreed and the two lovers leaned back still holding hands and gazed at the moon and at each other. And for the first time they were both smiling.
Credits
Thanks to Tite Kubo for creating Bleach
Many many thanks to those who read this story and will read it
And super many many thanks to
candyfloss112
Kalow
Momo-Toshiro
MoonLightView
icyangel27
saphire wind
Shinku no tamashi
winged-angel21
Rinka Tokmiya
silver'
serenity095
HyourinmaruIce
bleach fan58
who reviwed so far
and all those who will review in the future