Word Count: 4897

Inspiration / Notes: Inspiring Songs: Title - Sulfur by Slipknot. For Ishida's chapter I thought about How to disappear completely by Radiohead, and for Gin's surgery it's Scissors by Slipknot to add to the creepy atmosphere.

Sub-Chapters: Aizen - Kira - Uryū - Renji and Byakuya

- TEN: LIKE BREATHING IN SULFUR -

- Aizen -

Aizen has always been one for a dramatic great entrance.

All quiet and inconspicuous in real-life, fading into the background, blending in with the gray mass of ordinary humans… making them see exactly what he wants them to see.

But in here he can show the few chosen ones who he really is, a man of such extraordinary might and intellect that both are transcending mankind's borders, and he can let them praise him for his plans, though it won't be long until the whole city would know, all of Japan, the whole world eventually.

Thinking to himself about how much of a genius he already is, even without the project that is currently evolving and which will truly make him exceed normal human boundaries, Aizen struts down the narrow stairs and makes his way to the room he assigned them all to gather in.

The long, white mantle was a good choice after all, Aizen notes when the wind catches it dramatically in the hallway, and not wearing the glasses takes away the friendly-maths-teacher attitude he though loves as camouflage but not so much when it comes down to being a grand leader.

Admittedly, it is only a musty cellar-room they're meeting in, but to Aizen it couldn't feel any more like he just entered a vast hall with pillars and drawings of himself, marble floor and a throne standing at the other end for him to sit on.

Sure, he heard Gin call him grandiloquent and delusional at times, but Aizen simply finds these terms to be adequate since he deserves to behave this way, it is basically his duty, with such genius and brilliance he uses to display. Megalomaniac? No, in his eyes he's only behaving appropriately.

Like every time they're holding a meeting, all eyes are staring at him (more or less enthusiastically) while Aizen waits for the tea to be served.

He can't start without a decent cup of tea after all, can he.

»Very well« he starts immediately after getting his way with the tea, »I'm glad everybody could make it today« he welcomes his allies, throwing a sharp look upon Gin at that as the capricious silver-haired would always just show up when he's feeling like it, much to Aizen's dismay, since Ichimaru certainly plays an important role in this.

»However« Aizen continues, raising from his chair and revealing a huge board right behind him. On top of the sheet it says Project Hollow, just like every time they meet.

Below the heading there are three photos to be seen and various notes under each of them. First, Aizen points to the lowest of the pictures showing Ryūken Ishida.

»Well, our most favorite head-surgeon finally decided to cooperate, what all of you must have taken notice of, since Ichimaru was appointed leader of the hospital's new research department last week. Which means – « Aizen explains, then crossing out Ishida's face with a thick, red marker, »we can concentrate on further actions.«

»How did ya get him to behave now?« Gin Ichimaru pipes up without raising his hand and waiting to be called, which Aizen actually did request some weeks ago since the maths-teacher thought that some rules of conversation would be seemly.

»Oh, that is a good question, Gin. Let's just say his… parental instincts helped me a lot. Essentially – Ichimaru is making great progress with the test surgeries we're running, am I not right, Gin?«

»Very right, Sōsuke-chan.«

Aizen bites back an annoyed remark about Gin constantly giving him pet-names to not make him aware of how much it really bothers him, because he knows just too well that this knowledge would only cause Ichimaru to go ten times better next time.

»The only problem we have to face now… appears to be the lack of test subjects. Therefore I will assign you, Jaegerjaquez – JAEGERJAQUEZ! Are you even listening?«

»Sorry, man.«

And another time Aizen has to force himself not to take his pointer-stick and poke the cyan-haired's ridiculously blue eyes out like he considers doing rather often, but since he needs the annoying but fairly obedient man for his grand plan… »however, Jaegerjaquez, this should be self-explanatory. We need more subjects we can run our tests on. Both dead and alive, to keep the studies running smoothly.«

»Murder? That's what you request this time?«

»In the name of science, of course. Do you or your men have a problem with this?«

»Eh, 'course not. As long as there's decent pay-off, you know… «

»Fine, then it is set. Young to middle-aged men, preferably, but I am willing to give women a try as well, since gender equality is such an important matter nowadays, isn't it.«

Nobody fails to notice the sarcasm in Aizen's voice and only Szayelaporro dares to roll his eyes, which though goes unnoticed. Aizen just goes on explaining to Grimmjow how to handle the captives because he is quite sure the reckless gang-leader will screw up somewhere along the way unless he points out every single detail of it, but quickly notices that the blue-haired isn't listening anyway and instead just starts shredding the paper that lies in front of him.

»Alright, if there are no further questions, then we might as well continue with another important matter – Kaname?«

»Sir?«

»What about the friendly offer you put forward to KLT? Any responses? There still are way too many reports about our masked friends over there on the TV for my taste.«

»Neither did Karakura Live Television respond to any of my attempts so far, nor did the manipulative tactic you suggested work out.«

»Too bad. Keep trying, then, will you. I'm very content with the latest articles that were published in your magazine though, so keep up the good work. The new report couldn't have reflected any better on the research bureau. Very well, then – Kurotsuchi-san, Szayelaporro-san, I will take a look at your work right after we are finished here. I heard there were first pleasing results to be noted?«

»Yes, indeed« the scientist and chemistry-teacher responds immediately, sounding very proud at that; the pink-haired just shrugs, obviously not being content all the way with what they've achieved so far. Nevertheless Aizen considers it great progress.

»Nice, very nice. Then, for the last point of today's meeting – « he goes on, ignoring Grimmjow's attempts to fling small pieces of rolled paper at Tōsen in order to further annoy the blind man that already has a strong dislike for the blue-haired.

Kaname, however, manages to dodge most of the paper-bullets that fly towards his face.

»Kuchiki« Aizen casually says, pointing at the photo above Ishida's.

»I'm sure you all know what the much beloved Kuchiki-dynasty will bring to the table. And in case you do not – « he starts to explain, gazing at Jaegerjaquez, »this is all about space. Living and business space, and money as well, indeed. Over fifty percent of all flats, houses, shops and properties in this town belong to the great Kuchiki family, as should be known.

In short: I happen to be highly interested in their possession. Not only because living areas are a great means to make clean money, but mainly because, after our experiments turn out a success, we will need said space, as mentioned earlier. Rooms to expand our research, shelter for our numerous newborn underlings, – « namely Hollows, as Aizen decided to call them.

» – And as a tiny bonus, of course, I would love to see the downfall of Kuchiki. He's been controlling this city for way too long.«

»Any plans of how to overthrow the man?« Tōsen wants to know, and Aizen smiles his most complacent smile.

Of course he knows. Why would he do all of this if he didn't have the world's most decent plan?

»Well, our friend over here – « he points at Jaegerjaquez, »has finally gathered the financial means needed for the next step.«

»Are we trying to bribe Kuchiki?« Gin wonders, not paying proper attention since his gaze is fixed on Grimmjow, waiting for the obnoxious man to continue testing stoic Tōsen's nerves.

»That's what it's commonly referred to, yes« Aizen agrees with him, »but I like to call it gentle persuasion. This should be an easy one.«

»What makes you so sure 'bout that?« Jaegerjaquez asks, and it sounds almost like a challenge in Aizen's eyes.

Well – »I simply know that when it comes to a Kuchiki, there is no such thing as declining money. Also, if that still isn't enough reason for you – Ginrei has family as well. His oldest grandson is following in his footsteps… Byakuya-san, heir to the family business... and his granddaughter happens to be a student of mine, just like Ishida's son.«

»Ain't that convenient« Grimmjow gives in with a shrug and rather continues shredding paper.

Yes, it is indeed quite convenient, Aizen thinks, but this has nothing to do with coincidence. This is all his work, his meticulous planning and plotting. But of course it is. There is no such thing as coincidence in Aizen's world.

»Fine, are there any questions concerning the matter? No? Very well, then I shall end this session, and we will meet again in about one week, discussing the progress made. Do not disappoint me, gentlemen. You may leave.«

While everybody comes after his command, Aizen takes a few deep breaths, feeling very content over all. It all has been a success so far, in fact it couldn't have worked out any better.

But there is no room for mistakes after all. He shuts the board he's standing in front of, but not without one last glimpse at the third photo which hangs above the others.

I'm going to get you as well, just sit and wait, old man. This town will be mine, inhabited by a new generation of superhumans, my creations, with me being the very first one, their leader eventually. Just wait, Yamamoto-sama, this town is mine.

- Kira -

Wondering why there are noises to be heard, Kira makes his way into the kitchen, expecting to maybe see Hisagi-kun hustling because he is definitely late for work by now, as a look on the watch tells Kira.

However, there is no spiky black hair to be found, and much less ambiguous facial tattoos.

Instead, Kira is facing Yumichika Ayasegawa, one of his dearest friends, just standing there and obviously searching the drawers for a specific item.

»Ahm… morning« Kira gets out, sounding all drowsy still since he didn't get much sleep last night (which he considers normal by now), »can I help you with something?«

»Oh, morning, Kira. I'm trying to make some coffee, but I can't find the filters. Shūhei's gone already, so…«

»Did you sleep over?«

»Ahm, yeah.«

»Oh, I see. How come?«

»Long story, I'll tell you an other time. Just, you know, it's not exactly what it looks like. Nothing happened, and stuff.«

»Okay« Kira just shrugs and provides the violet-haired with what he needs for making coffee, »do you want breakfast or something?«

»No, I'm fine, and I need to hurry a bit to be honest. Well… there is something else I could use, though« Yumichika carefully says, staring at him with huge eyes like a child that just asked his parents for some sort of permission, »I can't get into my flat before going to university, so… I urgently need clothes.«

»Clothes? What's wrong with the ones you're wearing?«

»Ahm, I absolutely can't show up in class wearing the same outfit like yesterday! That's just pathetic, I can't do that. Everybody will immediately assume I had a one-night-stand or something, and I really don't want them to call me a slut. Especially not when I really didn't have sex last night.«

Kira rolls his eyes over Yumichika's superficial reason but, being the kind-hearted guy he is, immediately agrees to borrow his friend a nice outfit for the day that meets the model's fashion-standards.

»And, Kira?«

»Hm?«

»Can I call you later some time that day? I… really need somebody to talk.«

»Oh, sure you can. My shift should end at 9 PM, just ring me. But… why, actually?« he wants to know, being a little confused about the matter because it has been a while since he and Yumichika last talked.

They used to do it a lot up until some time ago, chatting about all kinds of stuff when they were a little younger, about their friends and lovers, deep matters, everything, but the two men are simply too busy to do so at the moment.

»Because… Shūhei said something last night. And I have no idea how to react. Therefore I need your advice, since you know him better than I do.«

»What did he say?«

»I love you.«

xxxxxxxxxxx

Kira doesn't have time to agonize about Shūhei's brave love-confession, because immediately when he arrives at the hospital, a very elated-seeming Gin Ichimaru keeps him occupied.

»Today is a very special day for Izuru-chan!« the silver-haired happily exclaims, leaving Kira irritated by the statement. »I have lotsa tasks for ya!«

And faster than Kira can look, he finds a huge stack of paper in his hands. »File these, will ya? And come find me when ya done, ne? Got a super-surprise for ya if yer bein' a good boy today.«

»Sure, Ichimaru-Sensei.«

»Aww, yer too cute! Good boy, there ya go!«

Of course Kira does just what he was told to, exactly how his superior wants him to behave, trying to be that good boy Gin asked him to be. Still it seems incredible to him that one of his greatest role-models would respect him to such a degree that he even made him his personal assistant.

And then there's also Jūshirō-sama… Kira feels how his face blushes at the mere thought of him and their latest (kind of) date.

Now that thing between Shūhei and Yumi will hopefully be working out as well, and then… everything might be pretty close to perfect, and that's definitely a first in the young intern's life.

xxxxxxxxxxx

»Wow, I'm so very impressed with yer work, Izuru-chan!« Gin Ichimaru cheers when Kira is done sorting the files half an hour earlier than he expected; smiling proudly, Kira hopes for Ichimaru to finally reveal the surprise he's spoken about earlier.

»Why don't cha come help me now prepare that brand-new operating room? There will be heaps of fun later on, I'm sure ya gonna jump outta ya socks when ya see it!«

»What is it?« Kira inquires, but doesn't get any further information out of the free-spirited weird guy he calls his superior.

All he does is obediently prepare the surgical instruments, silently wondering why there's no nurses around to do it for him.

»Oh, it'll be just the two of us, ain't that awesome?« Ichimaru merely answers when Kira asks, »we ain't gonna need any help.« The blond strongly doubts that, but, since it isn't in his nature to talk back, he just accepts it and keeps following Gin's orders.

»Sir, will you now tell me what we're doing? I feel entirely unprepared and I don't think that's a good thing in regards of – «

»Ah, don't worry, Izuru-chan. I'm prepared enough for the two of us.«

With these words Ichimaru leaves the room, but only to come back a few seconds later, moving a gurney into the research-bureau's OR.

On it lies a motionless body, and Kira wonders whether the middle-aged man is alive or dead.

»Poor lad died just this morning« Ichimaru answers the unasked question before Kira can further wonder about it; the blond steps closer to carefully examine the corpse. It really looks like the person is still alive, even though there's no pulse or breath to be perceived.

»Nice, ain't it? That there's people who simply give their bodies to science after they die.«

»Sure« Kira answers, getting a strange feeling in his stomach for some reason, »very nice of them, Sir.«

Gin puts everything in place and checks the monitors one last time, and then goes ahead picking the scalpel.

»Ahm, excuse my asking, but what exactly are we up to with this body, Ichimaru-sama?«

»Oh, simple research. The brain, ya know. There's just soo much we have no idea 'bout yet, don't ya think so? 'S always good to find out a little bit more.«

Again the answer is way too vague for Kira's taste, but he feels like asking again would only bother his superior. However… there is something in the back of Kira's mind. The file he accidentally read some days ago, about some kind of weird brain-surgery on living test-objects. But this one here certainly isn't… and the file was a joke anyway, right. Ichimaru would never…

»Sir?«

»Izuru-chan?«

»What exactly… are we doing here?«

»Oh… you'll find out soon enough, alrightey? Yer such a curious one, aren't ya. But you better listen to me, Izuru-chan – better not ask too many questions, okay?«

- Uryū -

When putting the pencil down, Uryū lets out a calm sigh and takes a sip of the water-bottle that is standing next to him. A look on his wristwatch tells him that he's been sitting here, drawing, for three hours straight now. Never mind, since it happens to be his most favorite activity anyway.

Designing, pattern-making, sewing. Ichigo, that foolish idiot, can call it gay all he wants, Uryū loves what he's doing.

Maybe some more ruffles at the bottom? Then it would even out the accented shoulders… worth contemplating, though.

Of course all creations of his display his trademark-design-detail, an abstract cross, mostly in shades of blue and white since those are his favorite colors.

Or would it look better when he placed it a little lower? Maybe just an inch or two…

Uryū picks up the pencil again and redoes the entire design.

It's another hour later when his drawing-session alias me-time gets interrupted by a knock on the door. Uryū pauses the music that's playing on his iPod and tells whoever is knocking to please come in. Well.

»Good evening, Uryū.«

»What do you want from me?« the bespectacled boy immediately gets defensive when seeing his father's stern face; he can count on one hand how many times Ryūken Ishida has visited him in his room, though. So it must be something important, when he even leaves his office and the work that is to be done in it behind to talk to him.

»Nothing« Ryūken just says, sounding as cold and stoic as he always does when speaking with his son.

»Then why don't you leave again when it's nothing you want from me? I'm pretty busy.«

»Busy doing nonsense.«

»No, busy drawing clothes. Now would you please get out, I'd rather go on listening to my music instead of your voice.«

»Don't talk to me like that, young man.«

»I talk to you the way I think is appropriate.«

Of course Uryū is still mad at his father after the last major fight they had because of Uryū disregarding the grounding twice. He can't remember ever having yelled at Ryūken this bad, but should he try and do something like that ever again, Uryū is ready to repeat his actions.

»Fine« the – in Uryū's eyes – entirely callous man shrugs, stepping a little closer to his desk and disapprovingly staring at his drawings, »I actually just wanted to announce something, that is all. I'll leave you alone again immediately.«

»Alright, then go ahead.«

»I've decided to have you leave Karakura High-school.«

It takes Uryū a while until he fully understands the meaning of the blunt statement of his father's, and when he does, it leaves him totally baffled.

»Why?!«

»Because there are much better schools in Kyoto. With your grades you are able to attend some of the very best boarding schools – «

»BOARDING SCHOOL?!«

»Uryū, there is no need to get loud again – «

»Of course there is! Are you kidding me? I'm not leaving my school, Ryūken!«

Quite to Uryū's dismay his father takes another step towards him and his desk, almost as if he would reach out with his hand any time soon in order to comfort or allay his son by patting his shoulder. Or maybe to slap him. None of this happens, though.

»It's only for your own good« the white-haired keeps defending his decision, »you deserve better education than a local school can provide. And as long as this town isn't as safe as I'd like it to be for you – «

»That's what it's all about? My safety?«

»Well, that is another major factor I took into consideration.«

»But… what the hell?! I'm not in danger here, what the fuck are you talking about?«

»Language, Uryū!«

»I don't fucking care, dad! You won't be taking me out of that school, much less out of this city, alright! Here are my friends, here's everything!« Uryū keeps protesting, feeling the uncomfortable sensation of tears urging their way up; he clenches his fingers.

»Your friends, is that so? These people are bad company anyway, you sure won't miss them too much. You will go. This is my last word, Uryū.«

And that's the final straw for the black-haired boy.

He harshly grabs his iPod, the sketch-book and his purse, then throws it all into his school-bag. Angrily making his way towards the door, Uryū roughly and fully on purpose pushes a highly displeased Ryūken when passing him and quickly leaves the room, but not without slamming the door shut as loudly as possible.

No way. He jumps down the many stairs, grabs his self-made white coat and then gets out of his father's house.

Reaching the garden, Uryū hears Ryūken's voice shouting after him, something along the lines of don't you dare do this to me, but this sure isn't stopping the more than furious boy. No way, this is just too much.

He keeps speeding up his pace until he's running as fast as he can, and like this his father surely won't be able to overtake him in case that is what he's trying to do. He runs, knowing his destination already.

Ichigo would let him stay for a night or two.

Or more, depends on how obstinate his father turns out to be, though. Sullenly, Uryū turns up the volume on his iPod in order to somehow block out all these angry thoughts. How to disappear completely. Yeah, please tell me how, Uryū thinks, and just keeps on running until his lungs hurt.

- Renji and Byakuya -

»Oh, and look at that one over there! That's also one of my babies, a Yamaha XV 250 Virago, original, got her like three years ago. Still haven't had the heart to sell her even though there were plenty of guys interested in her. Ain't she beautiful?«

Byakuya Kuchiki follows a very elated Renji Abarai who keeps running around his motorcycle shop in utter excitement, showing the other around a bit.

Byakuya finds it to be quite… adorable how enthusiastic the redhead is when it comes down to things he apparently really loves, so the young noble stays quiet and nods and smiles every time Renji points at another so very amazing model and calls it one of his favorites or babies.

It's on the tip of his tongue to ask the broke shop owner how he earned all the money that was necessary to purchase these motorcycles, but Byakuya tries hard not to say it out loud.

Furthermore, there are at least a hundred marketing strategies developing in his head while examining the store that would instantly increase gains, starting with gods, sell these motorcycles despite loving them with all your heart, you fool.

He feels like he should really give Renji a talk about strategizing and economizing since Byakuya happens to know a whole lot about this matter, as opposed to the redhead who appears to not have a remote clue of how to run a successful business.

Then there might even be the chance of him paying his rent on time next month.

»Uh, and this one! Got him a nice paint-job, thought toxic-green would look absolutely awesome on him. Doesn't it?« Renji goes on jumping around like a monkey on steroids while explaining, Byakuya again politely follows and agrees with him.

»Yes. You obviously have an eye for color.«

»Do I?« Renji takes notice of the compliment, smiling complacently, »thanks, bro.«

A little bewildered about this assertion, Byakuya now starts wondering what the term bro would suggest in regards of their momentary relationship.

Are they friends by now?

Brothers, as would be literal?

Or something entirely else?

Friends does sound good to the black-haired, and also would it be adequate, since he so nicely disregarded his grandfather's wish to kick Abarai out of the house after all, and isn't that what is commonly referred to as a friendly turn?

Additionally, the two men are spending a lot of time together of late, sitting around in the park or Abarai's flat and talk, and the redhead even suggested taking Byakuya on a road-trip some time in the future.

That is what friends do, isn't it?

Byakuya decides to stop agonizing about the matter, thinking about his plan to change things up in his mind a bit, and just figures that, if Renji wasn't to like him, he certainly wouldn't show him his beloved babies. Right?

xxxxxxxxxxx

Renji sits on his rainbow-colored, worn-out sofa that acts as a substitute for an office chair, and mixes tobacco with ground weed in a small box he folded out of paper.

Every once in a while he gazes over to Byakuya, who is sitting right next to him and does nothing besides staring at Renji's shelves that are stuffed full of useless, fancy things, or, at times, attentively watches him in his doing as if he had never seen someone hit the bong before. Which, granted, is most likely the case.

Renji lets out a slight chuckle about this amusing thought but immediately falls quiet again when he hears swift footsteps from outside, telling him that somebody must have entered the shop. Instantly he puts the long glass-vessel aside and gets up to see who it is.

»Yo.«

»Che, long time no see, Madarame!« Renji greets Ikkaku with a friendly bro-hug, noticing some bruises covering his face at that. Overdid it at Kendō or in the fitness studio once again, he surmises.

»Damn straight. Got a minute? There's news.«

»Sure, come in« Renji smiles at his friend and walks ahead back into his office, where Byakuya is still sitting in silence.

Polite as he is, the black-haired immediately stands up and wants to shake hands with Ikkaku, who just roughly checks in and then lets himself slump down on the sofa just like Renji does.

»That's Byakuya Kuchiki, ya know.«

»Ikkaku Madarame.«

»Pleased to meet you, then, Madarame-san« Byakuya says, ever so high-toned, and Renji assumes that, as soon as the noble is gone, Ikkaku will definitely tease him for spending time with the person he used to constantly rave and rant about up until some weeks ago. Until they, strangely, started to hang out together for some reason.

However… »you said there's news?«

»Yeah, listen, you won't believe it. Wanna guess where I got these?« Ikkaku excitedly starts explaining, pointing at the huge bruises below his left eye.

»Tell me« Renji demands instead of guessing, and Ikkaku does so, ignoring Kuchiki's presence entirely at that.

»Fuckin' cage-fighting! Kenpachi took me. He's, like, doin' it every other week in secret!«

»But… ain't that illegal?«

»Yeah, totally, but that's the point! Kenpachi's, like, literally a god in the underground, you know. Back then in Tokyo he was, that is. I had no idea he's still doin' it!«

»Damn, that really are intriguing news« Renji chuckles, being highly interested in what Ikkaku has to say, »and he just took you?«

»Well, I had to beg for it, kinda, but yeah, and he even let me fight, look! It was freakin' amazing! You definitely needa come as well next time.«

»You think he'll let me accompany you?«

»Dunno, begging works, tho.«

»Dank shit.«

»Totally.« Renji already starts imagining himself in the ring, fighting all epically with a sword and not much clothes on to show off his body and tattoos, thrashing his opponents and getting cheered at by some pretty chicks with huge boobs… »damn, why didn't he tell us earlier?«

»That's been my question exactly! But well, ya know, with my past and Yumi's…«

»Hm, right. Well, but still. Damn, I wanna go! Now!«

»Guess we gotta wait.«

During the entire conversation about illegal underground fighting, Byakuya hasn't said a single word, and now that Renji returns to reality, he remembers his presence.

»Er… you ain't gonna tell anybody, right?« he asks Byakuya, »like, cuz it's forbidden and stuff. Better when nobody knows.«

»I shall not lose a single word about the matter« Byakuya immediately confirms and even displays a little smile, »because I assume that a friend wouldn't do that, am I right?«

Renji, again, has to roll his eyes over the noble's manner of expressing himself, but then simply answers »yeah, exactly.«

END OF CHAPTER TEN.

Well, guess there are no doubts about Aizen's malicious intentions anymore. And of course he wants to take over Karakura, because it's basically the most important city ever (at least according to Bleach, which I thought I'd just adobt and continue with it). No, there surely is reason for his undertakings.

Also, I'm already half-trough with uploading this story, there's only ten more chapters to come. And now that I'm definitely over introducing people and everything, things are going to get rather serious. So I hope you'll stick with me and have enjoyed my story so far!

Next Week: [It's a chapter about the past] - Ikkaku and Yumichika didn't exactly grow up in a positive environment - Grimmjow and Szayelaporro used to be the kids that your parents always warned you of - Jūshirō and Shunsui have always had the most dysfunctional relationship.