Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. I only wish I did.

Author's Note: My first Bleach fic. This just came to me after watching The Diamond Dust Rebellion for the nth time. XD

Now I'm just testing the waters here. So if turns out badly, don't hate me. XP

Oh, and Hitsugaya has the physical appearance of someone in his mid-20's here. :D

Prologue

There he was, unconscious in the middle of the field. He lay there amid snow and ice that covered at least half of the entire area. He was bleeding profusely, his breathing was shallow, and he was paler than usual.

Around him were others who were wounded, some had just minor cuts and bruises, others worse. But they didn't show much concern for themselves; instead they focused on the man that protected them.

His subordinates stood over him. Compelling him to hold on until help arrives, apologizing for their carelessness, regretting their disobedience.

This was supposed to be a routine perimeter check, nothing dangerous. An activity assigned to the new recruits. The captain wasn't even supposed to be there. The vice-captain was the one who was given the duty to oversee the activity. But things didn't go according to plan. An explosion occurred.

The captain managed to minimize the damage but it left him on the brink of death.

Moments later, a squad from the Fourth Division came to help. They were joined by the Tenth Division's vice-captain.

"What happened? Where is he?" Matsumoto looked at her subordinates, each of them facing in the direction of the captain.

She ran to him, rehearsing her usual apology speech in her head, hoping he'd forgive her and forget about their argument and not suspend her for being late and–

"Taichou?"

Her eyes fell on the unmoving form she recognized as her captain.

A medical unit rushed over to Hitsugaya-Taichou. They quickly assessed his injuries, put him on a stretcher and transported him to the Fourth Division infirmary.

It was hours before Unohana-Taichou finally allowed visitors. Matsumoto was the first one there. She hadn't had time to hear the reports about the incident. She was too worried (or guilty) to concentrate on what the men were going to say.

There she stood at the side of his bed. A shaky hand made its way to envelope one with wires sticking out of it. He stirred. Relief was evident on Matsumoto's face as she smiled. "Taichou?"

Jade irises slowly revealed themselves. They looked from left to right, stopping when it noticed the woman standing there.

Matsumoto's smile vanished as she looked into his cold stare, and pulled her hand away. She felt her heart break when her fear was confirmed by a query that cut through to her very core.

"Who are you?"

I don't know what's gotten into me, but most of my ideas turn out as tragedies. Oh, well. I hope I instilled a little interest in you guys.

Review please, if you want me to continue. :)