Road to Ruin Chapter 21, a bleach fanfic

A/N: Hello everyone! Hope you're liking the story so far. So as I told you last time I'll try to end the story before summer as I start a new semester on a different college and I'd like to finish before my schedule gets a bit full again. I'm thinking we'll end at 40 chapters or less given that I want to cover both the Arrancar Arc and the backstory of the fullbringers before the end. Once this baby is done I'll go back to Redemption. As always I hope you like and thanks for reading!

Chapter 21: Downfall Decided

"Another year, another brave group comes forward." one of the teachers spoke enthusiastically. Sosuke resisted the urge to roll his eyes and tell the man that more than half of the new students were not her because they wanted to, but because it was the only way they could get food and escape poverty.

Predictably his classroom was next to empty. He knew that as elective classes went calligraphy wasn't the most requested, but it was a good distraction.

In a month, Anna would be forced to get married, and as far as he heard Shizuka had been found a match as well. The tension in the mansion was palpable and whenever he could he would whisk Anna and the twins away.

The day was mostly uneventful, he was pleased that his students' skills had improved.

"How's the best teacher in the world doing?"

"I'm doing fine Anna, what about you?"

"Cranky, but it's not your fault. I brought you tea!"

He noticed the markings under Anna's eyes. She'd been having trouble sleeping for the past week.

"Are you nervous about the wedding?"

"Partly, the new captain of Squad 12 will be appointed tomorrow. Today I have to get a dress or end like end up like Shizuka this morning."

That immediately alarmed him. Anna raised a finger before he could answer. "She's fine, I took care of her bruises and made sure to let her sleep... I'm worried about those two."

"We could take them with us. We could all leave together, or simply take them separately."

"No. It's too much of a risk. They could switch allegiances and try to take us down from within. Perhaps if they were still babies but now...It would be a bad wager."

"I'm surprised. I didn't think you'd decline."

"You know I love them as if they were our children, but we cannot put everything we've worked for in jeopardy. I'd be happy with just making sure Akito doesn't lay a finger on them again."

"We'll take care of that then. Although I do require your assistance tonight."

"Very well. Where?"

"The cherry blossom tree in Jurinan."

Anna giggled. "Hard to remember that's where we had our first conversation."

"We were so young back then. Who would've thought..."

"I'll see you tonight. I can't be late for my kido lesson."

She gave him a kiss and left as fast as she came. Once Anna had left he reached for the communicator in his desk drawer.

"Jeanne, is everything ready?"

"Yes, Lord Aizen. All that's left it's that you make your move. Best of luck."

"Well...that could be useful in battle, but maybe try to reign in the damage Asami-san. We can't have an explosion every time you use kido."

Anna chuckled and helped her brother stand up. "No worries bud. We'll keep practicing."

"I am a mess in the offensive."

"Don't fret child." Hachigen gave him a pat on the back. "You're very gifted in the area of healing, just like Lady Maya."

Both Anna and Asami smiled at that comment. She knew that while he didn't remember his mother Asami was particularly fond of her memory.

"Let's take a break." Hachigen sat down on the grass and the Anna followed suit. Asami went to get Shizuka. "Have you, heard who will be the new Captain of Squad 12? There's speculation that they'll be a member of Squad 2."

"If it's someone that trained under Yoruichi-san then I'm sure they'll do well their job well."

"Yes, Lady Shihōin has a talent for teaching. Although I'm concerned about lieutenant Hiyori. She's very close to Hikifune."

Anna knew how torn apart the young lady was, but in her few attempts to comfort her, she was met with hostility. 'I just hope the new Captain can handle her.'

"If it becomes too unbearable to stay in Squad 12 I'd be happy to give you a place in the kido corps."

She felt touched by the offer, Hachigen hadn't been that teacher for long but she appreciated the man greatly. "Thank you so much Hachigen-sensei, but I think I'll stay in Squad 12 for the time being."

"If that's the case then I wish you luck going forward with this new captain. My offer still stands if you ever want to join us in the future."

"Thank you sensei."

The twins walked towards them. Shizuka looked a lot better now than she did during the morning, even if she still had to hold an icepack over her right cheek.

"You feel better honey?"

Shizuka nodded. "Shiba-kun was keeping me company. He wants to talk to you."

"Alright. I'll be going inside. Hachi-sansei, don't let these two do anything dumb."

Hachigen chuckled. "Yes, Anna-chan."

Anna found him waiting near the gardens. "Hello, I made us some cookies, you must be hungry from the lesson."

"A little." She sat down beside him and grabbed a cookie. To her surprise they well very sweet and well made. "I didn't know you could cook.".

"We haven't talked much."

That was true. Since the match was done they've been avoiding each other, unless their families forced them to interact.

"I'm sorry. I know you're a great person, and believe that I do appreciate your efforts but...we're simply incompatible."

"I know. It's a shame really, but you deserve to be with who you deeply love."

"And you deserve a wife that loves you and enjoys all your jokes."

Isshin smiled. "For some reason, I can tell you won't allow this to happen, but if it does, just promise me that we'll get along."

"I promise."

They finished their plate of cookies in silence. Perhaps close friendship was all they'd ever have but they were both fine with it.

'We both deserved better than this.'

"In other words, it's all static so far." Makoto sighed as he rearranged the bottles on the wall.

"As far as I'm concerned we are still making progress, but Lord Aizen has been restless lately. It's likely he'll be making another move soon." Kaname took a sip of the sake and put it down. Even the burn of the alcohol wasn't enough to calm him.

"...Is it possible for a part of a soul to be given willingly?"

"I do not know, perhaps our scientists will be able to tell. Why do you ask?"

"Leia and I have discussed the possibility of helping you achieve your goal. Maybe the Hogyoku does not accept the souls that had been fed to it because they're corrupted.

While I am no saint myself I do believe a piece of my soul may balance out the damage, same thing for Leia. We're both willing to do so if it shall work."

"Thank you. Truly that's very kind of you. I'll make sure to notify Lord Aizen."

"Not tonight, all we can do right now is wish him luck."

He had never been nervous during tests or during his mission, but now he felt as if he would faint.

True to her word, Anna had gotten the cherry blossoms tree to live much longer than expected, and it wasn't likely it would die anytime soon.

"Hello dear."

Sosuke smiled when he heard her voice. Anna had shown up at the agreed time. He took a breath and prepared himself for what would happen.

"Aren't you curious as to why I called you here tonight, my lady?"

"A bit, you're not the type to get nostalgic over our childhood playground."

"True, but I couldn't think of a better place for me to ask you this."

He noticed her eyes widened, seemingly having discovered his plan.

"We've known each other for almost a century now, and in all that time you've been my most trusted ally. I know how far you're willing to go for our plans to succeed but I cannot bear the thought of you being hurt in this process.

I'm sorry I didn't do this sooner, but I wanted it to be perfect. Nothing less wouldn't suffice."

He got down on one knee and took a silver ring with a small sapphire and emerald encrusted at the center.

"Anna Maria, will you marry me?"

Anna couldn't talk, she nodded in between and gave Sosuke a kiss. "Yes, I do. You're the only person I'd ever want to marry."

Worry did come to her mind however, she knew Akito would not forgive her, and that it was likely she'd have to disappear from the ranks. 'A small price to pay' she thought.

"I can't believe you could keep this secret," she told him.

Sosuke chuckled. "It certainly wasn't easy. Jeanne took care of the ring and I sent Szayel to the human world to pick your kimono. We'll have the wedding in a week if you'd like. All that's left do is pick the few guests."

'Easier said than done. Who can we trust with this?'

It was easy. Always so very easy. Upon being appointed to Squad 5 Gin one his next course of action was to get the attention of the lieutenant, what better way to do so than to take down the 3rd seat.

The man didn't put up much of a fight, although the kill was a little too messy for his liking. It didn't take long for the lieutenant to find them.

His gaze was indifferent, just as he looked when Gin saw him during the graduation a year ago.

"What did you think of our 3rd seat, young one?"

Gin grinned. "He wasn't much of a challenge."

The lieutenant smiled. "Do you have a name?"

"Gin. Gin Ichimaru."

"Very well, Gin. Seeing how you've taken down one of our seated officers I say you'll have to take responsibility. That is if I don't turn you in."

"What do ya want in exchange?"

"Just loyalty."

"I can live with that."

"You may call me Sosuke Aizen. Now come along, there's work to do before we dispose of that."

It was too easy.

"You have got to have gone insane." Kisuke wasn't one to stay exactly what he was thinking but the words slipped out.

"I haven't. If anything I think the sanest thing I'll ever do. Put yourself in my shoes Kisuke, I won't mess up my life nor Isshin's."

"And you think by deserting and marrying Sosuke you'll fix that?! Anna you know that's suicidal!"

Anna groaned. "What's wrong with you two lately?! It's as if Sosuke and I being together seems like a sin to you. You are still the division's new captain even if Hiyori has kicked you around enough to leave a face print!"

That much was true. His new division had all been welcoming except for lieutenant Sarugaki. Shinji had told him that the little lady had a mother-daughter relationship with Captain Hikifune, and that her anger would likely remain for at least a century.

That he could understand, but this was beyond him. Anna had worked hard to get where she was, all of it to be thrown away because she wanted to remain at Sosuke's side.

"You're just going to leave? All of us?"

"You both know where I'll be. No one else knows my past. I have no attachments to Sereitei anymore. Hanabira and Maya were my only bind here."

"What about the twins?" Yoruichi asked. "They can't go with you."

"I know." Anna did seem saddened by that but she did not back down. "But they'll endure, that I am sure. They're no longer kids and will bear their fangs in time."

"Is this really what's best? Anna, we are worried about you." He took her hand in his. "Please reconsider."

She snatched her hand away. "I thought you two were our friends, but I guess I was wrong. Despite being I'm the same situation as us you try to make me turn my back on him. I'll never do that, not in this or any other lifetime.

If you change your mind you know where and when the wedding will be. If you don't show up, then I will know our friendship is over."

With that, she walked away. Leaving him and Yoruichi alone in silence.

"This won't be pretty."

He sighed. "No, it won't. I just hope the Soul King is wrong and this is just a big misunderstanding. Either way, I don't think Anna will forgive us."

The sun was setting on the horizon. Kaname, Gin, and Anna were watching it fall down with him.

Their afternoon had been spent discussing their plans. According to the lab results, Makoto's theory was plausible, and if they took a small piece of his soul along with Leia's then the Hogyoku would be stabilized, after that, they could test how strong the prototype was.

When the meeting concluded Anna made them tea and they all decided to put official matters to rest.

"I always get sad during sunsets. I don't know why." Anna said as she passed Gin more rice crackers.

"Perhaps it's because the warm light leaves, the moonlight is soothing but cold." Kaname told her.

"You two are always so dramatic, it's just sunlight." Gin grumbled before taking a bite of the cracker.

Anna just let him rest his head on her shoulder. She petted Gin's hair as she spoke. "It may seem that way sweetie, but trust me, it's the little details what you'll remember when you no longer have them."

Sosuke was glad all his allies were getting along. Kaname and Gin didn't interact much but they seemed to get along well despite their opposite personalities. Anna all but adopted him and was fond of the young boy, and he didn't seem to mind the attention.

He took a sip of the warm tea as the sun was completely hidden. Only the wind and the crickets could be heard.

'This is nice.' Sitting outside, silently staring at nature was a pleasant way to spend their evenings after work.

He knew it wouldn't last, not for now, they had a mission to complete. Still, for the briefest of moments, he wished it could always be this way. No plans, no battles, just a normal life like any other shinigami.

'You could do it. Let it all go and stay here with them. No one would blame you. Hana won't blame you.' Kyoka Suigetsu's voice echoed in his head. He brushed her aside.

'I would blame myself. No one else can take him down, no one has the mind or the power. If I don't do it, he remains high up on his throne while Rukon rots away, while the massacres keep on happening and while those who speak against it are turned to ash.

It does not matter what I want. It only matters that I act, that her work does not go to waste.'

That brought an end to his conversation with Kyoka. He looked at the sky. The stars had come out now and from the position of the moon, he could tell it was time.

"Let's go. Everyone's waiting."

The temple was dark, illuminated only by the moon. Compared to the endless string of preparations back at the mansion, all they had was the altar and some scattered petals, but it was more than enough for her.

Hachigen and Kaname were talking to Gin, Shizuka was fighting with the camera while Asami laughed at her, Makoto and Leia had just arrived and for some reason, a black cat also arrived at the temple.

"Are you lost kitten? Do you want food?" Anna bent down and pet the cat, who purred in response.

"I wouldn't be opposed to it."

She almost screamed when the cat spoke to her, but gazing deeper into its eyes she knew why that happened

"Yoruichi-san?"

"Hello. I hope your offer still stands."

Anna smiled sadly. "Of course."

Now that everyone had arrived they got ready for the ceremony. Leia was dressed in her Miko kimono and ready to perform the ceremony.

"Places everybody! We'll be starting now!" she called.

Anna couldn't stop smiling. The kimono Szayel got her was perfect, it was made of white silk and it looks was mostly traditional yet instead of red linings it had pale blue ones.

Sosuke's kimono was black with the usual white obi, but what caught her attention was the fact that he was blushing slightly.

They held hands as Leia recited the words and then drank the nine sips of sake necessary to complete the ceremony.

"You are now husband and wife. You may share a kiss."

Anna wasn't expecting Sosuke to pull her by the waist and dip her into a soft yet passionate kiss.

"Somebody's eager." she joked.

"You know I like to show off," he answered.

"Alright, you two save something for the wedding night," Leia told them.

The couple laughed and hugged their friend. She returned the gesture and whispered to them. 'Makoto and I will meet you on the second floor for the soul process.'

Once everyone was distracted with the banquet the group snuck out to the temple's second floor.

"Are you sure?" Sosuke asked them. "We don't know what the effects of the procedure may be."

"When I was beaten and almost raped it was Anna-chan who took out the man who did it. You two are working to help Rukon. I'm all for helping you."

"Leia's right. You two kiddos are the only ones in my two centuries here that are trying to help us. I'm willing to help as well. I don't mind the costs."

Sosuke nodded. He took the Hogyoku out of his pocket and handed of to Anna. As he began the process.

He was nervous but did just as his mother had once taught him. This time he only took a small fragment of Makoto's soul.

"How do you feel?" he asked.

Makoto chuckled. "Sorta drunk. Otherwise, I'm fine."

Upon placing the Soul fragment inside the Hogyoku he noticed the orb's color changed from dark purple to purple.

"I think it's working," Leia said. "My turn."

He repeated the process, as expected Leia was unharmed but felt sleepy. The new soul fragment made the Hogyoku turn light purple.

"You were right. It worked perfectly. Thank you."

"You're welcome, kids. Now I think we'll go and crash back home. Don't have too much fun okay. We'll see ya soon."

When they went back downstairs everyone was waiting. The twins had saved them a plate of food for each.

"Where are Leia-san and Makoto-kun?"

"They headed home early."

"That's too bad. I was thinking we could take a group photo. Asami finally fixed this thing!" Shizuka grumbled as she fought with the camera.

"Alright, sweetie. Listen up everyone we're taking a group photo!"

Sosuke noticed Shizuka and Anna winking at each other as they set up the photo.

When everyone was in position Shizuka and Asami got ready to take the shot.

"Now!"

He didn't notice when Anna grinned and pulled him close for a kiss on the cheek. The rest of the group laughed as he blushed. From the bright flash, he could tell that Shizuka had taken the photo at last.

"Worth it!"

"You're all conspiring against me I swear." Sosuke chuckled.

It was almost midnight by the time they headed home. The house was just as the day they left it.

The old De La Rosa house had been well kept. Every so often she would come back to tidy it up. Still, Anna didn't imagine coming back to live here again.

Sosuke picked her up bridal style before walking in.

"We're home."

Shizuka knew that come morning all hell would break loose, but she didn't expect for it to not be against her or Asami.

The pair was hiding in the cabinet, it wasn't as ideal of a hiding place as it was when they were toddlers but it still worked. Their father had almost turned the mansion upside down looking for Anna, he likely knew she had left for good.

"How can you not know where she is?! You're her Captain!"

"Akito-sama I'm afraid she hasn't shown up to work today either. No one has seen her."

"And still that bastard is at his squad isn't he!? He took her, just arrest him!"

Shizuka bit her lip. 'He knows. Aizen-nii could be in danger.'

"There is no evidence of Sosuke Aizen taking her. The guard searched his apartment and squad barracks, plus he has plenty of alibi's that saw him yesterday night back at Squad 5."

"Kisuke is calmer than I thought he'd be," Asami whispered to his sister.

"Yes. I just hope they're not caught."

"Dad will break their ribs as he did with us."

Shizuka shuddered. "No Asa, he'll do more than that."

They pressed their ear against the wooden door. Trying to hear better.

"You better find her, and I want her alive."

Asami's hand was tightly wrapped against hers. Words weren't necessary. They both knew their sister was now as good as dead.

'One mistake, and we'll be next.'