~No way out~

"Wouldn't Lord Aizen be pleased to know his orders were carried out, perhaps a little late but nonetheless to the letter? By me." Nnoitora smirked, "or..." the message was clear. Rukia knew without words, what the meaning was; either Stark would willingly march her before the traitor Aizen or allow another what he refused to do himself. She read the hesitation in the set of his body, the tensing of his muscles with the increase of reiatsu. Neither option appealed to him. A sort of relief possessed her at this thought. He wouldn't willingly betray her again.

But if that were so then only one other way existed...

Killing the Arrancar before them. And that...Rukia slowly slipped out of his arms and stood between them. Lilynette had become still, her one eye pleading for forgiveness. Rukia knew it hadn't been the fraccion's fault this had come about. Nor Stark's. It was easier to look away then see the triumph on the Arrancar's face.

"Take me to Aizen."

~*~

Why? They went along the corridor to the Throne room in comparative silence. Why had she given up...? Stark couldn't understand. Rukia...her stride was easy, her feet bare on the tile floor. He then wondered if she was cold and regretted not giving her a pair of Lilynette's sandals to wear. ...What're you thinking?

~*~

"Ms. Kuchiki, so glad you could join us." Though the ex Captain's words were spoken in a tone of general cordiality, Rukia still felt the biting sneer behind his mild voice and gaze resting on Stark who stood beside her.

"And...my Primera, clearly one as loyal as you deserves this rank. I commend you for this late surprise." Aizen added. Visibly he stiffened, his gray eyes hardened, "of course, my Lord."

"With the capture of Orihime Inoue by Ulquiorra and Rukia Kuchiki by yourself..."

She started and would've gone forward had not Lilynette grabbed a hold of her arm. A warning contained in her look.

"This has been a marvelous day indeed." Aizen finished, surveying them all.

~Living world~

"You're here about ..." Urahara's shadowed eyes took in the grim expressions of the three who had gathered in the training ground below his shop. "...opening a portal to Hueco Mundo, are you not, gentlemen?"

~To be continued~

AN: It's so cold here that I have to wear gloves when I type! Ack! Well! Here I am waiting for the (Three days grace) song--Never too late, so I decided to type out this little chapter while I was at it. Thanks for reading--no flames or idiotic spammers! But reviews are always appreciated.

Note: about the ending to this fic--would you like it to be happy--or...tragic? Please state in your review. :)