== DISCLAIMER: I do not own Bleach. It and all related characters are owned by Tite Kubo.

Wherever You Will Go

"It's over, Aizen." Yoruichi Shihouin's voice was cold as she and Soi Fon, captain of the Second Division, held Aizen in place. Aizen only laughed. "What's so funny?"

"I'm sorry to do this," he said, smiling, "but the time has come." Realization flashed across Yoruichi's face as she turned to Soi Fon.

"Soi Fon! Get away from him!" Immediately, both Yoruichi and Soi Fon leapt away from the traitor, just as a golden barrier dropped down, engulfing him. Suddenly, the sky above the Sokyoku Hill ripped apart, showing several Gillian hollow. One after another, the same barrier dropped down on Tousen and Gin. Shuhei leapt away, gritting his teeth, and staring in amazement at the Hollow above them.

"You're just going to run away, that's it?" Tetsuzaimon said, raising his zanpakuto, but the Head Captain stopped him.

"That light is a weapon with the name of Negacion. It's a technique the Menos use when they are rescuing their fellow hollows. Once enveloped by that light, it is impossible for those within, and those without, to interact. It's an isolated world inside the beams, all those who have fought the Menos know it well. From the moment that light fell on Sosuke Aizen, it became impossible for us to reach him."

Captain Komamura punched the ground, nearly splitting it as he yelled for Kaname. All eyes were on Aizen as Captain Ukitake stepped forward.

"Have you become that corrupt?" he asked, his eyes narrowed. "Have you?"

Aizen merely looked down at him. "You're blinded by your self-righteousness. From the beginning, no one has ever stood at the top. Neither you, nor me, nor the gods. But soon, that unobtainable vacancy at the top will be filled."

His voice rang out, pulling everyone's attention towards him. As he said farewell, the rip in the sky began to close. It was not until they had completely gone, that Shuhei looked around, and said, "Where's Matsumoto!?"

Two orders came directly from Central 46 that day: To administer first aid to all who had been injured, including the ryoka, and to search for Vice-Captain Rangiku Matsumoto. The entire Fourth Squad was there, treating various shinigami, several other squads were currently out of commission, and so it had fallen to the Second, Eighth, and Thirteenth Squads, and all available captains and vice-captains, to search for Matsumoto. So far, their search had been futile.

"Dammit!" Shuhei shouted, punching a nearby wall. "Where could she have gone!?" Behind him stood Tetsuzaimon.

"You don't think she left with Aizen and the others? Her and Ichimaru were always close."

"Rangiku would not have left willingly!" Shuhei said, rounding on his friend. "If she did end up in Hueco Mundo with the traitors, it was not by choice!"

"We had no idea of what was going on, we must consider the possibility that she went with them willingly!" Shuhei could not dispute the logic, and turned away from him. One step with shunpo took him halfway down the alley.

"Well now, this certainly is unexpected," Aizen said calmly. "I'm sorry you were brought here, Matsumoto-san, I had no intention of doing so." The former captain shot a glance at Ichimaru, who stood slightly behind Matsumoto. He merely smiled and shrugged. "At least, I didn't."

"Now, Cap'n Aizen, whatever do you mean by that?" Gin looked around the large throne room where Aizen had led them, and whistled. "This sho' is a huge place! Don't you think, Tousen-san?" Tousen turned his head away.

"Aizen," Matsumoto said clearly and strongly, "I demand that you release me!"

Aizen only laughed. "Now see, I'm afraid I can't really do that at the moment, Matsumoto-san. You see, as unfortunate as it is that you are here, the fact exists. And I am not willing to jeopardize my plans to allow you to go back."

Tousen took a hold of Matsumoto roughly, bringing his zanpakuto to her throat. "Rather than keep her here," he began, but was stopped. A wakizashi, in turn, was placed at the former Ninth Captain's throat, just as his katana was at Matsumoto's.

"I wouldn' be about ta kill her, if I was you, Tousen-san," Ichimaru said through his smile, before he opened his eyes slightly, "'Cause my hand just might slip at the sight o' blood, and we wouldn' want that, now would we?"

Matsumoto stood frozen on the spot, caught between two shinigami who may very well be, she believed, above a normal captain's strength. Aizen cleared his throat. "Please stop. If either of you were to kill the other, I would have to avenge a fallen comrade, which would leave me with no subordinates." Gin was no longer smiling as he glared at Tousen, who slowly removed the blade from Rangiku's neck, as well as Haineko from her sash. In turn, Gin did the same, and sheathed Shinsou. Aizen smiled. "That's better. Although it still leaves us with an unwelcome guest."

Rangiku's grey eyes glared up at Aizen defiantly, ignoring the other former captains. "No need to be so tense, Rangiku. You are our guest, we must make you comfortable, as unexpected as it is."

Rangiku crossed her arms across her chest. "Aizen, do you really think you can avoid capture? Eventually the Seireitei will come for you, and you will lose."

"Really?" Aizen held up the Hogyoku. "I think not. I have many plans, none of which involve my defeat. Gin," he said suddenly, changing his attention. Gin's gaze was torn from Rangiku to Aizen. "Please show our..visitor.. to her cell until we decide what will be done with her."

Gin nodded, smiling his ever-present smile. "Sho' thing, Capn' Aizen." Gin closed the few feet between himself and Rangiku, and took her arm, being surprisingly gentle. Rangiku did not put up a fight. She knew that if she did, she would be killed, and all that mattered now was surviving.

When Gin and Rangiku were out of earshot of the other two, Gin let her go, but continued to walk. Silently, Matsumoto followed him, head bowed. "I'm glad you held on," Gin said quietly. Rangiku looked up, a pained expression on her face. Why had he done this? So many questions ran through her mind. But she could not find the words to speak.

AN:
So, I was writing chapter 23 or 24 in my Vengeance story, and put some GinXRan fluff in it. Since I already have slight GinXRan fangirl symptoms, this spawned from the inner workings of my mind. Enjoy!