XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Origins II:

The Fox and the General

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Gin opened his eyes to see a broad expanse of smooth skin, marred only by three thin scars that traced from the left shoulder to the line of the spine. He smiled and shuffled forward, imprinting his lips to warm skin. "Morning, taishou."

"Mm." Aizen shifted and Gin half-sat up, bracing himself on his right elbow. Even after six years, Gin still found it remarkable how little it took to make Aizen happy. A morning kiss, a simple breakfast – there were reasons why his people loved him far more than they love some distant Emperor's court. Aizen woke up with a muzzy smile. "Good morning, my love."

Gin rested his chin on Aizen's shoulder. "Time to wake up, taishou."

"I do wish you'd call my name, Kitsune," said Aizen sleepily. "You could be referring to anyone."

"I only call you taishou, you know that," said Gin, ignoring the usual plaint. It was a fine winter morning from what little Gin could tell from the window while he tied on his belt. Aizen padded over and embraced him from behind, nuzzling into Gin's neck. "Taishou. You have to get dressed. Your wife and son are waiting for us to start breakfast."

Aizen chuckled and complied. "You'll be out today?"

"I have to go on my rounds, check if everyone is provided for," said Gin. "The old folk are saying this is a harsher winter than before. Can you tell if there is a difference?"

"Not really," admitted Aizen, carelessly combing his hair. Gin rolled his eyes with affection and took over. Aizen snagged another kiss. "Most winters I'm off to the east or the north, remember?"

"Hmm. Well, we've enjoyed the last two years of rest," commented Gin as they made their way to the breakfast table.

"I remember you being so worried the first time you saw me off," murmured Aizen. "And the very warm welcome you gave me on my return."

Gin elbowed his lover's ribs. "If you hadn't returned, I'd have shown you real heat – in hell."

"I never break my promises, love."

They slid the door open. Aizen's wife, Lady Minako was already there, along with their three-year-old son Takeshi. Lady Minako greeted them without rising, as she was heavy with child. The boy jumped to his feet and toddled over to hug first Aizen before being scooped up by Gin. "Mornin', papa, Gin-jii."

"Good morning to you too. And what-" Gin shifted Takeshi to his other arm "-is Takeshi-chan doing today?"

The boy beamed. "Drawing!"

"He means calligraphy," remarked Lady Minako. She placed bowls of rice for Gin and Aizen on the table. "I'm getting him to write out in the yard."

"In the yard?" asked Aizen. "He might catch a cold."

The lady smiled. "Or, if you want your study to be peppered with ink blots, I could always put him there."

"Ah. I see." Aizen started eating and the rest followed. Takeshi bounced happily in Gin's lap while the young man fed him. Lady Minako motioned for the attending servant girl to serve the boy properly, freeing Gin up for his own breakfast. Aizen sipped his soup. "We'll have dinner together tonight, Minako?"

"Of course. Gin-san, will you be joining us?"

Gin smiled. "No. It's my turn to watch Takeshi anyway. You two have fun."

"I wanna haf fun too," announced Takeshi. "Funny fun funfun fun funnest-"

Aizen merely chuckled while Gin and Minako entertained Takeshi. Gin liked Aizen's wife and son, often volunteering for baby detail when Takeshi was younger. In fact, it had been the young man who insisted on Aizen getting married and having children.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

"You need an heir, taishou, and a family to balance you. Remind you of what you're fighting for," he had said with unusual firmness. That was after Aizen's second long trip away.

Aizen hadn't capitulated easily. "I can't fight only for you?"

"We have to think about the second generation too, taishou," Gin had said. "Besides, I like children and I can't give you any. It is the proper thing to do as well."

"Fine. I'll find a good woman, get married, have half a dozen kids... on one condition." Aizen had been amused by Gin's wary expression. "You stay here with me, because you are family to me."

"What if your lady objects?" asked Gin.

"Then she won't be my lady," Aizen had said in a very final tone.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

As he rode out to the first of many farmsteads Gin wondered if he should settle down too. He had a stable job now, working as Aizen's steward after Ogawa passed away, he had the means to purchase a house – not that Aizen wouldn't give him one if Gin asked – and he was rather envious about Takeshi.

He loved the boy: it was hard not to when a miniature Aizen with dark waves of hair and bright eyes welcomed him with a huge hug every time they met, be it the day before or perhaps five minutes ago. Aizen joked that his son evidently inherited his father's liking for silver hair, but neither men mentioned the tease in front of Lady Minako lest she took it the wrong way.

The woman was from a respectable family and had accepted that she was not the center of Aizen's life. The general was a good man, and made it a point to spend time with her on special occasions as well as spending the night with her on even nights. She was cordial and polite to Gin, but the young man knew that she somewhat resented his bond with Aizen. She couldn't help it, but then many wives across the country had the same problem. But she could give Aizen children, which Gin was grateful to her for. Takeshi had been a blessing, and the coming baby would add to the joy already prevalent within the household. Gin was looking forward to taking care of another miniature Aizen, or perhaps a young lady with dark brown hair and solemn, beautiful brown eyes.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

"Hill bandits," said Kyoraku. "They rob the tithing carts, steal into the hills and cover their tracks, lie low for the winter. They're robbing my people blind."

"It's not fair," agreed Aizen. "Do we have any clues as to their hideouts?"

Ukitake indicated a number of locations on the map laid out on the table among them. "There are cave systems here, here, here and here. I sent my boys as scouts, found some evidence of these places being used as shelters but most of the caves have collapsed or are inaccessible. We are still looking though. There are far too many caves in this place."

Aizen examined the map. "They would need to be near a path, and also a place with a good vantage point. There has to be someone on lookout for our scouts."

"There are perhaps seven or eight dozens, a hundred caves." Kyoraku took a deep drag of his pipe and blew out a thin stream of smoke. "That's just on the east side of the West hills."

Coughing, Aizen waved the smoke away. He glanced up and smiled. "Gin. Come on in."

"Good evening Ukitake-san, Kyoraku-san," said Gin as he placed a tray of steaming dumplings on another side table. He walked over where Aizen took his hand. "Taishou, Lady Minako asks when you wish to start dinner."

"Oh, right," said Aizen, exasperated at his own forgetfulness. "Uh, Jyuushiro, Shunsui, are you two having dinner here?"

Kyoraku shrugged. "Unless we're imposing."

"Of course not," said Gin with a broad smile. "I'll ask them to set a table for you here, or would you mind having dinner with me and Takeshi?"

Ukitake smiled in return as he tied his long white hair back in a ponytail. "That would be ideal. Thank you, Ichimaru-kun."

"You're welcome, though the honor is mine."

Aizen rolled up the maps and put them onto a shelf. "Gin, remember we have archery training tomorrow."

"I won't forget." Gin kissed the general on his cheek. "Good night."

Waving a farewell to his adjutants and his lover, Aizen ran off to dine with his wife. Gin shook his head and sighed, almost sentimentally, then collected himself. "I'll inform the kitchen now, sirs. Please come with me."

After Gin exited, Kyoraku took another long pull of his pipe. "Boy's shaped up well."

"Yes he has," agreed Ukitake quietly. "Such a fine young man."

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

After he drew the sword back in a circle to his chest, Gin let out his breath evenly. Every morning he went through the routine of sword practice, and every morning he discovered new things about himself through meditation and action.

Aizen moved over. "That was almost perfect," he praised softly. "Breathing was rather strained near the end though. What were you thinking?"

"I was thinking about joining you on that sweep over in the West hills." Gin put his bamboo sword down. "But I know you'll want me to stay here."

"Who else can I trust to defend my family?" asked Aizen. He slung an arm over Gin's thin shoulders. "I know you will fight to your last breath to keep them safe."

Gin smiled and shifted nearer to his older lover. "Of course."

As the pair made their way to the changing rooms, Ukitake and Kyoraku hailed their general over. Gin followed when Aizen took his hand: he usually kept out of such discussions. Kyoraku unrolled a message tube and the three men read it. Gin stayed away. This was Aizen's work, not his.

"I suppose we should leave today if we want to avoid the worst of the winter storms," conceded Aizen after some muttered conversation. "Gin, get my sword and light armor ready. Are you two prepared?"

"Yes."

"Assemble five dozen men. We'll search and seal every single cave we come across." Aizen exhaled. "At least we know their full strength. Do you have a drawing of the informant? I don't want us to kill the wrong man."

Gin left them plotting strategy. Lady Minako had to be informed, as was the stable master to ready the horses. It could be weeks or months before the men returned, and he had to steel himself for the ache of parting.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

When the news came a fortnight later Gin did not collapse in grief.

Lady Minako did, and Gin sent for the family physician. Takeshi was not really able to comprehend the news, so Gin asked Matsumoto Neji to watch over Takeshi for the day while the boy played with Neji's sons. Kyoraku and Ukitake had returned with badly treated injuries, and Gin had another doctor see to them. There was the issue of informing the men's families, and that task was undertaken by Gin himself, riding house to house, giving tidings he never wanted to tell anyone. Then Gin took Takeshi back for dinner, listening to the boy prattle about a new game he learned.

Only at the end of his day did Gin stumble into his quarters, the one he shared with his lover. He brushed his hair, washed his face, put on bedclothes, locked the door, and lay down on his bed.

Only then did the slender man curl up into a fetal position on his futon, weeping as if his heart would break, all through the long night.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

The next morning Gin set the men's affairs in order, arranging for pensions, but he did not prepare for a funeral. Lady Minako was secluded in her room, while Takeshi was allowed to roam about the house freely, though his cheer was dampened by the heavy atmosphere throughout the household.

Ukitake, his right arm in a sling, said, "We should be preparing for the ceremony."

"Not yet," said Gin.

Kyoraku puffed on his pipe. "Wishing that he'll come back won't make him come back, Ichimaru."

Gin blinked and then stared at the two adjutants. "There is no body. He might make it."

"They fell into a ravine that was hundreds of feet deep. He's not coming back," said Ukitake gently. "Ichimaru-san, I understand your feelings, but he's not coming home."

"Your meals will be served to your rooms." Gin ignored the man. "I have matters to see to. Please excuse me."

The long day was kept full of tasks, Gin numbing himself with little errands that were usually assigned to the other servants or servitors. When he stepped into his room after dinner he closed it quickly, unwilling to step out again.

He should not have closed it. Kyoraku and Ukitake were both seated at the one low table in the room, looking very serious.

"You should not be here," said Gin, too exhausted to even be civil.

Kyoraku stood up, looming over the slightly-built Gin. "We've come about the will."

"The will?" asked Gin.

"The one where he left everything to you instead of his son," supplied Ukitake smoothly.

Gin frowned. "There is no such will that I know of." Then his tired mind clicked and his eyes widened. "You're not injured."

The white-haired adjutant smiled innocently. "Of course not. Why should we be?" The smile snapped off like a candle blown out by the wind. "Where is his will, Ichimaru?"

"I don't know," replied Gin, edging towards the door.

Kyoraku grinned crookedly. "I really doubt that. You're the one closest to that idiot Aizen. Where is his will, Ichimaru?"

"I don't know!" repeated Gin. He almost had the door now-

Abruptly he was thrown against the wall away from the door. Kyoraku had a hand around his neck. The dark-haired man leaned in, smelling of pipe-smoke and sake. "There are ways for us to find out. I suggest you tell us now and save yourself some pain. Or perhaps..." A large hand reached down and groped Gin roughly. Gin gasped, more out of shock than of pain or pleasure. Kyoraku bent closer and breathed hotly into Gin's ear, making the young man squirm. "Perhaps you're looking forward to it?"

"Shun, back off," said Ukitake sternly. Kyoraku licked up Gin's cheek and let go. Gin rubbed away the wet patch with his sleeve, disgusted and suddenly fearful. Ukitake was scowling at Kyoraku. In one smooth action Ukitake had risen to his feet. The white-haired man looked at Gin. "You really don't know about the will?"

Gin shook his head slowly. He wanted them out of here, now. This was his space, this was his space with Aizen. This was an intrusion to his memory. Ukitake sighed heavily. "Ah well. I guess there's no point to asking him then. Staying here won't find it."

Just as Gin thought the adjutants were leaving, Ukitake removed a length of indigo fabric from his sleeve. Kyoraku raised his eyebrows and grinned maliciously. "You just hate being second, don't you?"

"Don't ask stupid questions," growled Ukitake playfully. Kyoraku grabbed Gin's arm and twisted his hold, sweeping Gin's feet from under him. Locking the young man's arms behind him, Kyoraku waited until Ukitake had looped the cloth into a gag over Gin's mouth. The slender youth struggled and bucked and screamed into the gag, but the two adjutants were experienced soldiers and soon had him trussed up. Kyoraku rummaged around and found a dagger – the dagger Gin's father had left to him. Ukitake took it from Kyoraku and then directed an angelic smile at Gin.

"Don't you worry, Kitsune," he mocked in a soft tone, dark delight tinting his tone, "we'll do our best to enjoy you."

Kyoraku slid Ukitake's clothes off the white-haired man's shoulders. Pressing a tender kiss to Ukitake's shoulder, the brunet smiled and added, "Again and again."

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Gin's only thought the next morning was of Takeshi and Lady Minako's safety. Struggling to sit up, muffling the inadvertent whimpers of agony, Gin redressed himself and grabbed his sword. If he even saw the two adjutants today, he would kill them or die trying.

Making his way to the lady's quarters, he met Takeshi, who scampered up and hugged Gin. Biting back the stabbing pain this simple demonstration of affection caused him, Gin stroked Takeshi's head. "Where's mummy?" he asked softly.

"In there with Kyo-san and Uki-san," said Takeshi happily.

Gin paused. They were holding the two hostage. The silver-haired steward bit his lip. No one would believe him, since the two adjutants were held in high regard by the White Army, and the servants would not be able to rescue Lady Minako or Takeshi without endangering either of them.

But if they had lied about their injuries, perhaps they had lied about the general too.

Well aware that he was in no shape to ride, Gin took a horse anyway. It was only two days' ride away. He had treated himself in the privacy of his rooms earlier, and the numbing salve the physicians used before extracting arrowheads was helping somewhat.

Gin was chary of leaving the family in the two adjutants' hands, but then there wasn't much he could do by himself. If he could find the general, maybe there would be a way.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Leaves and twigs latticed overhead, casting delicate veins of shadow over the ground. Gin walked through the trees, searching. It was cold, the frost arriving earlier this year, but Gin took no notice of the weather.

"Aizen-sama?" he called out. He was tired and hungry, his horse had bolted and he was hopelessly lost, but he had to find Aizen Sousuke. He had to. They can tell him that Aizen was dead all they want, but Gin would have to see an actual dead body to believe in it. "Aizen-sama?"

"Kitsune?"

That turned around. Aizen was there, wrapped in a furred, hooded coat and looking rather ragged, but he was there. "Taishou. I've found you."

"Gin," murmured Aizen as the silver-haired man trudged up the slope and then fell in his arms, exhausted beyond measure. "Gin, why did you come?"

"I came to look for you. They told me you were dead, they said... they said you died in the forest, fending off bandits." Gin breathed in the heady musk of his lover. It was cold and he burrowed closer. "They said you were dead."

Aizen hugged Gin closer. "They aren't wrong, Gin." He looked down at the slender man in his embrace. "What's wrong with you?"

"N-nothing." Gin was about to faint. The trauma of the previous night, coupled with the grief he had been shoring up ever since the two adjutants returned, the exertions he forced on his battered body, the overwhelming relief at having found his lover all added up to demand a complete shutdown of his system.

The general held Gin upright and brushed hair away from Gin's pale face. In the rising moonlight, Gin thought he saw a hunger in Aizen's gaze.

Aizen's golden gaze.

"Taishou?" he murmured. "I think... I think we better go home. Shall we go home now?"

"Of course," answered Aizen tenderly, lowering his head to kiss Gin under his ear. Gin heard Aizen sniff and then growl. Without warning, Aizen let go of Gin and let the slender youth roll down the slope.

Struggling to his feet, Gin was confused and lost. "Taishou, what's wrong?"

"What's wrong?" snarled Aizen. "I smell them on you! Did you even wait for them to finish announcing my demise before you serviced them?"

Gin's eyes widened and he shook his head slowly, then more rapidly. "No, no, I didn't, they-they came to our room and- oh gods. Oh gods."

Now that he was a good distance away and adrenaline was pumping through his veins, Gin saw fully what Aizen had become. Golden eyes glaring at him under a prominent brow, and fangs like a wolf's gleamed dully in the moonlight.

Aizen snarled again, stalking forward. Gin stayed rooted to the spot until Aizen grabbed his arms and crushed the young man against his body. Then Aizen paused, as if surprised.

Slowly the general let go. "You're not afraid of me."

"Oh gods," repeated Gin, stepping forward and extending a cautious hand to Aizen's face. "What happened?"

"Why are you unafraid?" asked Aizen, as if unable to believe that Gin was not running away in terror. Gin was running gentle fingers over Aizen's transformed visage, his blue-green eyes full of emotion. The vampire grabbed Gin's wrists and tugged the hands away. "Answer me!"

"I don't know," whispered Gin. "How am I supposed to be afraid of you?"

Something in the general's blazing eyes softened and the features returned to normal. He released Gin's wrists. "Run. Run home."

Gin frowned slightly, but walked away reluctantly. The general roared. "RUN!"

Gin ran until he collapsed. When he woke, he ran until he reached home.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Gin endured the following three days by locking himself in his room, emerging every day only to ensure that Lady Minako was safe and Takeshi was fine. The two adjutants appeared to have taken over the household, reassigning duties and preparing a funeral for Aizen. Every night one of the two – usually Ukitake – would come to Gin's rooms, but after Gin sliced Ukitake's hand open the two men stayed away from Gin.

Then the news came of a ruthless band of bandits, burning and looting as they went. And they were heading here.

From the rumors gathered from the few survivors that remained, the bandits had ripped their victims throats out. They had masks on, masks that hid their eyes and made them look like monsters. They only attacked by night, and were extraordinarily fast and strong.

The town tried to prepare, and the army stood on alert, posted at various entrances to the large town.

Gin knew who was coming.

By the next sundown the bandits had arrived. Fires erupted from various quarters of the town, and the army was sent out to assist in putting down the bandits. Gin knew they would not be coming back. He had his sword at the ready, Takeshi by his side and the pregnant Lady Minako with him in the most secured room in the fortress. There was no question of leaving: even with the mayhem outside, the two adjutants had their eyes on their puppets. They left Gin guarding them because he was a good swordsman and was not likely to stab them in the back while the lady and Aizen's child was still in danger. Treacherous as they were, they were also good strategists.

Not good enough to withstand monsters, however.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

The main gates were smashed in by large humanoid creatures with wild blue hair and heavily muscled bodies. Over the bodies of the guards, a woman and a man led a troop of their own kind into the fortress.

"So nice of you to invite us into your house, Sousuke," purred the woman.

Aizen smiled. "The boy has yet to reach maturity, and apparently someone has stopped Gin from taking on the full role. Isn't it great when the universe is on your side, Sayuri-chan? No one owns the fortress."

"Hmm, such intimacy with my name when you're still so young," scolded Sayuri. "Insolent little upstart."

"I'm not little," laughed the general, sweeping the woman up in his arms. The soldiers that had followed him in life now fought by his side as well, together with Sayuri's own court of vampires. The servants and guards held their ground as best as they could, but against demons and monsters they had no chance. Aizen watched the carnage unfold. "You're just much more experienced than I am."

"I will teach you as we go along, my darling," crooned the woman. "After all, I am the queen of my kind. Come. Show us your lovely home."

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Takeshi held his hands over his ears to keep out the screaming. He was shaking but, to Gin's immense comfort and pride, the boy was not crying. He had his father's courage. Lady Minako was sobbing silently, collapsed on a pile of cushions behind them. Gin placed a hand on Takeshi's head and the boy blinked large brown eyes up at him.

The two adjutants flew into the room. At the door were half a dozen men and one woman, dressed in red silks. They were all sporting yellow eyes and protruding foreheads, but it was their fangs that grabbed the most attention.

Takeshi took in the appearances and screamed. Gin scooped him up and hugged him close. Ukitake struggled to his feet, while Kyoraku unsheathed his second sword.

"You were supposed to kill him!" yelled Ukitake. "Why the hell did you change him for?"

The woman smiled. "Because he was handsome. Because he was strong. Because he was a damn sight more of a man than you two can ever aspire to be. Because I wanted to." She hissed and her eyes gleamed. "Don't you dare assume that you can tell me what to do, Ukitake. I am Sayuri, Princess of the Night. I do as I please."

Kyoraku was breathing heavily. Before the woman stopped talking, he charged. The twin swords swung down and across, decapitating one of the vampires and stabbing deep into another. The beheaded vampire exploded into dust, but the stabbed man just pulled the blade out with a threatening growl. Kyoraku's mouth opened in horror. Sayuri rolled her eyes and grabbed Kyoraku by his neck.

"Not yet, Sayuri-hime," said a brown-haired man. Gin's breath hitched. Aizen stepped forward and took Kyoraku from the woman and shoved him back into Ukitake. "I'd like to deal with the vermin in my house."

"Oh, all right," said Sayuri with a sultry smile. "The rest of you, go clear out the rest of the town. Have fun, hmm?" After the other men left, Aizen and Sayuri examined the people left in the room.

Gin didn't speak, only held Takeshi close to himself. He would keep the boy safe, no matter what. That had been his promise to Aizen and to Takeshi.

Coyly Sayuri tilted her head. Her skin was milk-white, glowing in the weak candlelight in the room. Her features eased back into regular human features, revealing large dark eyes rimmed by long lashes. "Aren't you going to introduce us, Sousuke?"

Aizen smiled humorlessly. Lady Minako gasped; Gin kept Takeshi's face averted. Aizen took a step forward and observed all their faces.

Ukitake was wan but stoic, Kyoraku sweating but stern. Neither men showed much emotion. Lady Minako trembled where she was crouched, a hand over her swollen belly. Gin met the cold, calculating gaze, his jaw set. Takeshi turned his head and then cried out, "Papa?"

"Takeshi." Aizen's smile grew a little warmer. Gin swallowed against the hope that Aizen would let them all go. The Aizen he knew and loved would never have harmed his people. He would never have terrified his family. He would not have killed in such a cavalier fashion.

This was not the Aizen he knew, but Gin was more than aware that even now, Gin's heart ached with love for him.

"Takeshi," echoed Sayuri. She strode forward as well, standing beside Aizen. "Your son. And who is this beautiful young man holding him?"

"Ichimaru Gin," Gin answered coldly.

The woman laughed. "So you are the one! Let me tell you a secret: it was your name he whispered with his dying breath."

"Whose?" asked the steward, though a dread foreboding lurked in his heart.

"Sousuke's, of course! Such a romantic man, aren't you, Sousuke?" crooned Sayuri. "Such a perfect specimen, betrayed by his own adjutants, delivered to my hands."

"Be quiet, Sayuri," said Aizen.

The woman raised a brow. "What did you just say?"

With a sigh Aizen grabbed the nearest door frame, tore it out and stabbed it into the center of the woman's chest. Sayuri blinked in disbelief. "I made you-" She exploded into dust.

Aizen looked at the pile of ashes on the floor. "And now I've killed you. What of it?"

Sensing that this was their chance, Kyoraku and Ukitake each grabbed a sword and attacked. Gin had seen them spar before, and the two adjutants could practically read each other's minds. As repugnant as they were, Gin had to hope that they could beat the changed Aizen. Ukitake's attacks were forcing Aizen back and the general executed a duck and roll, coming back to his feet with Kyoraku's sword in his hand. Kyoraku went on the offensive, relying on Ukitake to defend him.

There was an added ferocity and grace to Aizen's movements. A simple backhand shouldn't have been able to knock Kyoraku off his feet, a casual spin-kick couldn't have knocked Ukitake back. Gin swallowed and handed Takeshi to the lady.

"Keep him safe," he ordered, before drawing his sword and entering the fray.

He kept out of the two adjutants' way as much as he could, since they were used to fighting alongside each other. Aizen was being forced to a corner, but with a rasped growl he tore the blade out of Ukitake's hand and impaled him to the wall. The man choked back a shout and tried to tear the sword out, but it was been stabbed in to the hilt.

Kyoraku roared an expletive and swung, losing all sense of self-preservation. It was all Gin could do to protect him, but Aizen's punch on his forearm shattered bone and Gins vision flashed white with agony. When the pain faded to a throb, Gin saw that Kyoraku had been stabbed into the floor through his shoulder. Aizen was staring at Gin.

"Get up, Kitsune," he said gently.

As he pushed himself to his feet Gin's other hand closed around a length of wood that had come free during the fight. He knew what to do.

He breathed in and the stake rushed forward. It was only moments before the love of his life died, for real, and Gin had to take one last look at him.

The stake rammed into flesh.

Aizen was gazing at him calmly, in his human face. He looked at the stake stuck into his shoulder, well clear of his heart. "Your aim is off."

"I can't do it," whispered Gin. "Gods, I can't do it."

"Well," said Aizen pleasantly after ripping the stake from his shoulder. "For your lack of accuracy, I'm gonna give you a present. Two presents, actually."

Gin tried to breathe normally as Aizen stepped right behind him and embraced his waist, as he used to on mornings when they woke up together. Aizen kissed the silver-haired steward's ear and then licked the outer rim. Gin shivered.

The general held him tightly, ignoring the intake of breath that signified pain. "The first present is regarding Takeshi. You can choose to save my son, pass him to any survivor out there whom you trust, and I promise the survivor and my son will walk away from this massacre safely, and we will not hunt them down. You will then come back here. Option two is for you to walk out of here and ride north for three days, then come back here. Every single piece of property I own will then belong to you. All you have to do is leave Takeshi here, and ride out north."

Gin shut his eyes. "Give me Takeshi. I'll be back as soon as I'm certain he and his guardian are safe."

"You are on your honor, Kitsune." Aizen smiled. He called out and one of the men who had been there came in. "Mitsui. Follow Ichimaru out and escort him back. Let the people he selects go away safely."

"Yes taishou."

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Gin walked carefully along the debris-strewn streets and pretended he could not hear the screams and cries erupting from various spots in the cities. Every now and then a teal-furred monster would sprint past. Takeshi was quietly sobbing, having registered that he was awake and there were dead people around.

Gin's right arm rested in a sling, his left hand holding Takeshi's tiny one. Mitsui watched them both, close enough so that the rampaging monsters did not take these two as prey. When he came to the Matsumoto teahouse he was glad to see that it was still standing. He walked in, ignoring the irritated commands of Mitsui to return to his side. Apparently the changed men could not enter a house uninvited.

A rod came hurtling towards him and Takeshi shrieked. Halfway through the blow the rod changed dirction and Gin dodged as best as he could. It was Matsumoto Reina, the third daughter of the family, along with her husband Hirako Ozuru.

"Gin!" she gasped. "We thought you were... oh my god, you're injured!"

"That's not important," said Gin urgently. "Get your things. I can get you out, only one family, no more."

"What are you saying?" asked Hirako. He was a noodle seller, if Gin remembered correctly. "Who is this boy?"

"He's... he's Aizen Takeshi. But he is to forget the name tonight, it will not help him or you. Take the boy, take your valuables and follow me."

That said, Gin led the three out. Mitsui was at the door, scowling, but the man said nothing. Gin nodded and Mitsui directed them to the river which was abandoned. There was a boat and Gin ushered the three into it hurriedly.

"Gin-jii?" Takeshi tugged on Gin's robe. Gin swallowed the lump in his chest and hunkered down to embrace the boy again. "Aren' you coming wif me? Are you throwing me away? Don' you want me?"

"Takeshi-chan, Gin-jii loves you. Papa loves you and so does your mummy. But we have to do something else right now, and it will take some time, so follow Reina and be a good boy, okay? Give Gin-jii a kiss now."

Takeshi obeyed. Gin hugged him again with his good arm, pushing down the tears. This would be the last time he saw Takeshi and he knew it. "I love you, darling boy. Be safe."

Mitsui passed Hirako a badge. "If any of them things harasses you, show this. They'll go right away."

Reina clutched Gin's arm. "Come with us. The town is not going to survive."

"I can't," answered Gin. "I made a promise to keep his family safe. Lady Minako is still inside. Takeshi... let him forget the name. He is your son now."

Mitsui kicked the boat away from the dock. Suddenly aware of the nature of the parting, Takeshi shrieked at being separated from Gin, but the current was carrying the boat downriver and away from the burning town. The boy's plaintive cries carried over the water and Gin felt his heart break.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

When the silver-haired steward returned to the fortress, Aizen was sipping sake.

"Ah, you're back," said Aizen. "And without little Takeshi either, I see."

"I promised to keep your family safe," said Gin dully. "Lady Minako is still here."

Aizen chuckled darkly. "Oh, her? She's not my family."

"She is your wife."

"Not when the child in her womb belongs to someone else," said Aizen casually. He flicked a glance at the two men tied up in the back. "Right, Kyoraku?"

Gin was shocked. "Y-you mean..."

"You really think no one heard you that night? She dismissed all the servants who could have helped you, and then led them to your room." Aizen laughed again at the horrified expression on Gin's face. "Such terrible people, hmm? You came back, hoping to save her, and yet she was the one who let those two men rape you. Repeatedly, as I heard."

Gin froze. He had not wanted Aizen to find out, he had not expected the lady to be so vicious. The general downed his sake and then stood up. He stalked over to the motionless steward.

"Strip," Aizen ordered quietly.

"No," said Gin, knowing he was about to die. He would not lose what little dignity he had.

Aizen narrowed his eyes, then pinned Gin to the wall by his throat. With his free hand he tore off Gin's belt and ripped away the thick winter clothes. Underneath the layers Aizen saw bruises that were yet healing, cuts and scars that had just closed, and he growled. Evidence that Gin had been forced against his will stared him in the face, and Aizen did not like what he saw.

"I have a second gift for you, Gin," he murmured, leaning in close so that his lips brushed Gin's mouth. "Again, a choice. Walk out of here, ride north for three days, return to power and money, everything you need. You can even get Takeshi back here if you want."

"What is my other option?" asked Gin. Getting Takeshi back safe and sound, raising him to be a proper warrior would be ideal.

"Your other choice is to die in their places." Aizen glanced at the trio who were tied up. "Your life to power, riches and glory, or your death for them to live on."

Gin bit his upper lip.

"Remember what they did to you, Gin," Aizen went on inexorably, his soft tone concerned and tender. "The woman arranged for these men to have their way with you. The men forced themselves on you. They didn't let you die only because Takeshi loved you and she thought you could take care of him better than she could. If they could kill you, they would have."

Gin's eyes flicked over all the three prisoners. Lady Minako was pleading silently with a teary face, her pregnant form causing her to have difficulty in kneeling. Ukitake had closed his eyes, apparently ready to accept whatever fate had befallen him. Kyoraku was watching the lady, the fear for his own child evident.

Aizen pressed his mouth to Gin's ear, allowing him to take in the bound prisoners. "What do you say, Kitsune? Your life, or theirs?"

Gin closed his eyes and swallowed. He inhaled and breathed out. "Let them live. I will die."

"Really," said Aizen with a thin smile. Gin nodded, biting his lower lip. The general licked away the tear that rolled down Gin's cheek. "Come with me now."

Aizen led Gin to their room, which was still pristine and untouched. Aizen entered and removed the rest of Gin's clothes. The young man trembled at every touch from Aizen's hands, but didn't fight back. Aizen studied Gin critically.

"They really manhandled you," he said quietly. "They don't deserve to live."

"No," agreed Gin, equally softly, "but there are those who don't deserve to die who have died."

The general smiled crookedly and began removing his own clothes. Gin stepped forward to assist, out of habit, and was startled when Aizen tilted his chin up to kiss him deeply.

"I'll let them live," said Aizen. "But are you ready to die?"

Gin stared at the man he loved. "No. Who is?"

The brown-eyed man chuckled low in his throat. Lowering Gin to the futon, Aizen ran cold hands over Gin's shaking body, seeking out tender spots and sensitive zones. The younger man bit his lips and closed his eyes, willing himself not to respond to the familiar caresses and failing. Aizen chuckled again as he slid into Gin after carefully preparing him and oiling himself.

"Are you willing to die, Kitsune?" he murmured and licked Gin's ear.

Gin inhaled sharply as Aizen thrust harder. His head rolled back. "Yes."

"Good." Aizen growled.

Gin felt the canines sink in, felt his world flash white, then red, then begin to darken. He was gasping for breath now, the sensation of Aizen's teeth in his skin and of Aizen buried in him spiking into pleasure/pain/pleasure; he was finding it difficult to think, to breathe... was that... the pounding of... his... heart?

The scent of sweet rot filled his nose, a thick taste filled his mouth. Gin tried to turn away from the foul copper-sweetness but he couldn't. It flooded him and he was reaching for it, fingers grasping around broad shoulders, body bowing upwards to get more of the taste. He couldn't see, couldn't think, couldn't react beyond swallowing and drinking and fading...

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Gin woke up with a start. In front of his eyes was an expanse of skin, familiar yet strange. He ignored the thought, his rapacious hunger gnawing at every single nerve. There was a satisfied laugh behind him and Gin swerved around, disoriented by the sharp clarity of every detail. There were heartbeats, pounding, thundering in his ears, but they were not his.

It wasn't his true love's either.

"Aizen-sama," breathed Gin. "Taishou."

"Kitsune," said Aizen and embraced the young man. "Finally you're awake."

Gin tried to bury his face in Aizen's neck. "Hungry. Hungry."

"Oh, no no, none of that." Aizen pulled Gin away with another laugh. "Your first blood must be of the living. There."

Three people were bound and gagged, one of them female and pregnant. Gin didn't bother to recognize them before he fell upon the weakest – the woman – and fed. It wasn't enough; she had been weakened by something, she had little blood. The second prisoner shouted, his voice gurgling in his throat as teeth pierced straight into his jugular and rich life drained out of him. By the time Gin drank the third one dry, he was feeling much better.

When he drew away he saw who he had fed off. Minako, her fingers bloody and ripped, the elegant nails torn out. Kyoraku whose eye sockets stared blindly at his killer, his hands twisted and broken out of shape. Ukitake, his handsome face shorn of its beauty, his nose having been cut off and similarly blinded like Kyoraku. Gin looked down at the corpses and then swiveled about.

Aizen smiled warmly and took Gin's hands. "My love. How do you like my gift to you?"

Gin laughed happily as he turned into Aizen's embrace, his back to Aizen's chest. "This is wonderful! I feel... I feel rejuvenated. I feel different. I feel like... like the power of the world is arcing through my veins!"

"That is good." The general kissed Gin on his bare shoulder, then swung the younger man around into his arms. "My Kitsune is back with me. Nothing else matters."

"One thing I have to know," said Gin, nuzzling under Aizen's chin. "If I had chosen to walk away, what would you have done?"

Aizen smiled. "Snapped your neck, then tortured them as consolation, much as I did while you were still sleeping. Did they taste good?"

"You tortured them without waiting for me," pouted Gin. The general caught Gin up in his arms and kissed him apologetically, pressing his lips to smooth cheeks and soft mouth. Gin shifted closer and murmured, "You're gonna have to make it up to me, you know."

"With pleasure," replied Aizen.

Beyond the fortress's walls, the smoke from what remained of the town curled upwards.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

End of Origins

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx