Cold. It was a frigid burn against his skin, like he had been dropped into an iced over lake in the middle of December. His blood felt thick in his veins, sluggish as it moved through his body, back to the rapid pulsing in his chest. His heart hurt, pressing against his ribs to the point of bursting. Cold, clammy sweat trickled down his furrowed brow and down the back of his neck, making him groan in discomfort. Once vibrant violet eyes slitted open just a crack to view the area around him. Darkness met his weakened vision, blurred by sweat and unconsciousness. He tried to move his hands, to wipe away the milky substance clouding his eyes, only to groan at the rope that burned his wrists that rested uncomfortably behind his back. Blinking, he managed to finally clear his sight, his eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness that surrounded him. His tongue felt like cotton in his mouth as he swallowed, thick, sticky blood sliding down the back of his throat, the metallic taste making his stomach churn violently.
What the hell happened?
Haunting gold on black eyes flashed through the fog of his mind, pale lips parting in a coy smirk to reveal dripping razor sharp fangs. Just picturing those sharp teeth made the scarred over mark on his neck burn. Biting into his lip, he let out a slight whimper of pain, just before his stomach gave a violent lurch. Coughing, he painted the linoleum under his feet red with blood. At that moment, a small kerosene lamp flickered to life on the counter-top just off to his side, making it easier to make out the layout of his kitchen. Violet eyes drifted to his lap, just able to make out the outline of the wooden chair he sat on, ankles tied to the sturdy legs.
The soft, almost ghostly sound of footsteps oozed out of the shadows behind him, making him turn his head to look over his shoulder. The windows had all been covered by thick black blankets, but he could still see the person coming towards him. Violet eyes bulged out of their sockets at the cool cyan that glowed back at him. Those eyes screamed for blood, his own falling to the other's mouth as a tongue swiped over elongated fangs.
"Took ya long enough ta wake up, ya damn rat." He shivered at the growling tone of Grimmjow's voice as it seeped into his skin. Tugging on his binds more fiercely, the rope dug deeper into his skin, and he felt the cool rivers of blood trickling down his hands and off his fingertips. "Scurrying around those sewers like a vile rodent suits ya, Luppi." Grimmjow snarled, leaning down towards the squirming raven head's ear. Immediately, the petite body froze, fingers flexing against their binds as he stared up at the blue haired devil.
"You won't get away with this." Luppi spat back, lip curling into a snarl of his own when smirk curled onto the bluenet's lips. Straightening to his full height, Grimmjow folded his arms over his chest.
"Oh, but I think we will..." Grimmjow murmured, circling around the chair to come to the front. Tilting his head back, Luppi stared wide eyed at the vampire. Sucking on his teeth, the bluenet glanced off to the side before suddenly dropping to his haunches. Resting an elbow on his bent knee, Grimmjow tapped long nails against his chin as he crooked a teal brow. A second later a maniacal grin twisted onto his lips, and he leaned closer, popping Luppi's personal bubble. "Ya see, when we're done with ya, there will be nothing left. No corpse or bones for them to identify." He crooned, cyan eyes sparkling with excitement.
Luppi couldn't look away from the blue fire that Grimmjow's eyes had become. He'd never seen the bluenet look so feral, anticipating something this much. He'd never liked the tank of the man, always unsure of his relationship with his beloved Shiro but now, a whole new level of hate burned through his body. How dare Grimmjow speak to him like that? He clearly had no idea who he was messing with.
"Shiro would never..." He whispered, voice cracking from the sandpaper his throat had become. His ivory god wouldn't let such harm come to him. Grimmjow's loud, barking laughter filled the kitchen, bringing Luppi from his thoughts. He didn't like the dark glint that formed on the bluenet's face as he glared up at the other.
"You think Shiro's going to protect you? Keep you alive after what you've done? Obviously you're still delusional." Grimmjow chuckled darkly, leaning down to press his thumb against the side of Luppi's neck, digging his thumb into the open, bleeding bite mark he found there. A pained grunt sounded from the small raven head as he grit his teeth, eyes screwed tightly shut. The ice in his blood pulsed in reaction, his heartbeat quickening. "Ya feel it don't ya? That burning cold licking at your body from the inside out? That's what a vampire's venom does when it's meant to kill." Grimmjow paused in his explanation to reveal in the frightened gasp that flew from dried, cracked lips. Violet eyes darted towards him, scanning his face as if trying to find the truth. Grin widening, he practically cooed, "And guess whose venom is currently coursing through your system from that lovely bite mark on your neck."
Luppi's heart sank into his stomach as he shook his head feverently, black hair whipping in front of his face. No, it was a lie! Shiro would never do such a thing to him! What they had was special, irreplaceable. "Shut up! He wouldn't do that!" Luppi practically screeched, violet eyes burning with malicious anger. How dare this beast of a man lie to him in such a way!
"Ah, see that's where you're wrong. I would, indeed, do such a thing."
Luppi's skin tingled dangerously at the watery voice that sounded from his side. Twisting his head around, he felt the bones crack with the force of the movement, as he turned towards the flickering lamp. Violet eyes widened when they spotted the body laying sprawled out over the top of the counter, back heaving gently with each breath. How had he not spotted that before?
Luppi's mouth fell open as the body moved, slowly lifting to sit properly on the stool. Black nails dug into the tile that covered the counter, scratching against the ceramic, and creating a sound that had Luppi wishing he could cover his ears. White hair gleamed silver from the orange glow of the flames, revealing the blue and purple highlights beneath. Blinking, Luppi lurched in his seat at the sight of vicious gold on black eyes, dripping with hate, anger, and some emotion akin to worry, although he had a feeling that that worry wasn't meant for him, but more for the orange haired menace that sat rotting in his cage. Biting back a growl of distaste, Luppi's gaze narrowed. Why couldn't Shirosaki see that Ichigo wasn't right for him? That it was for the best that the damned orange head had been taken away.
He was Aizen's now.
"Where is he, Luppi?" Shirosaki's cold demand had him smirking to himself. Like he'd ever give up that information. Ichigo was dead, that's all they needed to know.
"His corpse has probably been tossed down the sewer by now..." He taunted, violet eyes glittering with mirth and defiance. The next second, a strong hand fisted a good portion of his hair, tugging his head back, nearly ripping the strands from his scalp. Fierce, almost silvery blue eyes glared down at him, fangs bared as Grimmjow growled.
"Don't fuckin' lie ya bastard! We know he isn't dead. You'd be telling us exactly where he was if that was the case, gloating over your victory." Grimmjow spoke calmly, an all knowing smirk eating his face at the horrified look that marred the small raven head's face.
Quickly gaining his composure, Luppi snapped back, "I ain't telling you shit!"
"We don't need your consent, we have ways of making you comply." Shirosaki murmured, and Luppi flinched at the sound of the stool sliding against the floor as the vampire moved. Grimmjow shoved his head forward, releasing his hair, and Luppi watched with frightened eyes as Shirosaki flitted towards the closed door leading out into the hallway. Pale, black nailed fingers curled around the dull brass knob, slowly twisting it. The tense seconds seemed like hours as the door was slowly opened to reveal Ulquiorra standing in the darkened hallway, a large wicker basket in his arms.
Venomous pools of green locked with his as the vampire stepped into the room, setting the basket onto the edge of the counter. Luppi watched with bated breath as Ulquiorra tugged on a pair of thick leather gloves before removing the top to the basket. Reaching a hand inside, his eyes momentarily left the human's form to watch what he was doing. After a moment, his arms slowly lifted, a soft hiss filling the air. That sound had Luppi's insides churning, and he began struggling a second later at the black scaled snake that was curled around the vampire's hand. Ulquiorra paid his frightened whimpering no mind as his free hand darted out, fingers latching on to the back of the snake's head. The creature bared it's fangs with an angered hiss, those black beady eyes seeming to look directly at the struggling human.
"W-What is that t-thing!" Luppi exclaimed, shrinking back in his seat when Ulquiorra moved around the counter, bringing the snake closer.
"Egyptian Asp, from the very sands it's name derives from," Ulquiorra's monotonous voice filled the room as he leaned down, green eyes boring directly into Luppi's. The emerald glow seemed to pin him in place, making it impossible for him to move when the vampire rubbed the snakes silky scaled body against his cheek, keeping the mouth at a safe distance...for now. "It's deadly venomous, the poison working through your blood quick and quite painful. Added to the vampire venom already in your system, I'd give you about four minutes." Ulquiorra whispered, his voice taking on a hiss not much different from the snake in his grasp.
Luppi couldn't move or think, only able to feel that deadly creature so close to his skin. It spider-webbed fear through his body, taking hold of his heart until it nearly stilled. Breathing was proving to be rather difficult, his lungs screaming for sweet release that wouldn't come, no matter how many times he gasped for breath. This wasn't happening. It couldn't be! Shirosaki would never...
"Ichigo is very important to me Luppi, and I will do anything to make sure that he's safe. Don't think for even a second that I wouldn't resort to killing you." Shirosaki's cold, detached voice had him snapping back to consciousness, and he turned to stare at the vampire with a dejected look. Shirosaki stared back at him, those once lively gold on black eyes were cold and hard as they locked with his own. Tears prickled at the corners of his eyes, soon spilling over his ashen cheeks. His entire body felt sluggish, like it was slowly fading away, but that pain was just a small thought in the back of his mind compared to the heartache at knowing that his love still cared about that damned orange haired human.
"W-Why! Why must you love him, why can't you be happy with me!" Luppi screamed, eyes closed tight as fresh, hot tears spilled down his face and chin. There was a slight shuffle of movement as Ulquiorra stepped to the side to allow room for Shirosaki. The silver haired vampire threaded long fingers through the human's damp with sweat hair, gently tugging it back so that he could press his lips to the other's ear.
"Because he is everything you are not. You don't love me, you love the money I have, the power I possess. If I had neither, you wouldn't even bat an eyelash my way." He whispered, and he could feel the human trembling underneath his grip. Closing his eyes, Shirosaki inhaled a deep breath to calm his nerves before pulling back to look the mortal in the eyes. "Tell me where he is Luppi, or else I'll let the snake sink it's fangs into you." He hissed, fangs bared and glistening in the dim light.
Luppi stared up at the other through watery eyes, his breath coming out in shallow pants as he tried to piece his mind together. How could he make Shirosaki see that he had everything wrong, that they were meant to be together. He had thought getting rid of Ichigo would be enough, but that damn demon still held onto the vampire's long dead heart. Hate burned through his system, heating his blood, as an angry growled rumbled from his throat.
"He's as good as dead. Tousen's got his hands on him now, you'll never see him alive again!" He spat out, tugging on his binds with more force that before. His anger was giving his nearly paralyzed body new life, spilling fresh blood as the rope dug into his wrists. Shirosaki tsked as he leaned back, shaking his head. Releasing the human's hair, he turned, lacing his hands behind his back. His footsteps barely made a sound as he headed for the door, pausing with his hand on the doorknob. Gold eyes flashed back to violet, and Luppi's entire body froze at the eerie glow those eyes had taken on.
"Tell me." The vampire hissed, his voice taking on a distorted edge. The air around him seemed to pulsate, and Luppi's gaze drifted to the crimson red crystal hanging around Shirosaki's neck. It seemed to flicker with light, almost as if it were a heart beating. Violet eyes widened when his mouth opened, spewing out information he had sworn to keep secret.
"Northern tunnels, 2.5 miles from City Hall."
A sly smirk curled onto Shirosaki's lips, his eyes dimming back to their rusty gold color as he bowed his head, disappearing through the door. Luppi flinched as it closed with a defining click, as if it was the final key to his death sentence. Violet eyes darted between the two vampires still in the room as they came closer before falling onto the black snake getting dangerously close to his neck. Was this really it?
Shirosaki tucked his hands into the pockets of his slacks as he headed down the hallway towards the front. Behind him, he could hear the mortal's cries of pain, ragged screams that tingled in the air. Gold on black eyes darkened with determination as he pulled open the front door, stepping out into the night air. Glancing up at the moon, he felt hope for the first time in what felt like an eternity. He'd get Ichigo back, and he headed for his mansion to attain his blade and to wait for Ulquiorra and Grimmjow to dispose of the body.
'….Save him...'
Shirosaki jolted at the whispered voice that sounded inside his head, and he spun around to search the area. Where the hell had that come from? Finding nothing, he shook his head, running a hand through his hair. He figured his mind was playing tricks at him from lack of sleep as he headed towards his home. He didn't notice the crystal around his neck pulse one last time before dimming back to its original color.
Kaien leaned against the damp stone of the tunnel, gaze flickering to the ladder that lead up into the streets. Luppi was nearly three hours late, and Tousen had demanded that he go find the blasted human. Aizen was currently holed up in Ichigo's cell, doing god only knows what, and Kaien couldn't help the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He didn't like knowing that the young orange head was probably in an excruciating amount of pain. There had been a time where it wouldn't faze him, but that was before he'd heard that name murmured from bloody lips. It reminded him too much of his own brother, making his heart pant with guilt. He'd begun to see the slight similarities between his beloved little brother and the orange haired mortal, a fact that didn't sit well with him.
"Where the fuck is he?" Kaien grumbled, checking the silver banded watch on his wrist. The damn raven head should have been there hours ago, Aizen had given him specific orders. Luppi may have been a little idiotic to believe Shiro would ever love him, but he wasn't stupid enough to go against the dark sorcerer's orders. The steady drip of water trickling through the rivets in the stone was his only response, and he heaved out a long sigh. Running a hand through his hair, his cloak swished against the ground, the hem tainted with mud and water, as he made his way back towards the cell.
Skirting around the dozens of humanoid zombies that guarded the area around their headquarters, he kept a wary eye on the creatures. According to Tousen, Aizen had said that they wouldn't attack, but he couldn't be too sure. Those beady, lifeless eyes watched every move he made as the creepy things moved towards him, feet dragging against the dirt. Green eyes narrowed as he threw open the thick wooden door that blocked to the cells, immediately getting bombarded by a high pitched scream of pain.
Kaien's eyes widened as they darted around at the doors, trying to find where the sound was coming from. The door directly in front of him was open, and he could just make out Tousen tending to his blonde minion. The other doors were closed, and he bit his lip as his gaze scanned them over. Another ear piercing scream filled the silence, and one of the doors slid open. Kaien watched the brunette slink out of the room before shutting the door softly.
Aizen's robes fluttered across the ground as he turned to face the vampire. A coy little smirk curled onto his lips as he breezed past on his way towards the room Tousen was in.
"He's going to need tended too before the infection can set in." Aizen murmured, his smirk turning condescending as he locked eyes with the vampire. Kaien felt his blood run cold, and he turned towards the door the brunette had just come out of. Agonized screams still filled the air, softer now. Ignoring Aizen's knowing gaze, he turned, heading straight for the door. He had to see, had to make sure that the orange head was still all right.
Pulling open the door, Kaien was met with the stench of dragon's blood. The incense were set up all around the room, the embers glowing from the steady breeze that made its way in from the rusted iron grates above. Black and red candles alike rested on the ground, pools of heated wax hardening against the stone. The sound of chains rattling had his attention darting to a corner of the room, still covered in shower. Kaien could just make out the human sized lump curled up against the wall, and he hurriedly made his way over, falling to his knees in front of the hunched over figure.
"I-Ichigo?" He questioned hesitantly, reaching a hand out to touch the other's shoulder. Immediately, Ichigo's head shot up, brown eyes darting around frantically. Kaien froze, hand poised in midair, as he took in the sight of the human's dilated eyes. A small sliver of that honey brown was the only think left, making him look possessed. Lifting a hand, Kaien brushed his fingers over the mortal's cheek, a frown tugging at his lips as the other trembled.
"H-Hey, talk to me. What did he do to you, Ichigo?" The vampire demanded, grabbing the human's wrists when he lashed out.
"Go away!" Ichigo cried out, trying to tug his arms closer to himself to hide his face. A whimper escaped the mortal's lips when Kaien managed to pull his arms away. The vampire's gaze darted over Ichigo's form, drinking in the sight of his tattered, soiled clothes. What was once a strong, thriving body had been turned into skin and bones. Ichigo looked weak and frail, laying in a pool of cold water. Resting a hand down onto the water to lean closer to the orange head, Kaien paused. His fingers curled, testing the thick, warm liquid that touched his hands. Lifting his hand up, he inhaled a deep breath, nearly gagging at the smell that met his nose. Scrambling back, he grabbed a lantern hanging on the far wall.
Digging into the inside pocket of his cloak, he produced a small cardboard box of matches. His fingers shook as he tried to strike one of the matches, failing four times before managing to get one lit. Opening the glass door on the lantern, he lit the wick before waving the match out. Taking a deep breath, Kaien slowly moved back over to Ichigo's hunched form. Lifting the lantern over the quivering form, Kaien couldn't stop the horrified gasp that flew from his mouth. What he had thought was water was actually a pool of blood, Ichigo's blood to be exact. His entire body was covered in cuts, some deep, some shallow. Covering his mouth, Kaien set the lantern down on the ground to rub the human's back when Ichigo began to cough up blood.
"P-Please...no...no m-more..." Ichigo gasped out between coughs, hunching over. Clutching his stomach, Ichigo fell into the pool of his own blood cheek first. Kaien's fingers twitched before reaching down to brush dirtied orange strands from the human's eyes. He didn't like how cold the mortal felt to the touch, his own heart sinking when Ichigo suddenly stopped breathing.
Fuck! No no no no no! This could not be happening!
Gathering the mortal into his lap, Kaien wrapped his arms around the stilled form, rocking him back and forth gently.
"Ichigo...wake up!" He cried frantically. No, the mortal wasn't supposed to die! What was he going to do? For a brief second, he thought about trying to turn the young mortal, until his eyes fell to the mark on the side of Ichigo's neck. No, that wouldn't work. There was only one person who could turn Ichigo now, and he hung his heads as the image of his younger brother swam through his mind. Oh God, Shiro was going to hate him for this. He couldn't let it end like this!
Determination dug its sharp claws into his mind, and he gathered the orange haired mortal more steadily into his arms. Wrapping his cloak around the cold body pressed against his chest, he rose to his feet making his way towards the door. Pausing, he pressed an ear against the wood, listening for any movement. He only had one chance at this and if he failed, he was as good as dead along with the mortal.
Taking a deep breath to steel his nerves, Kaien threw open the door, stepping out into the circular room. Emerald orbs widened as they scanned over the empty space. Not a soul seemed to be around which was odd, but he didn't have time to stop and think about it. The longer he waited, the closer to death the orange head became. Moving as quickly as his supernatural speed would allow him, he flitted through the tunnels. The gray skinned creatures kept out of his way, their screeches filling the air as he pressed on.
As soon as he'd made it onto the streets above, Kaien felt his stomach drop when the mortal fell entirely limp in his arms. Fuck, why did Shirosaki have to live on the other side of town! Biting his lower lip, Kaien's eyes glowed as he poured all of his power into his speed. The wind whipped around him as he passed through streets and alleys as nothing but a blur, the street lights mere strips against his vision. In a matter of minutes, his brother's home came into view, and he tried to feel hopeful, but was too frightened for the human's life for it to matter.
Stopping at the front door, Kaien knelt down, gently laying the mortal on the stoop before standing up to press the doorbell. Without a second glance, he flitted away, not able to stand the possibility of the mortal dying.
Fuck, what had he done?
Shirosaki sighed as he climbed down the ladder that led to his attack, a black leather case in hand. Landing in the hallway, he brushed the dust away before tugging on the strap. The leather peeled away to reveal the hilt of a word, the black and white ribbons braided intricately. Pressing his lips to the hilt, he took a moment to calm himself before unsheathing the blade. It glimmered in the light that filtered into the room from the sconces on the wall, gold on black eyes sliding over every inch of the weapon. It had been a long time since he'd taken it out, but now it was necessary.
"Soon I'll have you back, Ichigo." He whispered before sheathing the blade. At that moment, the distinct chime of the doorbell rang throughout the hall, making him smirk. It was about time Ulquiorra and Grimmjow finished their job. Making his way towards the front door, he grinned sinisterly at the thought of slicking Tousen's head clear off his shoulders. That would teach him a lesson on taking things that don't belong to him.
"You two sure take forever, ya know tha'?" He questioned as he pulled open the front door, only to cock an eyebrow when he was met with nothing. Gold on black eyes moved over his yard, looking for anything out of place. He couldn't have imagined the doorbell, could he? After a moment, he gave off a nonchalant shrug before turning to head back inside. It was then that he caught a flash of orange out of his peripheral, and he spun around, heart hammering in his chest.
The sword clanged loud against the hardwood floor at his feet as he darted forward. Landing hard on his knees, Shirosaki lifted a shaky hand up, gingerly touching the tips of orange locks as if checking if the sight before him was real. His free hand covered his mouth as he caged in a sob, his eyes oddly stinging.
"I-Ichigo...?" He questioned, leaning down to press his ear against the mortal's chest. His fingers clenched into the tattered shirt, finally releasing a sob when he couldn't sense a heartbeat. "No...no...p-please no..." He repeated in a pleading mantra, tears spilling freely from his closed eyes. This couldn't be happening, he had to do something...but what? What could bring Ichigo back to him when he was already dead?
'You know what to do.' A deep baritone rang through his mind, making his eyes shoot open. What was that? A girlish giggle followed, making the hairs at the back of his neck stand on end.
'Just one bite...that's all it'll take~!'
Shaking his head, Shirosaki fisted his hands into his hair, tugging hard. Ichigo was gone, and now he was hearing voices. Just what he needed.
'Trust us like he trusts you.' A persistent, demanding voice barked loud in his mind, making him stumble backwards. Gold on black eyes widened in shock, and he bit his lip. What did he have to lose? Crawling back over to where Ichigo lay, Shirosaki lifted his wrist to his mouth. His fangs tore through the delicate skin, and he cringed as the taste of his own blood filled his mouth. Using his free hand to lift Ichigo's head into his lap, he parted the mortal's lips before pressing his wrist to the other's mouth. Seconds ticked by, nothing happening, and he could feel the wound on his wrist already starting to close.
"Please let this work..." Shirosaki prayed to whatever God would listen to a damned soul such as he.
Come on, Ichigo!