Chapter 2

Toshiro Hitsugaya sat there behind his desk, scribbling away on the reports his lieutenant had forgotten to finish. It had been another stressful and the fact that they had a meeting a few hours later wasn't really helping his mood. After a few minutes of silence, Toshiro gave a loud sigh and leaned back on his chair and stretched his arms over his head. After hearing a few satisfying 'pops', he crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes for a brief moment of relaxation. That brief moment ended when he remembered the events that had happened just yesterday. After coming back from a mission in the rukongai district, he was urgently summoned to the first division for a meeting.

Flash back:

"Taicho! There's a meeting in the first division, its urgent!"

Toshiro almost coughed on his tea when his lieutenant barged in without knocking.

"Matsumoto! How many times do I have to tell you to knock first!"

Toshiro exclaimed angrily while glaring hard at his lieutenant who just grinned and rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. Rangiku smiled,

"Sorry Taicho, but putting that aside, there's a meeting requesting the captains and their lieutenants to be in. It's urgent."

Toshiro narrowed his eyes and stood up, careful not to spill his tea and walked out his office, followed by Rangiku. Using shunpo to go to the 1st division's captain's office faster, he and Rangiku found themselves in front of the huge double doors that led to the office of the ruler of Seireitei; Genryusai Shingekuni Yamamoto. Walking through the doors, they saw that most of the captains and their lieutenants were there, minus the captains of the 3rd, 5th and 9th division. Standing beside their fellow Shinigami, Toshiro took note of the confused faces of some while others had tense expressions on their faces that showed that something was clearly up. Even Kuchiki Byakuya had the same tense expression as opposed to his normally calm exterior. The room was silenced as Yamamoto entered the room with his lieutenant Chojiro Sasakibe walking behind him. The atmosphere inside the room became incredibly tense that Toshiro somehow had a hard time to breathe. Yamamoto beat his cane to the floor and spoke with great authority,

"This emergency meeting will now commence."

Toshiro stood upright with a calm look on his face but inside he was nervous and curious. What was the meeting about? And why now of all times when they should be preparing for a possible attack from Aizen and his army of hollows.

"Last month, Mayuri Kurotsuchi uncovered something from the database of Seireitei's records regarding a certain prisoner. That prisoner was charged with a heavy crime against Soul Society itself and was sent to the Nest of Maggots for a penance of a thousand years and a possible death sentence. You all, must know who that person is, correct?"

Toshiro tensed, as well as all the other occupants of the room at the mention of that person. Toshiro clenched his fist until his knuckles turned white. Why? Why all of times did the Captain-commander bring her up? A smiling face of a pink haired woman flashed in Toshiro's mind and that made the silver haired captain feel a surge of sadness, regret, guilt and other emotions mixed up to form an unpleasant ball of memories resurface.

Jushiro Ukitake stepped forward and asked,

"Sou-taicho, why did you bring up that person in the meeting?"

Yamamoto looked at Jushiro and most was shocked to see that sadness was shown in his face.

"Why you ask? Because like I said, last month, that person's files were found by Kurotsuchi-Taicho and he found some false information regarding that person's charges. After analyzing it further, it seemed that that person was at the wrong time and place when that catastrophe happened. So it was deemed that that person was not the one at fault of the incident that happened two hundred years ago and that she was framed."

Toshiro nearly stopped breathing while the Sou-taicho was explaining the situation. She was framed and was wrongly accused of something she didn't do. Toshiro felt sick to his stomach when he realized something. That even if she told them that she didn't do it, they didn't believe her. He didn't believe her and he even hunted her down with the other captains to bring her in.

"And so, we are lifting all the charges that were against Sakura Haruno as of right now."

And right after finishing that sentence, the doors opened and Toshiro eyes widened and he almost gasped. Standing a few feet from him was the same woman that he adored so much in the past before her supposed crime that he came to despise her every being. But this woman wasn't that person anymore. This woman wasn't the same Sakura he once knew. This woman was too sickly, too pale, and too dead to be the once calm yet cheerful Sakura. Her skin was a scary pale shade, her pink hair that used to shoulder length was now dragging along the floor, her face was covered by long bangs and she looked so skinny and malnourished that it was a wonder that she could still stand on her own feet.

Sakura kneeled before the Sou-taicho with her head bowed low that they couldn't see her face.

"Sakura Haruno, you have served your punishment for 200 years now, and it would have been longer had not something been cleared."

Toshiro looked at Sakura who lifted her head to look at the Sou-taicho, but what shocked him was that her once shining emerald eyes now looked dull and dead, like a doll.

"Your original sentence was a thousand years, but, due to an investigation, you are being cleared of all charges, starting from today."

Her eyes widened and Toshiro caught sight of that. He immediately felt a surge of guilt wash over him when she spoke,

"P-Pl-please, I-I-if, I may speak…I-I- th-thought that, I-I- would be exec-cuted…W-why am-am I being released?"

"Well, it seems that the charges against you were proven false earlier this month, and it seemed proper that we release you."

Toshiro looked at Sakura, who slumped on her position on the floor and whispered something,

"So I really have, wasted a part of my life, because of false charges?"

The room grew silent as Sakura stilled and after a few seconds, Yamamoto whispered something to his lieutenant. After that, Sakura was helped by the guard that was standing behind her and escorted her out, Toshiro noting that the guard was gentle in handling her. On her way out, someone spoke out and called Sakura's name.

"Sakura-chan…"

Toshiro recognized the voice as Yachiru and looked at her direction, seeing the little lieutenant wave at Sakura. A sad smile portrayed on Sakura's lips and Toshiro couldn't help but pity her. The small act has brought the girl happiness, but that was what made it sadder. After that, Sakura tripped on her hair that made her ragged and dirty kimono ride up to her very thin legs, and being helped up by the gaurd showed her thin arms. Toshiro was just devastated by her condition, and just blamed himself for everything that has happened to her. And also, seeing her get scared of the sunlight made him feel like the lowest scum for ever putting her in such a condition. After the meeting was over, Toshiro walked towards his office slowly, Rangiku following him closely behind, looking at her captain's form worriedly and sadly.

Rangiku was sad and guilty, but not as much as her poor captain. She couldn't even imagine that pain he was feeling right now, as was the confusion and guilt. Rangiku knew of her captain and Sakura's relationship before. Her Captain adored Sakura and loved her so much that Rangiku couldn't help but smile at her captain's devotion to win over the pinkette. Sakura made Rangiku's normally grumpy captain glow with happiness.

Rangiku was also very close with Sakura, seeing the girl as practically her sister. She was a great friend, shinigami and drinking buddy that Rangiku couldn't ask for anything else from her. But, everything changed when that incident happened. Rangiku and everyone were forbidden to talk about it since so much was lost that day. After Sakura was imprisoned, Toshiro became stricter and all-business that it was painful to see her captain torture himself.

After the two got back to barracks, Rangiku looked at Toshiro who walked back to his office and lock the door. Toshiro walked towards his desk, but just couldn't will himself to move after seeing Sakura again after so many years in such an awful condition. Leaning against the wall, Toshiro closed his eyes to see Sakura's face two hundred years ago, all smiling and cheerful.

Toshiro sighed and smiled a bitter smile.

"She's back; she's finally back…my Sakura."

Sakura woke up to find herself in her new room. She couldn't really remember anything the night before but seeing a white silk scarf wrapped around her neck made everything that had happened.

After comforting a sad and guilt-wrecked Byakuya, she made him sit down in the living room couch to relax and cool his head while she made dinner. After eating, Byakuya offered to help in washing the dishes and also apologized for his behavior. Tired and still weak from getting out of the Maggot's Nest, Sakura almost collapsed until Byakuya caught her and carried her to her room, removing her shoes and laying her down on her bed. Losing consciousness, she vaguely remembered Byakuya stay beside her, caressing her cheek and wrapping the scarf around her neck when she was about to fall asleep.

Looking at the scarf she was wearing, Sakura felt her heart give a warm feeling. Removing the scarf and placing it on her lap, Sakura stretched her arms over her head and saw a note on her bedside table. Reading the note over, Sakura almost smiled at what it said.

My dearest blossom,

I apologize for my behavior last night. The meal you cooked was very delicious; I hope that you can make it again for me. Use my scarf in whatever way you want and you can return it to me whenever you like.

Taking the scarf gently in her hands, Sakura wrapped it around her neck and reveled in the warmth it gave off.

Standing up, she folded the scarf, she placed it on her now fixed bed and proceed to strip of her clothes and went to her bathroom for a shower. After twenty minutes, Sakura stepped out in nothing but a large white towel and rummaged through her closet, only to remember that her clothes were still in the bags in the kitchen since she forgot to fix them before she slept. Face palming herself, Sakura went down to her kitchen, securing the towel around her bust so it wouldn't fall off and got the bags and went up to her room. Placing the bags down, she rummaged through her clothing to find her underwear and something to wear. Putting on her underwear, Sakura chose to wear a simple yet beautiful yukata. The yukata was a white, with black and red snow flake designs at the hem, up to her left leg. Instead of an obi, a black sash held the yukata together. Putting on her socks and her shoes, Sakura got Byakuya's scarf and placed it inside her Yukata. Tying her hair up in a simple messy bun, Sakura went to her kitchen and made herself some breakfast before getting some cash and leaving her house for an early morning stroll.

Sakura noted that it was still seven in the morning when she left the house. The atmosphere was still misty and cold as Sakura walked around. Since the meeting was at noon, she had nothing better to do so she went to the training grounds in the forest. This particular training ground was known only to her and a few select others since it was in the deep part of the forest and it was secluded from the other shinigami. Sakura used to train here most of the time and because of that Sakura felt nostalgic when she walked towards the West gate while avoiding other people from seeing her. Approaching the large gate that easily towered over her form; she looked up and saw its gate keeper.

Jidanbo Ikkanzaka yawned as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Sensing a very strong spiritual presence nearby, Jidanbo readied his axe and turned around and gasped.

"Long time no see, Jidanbo."

Jidanbo was speechless as he looked at his friend from a long time ago. Lowering his axe slightly, he looked at Sakura wide eyed, and suddenly felt a strong sense of happiness. Dropping his axe all together, he shakily lowered his hand where Sakura carefully stepped in, and held the giant man's thumb when he lifted her up. Lifting her up to eye level, Jidanbo felt tears prickle his eyes, but he furiously wiped them away and grinned at Sakura, his eyes till teary.

"Yeah, long time no see, Sakura."

Smiling at the giant man, Sakura jumped down to the ground and hugged him, burying her face in his broad chest and clinging to his clothes tightly.

"Jidanbo… you look well, I'm glad."

Jidanbo grinned proudly and gently hugged the smaller girl back, careful not to crush her.

"I can't say the same for you though, you were already thin back then but now you look skinnier."

Sakura chuckled and stepped back to look at Jidanbo who had a sad look on his face. Worry crossed over Sakura's face, but her face remained calm.

"I…should have helped you back then…I knew what really happened yet I couldn't…"

Jidanbo said, his face wracked with regret. Sakura inwardly sighed and patted his large hand.

"No, you did well, even if you could have said anything, you would have needed evidence. I was careless and foolish that I didn't know what had been coming. But still, thank you for trying to save me; you're a really great friend, Jidanbo."

Jidanbo looked at Sakura and grinned when she smiled up at him. Distancing herself from the large man, she explained to him that she wanted to go out for a while.

"Okay, but be sure not to get caught or else it will be both our asses that will get in trouble."

Sakura laughed slightly and watched as the large man opened the gate with ease. Walking outside, she waved as she walked away from the large man,

"Okay mommy, I won't get caught, I promise!"

Jidanbo laughed and happily yelled at her retreating form,

"I ain't no mommy, you brat!"

Sakura walked towards the forest, humming softly to herself as she looked around and inhaled the fresh air. Looking up, she saw the sun beating down on her and everything else and enjoyed herself as she walked towards the training area.

Wanting to test if her abilities had gotten worse over the past two hundred years, Sakura took a deep breath and shunpoed all the way to the training grounds. Getting their quickly, Sakura frowned as her abilities have gone rusty. Walking towards the center of the wide land, Sakura sat and lied down, not caring if her clothes got dirty. Looking at the clouds, Sakura sighed and closed her eyes. After a few minutes, Sakura stood up and stretched. Hearing a few popping sounds, Sakura gave a contented groan and folded up the sleeves of her yukata up to her elbows so that her hands were free.

Concentrating on her reiatsu, Sakura closed her eyes and visualized her reiatsu in her surroundings. Taking a deep breath, Sakura slowly let her reiatsu form a sphere around her body. As the sphere around her grew brighter, Sakura took a step forward, only to see that the ground around her immediately crack and form a huge crater. Lifting up her hands, Sakura visualized her zanpakuto in her hands, and grasped it. As she was doing this, her spiritual energy formed a sword in her hand. The sphere around her body cackled and when Sakura opened her eyes the spiritual energy around her exploded and dust rose up in the air.

Sakura opened her eyes to see her zanpakuto in her hands, and the dust had been cleared. Looking down at her hands slowly, Sakura smiled at the sword in her hands. It had been as beautiful as Sakura remembered it. Its polished ebony sheath was embossed by silver linings, it had to tsuba or guard and its hilt was a crimson red wrapping with a black sash weaved around its base and near its sheath. Removing the sword from its sheath, Sakura almost grinned at her zanpakuto. The blade a mix of black and white, with the blunt side a color of polished silver and the edge as well as the sharper side was black.

Tucking the sheath in her sash, Sakura swung her sword around and smiled. She had never felt so free only when she was holding her sword in her hands and cutting down enemies one by one.

Sakura, still feeling high and absolutely wonderful, ran towards the trees and cut them down easily. She twirled around with her sword that she looked like she was dancing despite cutting the tress unfortunate enough to come within the cutting range of her zanpakuto.

After a while, Sakura collapsed under a large tree, her zanpakuto still in her hand and she was smiling as she breathed in air greedily. Still smiling like an idiot, she sat up to look at the damage she had done and sweat dropped. The area had been obliterated and the trees surrounding the area had been cut down.

"You still haven't changed that much even after two hundred years, Sakura."

Sakura heard a voice say as she smiled and closed her eyes, recognizing the voice anywhere.

As Sakura closed her eyes, she saw a figure of a man standing before her. As everything became clearer, Sakura saw herself in a world where the sky was split in a forever picture of dark and light. Her surroundings, she noted was still beautiful and calming. She was standing in a glowing meadow, with silver, red, white and blue roses grew and glowed. The meadow was surrounded by woodland, where Sakura knew it would stretch endlessly when you step into the forest. As she looked up, she saw the same sky two hundred years ago. With its vast dark open sky dotted with glowing stars and galaxies.

"You haven't changed too, Kagami…"

Sakura said as her emerald eyes glazed over to the figure standing a few feet away from her.

He was beautiful, Sakura thought as she looked over his ethereal appearance. He was tall and lean with a muscular build, but not too much that it would look grotesque. His skin was pale ivory that looked luminous and his hair was soft and silky, stopping at the base of his neck, with the top part of his hair colored black, while the rest of his hair colored a silvery blue. His eyes were silver and he had sharp features. Sakura noted that he had changed his attire, donning only a simple black and white yukata with a red sash before and now he wore a black shihakusho that was similar to a standard shinigami uniform, except it had a red shitagi and he still had the same red sash tied around his waist to hold his katana. In addition to his outfit, he now wore an emerald choker and a white haori.

Sakura smiled and stood there,

"If I were any other person, I would have thought that you were a captain."

Kagami gave Sakura one of his rare smiles,

"That depends on the person…Sakura, welcome back."

Sakura smiled and walked towards him and when she was standing right in front of him, she raised her hand to run her fingers delicately along his cheek down towards his jaw.

"I can't believe that I got to see you again… I thought that they would kill me…"

Sakura said, as her eyes glazed over with sadness while a small frown marred her face. Kagami held Sakura's hand gently and pulled her for a hug which Sakura thought was confusing.

"Uh…Kagami why-"

"Shut up, at least give me this moment to know if you're really here and not my imagination."

Sakura chuckled and hugged him as well, shivering at his cold yet gentle touch. After a while, Kagami pulled away but still kept her close.

"Sakura, say my name…"

Sakura looked at Kagami and smiled at him, before holding his hand and whispering his name softly,

"Kagami no Hikari to Yami, my true self…"

Sakura woke up to still see herself in the ruined training grounds before sighing and looking at the sky. It was near noon, the time the meeting would be. Realizing that, Sakura did a double take and sheathed her zanpakuto before shunpoing towards the gate.

"I'm going to be late!"

As Sakura came closer towards the gate, Jidanbo saw her and waved until Sakura hurriedly asked him to open the gate. Seeing her in a frenzy Jidanbo opened the gate hurriedly and Sakura shunpoed in, thanking him as she sped away.

Jidanbo looked at her and scratched his head in confusion.

"What's gotten into her?"

As Sakura stopped in front of the 1st's office, she smoothed down her hair and clothes and when they gave her the signal, Sakura walked into the room, with her head held high in confidence and her face wiped away of any unnecessary emotion. When she stood in front of Yamamoto, she bowed and kneeled on one knee,

"Pardon my tardiness, Sou-taicho."

As Yamamoto signaled for Sakura to stand, she ignored the gazes of the captains and listened to what the captain-commander was saying.

"Sakura Haruno, from now on, you will be serving as a shinigami of the Gotei 13, and your rank shall be decided by a test."

Sakura looked at him through confused eyes.

"You shall take the test in two weeks. You will fight a few seated or higher ranking shinigami that I will personally choose. Until then, train, study and may luck be in your favor."