Disclaimer: Tite Kubo is the creator and owner of Bleach. I own nothing, except this silly plot.
Eleven
Meeting
After almost three weeks of attending Soul Society Academy, Ichigo Kurosaki could say without a shadow of a doubt that he absolutely sucked at Kido. He might or might not have made his instructor cry with his lameness. It was impossible to say due to the smoke surrounding the area. However, as his fellow students were running away from the scene of the crime, Ichigo just stood there, petrified and mostly horrified at his lack of skill. His teacher's cries could be heard from miles away but as soon as he saw Ichigo trying to kneel and apologize, the Kido sensei just started to mumble that maybe it was not that bad and maybe they could figure something out.
Ichigo was not sure if this was due to the smoke inhalation or his rampant reiatsu but at the time, he had been satisfied with it. Now? Not so much. He sucked so bad that they were not sure what method to adopt with him so the faculty had decided to assign Ichigo some serious after classes to at least try to contain the disaster.
Ichigo sighed miserably as he finally pushed his meal away, absolutely dejected. If he did not improve soon enough, he would not be able to graduate and that was not in the cards. He sighed again playing with his cup.
"What troubles you?" Byakuya's deep voice finally brought him back to reality. Ichigo raised his eyes at the raven-haired captain who seemed genuinely concerned.
"Nothing, uh, absolutely nothing."
"Kurosaki Ichigo, you are far from being an excellent liar. The fact that you have not said a word since you have come home and you mostly played with your food instead of actually eating speak volumes about your spirit. Not to mention that your spiritual energy is all over the place."
"Well, actually that is the main problem." Ichigo looked utterly depressed as he continued: "I am failing my Kido classes. In fact, I am so bad at it that the teachers have decided to compensate by making me take some extra classes. Although I am not sure how that is going to help me."
"What do you mean?"
"I made my professor cry, Byakuya! I wasn't exactly bad at it, more like just get out of here, failure. I am so far from mastering Kido that it may take years until I finally graduate."
"Kurosaki, time is not an issue here." Byakuya answered and looked somewhat amused of the whole situation. "You have all the time in the world to perfect your fighting techniques, including Kido. I have trained with the best people there are and I still had to wait in order to be able to control my spiritual energy."
"How did you manage?"
"With work and a lot of discipline." Byakuya kept silent for a few moments before adding. "I think the problem in your mastering of Kido is not the technique per se. I think you should consider first trying to concentrate on your spiritual energy. It is a driving force behind Kido and without mastering it, you won't be able to ever succeed in you endeavors."
"Do you think you could help me with that?"
His question obviously startled Byakuya because the older man's eyes widened a little, a curious light passing through his beautiful eyes. Ichigo tried to ignore his feelings for Byakuya ever since he came back but every now and then, he could not stop himself from staring at the nobleman, and for once, he was stared back. Ichigo could feel the captain's eyes on him when he thought Ichigo was not looking, when he was doing the most mundane chores or when he was simply helping the gardener. It seemed that sometimes Byakuya wanted to have a conversation with him, probably about Ichigo's last words for him, but if Ichigo was afraid of failing Kido, well, let's just say his fear of having that conversation was ten times worse.
"What do you suggest?" Byakuya finally dared to ask.
"I was wondering if you could teach me how to control my reiatsu better. It's not like my teachers don't know what they are doing but I tense every time they get closer to me as if they are enemies. But you are familiar and maybe that could help me more-"
"Ichigo, breathe." Byakuya's gentle voice so close to him startled the young man, making him aware that the nobleman was right in front of him, his gentle hand cupping his cheek. Ichigo tried to calm his fraying nerves, swallowing past the sudden lump in his throat. Byakuya's thumb slowly moved right under his eye. Sudden desire burst into Ichigo's body, an unstoppable crave to be with this man in front of him. He slowly licked his chapped lips and Byakuya's eyes followed the movement. There was such hunger in those gray eyes that Ichigo thought for a brief second that they were going to kiss.
The older man stared at Ichigo's lips a little more before finally pushed himself away. When he took his hand away, Ichigo felt bereft of his presence so hard it almost made him follow the captain.
"I thought that by now it was clear that I would do anything for you, Ichigo." The young shinigami looked pleasantly surprised at Byakuya. "Starting tomorrow after dinner, I will teach you some basic concentration exercises and hopefully after you will be able to gain reign over your spiritual energy, you will be able to start learning Kido as well."
"Thank you. There is one more thing. I would like to meet with Aizen."
"Are you sure?"
"No, but I don't want to postpone it forever. Better to be done with it."
"Very well then. I will speak to captain Yamamoto to see what he can do. However, I am certain that Chamber 46 won't be able to deny you anything."
"I think so too." Ichigo got up and was ready to step out of the room when he turned to Byakuya and mumbled. "You will be coming with me, right?"
"Of course."
Ichigo smiled at the lack of hesitation in Byakuya's answer.
"Good night then."
"Good night."
The following days passed in a flurry. The discussion concerning his Aizen visit went much smoother than he had anticipated and Chamber 46 granted him access almost right away. It was a little disconcerting to see some people doing things for him so easily, as if they owed him their lives. And perhaps they did, but Ichigo has never been the type of guy to think about it.
His training sessions with Byakuya were another thing that puzzled him. Since that awkward moment between them, sudden tension flowed between the two of them and sometimes Ichigo could barely concentrate on what he was doing. Not to mention that Byakuya was patient with him and his endless failures at gaining reign over his spiritual pressure did not disheartened him. He liked the newly found companionship. He liked it a lot.
The day before meeting Aizen found him in the garden again, helping in order to calm himself. Knowing about the following day, his teachers did not keep him for the after class and let him free. He did not want special treatment but for once, he was glad for it.
You are getting better. The voice suddenly whispered in his mind, a gentle breeze caressing his orange locks and for a moment, Ichigo closed his eyes, the simple pleasure of it burning hot in his stomach.
"Thanks to you and your pep talk." Ichigo sighed content to feel the warm soil in his hands and the gentle presence of the voice surrounding him like back there, at that place created especially for him.
Still a gardener, I see.
"It calms me down and I enjoy it."
You know, for a person who has an incredible difficult time to stay put, you seem to have no problem sitting still for this.
"Living with Byakuya seems to have that effect on me. I am trying to control myself better."
Being spontaneous is not a bad thing, Ichigo. Don't let it change you too much. The voice murmured strangely sad. Soon you won't need me anymore.
"Don't talk like that." Ichigo snapped and all the good mood vanished in a moment. "You promised me that you would be with me as long as I want and that's something that isn't about to end soon. And besides, you have hardly been with me these days. You barely have the power to speak with me. What aren't you telling me?"
Of course I wouldn't willingly leave you, Ichigo. You must believe me, but my power is slowly fading and soon I won't be able to speak with you or see you ever again.
"Then tell me how I can help you." Worry and sadness mixed in a bitter cocktail on Ichigo's tongue. "I can't exactly lose you now. I haven't done anything for you and you have done so much for me. If there is anything I can do for you, anything at all tell me and I won't hesitate."
As usual, you are most generous. That mysterious breeze caressed this time his face, a gentle whispered touch on his left cheek, as if ghost fingers traced invisible patterns. We will talk about this another time. I haven't listened to you soul today so I can come and be sad about this. I have come to warn you about your meeting with Aizen.
"What about it?" Ichigo closed his eyes when the touch became more real.
Don't let him manipulate you. I don't why he has asked for this meeting but he will be most keen into infringe the same torture on you as the one that he is currently suffering. He will spew poison just so he can see you suffer. Whatever he says, whatever poisonous words will leave his lips, don't believe him. Not even for a second.
"I know, relax. It is not something that I don't know about him."
Then I believe that you have learned a long time ago that it is not a very good idea to underestimate Aizen. Even in his sealed form, he is more powerful than you give him credit for. There are many things that I can do for you, Ichigo, but shielding you from him there is impossible even for me.
"I promise you that I will be all right. And besides, I won't be alone. Byakuya is coming with me. Stop worrying." Ichigo smiled briefly, his eyes still closed, the sun's rays a welcomed heat on his face.
As if that would be possible when it comes to you. The voice sounded almost ironic and the caress transformed into a tender pat on his cheek before it finally disappeared. Take care tomorrow.
"I will." Ichigo murmured and opened his eyes at last knowing that the conversation was over and that the presence or whatever it was disappeared. The melancholy stayed with him for the rest of the day, and the dinner was a quiet affair, for once Ichigo being reluctant to open a conversation. Byakuya eyed him worriedly but did not say anything knowing that what worried Ichigo had to be faced the following day.
Which came all too soon.
Ichigo followed Byakuya on the way to the prison, eyeing its black walls warily when they finally arrived. The guards stood silent when they finally entered the grand hall, sending cold shivers down his spine. Byakuya's body was just as tensed as his was, because the air of despair around those walls was far greater than Ichigo expected, especially since the souls were sealed.
When they stood in front of the prisoner keeper, Byakuya took control.
"Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and Ichigo Kurosaki are here to see prisoner Aizen Sousuke."
"Ichigo Kurosaki, it is a pleasure to finally meet you boy. Your soul is far brighter than I had expected."
"Thank you, sir." Ichigo mumbled blushing a little, still very much unused with the compliments and the gratefulness that he received on a daily basis.
"It is I who should thank you." The keeper smiled or at least this is what Ichigo thought because his bushy beard hid the keeper's lips. "Take all the time you want in discussing matters with the prisoner. I am sure there are many things that boil between the two of you." The keeper signaled a guard. "Bring prisoner number 34879 in the Seal Room and take these gentlemen to him."
Both Byakuya and Ichigo bowed respectfully before following the guards. With each step, Ichigo could feel every fiber in his body tensing, just as it happened before the great battle. His instinct screamed to get back and for a moment, he almost wished he had turned back, forsaking any plans of ever seeing Aizen again. Sensing his anguish, Byakuya put his hand gently on the young shinigami's shoulder and tried to convey strength.
"The moment I feel he is stepping out of line, we are out of there." Byakuya said. "We have honored the end of the bargain and that is more than he deserved anyways."
"Thank you." Ichigo muttered and then inhaling deeply, he finally stepped in the room, where in the middle rested Aizen Sousuke former captain of the fifth division and probably his worst enemy.
Aizen's cunning eyes took in Ichigo's prone figure as if he was a man dying of thirst and reached water at last. Ichigo shifted uncomfortably much aware of the attention that was given by the enemy against he had fought so hard and almost lost. Sheer stubbornness made him stay in front of his former enemy trying to ignore his alarmed instinct. Aizen could not hurt him anymore.
"I knew you would come." Aizen finally said his voice drowned in despair. He wanted to touch the young man so much, to map those callous hands that have won over him, that have reshaped his destiny in an unexpected way. Nevertheless, that moment was gone, lost for him the second he raised his zanpaktou against Soul Society, the second he plotted, the second he saw the truth in that corrupted society.
"Captain Kuchiki made a promise to you that I felt compelled to honor." Ichigo answered. "If it were up to me, I wouldn't have come here; I wouldn't have set my eyes on you again. You almost destroyed my town, my family, and my friends."
"It is interesting to see how you don't mention yourself. Perhaps I haven't done my job well enough."
"Or perhaps you have done it so well that you had nothing to destroy anymore. Have you ever thought about that?"
"Oh, believe me, I have thought about it." Aizen's voice while dripping with sarcasm, talked about a truth that failed to be understood by the two other men standing in his cell. "Unfortunately for me now, I have nothing more than time to think about my acts and their consequences, particularly on you."
"Of course you have and as I see, you fail to feel any remorse for it."
"Remorse?" The former captain tilted his head in a calculating manner, as if suddenly faced with interesting toys, which had to keep his interest or die. "Why should I feel remorse for something that I tried to do? For something that was right?"
The words angered Ichigo so much that he took two steps closer to the mighty prisoner, trying to reassess his position towards this man that has taken so much from him and his friends, has poisoned everything with his deeds.
"Right? You call betraying your brothers and sisters right? You call killing people or taking them prisoners right? You call your war right and just?"
"When the purpose is higher than people, when its importance is graver than them, then yes, I call it right."
"You are nothing more than a megalomaniac prick with ideas of grandeur that had put in peril the very basic nature of our souls and minds." Ichigo hissed, almost suffocated by anger. "There was no higher purpose, there was no graver importance. It was all on you and your pride, your damn pride to be unique and above all others. You have learned nothing from these months spent in isolation; you haven't figured anything since the last time we talked."
"You are blinded by your resentment for me. But if you could just open your eyes-"
"-and see what? How purposeless has all this been?"
"But if I didn't do that, if I didn't watch over you so many years, nothing would have happened. My zanpaktou wouldn't have called for yours."
"And you still fail to see the importance of it. I have defeated you, which means that the Hogyoku itself considered you undeserving of its power."
"Not undeserving, just unprepared."
"You continue with this madness?" Disbelief surrounded Ichigo like a cloud, taking everything from him. He did not understand why it was so important for him to convince Aizen that what he had done was wrong, but at that time, it felt almost imperative. As if convincing Aizen of what was right and what was wrong was going to fix Ichigo and mend all the broken pieces in him.
"It is not madness." The prisoner's shrewd eyes thinned. "Ichigo, what has happened with the Hogyoku?"
"It is gone." Ichigo's entire posture screamed tension, his shoulders a powerful line of muscles holding the weight of the world on them.
"Interesting."
"We are done here, Aizen." The orange haired man declared ignoring the pensive look on his enemy face. "I thought you wanted to see me to express your remorse or at least try to pretend that you were remorseful. I didn't come here to hear you spew the same nonsense as usual."
The young shinigami turned around and he was almost at the door when his enemy's voice stopped him on his tracks.
"Ichigo, how do you get along with him?"
Ichigo turned a little confused, trying to gauge what Aizen wanted.
"With Byakuya? Much better than with you."
"Not with Kuchiki, although I can hardly believe that all of the sudden you have become friends with this glacier pretending to be human."
"Then I don't understand your question."
"I meant how are you getting along with the voice?" By the way Ichigo's face drained of blood completely, Aizen knew that this round was going to be way longer than he previously thought. And that wasn't bad at all. "How does it treat you?"
"I don't know what you are talking about." Ichigo barely managed to whisper, feeling Byakuya's body tensing next to his.
"Really?" The former captain of the fifth division cockily raised his eyebrow, all pretenses lost. The tone was cold and calm. "Are we really going to play this game of pretend? I know about the voice, boy. And don't think, not even for a second, that I won't make you talk about it, even trapped here. You're going to talk about it and you're going to talk about it now."
A/N: Thank you for your patience and your kind and generous words. And thank you for still reading this and enjoying it, although it has been some time since I have updated. And I'm sorry for the left mistakes and for the late update.