Black Cat Reaper

Prologue: The Dying Cat

Train's POV

This can't be happening, I won't allow it. I won't finish of my destiny like this! Just one more bounty, that's all I ask! Please, don't let me die! I walk aimlessly around Karakura Town looking for my next, or maybe last, target. I cover my mouth due to another coughing fit. Damn, just like I thought- I'm nearly puking up blood. Seriously, the faster I find my bounty the faster I'll go to the nearest hospital. But with every step I take my vision becomes more blurry, I can hardly see. My legs feel heavier than usual as well.

My mind keeps saying, 'I can't take it anymore, just let me die.' The path I walk onto leads me into a quiet neighborhood. With one last step I collapse on the ground with a 'thud' and I stare at the sign above me, the last scene I see before it is time for me to leave my body. It says 'Kurosaki's Clinic'.

'I hope they can bury me in a quiet spot', I think to myself, letting one last chuckle before my world goes black for good...

Ichigo's POV

I go down to greet my family in the kitchen just like any other day before I head to school. I expect a sneak attack from my so-called father but this day seems a bit wrong. I don't know why, it's just a feeling. When I go in no one is there. What the hell? Now there really is something wrong with today! My ears pick up running footsteps coming my way. One of my little sisters, Yuzu, comes in. She has tears running down her face. I start to panic and I ask her what's wrong until she starts to talk in sobs.

"Ichigo! There's...*sob*...a...*sniff*...person outside...*sob*...DEAD!" She runs to me and cries as I hug her.

"Where are Dad and Karin?" I ask her.

She lets go of me and wipes away her tears. She takes a deep breath so she can tell me her answer. "Daddy told me to come look for you. T-to help him bring the body to churchyard after he makes a call to the priest. Oh, Ichigo!" Yuzu comes back to me and cries again. I let her go gently and ask, "Where is the body?" She tells me shakily that it's in front of our house.

I go outside and see the body laying there on the pathway. This person's obviously a man, at least 18 or in his 20s, with messy brown hair, pale skin, black pants, shoes, a blue jacket and... a holster for his gun? Whoa! Is this guy a criminal or an agent? But what really spooks me out is Karin, who speaks out of nowhere-meaning behind me.

"Don't worry he's not a burglar or something like that", she says like she read my mind. "He's a Sweeper. You know, a bounty hunter."

"Oh yeah, how do you know that, Karin?" I ask her, like if she somehow knows everything.

"Dad took out his wallet. Inside it was his sweeper license. Here, see for yourself", she said and shoves his license in my face. I look at the man's picture on it. I notice he has amber eyes and gives a big smile. It looks kind of goofy in my opinion. My eyes go to the right side of the ID. It contains his name and age-Train Heartnet; Age: 24. Wow, this guy sure died young. And he looked healthy when I first saw him. I thought he was sleeping on the street, I guess I was wrong. He must've died last night-Wait, if his body is here, then where's his SOUL?

"Karin, did you see a spirit wondering around or something?"

"Now that you mention it, I did. He was standing over his body with a sad look on his face. When Dad came out he ran in a blink of an eye. I'll tell you this, that guy sure can sprint in his soul form."

"Damn!" I run from Karin in search for the missing soul.

'I hope I can find him before a Hollow decides to make him breakfast!'

Normal POV

Squad 1

Captains' Meeting

All 9 captains of the thirteen court guard squads stand in their positions in line, waiting for their Head Captain to make his appearance. Everyone is quite curious about the sudden emergency the Head Captain announced. The double doors open widely and reveal Captain Shigekuni Genreyusi Yamamoto. All the captains stand up straight as the oldest captain walks toward his only seat. He sits down on his chair and opens his eyes towards the captains.

"Now I'll make this meeting as quick as possible since this is an emergency", he announced. "Last night, at 11:45 p.m., a human died and its soul left its body-"

"Forgive my rudeness, Head Captain", said Captain Shunsui Kyoraku of Squad 8. "Everyone in this room knows what happens when humans die. What's so special about this one?"

"Captain Kurotsuchi, if you will explain", says the head captain while gesturing to squad 12's captain for him to step forward.

"Yes. Of course", he says stepping in front of the crowd. (AN: Every time he talks he creeps me out. Seriously! -_-') "Around 11:45 and 11:46 p.m. a massive amount of spiritual energy sky-rocketed the charts for only a brief moment."

"How 'massive' we're talking about here?" asks squad 11's captain, Kenpachi Zaraki, who somehow got interested in the meeting.

"If I were to compare, higher than that substitute soul reaper, Ichigo Kurosaki..."

(Elsewhere: Ichigo sneezed out of nowhere.)

"Hmm...this is very interesting, all right!", Kenpachi said with an evil grin on his face.

"It may have been only a minute, but I'm positive if we don't find the source soon then it's going to become a powerful hollow strong enough to take down every captain of the thirteen court guard squads!" exclaimed Captain Kurotsuchi.

"Then it's settled." Captain Yamamoto said. "Captain Hitsugaya, you and three other subordinates of your choosing will find the source and bring it back to Soul Society alive."

"Of course, Head Captain", Toshiro Hitsugaya, captain of squad 10, while bowing low.

"Now that is settled, Captain Hitsugaya's team will leave immediately! Meeting adjourned!" says the head captain as he brings down his cane to end it.

Train's POV

It feels strange being dead. I keep looking at my chest that has a chain hanging from it. I don't recall having a stylish chain after death. But hey, anything's possible, right? If I am dead, why haven't I gone to heaven already? Something doesn't feel right. I stop my walking. There is something behind me- but I don't know what to do. I slowly turn my head around. My eyes widen in shock of what I'm seeing. It's a monster with a giant hole in its chest and a pure white mask on its face. I could swear my spine shivered when it spoke.

"Mmm. What is that delightful smell? It's fantastic! It must be you! Your soul smells wonderful! I must devour you!" Out of shock I reach for my Hades and shoot the beast in its head. It vanishes completely afterward. That moment was terrifying I must admit. At least it's over... until I see more of those beasts! I stepback in fear as they come closer. They have the same craving in their eyes like the first one.

"Run, Master. Do not let them catch you!" a feminine voice in my head spoke. I didn't know my subconscious was a girl. But it doesn't matter right now! I need to get away!

"You don't have to tell me twice!" I yell as I use my full speed, sprinting away from the craving monsters. Man, being dead is such a drag.

Chapter 1: The Lost Cat

Normal POV

The senkaimon opens up revealing Captain Hitsugaya, his lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto, Rukia Kuchiki, and squad 6's lieutenant, Renji Abarai. They land outside of Karakura Park as the sky turns to mid-afternoon.

"Remember, we're only here to search for the source. Once it's found we'll return back to Soul Society", Captain Hitsugaya orders. "Is that understood?"

Renji and Rukia nod their heads in understanding, but Rangiku says, "Oh Captain! Why can't we have a little fun? We are in the world of the living! We should enjoy ourselves in the time being. I think the stores might have new cheap products I can buy! Oooooo!"

A pulsating vein appears on Toshiro's head. He sighs, mainly because he didn't want to lose his nerve to yell at his vice-captain. "No, we can't Matsumoto. The faster we find the soul the quicker it'll be for our mission. And may I remind you if it falls into the wrong hands then both existence of the living and the dead will perish. It is our mission to return it to Seireitei alive. Honestly, it's bad enough you begged me to let you come, but it's worse if I let you stay and not do any paperwork during my absence. For all I know you might have a sake party in my office or other shenanigans you have in your devious mind."

Rangiku pouts and says, "You're no fun Captain."

"Captain Hitsugaya is right", Renji agrees. "For all we know this soul can be already in danger right under our noses. It's better to protect it now than later."

Rukia nods in agreement to her childhood friend. Rangiku continues to pout since her since her drinking buddy didn't side with her. The four shinigamis sense a very familiar spiritual pressure coming their way. They turn to see the substitute shinigami, Ichigo Kurosaki, running towards them. He stops running and pants in exhaustion before speaking up.

"Hey Rukia, Renji, Rangiku, Toshiro-"

Toshiro's eyebrow twitches for a moment. "That's Captain Hitsugaya to you, Kurosaki."

Ichigo rolls his eyes. "Whatever. What are you guys doing here anyway?"

"There has been a report of a soul who released its spiritual pressure last night. I have orders from the Head Captain to retrieve this soul back alive after performing a konso on it."

"And you brought Renji, Rukia, and Rangiku to help you out? If I were you I'd leave Rangiku behind since she's the vice-captain of your squad."

"True but if you were me you'll realize how much paperwork your lazy subordinate leaves behind during your absence. How would you feel about that?"

"Fine I get your point...Oh, yeah! Speaking of souls have you seen one running past here?"

"Ichigo, we just got here", replies Rukia. "And no, we haven't. Is that the reason why you're not in school right now?"

Ichigo angrily makes a fist in front of them. "Yeah, that's right. When I find him I'm going to give him one hell of a beating before doing a konso on him."

"Hold on, this soul is a male...AND YOU LOST HIM?"

"Don't go blaming it all on me, Rukia! Karin told me he ran after he saw my dad going up to his body! I even took a look at him, and let me tell you he looked like he was sleeping on the street. And did I mention his body was lying in front of my HOUSE! Here's another thing-"

"Wait, Kurosaki", Toshiro interrupta. "You said his body was lying in front of your home?"

"Yeah. When I looked at him his body was a bit pale but he looked quite healthy for his age. He must've died from an illness last night."

"Did you say 'last night'?" Toshiro can't help but think if, somehow, Ichigo's discovery connects to the mission. It is plausible.

"Are you deaf? Yes, I thought that. Thank goodness his body didn't turn to ash in front of me. Do you think the soul I'm looking for is the same soul you're looking for?"

"It's a possibility." Renji replies. "The way you describe his death matches the report from squad 12. Now all we have to do is find this missing soul. What does this guy look like Ichigo?"

"Lucky for us I brought his Sweeper ID with me even though I was in a hurry. Here, see for yourselves." Ichigo gives the license to Renji. Then, he passes it to Rukia. Next one up is Rangiku.

"Wow! He's hot!" she yells at the sweeper's picture."If he was my age I would totally date him!" She gives it to Toshiro as he studies the piece of plastic in his hand.

"So we're looking for a 24-year-old spirit wondering around in Karakura Town, alone, with hollows searching for him as well? This might be a little tricky since we can't sense his spiritual pressure at the moment", Renji says.

"Alright, Abarai, you'll search in the south wing. Matsumoto, you'll go north," She nods her head as she assesses her order(trying to think of how little work she has to do…lol) "Kuchiki will be in the west and Kurosaki in the east. I'll be checking around and in the park area. Go, we don't have much time."

They all nod and run towards their destinations, leaving the ice captain alone. He sighs and thinks, 'Might as well start with the inside first.' He flash-steps from the park, leaving only a puff of dust behind him.

Toshiro's POV

'I've searched for hours around this park but nothing, not even a hollow, was there. I can't sense anything out of the ordinary here. I guess I should search around the park this time.' I thought to myself. But before I went to do that, my soul pager beeped. I open it up, and to my surprise, a hollow is near in my destination (I mean really near). I am about to take care of it when my soul pager starts to continually beep.

I stare at the soul pager's screen in shock. More hollows were forming around me in a circle! How could I have not sensed them? I was certain this sector was cleared from my previous scannings. Guess I didn't search it well enough. The hollows come closer and closer to me. I unsheath Hyourinmaru as I prepare myself for their first move. A hollow from my 11:00 side comes toward me first. I slice him in half easily. Two more hollows come in from the opposite direction- and I slice them like the previous one. Another pair comes in my direction, but they are supposed to be dead since I sliced one's head off and cut the other's arm and mask!

I jump back to the center, waiting for the next attack. I look at the position I'm in. There is a plethora of hollows around me! Why would they all be here in the park? But of course! They're all searching for the powerful soul! That must mean that Train Heartnet is not far from my location. But I can't leave my spot now! If I do then the hollows will continue with their search, but if I don't there's a chance I might not make it out of here alive since I'm facing every type of hollow, except for menos and higher, in front of me. It'll be a miracle if I live through this...

Train's POV

It takes me a few hours of running like mad, but I finally manage to get away from those things. My safe destination ends up being deep within a park, in a heavily wooded area. I stick my head out of the bush I'm hiding in a bit. It sure looks pretty deserted, even before the sun goes down. I slowly crawl out of my hiding spot and stand up.

"I DON'T UNDERSTAND!" I yell to the Heavens. "I'm dead already! Why didn't I cross over? What am I supposed to do? Stay here and get eaten by those creatures?" Even though I know I won't get an answer, I still feel a bit disgruntled. I sigh in defeat and walk on the path with my hands in my pockets. In time, my surroundings turn to darkness, and my only source of light is the moon in the sky. I realize the moon's brightness lights up the sakura trees around me. It holds this amazing beauty that can take anyone's breath away. My eyes go back to staring at the moon once more. Funny how I never noticed how beautiful the moon looked back when I was alive. Sure I gazed at it a lot but when you're dead it's different. Perhaps it's because this might be my last night here on Earth before I leave… if I leave to Heaven. Who knows, I have a fifty/fifty chance of going to Hell for all the hideous things I have done.

'But, I am contrite!' I think, trying to re-assure myself that I would not go to Hell. My thoughts wander back to my surroundings.

I enjoy my time alone when I hear a roar and the sound of a blade cutting flesh. My instincts keep telling me to turn back but my subconscious tells me otherwise. It's like arguing about something pointless to myself. I finally make up my mind and run towards the sound. When I come near it my eyes widen at the sight before me.

A young boy with snow white hair and teal eyes that look so delicate they could be bijou, wearing a white long coat, is fighting those things by himself! But even with his swordsmanship it's obvious he's outnumbered and if I don't do something soon...he's going to be their midnight snack!

Chapter 2: A Stray Cat Saves an Ice Dragon

Toshiro's POV

I don't know how long I can handle doing this. No matter what I do, the onslaught doesn't stop! It's an endless army of hollows! I need to make a plan and fast before it is too late. Another one comes toward me. I jump up and slice it in half horizontally. I go back to my spot straight after, I don't want to risk gaining any more injuries. I'm exhausted, barely have any time to breathe, and I don't have time to release my Limiter.

I take some comfort in the fact that the others should be here soon since I'm spilling out my spiritual pressure. Even if I don't make it out of here alive, I will die trying.

"Master, behind you!" Hyourinmaru yells.

Before I can look behind me, I feel a giant scratch form on my back. I scream in pain and land on my knees. My eyes gaze back to my attacking hollow as it licks my blood from its claw. It grins deviously at me. I try to stand up once more, but my knees give out, and I quickly fall back down. The hollow keeps grinning at me. The monstrous spirit's eyes show hunger and deep joy from my pain. It seems like every hollow around me has the same expression as the first.

Before I can even lift my Hyourinmaru, I feel yet another scratch-on my chest this time. Blood spills out of my mouth and various slash wounds and forms a pool on the ground. Its official, I'm going to die. I guess I should accept my fate and let it be done with. I slowly close my eyes and wait for the final blow. But nothing happens.

Instead, I feel arms around me, and the air currents indicate that I'm going up. I don't know if I should open my eyes or pretend I'm unconscious. The latter option is blown away when a soothing voice penetrates my eardrums.

"You can open your eyes now. You're safe."

The tone sounded like a man's voice. His tone is so gentle and caring that I obey immediately. Opening my eyes slowly I come face to face (eye to eye?) with bright yellow orbs. I blink and inspect him closely. He looks very familiar, like I've seen him before. His toned skin, messy brown hair, feline amber eyes, and goofy smile all remind me of someone. Why would he be smiling at a time like this? The smile jogs my memory- the picture in the soul's Sweeper ID! It's him! This is the soul I've been looking for! But instead, he found me...and he's carrying me bridal style. I feel a light blush forming… this is very awkward.

"Are you okay? Can you say anything?" he asks, just as I realize that I've been staring at him for a long time.

I try my best to say something but I barely four words come out of my mouth. "I...You...Right here...how..."

"You know, for a little kid you don't say much, do you?" he asks semi-mockingly.

I feel my eyebrow twitch at his question, and my blush fades. He just called me little and kid in the same sentence! I clutch Hyourinmaru's hilt tightly, trying my best not to kill my rescuer where he stands since this isn't the best time to be angry at him.

"I'm not a little kid for your information. And is there a reason why I can't kill you right now?" I sarcastically ask.

"Is there a reason why I can't drop you right now where those creatures are?"

"For starters they're hollows, 'evil spirits' as you humans call them."

"'As you humans', huh, is that why are the hollows trying to kill you?"

"You've got a lot to learn, Spirit. Hollows go after those who have strong spiritual pressure. Meaning they go after anyone that can see them and us. In other words, they can eat both souls if they are dead or living."

"You mean people can see me?"

"Didn't you hear what I said? I told you-"

"Yeah, yeah. I heard every word. I'm not deaf you know." He looks down at the hollows.

"What do we do now?"

"For now, we should quickly retreat. Then-"

The soul lowers me on a...branch? We were on a branch this whole time? That would explain the close view of the moon. "I'm Train Heartnet by the way. What's your name?"

I stare at his mesmerizing eyes as I speak without thinking my decision through, "Toshiro Hitsugaya."

"I think your name suits you well." His smile brightens more and I can't help but give him a small smile. I think time stops when we both smile and soft cherry blossoms blow past us. He jumps down from the branch while I realize he will die –again- from this high! That idiot! Is he suicidal?

As I look down my eyes widen at the scene before me. Train-the untrained soul-was actually fighting the hollows. He looks so quick and graceful, like a cat. Even with his weapon of choice he looks like he is dancing. How did Train obtain such a weapon? No soul should be able to use a weapon before becoming a shinigami. Just who is this Train Heartnet? It takes only a few minutes until I see the aftermath. Heartnet was able to kill every hollow with ease, when I couldn't and almost died. He jumps up to me on my branch, picks me up before I can protest, and lands safely on the ground. He puts me down softly and asks, "Can you stand?"

In my anger I stand up too fast and stumble with my first step. Heartnet catches me, much to my chagrin. He picks me up bridal style once more as he walks in the moonlit night. "Thank you", my voice so soft I almost whisper.

He only smiles once more and responds, "You're quite welcome, Toshiro." For some reason I feel my face heat up again when he says my name. He puts his hand on my forehead. "Are you feeling alright, Toshiro? I wonder why your face is really red, despite the fact that your temperature is normal."

Before I can answer I hear two very similar squeals up ahead. Out of all my embarrassing moments, this one takes the cake! I look ahead and see Kuchiki, Abarai, Kurosaki, and Matsumoto, who's trying to find something in her robes. I know that if I ask what she is searching for I would regret it, so I don't.

Kurosaki steps up from the group. "Toshiro, you're okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. And it's Captain Hitsugaya, idiot!"

"Captain? You didn't tell me you're a captain", Train remarks.

"Oh." My face heats up again. "I must have forgotten to mention it to you."

"That's kind of a clumsy move for a captain."

I heard Kurosaki laughing out loud when he hears it. Suddenly I see a flash and notice Matsumoto holding a camera. Can this day get any worse?

"Oh, I can't wait to show this to the entire 13 Squads!" she squeals, and nearly collapses in her fit of laughter

I spoke too soon...

To Be Continue...