Diablo's Bride
By Spunky0ne
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After the quincy war, Ichigo and Uryu are placed in Muken to face trial for their roles in the former king's murder. Knowing that the two will not receive a fair trial, Byakuya makes an unholy deal with someone else whom Central 46 has used against his will and continues to keep imprisoned…yaoi, mpreg…Aizen/Byakuya, Ichigo/Uryu, Kurushimi/Tetsuya. Love and thanks to Shima-Taicho31 for letting me use Kuri Kuri and his family!
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Chapter 1: Betrayal
"You seem very troubled, Cousin," Tetsuya Kuchiki noted as the two rode Tetsuya's tall black Arabian towards Central 46, "Did word come about what will be done with Ichigo and his friend, Uryu?"
"Nothing official has been stated," Byakuya said, frowning, "but comments I hear from some of the other leaders and elders indicate a certain readiness to forget that Ichigo, although it was his hand that took the old king's life, was also the one who slew Ywach. They are focused on the fact that, despite his deeds after, he did murder the king. His friend aided the enemy and both of them are, in fact, quincies...although of mixed blood."
"You think that the deliberations today will go ill?" Tetsuya asked.
"I do not know," Byakuya sighed, discontentedly, "But I think they might. They are being too hasty about this, Tetsuya. Ichigo was not under his own control when he was forced to slay the king. I am afraid that because his friend clearly joined Ywach of his own free will, even though he was held to that by force after, it reflects poorly on Ichigo, especially because Ichigo insists on defending the other boy."
"Well," Tetsuya said, lowering his eyes, "Ichigo...cares a lot about Uryu. They were growing close after Ichigo's troubles with the fullbringers."
Byakuya turned his head slightly to look at Tetsuya over his shoulder.
"Do you know if they were romantically involved?" he asked.
Tetsuya shifted uncomfortably and went silent for a moment.
"I know that speaking about things of that nature is hard for you because you are friends with them."
"They have gone out with Renji and me on several dates...at least, before the quincy war. Th-they were affectionate with each other, but...I think both were shy about making the first move."
"Hmmm," Byakuya mused, "It seems that even if they weren't intimate, they were going to be. That will not sit well with the council."
"Byakuya, is there anything you can do?"
"My power to do anything is limited, I am afraid. The council is leaning towards backlash and over-reaction in the wake of the war. They are taking some more impulsive actions that they should slow down and think about. Just last week, they chose not to acknowledge Sosuke Aizen's importance in the war. They voted to reject the captain commander's call to commute his sentence, based on his actions in the war and the destruction of the hogyoku. It wasn't enough that he was part of what made it possible for Ichigo to win, now both he and Ichigo are being swept under the rug."
"I know that the conflict was brutal. The war was a horrible thing," Tetsuya mused, "but even so, it seems wrong to do that to them, after they saved us all."
"I have little sympathy for Sosuke, I am afraid," Byakuya admitted solemnly, "but Ichigo is a friend, and he never meant to harm the king. His hand was forced."
"But no one can prove that," Tetsuya sighed, "It's so unfair! And now, Ichigo could be imprisoned in Muken, just like Aizen, who betrayed Soul Society."
"The thought is unbearable," Byakuya said, anger swelling under the words, "They are making a big mistake!"
"Hola, Byakurai, and what a pleasure to see you, lovely Tetsu-hana," a deep male voice greeted them.
The two Kuchiki's heads turned and they caught sight of Ichigo's cousin by marriage and Shima clan leader, Kurushimi Shima, sitting atop a beautiful silver Andalusian stallion that turned a charmed eye on Arashi and nickered warmly.
"Greetings, Kurushimi," Byakuya said, politely, but a bit stiffly.
"Good morning, Lord Shima," Tetsuya added.
"Tetsu-hana," the Shima leader chided the younger Kuchiki, "I have given you permission to call me Kuri-kuri."
Tetsuya blushed.
"Um..."
"I believe my cousin means to say that it would not be proper for him to refer to you that way in public," Byakuya said sternly.
"Eh, as you wish," Kurushimi sighed, "But I am glad you are here. I am worried for my cousin, Ichibun and his beloved Uryu."
Byakuya's frown deepened.
"You speak as though they were intimate," he said softly.
"Well," Kuri said, tilting his head slightly, "They might not have tasted each other's lips as I have tasted the pretty Tetsu-hana's, but there is no denying that what is between them is heating up."
Tetsuya's flush intensified and Byakuya's reiatsu flickered warningly, making the Shima leader smirk.
"But we should go inside. The council will be meeting soon."
The riders stopped their horses, and Kuri slid down off his stallion's back, then extended a hand to assist Tetsuya. The sapphire-eyed Kuchiki gave him a shy smile as their hands touched and Byakuya bristled and avoided Kuri's hand as it was offered again.
"I have to speak to my Granduncle Nori before the council meeting," Byakuya said shortly.
Kuri smiled charmingly and captured Tetsuya's hand again.
"I will see your cousin inside personally," he offered.
Byakuya gave him a smoky glare and flash stepped away.
"Kuri-kuri, you must not bait him like tha...!" Tetsuya began.
His words were stopped as the Shima heir pressed him up against a flowering plum tree and sank into his mouth hungrily.
Tetsuya resisted at first, his slender hands pushing at the elder man's chest, then slowly relaxing as their kissing deepened and stole his breath. When the Shima leader finally released him, Tetsuya swayed for a moment before recovering himself.
"Kuri-kuri..."
"Come, Tetsu-hana," Kuri said, cutting him off and curling an arm around him, "We must enter quickly before they start without us."
The two show their identification at the Central 46 entry, then were guided down a long hallway to the main gathering chamber. They moved to the front of the gallery and sat down side-by-side in two empty seats. As they watched the councilors slowly file in, Kurushimi slipped a hand into Tetsuya's and held it gently. Tetsuya tried to free it as Byakuya reappeared and sat down next to him, but the Shima leader, tightened his hold. Byakuya sighed and frowned, but remained silent as the last of the councilors arrived and the meeting was called to order.
"Item one," said Grand Councilor Nori Kuchiki, "will be a continuance of the discussion of our decision regarding the fates of Ichigo Shiba and Uryu Ishida. Councilor Ryuu, I believe that you were about to speak when we last adjourned?"
"Yes," said a male councilor, "I was about to ask for a final clarification. My question is this...Is there evidence of what caused Ichigo Shiba to attack the king? All of the testimony we have heard from friends and relatives matches Ichigo's statement that he had no desire to kill the king, and that he was forced when he touched Ywach's weapon, to make the attack."
"I am interested in more than just words," Ryuu insisted, "Is there evidence to back up the statement?"
"Well," said a female councilor, "there is the fact that Ichigo didn't have to go through with killing Ywach, but he carried out his duty to Soul Society. If he had not done so, we would all be dead. You all know that."
"That does not change the fact that it was Ichigo who killed the king!" shouted another male councilor.
Several more voices rose up in approval, making Nori bang his gavel to quiet them.
"This is not going well at all," Kuri said under his breath.
Tetsuya's face paled and Byakuya's expression grew more grim.
"It seems that we are very much divided about whether or not we should overlook Ichigo's action against the king as something he couldn't control, in favor of acknowledging his role in stopping our enemy."
"I am grateful he saved us," a second female councilor asserted, "but what if his next inclination is to harm us again? His behavior being unpredictable like that, how can we be sure it is safe to set him free?"
"Ichigo has passed a general health examination, as well as a mental fitness examination. He appears to have no feelings against Soul Society, except that he is very concerned about the fate of his close friend, Uryu Ishida."
"Ah...Kuri breathed, "This is where it will get ugly."
Byakuya made a soft sound of agreement.
"That is exactly why I think we must rule to keep both of them locked up in Muken," Councilor Ryuu persisted, "While Ichigo may not have thoughts and desires against us now, what will be his reaction upon having his friend incarcerated permanently in Muken for his crimes? Uryu joined Ywach of his own free will."
"Although, Ichigo reported that Ishida was only doing so to get close to the quincy king so that he could kill him. The king was responsible for the deaths of both their mothers."
"Arisu," Ryuu said shortly, "As was established when we discussed the defection of Gin Ichimaru, under much the same circumstances, our society cannot condone the unscrupulous actions of otherwise well meaning allies, if they do not share their plans with someone to establish a line of proof. We can't simply accept Ichigo's word. What if he is still somehow under the control of..."
"Ywach is dead!" Arisu objected, "He can't be controlling Ichigo Shiba!"
"But Uryu Ishida could be," Ryuu argued, "That is why we must rule to keep both Ichigo Shiba and Uryu Ishida incarcerated in Muken permanently."
"But why Muken?" Arisu asked, frowning, "Surely, because of the odd circumstances, we could have them placed in the Maggot's Nest instead."
"They are far too powerful," Councilor Masa weighed in, "The ones in the Maggot's Nest are mostly the less powerful ones. We don't want them to escape."
"The Maggot's Nest was good enough to hold Mayuri Kurotsuchi," remembered Nori.
"These two men are more powerful, though less mentally adept than him," Ryuu said firmly, "I can't stress this enough. I feel that the only safe thing to do is to keep those two locked away, where it won't matter if they are under anyone's control or if they decide they want to harm us all."
Byakuya's heart sank at the sounds of assent that rose up all around the room. He was unsurprised when the subsequent vote affirmed his worst fears.
"It is decided," Nori said solemnly, "Please bring the prisoners in."
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"Come along Master Shiba," the guard said respectfully, looking apologetic as he directed the ones holding the ends of the leather straps that attached to the collar of the bound Shiba heir's throat, "It is time for your sentencing."
"Great," Ichigo sighed, "I didn't get to say anything to them at all. I guess I know how this is going to go."
He looked up and his breath caught as the door across from him opened and a battered looking Uryu was led into the room.
"Uryu," he said worriedly, "Are you all right? Have they been...?"
Uryu's eyes remained lowered.
"You shouldn't speak to me," he said softly, "You shouldn't look at me. Ichigo, if I am sorry for something, it's that you're being dragged down with me. I tried to tell them that I acted on my own."
"I know," Ichigo answered quietly, "Don't worry about it. I brought this on myself. I knew that what Ywach forced me to do would come back to haunt me, no matter if I did save Soul Society. It's not your fault."
"Don't make excuses for me."
"I'm not."
"Sirs, I am afraid we must go now," the guard interjected solemnly.
"Yeah, okay," Ichigo said, sagging slightly as they led him into the Central 46 meeting chamber with Uryu a few steps behind.
The guards led them to the center of the room and turned them to face the grand councilor. Nori gazed down at them with sympathetic eyes.
"Ichigo Shiba, Uryu Ishida," he said in a low, stern tone, "It is the decision of this court that you have both been identified as continued threats to the safety of Soul Society. As that is the case, we have no choice at this time, but to recommend that you continue to be held in Muken indefinitely."
"That's not right!" Uryu shouted, stepping forward, "Do what you want with me. I did go to Ywach and join him. I know you don't care that it was only to avenge my mother, so lock me up for what I did if you want. But you can't blame Ichigo and lump him in with me! He did what I couldn't! He saved all of you! You would all be dead if he hadn't stopped Ywach!"
"The king is dead because Ichigo Shiba slayed him!" Ryuu shouted back, "Shut up, quincy! You have no right to say anything. Your kind is responsible for thousands of shinigami deaths. You and that other quincy there both deserve your fate!"
"Order!" shouted Nori, "Guards, please return the prisoners to their cells!"
Byakuya stood and turned to look down at Tetsuya.
"I am going to the prison," he told his cousin, "I will meet you back at home."
"You don't want me to wait?" asked Tetsuya.
"No," the Kuchiki leader said firmly, "Go home and wait for me there."
Tetsuya gazed after him worriedly as Byakuya disappeared into the milling crowd.
"Tetsu-hana, I would be honored to accompany you home," Kuri offered.
"Oh...well, I...I wasn't sure I should leave. Byakuya had an odd look about him," Tetsuya observed.
"I am sure that he knows what he is doing," the Shima leader assured him, sliding an arm around him, "Come, we should wait at the manor for him. We do not want to attract attention if he is planning something."
"Planning something?"
"I know that look in his eye," Kuri assured Tetsuya, "He is making plans. If we want to be ready to help him, we should wait at your manor, as he said."
Tetsuya gave the elder man a charming smirk.
"As I recall, my cousin asked me to wait for him at the manor. He said nothing about you being there."
"Well, Ichigo is my cousin, so if your cousin is up to something to do with my cousin, we should wait together."
He laid a hand on Tetsuya's arm, but the sapphire-eyed noble gave him a reproving look.
"We will wait in the gardens, not in my room," he said sternly.
Kurushimi gave him a crooked smile.
"Of course, mi amante," he chuckled.
"I am not your lover!" Tetsuya hissed softly, "Stop saying that or you'll bring on a scandal!"
"Come, Tetsu-hana, let's get you home."
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Byakuya passed the last of the guard posts and headed forward in the darkness alone. He walked to the end of the protected area, then stopped and peered into the blackness. He felt a presence even darker than the pitch black ahead of him and his heart fluttered anxiously.
Byakuya Kuchiki, Aizen's deep voice spoke into his mind, using his reiatsu to initiate the contact, despite the bindings on his body, What brings you to see me?
Byakuya paused, his heart pounding harder and his breaths short.
It didn't go well for them either, did it? the prisoner inquired.
"Ichigo is my friend and an ally," Byakuya said finally, "Just as I felt that the council was wrong in using you and doing nothing to acknowledge your protection of Soul Society, I think they should, at least, have freed Ichigo."
Well, he did kill the king, himself.
"He also saved Soul Society!" Byakuya exclaimed softly.
So...why are you here, Byakuya? What difference do you think it makes if I agree Ichigo should have been set free?
"You no longer have the hogyoku increasing your powers and lifespan. You will die if you remain here...if not from age, then because someone will kill you."
A very astute observation. So...what are you telling me? Do you want to help me?
Byakuya stiffened for a moment and closed his eyes, then forced a nod of agreement.
"I will come for you tomorrow. I will free you and you will help me to free Ichigo and the Ishida boy."
And what will you do for me in return, Byakuya? Aizen asked meaningfully.
"I am going to free you!"
I do not, as you know, have the hogyoku to protect me. I need something to ensure I do not get sent back if we are caught.
"What do you expect me to do?" Byakuya asked urgently, "I can't guarantee anything for any of us!"
It is true that you can do little for those two if they are recaptured, Aizen agreed, but...me, you can protect.
"How?" Byakuya asked, staring into the depthless blackness.
By marrying me.