- Chapter 16 -

Missing Strawberries and a Surprise

Miyori

Goddamit, I thought as I made my way back to Urahara's shop. Ichigo has been missing the past few days and everyone was searching for him. What could have happened? He can't just disappear like that! We just lost- okay, almost lost to those Arrancars and when we're supposed to work together and built our strength, HE JUST DISAPPEARS LIKE THAT?

I tsk'ed and continued my way to the unfamous item shop, receiving some weird glances from the humans. That was because I was wearing the school's uniform and the school hours were finishing in about an hour. I didn't slow down my pace and I finally reached the Japanese style shop.

The blonde-haired man with the funny hat was waiting for me at the entrance "Ah, Hono-san, what a pleasure to see you here~~!" he greeted in a jumpy tone, waving at me with his fan.

"Ah, Urahara-san, ohayo" I replied to the man, standing right in front of him. The man tilted his head confused, never losing his hyper smile and excited atmosphere.

My mouth left itself a sigh and I bowed deeply at him, closing my eyes tightly "Please, make me stronger!" I almost shouted with my all, trying to sound confident.

I must have left the man stunned, because silence was only heard. I bit my lip, cussing myself mentally for being so stupid and asking something important like this in such a harsh and funny way.

Suddenly, I fell something flat patting my red long hair- probably his fan. I heard him laugh for a second before straightening me up. His shadowed eyes looked at me with concern as my confused look fell on him "There is no reason for you to become stronger. You already are~"

I blinked two times to make sure that he had said what I have just heard. "B-but-" Before I could say anything, he had already walked off, waving at me with his fan.

Why everything must be so confusing about myself? No memories, no knowledge about my strength, current life and feelings... Nothing, I thought with a shake of my head. Because I had nothing to do, I thought about trying to make another attempt to find the lost shinigami.

As I was walking down the street, I saw a familiar figure with long, auburn hair and the school's skirt walking down the street. A wide smile spread across my face as I approached the walking figure and poked its shoulder "Orihime-san~!"

The tall girl looked at me with her usual chirpy smile "H-Hono-sa- I mean, Captain Hono!" she exclaimed, giving me a small wave.

"Where are you going to?" I asked her with a happy tune, wanting to kill my boredom at the moment. Since it was forbidden for me to fight anyone and anything and nothing important was being brought up, I could just spend my day with a human friend.

Orihime pointed her index finger at an appartement, some meters away from us "I'm going home to make some food~! Do you want to come with me? I will make some ramen!" the teenage girl explained as she gave me a closed eye smile.

When I heard the word 'ramen' escaping her mouth, I quickly nodded and followed her up to her stairs, to the entrance of her house. But when we opened it, a surprise was awaiting for us. The silver-headed, irksome shortie captain of 10th Division was standing with his orange-headed, female Lieutenant in front of a huge screen, with some connected things with it.

My mouth hang open at the sight of it while Orihime stared at it surprised. "Uwah... That's so... Not cool! What is that thing, Toshiro-kun?!" the girl besides me asked while Toshiro rubbed the back of his usual messy hair.

For some reason, he didn't even bother to look at me. It was like he was trying to avoid any eye contact with me. My reaction was completely unexpectable. My smile turned into a deep frown, my lips curled down, creating a sad smile and my gaze fixed to the ground. Why do I feel so awful? And... why is my heart aching?

"This is Hitsugaya Toshiro, Captain of Squad 10" Toshiro's voice echoed in the silent room, interrupting my sad and confused thoughts.

A response was heard from the huge screen which was- practically- cutting Orihime's living room in half "Yes sir! I'll connect you right away!" Suddenly, Captain Yamamoto appeared on the screen, with his usual casual state and closed eyes.

I heard Orihime gasping surprised while staring at the huge screen. I looked at the Head Captain, ready to ask what he was doing on that huge screen, but he spoke first. "You've finished the job quickly. Just what I've come to expect of you, Captain Hitsugaya"

Job? He is probably talking... about when they left me alone with Toshiro and Ichigo? I wondered, looking at the back of the silver-headed captain and then back at the Head Captain.

 "... Aizen Sosuke's true objective has been made clear" the Head Captain's voice was heard clear and out-loud when he made that announcement, making everyone's heads turn to his direction and stare at him wide-eyed.

His startling announcement had made all of us froze; our bodies unable to move from their spots. My throat was soar and my body start shaking "Aizen's... true objective?" I asked, with my voice being cracked.

"Indeed" was Head Captain's response which made my whole body ache, like something bad was going to happen. Something really bad that would prevent dangerous for both Soul Society and Human World.

 Orihime's shocked expression turned into a more calm, awkward one as she rubbed the back of her head "This sounds kind of important, so... I'll just step outside!"

The orange-headed girl turned to leave us alone, when Captain Commander's voice made her stop in her tracks "Wait" he stated with his deep, old voice, fact which made Orihime turn around. "Stay and listen. This concerns you humans as well"

Orihime swallowed and nodded her head, replying with agreement. She stepped besides my serious now figure and looked at the huge screen which was connecting us with Soul Society once again.

"In the one month since Aizen vanished, we've investigated the Squad 5 Headquarters where he conducted his daily business, as well as the Central 46's underground building, Seijoutou-Kyorin, where he hid out and you know our search of the Great Spirit Library's Circuits in on-going" Commander's speech was heard all over the room, echoing around the walls which made it seem more terrifying, like he was telling us a tale for ghosts.

Captain Commander continued his introduction, but he was cut off by Toshiro, who supported to tell us the main problem and skip the useless details. The Commander agreed without hesitation, continuing is long yet important speech. 

"Ukitake, who is in charge of searching the Great Spirit Library's Circuits, discovered a strange remnant yesterday" the Captain of 1st Division continued his speech, while I heard carefully and focused.

I heard about the Soukyokou and Aizen's disappearance, when suddenly the most unpleasant--for now-- item appeared on the screen. It was made of pure gold, magnificent and precious stones decorating that extraordinary shape of it. "The Royal Key" Captain Commander announced.

Toshiro's eyes widened and I gasped surprised, while Orihime looked confused at the simple yet important item at the screen. 

"What's this... Royal Key?" 

Rangiku didn't show any signs of shock or surprise, she just turned to the human girl and commenced explaining to her: "It's exactly what it sounds like. A key to the Royal House. Even Soul Society has a Royal Family. We say 'King', but since he leaves the matters of Soul Society to the Central 46 and doesn't interfere, we don't feel him. The truth is, neither I nor the Captain have ever seen him in person"

Then, it was my turn to explain the existence of the King. "We call our king 'Reiou' (= Spirit King). Although he is figurehead in Soul Society, his existence is absolute. The Royal Palace is located in a space further removed from Soul Society and is protected by the Royal Guard. The Royal Key opens up the space which leads to the palace"

 Orihime seemed to get the point of the whole conversation, which made her eyes widen slightly in fear and despair. "That means... that Aizen-san is going to..."

"Kill the king" Commander's sharp voice cut her off, as the plan of Aizen was finally revealed. "That is probably his intention... But that is not where the problem lies"

Again, the conversation continued until everything was revealed; Aizen's plan, intention, methods he would use and everything that was currently going on. He will create the Royal Key on his own. He is trying to find out a method to do it but... how? The thoughts and possible solutions were roaming around my mind, making me be in a deep thought.

Suddenly, the answer popped up on my mind, making me look with glimmering eyes at the huge screen in front of me. "For creating the Royal Key, you need 100,000 Human Souls. Also, a spiritually saturated ground and some distance close to Soul Society, where is close to the location of the Royal Palace. The only place which is the perfect one for the creation is..."

"Karakura Town" I breathed out with a husky voice which made everyone-- even the Commander-- look at me a little suprised. I swallowed hardly as my stomach started throbbing- probably from the bad feeling I had for Aizen's intentions.

Orihime started getting more anxious, worrying about the existense of Karakura town, the place where she had lived her whole life until now. I heard the rest of the plan, nodding in the parts I understood. Finally, the conversation had ended, confirming that the decisive battle was going to be in the winter.

Orihime left to inform Ichigo (if she could find him since he was missing), leaving me, Toshiro and Rangiku alone. Rangiku finally broke the silence between us "I'm going to inform Rukia and the others"

"Then, I will go to inform Ikkaku and Yumichika" I stated as I turned around, my red hair spreading on the air like an explosion of colors. 

I felt Toshiro's presence following me but then, the deep voice of the Head Captain made us stop in our tracks "Could you wait a moment, Captain Hitsugaya and Captain Hono?"

Me and Toshiro turned around in sync, travelling our eyes on the huge screen. Toshiro's eyes widened in shock while mine stayed calm as always.

"You" Toshiro whispered as he saw the black-haired Lieutenant of 5th Division, Momo Hinamori, alive and happy in the screen. That made up my mood too, but not for too long.

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Bleeeerghhh, crappy chapter! >.< Sorry guys, but I was rushing a lot and I wanted to update! 030 I think you can understand my mixed emotions right now~ >3<

Anyways, here is a chapter and what Miyori means with the last part? O.o Well, wait and you'll soon find out! xD 

Sorry if I will slow down with the updates, but my exams are beggining in 2 weeks and I have to get prepared! 030 (if I don't want to fail xD)

Also, I have entered this story in @AnimeWattyAwards in Bleach category. So, if you like this story reaaaalllyyy much, go and vote for it please :3

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xoxo, Sleepy:))