Tinted Ice

Chapter 5: Bond

A/N: I know this is Sode No Shirayuki, but let's just say it is Setsumi.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

After the menacing visit of Yamamoto, Bankai training began. For this Karin had to make Setsumi materialize. She had to be ready for the long process she and Setsumi were going to face.

Toshiro helped with the training like he said he would. Hyorinmaru, Toshiro's Zanpakuto, was materialized. Together they were going to mentor Karin. It took days for Hyorinmaru to first materialize. Now it took seconds, since they have mastered materialization.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Karin now meditated as Hyorinmaru and Toshiro watched. She was calm as something surrounded her. A white glow covered her, the training was working faster than expected. Soon white, long hair began to appear. Along came a face, and a body covered in a white kimono.

Toshiro looked astonished and Hyorinmaru gave a satisfied smirk. Karin opened her eyes to see a graceful lady standing by her. She wasn't the type to cry, but when she noticed Setsumi, tears ran down her pale cheeks

"Hello Master, I am Setsumi. Are you ready to continue awakening our Bankai?" Setsumi spoke bowing to Karin.

"Wow! You truly are beautiful Setsumi. By the way, don't call me master, my name is Karin. I'm not your owner, we're a team. And yes, let us continue." Karin replied smiling brightly at Setsumi.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Karin has fully surpassed Ichigo. Now, when she masters her Bankai, she would be even more powerful. With the threat given to her, Karin would have to prepare her self. Never did she want to hurt Setsumi.

Though the graceful team said they were ready to continue, training stopped. Toshiro explained how the next part could cause a lot of danger. So instead Toshiro and Karin showed Hyorinmaru and Setsumi around Karakura Town.

No one could see the Zanpakuto walking around. That was perfect. They could do anything they wanted while bringing no attention to them.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Their town adventure began by the bridge over the river. There was a hill leading to the river so they spent time there. Karin brought a tablecloth to sit on with everyone.

Karin and Toshiro sat in the middle, next to each other, while both Zanpakuto sat across. Others walked by and giggled. Since two weren't visible, they thought of Karin and Toshiro as a couple having a picnic. Their assumptions were some what correct because they have grown closer.

"I have never done anything like this young Master. Thank you for this opportunity." Setsumi announced to Karin looking overjoyed.

"I thank you as well Hitsugaya-sama. You never do anything with me but fight. I like doing this every once in a while." Said Hyorinmaru hinting something at Toshiro.

"This is satisfying, but you can go with Matsumoto to do these things. I prefer the comfort of home than nature." Replied Toshiro turning to Hyorinmaru.

"Oh come on Toshiro! You know you'd rather be like this than be at home doing nothing. You have to admit you're having fun." Karin told Toshiro trying to get him excited.

"As long as it is with you, I guess I would do this more often." Toshiro said not thinking.

Everyone turned to stare at Toshiro. Hyorinmaru and Setsumi exchanged smiles. Karin blushed confusedly with eyes widening. Toshiro looked at everyone and said,

"What!? Why are you looking at me like that!?"

"We can talk later Hitsugaya-sama." Hyorinmaru said with a wink at Toshiro.

Toshiro rolled his eyes and turned to stare at Karin. A light breeze came and blew her hair. The setting sun  sparkled in her eyes. Never has Toshiro see a creature so beautiful. Instantly, as they gazed at each other, Toshiro moved.

Toshiro was now inches away from Karin. He held her chin with one hand, and the other held her hand. Karin froze in front of Toshiro. Never has she felt such intimacy so suddenly. Her face slowly moved closer to Toshiro's. As their lips were about to touch, Karin backed away.

Toshiro was left shocked. His eyes widened and he froze, still in the same position. Karin stood and said something to him.

"Trying to make a move on me, I see. Well, I don't get won over so easily." She said loud and proud, looking at him.

He smirked, waved at her and headed down to Urahara's place.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Karin went home with Setsumi. Toshiro and Hyorinmaru were staying with Urahara. There, awkward events occurred.

"Hitsugaya-sama, may I have a word?" Asked Hyorinmaru politely.

"Sure. What is this about?" Toshiro replied.

Hyorinmaru signaled at the seat across from him. Toshiro sat down and waited for the conversation.

"As you may know, you have been acting strangely. You also know why. You have developed feelings for the Kurosaki girl." Hyorinmaru said sternly.

"Yes, I guess I have. Get to the point Hyorinmaru." Toshiro replied.

"Ah yes. Think about your situation. Is she worth risking your life? She is putting you in danger. Ask yourself, do you love her enough to die?" Hyorinmaru continued.

"I know about her situation. Also, I know I am putting myself in danger, but to me she is worth putting my life on the line. Before all of this goes down, I shall win her over." Toshiro said.

"You have a complicated relationship. Remember, she is not a trophy to be won. She is a human being you love, do not lose her." Said Hyorinmaru ending the conversation.

Toshiro and Karin do have a complicated relationship. Though it is complicated, it is a new, but dangerous
bond.

A/N: Action in the next chapter. Finally the climax is coming. Beware of the danger you will read.