Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, or any of the characters used in this fic. They all belong to Tite Kubo. I only own any of my original characters that I choose to include, as well as any of my own original plot ideas.
Unhappy Hearts
A/N: Winter War; mild AU.
The news had come as a shock to them all, even with their forces overpowering Aizen's. It had reached him as a pillar of flame shot through the sky of the artificial city, leaving dark clouds high overhead. Toshito had taken that as a sign of hope, of power and success. He'd never expected that the news would be that of woe.
A noble effort, to say the least, by a man of incredible valor and understanding. Even so, it did little to warm his heart, knowing that the Commander had done his duty.
Who was to maintain command now? Central 46 had been taken out by the infernal traitor, and now the Soul Society's pillar of strength. Charred by his own strength, destroyed by the man they had all vowed to kill.
Watching the others succeed in their battles meant nothing to him now.
They were all lost.