Thanks to Timothy27 and Antex- The Legendary Zoroark for reviewing.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of this fic, so I have a bit of a treat for you. Open your mind's eye, because you're going to see the inside of Zaya's domain.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

Chapter 52: World of Eternal Beauty

Ylfordt slowly opened his eyes, and he had to blink to make sure that he was truly seeing what he thought he was seeing.

He stared up at a night sky, but it was not the sky of Heuco Mundo. There were more stars than the eye could see, the tiny lights providing more than enough light to illuminate the inky blackness around.

After a while he realised that it wasn't the sky, but the ceiling. And yet the lights still flickered.

The ceiling was high enough to create the illusion of a sky.

He felt himself resting in something soft and sweet-smelling. He turned, and at first he thought it was grass, but he soon realised that it was a carpet. The walls were also decorated to resemble a horizon.

This was a truly beautiful room, albeit confusing. Being inside, but feeling that you are outside. He knew he should be focussing on figuring out how he got there and how to leave, but the room was too beautiful. It calmed him. It brought a sense of security.

He looked towards what appeared to be a tree, and after much scrutiny managed to see that there was an outline. A door.

As reluctant as he was, he had to find out where he was.

When Yumichika woke up, he wasn't in Urahara's shop, that's for sure.

At first he thought he was on a beach, but upon closer examination saw that it was in fact a room designed to look like a beach.

The sand cool, and when he looked closer he found it not to be sand, but some sort of sweet-smelling powder. The lapping waves were also cold, and it was hard to believe that it was a room. But the water wasn't wet, just cold. When he retreated his hand, it was dry.

He looked towards the direction of the 'water', towards the 'horizon', and saw what appeared to be a setting sun, lingering in place. The rest of the walls and ceiling were made to look like the skyline, pinks, reds and oranges, and at the other side, away from the sun, pitch black.

It was both tranquil and beautiful. Even the sounds of the waves seemed realistic.

"Do you like it?" a voice asked.

Yumichika turned, expecting someone he had to fight, but relaxed when he saw that it was Zaya.

"Yes," he said. "Did you design this?"

"Of course," she said. "This is my domain. If I didn't surround myself with beauty, I wouldn't be the Diablos of Pride, now would I?"

"I think I see your point. But… why are we here?"

She smiled and turned, looking back as a signal to follow.

"We still need to check on our other guest," she said.

Ylfordt made his way through a hallway, looking at the stone it was made from. He expected something boring, but that was not the case.

The stone was pitch black, but it was reflective. The reflection was clear, as though he was looking at himself in a mirror. He actually placed his hand on the wall to feel stony texture, instead of glass.

Whoever designed this place had style.

He froze when he heard footsteps, coming from in front of him. They were getting closer, and he didn't know whether he should stay or flee.

From in front of him, another hallway joined his. The footsteps came from there.

So he stood there, waiting. If it was an enemy, then he would flee.

When he saw who came from the other hallway, he was relieved and confused.

"Yumichika?"

Said Vizard looked over towards him, and his own eyes widened.

"Ylfordt?" Yumichika said. "You're here too?"

"That's right," a woman said as she came into view. "Welcome to my home, Ylfordt. I am Zaya."

His eyes widened. He was in a Diablos's home?

Aizen glared at the two Diablos as his Arrancars and the Sinners fought against the two beasts.

He was glaring especially at the large dragon.

Well, at first he thought that it was a good thing that its head could be severed. But then three heads had to grow in its place.

Yumichika looked around the new room.

Zaya had taken them to a room where they could eat. The floor looked like they were walking on clouds, and was as soft as it appeared. The furniture also appeared to be made from clouds. The ceiling and floor resembled a night sky, and millions of stars adorned the ceiling. It was impossible to determine the exact size of the room. It was the same with the previous room.

Zaya had created soup for them through the use of Cero Domina, since she didn't have a kitchen. She had no need for one.

The soup, however, was delicious. He wasn't sure which flavour it was, but it didn't matter. She apparently had great taste in anything.

"What exactly is this place?" Ylfordt asked.

"My domain," Zaya explained. "This is a Negaccion I created thousands of years ago. Each room is something else. Something beautiful. No one can enter without me bringing them."

"I see," Yumichika said. "But why are we here?"

"Training," Zaya said. "Yumichika, I think it would be easier if I helped you achieve bankai. And Ylfordt… I'm going to give you something that would help you in the future."

"Really?" the two asked.

"Why?" Ylfordt asked.

"I have my reasons. So, are you interested?"

"First Ylfordt disappears," Nnoitra said, "and now Yumichika. And why are you two not worried?"

The two Diablos glanced towards him.

"Because he's with Zaya," Zeron said. "There's nothing we can do. And besides, he couldn't be safer."

"Then we need to get Ylfordt," Grimmjow said.

"He's also with Zaya," Leva said.

"What?" Szayelapporro asked. "When?"

"Right after the other four Diablos decided to destroy Las Noches," Leva said.

There was silence for a while. And then…

"Why didn't you tell us?" Nnoitra asked. "We could have gotten snacks to watch the show."

"So," Yumichika began, "how are you going to help me with my bankai? I mean… I thought the blood trade makes it impossible to use our powers against each other?"

"There are a few exceptions," Zaya said. "Tell me, do you know what my power is?"

Ylfordt and Yumichika exchanged a glance. They weren't exactly sure.

"Let me give you an idea," Zaya said. "Leva has power over liquids, correct? And Nagina is poison. So, what do you think is mine?"

Yumichika frowned, looking at around. It seemed so real. But…

"Illusions?" Yumichika suggested.

"Close. More specifically, my power is darkness and light. Especially that which lies in the mind and soul. I can alter any part of a person's soul. I did it to separate your Void self from your normal self, Yumichika."

"I see. So, you can help me get my bankai?"

"That's right. And I will help you master it."

Karuno, along with many of the naturals, watched from a distance as the gargoyle and the salamander destroyed the fortress from the outside.

"I would love to see that wannabe-god's face right about now," Eden said.

"That would be nice," Riona said, using a Cero Domina to create a box of popcorn. "Want some?"

Zaya had taken them to a new room. It looked like… a giant kaleidoscope.

The windows and the ceiling were made from stained class, a variety of pictures adorning the glass. The pictures constantly changed. The walls and the floor were mirrors, reflecting the light that shone in. The very air seemed to be made from coloured light.

"This is beautiful," Yumichika said, looking at the different patterns.

"It is," Ylfordt agreed.

"This room is the best spiritual hotspot in my entire castle," Zaya explained. "In here, it would be easier to alter your soul, without inviting any dangerous forces inside."

The room was tranquil, and the light was soft, not allowing any harm to come to their eyes.

"So, what do we do now?" Yumichika asked.

"Ylfordt," Zaya said, "could you wait against the wall for a moment, please?"

"If I can find it," he muttered, going towards one of the walls.

"Now, Yumichika," Zaya said, ushering him closer, "I need you to be exactly in the centre of the room."

He nodded, and allowed Zaya to motion where he had to be.

He sat down, and she crouched in front of him.

"Now," she said, looking into his lavender eyes with silver eyes, "this might be a little painful. But I need you to endure."

He nodded his head, and like a mother, she kissed him on the forehead.

The soft warmth enveloped him, but soon the warmth became pure heat.

And he started to scream.

Ylfordt watched in horror as Yumichika started to scream. The light that surrounded the room seemed to gather around the Vizard, creating a cocoon of multi-coloured light.

Zaya approached him, and he had to know what was going on.

"What did you do?" he asked.

"His soul is adjusting," she said. "Don't worry, this won't last too long. In the meantime…"

She used the light in the room to create a sword, which she then gave to him.

"Deltorro is still in Heuco Mundo," she said. "So, I'm severing your tie to that sword, and creating a bond with this sword. Forgive me, but this would also be painful."

Before he could ask, he suddenly felt an intense pain, as though his body is being ripped apart.

And he started to scream just as Yumichika stopped.

In Las Noches, in a hidden storeroom, a sword shattered, and became dust.

The Arrancars and the Sinners decided to retreat as the fortress was falling around them. Many grew angry, but they could do nothing against the serpentine creature that had already killed many with a single gaze, or the now seven-headed dragon.

Aizen snarled as he and Tosen also escaped.

No matter, he would simply rebuild.

"Hey, Leva," Grimmjow said. "How far is the destruction of Las Noches right now?"

"Aizen is retreating," the Diablos said.

"Man, I really want to see this," Nnoitra huffed. "What about Yumichika?"

"He's in a place of eternal beauty," Zeron said. "Trust us, he's fine."

Memories flooded through Yumichika's mind. Memories of his mother. Memories of his father. Memories that he cherished, and memories that he wanted to forget.

He was surrounded in inky blackness, and suddenly saw a light. As it became brighter, he could see that it wasn't a light, but a peacock.

This was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Its body was pure white, but its tail was every colour imaginable.

And he remembered. When he first found his mother collapsed on the floor at a young age, he wanted to ask her about the most beautiful bird he had ever seen. He didn't know at that stage what it was, but now he knew.

It was a peacock.

The peacock came up to him, and he held out his hand. As soon as the bird was close enough, it became a sword.

Ruri'iro Kujaku.

He grabbed the hilt, and knew what he had to do.

It was no longer blackness around him, but a symphony of colours. All from flowers.

"Bankai. Nijikujaku no Hana."

Zaya smirked, seeing the shifting of the lights.

This was what his power is truly capable of. And this was why she had chosen him as her fledgling.

He reminded her so much of him. A peacock with unusual colouring.

When Yumichika opened his eyes, he was lying on his back on something hard, looking up at a colourful sky.

He remembered where he was and sat up. He saw Ylfordt lying against the wall, unconscious, with a sword by his side.

Seeing that sword reminded him to take his own. He examined it and was pleased to see that it felt different.

Yumichika, we did. We've unlocked bankai.

'Great. But, how does it work?'

'We'll have to try it and see.'

Aizen frowned when he saw the rubble that used to be Las Noches.

The Diablos had disappeared, leaving only the rubble left behind. Many of the Arrancar had died, and also a few Sinners. But the Sinners would be reborn.

"Come," Aizen said. "We'll have to rebuild."

"Agreed," a menacing voice said.

Aizen turned to see Delgato and Oriano.

"Where is Ylfordt?" Aizen asked. "You were supposed to be guarding him."

"Well, with that many pissed off Diablos, it was a bit hard to," Oriano said.

"That's your excuse? I thought you were supposed to be stronger."

Aizen's eyes widened when he suddenly felt something in his back. He turned to see Adesto, the hilt of his sword in his hand, the tip coming straight out of Aizen's chest.

"We've had enough serving someone as weak as you," Adesto sneered. "It's time for the Demons and the Sinners to rule."

The Diablos watched the scene from a distance.

"One problem taken care of," Baro said.

"But a new one is just beginning," Nagina finished.

Yumichika smiled.

Ylfordt was still unconscious, and Zaya had taken them both to a new room.

A room that was one giant bed.

Once again, the true size of the room was hard to determine, which makes it all the more beautiful.

The sheets were the darkest blue, and one could simply drown in them. The canopy above was a deep purple.

Oh, he looked forward to sleeping in that room.