Disclamer: As many could guess - I do not own Bleach or it's characters - Tite Kubo does.

AN: Okay. This is gonna be a fun ride, I hope, and first things you should know before reading this is that 70-80% of this story is gonna be Aizen's POV. This story is an attempt to show the "right" Aizen, as I, personally, see him to be... and not what his respective author and owner of Bleach did to him.

The main reason I decided to do this fic is because most stuff that has got to do with Aizen are either yaoi(aww, duude! Sick) or simply humour. So - here's a more serious story. Hope ya like it and review.

Oh... and... there ARE gonna be some pairings and stuff, since it's AU, naturally.

PS. - there's also gonna be theme songs for each chapter, so as to set the mood right. Artist/Group, name of the song. Good luck finding the music.

1st chapter is - Orbital, Strangeness in the Night (from the album Octane)

Chapter 1

"The Escape"

It was dark, it had been this way for two years now. Always dark... even though his captors removed the blindfold from his eyes when they brought him food and drinks. And they fed him, never undoing the binds that held his hands attached to the chair he sat on, just like people fed a child who could not handle consuming food on it's own. Pathetic. Truly pathetic. Never had he felt so embarrased in his entire life, but of course, he would not show it. He never showed it to anyone.

He counted the days he spent here, without leaving a single day unchecked in his mind. He had assumed they fed him twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. If so... he had spent two long years here, imprisoned by his enemies. How did it come to this? How? Oh, but he knew the answer to that question.

Aizen Souske knew.

He started recalling the events of the past. For a long time he had everything under control using deceit and lies as his main tool. He had always been much - much stronger than most Shinigami of his, or past generations. But he had prefered to hide his true strength from the others until the time would be right. He had used most of those close to him and those who did not care for him to further advance his agenda. Alas, after one hundred years of careful planning he had to go out in the open… partially, and the rest of the Shinigami would see his true face for the first time. Yes – indeed – it was so grand and exhilarating to see the shock on their faces, so amusing to see their pathetic attempts to stop him. It was there he had first met that ryoka boy – Kurosaki Ichigo, son of Kurosaki Isshin.

He had all perfectly planned out. Till the last single detail. And yet… he had failed to accomplish his goal. He had fused with the Hogyoku and became a perfect being – far greater and more powerful than any Shinigami or Hollow that had ever existed. And yet he was defeated. Funny… that it was none other than Kurosaki Ichigo – a fifteen year old boy, while he was hundreds of years old. While Ichigo was sleeping in his mother's womb Aizen was a God compared to him. The irony.

He knew what his mistake was. He grew too overconfident in himself and relied solely upon the Hogyoku and discarded his own powers. It was not because of the sphere that he defeated the Captains and the half-hollow scum. No. Those were his own powers and the powers of Kyouka Suigetsu, which were his power nonetheless. He had been blinded by his own ambition and power… and now he no longer had the Hogyoku, since it shattered to dust when he was sealed away by Kisuke's Bakudo. He really did fail.

This will not happen again.

Two years – two long years in this uncomfortable cell, surrounded by walls and everlasting darkness.

Aizen Souske sat in complete silence, accompanied only by his thoughts.

I should have been more foresightful in the matter concerning the ryoka boy and his father, as well as Urahara Kisuke. Had I not lowered my guard down I would never miss that hidden Kido he had cast on me. But this does not matter any longer. These are the events of the past and I should not dwell upon them longer than necessary, seeing as I had already analyzed my every action and word… and improved myself yet again.

His line of thought was interrupted by sound of footsteps, echoing throughout the hallway of his prison. Aizen was surprised a bit, because this was not yet the time for feeding. Could this perhaps mean that someone wanted to see him? Who could that possibly be? He was sure it was not the other man, seeing as it was a few days early. Just a few more days.

The footsteps ceased at his door. He knew it was there, but he saw it only once, when he was brought here for the first time. It had been two years since he saw the light. And just as he thought of that the door opened, with a heavy sound of metal scratching against metal, and a burst of light blinded him. It had been too long indeed.

Aizen could not see the one who entered his cell. A small 4x4 room made out of Sekiseki stone covered in a layer of metal. Aizen Souske smiled under the bandages that covered his mouth, unwillingly, but ever so slightly.

This could be considered my first human contact in two years. How very amusing that someone had to wait this long before he decided to speak to me.

While he was thinking the door closed and a single figure now stood before the rogue Shinigami. A young male's voice erupted from the black silhouette.

Visitior: "I had come a long way to see you – Aizen!"

Aizen could not help but smile widely, his single, visible left eye narrowing with a sign of amusement and a slight level of mockery.

Aizen: "My-my. I had expected to see anyone, but I did not think it would be you who would grace me with your presence in this cell. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined you would come see me – Hitsugaya Toshiro."

Aizen could hear a low growl coming from the white-haired prodigy as he finished speaking. Truly – Aizen was both surprised and amused at the fact. Nevertheless he continued speaking, without letting the Captain reply.

Aizen: "After all – you coming here to see me must mean you either want some kind of revenge, or you need something from me, is that it? Or perhaps you came down here to simply let me experience your company for a while. I have no other guesses Hitsugaya-kun."

Toshiro: "Shut the hell up, Aizen. Don't press your luck, because you have no idea how much I want to kill you right now. You're completely defenseless and I could shorten your sentence right here and now, with one simple movement of my sword! I don't understand why the Central 46 had not executed you during the trial! I know I would – if it were up to me"

Aizen allowed himself to chuckle at the statement. Toshiro's reaction did not take long to follow, as the next moment the lantern he was holding fell to the ground and the blade of zanpakuto was pressed against Aizen's throat. Now he could finally see the little Captain. Well – he sure hasn't changed much since back then, unlike Aizen, who felt that he had lost weight and a lot of reiatsu, due to the effect of the energy draining this cell had constantly put him though.

Toshiro: "One more fucking word outta you and I swear – I will cut your throat open and watch you bleed to death – and fuck Central 46 and their orders!"

My – it seems that his anger still has not faded away. What a shame. But perhaps I should listen to what he has to say – it definitely would not hurt to know what is happening outside.

The traitor Shinigami stayed silent as the blade was finally drawn away from his neck. And since he decided to indulge this little man he did not voice his concern for Momo's well being and health. This would, perhaps, cause the little man to carry out his threat and Aizen did not need this kind of thing happening at the moment. If he had at least one hand free – he would be able to do something, but much to his regret he was completely bound to the chair he sat on.

All the while he thought his eyes continued to watch Hitsugaya Toshiro as the latter moved backwards and sheathed his sword. Then he crossed his arms together on his chest and spoke, his face showed only anger that could be barely contained and a slight sign of twisted pleasure he tried to hide.

So happy that you made me silent, Hitsugaya-kun? It seems that you need to learn a lot more to be on par with me when trying to scare or intimidate someone. Such brutality only causes one to think less of you. Perhaps I should tell him this later.

Toshiro: "Now tell me, Aizen, everything about the Arrancar army that you gathered in Hueco Mundo."

Aizen remained silent for a few moments, enjoying the sight of the Captain's anger going up. And as he was about to speak, or yell at the rogue Shinigami, Aizen finally spoke with an indifferent tone.

Aizen: "How am I to tell you this, if you had just told me to keep silent, unless I want you to cut my head off, Shiro-kun?"

Toshiro(grabbing the hilt of his zanpakuto): "Why you little son of a-"

Aizen: "If you wish to know about the Arrancar army – you need to ask me questions that are… more specific. Otherwise I cannot fully understand what you are asking me. I should also remind you that you had killed most of my Espada, hence effectively destroying my Arrancar army by beheading it, so to speak. Am I wrong?"

Captain Hitsugaya proceeded to sheathe his katana and listened to what Aizen had said. He tried to calm down, as the expression of anger slowly faded away from his face, and turned into a stone-cold mask. Then he spoke with his usual low tone.

Toshiro: "We indeed killed most of your Espada, with the exception of Tia Haribel – who you slew yourself. What I need is you to tell me exactly what you had as a plan if your invasion failed."

Aizen: "A plan if my invasion had failed? There was no such plan, Hitsugaya-kun – I assure you. I had unwavering confidence in my own abilities and planning. Alas… it seems it was not so. Else I would not currently be in this cell, but instead I would be up there."

Aizen motioned upwards with his eyes, looking at the ceiling for just a second, lowering his gaze back at Hitsugaya afterwards. The little boy frowned, showing certain disbelief.

Toshiro: "I refuse to believe you did not have a plan for any situation. Although… you wouldn't be here had you not underestimated Kurosaki Ichigo. He stopped you, saving all Soul Society by doing that, for which he paid the price!"

Aizen(with a slightly interested voice): "He paid a price, did he? What could that be? You are saying it in a tone that suggests it was some kind of sacrifice. Surely it wasn't his life – as far as I remember he was alive and well when I was sealed. So what is it? Perhaps something to do with his reaitsu?"

Toshiro: "That's none of your concern! Now tell me! What was the escape plan? I refuse to believe you didn't have a plan C, you cunning bastard!"

Aizen: "I am afraid I cannot help you. I cannot answer that question simply because there is no answer. I do not have a plan C, as you called it." – Aizen made a slight pause. Good thing Toshiro couldn't see his smile right now. – "But even if I did have some kind of plan… how would you know what it is? I certainly would not tell you – now would I? Or do you believe that a mere two years in this little cell had broken me? I am afraid Captain Hitsugaya that you are in for a big disappointment."

Toshiro clenched his teeth and fists. Then he turned around and grabbed the lantern, walking away from the captive and towards the door. Again the sound of metal grinding against metal could be heard, as the door slowly opened. Aizen could see the little Captain stepping out of the room and into the corridor. Now.

Aizen: "Wait!" – Toshiro froze in place and slowly turned his head around, looking at the captive. – "I… do have something to say. I indeed had an escape plan. But I cannot use it anymore, since I cannot move even a finger of my body. I had planned to use a negacion if the Hogyoku had failed me – but I never had the chance. Kurosaki finished it with a single attack."

Hitsugaya Toshiro showed no reaction to the words he had just heard and turned away again, closing the door behind him. And so – he was once again in total darkness, with only the sounds of his breathing and the fading footsteps in his ears. And soon enough the footsteps were gone. Aizen wondered if he had played his few cards right during the conversation. He still could have mocked his enemy mentioning Momo Hinamori when he was about to leave… but perhaps it was for the best that he did not do this.

Aizen smiled again.

How amusing it was to watch their reactions when he lied. He could lie about anything – but nobody could ever guess what it was. Like when he had told Ichigo that he had orchestrated every battle that he had fought. A blunt and stupid lie – but it worked. The look on the ryoka boy's face was worth it. And by lying in such a way he had further weakened the child's resolve, which was the main measure of his strength. Gin further assisted him in the matter as well.

Ah Gin. His "loyal" servant and Lieutenant. The thought made the man smirk under the black bandages.

As the days passed he began feeling somewhat nervous and elated. 5 days since Hitsugaya Toshiro visited him and he had seen the light. Not the light of the sun, but an artificial one – made with fire. A light nonetheless. He had been waiting for this day to come. He heard the footsteps again. Someone was coming and it was not the white-haired Captain, but someone else who Aizen just happened to know as well. The person stopped in front of the door and opened it as fast as he could. Yes. Yes – the time had finally come. The rogue shinigami had to be honest with himself – during these two years he had suffered more than he would admit to anyone but himself. But perhaps the word "suffering" was not quite fit to describe how he felt. Discomfort – an eerie feeling of isolation was too much for him. According to his calculations he would go insane after 50 years of this imprisonment. Even he was not immune to such punishment, whatever others had thought of him.

Meanwhile the man came inside the room and placed his lantern onto the ground near the door. It was one of the prison wardens and he had an outfit similar to that of the 2nd Division Omnitsukido Corps. attire, but with few different modifications.

Warden: "Everything had happened as you said, Aizen-taicho."

Aizen could not help but smile at the man's words. Aizen-taicho. How funny that this man would call me that, but that is simply because he served me since I was a Captain. Without himself realizing that I am a traitor and no longer Aizen-taicho, but that's for the best.

Warden: "I have done as you had instructed me all those years ago, sir." – the man came up to the chair on which Aizen was siting and started undoing the bandages that bound the man. – "I acted as fast as I could, and you have some spare time before the patrol, or someone else notice that there's something missing from the convicts belongings storage room."

The man finally undid the bindings and Aizen exhaled, slowly standing up. He felt a bit drowsy as he did, and would he not hold onto the chair he would surely fall. A few minutes passed and Aizen had adjusted to standing and walking. He also did a small workout with his hands and neck to improve his movements further.

Finally he looked back at the man, as the latter took out a long, thin bundle out of his backpack. Aizen smirked as he took the wrapped item into his hands and threw off the brown cloth. He quietly uttered.

Aizen: "Kyouka Suigetsu." – he took out the sword out of its scabbard and looked at his own reflection in the blade, created with the help of the lantern's light. – "Finally we reunite. And it's all thanks to you, my faithful subordinate. Name your reward."

Warden: "I am but your humble servant – I need nothing from you, Aizen-taicho."

Aizen: "I would not have it any other way – my little puppet. I wouldn't have it any other way."

The traitor smirked again and began making his way towards the chair he had been sitting on for two long years. It took him only two steps, so now he stood to the left of the chair, looking at it with displeasure. His little torment device. Aizen raised his sword and swung it down – the blade made a slightly visible cut on the surface of the stone and tore a fraction of the bandages where his left hand had previously been. Now the second phase of the plan was complete and he needed not linger here longer.

Aizen turned around, providing further instructions to his… subordinate. After he was done he stepped out of the cell together with the traitor warden and inhaled slightly louder and deeper than usual.

Finally. The weight of that wretched cell has lifted and nothing prevents my reiatsu from restoring itself. I, however, am weak for the moment and only possess enough power for a single Kido incantation. I need no more than one actually, since everything is going as planned.

EVERYTHING WAS GOING AS PLANNED.

The thought made the man actually smile. It reminded the man of his mistakes during his "hour of triumph", which would be known as the only mistakes he had ever made. He brought his hands up after tying Kyouka Suigetsu's sheath to his belt. He did not need the power of his Zanpakuto to escape and to be frank – he had no stamina to use it right now. A fact not a soul should know, nor would they ever. Aizen Souske never showed a single weakness… even if he had some.

Aizen: "Bakudo #26 – Kyokko." – Aizen had used the technique known as Incantation Abandonment, which somewhat weakened the spell but allowed for a faster effect.

The man had now become invisible to the eyes and senses of most but those who could actually be the only threat to his escape plan – the Captains. He had to move carefully and not attract attention, gliding between men and objects, evading traps and patrols.

It was not long, strictly thirty minutes, before Aizen had finally emerged into the sunlight. It blinded him as the lantern of Hitsugaya Toshiro did earlier and he had to take some time to get used to the sunlight and the fresh air, which nearly made him cough, and that would be as good as dying outright at the moment. And so he began making his way towards the Senkai Gate. Needless to say, leaving the facility he was held in without spilling a single drop of blood. The Shinigami forces should be on alert by now and they would surely organize a search party or two to find him.

Aizen knew how to deal with those. He walked in a steady, sure pace as he let his face to be basked in the warm sunlight. Freedom… and revenge. It had started today!