Voices in the Dark Chapter 4

Part 1

Aizen summons something unholy and forces Gin to confront his worst fears. Does he stay with a man he loathes or try for a new life? I don't own anything! Really! Rated M (of course)

"Sounds fun Sousuke, but are you sure there's time for this?" Gin said keeping his voice light, but cringing inside as Aizen's hands roamed his slender body. "It's been a while since we played. Are you sure you just want a quickie or would you rather we take our time?" He was a practiced actor so putting on a seductive smile wasn't difficult, but he was praying fervantly for Aizen to stop.

"There's always time for you my dearest little fox." the man murmered, kissing behind Gin's ear. " I can take you now and then arrange a night together too. That is the advantage of power." The dark haired man put his arms around the younger one, pressing his body to Gin's.

Oh gods please, not again! I...I can't take it! Gin thought desperately looking for a way out. "Yeah, but I wouldn't want make you late for your meeting. First impressions are lasting ones an if it means we can avoid this war altogether then I'm all for it." he said dancing out of Aizen's grasp and playfully shaking his finger at his ex-captain. "Business first you handsome thing! I'm sure bein horny isn't an acceptable excuse!"

Aizen looked irritated at having his desires thwarted, but he had to admit that Gin's words made perfect sense. He did not dare to insult a potential ally by being late. "I suppose you're right, but remember Gin, I will expect you back in here when our business is concluded. It has been much too long since I have sampled the delights of your lovely body." He kissed the younger man fiercely, " I want you under me again, naked and screaming and I will not take no for an answer." he warned, his breath was warm on the nape of Gin's neck. "Of course, Aizen-sama, I am your obedient servant." the silver haired man agreed forcing himself to lean into his lord's embrace and smile."Very obedient and very vocal if that's what you want." Inside he was weak and shaking. What the hell do I do now? I can't handle this closet pervert putting his hands on me again. I thought he was content with his little blind fuck toy Tousen!

"That's my good boy." Aizen murmered, running his fingers through Gin's hair while Gin fought not to show any outward signs of revulsion. He'd learned this only brought further, more painful abuse. " You look so delicious,but you have reminded me of a few last minute details that I need to see to. Until later then." Gin forced himself to submit to the sensual open mouthed kiss Aizen gave him. "Go on before I change my mind and take you right now, beautiful boy."

This was a clear dismissal if Gin had ever heard one, so he nodded and beat a hasty exit before the other man changed his mind. "Hai, Aizen-sama. Until later." he said, his face feeling strained from keeping his lips curved in his tradmark smirk. He waved and began to walk towards his suite. Gods above and below, I need a drink! he thought wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He didn't drink often, but felt a desperate need for one now if only to get the taste of Sousuke out of his mouth! He thought he still had that bottle of sake that Rangiku had given him on his birthday a few years ago. Once in his rooms he rummaged in his wardrobe, emerging with a slight grunt of triumph. "Found it!" He wouldn't drink much, just a couple to settle his raw nerves. He wrestled it open and gulped the first cup down, looking moodily across the white sands, propped up on the pillow that still smelled faintly of Igrayne's light perfume, blended of a bouquet of white flowers and one he'd never smelled on anyone else. It was unique, like the woman herself. He found the scent calmed him as much as the alcohol. My little white rose. He thought he heard a far off voice,as he often did when troubled, one he knew as well as his own "Come to me in my dreams and then by day I shall be well again, for then the night will more than pay for the hopeless longing of the day." the voice whispered the poems excerpt into his mind, bringing comfort and with it a familiar longing. I wish it was you seducing me,beautiful. I'd tumble you in a heartbeat! I wanna make love to you so much it hurts! You're the only one I'll ever want. I admit it, I'm so in love with you that you're all I think about. He ran his finger across his lips rememebering the feel and taste of her kisses last night and shivered with desire at the sweet memory. He refilled his cup and resolutely put the bottle away. I have the feeling I'll be needing my wits about me tonight. Gin thought, though the saki had driven some of the frozen cold from the pit of his stomach. He sat staring out at the white desert until a knock sounded on his door, "Come!" he called and saw Ulquiorra standing shadowed by the brighter lights in the hallway. Only then did Gin realize he'd been sitting in the dark.

"Why is it so dark in here?" the solemn man asked before he remembered himself, "Pardon me Ichimaru-san. That was rude."

"What do you want Ulquiorra?" Gin asked from the shadows. "Aizen-sama sent me to remind you of your appointment tonight. You are to meet him in the Great Hall in 10 minutes." he said tonelessly, his green eyes searching for Gin all the while. "On my way," Gin said from right beside Ulquiorra, making the smaller man start in surprise. "What's a matter? I scare ya?" the silver shadow asked, his grin wide and malicious. Come what may, Gin was still Gin and enjoyed watching others squirm, especially Ulquiorra. He considered it a compliment to his skill if he could get any reaction from the stoic, emotionless Espada and the fact that he'd nearly made the pale Arrancar jump a foot delighted him, even in his aggitated state. It probably contributed to the reasons Ulquiorra didn't like him, but Gin didn't really care if he was liked or not. Gin was perfectly happy being generally despised. It kept him from having to interact with the Arrancar as much and both Igrayne and Orihime seemed to like him just fine. Whenever he visited Orihime, her face lit up and she sounded happier than at any other time. He liked the sweet, gentle girl and enjoyed her company and her lively if somewhat silly imagination. Sometimes silly was what the lonely shinigami needed. He could laugh with her and be a shade more open and gentle.

"No not at all." the pale Espada asserted with dignity. Gin smirked, Liar, an inch more and I would have had ta peel you off the ceiling! he thought wickedly falling into step beside the Cuatro. Much as he enjoyed teasing the other man he couldn't shake the sense of impending doom that filled him the closer he came to the Great Hall. I have a feeling I really ain't gonna like this, whatever it is. He thought back to the soft whispered voice and what it had said to distract himself, That sounds familiar. Wonder where it's from? Gods, Igrayne, I miss you so much! His chest hurt with the force of his no longer cared if she was real or a dream conjured by his own loneliness and insanity, it sounded like her, it felt like her and it made him miss her all the more. He thought, Hmm, wonder when I got caught? Of course I didn try to run very fast either. The 4th Espada gave him an odd look when Gin let a desperate chuckle escape.

Gin glanced down and said, "Aw don't look at me like that! I was just remembering something funny is all. I haven't completely lost it!" his grin widened, "Not yet anyway." He laughed when Ulquiorra gave him a skeptical look that said plain as day that he didn't believe a word of it. Gin was still chuckling as they entered Aizen's throne room and Ulquiorra made a respectful bow, while his silver haired companion simply waved, a casual flick of his long graceful fingers, "Ya called Aizen-sama? Here I am as promised. " Though Gin dropped the honorific in private he was always careful never to be seen as too informal in front of his subordinates since he didn't have a death wish. Tousen, in particular was a stickler for proper etiquette in public. Gin could only imagine what he called his lord and master in private. That thought brought back the possibility that Aizen was looking to Gin as a playmate again. Gin had never been interested in those games, but then again, he was never consulted either. Sorry Aizen, you just don't do it for me. Not that you ever did. I'll leave that to the likes of Momo and Tousen. If Gin was honest with himself and he usually was, when love was involved there was no subsitute, at least in his mind. Geez, just who the hell am I anymore? Love? Me? She's beautiful and a complete mystery, but what the hell? He knew the thought should make him laugh, but strangely it didn't. He did love her and always was just no getting around it no matter how hard he tried. Oh he was still his usually creepy self around everyone else, Orihime being the only exception. He'd befriended the girl because her loneliness called to his. She was alone, away from those she loved, in order to protect them just like he was, so he guessed it wasn't really that difficult to understand, but there was still no doubt, his love for the red haired woman had changed him profoundly and he was damned if he knew how! Oh he was still a ruthless asshole, but a ruthless asshole with a purpose. To protect the ones he loved by any means necessary, which meant hiding their existence from Sousuke Aizen. But there was a rather large metaphysical bucket of cold water thrown on his thoughts. Gods I'm a pathetic ass! Protecting them? I abandoned them! He was aware that he sounded like a whiner and full of self pity, but the earlier near miss with Aizen had depressed him and filled him with anxiety and he loathed himself for his weakness. If I was a real man I'd tell Aizen to go fuck himself and find Igrayne and protect her and the kids with my life if it came to it! Why haven't I? No, I will! After tonight I'm gonna find her! I can't do this anymore! I'll find some way to protect her! I've been a coward long enough!I just wonder what's going on here? I'm fairly sure I'm not going to like this! He looks very pleased with himself and that's usually a bad sign.

"Ah Gin, right on time." he sniffed delicatly, "You smell good."

Gin made himself smile and shrug, "I took a shower. Ya like?"

"Very much." Aizen said with a smile. "Are you that eager?"

"Unless ya want me to play hard to get." Gin quipped, forcing himself to play along. Aizen only smiled and shook his head.

Ulquiorra," Aizen looked at his silent 4th and said, " you may leave. Please close the door on your way out and ensure that I am not disturbed." The pale Arrancar bowed and left without a word, leaving the room shrouded in pitch darkness. "Now it begins." he said in a satisfied tone as Gin, his clear night vision not hampered by the darkness, joined his superior and stood by his right side. "I've done all you asked so reveal yourself to me as you promised." Suddenly the room was filled with a bone chilling cold and a darkness that seemed physical, alive, hungry and it chilled Gin to the bone! Oh dearest gods what the hell is happening? Gin thought, terror making his knees weak, though outwardly he gave no sign.

"Whatwhatwhat? Who calls us?Whowhowho? Soul Reaper! Shinigamideathpainblood! Traitor!" The shadows swirled about the floor and pooled just below the throne, multiple voices echoing eerily through the large room. Gin drew back before he could stop himself. He'd felt the reiatsu of Hollows for most of his life and was surrounded by them now, but none of them had the potent sense of pure evil that this thing emenated! He knew one thing. He did not, for any reason want them to touch him! The shadows coalesced into a tall pillar of darkness and what happened next gave Gin a new definition of fear. "We are here as promised Sousuke Aizen. What do you wish of us?" the evil entity asked, speaking in one voice. Somehow this was even more disturbing than the multiple whispers. The sense of evil was so suffocating that it froze Gin's soul. He knew he had a reiatsu level just a step or two below Aizen, though he went to great pains to hide it, but he could hardly breathe right now! What the hell had Aizen called?

"As I have shown you, I have enemies. They will be coming for me soon." Aizen answered, displaying no fear. Gin wondered if this was fearlessness or insanity. He had a sinking feeling that he knew the answer and Aizen had just taken the last step into insanity. Who thinks they can become a God anyway? No mortal has that ability! "All mortals have enemies. Why should we care?" the malevolent voice answered from the blackness.

"You offered your aid. You implied your power was great enough to avoid a war with them. Was I mistaken?" Aizen asked, his calm exterior as smooth as ever. Gin's stomach twisted as it threatened to empty itself, but he steeled himself. If Aizen could face this then so would he and he had a feeling weakness at this point might be fatal.

. "There is a price for such aid." it answered, a chill breeze smelling of blood and bile and worse making the black fog drift, "We wonder if you are willing to pay it. So few humans are."

"I am not human." Aizen answered with an arrogant smile.

"You are more human than you know Sousuke Aizen." mocked the blackness.

"Are you willing to enter into a compact with me? Humanity aside." Aizen sounded amused. Gin turned to look curiously at his master. You're amused by this thing? Are you tryin ta get us both killed Aizen-sama?

"We are curious to know if you comprehend what that would mean for you." the voice had become darkly seductive.

"I understand that you have offered this compact to only one other and he betrayed You. I seek something higher than he did. There is a void at the top of the universe. I seek to fill that void. If we can come to an agreement then your hunger would be assuaged for eternity. The whole of creation could be remade to suit us both." the Lord of Los Noches replied.

"Then state the terms of your compact with Us." the black voice growled hungrily.

"I will serve you for all of my reign and I offer you the souls of all of those I will rule...with three exceptions," Aizen's eyes glittered, "my soul and the souls of both Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tousen remain our own and our free will remains as well. Is this acceptable?"

"It is acceptable...with one further condition." the evil being whispered, "The girl that you had brought here, Orihime Inoue. We want her."

"You must know that I need her. She believes it is to repair the Hogioku, but in reality she is bait for three young men whose power may prove troublesome." the darker man said broodingly. "You will not need her or the stone. We can give you what is needed to destroy your enemies. Ichigo Kurosaki's power is as nothing beside Us and We will put an end to him. You will give the girl to Us or this conversation is at an end." the cold voice slithered out of the darkness. "Do you agree?"

"Agreed." Aizen answered calmly to Gin's deep sadness. Aizen what are ya doin?She's just a child! Not even you can be that cruel! However, Gin knew he was engaging in wishful thinking. Aizen was that cruel and more. Momo was evidence enough. She'd adored her Taicho, but Aizen had stabbed her in the chest while she embraced him and enjoyed the thrill.

"Then swear now!" the being said as the disturbing whispers began to echo throught the room. "Do it now! Do it now! NowNOWNOW!"

Aizen calmly took a gleaming knife from his belt and sliced a deep gash into his palm, "I, Sousuke Aizen do swear and affirm that I will serve the Nameless One from this day forward, even unto the ending of the world!" He squeezed a small pool of blood onto the white marble floor, not stepping back when the blackness surged forward to consume it.

Gin shook like a tree in a high wind. Wrapping his arms around himself he shuddered with cold. Surely Aizen would not do this, but even before the thought was finished Gin knew it wasn't true. This was exactly what Aizen had been aiming for. Total, unquestioned power. The power of a God. A gulf of blackness stood between them and suddenly all that he had tried and intended to accomplish seemed as insubstantial as fog. There's truly nothing I can do now! Gin thought despairingly. Igrayne, forgive me my love!

"The compact is made. Ready the girl. We will come for her soon." Aizen bowed and the voices faded and the darkness became only the normal gloom of Los Noches. He turned to his younger companion and chuckled. "Gin, you're shaking and you're so pale! Surely you were not afraid? I wouldn't have allowed any harm to befall you!" Aizen said, mocking amusement coloring his deep voice after he lit the lamps. "Sousuke this is insane! You can't possibly believe this thing! I've never felt anything so terrifiyingly evil in my life!" the younger man exclaimed, his ruby eyes wide. "Please don't do this!" "Don't worry my friend, as I said, I won't allow anything to harm you." he laughed "and with the aid of the Nameless I will have everything I desire." his dark eyes became hooded, "As will you. You, my beautiful one, will be the consort of a God." He made to draw Gin into his embrace, but Gin jerked away violently! "I'm fascinated as to how the hell you think you'll prevent it from killing everyone here if it chooses to!" Gin snapped with uncharacteristic venom. "It's insane to court that things power!"

"Have I ever allowed anything bad to happen to you Gin?" Aizens voice became dangerously low. He reached out and took hold of Gins coat, gathering the material painfully tight at the throat.

"Would you like me to list it alphabetically or categorically?" Gin met Aizen's dark eyes with his own as he peeled Aizen's fingers away from his clothing in a rare display of strength. "I've bled for you more times than I can count! Sometimes just for your pleasure, but even I have a limit!" He was treading on thin ice, but at the moment he didn't care. If Aizen continued with this plan then he was screwed anyway. He had no doubt that eventually he would face death just like the girl. Better to make it quick than be consumed by whatever that thing was! "You sound like you're having doubts. I warned you a very long time ago not to question me. Do I need to remind you what will happen if I should withdraw my protection?" the dark haired Lord of Los Noches warned softly.

"No Aizen-sama, you don't! I'm perfectly capable of remembering how god damned screwed I am all by myself! Permission to get the fuck out of here sir?" Gin asked, only just able to keep his temper in check. He threw caution to the deepest hell and snapped "I think I need to vomit an I'd hate to get it all over your nice white floor!"

"You may, but take heed my dear little fox, I am your only hope and you have only one choice, unless of course you wish to die? I can grant that wish easily enough, but I promise you Gin, it won't be quick. I'll enjoy your suffering and your helplessness with great pleasure for a very long time." came the cold, mocking answer. "Please remember that." Aizen then waved dismissively, "Go before I decide to kill you anyway, just for fun. I'm having some interesting fantasies right now and your blood is so lovely when it drips down your white skin." Aizen's dagger flashed across Gin's cheek and blood ran red across the younger man's face, but he didn't flinch.

"Whatever Aizen-sama! Either kill me now wait until fucking later! What the fuck is the difference? You're gonna do it anyway and we both know it!" Gin said, his voice mocking, not bothering to wipe away the blood that dripped down his jaw "Let me know what'cha decide, huh?" he said with a sneer and then with a mocking bow, he turned on his heel and stalked out, filled with hate and rage, brushing past the 4th Espada in his haste to remove himself from Aizen's presence. Because of his haste he failed to notice the stricken look on that pale visage. Oh gods oh gods what the hell have I done? This is too much even for me! He's right though, that bastard! I'm stuck and Orihime is going to die horribly. I really am pathetic! My own goddamn pride and arrogance are going to destroy another and in the end myself and there isn't a damn thing I can do about it! He wondered idly why he suddenly seemed to be developing a conscience. He wrenched open the door to his room and slammed it shut, dropping bonelessly onto his bed and crushing the pillow he'd been leaning on earlier to his chest. He inhaled her scent deeply, seeking some small comfort, but all it brought him was an even deeper sadness. I'm so sorry my sweet angel! I should have stayed with you! I should have! Now I'll never see you again! I'm sorry Igrayne, I tried! He stared out at the white desert, the shining sands peaceful appearance mocking his distressed state of mind. Just when he was beginning to give into true dispair, he heard her voice singing.

TO BE CONTINUED...

AUTHORS NOTE:

Join us for part 2 of this chapter.

Gin: Ooo scary! Wait I'm not going to die or get eaten am I?

ginsGirl: Guess you'll have to wait and see won't you?

Gin: (sigh) You're a cruel woman. Well? Get on with it then! See you all in Part 2 A THOUSAND YEARS. Bye bye!