Chapter Nine: The Bird Longs To Be Outside Its Golden Cage

Uryu hated waiting. He had started looking at the time ever since Ichigo had left, constantly looking towards the clock and had to stop after Riku asked him why he was fidgeting so much. The hours seemed to slowly tick by as if mocking him. Grabbing his thread and needle he started to cross-stitch a blue quincy cross on his new quincy clothes he had just made. With a sigh Uryu glanced over at the clock. 10:23, a minuet had passed. Great. Well, at least he only had two and a half hours before Riku would leave.

"Is something the matter Uryu-Sama?" Riku asked giving him a once over. "I hope your meeting with Szayel-Sama went alright? You have another one in a month but if have something you want to ask him…" Uryu shuddered at the thought of going back there again.

Getting up Uryu turned smiled weakly at Riku. "I guess I'm just worried over Gin, I think I'll go to bed, maybe that will make me fill better." Riku smiled gently at Uryu.

"Don't worry, Gin-Sama will be fine." Uryu nodded stiffly at Riku who didn't seem to notice. Grabbing his needle and thread, he went back to his room and lay down. His thoughts were restless, but at least there wasn't a clock in here to keep checking the time.

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Ichigo lay on his side watching the wall opposite him. He was wide awake waiting for Aizen to come back to bed. Growing restless, he found himself fidgeting but forced himself to still. It wouldn't do any good for him to become unraveled this late in the game.

Ichigo held his breath when he heard the door open. Closing his eyes he pretended to be asleep. He felt the covers being drawn back and a warm body lie next to his, arms wrapped around him pulling him close. Surprised Ichigo started.

"Did I wake you?" Aizen asked softly and leaned down to gently kiss Ichigo's shoulder. Ichigo had to fight not to flinch. "I'm sorry."

"Its okay, what time is it?" He asked drowsily.

"Almost eleven. Go back to sleep." Ichigo nodded and rolled himself away from Aizen's arms and onto his stomach with his face turned away, his eyes open, staring into the darkness. He heard Aizen sigh behind him and lay back down. He waited, feeling Aizen shift about trying to get comfortable before finally stilling. Ichigo lay still, listening for the telltale sign that Aizen was drifting off.

It seemed to take forever before Aizen's breath slowed to a slow even rhythm. Ichigo waited a little longer, tying to be patient. He couldn't afford to screw this up.

Holding his breath Ichigo looked behind him, afraid even a little movement might wake the man. Aizen was laying on his back, his eyes closed with an open face turned towards him. He looked young asleep, kinder. Ichigo felt a pang of guilt inside of him at this thought.

Closing his eyes Ichigo slowly slid himself out of the bed and crept silently to the door to the study. He slowly eased it open, glancing warily behind him to make sure Aizen was still asleep. Once inside he closed the door behind him and glanced at the clock. 12:48. Loki would be leaving soon. Walking up to the desk, Ichigo looked it over. Loki had said the study had a screen to view things on so it must be in the desk. Frowning Ichigo felt the desk hoping with blind luck he would find it.

To his pleasure a small silver colored blank screen appeared out of nowhere in front of him. Glancing back towards the bedroom door, Ichigo lightly touched the screen. It glowed white for a moment before a picture was shown. Ichigo frowned. The open desert appeared before him. He shook his head. That isn't what he wanted. "I need a map," he muttered softly. To his surprise and pleasure, a map of Hueco Mundo appeared before him. "Wow," He grinned at the screen. "That's cool, can you show me how to get to The Gateway?" The screen glowed white before the map appeared again, this time with a red line showing him the fastest way to the throne room. He carefully looked it over, memorizing it. "Thanks, can you go away now?" The screen glowed white before fading.

Ichigo blinked, trying to get the spots out of his eyes. Glancing around carefully Ichigo looked for a good hiding place. There really wasn't anywhere to hide other than the desk or behind the couches.

Decision made Ichigo crawled under the desk and waited. He glanced at the clock. 12:57. Perfect. Suddenly he heard footsteps. He plastered himself against the desk and waited for the click of the door opening. He wasn't disappointed and leaning himself out slightly watched as Loki closed the door behind him.

Gulping and sure Loki was going to open the door any minute Ichigo slowly cracked the door slightly and peered into the dark hallway. He could barely make out the figure of Loki's back as he turned the corner. Grinning Ichigo crept out and eased the door shut behind him. He briskly walked forward but was stopped by a hand on his arm.

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Uryu opened his eyes with a jolt and sat up. He had fallen asleep! "Shit." He scrambled to his feet and quickly strode over to the door before he cracked it open and peered out. To his annoyance the other room was dark causing him to let out a sliver of light. Not that there was anyone out there to see it. He sighed and stepped out allowing the light to fill the room.

Annoyed, Uryu closed his bedroom door sinking himself into darkness. He waited a few seconds, allowing his eyes to adjust. Looking around he could barely make out the door. Walking over towards it he hesitated, anyone could be out there. Taking a deep breath he cracked the door open and peered out. There was someone walking down the hallway. Terrified Uryu almost closed the door before he noticed it was Ichigo. With a grin he slipped out and quickly followed after him before grabbing his arm.

Ichigo whirled around and almost struck him, his fist was so close. Uryu gasped and backed away. "Uryu? Oh shit, don't sneak up on me like that! You scared me!" Ichigo whispered quickly.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." Ichigo nodded before glancing around.

"Let's talk as we walk." Uryu nodded and they walked down the hallway towards the stairs. "I found a map to The Gateway. I'll try to get there as fast as I can, get to Orihime's, I'll open the Gateway there." Uryu nodded and took off down the hallway towards Orihime's. Ichigo walked quickly towards where the Gateway was.

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The place was a maze, if he hadn't seen that map he would have been lost by now, but he figured he was somewhere on the second floor. Suddenly footsteps echoed in front of him. Terrified, Ichigo ran as quietly as he could and hid behind a corner. He closed his eyes, flush against the wall. Don't let them see me. He prayed silently. The footstep grew louder before slowly fading away. They were leaving. Ichigo let out a breath he didn't knew he was holding. Grinning like an idiot he quickly ran down the hallway and took a left. He spotted the double doors leading to the throne room and with a smirk he slowly eased open a door, looking behind him to make sure no one saw him.

Inside the enormous room was a huge white table with eleven chairs surrounding it and a staircase leading up to a huge throne like chair. It was slightly chilly inside the room, causing Ichigo to shiver. He quickly walked into the room searching for…something. Ichigo face palmed. He didn't even know what he was looking for. Spinning around in a slow circle Ichigo searched for anything of interest. He grinned when he spotted a lever. Checking the door he grabbed the lever and flipped it to the side. Light burst behind him. Spinning around Ichigo was surprised to see it was coming from the table. He quickly walked towards it and watched a sandstorm pick up, sweeping sand across the desert.

"Hey, um, can you show me where the Gateway is?" He asked, hoping the computer would tell him like the last one did.

To his surprise a red blob appeared on the table before flattening itself out and forming a red ball of string. It unraveled itself, dropping to the floor before rolling across the floor and up the staircase before stopping behind the throne. With a grin Ichigo took a step forward only to stop as a voice rose up.

"And what do you think you're doing?" Surprised Ichigo spun around to see Nnoitra leaning against the door frame staring at the screen. The man grinned.

"I thought I heard a rat skittering about! What a surprise to find such a delicious pet standing before me with no master to protect him. What a naughty pet," He stalked forwards, he eye never leaving Ichigo. "You shouldn't even be in here. Didn't Aizen-Sama tell you?" Ichigo gulped backing up. Nnoitra's grin grew wider. "Oh, you know? What a bad pet for disobeying his master. I think you need to be taught a lesson, don't you?" Ichigo shuddered at the intense look in the man's eye. For every step forward Nnoitra made Ichigo took one back until he slammed against the table. He gave a cry of surprise and with a laugh Nnoitra pinned him to the counter and leaned forward, pressing his body against Ichigo's. Trapped Ichigo squirmed quivering in fear when he felt Nnoitra's arousal against his stomach.

"Please…st…stop" Nnoitra smirked down at the boy and grabbing his face kissed him roughly. The boy shrieked and struggled, trying to get away. He raised his hand to strike but Nnoitra was faster. He grabbed Ichigo's arm and wrenched it back. Ichigo cried out at the pain and whimpered when Nnoitra put pressure on it.

"Are ya gunna behave?" Ichigo hesitated, fear pooling in his gut. "If you don't I'll make sure you regret not giving in to me." Nnoitra grabbed Ichigo's face, digging his nails in hard. "You'll be screaming in pain when I'm done with you." He chuckled darkly and licked Ichigo's tear stained cheek. "If you're good I'll be nice. You know you can't win with no reitsu to protect you." Tears rolling down his face, Ichigo nodded. "Good pet," Nnoitra practily purred. "Now…"

"What do you think you are doing?" They both froze. Looking over his shoulder Nnoitra was terrified to see Aizen watching him with an impassive face. Nnoitra growled and tightened his grip on the boys arm. "Unhand him, Nnoitra." Ichigo was the first to move, with a quick kick he struck the arrancar's balls. Howling in pain, Nnoitra let go of Ichigo and dropped to the ground.

Aizen smirked; the boy packed a punch. Glancing over he spotted Ichigo standing a few feet away watching him wearily. Aizen offered his hand.

"Come here." Ichigo shook his head and backed away. Aizen frowned. "I was not giving you a choice in the matter. Come here." Shivering Ichigo glanced back warily at Nnoitra. The man had looked insane before, but now he looked down right murderous as he gazed in anger at him.

Terrified Ichigo walked over towards Aizen, careful not to turn his back on either male. Aizen carefully hid his smile, it would behoove him not to show any favor for the boy in front of the quinta. When Ichigo was close enough, Aizen grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the room. He stopped before he left the room. "Oh and Nnoitra," He waited until Nnoitra was looking at him. "Come by later for your punishment." With that he was gone along with Ichigo.

Nnoitra hissed and slowly got up. That little bastard! I'll get you back. Nnoitra grinned, thinking of all the things he could do to him as he slowly limped away.

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Uryu stopped when he thought he heard something for the umpteenth time. Ever since he had left Ichigo he had been fidgety and scared. It didn't help that the halls were so dark the only light came from the moon that shone through the windows. He stopped abruptly when he thought he heard something. Uryu shook his head. His mind was playing tricks on him. Going on, he ignored the screaming in his mind that something bad was going to happen.

Carefully looking around a corner, Uryu smiled in relief when he spotted Orihime's door. We will be out of here yet! He quickly ran to her door and knocked on it.

"What are you doing here?" Surprised Uryu whirled around to see Halibel frowning at him. "You are not supposed to be out of your rooms. Come, I'll take you back."

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Aizen dragged Ichigo back to their rooms and flung him onto the bed.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself, any excuse as to why you weren't in your room and wandering the halls?" Ichigo just glared at Aizen. "No? How predictable." Aizen grabbed Ichigo's haori and ripped it off.

"What are you doing?" Ichigo stared up terrified when his shirt went next.

"It seems you need a harder punishment then what was given before." Aizen turned and rummaged around in the bedside table. "It was explained to you by Loki that you are not to be wandering outside of this room without supervision. Although I do wonder why you found the need to go and visit the throne room in the middle of the night. I will have a talk with Loki in the morning about leaving the door unlocked." Ichigo shuddered, knowing the 'talk' would not be pleasant. Aizen smiled when he found what he was looking for and stood up, an object clutched in his hands. "Perhaps you will learn better with physical punishment? Don't worry, I'll try not to leave a mark." Ichigo shuddered noticing the object was a whip. One look at the torture device and Ichigo knew he wouldn't go unscathed. Terrified, he sent a pleading gaze towards Aizen who frowned at him.

"I…" He tried to think of something to say, but his mind grew blank.

"Lay on your stomach." Ichigo shook his head and quickly scrambled off the bed. Aizen smirked darkly. "Or, if you prefer put your hands on the wall." Ichigo backed up. Aizen frowned. "Your punishment will only get worse the longer you disobey. Lay on the bed."

Terrified Ichigo looking around wildly for an escape route. "Fifteen." He shook his head, begging Aizen. "Twenty. Do you want thirty?" Closing his eyes Ichigo walked over to the bed and lay down. He shivered when he felt Aizen's rough hands on his back. "I want you to count them out loud."

Ichigo closed his eyes. Waiting for the first strike.

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"Orihime, your presence is required." Orihime pulled the sheets closer around herself and looked towards the door where Starrk stood. She sighed wondering what type of Hollow needed her attention today.

"Can you give me…" She gestured down at herself. Starrk gave a cut nod and with a yawn walked out. Sighing Orihime got up and changed. To her annoyance Starrk walked back in without knocking.

"Let's go." Orihime sighed but said nothing as she followed Starrk out of the room. She couldn't help but notice they were slowly going up.

"Is one of the espada injured?" She had already had to heal Grimmjow and Nnoitra a few times, they liked to fight each other everyone else almost all of the time.

Starrk glanced back at her with an unreadable expression but said nothing. Orihime sighed and just followed silently. They walked up another staircase and into a hallway she vaguely remembered. A cold chill gripped her heart. Praying it was wrong she spoke softly.

"Who am I healing?" Starrk ignored her and walked down the hall to the last door. He knocked on it and waited.

"Who am I healing?" She repeated, hoping he would speak but as Starrk glanced back at her, a pitying expression on his face, she wondered what he knew. He looked forward and said nothing, waiting for something. Orihime shuddered. Something was not right. Taking a deep breath she tried to think of any reason she would be here.

The door opened and a small Arrancar stood before them. His face was distraught and he looked to be on the verge of tears, but smiled weakly when he spotted the two of them.

"Thank you for coming so fast Starrk-Sama, please come in." Starrk nodded and looked back to make sure she followed. Frowning Orihime walked in, and found herself in a large library. She couldn't help but look around. Starrk sighed and stood next to her.

"Come, you will want to get this over with quickly." With that he turned and followed the Arrancar through another door. Orihime stood uncertainly in the library. She tugged on her hair lightly feeling scared. Something isn't right. She knew without a doubt she wouldn't like whatever she saw in that room. Sighing Orihime followed him knowing Starrk was right, she would want to get this over with as soon as possible.

Walking into the room she stopped suddenly before the door as the iron smell of blood reached her. Taking a deep breath she took a tentative step forward only to stop dead at the sight that greeted her.

"…were fast," Aizen spoke softly, a small smile on his face. He was sitting on the bed; one hand on Ichigo's bloodied and raw back, the other in his lap holding a book. He slowly ran his hands across Ichigo's backside, causing him to whimper. They looked up when Orihime gave a squeak of surprise.

"Kurosaki-Kun!" Ignoring the two of them she ran forward to kneel by Ichigo's side. Aizen said nothing as she whispered "Shoten Kishun, I reject…." Tears started to slide down her face until she was sobbing. "How can you do something like this?" She whispered softly as she watched the flesh nit back together. "Why would you do something like this?" Her voice soft she took a deep breath trying to stop her voice from quivering. "What did he ever do to you?"

"He disobeyed me." Orihime glared at him, but he ignored her. "Starrk, I want you to watch her and make sure she doesn't stay for long. I need to pay a visit to Uryu-Kun." With that Aizen stood up and left. He smirked when he heard Orihime speak again.

"…monster…"

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Gin slipped past the cameras, watching as Ulquiorra quickly killed two guards. Sliding against the wall he waited for Mayuri to fall into his trap. The quicker they got him the quicker they could leave. He had a feeling that something wasn't right back at Hueco Mundo.

A/N: This is turning out longer than I expected. I was thinking no more than 10 chapters but… well I suppose we will see. I notice I said that for Broken Heart as well, 2-3 chapters and that was 2-3 chapters ago. LOL. Still no new chapters for that one yet…sorry

I don't think anyone has as of yet figured out a key element to the story. Muahahahaha…but they will next chapter. First person who get it gets…something.