DisclaimerI do not own Bleach, Wheel of Time, or any of the creations from the great minds of Tite Kubo and Robert Jordan. I am merely a humble fan, molding their ideas into creations of my own in hopes of entertaining others. While I do own my OC's and ideas, I'm not making any money off them. So please, enjoy the story, but don't sue me. XD


"Well, it's no wonder she doesn't know her own mind half the time;
you men snarl up a woman's wits so she can hardly think,
then you pretend you've done nothing at all.
The lot of you ought to have your ears boxed on general principle."

- Lini


Chapter 29 - Imaginary

The night Alindrah had scheduled for their meeting came at long last, much to Suiren's relief. Aside from Byakuya, it was all that had filled her mind in the past days. She had little doubt that both were the reason as to why those days moved by so slowly.

Byakuya had yet to give her an answer, despite their actions three days earlier. She had to keep her teeth clenched to keep from bringing it up again, and he certainly did not appear as though he would on his own. It was near enough to make her apoplexy. Instead, she tried to keep her focus on Alindrah and their meeting tonight. She was almost too apprehensive to sleep. Ukitake's two subordinates, of whose rank she was uncertain, provided her with a special tea that would aid her, just in case. With that she should have no trouble at all falling asleep.

Now, if only she could keep him from trying to talk her out of going. The man seemed fit to be tied with the idea of her going some place he had no hope of protecting her in. He actually demanded that she bring him with her, as if she could do such a thing! As it were, her ability in the tel'aran'rhiod was painfully small when compared to that of her first-sister. She knew only what Alindrah had taught her and was not precisely adept at that much. Of course, if she told him that, the man would likely force her to stay awake just to keep her from going.

Although he had been around less, Byakuya seemed to be taking his promise very seriously. When he was there, his efforts most certainly redoubled as he promised. However, those hours were not always spent guarding her, per se. He could be quite convincing about locating secluded spaces together; not that she let him take things as far as he'd like. For the most part, Ukitake seemed to go along with it; despite his orders to keep her in sight at all times. Kyōraku was a different story altogether.

The Kuchiki heir was as distant as ever if anyone else was around, save Captain Kyōraku. For some reason, he actually seemed to want the older man to know about them, which didn't sit well with her. It was embarrassing enough as is, so it practically singed her ears at the idea of Shunsui knowing where and when she could be found snuggling up to Byakuya. Perhaps another woman would have not minded being kissed while in the presence of a third party but Suiren was not that kind of woman! For that matter, Byakuya didn't seem to be that kind of man. So why was he so dead set on rubbing Shunsui's nose in it?

A small voice in her mind pointed out that it had not been so long ago that she had done much the same, specifically to snub a painted up trull who'd been trying to poach her man. 'That was an exception and a completely different situation. Nothing like this at all.' Or was it? That could very well be it, now that she put some thought to it. But why would Byakuya want to make Shunsui jealous? Aside from it not being his nature, the older man had never been a threat to him. Shunsui might have flirted but Suiren suspected it was more out of habit than actual attraction.

'Aside from which, the man may as well date back to the Breaking of the World,' she thought, though not without licking her lips. That age did not touch these people as it did humans was not unsettling, since it was much the same for Aes Sedai. It was that age barely so much as brushed them. Kyōraku looked to be about her true age, perhaps a little younger, and Byakuya looked of age with her now, so far as physical appearance counted. In truth, Byakuya was old enough to be her great-grand father! Maybe great-great-grandfather, at that. And Shunsui... Well, it was just not possible in her world, which made swallowing the enormous age difference quite difficult.

Then again, much of what she was forced to swallow was hard going down. She still did not know what effect bonding might have, if it even worked at all. Pausing to glance at Byakuya, she repressed a sigh. Even with his expression marred ever so slightly with what she was certain was frustration, the man was quite pretty. She found herself resisting the urge to reach up and brush the hair away from his eyes. Something of her thoughts must have crept through and revealed itself, for his look shifted from frustration to confusion and then into a tiny but pleased smirk in a matter of seconds.

Hastily clearing her throat and praying to the Light that she was not blushing like some calf-eyed girl, Suiren struggled to get back into the conversation. Before her mind had wandered, she had been assuring him –and not for the first time– of her safety. "Did I ever mention that both Aes Sedai and their Gaidin's dreams are protected?" She posed the question casually, carefully placing no emphasis at all but subtly raising the subject of bonding him. She also did not point out that while the Warder's dreams were protected automatically by the bond, an Aes Sedai had to create special wards to protect her own. If she mentioned that, he might learn that she had not warded her dreams once since arriving here.

Blinking was about as much reaction the man ever revealed but it was enough to tell of her success. It was on his mind now, but would he speak of it? Really, she wanted him thinking on anything but her upcoming visit to the Unseen World of Dreams. That subject could keep him occupied while she slept and perhaps she would finally have her answer upon waking.

"I do not think you have," he began slowly. "Are you implying that an Aes Sedai with a Warder is safer in this tel'aran'rhiod than one without?"

"An Aes Sedai with a Warder is always safer than one without," she replied simply. Let him chew on that. "Now, I can feel the tea Mistress Kiyone and Master Sentarō gave me beginning to take hold. Unless you allow me to lay down, I fear you will be forced to...hold me upright."

Her voice broke as she caught herself before saying that he would be forced to carry her to bed. It sounded all too much like a suggestion he would be rather pleased to hear. She cursed him in her head for the slip, and again for making her think of it as one. Once more for the blush that she knew colored her cheeks this time. 'Fool men and the fool thoughts they put into womens minds!' Pushing past him, she made her way to the bed, settling in before he could voice a complaint. He might argue against it but she highly doubted the man would actually pull her out of her blankets once she was in them. At least, she hoped he would not.

"Unless you plan on climbing in there with her, I don't think you're going to be able to change her mind, Bya-kun," Shunsui murmured, his words slurring together. He sounded like a man with a belly full of wine, to her.

For once, she found herself grateful to have Kyōraku in the room with them. He was helpful for keeping Byakuya off balance, now and then. The man was lounging as he usually did, calmly sipping warmed saké. The younger Captain bit off a sharp retort, but she was already drifting towards sleep. Whatever was in the tea they'd given her, it was quite potent. Her last thoughts were of the Kuchiki heir actually taking up Shunsui's suggestion, which made her want to giggle and blush at the same time. As sleep overtook her, she wasn't quite sure if she actually did or not.


oOoOoOoOo


The beautiful walled garden of her home in Maradon appeared around her the instant she slipped from her sleeping form and into the World of Dreams, as it was her default location of choice. Anytime she came into this world, she first appeared somewhere in her former home. The garden was fresh in her memory, for obvious reasons. Alindrah would be joining her soon. The thought of being reunited at last made her want to dance a merry jig. They had been apart too long. Or so it felt.

Glancing down she found herself wearing, of all things, the dancers garments Rangiku had gifted her with several days prior. With a startled gasp followed by a self-depreciating laugh, she watched them shift into a Saldaean dress with a neckline that went all the way up to her chin. It was made of a wool so thick, she could have rushed out into a blizzard and not felt the chill; suitable for the fierce winters of her homeland. Muttering to herself about the effects of men –one in particular– in the tel'aran'rhiod, she collected her thoughts. If she did not stop letting her mind flit all over the place, she might well find herself naked. Changing the wool to silk and lowering the neckline just a hair, she gave herself a brief nod of approval. It was not as though she was overly concerned with her appearance for the meeting, but she knew all too well the variance of clothing here. She had to set it firmly in her mind or it would change with every stray thought.

Satisfied with her outward appearance and certain it would stay, she began making her way deeper into the garden before remembering that thought alone would move her further and faster than her own two feet could. She had a habit of forgetting that. Smiling, she envisioned herself beside the small pond located in the center and the world shifted until she was there. For a moment, she scanned the area around her, eyes sweeping over the flowers and shrubbery; searching vainly for what she knew would not be there. It took her a second to realize just what, or rather who, she had been looking for.

"Goose-brained woman, just because the man appeared here once does not mean he will again."

"Talking to yourself, sister? I did not realize you had grown so lonely without my company."

Suiren nearly leapt out of her skin before she recognized the owner of that voice. All thoughts flew from her mind then, and all propriety with it. Spinning on her heel, she found herself face to face with Alindrah and immediately threw herself into the woman's arms. Aiel were not ones for such displays of emotion but judging by the equally fierce hug she was given in return, she thought her friend might make an exception this time. Just being able to see, to touch her friend and confirm that she was alive and well, was enough to make Suiren's heart burst with joy. Tension that had built up for days in both women released all at once in laughter and tears. She hadn't even realized she had been crying herself until Alindrah wiped away her tears with a tremulous smile of her own.

For a while, they said nothing at all, laughing and looking over one another for hurts and smiling when they found none. No obvious ones, at least. In reality, both women could have been broken and bloody in the waking world. Such things were easy to hide, here. Alindrah's eyes had faint circles beneath them but otherwise she seemed to be well. Thank the Light for that; if it was truly all that ailed her friend.

It was Alindrah who finally spoke, her eyes brightening with humor and eyeing the neckline of Suiren's dress. "I see you have been thinking of a man. Is that why you were talking to yourself?"

Suiren looked down to find that the neck of her dress had dropped so low that she wasn't far from coming right out of it! Blushing furiously, she tried to explain, but Alindrah just kept on going.

"Is it the one with raven hair and a regal face that's almost too pretty to belong to a man? The one who attacked the Spider? That must be him, your face is nearing the color of a kingspenny! I have seen his dreams once and I'll wager you would do more than just redden had you seen it. Let me just say, he was kissing more than your–"

"Alindrah!" Suiren yelped, purely scandalized. The other woman knew full well what she was doing and yet she had the gall to feign confusion.

"What? I always did say your hips were perfect for making babes; it's about time you found a suitable man for the job. From what I recall seeing, he found those hips much to his liking. I should be able to do a fine job of describing his to you as well, since he wasn't wearing a scrap of–"

"That is quite unnecessary," she managed to squeeze in before the woman could go on. Really, if a woman could die from blushing, Suiren was one foot in the grave.

"Oh? You have seen him bathing already?" Squinting at her friend, a wicked smile alit on Alindrah's face. "No, that's not it. Suiren sur Bashere, have you taken to the man's blankets?"

A sputter and a squeak was all Suiren managed for reply, both equally ignored. The blonde was already trying to fill her head with some rather lewd suggestions. She had forgotten how Aiel could be when it came to such things. Some of the woman's suggestions would have made an Ebou Dari tavern maid blush! Every last one of them made her want to crawl under the nearest rock. So great was her desire to hide, that she actually found herself blanketed by an oversized cloak, its cowl hiding her face entirely. It was then that her first-sister's salacious tirade finally tapered off, though the woman did not have to look so smug.

"Are you quite finished?" Suiren snapped, more embarrassed than angry. The cloak vanished as she spoke. "I'm fairly certain you did not arrange this meeting to discuss the...firmness...of his bottom!" She refused to repeat any of the other things Alindrah had said. She wasn't even sure she wanted to think them.

Still grinning and not quite ready to drop the subject yet, Alindrah could not resist adding a few more things. "Well, he does seem to suit you, sister. I prefer a man with a wider frame and more muscle but that is not to say your man is lacking. For such a slim man, he looks quite capable of holding his own."

Frustrated and hoping to give the blonde a taste of her own medicine, Suiren took a stab in the dark with her retort. "Am I to assume then, that you would be interested in catching Lieutenant Abarai in his skin?"

The startled look she received in turn was rather satisfying. Alindrah tightened the green shawl she wore around her shoulders and looked decidedly uncomfortable for a moment. But only a moment. Suiren's victory was short lived, as Alindrah's devious grin returned just as quickly as it had vanished.

"Perhaps I have already had the pleasure?"

Throwing up her hands, Suiren gave over. There was no winning with her sister. The woman was incorrigible. Clearing her throat, she tried once more to change the subject and this time was finally met with success.

"Be that as it may," she began, wondering idly if it were true or not. It would explain the boy's unusual behavior, which she had never been able to puzzle out. A conveniently timed mission had sent him away, denying her the chance to question him as she would have liked. "We have other, more pressing matters to attend to than standing here wasting time chattering like novices over men."

There was no telling how much time had passed in the waking world. A minute or two here could be hours there, or the other way around. It was for that reason Alindrah bowed her head in acquiescence. She knew clear reason when she saw it. For that matter, she never knew if she would awake to find Gin's sickening smile hovering above her, since the man had a penchant for waking her whenever he decided to do more than just warm the bed. That reminder added a harder edge to her voice than she intended but she kept it there in her mind. Even here, she knew she was not safe and she could not afford to forget it.

"Moghedien walks the World of Dreams, sister. It is not safe here."

"The tel'aran'rhiod rarely is," Suiren replied dryly. It was difficult to forget how many times she had heard Alindrah say that, throughout her teachings. The World of Dreams was always dangerous, even to a skilled Dream Walker like her sister, who never once let her forget it. It was drummed into her head as firmly as it ever was, but the reminder that things darker than nightmares roamed freely did twist her stomach a bit. Her sister's tone did not help ease that discomfort, either.

"You must be on your guard," Alindrah began haltingly, finding herself at an unexpected mental wall. She had meant to warn Suiren of something involving the Shadowsouled, Moghedien, but she couldn't seem to remember what it was now. The harder she tried to recall, the further away it seemed to get until she could not remember what she had said before. Giving herself a shake, she went on in a different vein.

"As handsome as your guardian may be, you must remember to keep him at arms length. The men of this realm are dangerous."

Where had that come from? It was true. The men she had encountered, save Renji, had all proven to be quite vile. But why would she say such a thing about Suiren's man? She knew nothing of him, truly. Gin had once suggested that whomever held Suiren's leash would take the same advantages as he was, but if Suiren was tied to the raven-haired man whom she was obviously fond of, it was likely not the case. Her sister's judgement of him alone should have been enough to quell any doubts she held. Something was not right with her mind today; all of her thoughts seemed shrouded in a thick fog. It was beginning to make her head ache.

"I will keep that in mind... Are you alright, Alindrah?" Suiren's head angled to the side, searching her first-sister's face for answers. She took the other woman's silence for one, ushering her to sit on the stone bench beside the water. "Something is amiss. Tell me, sister, what have they done to you?"She reached over to hold the other woman's head in her hands, to delve her for ailments, but was brushed away.

"I am fine, sister. All that ails me is a lack of true sleep."

While she did not particularly agree, Suiren's hands fell. The chance of getting an accurate reading while delving someone in the Dream World was slim, in any case. Alindrah promptly went on to give her news of their enemy, describing the strange white desert castle and the denizens of that plane. They sounded worse than trollocs, to Suiren. More on par with a Myrddraal, as these Arrancar seemed to have both cunning and battle prowess of their own. Like the shinigami here, they moved at an impossible speed and worse still, they fed on souls; stealing them from the living or robbing them in death. Perhaps that was better than the trollocs manner of literally feasting on humans, live or dead, but not by much.

It dawned on her then, why Moghedien had wanted to trade them off; two Aes Sedai for two Arrancar. The Dark One accounted it quite the bargain, no doubt. With those two demonic creatures in his control, the Dark One could tear her world asunder. His own twisted creations were bad enough but at least they could be fought off by men or the One Power. These Arrancar creatures had skin stronger than steel, according to Alindrah. The swords of men would bounce right off of them, if they did not simply shatter on contact. If they had warning, the Aes Sedai in the White Tower might stand a chance against one, but if not... Suiren could not repress a shudder. More was at stake here than her life, or her sister's. Moghedien's return to their world would likely herald Tarmon Gai'don, Dragon reborn or no!

She was still no closer to learning what their presence in this world would bring about, but she could not imagine this Aizen fellow using them for more wholesome ends. Not if he was tied in with the Dark One. "We've got to learn more," she muttered, half to herself.

"Have you questioned the Shadowrunner again?" Alindrah asked, picking up on her softly spoken words. "With the proper encouragement, I've no doubt you could make Ariam sing prettily for you."

Alindrah's grin was present again but it had an altogether different twist to it. Because Aiel were so difficult to break, or even interrogate, they acquired special skills for the purpose of doing just that. They had to, if they ever expected an enemy to so much as as crack his teeth when captured. Suiren had a feeling that merely the idea of her sister being allowed in the same room as Ariam, alone, would be enough to make the woman start babbling. She found herself wishing she really could hand the traitorous wretch over to Alindrah. It might not be as satisfying as doing it herself but it would be much more effective. Then again, knowing Alindrah, it could well be both.

"I have not yet. They have denied my requests to do so."

It galled that she had to ask for permission at all. Being forbidden only salted the wound. From what she could tell, the Captain-Commander either did not want her to be as well informed as they were, or he simply did not trust her alone with the captive. Perhaps it was both. She did not place the blame entirely at any of her current guardian's feet for keeping her away, but they were still culpable for following the orders they were given. Those that would bar her access to the traitor, or withhold information on her sister's whereabouts, at least. Now she knew where to find Alindrah, without their help. It was only a matter of getting there to retrieve her.

They must put a stop to Moghedien's plans as well. She could not be allowed to bring those monsters back into their world to hasten its destruction.

"Suiren Bashere?"

"Yes?"

"I do not know how to say this, for I hardly understand it myself, but...I am no longer alive."

Her mind reeling, Suiren stared at the blonde as though poleaxed. No longer alive? What could she possibly mean? If she were dead, she would not be here. Did she mean...?

"Burn my bones to ash! Have you become one of these...shinigami? Have they made you into a god?"

Nodding somberly, Alindrah's eyes drifted downwards to rest at her feet. In relaying the story of her rebirth, she grew increasingly withdrawn; Suiren could certainly see why. It was amazing and frightening all at once. Terrifying, really. She doubted she could survive such a thing, herself. Not with her mind in tact. The knowledge was so stunning, it left her completely speechless. With one hand covering her mouth, she stared wide-eyed at her first-sister throughout the telling. Never before had she seen Alindrah so shaken. The woman was stronger than steel and about as stubborn as it too. To see so much as a tiny crack in that strength made tendrils of fear coil around her belly. Even after Alindrah finished speaking, Suiren had difficulty finding her tongue.

"Do not look at me as though you think I have been taken by the Dragon! I–," Alindrah bit down on her lip suddenly. Her own words had reminded her again of the creature that claimed to reside within her soul and now within her blade. Perhaps she was taken by the Dragon, after all. "I speak the truth," she finished sullenly.

"I believe you, sister. The Light preserve our souls; I believe you."


oOoOoOoOo


Suiren was reluctant to part ways, when the time came. They had been apart so long, it seemed. Much had been endured, in that short time. Alindrah had been through more than any normal woman could handle. Yet even with the strength of her people to harden her, Suiren was concerned the woman had reached her limit. There was a dark cast to her eyes that flickered when Suiren inquired about her sul'dam. A glimmer of what looked all too much like fear. As much as she despised using that word, sul'dam, speaking it in the Old Tongue took a little of the sting out of admitting they were no more than collared dogs waiting at the end of their master's leash.

The man who served as Alindrah's leash-holder was called Gin Ichimaru, she learned. That was as much as she managed to squeeze out. Her sister said nothing ill of him, yet her eyes suggested something else entirely. The fact that she seemed so reluctant to speak of the man set Suiren's mind wandering. She considered the possibility that it was Moghedien eavesdropping Alindrah feared but that did not fit. Aiel feared nothing. Alindrah may have been long from home but she was still Aiel. That couldn't have really been fear in her eyes, could it? Still gnawing her lip in contemplation, Suiren jumped when her friend laid a hand on her shoulder.

"I must go now, sister. It is not safe but I will try to return to this place one week from now. Return on that night, if you are able."

Nodding, Suiren returned the gesture, grasping Alindrah's shoulder affectionately. Tears welled in her eyes again but she did not try to fight them. There were no secrets between first-sisters. No need for her to bottle up her emotions around the one woman she trusted completely.

"I will be here, sister. I swear it upon my hope of salvation and rebirth!"

Alindrah offered her a weak smile before giving her a parting piece of advice. "I do not know the whole of it, but I have heard of a man from these realms... His name is Sōsuke. Some say he is the god-king but he appears in the body of a man. Just like the rest of these so-called gods. Seek out this man, if you can. Perhaps he will aid us in our time of need."

That simple statement made Suiren feel as though she'd had the wind forced right out of her lungs. Sōsuke. Could this be the same man from her dream? She reached out to her friend to question her, only to find herself alone once more; her hand hanging in the air. Air that shimmered, flickering inexplicably. 'Light, not this again.' Refusing to allow herself to become caught up a second time, Suiren closed her eyes and hastily willed herself to leave this place. Seconds drifted by yet she felt nothing. No subtle shift from Dreaming to waking, or even to true sleep. Before she opened her eyes again, she knew that she would still be in the World of Dreams.

Her gut feeling proved to be accurate. While she may not recognize the rolling hills and forested land that now surrounded her, she knew she had not left the tel'aran'rhiod. Uncertainty tugged at her heart, masking the trill of excitement that she felt. Not being able to leave of her own free will was cause for concern. Particularly since the last time this happened, she had to be woken forcibly. That did not stop her mind from leaping at the possibility of seeing that man again. If she could not ask Alindrah, she could always ask him for the answer. Was this Sōsuke really a god? The God, at that. In a realm filled with gods, what had distinguished him from the rest to be considered so highly? To be called their king?

Torn between needing to leave and wanting to stay, Suiren fidgeted in place, scanning the area fervently. If this really was the same as before, any moment now, he would appear. She just knew it.

In the distance, a howl ripped through the silence of the night, shattering the peace it previously held. It held such an unearthly quality to it, she shivered. It sounded like the wails of a thousand tortured souls, screaming into oblivion. Not far from the direction the noise originated, another terrifying roar filled the air. Then another. And another. The cacophony of howls made her think of a horde of trollocs descending upon their prey. Wherever she was now, there would be no surprise visit from a handsome stranger. Whatever created those sounds was not friendly; standing here frozen in fear as she was would only mean death.

Suiren did what any sensible woman would do, Aes Sedai or not. If she couldn't will herself away, she could certainly carry herself away. Lifting her skirts, she turned and ran the only direction that had remained silent. It was foolish to assume that the path she chose would be a safer one, but at this point she could not help but see it as the most logical choice, given her options. As she ran, a flurry of haunting whispers echoed through the woods along side her. Unseen hands reached out; brushing against her, tugging at her clothes, her hair. The cries that had her fleeing in the first place never grew any dimmer. If anything, they grew louder, as if coming closer. Panting from a blend of exhaustion and unease, Suiren pushed herself to run faster.

No excitement or anticipation remained in her mind. Only fear. She knew what this was, now. Alindrah had oft warned her of the possibility but she had never once witnessed such a thing. Somehow, she'd stepped into a nightmare. The trick to getting free of one was to set your surroundings and environment firmly in your mind. To literally will the nightmare away, much like you could everything else here. That sounded simple enough, yet raw fear made it difficult to tell yourself what you saw and felt wasn't real. It was not and yet it was. If she failed, then she could very well die here. She had the power to make it disappear, she knew that as surely as she knew her own name. She was trying. Light, she was trying. So why was nothing changing?

The ground to her left shook, groaning from the weight of a creature the shadows and trees kept hidden. That bone-chilling howl came again, so close. Limbs and leaves fell all around her, blocking her path. Her feet skidded to a halt, narrowly avoiding being buried beneath a massive branch. Again she tried and again she failed to will herself away from this place. So, this was it. There was no where to go, now. When that next mournful wail exploded through the forest, she wailed right along with it. It wouldn't do her a lick of good to cry for help but that did not stop her tongue from speaking his name.

"Sōsuke!"

If it were possible, she would will Byakuya here now to shield her from whatever creatures lurked in the shadows. Because it was not, her mind leaned towards the one man who had appeared in the World of Dreams once before. In sheer desperation, she cried out to him for help. Even that was difficult to do. Few women were eager to let a man realize they needed him, particularly those that were Aes Sedai.

"If you can hear me, please...I... Oh, for the love of Light, help!"

Whether or not he appeared, she had to make a stand here. If she could not will these creatures away, she had to fight them off somehow. The Light only knew how she'd succeed at that, but blood-be-damned if she wasn't going to try. Splitting off multiple flows of fire and air to craft a byzantine weave, she stood ready for an attack. Now, if only she could actually see what she was supposed to hit. If she struck out blindly, she'd burn the entire forest down and herself right along with it.

When the very man she'd been calling for stepped out of the thin air before her moments later, she nearly fainted. That was after she nearly let lose the weave on him, catching herself before the flames sprang to life in her hands. Just as handsome as she remembered him, he appeared perplexed; completely oblivious to the danger that surrounded them. Despite his confusion, the joy and sheer relief in her voice when she spoke next rang clear as a bell. He'd heard her pathetic pleas and he had come.

"Sōsuke, thank the Light!"

His head turned towards her, as if noticing her for the first time. The puzzlement on that comely face deepened. He did not recognize her. Foolish as she knew it was, she was stung by that. It had been a dream, but obviously one he knew nothing about. Perhaps that was just as well. She'd never wanted to give her heart to him, as the dream foretold, but Light if he wasn't a sight for sore eyes.

"You are the one who called to me," he said. "How do you know who I am? Or do you?"

"I dreamed of you once," she said hastily. "I will explain, later. First, we need to be away from here and quickly. These woods are teeming with–"

A deafening roar blasted away what remained of her words and made her flinch. Sōsuke didn't even blink. In one smooth motion, he drew the sword at his side from its sheath and held the blade out in front of him.

"Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu."

From her observations and teachings, Suiren recognized his words to be the release command and name of Sōsuke's zanpakutō. Yet, the release command usually was visibly demonstrated, from what she had seen. With Byakuya, his blade would glow brightly before scattering into hundreds of pink, petal-like blades at the mere utterance of "Scatter". The beautiful sight never failed to make her breath catch. The man had a habit of doing that to her, making her breath catch. However, when Sōsuke released the power of his sword, nothing happened. At least, nothing that she could see. Could it be that she was mistaken?

Opening her mouth to inquire, Suiren's question shifted into a sharp gasp when two enormous creatures with unusual white masks burst into her field of vision. The giants appeared to be viciously attacking one another, biting and clawing mercilessly. Neither so much as glanced in their direction. All around, the sounds of fighting began to erupt, one monster trying to kill another.

"You said you dreamed of me?"

Daring to take her eyes off of the chaotic battle, Suiren turned to find him standing calmly with the tiniest of smiles gracing his features. 'Such pulchritude should not be possible in a man,' she thought with an inward sigh. 'Then again, he is no ordinary man.' The Light preserve her. Between Byakuya and Sōsuke, she might never be able to find her tongue again. Aes Sedai were not supposed to moon over anyone, but could she really be faulted for admiring what appeared to be a perfect creation? 'Yes, you wool-headed ninny! Now breathe before you really do faint!'

"Yes," she finally managed. "We can speak of it at length if you wish, once we are safely away from these...monsters."

How could he stand so calm amidst this storm of madness? Did the man know no fear? If he was truly the god-king of this realm, as Alindrah had suggested, then perhaps he did not. He'd even sheathed his sword again, as if he expected no further threat. Yet even as she stood baffled by his behavior, a stray monster came charging straight at the pair of them. Suiren called out in alarm, bringing into creation the weaves she'd prepared earlier and hurling them towards the demonic creature with every ounce of strength she could muster.

Engulfed in flames, the monster flailed wildly for a moment; its agonized cries taking on a more frantic pitch. Seconds later, the creature simply dissolved before her very eyes. Still digesting the shock, she failed to react in time to stop another creature from crashing down on their heads. Fortunately, Sōsuke remained unfazed and in complete control, merely raising one hand up to block a monster ten-times his own size. That he succeeded was enough to dry her mouth. That he also destroyed the creature in that same moment, with no visible effort, had her legs buckling.

As she struck the ground, a tiny voice from the only remaining portion of sanity in her mind castigated her for her own ineptitude. 'The Green is the Battle Ajah, yet you ran like a coward. When you could no longer run, you cried for help like a defenseless babe. When the Light saw fit to bless you with a savior, you could not even stand you were so awe-struck with his power. Have you forgotten your own power? Have you forgotten who and what you are? Worthless child!'

From above, Suiren could see her own reflection in the coffee-colored eyes that gazed down at her so kindly. She saw her own eyes shift dramatically; from wide and round to flat and cold. She was Suiren sur Bashere, Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah and she would not sit here and cower. Not for a monster. Not for a man; god or king. Ignoring Sōsuke's extended hand, she pushed herself up and gazed at him as any Aes Sedai would a king. High, but not so high as they. That look was not lost upon him, either. The warmth in his eyes dimmed for a moment, as if taking on a chill. It was such a rapid change, one that quickly reverted back, that she nearly doubted it had even happened. Whatever his feelings were, he kept them masked.

"Do not be afraid; you can trust me. Tell me, what is your name, child?"

At first, she nodded, something in her mind telling her that he was indeed worthy of her trust. His voice still held that same, soothing timbre as it always had, lulling her for just a moment. However, being addressed so disrespectfully put Suiren's teeth right back on edge in a matter of seconds. She would not forget who or what she was again.

"My name is Suiren sur Bashere Aes Sedai, and I–,"

He was gone. The forest was gone. There was only the blackness of the tel'aran'rhiod surrounding her. Suiren gaped at that until she realized what she was doing. Snapping her mouth shut, she repeated the same mental and physical instructions as she had earlier. It was just to test them, really, but this time she prayed they worked as they were meant to. And work they did, thank the Light. When she opened her eyes, she was awake and back in her room in Ukitake's manor. The sound of Shunsui's playful teasing of Byakuya reached her ears and she found herself sighing in relief. Their silly bickering ended with that ragged exhalation, both men turning to look in her direction.

"Back so soon, Yuri-chan?"

"Suiren, is everything alright? You only laid down a moment ago."

Eyes still heavy from the sleeping tonic she'd been given, Suiren did her best to offer them a reassuring nod before drifting off into real sleep.


oOoOoOoOo


Sitting up and opening his eyes, Aizen cast his gaze in Moghedien's direction but said nothing. He did not need to speak. That look alone would loosen her tongue, and it did.

"I– I do not know what happened. Her will strengthened suddenly and allowed her to force past my barriers. I do not know the cause. She should not have been able to do that. The woman can barely control her own clothing in the tel'aran'rhiod, much less her surroundings."

Shifting that stare to his right, he received an amused shrug from his subordinate. Gin had been lounging there throughout the mission, his pet's head resting on his lap while the rest of her covered the length of the couch. She still slept, obviously, or she would not be lying so peacefully. Little about that woman was peaceful. Still, she served her purpose.

The Spider had lifted much of the Compulsion from the girl's mind at his command. It would have done them no good if the woman was not herself when she met with Suiren. Of course, her mind was not released in its entirety. What remained was subtle, such a light threading of Compulsion that the girl did not even realize it was there. It prompted her to stay away from certain subjects or speak certain things she would not have said otherwise while allowing her to still appear normal. By the time she awoke, the last vestiges of those weaves would have worn off, according to Moghedien. She would never be aware of their existence.

It was clear to him that Gin much preferred this method over the former. He could understand why. There was little entertainment or challenge in manipulating a mindless puppet.

His own manipulation of Suiren had begun days ago, in that first "dream" but had been significantly solidified tonight. Despite being cut short, he'd still manged to accomplish some of his goals. She knew he was real, now. She also believed him to be the one true god of the two worlds of souls. The king. And now, she was indebted to him for "saving" her. More importantly, she'd witnessed the release of his Kyōka Suigetsu. That had been their primary goal tonight. That, and a light brush of Compulsion Moghedien placed on Suiren. One that would always remain, once it took hold. One that would make Suiren trust him even if she knew she should not. Moghedien said she'd have to want to trust him, for it to work. It was different from the other forms of Compulsion she'd displayed. If Suiren wanted to trust him, that weave would make it so from now on. After tonight, it was obvious that was what she wanted, even with her abrupt departure.

All other goals, save those two, were minor by comparison as far as tonight's mission was concerned. There was no need to tell Moghedien that, though. The woman shifted between cowering and standing defiant enough as is.

"Leave us," he said quietly, not bothering to look in her direction.

The quick shuffle of feet that followed his command made him smile, though not for her obedience. The woman really did skitter like the spider she was named for.

Gin had begun idly stroking Alindrah's hair, grinning all the while. Perhaps a stranger would have mistaken his actions for that of affection, but Aizen knew him better than that. There wasn't an affectionate bone in the man's slender body. That smile he wore was ever-present and said nothing about what lurked within the man's mind. He was petting the girl to wake her, then to infuriate her once she realized he was treating her much as one would their favorite mutt. It worked like a charm.

Eyes fluttering open, she appeared confused and disoriented at first. Then she sat bolt-upright, pushing herself away from Gin as quickly as she could manage.

"Why have you brought me here, Shadowfox? Why am I not in my blankets?"

"Hmm?" Gin cocked his head as he replied, managing to put on quite a convincing expression of innocence. "I jes' didn' feel like leavin' ya all by yer lonesome. After what happen'd th' las' time I left ya alone, ya'd think ya'd be a li'l more grateful, ne?"

"Save your lies for someone foolish enough to believe them, da'stang."

Aizen nearly chuckled aloud at the pair. Particularly when the woman's body jerked from invisible blows felt through the collar surrounding her throat. That invention was a true marvel. It was a real pity that it could only be used on women with their abilities. Aes Sedai. He would have enjoyed snapping an a'dam around the necks of several members of the Gotei Thirteen.

"Now yer jes' bein' ugly, Kicho-han. An' jes' when I was thinkin' about givin' ya a treat fer bein' such a good girl."

Brows furrowing, the tall woman's expression shifted from pained disgust to confusion. "What under the Light are you talking about, Shadowfox?"

Placing thin, reedy fingers over his mouth, Gin tittered softly. It made those furrows deepen and a scowl slash across her face, which only prompted more laughter. "Ya know what? I think I still might give ya tha' treat. If 's alright with ya, Captain Aizen."

Those heavily lidded eyes slid back to face Sōsuke, laughter all but dancing in them. A malicious, cruel laughter. The look reminded him of the night they'd first met, when Gin was practically a child. How he'd smiled and laughed while taking the life and then the seat of one of their fellow squad members. He knew then that Gin Ichimaru would serve him until his dying breath, his usefulness outlasting all others.

"Of course, Gin. The arrangements have already been made."

"Arrangements? What is he talking about, Gi– Shadowfox?"

A slip-up. Such a rare thing, with this woman. As rare as the uncertainty that flickered in her eyes and the flecks of fear that joined it. The last "treat" she'd been given was one she had not wanted, although she should have been grateful to him for being allowed such a thing. In time, she would come to understand. Just as she would come to obey him without balking. He and Gin both were taking great pleasure in breaking her; it delighted them to see progress.

When she'd first been released from the weave of Compulsion – the weave she knew about, at least – she had actually looked to Ichimaru for help. Briefly, but long enough for Aizen to catch it. Gin later reported to him of the emotions that had been rushing through the girl at that moment, all of which confirmed their suspicions. Alindrah's iron-clad resolve and seki-seki strength defiance were beginning to crumble. Given her conditions, that should have happened already, but she was an exception. There was little ordinary about this former human. It hardly surprised him that progress had been slow. He was curious to see just how her new "treat" would affect her.

"Take Ulquiorra with you, Gin."

There was no need to explain why. Both men were well aware of the fourth Espada's abilities to record and replay anything he saw. That would provide him with some amusement upon their return, allowing him to witness what transpired without being there himself. Yes, it would be most entertaining.

As his subordinate led away the sputtering savage, Aizen sipped his tea and smiled. He was going to enjoy watching things play out.


A/N: Well hello there strangers! :) A thousand apologies for keeping everyone waiting for an update for over half a year. And a thousand thanks to those of you who kept sending me PM's and the like to get my ass into gear. You are the reason I did. Thanks ya'll. I hope everyone enjoyed this installment.

WannaBe (LadyLuck) has chapter 30 in her inbox, awaiting her proofreading, so in the least, you won't be waiting another nine months for the next chapter.

As for my reasons for not writing this story in months, well, let's just say some people's attempt to "help" only made me want to stop writing. I'm always up for tips and suggestions to improve my abilities, but one thing I never want to hear is how anyone else wants me to write future chapters of this story. It's my story and my ideas. I don't want any ideas other than my own polluting it, save for the two men who's work I've based this tale on.

One person's "suggestion" actually was something I'd planned on including in a future chapter. But, because they "suggested" it, it felt like if I actually wrote it they would only think I was taking their idea and that it was never my own. I got frustrated and then sick of writing this story as a result. I shifted all my attention to writing another FF, Twist of Fate, and my own book. If I hadn't been receiving a steady trickle of PM's or reviews bugging me to write this story again, I probably would still be ignoring it.

Bottom line, I'm glad people like the story, but leave the future of it up to me. I already know how I want things to play out.


Lagniappe (lan-YAP):

Lews Therin Telamon, Lord of the Morning, Prince of the Dawn, The Dragon, Kinslayer -

One of my readers (Rosenroten) made a good point to me a while back that I should have been a little more clear when describing the Breaking of the World for those non-WoT readers. So, allow me to clarify a few points on the one who started it all.

Lews Therin is the man who began the destruction that would later be referred to as the Breaking, but he was not an insane or evil man in the beginning. He was a hero. His great and vast accomplishments are what earned him the honor of a third name, his being Telamon.

The Dark One, in his fury at being sealed away – by the hand of Lews Therin and his Hundred Companions (other men/soldiers who could channel) – lashed out as the seal was put in place, placing a taint on the male half of the One Power, sadin. (The female half being saidar) The only men spared from this are those among the Chosen. They have the protection of the Dark One.

This taint is what caused all male channelers to be gripped with an incurable madness, though for Lews Therin and the surviving members of the Hundred Companions, the effect was instant. Lews Therin was most notable of those men, as he was the most powerful man of his time. In his madness, he destroyed everyone and everything he ever cared about. His wife. His children. Everyone. It is why he came to be known as Kinslayer.

To add one final stroke of cruelty, the Forsaken known as Ishamael came to Lews Therin as he aimlessly wandered the rubble of what remained of his home, calling out for a wife who lay dead at his feet. Ishamael Healed him just enough to grant Lews Therin a moment of clarity. A moment to realize that his precious Ilyena was dead, because of him. That his world was in ruins, by his own hand. That the only man who'd ever rivaled him in strength of the Power now stood over him as the victor. Now knowing these things, Lews Therin drew into himself more of the Power than he could hold, using it to obliterate himself and the land around him for miles on end. The area where he stood became the massive mountain known as Dragonmount.

The remaining Hundred Companions continued to destroy at random, until they killed themselves or were killed/gentled. The same was said for those men who could channel but were not responsible for sealing the Dark One away. Their insanity came on gradually, but it came all the same. In the end, male channelers were hunted down and severed from the Source (gentled) to prevent them from wreaking further havoc on an already destroyed world. That practice continues to the present day, nearly three-thousand years after the Breaking. (present day being based on Suiren and Alindrah's timeline)

It is said that Lews Therin will be reborn on the slopes of Dragonmount when the Dark One threatens the world again, to win Tarmon Gai'don, the Last Battle. If the Dragon is not reborn to save them, their world will perish.

Taken by the Dragon - A way of saying someone has gone mad; crazy

Ishamael - Formerly Elan Morin Tedronai, he was a great philosopher and theologian during his time, his talent and benefits to society earning him the coveted third name. He was the only man in the Age of Legends to be considered an equal to Lews Therin, in strength of the One Power.

When his study of the Dark One revealed a continuous cycle of good versus evil that would continue until the Wheel was stopped by the Dark One winning, he found it to be most logical to join the winning side. In his opinion, that was the side of the Dark. He became the first of the Chosen, and was the most powerful of them.

He announced his decision publicly, declaring the Light was sure to fail. It was the masses that then named him Ishamael, the Betrayer of Hope. He was also called the Soul of the Shadow, going on to become the Dark One's leading general during the War of Power and eventually, Nae'blis, the Dark One's second in command. (A position highly coveted and fought over by all the Chosen)

Like the other Chosen, he was sealed into the Bore with the Dark One at the end of the War of Power. However, it is believed he was only partially sealed away. This allowed him to periodically step into the world once more, which is likely why he was able to torment Lews Therin even after being defeated by him.