This is an AU fanfic of sorts. This story setting is basically what if when Aizen clashed with Ichigo after retreiving the Hogyoku from Rukia he saw an untapped potential within Kurosaki and decided to exploit it for his use? Espada Ichigo with a twist of sorts. This is my first Bleach fanfic I've ever done, so reviews are encouraged! Enjoy, and please no Flames
Prolouge:White to Black
There was an ominous air over the Gotei 13, The recent events seemed to weigh heavily on everyone's minds. The sharp sting of Aizen's betrayal still festered on everyone present. With him in his treachery were former captains Kaname Tousen and Ichimaru Gin. Yamamoto could not help but notice their predicament. With the absence of three captains they were severely weakened. With the three turncoats having achieved their objective, there was no telling how long they had till Aizen's made his move. Though, despite the urgency of the moment, he felt sadness for the odd group in the meeting room. The humans who had accompanied the substitute shinigami, which everyone now knew of who went by the name of Ichigo Kurosaki, now sat dejected at their loss. Rukia, while not a captain herself, emminated a similar aura of sadness. How could he blame them? The Gotei 13 had played right into Aizen's hands and in the process lost a valuable ally.
(Flashback)
The Gotei 13 arrived at Aizen's location to find a battered Renji and an unconcious Rukia amongst their feet. In front of all those captains that were amassed stood Aizen nonchalantly with his partners in crime, Gin with his ever present grin, and Tousen, holding a bloodied and battered Ichigo by the scruff of his neck.
"Aizen! What is the meaning of this! You dare raise your sword against your comrades!" Yamamoto bellowed, his voice ringing throughout the clearing. The old man was something to be feared, even when far from his prime. Aizen, however, seemed unperturbed.
"If only that were true, Yamomoto, for never once did I see any of you as comrades. But I guess a thanks is in order." Aizen replied, nodding towards the assembled group. "Had it not been for Vice Captain Renji and Captain Byakuya's efforts when attaining Rukia, I would have never gained such a valuable piece." Aizen continued his gaze lingering on the bloody form of Ichigo Kurosaki's form for a few moments. Byakuya's eyes widened much to Aizen's amusement.
"So you've pieced it together, have you, Byakuya? After you destroyed Kurosaki-san's Zanpakuto, he sought a way to regain his powers by rather, unconventional means. I'm sure you can see the potential he has, attaining Bankai in such a short amount of time. Why-"
"What the hell are you playing at Aizen!" Hitsugaya shouted angrily.
"Chess"
"Wha?"
"I'll humor you, as you seem to be failing to comprehend the situation. In Chess, victory is the fruit of strategy, yet no strategy can save a king and his pawns from the mightiest pieces on the board. For how can a few mere pawns triumph over a rook, bishop, knight, or even a queen?" Aizen elaborated.
"But even the strong have weaknesses. A knight cannot kill directly, a rook's movements are too cubersome, and Bishops are restrained to either black or white squares. I am speaking figuratively of course" After receiving no responses, he continued."A Queen, easily one of the most strongest pieces, is the most weak. It's strength makes it the biggest threat, and undeniably the biggest target. But tell me, what would happen for the White 'King' should the 'Queen' stray to the Black?" Aizen sneered. Everyone present blanched at what he was implying. Soi Fon merely chuckled.
"Hmph, you think that an outsider can truimph against the Gotei 13?" She retorted. "You're a bad judge of character Aizen."
"Oh really?" Aizen replied, mirth dancing in his eyes. "I take it your comrades have failed to inform you that this mere outsider" Aizen rebuttled, gesturing to the form of Ichigo, "managed to defeat not one, but two captains of the Gotei 13, none other than Byakuya and Kenpachi?" Aizen smirked at seeing Soi Fon's face pale visibly. "I guess not. I intend to make him my tool, the tip of the spear, so to speak. He is the 'Queen' and you, dear captains, are the pawns."
"You think he will join you willingly Aizen?" Byakuya ventured, knowing firsthand the boy's loyalty to his friends. Aizen merely waved dissmisively at the comment.
"His choice holds no sway in the matter. Hollow, Shinigami, he will allow me to break through those boundaries." The captains all readied their weapons.
"I see, and did you think we would allow you to get away after learning your intentions, Aizen?" Yamamoto declared. Though the captains faltered upon seeing the garganta opening omniously in the sky, bathing Aizen and his companions in an eerie light. Ever so slowly they were lifted towards the opening, Ichimaru mock waving bye. Soi Fon let out a growl of annoyance before charging forward, only to be reigned in by Captain Commander Yamamoto.
"Soi Fon! Stop, you know better than to try to attack someone in negacion!" Soi Fon merely che'd in annoyance. Just before the portal closed, Rukia awakened from her state of unconsciousness merely to see the still form of her friend Ichigo, her friend who risked his life for her's, to disappear into the depths of Hueco Mundo as the portal closed.
(Flashback end)
Rukia walked up first bowing down in salute to Yamamoto.
"Captain Yamamoto, I request permission to lead a mission in Hueco Mundo to organize a rescue effort for substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki" Rukia asked, alsmost pleadingly, but with a defiant undertone. Slowly, the rest of Ichigo's companions came up and followed suit. "Please." Yamamoto could not help but admire the bonds of camaraderie showing amongst said individuals, that they would venture on a most likely suicidal mission to save a friend. It pained him all the more fro what he was about to deny.
"I am sad to say permission denied Miss Kuchiki" Yamamoto replied sadly.
"But Sir!-" Rukia rose in argument, as well as the rest of Ichigo's friends. Yamamoto raised a hand to silence her argument.
"Your loyalty to your friends is commendable, Miss Kuchiki, however, in light of recent events, we are in a much too fragile state to even thinkou of venturing into Hueco Mundo. If I were to allow you to go now, you would be going in blind, with no knowledge of where to look and what opposition you may face. You would easily be overwhelmed by sheer amount of hollows dwelling there. So in good consciousness, I cannot send you to your deaths. For now we must wait and rebuild. When the opportunity presents itself that we may have a chance to rescue Ichigo Kurosaki, I will inform you immediately. Though for now, all we can do is pray that Aizen's plans for Ichigo do not reach fruition."
(Meanwhile, In Las Noches)
The clack of three pairs of footsteps echoed throughout the confines of the lab.
"Szayel, how is my newest piece progressing?" The white clad figure turned towards the three, glee showing across his face.
"Marvilously Aizen-sama. Subject is 47% complete in the conversion process." Szayel replied, gesturing towards a tank holding a figure suspended in a vat of unknown fluids before turning back to one of the consoles to type furiously. "Might I say what an interesting specimen you have acquired. Even before using the Hogyoku on him, this, Ichigo Kurosaki, was very much like us espada. Most Interesting..."
"Will he fullfill his purpose?" Aizen inquired, gazing at the still figure of Ichigo. Szayel nodded with much enthusiasm.
"That, and MUCH more. Though I am curious Aizen-sama, are you sure he will join our cause?" he asked. Aizen smiled.
"Of course, how could he betray us for his former comrades if he no longer remembers them?" Aizen suggested more than answered.
"Ah..." Szayel responded, seeing the implied action. "Of COURSE, how insightful Aizen-sama." Szayel replied, typing in a few more commands before a new fluid was poured into the tank, making Ichigo's form spasm as the concoction did its work. Aizen smiled. Soon, all the pieces would be set. Just a few more were needed...
Ichigo...'Queen'...hehe, didn't mean to refer to Ichigo as a woman (Don't worry, he is still a guy, I am not making this a female Ichigo fic), but personally I find the Queen the most annoying and deadliest of all Chess pieces. This is probably due to the fact that my cousin who taught me chess loved using the queen to kick my ass, so since then the piece has always struck me as a strong yet vulnerable piece since you never wanted to lose it early in the game. Anyways, enough of my rambling, Please review!