Shadows of Deceit

Answers and More Questions

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**Last time I checked I did not own Bleach, and that was around 30 seconds ago so… **

***SoD***

"This is… quite unexpected Ichigo, along with your change in eye color, and the apparent removal of the Hollow holes and mask remnants of the four Espada I must say this has been quite an eventful day." Aizen spoke, his stoic voice masking the thoughts racing through his head as he tried to figure out the implications of all of the changes.

"Captain Aizen, there is something else I have just noticed, or rather a lack of something." The silver haired man beside him commented. "Ichigo-San's Reiatsu and Reiryoku have completely vanished. If he was not standing in front of us I would say that he is no longer here."

With this comment all of the other Espada, along with Tousen stared wide eyed at the boy, trying to figure out what exactly had happened to him.

Ichigo for his part seemed completely unperturbed by this discovery and gave a simple shrug while looking around, as if seeing his surroundings for the first time. As he did so the Arrancar leader openly stared at him, studying his every movement and appearance as if trying to figure out a puzzle.

"Aizen-Sama, with all of the injuries received during the 'event' perhaps we should retire to Las Noches for the time being and give the Espada time to rest and recover." The dark skinned Shinigami wisely suggested.

"Ah of course Tousen, all Espada are given the rest of the day off to heal their wounds. There is to be no sparring until I have given the authority to do so." Aizen commanded as he gave a slight glare towards Grimmjow, Nnoitra, and Yammy, as if the comment was meant specifically for those three.

"Ichigo, after you have recovered I wish to speak with you about your changes, this includes you four as well." The ex-Captain gestured toward the four Espada who seemed to have formed a private group with the boy over the past few days.

"Of course Aizen-Sama" Ichigo answered, surprising many of the Espada who had only heard him refer to their leader with the less formal 'san' greeting. Aizen himself raised his eyebrow at the young boy's remark but said nothing.

With his order given the various Espada and rebels began to flash back towards the fortress, until only Ichigo and the two females remained. The Arrancar were giving Ichigo a worried look as he had been staring out into space, as if looking at something that no one else could see before the two disappeared after their comrades.

Ichigo let out a sigh before vanishing as well.

***SoD***

Back at the meeting hall Aizen arrived and began making his way towards his personal chair, relaxing as he knew he would easily outpace the others, until he saw Ichigo already seated in a relaxed position.

"Ichigo? I didn't realize you had left with me this new stealth ability you possess is quite impressive."

"Thank you Aizen-Sama, but I didn't leave exactly with you, I saw something interesting and decided to watch it for a bit." Ichigo shrugged out an answer as the other Espada arrived.

When Ichigo's two female friends appeared in a burst of Sonido they turned to face Ichigo wide eyed.

"Ichigo… when did you pass us? We left after everyone else and you were still there." Harribel asked in shock.

Once again all eyes turned to the boy who simply gave a shrug and turned his gaze towards the Espada, staring as Aizen had done at him, as if studying them. Many of the higher numbered members, including all of the Privaron, shifted uncomfortably under his observation before he stood to leave the room.

"By your leave Aizen-Sama, I wish to get some food. I have just now become aware of how much today's events have exhausted me. I know you wish to speak with me but if you would allow me to take care of this first I believe I will be in a much better position to answer your questions." Ichigo asked respectfully, as he directed his attention toward the man seated at the head of the table.

For his part Aizen himself became a bit wide eyed, since when did Ichigo talk like this? Believing he would need to figure out the exact effect that the Hogyoku had on the boy Aizen gave a confirming nod before dismissing the Espada recuperate.

***SoD***

Ichigo returned around twenty minutes later with two large plates of food, one for himself and the other he laid before his leader.

"I do not recall seeing you at breakfast this morning Aizen-Sama so I thought you might be hungry." Ichigo responded to the questioning gaze given to him.

"Ah thank you Ichigo, so how exactly are you feeling?" Aizen asked, wanting to slowly get to the important questions without bombarding the, if he could in fact still be labeled as such, substitute Shinigami.

"I feel… different." The boy being questioned answered before taking a bite of something resembling an apple. "I am not in pain or anything of that nature. Instead I feel as though I am complete, like I was always missing something before but never knew it."

With this Aizen gave a slow calculating nod.

"Based on what we can no longer sense from you and your recent show of speed I would say that the Hogyoku has converted all of your Reiatsu into strength and speed. This is why none of us can detect your presence, there is simply not any energy left to detect. It is an impressive ability I must say but a waste of your true potential unfortunately." At his last statement Aizen let out a sigh of disappointment. He had been hoping that Ichigo would continue to grow in power to become the greatest weapon he would command in the upcoming war.

Ichigo, for his part, gave Aizen a curious glance as if not understanding his meaning before returning to dinner.

"Are you still in contact with your Hollow side or Zanpakuto?" Aizen asked, hoping for them to still exist. Perhaps they were just dormant?

"No they are gone," Ichigo spoke in a saddened tone, he had never liked his inner Hollow, but not having him there made him feel a bit lonely now, especially without Zangetsu. "The last thing I remember from my inner world was them fading into the air, giving me a last goodbye and telling me to be safe."

"I see, I am sorry Ichigo, I was only trying to help you gain control over your powers, I did not realize the full impact it would have on you." The suddenly sullen leader spoke apologetically.

"That's okay Aizen-Sama, I think that they would not have it any other way, in this fashion they can protect me even more than they could before. They no longer exist because they have truly become a part of me, which probably why my personality seems a bit off." Ichigo mused, while scratching his chin.

Aizen himself had not even thought of that possibility yet, but it made sense. He had just assumed that the after effects of the Hogyoku's power had changed the boy's personality but this made far more sense based on what he knew about Ichigo's inner spirits this, however, lead to another question.

"If this is true shouldn't you also be a bit aggressive due to your inner Hollow's personality?" Aizen questioned, almost more to himself than to the person seated next to him.

Again Ichigo gave a shrug as if it was not really important at the moment. "I think it is more of a… compromise between the two. They wanted to protect me above all else and so the black Zangetsu gave me his skill, analytical ability, and calculating mind. While the white Zangetsu gave me his instincts, his creativity, and adaptability."

Aizen gave a small nod before doing a double take on Ichigo. "Wait you said 'black and white Zangetsu'? What do you mean by this?"

"I mean that in the end I realized they were both Zangetsu, at least to me. They were both trying to protect me, both trained me, wielded my Zanpakuto, and were the source of my powers. They were just two halves of the same coin."

"Interesting, do you know what happened to your irises Ichigo? Why they are suddenly purple instead of brown? As well as the fact that your hair is now longer than it was before your battle. I believe it is due to the Hogyoku's influence but if you have any thoughts on this I am sure they would be most insightful."

"I didn't realize my eyes had changed color until it had been pointed out to be honest. I am guessing you are correct though. The Hogyoku must like the color purple or something. As for my hair, I thought it might be time for a change." Ichigo gave a small, Aizen-like chuckle.

"Oh my my, be careful Ichigo-san If we change your hair and outfit around a bit we would be hard pressed to tell the difference between you and Captain Aizen if you start laughing like that." A voice called out from the other side of the room as Gin slowly strode in, a large smile on his face.

"Ah Gin what brings you here? I thought you would be taking a little rest." Aizen asked, eyeing the man as he approached from the opposite side of the table that Ichigo sat on.

"I never got my turn against the boy and all this excitement has got me bouncing off the walls so that means there is no chance for sleep right now and I think the Espada are the same way. Despite your orders most of them seem to be either pacing in their rooms or in the halls." Gin said as he directed his gaze towards Ichigo. "You have even managed to get our Primera to become restless, quite a feat I must say. Nelliel and Harribel have tried several times to subtly ask where your personal quarters were in order to check on you." This last part was spoken with a different kind of knowing grin that caused Aizen to chuckle and Ichigo to give a small, friendly, smile.

"Yeah they seem to have become quite interested in me huh? I just need to figure out a way to decide which one I am more interested in 'pursuing' and not lose the other's friendship" Ichigo responded causing Gin to almost open his eyes in surprise.

"Ah yes you might not know this yet Gin, but Ichigo seems to have fused with his two inner spirits. I believe that one of their two personalities has finally allowed him to perceive the opposite sex and their potential interests in him. Do not worry too much about this though Ichigo, Hollow relationships are unlike the kind that humans, or even Shinigami, have. Let's just say that polygamy is not as rare in Hueco Mundo as it is in the World of the Living." With this statement Ichigo broke into a coughing fit, spraying what he had been drinking onto the floor before giving a surprised look towards the two men, who of course were now grinning in a way that reminded him a bit of his father.

"Well I believe that is all of the questions I had for you at the moment Ichigo. You still look worn out so I would recommend that you return to your room and rest. Also if possible I would recommend that you do not take part in any kind of 'strenuous' activities with any of the Espada. I know that many of them probably want to spar with you… in one way or another but until we ascertain your true capabilities and you gain control over your powers I would highly advise against it. We will also look into preparing you a private section of Las Noches for your own use over the next few days." Aizen spoke, the same knowing smirk on his face while Gin's became even larger, if possible.

"One more thing before you go Ichigo, it appears as though your Zanpakuto has changed. Do you have any thoughts on this?" Aizen asked noticing that Ichigo's blade had still not returned to its oversized form.

"Yeah, this was my Bankai state back when Zangetsu was with me. He seemed a lot happier to be in this form so I figured I would just stay this way from now on, plus it beats carrying around something so large you have to put it on your back."

Ichigo gave a nod and thanked the two young Arrancar girls that came in to clear his plates away, before he vanished. But to Gin and Aizen's shock it was not Sonido, or Shunpo, he simply disappeared from sight.

Gin sent a look wide eyed look, which ironically is still with his eyes almost closed, to his leader. The look asking the question that hung in the air 'what the hell was that!?'

Aizen just shook his head in amazement, "That boy seems to just keep creating more mysteries today doesn't he?" before motioning his former lieutenant to take a sit and discuss the upcoming months.

***SoD***

Ichigo appeared back in his room less than a second later and proceeded to lay down on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. It had been a very eventful day, without a doubt one of the most he had ever had in his short life up until then.

He was considering going over everything in his mind, to try and figure it all out, but that had rarely helped anything in the past, plus something told him that his Hollow Zangetsu would have smacked him in the face and told him to stop worrying about everything, to just relax and take life one step at a time.

***SoD***

Elsewhere in the fortress Stark paced nervously back and forth in his room, his every move watched by his small companion who had taken a seat nearby and stared him curiously.

"Stark… what's wrong? What the heck happened to your hole and mask?" The small girl inquired.

The man in question barely acknowledged her as he continued his pacing. Something like this was unheard of and he had no idea what to make of it.

'What the hell is wrong with me? I feel… whole like there was a piece of me missing up until earlier today that I never knew about until now. Am I even an Arrancar anymore? I can still Sonido, I still feel my power, in fact I feel more powerful than ever. But now something else is there, that loneliness that has always been present, even when I was with the other Espada… it's gone. Now I feel a connection with Ichigo, more than just friendship, almost like he's my brother.'

***SoD***

As Stark continued his pacing Ulquiorra was going through a similar contemplation.

'Something has happened, the emptiness that once filled me is no longer there, now there is a strange feeling when I am with Ichigo and the others. It was brief but when we were all assembled… it felt like a family. I need to figure this out before it begins to affect my combat ability, but would that be so bad? Is it so wrong to want for something more than to fight, to hope for peace?'

***SoD***

While Ulquiorra continued his pondering Nelliel was attempting to explain the situation to her two Fraccion.

"No, listen Ichigo did not 'rip my mask off' and he did not 'inappropriately fill my hole' none of this was his fault, Aizen used the Hogyoku on him which resulted in this." Nelliel gestured to her head.

"Soooo what you're saying is, that Aizen is the one who inappropriately touched you!" Dondochakka exclaimed.

Nelliel let out a sigh and shook her head, it wasn't that she didn't care about her Fraccion, quite the opposite they were her first real friends. It was just that sometimes dealing with them, and their antics, could give anyone a headache and she had just been through a long and peculiar day.

"No, what I am saying is that it was no one's fault it just sort of happened."

"That's what they always say! 'It just sort of happened' and you know what happens next? SOMEONE GET'S PREGNANT!" Pesche exclaimed, causing an eerie silence in the room as Nelliel went through several shades of red and Dondochakka's jaw literally hit the floor.

***SoD***

Finally, Harribel sat under the scrutinizing gaze of her three Fraccion. After she had explained what had happened the three had become stunned into silence, as if waiting in would turn everything back to the way it had been.

"Lady Harribel…" Cyan began, "You seem, different. Like you have changed somehow is everything okay?"

"Yeah everything is great, you three don't need to worry I am perfectly fine, better than fine actually. I feel stronger than before and it's as if… I found something I hadn't realized I was missing." Harribel responded, with more emotion on her face than her Fraccion had ever seen her with.

"Lady Harribel, about Ichigo… he is kind of cute isn't he?" Rose hinted, a small smirk forming on her lips.

"Wait a second what are you implying, that Lady Harribel would become infatuated with this Shinigami boy?" Appaci asked in a shocked tone.

The three glanced over at their leader who had taken to staring at the floor suddenly glad that her face was mostly covered and wishing she could pull her collar up even further.

The silence that followed seemed to creep through the halls themselves as the various Espada took to resting their bodies from the ordeal many of them had gone through earlier in the day.

***SoD***

As Tousen entered the meeting room he spotted his leader and Gin sitting in their usual spots. After greeting them both with a nod he took his place at Aizen's left side.

"You summoned Aizen-Sama?" The blind man asked respectfully of the man in question.

"Yes Tousen, as Gin and I have been discussing, this morning has changed the entire outlook of the war. With Ichigo's powers apparently gone we need to find a way to best utilize him and the other Espada. Stark, Ulquiorra, Nelliel, and Harribel all seem to have received a power boost along with a slight change in their appearance they still appear to be Arrancar just of a different caliber than the others. What we need to do now is figure out exactly what these changes have given the five of them, and how best to train and perfect these new weapons in the war against the Soul Society."

"I would like to begin training Ichigo when he has recovered in both Zanjutsu and Hakuda, since these are the only things we are sure he is still capable of. Until we know more about his powers we will assume he is no longer a Shinigami or Hollow in terms of capabilities." Aizen continued before Gin spoke up.

"Captain Aizen perhaps we should have another spar in a few days, this might be the only way we have to ascertain what Ichigo and his new found friends are capable of and how best to train them."

Aizen gave a confirming nod and dismissed his two associates to begin preparations.

'Ichigo Kurosaki… what exactly have you become, and what are you capable of? One this is for sure, the next few months are going to be very interesting.' Aizen pondered with a smile.

***A/N***

More character building and such in this chapter, along with questions that needed to be answered, and more that needed to be brought up.

Ichigo's hair is now the length he had confronting Aizen for the final time… because I think he looks badass that way.

Ichigo's Zanpakuto will stay in his Bankai state for the rest of the foreseeable story. The reason for this is that he never really fought in his Shikai state after obtaining it anyways so why bother changing it now?

For those of you, who might be worried, don't be. Ichigo has not completely lost his powers as Aizen has assumed, his powers have changed but this will be explored in the next chapter or two.

Hope all of you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.