Hide and Seek

Toshiro stepped through the gate and let Rangiku go, he fell to his knees and punched the ground hard. His knuckles cracked and the skin tore open letting blood pour out of his hand. He gritted his teeth and hunched over. He felt his tears well up in his throat and wanted to let out a scream that would break the world around him. He cursed in anger and sobbed loudly. He had never felt this way in his life, ever. He had never felt so alone, betrayed and empty.



Rangiku knelt next to him and placed a hand on his back " Toshiro...I am here for you...I will always be here for you." She reassured.



She brought him back to life. He sat up and nodded his head " I'm ok." He sniffled." I guess I just needed to get it out." He chuckled wiping his tears away.



"Yeah..." she said looking around.



"Where are we?" He asked curiously trying to change the subject.



"I think we are still in Japan...I don't know though." She said sighing heavily. " Well I guess I will ask."



Rangiku rose to her feet and moved out of the shaded alley to see nothing but snow falling. She was cold and damp but knew she needed to find someone to help her. She glanced down the road to see a neon sign. " Toshiro. I found someplace to ask for directions."



Toshiro nodded and continued down the alley to where she was, he looked down the road to see the lights. He followed her to the stationed building and waited outside for her. He cooley propped himself against the wall and waited for her to return.He closed his eyes which only felt like seconds but was a couple of minutes. His mind was wandering, wandering through the stresses of events of the past hours.



She approached him and called his name once and didn't get a response " Toshiro? You ok?" Rangiku asked.



He shook himself awake and looked up at her " Yeah, sorry. Anything?"



"Uh, well we are outside of Tokyo, we need to take a train to Karakura town." She sighed scratching the top of her head. She looked over to him to see his face sullen and sad. " Toshiro, why did you sav-



"Lets find the train." He said walking away from her.



She sighed once more and looked to the sky, there were no stars. How could that be, the sky was there but the stars had left. Her eyes lowered and she walked forward to her captain. He was still her leader, he would always be her leader.



About an hour later they found the train station and now were clueless. Toshiro looked to the ticket booth. He told the man where he needed to go and explained they did not have any money. After coaxing the man to let them on the two were finally allowed one ride for free. That was all they needed, it was a 2 hour ride. They entered the train after waiting a half hour in the waiting area.



Rangiku sat on the empty train and leaned against the back window. Toshiro sat across from her and placed his elbows on his knees. The stress was getting to him beyond any other time. She smiled and spoke up " Captain-



"I am not a captain any more...you don't need to." He paused and looked up, her eyes made him realize she was just trying to help. He sighed " Sorry Rangiku. I just am-



"Don't worry about it. Are we going to start a new life here? Or what?" She asked.



"I haven't thought that far ahead. Maybe after some sleep I will clear some stress away." he sighed.



The train began to move slowly and then picked up the speed after a ten minute start up. Rangiku watched as everything passed by quickly. She glanced up at him, she needed to be there for him. She rose to her feet and sat next to him. " Please rest on me. I don't mind." She plead.



He was about to decline the offer but couldn't resist, he was so tired and needed the rest. He slowly lowered his head onto her lap, moving his legs up to the seat. They were the only two in the train car. This made it strangely quiet for the two, he settled into her lap and felt her fingers move gently through his white hair. His eyes opened in shock and then closed again, her hands were warm and calming. He had never been touched like this, it was a new sensation but he liked it. His eyes shut lightly and he fell into a deep slumber.



The lights flickered as they went through a final tunnel and she tapped his cheek with her index finger, lightly of course. His eyes twitched open and he felt her warm hand swipe against her cheek. He looked up to her face to see her smiling at him warmly. He yawned and sat up, his stomach was growling from hunger. He needed food and he was almost positive she was hungry as well. Toshiro stretched his body and cracked his bones. Rangiku tilted her head and leaned forward “ You sleep well?” She asked with a smile.







“Yeah, actually I did…are we almost there?”he asked looking out the window.







She leaned back in her seat once more and pushed her hair behind her ear. Slowly she looked over to him “ Yeah we are. I think at least. This thing is kind of cool, wouldn’t you say?” She asked looking back out the window.







Things passed by them quickly in the train but the view was beautiful. The sky was dark at top and was slowly getting lighter at the bottom towards the tree line. It looked like a painting; the sky was clear with no clouds. The sun was rising proudly in the sky looking to shine upon the new day.







“It is kind of cool. Guess we should get used to this? You know, I never thought I would be running from the soul society.” He spoke looking to his partner leaning forward crouched over. He pressed his elbows to his knees and rested them in a relaxed manner.







“You act like I am mad at you.” She paused and looked to him “ I am not angry in any way shape or form. My philosophy is…you can’t do anything about the past….so just look ahead.” She chuckled to herself looking outside into the sky.







The sun peered over the trees and rose high in the now brightened sky. She smiled and looked back to her captain " Don't worry Toshiro, things will work out fine."





"You think?" Toshiro asked sighing and looked back over to her.





" I really do." She smiled once again.





The train slowly screeched to a stop and the doors opened letting the two out. The chilling air was a shock for her. She inhaled sharply and lead the way.She walked up the subways steps to be released to the sun shining down.The snow was crisp and nowhere on the sidewalks. Just on the sides. Toshiro hissed at the brightness, he covered his eyes and was surprised at how busy it really was. Rangiku looked around cautiously and continued through the black suits. Everyone looked exactly the same in business attire, which she nor Toshiro were used to. Rangiku finally stopped in a cafe and asked where Ichigo's high school was. She pointed down the street and told her where to go. Rangiku nodded and thanked her for the directions.





Rangiku knew her way from the school back to Ichigo's house. Ichigo had moved away recently and had got a house near his father and sisters. But other than that the house was his, Rangiku couldn't even imagine what to say...what was there to say. ' Hey Ichigo, we are now running from soul society. mind helping us? Why would he help us...Toshiro seemed to have faith in Ichigo. A lot of faith in him.' She thought to her self.





After walking quietly through the city they were finally there. Rangiku took one step closer and was encountered by Yoruichi. She landed her flash step and placed her hand on her hip. " Well you guys sure are the talk right now." She smiled.





"Yoruichi." Toshiro said surprised.





"So, what are you doing back here if you are so popular." Yoruichi laughed swishing her hair.





Toshiro looked to the ground and closed his eyes slowly. His white eyelashes covered his emerald eyes making it look like snow was resting on his lashes. " Yoruichi...let me explain."



"There is no need to. The central 46 are idiots, who think they know and control everything. This was the only place you could go let me guess?" She paused and glanced at him. The dark skinned female let out a sigh and closed her eyes " Come on lets go see Ichigo." She motioned.



She lead the way into his house, she opened the door and bumped into the orange haired human. He swore and looked up to be surprised by her presence " Yoruichi!? What are you-



"Are you really that upset to see me Ichigo?" She laughed bending over and offering him a hand.



He scoffed and took her offer, he patted himself off and looked up to see Toshiro and Rangiku behind her. "What...are you two doing back?"



"I am-



"They had no choice Ichigo." Yoruichi reassured.



--------------------------



They all walked to Kisuke's shop with Yoruichi and sat down. Rukia had joined Ichigo to the shop. She was worried for Rangiku and wanted to know what was going on.When they arrived Yoruichi woke Urahara.They waited for him to fully awaken, it seemed he liked to sleep in a lot. Yoruichi sat down next to Ichigo and Rukia, she was surprised at who else was at the table...Shinji. He had a bandaged arm and resting his other arm on the table looking as though he was thinking.



"Well you look a little banged up eh Shinji?" Ichigo laughed.



"Shut up loser!" Shinji retorted.



Kisuke stepped in and took a seat, he didn't look happy like normal. He looked almost sad, he sighed.

" I think it is time I tell you guys about why I was banned from Soul Society."



Anyone could see the pain in his eyes, Shinji looked away and sighed. Yoruichi closed her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. It looked like a weight was just dropped on their shoulders. Kisuke Continued ....



" About 105 years ago, it was a regular morning for me. I was told to go to the captains meeting, I was extremely taken off guard. I didn't expect to be awoken at that time, none the least told to go to a captains meeting."He laughed " I hurried to the meeting...and was late of course." He chuckled. " I saw all the captains there, Love, Shinji, Kensei, Rose, Shunsuii, Ukitake, Unohana, ginrei and Yoruichi. They were waiting for me to arrive. I then was shown to my new squads barracks...my lieutenant didn't like me there much but...I figured she would get used to me." He scratched his head nervously "After a couple weeks of being there I started working on this idea of making a research bureau. I was finally approved to do so and so I knew a perfect leader to help me with this. So I asked my lieutenant, Hiyori to go with me to the maggots nest, an underground prison.

I convinced him to come with me-



"Who was he?" Ichigo asked.



Rukia slapped his arm " SHH! Don't interupt."



Urahara laughed and slapped downwards at the air as if he was fanning it away " Its ok. His name is Mayuri Kurotsuchi." He paused and saw the surprise in Rukia's eyes." He came along with me and decided he would help me begin my research. Things started to get bad though in Soul Society. Ryoka started to disappear, this became the talk." He looked over Shinji and saw the anger fill his eyes. " After a while the commander decided it was time to go investigate. So they sent many including Captain Kensei and other soul reapers to investigate. When Kensei did...the other 13 soul reapers that had gone out earlier had been found...only there uniforms...nothing more." Kisuke sighed and looked up to Yoruichi.



Yoruichi continued for him. " Kensei sent his men to inform the court guard about their findings and made a decision to camp out there. Kisuke was informed of the scene and sent Hiyori to collect some samples. Little did he know...what was about to happen."



Kisuke opened his eyes and took over " In the middle of the night an emergency meeting was called. When I had heard of Kensei's disappearance...I needed to go stop Hiyori. I tried to go but...no one let me go. I had this terrible feeling...a feeling I cannot explain. Many captains were sent...actually all of the vizards you know Ichigo were captains or lieutenants that were sent." He chuckled in a nervous manner.



"Yeah...lucky us." Shinji scoffed.



" After they left I couldn't just let them go blindly into the situation.When I heard of the disappearance I had a feeling something was not right and that if the soul was not damaged to the point of nothing...that we could possibly fix it...by putting the soul in a gigai...this was all new stuff though back then." Urahara laughed. " When I finally decided not to sit around and wait...I went out on my own in a device I made that cut of all my spiritual presence. I was stopped by Tessai who decided to come with me...so I did not go into the situation alone. " He paused "When I arrived though...I had seen more than I wanted...Hiyori was on the ground being turned into a monster. Shinji was talking to someone...when I got closer it was Aizen...Aizen had Tousen and Gin helping him even then."



Rangiku felt the pit in her stomach sink...she swallowed hard, thinking of the night way back when he left in the middle of the night and didn't return. She looked down at the table and bit her lip...'that is where he went.' She thought.



"Aizen spoke of Shinji's lack of trust...how he fell into his plans perfectly. He spoke of what was happening to him and said he was a failed project. Then I came in. I cut his badge from his arm and said he didn't need that anymore...I told him what he was doing was wrong and that it could be reversed. Aizen disappeared using his zanpacktou but I couldn't do anything then. I needed to save the 8 of my friends who were badly injured...it was my priority. Tessai used a forbidden technique that sent us all to my quarters...I worked all night to reverse the hollowfication process...but I couldn't reverse it. I went to take a break and was confronted by blades at my throat. They took me and Tessai to the central 46 chambers with out telling me anything else. I was confused. When I finally asked...I was told I was behind the terrible crimes that had happen. I was the reason this all happen. I tried to tell them about Aizen...but they didn't believe me...Aizen had used his sword on the whole Sereitei." He got serious " I was pretty much screwed...they were going to kill the 8 I had worked so hard to save...as if they were hollows." He smiled and turned to Yoruichi warmly "Then Yoruichi broke through the doors and saved me and had taken the bodies already to where we always trained. We took them to the human world and have been living here since...banished but we saved these guys." He looked up to Shinji.



"Say...Yoruichi. Why did you come along again?" Shinji laughed.



"SHUT UP! If it weren't for me you would have been killed." She pouted blushing.



Kisuke hushed Yoruichi and looked to Toshiro " So they fell for it again eh?"



"Looks like it."Toshiro looked to Kisuke with eager eyes"will we be able to convince them that I am not guilty?"



"...unless it is right in there face...I doubt it." Kisuke paused " We will need to get you guys someplace to stay. I have someone who works in the process of making you a citizen. We can get you going from there." He nodded.



Toshiro looked to Rangiku for an answer, she looked up finally after pondering Gin " If this is our only way of surviving." She spoke



"We will do it." Toshiro chimed in.



Kisuke pulled out his fan and began to fan himself " Well Rangiku I wouldn't mind you working around me, if you know what I mean." He began to laugh to feel an elbow in his side. He yelped in pain.



"Your so typical," Yoruichi rolled her eyes and looked up to Rangiku " We will need to get you some clothes to look more...casual." She laughed and knew they were not in the most cheerful mood. She looked to Rukia and gave her a look to hint at help me out here.



"Uhh...hey how about you celebrate Christmas with us?" She paused and looked to the two, Toshiro and Rangiku looked shocked " I mean you don't have anywhere to go right?" She asked.



"Actually I was going to offer you guys a room at my place until Kisuke gets all the technical stuff ready." Ichigo nodded " If you like."



Toshiro paused for a moment and looked to her" I don't know how to thank-



" Don't worry about it." Ichigo confirmed.



Kisuke leaned forward " Don't worry I am already doing this for Grimmjow and Ulquiorra. We are working on their situation with the Espada parts they have." Kisuke said.



Rukia rose to her feet and thanked Kisuke and Yoruichi for their help. Ichigo smiled and it was as if an idea literally hit him. " OH! How about Rukia you go with Rangiku and Yoruichi. I will take Toshiro to get some clothes."



"I swear to god if you weren't straight you would be the best gay man ever." Rukia rolled her eyes.



"What the hell is that supposed to mean!" Ichigo growled.



" You have a closet FULL of clothes!" Rukia retorted.



Rangiku turned to Toshiro " Do you mind if I go with them?" She asked looking into his eyes.



" No Rangiku, please do. Go have a good time." He urged her.



She nodded and the three were on their way to having a shopping day. Toshiro looked over to Kisuke " Let me know if you need any help, with anything please Kisuke." He bowed thanking him.



Shinji rose to his feet " Ehh I don't want you looking like a total geek so I will come along with you and Ichigo."



"Geek!? I don't where a cab drivers hat or a friggin tie!" Ichigo lashed



Toshiro raised an eyebrow and looked at the two...they both looked really weird in their clothing. Such strange clothes, in a strange way the two were a lot alike. He shrugged it off and asked " I don't have a clue about clothes so...yeah...I don't really care."



Ichigo paused and looked at Shinji " oh...well...I guess we will start with just walking around seeing what you like."



The two men escorted Toshiro out the doors and were on there way as well. Kisuke folded the fan up and let out a heavy sigh. " And the pendulum keeps moving..."



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Author note: So here is a new chapter, I have been typing on way more. But I thought I would put this out a little early. So here is my next chapter, this is named after the Doctor Who song: Doomsday. Amazing song, very emotional for a DW fan. Enjoy.