Characters: Gin, Aizen
Summary: He promises Heaven. In the dunes of Hueco Mundo, Gin only sees Hell.
Pairings: None
Warnings/Spoilers: vague spoilers
Timeline: Pre-manga
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.
He promises Heaven. The words are never explicit, never unmistakably pass his lips, but Aizen has promised them that and Gin can hear him saying the words in his head.
That's the gift he will give all those who follow him. Gin and Tousen and all the unnamed pawns listen to Aizen's words, and Gin watches as those nameless pawns drop like fruit flies onto the floor. Unimportant Shinigami, Aizen barely seems to notice their losses. Tousen doesn't see them at all. Gin notices, though—he sees everything, and remembers every one of their names, even though they don't really have names at all.
He sees everything. That's how he knows that Aizen is lying.
Well, not lying, perhaps. Perhaps Aizen has deluded himself into believing that the path he takes really will lead to Heaven—Gin isn't quite to the point that he can accurately gauge Aizen's ability to lie to himself convincingly.
Aizen Sousuke promises Heaven to all those who follow him, if he is able to achieve each and every one of his goals.
Gin sees it differently.
Empty places, devoid of all life barring the life that is only a mockery of such, that is what meets Gin's eyes. It is only ever cloaked by night and night's cold; this world, this desert world, Gin is sure, is one that has never been touched by the light of any sun.
Aizen sweeps his hands outwards and enthralls countless ears. He looks upon Shinigami and Hollows alike, and he promises them Heaven.
Gin looks out on the dunes. He hears the screams in the distance, beyond hill and crag and crystal tree. He hears his master's words behind him, as he turns his back.
All this he hears, and he sees only Hell.