Lost in the Darkness

Summary: "Lost in the darkness, silence surrounds you. Once, there was morning. Now, endless night. If I could reach you, I'd guide you and teach you to walk from this darkness back into the light."

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. I do not own "Invisible".

Warning: This is rated M for a reason. There will be language, gore, and sex. If you are not 18 and do not have parental permission (or Author Permission), DO NOT READ.

A/N: I am glad that I'm updating again. It's a bit crazy here, y'know?

Thanks go to X-Flare-X for both posting up the chapter for me AND adding it as a favorite. It makes me happy to have such nice friends. ^^

Another thanks goes to ANBU Allysa and Planetary Seas for adding my story to their faves!

Another notice about the contest…NO ONE HAS ENTERED IT YET.

One more thing. I have six characters for the Espada in the story. Review with a name, and if you're one of the four firsts, I'll accept you and we'll make a character!

I'm also working on my original story that I'm intent on publishing, which makes updating an even slower process…Sorry!

Chapter 4

Invisible

"Where's my shadow? I used to cast a shadow. Did they turn out the midday sun? It's crazy how they ignore and make me into no one."

- XIIX -

"Hya…Such a hard question!"

"What is?"

"'If yo' had the chance ta be a seated off'cer upon completion o' the acad'my, would yo' take it?'"

"Why would that be difficult to answer?"

"If I took the job, I'd be feared an' respected, yeah, but I ain't no worker! I ain't gonna git ta slack off 'cause the paperwork's always pilin' up an' all…" I had to think on that for a moment. After all, this kid's drawl was so thick that I couldn't figure half of it out!

"What if there was no paperwork involved."

"I'd do it then," Gin said in a sing-song, grinning. I nodded, ready to report back to Aizen with my find. I nodded to Tousen, who sensed me getting up and nodded back without realizing it, then to the boy who was currently sprawling out on the bed to prepare to take a nap—lazy bum. After shutting the door, I gathered my reiatsu at my feet and ran. I could hear the familiar buzz of Sonido in my ears as I rushed past the crowd of students back to the 5th squad barracks.

- XIX -

Now, time is a funny thing. Three days had passed by without me visiting Hueco Mundo, which probably wasn't a good thing without some sort of counter to Shinigami reiatsu. I had made up my mind to ask permission to return to Hueco Mundo for a day or two so that I could recover from prolonged exposure to Shinigami reiatsu. I could feel my own starting at an attempt of changing, which would probably make me quite weak. Now that I thought of it, was it possible for me to die of it? I would prefer to not find out, honestly. The door opened, and I looked at it. A sweating Aizen walked in and I couldn't resist a little smirk. It was hot outside, wasn't it? He actually looked quite cute (I refuse to say hot; too much of a pun) with his Kosode half-open and his chest showing. I had to wonder how much paperwork he'd had to transport for the Gotei 13. "Welcome back, Aizen-Sama," I said. I was used to heat, as Hueco Mundo was really a desert. There were times that it was cooler than others, but nighttime in the Soul Society made it hotter, as the moon was brighter. I heard my leader grunt in response as he went to the bathroom. "May I go back to Hueco Mundo for a day or two?"

"Why would you need to do that?"

"My reiatsu is changing from prolonged exposure to yours and the other Shinigami. It's not healthy for me to be here too much in consecutive times."

"Hm. Very well, though I expect you back tomorrow night."

"Understood, Aizen-Sama," I said in a sing-song, the familiar rip of a Garganta apparent near me as I prepared myself to go to my home. I stepped through it and began to guide myself to Hueco Mundo, the black reiatsu path under my feet firm and solid—well, as firm and solid as it could get. I was soon in the warm, dry air of Hueco Mundo. If I could sense right, I was a few minutes of Sonido away from Las Noches. It was impossible to get any closer through a Garganta, as it was a safety feature. Who knew what person could get into Las Noches and attack if they needed to? I was sure that Aizen would figure out a way to let Arrancar through it into Las Noches and make intruders even further away. Until that time came, I could deal with a few minutes of Sonido. I reveled in the feel of my brethren's reiatsu, allowing a small smirk as I leaped, as high as I could, going as far forward as I could. I landed on the top of the gates of Las Noches. Stretching, I felt immensely free and refreshed. There was nothing to stop me from being as reckless as any normal Gillian could be at the moment, as I was feeling just that crazy. It was amazing how a reiatsu type the same as mine could make me feel so light. I leaped again, landing in front of the large doors to Las Noches. I watched them open, pushed by small Hollows. This was nothing new, but it always seemed to surprise me when I saw them open so quickly. I walked inside, into the white hallways. I wondered at the color—white. Why was everything here white? To counter the dark reiatsu of the Hollows that inhabited Hueco Mundo? Maybe to match the sand of the desert? Perhaps it was made of the sand? I certainly had to find the reason eventually.

Either way, the familiarity cheered me…At least until I was aware of a very familiar reiatsu signature. I forced a frown, despite my light mood, which quickly darkened, making the frown easier to maintain. I cast my eyes around and I soon found him; Diogenes Ambrosius. "It seems as though the mighty Adara Alcibiades has become nothing more than a Shinigami's pet," he said with cheery insult embedded into his statement. I bit back my anger, though I smiled at him to hide it.

"Diogenes, a pleasure, as always. Come to attack me again?"

"Well, we'd best see if you've gotten soft…" Diogenes said with a smirk. I readied myself without showing it. My muscles relaxed so that I could flow with grace, my eyes tracking each movement of my opponent's. I moved into a comfortable fighting position. He stood straight for a moment before he took his stance. I noted the differences. Where I was low to the ground, he was only a certain bit lower than his normal height. I had my left leg stretched out to the side completely while my right foot was beneath me, knee against my chest. My left hand was on the ground in front of me to assist in balance while my right hand gripped the hilt of my Zanpakutou, Amordefuego. As for Diogenes, he had one foot behind the other to keep himself braced for attacks I could throw at him. His left hand was across his face defensively while his right was on the hilt of his Zanpakutou whose name I had never learned. I watched carefully and also took in his appearance. His long, powdery green hair was in a low ponytail, and his blue eyes watched her with as much caution as I did him. He had tanned skin with black bangle markings randomly marking his skin. His uniform was the common hakama pants, black belt, and black tabi with silver sandals. However, he also wore his top oddly. He had his right arm through the sleeve, and the rest of it was pulled into his belt so that it was almost like a belted overskirt. His bare skin was otherwise visible. He suddenly jolted forward and I did the same to match his momentum and not get knocked back.

We collided, drawing our Zanpakutou at the same time.

- XX -

Aizen rolled over in his sleep, a low groan escaping him. He'd had a bad feeling since Adara's departure, and now, he was having nightmares of her. Why, he did not know. He did not care for her deeper than as his servant who could honestly not be replaced until he took over Hueco Mundo.

Adara parried the blows dealt by the man, but she was slowing. Her time in the Seireitei had greatly limited her abilities and it was showing in this fight. She'd been faster than him no longer than a week ago, but now…She didn't know. Her fear was palpable, but there was nothing she could do.

She was losing…

Aizen finally awoke, sitting up and rubbing his head with a sigh. The mental image and scene of Adara losing the battle and suddenly being unable to help him placed a sour taste in his mouth. He was sure nothing was going on, but it wouldn't hurt to check, would it? Grabbing a bag similar to the fourth squad's—it had the symbol of the fifth squad (similar to a seed pod, it seemed) as well as the kanji for '5' on it—he began to pack what he would probably need. Some food, a bottle of water, tea packets (he couldn't LIVE without tea, to be honest!), and a few healing supplies. He quickly set off for the twelfth squad, knocking on the door to the lab as he adjusted the badge on his arm. Since he'd fallen asleep in his uniform, he didn't have any issues with being in his striped yukata and hakama so that he'd have to change immediately. The door opened slowly and only by a small amount, leaving Aizen to look up at a slightly taller blond man with a white coat on. "Excuse me, sir," Aizen said, bowing in respect. "I was wondering if I may have a few moments of your time."

"Right…Oh, you're Aizen Sousuke…" The blond opened the door and Aizen walked in. He didn't look around—he'd collected a giant mound of paperwork several times—as he waited to be permitted to speak. He also wondered at how the captain knew his name… "So, Lieutenant, what can I do for you?"

After a few minutes of consideration to how he would word his needs, he decided to be blunt. "I need to go to Hueco Mundo…" Hopefully, his reasoning would seem good.

"Hueco Mundo? Quite an interesting ambition. Why do you need to get there?"

"Well, Taichou," Aizen said with respect, "I got caught in a Negación about ten days ago. I recently learned that, while I was in Hueco Mundo searching for a way out, I managed to drop an item that is very dear to me." Urahara arched an eyebrow at Aizen's statement.

"Aizen-Fukutaichou, was it dear enough for you to risk your life getting it back?"

"Yes. It was."

"Hm…Well, to get to Hueco Mundo…" Urahara seemed to be debating on speaking about the subject, and also about asking for more information. "You would have to open a Garganta."

"A Garganta?"

"It's like the Hollows' version of a Senkaimon, which opens into the Dangai of Hueco Mundo." Aizen looked at Urahara inquisitively. Yes, Adara had mentioned it before and he was curious about it at first…

"And how would I open a Garganta?"

"I suppose I could open one if it's really such a dear object to you. Since you got out of there before, I assume you can do it again?" Damn. He'd wanted to open one himself. However, he was sure that Adara would teach him how to open one so that he could travel freely between the worlds when the time came to conquer Hueco Mundo.

"Yes, I just need to get there."

"Very well, I will open the Garganta, Aizen-Fukutaichou."

- XXI –

"So, Kaname-Kun," Gin said casually as he changed into a simple yukata, "What'd yo' think o' that?"

"It wasn't anything overly special," Kaname replied aloofly, feeling quite at rest at the moment with the heat making his mind and body so lethargic. Today had, indeed, been a very warm day. He was relaxing in his hakama under the blanket, trying to warm his body so that it would be cooler for him when he needed to sleep. He had no need of turning a lamp on, so the lights were off as he ran his fingers lightly along the line of Braille for his textbook. He had to stop as he sensed his companion approaching. He closed his book and turned his head in Gin's direction, eyes closed. "What are you doing?"

"Makin' yo' think tha' it were special."

"How do you intend to—?" He was cut off by a finger on his lips as the pale fox leaned forward, kneeling on Kaname's bed. Kaname silenced, waiting patiently. Gin leaned forward, putting one hand on Kaname's other side, leaning forward. He pressed his lips firmly to Kaname's, kissing him. Moving his lips against Kaname's, he pulled away only when he needed air. "So…?"

"I'm older and more experienced, Ichimaru. That was nothing special."

"Hya…Yo' gonna be so mean ta me forevah?"

"Probably," Kaname replied, returning to his reading and leaving the pouting fox to his own plotting.

- XXII -

Aizen sighed, finally breaking through into Hueco Mundo. He stood in the white sands, a bit off-kilter. He took off his glasses, feeling a bit better with the reiatsu of the Hollows now that he did. He looked at Las Noches, stretching and getting ready to use Shunpo. However, due to the lack of solid ground, he tripped, landing face-first into the sand. He spit some sand out of his mouth, frowning at it and then pushing himself up. "Okay…Let's try this again…" He managed to go a short ways with Shunpo, distances increasing. He finally made it to the gates of Las Noches and tried to figure out how to get through. "Hado 33: Byakurai!" The attack destroyed the gates quite loudly, which made Aizen unsure as to whether or not he should remain here. However, he couldn't get out without Adara. I'm in trouble, aren't I? He walked into Las Noches, pushing open the heavy door to enter.

It really didn't take long—he could hear the sounds of fighting and that was enough of a clue. He cautiously turned corners, the sounds getting louder. Finally, he found the two Arrancar and was a bit surprised. He could barely track what they were doing and when they were colliding. However, they seemed a bit even. He watched, flinching at a few of the collisions. He finally saw that Adara was about to be hit with her opponent's sword and immediately went into action. Using his Shunpo, he went straight into the battle and grabbed Adara, moving her out of the way. It took him a few seconds after he had crouched a few yards away to realize that he was in pain in his arm. Glancing in the direction of the pain, he noted that he had a rather deep gash in his arm.

- XXIII -

Surprise was really the wrong way to put it. I was shocked. First, how did Aizen arrive here? Second, why did he intervene in the fight? I looked up at him as he looked at his arm. I looked as well—blood? "Frickin' idiot," I mumbled to him, making sure he heard as I pressed my hand to his wound. "This is probably one of your worst ideas yet."

"One of?" Aizen questioned softly, obviously annoyed with me. I smiled at him innocently. Diogenes approached Aizen from behind, raising his Zanpakutou. "Aizen-Sama—!" The clash of swords cut me off. Aizen had drawn his own Zanpakutou faster than I thought possible. He countered Diogenes. I sighed in relief silently, glad that Aizen wasn't hurt from the blow. Then I realized that it was his sword hand that had been injured. I wondered how that would affect his fighting until—

"Shatter, Kyouka Suigetsu," Aizen murmured. I watched as Aizen rose to fight, which was a bit curious. Suddenly, Aizen was viciously attacking Diogenes. I watched as Diogenes countered everything, but then something very strange happened. Aizen was suddenly behind Diogenes, piercing him with Kyouka Suigetsu (well, I assumed that was his Zanpakutou's name since he said it). I blinked several times as Aizen pulled his Zanpakutou from Diogenes sharply and sheathed it, turning back to me. "Adara, get up. We're going."

"Ah…I need to stay here so I can recover, sir…"

"I meant to your room," Aizen said dryly. I got up and bowed to him, leading the ways through the winding hallways. I wondered about his fight and it was bothering me, especially since Aizen was clutching his arm. "Aizen-Sama, how did you do that?" I asked. Aizen smiled at me without the least bit of emotion.

"Kyouka Suigetsu…It can place a person who looks at its release form under a full hypnosis, thus making me capable of illusion."

"Wait…So in the case of Kaname…"

"He is blind. Therefore, he cannot see the release state and I cannot place him under hypnosis. Therefore, I made sure that he was an ally…Just in case." I looked at Aizen and sighed, smiling. He was intelligent, yes, but that didn't mean much. Considering he was being weak enough to display his injury and pain openly showed a lack of wisdom. I certainly had a lot to teach him. Arriving at my room, I opened the door, reveling in the feel of being home. Although…It didn't feel right. Perhaps I'd become too used to Aizen's room. I waited beside the door for Aizen to enter, which he did. I shut the door behind him. "Take off your Kosode," I said softly. Aizen arced an eyebrow and I approached him, getting rather close. "Take. Off. Your. Kosode," I repeated with more force.

Scoffing, Aizen untied his badge, which was just above his wound. He parted his Kosode, pulling it off after it was out of his hakama. I took his arm, inspecting the wound. "Hmm…You know, you got a pretty bad gash…" I smiled as he rolled his eyes. I went over to my closet and took out a black obi, sighing as I returned to Aizen. I thought about what Diogenes had said. Shinigami's pet… I wrapped the obi over his gash tightly, tying it off. Aizen arched his eyebrow. "Adara, you didn't need to have me take off the Kosode if you were just doing this."

"I know," I replied with a smirk. Aizen glared at me. "And now I have to take off my obi and hakama because I can't tuck my Kosode into my hakama otherwise."

"I know," I replied again. "It's not like I haven't seen it before…" Aizen glared at me a bit more venomously. I smiled innocently as he untied his obi, turning his back on me and pulling on his Kosode as a jacket. I snuck up behind him as he pulled up his hakama in an attempt to tuck it in. To assist, I pulled his hakama out to tuck in his Kosode and he froze, looking at me over his shoulder. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Helping." I gave him a slow smile and he sighed. I assisted him with his obi and he seemed slightly more than a little disturbed at my attempts to assist him. Finally, he was dressed and I started to put his badge on him. He sighed patiently. Finally, I was done and I patted his shoulder. He shook his head in annoyance and walked over to the bed, sitting down. I followed, sitting next to him and then scooting back to roll onto the other side of her bed. Aizen lay back as well. "We will both stay here for a few days."

"I should be ready tomorrow," I mumbled, back to Aizen. I didn't want him to get too weak; it would be dangerous for him. Aizen put an arm around me. "Hm."

"And wouldn't you get in trouble?"

"Hm."

"Are you too tired to make an actual reply?"

"Hm." I didn't say anything to him as he pulled me back against him. I liked his warmth; it was comfortable. He was probably going to fall asleep soon anyway. I noticed that he still had his Zanpakutou at his side and shifted, pulling mine—sheath and all—from my back so that I could cuddle with him more comfortably. Well, he probably didn't want to see it as cuddling, but I wanted to make him seem more affectionate for reasons even I did not understand.

- XXIV -

Diogenes scoffed, sitting on the railing of one of the many balconies in Las Noches. He rested his hands on his knees, slouching forward. His back was already healing. Looking up, he noticed two Arrancar approaching him. He smiled lightly. "Oh, if it isn't the dynamic duo," he said dryly, a bit amused. There was such a difference in their looks that it was amazing that they were friends. The reserved Hellmara and the outgoing Dlareme. Dlareme was the shorter of the two, her long, maroon hair tied back in a low ponytail. Her bright green eyes looked at Diogenes with disappointment. Hopping slightly, as she always did when she wasn't allowed to run around like crazy, she looked up to her friend. Her choppy grey hair looked odd on her as she had tanned skin. Her sharp, green-grey eyes watched him. Her eyes were similar to her friend's, just far more serious and alert. Dlareme huffed, bouncing ceasing for the moment. "You got beat by the Shinigami's pet? And the Shinigami?" She asked, her tone rather disappointed. Diogenes shrugged, leaning back just slightly. He didn't want to fall into the sand, after all. "What do you intend to do?" Hellmara asked softly. Diogenes smiled slightly.

"…I have something in mind," he said.