999 Chapter One: The Beginning
Cracky goodness to come soon, so stay seated. I welcome any comments and suggestion you have, so don't be shy.
It was one of those days. A meeting.
The faux God leaned forwards, clenched fist squared against his chin in boredom.
None of the Espada had shown up.
"Who are ya waitin' for, Aizen-Taichou?"
Curiosity lead his gaze to the corner of the room, to shadow, even though the voice was familiar.
Of course.... he had no Espada. They were gone. Just as worthless in absence as they had been in presence.
"Ya guinea pigs are dead."
What wonderful coincidence Gin had managed to echo his thoughts.
Now, it was just him and the silver-haired man.
Or was it?
Although the words had rang flawlessly from the corner, it was unusual for the speaker to remain so distant.
Today was different. Even though he could count the changes on a single hand, the small total had a massive effect. Silence was the most notable one; a peace that extended beyond simply no sound.
Stop it.
Sousuke had a tendency to think at the worst times, and that was why it fell on deaf ears.
Tonight, and as always, the ex-Shinigami was going to listen only to himself.
You were never this arrogant.
Niceness was only a passing convenience displayed to warm the hearts of others. It did not take much to coax smiles from lips. It was never genuine, and yet so easy to convince others with gentle deception.
Sousuke was a fool for thinking otherwise; a taint of his perfection.
The lamb to his wolf. And if exploited, it could be his downfall. But like humanity, Sousuke was predictable...
He wanted to see truth where there was none.
He wanted to believe.
Sighing, the male aligned his mind back to reality and considered leaving the room. Even the master of illusions got sick of mind games, especially when he could predict every move.
Lowering Kyouka Suigetsu, the slide of metal broke the quiet just as footsteps announced a new arrival.
"Kaname," He greeted as the door closed, pushing against his zanpakuto's hilt to secure it in place.
The respectful subordinate bowed deeply, maintaining position even as his superior looked away.
More noise from the corridor warned they would not be alone for long, and so the God adjusted himself accordingly. There was no praise in looking jaded – it would give the others ideas of weakness.
But something was bothering him. Tousen had yet to take his customary station in-front the projector.
"Kaname?" The same word, but this time with completely new meaning. It was a question, and the subject would be wise to respond promptly.
The empty shadows where he had previously imagined Gin swallowed most of the room, an ominous shade falling across Tousen's face.
No answer.
And it was a mistake; one more strike to add to the tally. The first for being late, the second for not answering swiftly.
Why did so many feel the need to slack that night?
Perhaps it was a call for discipline. A decaying code of honour which left irritated creases forming around his mouth, though the expression was wasted. The one it was meant for could not even witness it.
"I was worried."
Aizen immediately tutted at the finishing word, eyes rolling to scrutinize the still figure.
Worried? One had to care to worry.
"You are water Kaname," A pond which depths had been revealed in that little ripple. What dangerous boundaries the male had chosen to tread upon. "-I can see the moon."
As if understanding, the scolded inferior gave a quick nod before finally moving towards his usual standing place.
Where he should have been minutes ago.
Exactly as the conversation came to a close the entrance opened and waves of underlings poured in like the water referred to only moments before.
Their leader greeted them with his usual composure, hands clasped together and acting as a perch to his inclined head.
Seats were tossed and scraped over the floor in the usual manner that preluded meetings as everyone became comfortable, but this time wasn't going to include the same procedure. No... they were in for a surprise.
Said surprise lay within ten white sheets, some already being investigated by the more curious of the arrancar. But after a few seconds of scanning the paper, realisation brought with it the inevitable chorus of groans and sighs, no to mention some poor attempts at disguising curses.
Who would be the first to voice their obvious disagreement? It was enough to make anyone giddy with anticipation.
The door opened again, but instead of acting as a welcome distraction, the noises simply grew in tone and pitch; the person who had just entered was only going to celebrate the misfortune.
Seemingly preoccupied with his own sheet, Aizen looked up as a fresh cup of steaming hot tea was pushed into his notice.
The real Gin was responsible and his ever-smiling face showed some teeth in a grin as thanks was whispered for the thought.
Watching the tall male stand to one side, the leader grasped the warm cup with a smile of his own.
Time to get started.
Disclaimer: Kubo Tite has my utmost respect for creating the wonderful fandom of Bleach, and with this disclaimer I would like to acknowledge the fact I own not one thing about it (except this fic).