Chapter 40

End of Hypnosis III - The Liquid Prince

"You've never been anything more than an useful errand boy, Sousuke Aizen. No need to worry though. I'll take good care of the Hougyoku in your stead."

Arashi held out his hand. Naturally, he wasn't expecting Aizen to simply comply. In fact, he hoped that was the case.

That meant he could have some fun before claiming his prize.

"My, my. Where is all this confidence coming from?" If Aizen was at all bothered by his partners being under Arashi's clutches, he wasn't acting like it. "You used to be too terrified of me to even speak."

"Unless it's you begging for mercy and handing over the Hougyoku, I don't want to hear a word out of your mouth. This is your last warning, Sousuke."

"Is that so?"

Aaron was so engrossed on what was unfolding, he nearly forgot he was bleeding out. Either Arashi was the greatest actor in the world, or he had some sort of trump card waiting to be unveiled.

"Is that guy on our side?" asked Ichigo, laying beside him.

"...He's on Kana's side. That's all that matters."

Aaron sure hoped that was the case.

"You appear to be under the assumption that trapping Gin and Kaname means you've won," Aizen stated. "But, you've yet to explain how it is you're going to get past me."

"I just didn't want one of them stabbing me in the back while I'm dealing with you. No, the reason I've won is because your greatest ability—the one you've leaned on like a crutch—doesn't work on me."

"Kyouka Suigetsu." Aizen eyed his Zanpakutou. "That's right. I suppose I've never released it in front of you."

"Quite the error in my opinion. Of course, you never saw me as a threat. ...Yet another mistake."

"And that's why you talk as if you've already won?"

"It's part of it. Being stronger than you certainly helps."

Aizen wasn't smiling anymore. A wave of his spirit energy swept across Soukyoku Hill, hitting everyone like a punch to the gut.

"Y-You're telling me he had more energy he was holding back?!" cried Aaron in disbelief.

"Pretty good," chimed Arashi nonchalantly. Despite Aizen's power nearly sweeping everyone else away, Arashi's brown hair was the only part of him that moved. "No wonder you've been able to make a mess out of everyone here."

"It seems someone has already made a mess of you," Aizen remarked. "I never imagined you weak enough for a mere Ryoka to nearly kill."

Arashi glanced back at Aaron. Their eyes met, Aaron's brimming with animosity. Even now, he couldn't bring himself to see Arashi Mitarashi in anything other than a negative light. This was a man who had screwed over anyone he had ever known, including his own flesh and blood. This was a man who had killed countless innocents in the name of research.

He would never forgive him.

"...I see. Maybe if we had met in another life, we'd have been good friends." Arashi returned to the matter at hand. "You are underestimating that boy over there if you think he's some 'mere Ryoka.' Just like you're underestimating me."

Aizen spotted a water clone behind him and jumped out of harm's way before it could cleave him in two.

"What a troublesome Zanpakutou you have."

Arashi Flashed Stepped beside him. "You're one to talk."

They clashed swords, sending sparks flying. Aizen saw this was a mistake when Arashi's blade transformed into another pair of duplicates. Suddenly faced with three-on-one, Aizen had no choice but to block attacks from multiple angles.

He couldn't keep up.

"Y-You're kidding me…" stammered Aaron as the Fifth Division Captain slammed into the ground. "Arashi is seriously a match for this guy?"

With the snap of his fingers, Arashi's copies melted away. "Is that the best you can muster, Sousuke? I'd think there would be no holding back at this point."

The dust settled, revealing an open wound on Aizen's forehead. Blood leaked freely from it, though the manner in which he smirked suggested it was a minor injury.

"And why would I need to use my full strength on the likes of you?"

"...You really are underestimating me. I suppose that's your style. How about I put a damper on that fine mood of yours then?

"Were you planning on escaping to Hueco Mundo with the help of some Menos? Unfortunately, you're going to die right here and now, so when your ride gets here, there won't be anyone to pick up."

The slightest hint of alarm painted Aizen's expression. "So, you knew about that as well."

"You weren't the only one sneaking around Soul Society all these years digging up dirt. I also knew you planned on having three of the four gate guardians coming here to your aid. I'm sorry to say that I've already ensured that won't happen."

"...You've allied with Kuukaku Shiba, haven't you? Yes, she would be the only one with the strength and resources to accomplish that." In spite of the majority of his plans being ruined, Aizen was unfazed. "You really did attend to everything. So, what you're saying is that all my escape routes have been cut off?"

"Uh...I-I can't really keep up with anything they're talking about," mumbled Izumi. Speaking was a challenge. She had never been so awed, "but it sounds like this guy has our villian on the ropes."

Grudgingly, Aaron agreed. The tables were completely turned.

Was he just holding back against me then? This doesn't make any sense...

"Arashi…" The proceedings left Kana with a heavy heart. "You…"

"It seems he has...grown up a little. Who would have thought?"

Sharpscale's chuckles soon morphed into violent coughing.

"D-Don't speak, Heishiro!" said Kana. "Save your strength!"

"I am of no concern. Not any more."

"But…!"

"Listen, Kana." Sharpscale took her hand. She was shocked at how much it dwarfed her own. It was a sobering reminder that her father was no longer human. "It will not be long now. We will have to say goodbye again. I am sorry."

"I told you not to speak!" Kana's tears fell onto Sharpscale. She squeezed his hand, never wanting to let go.

"Allow me to say what I never had a chance to decades ago—I love you and your siblings dearly. You are the only family I have ever known. Everyday, I was thankful at being able to watch you all grow. My heart is full. I have no regrets."

Kana could no longer speak. Her emotions had overwhelmed her.

"You...must forgive your brother, Kana. The things he has done are...unspeakable, yet…"

Arashi was in the midst of deflecting a flurry of sword strikes. His adversary wasn't down for the count just yet.

"I have a confession." More raspy coughs escaped Sharpscale. Kana wouldn't admit it, but her adoptive father really was on his last legs. "I was the one who asked Arashi to turn me into a Hollow."

"...What?"

That couldn't be. Kana refused to process such a claim.

"It is true. Listen to me very carefully."

"Your skills have improved," said Aizen. He took a swipe at Arashi's head, only missing by inches. "I wonder when you found the time to practice without me knowing."

"Meanwhile, that mouth of yours is the same, Sousuke. You certainly love hearing yourself talk." A red sphere spawned in Arashi's free hand. "Way of Destruction Number Thirty-One! Red Fire Cannon!"

Aizen darted out of the Kidou's path. That was exactly what Arashi had been hoping for. Another of his water clones had a second spell prepped and ready to go.

"Way of Binding Number Sixty-Three! Locking Bondage Strips!"

Golden chains ensnared Aizen, although that was the least of his problems. A third clone was about to finish things.

"Way of Destruction Number Fifty-Four! Abolishing Flame!"

Violet fire enveloped Aizen, reducing him to smoldering ashes.

Or at least, that appeared to be the case. Arashi knew better. He growled at a white Captain's coat being the lone thing he had managed to send to Hell.

"Utsusemi. When did you learn a trick like that, Sousuke?"

Aizen, standing to his left, answered, "You're full of tricks yourself. It's quite a bother."

"Looks like Captain Aizen is havin' a hard time," said Gin from the confines of Arashi's water prison. He might have been useless at the moment, but he could admit having a free seat to the battle wasn't a bad deal. "I kept sayin' we should've taken care of that Arashi punk a long time ago. Ain't that right, Kaname?"

Tousen said nothing, prompting Gin to shrug.

"You're no fun…"

"...What did you just say?" Kana, on the other hand, paid no mind to the conflict. Her quivering, amber eyes were instead glued to Sharpscale. "You...asked Arashi to…?"

"Hollowfy me. Yes." The Hollow spoke without looking at Kana. He couldn't. The shock in her voice, the disgust, was expected. Even so, he couldn't deny how much it hurt. "Perhaps I am the reason your brother became the way he is. I was in over my head from the start. Trying to do the right thing is all well and good, but...perhaps I've always been a terrible father.

"When I learned about my terminal illness, I panicked. I did not want to leave any of you. And that was when Arashi approached me about the prospect of Hollowfication. I was naturally outraged he even knew of such a thing, but...I was also desperate. The procedure had its risks, but I did not care. If I could cheat death for even a single day longer and remain with you all…

"But you know the rest of the story, Kana. I nearly killed the family I had been striving to protect. No amount of apologizing can change that, nor do I expect any of you to forgive me. I was selfish. I made a mistake. I am the reason our family became splintered."

Kana grasped his hand even tighter. It gave him the strength to continue.

"Your brother...Arashi. He has done horrible things. Unforgivable things. Part of the blame for his behavior, however, should rest squarely on my shoulders. His sins are my own."

Sharpscale leered at his adoptive son. He was in the midst of dodging a huge ball of electricity that fried the majority of his water clones. The remainder dropped down on Aizen with their swords in hand. Their would-be victim held his arm up, casting a green barrier. After using it to block their assault, Aizen slashed them them into puddles.

"I wonder which one of you is the real thing," he voiced as another gaggle of duplicates formed around him. "I suppose I'll have to figure it out the hard way."

"Kana…" She grew blurrier with each passing second. Sharpscale spoke a bit faster. "Meeting you all again has been a dream come true, even if I did not deserve to."

"No! That isn't true!" Shaking her head feverishly, Kana cried, "I don't care what happened back then! You took care of us when we had no place to go! Even now, you're sacrificing everything for us!"

"That's…"

With all the pride she could muster, Kana proclaimed, "You're the world's greatest dad. I'm happy to call myself your kid."

Arashi, gasping for air, found himself scrambling for a new strategy. His water clones were gone. Each had been cut down and without his opponent expending much energy to do so.

"What's the matter? You were moving well when we started, but you've slowed down," said Aizen. "Shall we take a break?"

"Can it, Sousuke! If you're in that much of a hurry to die, allow me to oblige you!"

Tough talk aside, Arashi was running on empty. He had burned almost everything against Aaron, and what he did have left in the tank would last no longer than a few more minutes in his estimation.

"Do you remember the reason you joined up with me in the first place?" asked Aizen just then. Arashi wavered, and Aizen took that as a note to continue. "The two of us are quite alike, don't you think?"

"Yes. I can't argue that. We both hunger for power. Maybe that's what drew us together."

#

From the first time he laid eyes on him, Arashi knew Sousuke Aizen was special. He gave off a powerful aura that sucked in everyone around him. Arashi was no exception. He would often follow the Vice-Captain of the Fifth Division around, an easy task given his small stature. He learned that everyone respected Aizen. Whenever a problem arose, he was the first person they flocked to. Whenever something needed to be done in a hurry, Aizen was tasked with it. Even Shinigami from other divisions would come to him for advice.

He was the apple of the Gotei Thirteen's eyes.

Though he knew nothing about the laws of the Shinigami world, Arashi soon realized Aizen wasn't the meticulous Vice-Captain he made himself out to be. His behind the scenes activities painted a different, harrowing picture.

Kidnapping. Murder. Modifying Hollows. Conducting unspeakable experiments.

Armed with this knowledge, turning him in never crossed Arashi's mind. Sousuke Aizen was the man of his dreams. This was the man he had been searching out without even knowing, someone that understood Hollows weren't mere monsters to be hunted but beings worthy of respect and adoration.

One particular night of snooping led Arashi to stumble upon something that changed everything. He peered through the crack of a door that Aizen and his cohorts had gone through moments before. His shallow breaths pierced the darkness. Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tousen were obstructing whatever it was they were working on in tandem with Aizen, but as Arashi's heart pounded like a drum, he already knew it was something incredible.

"This one is a failure as well," he overheard Aizen say. The man stood over a table, surveying his latest creation. "I think it's time for another approach."

"Ain't it time we moved onto bigger things?" asked Gin. "We can still…"

"Patience, Gin. I already have an idea on how to induce the Hollowfication. I'll merely need a few test subjects, ones with high spirit energy."

Arashi wasn't sure why the term 'Hollowfication' sent a wave of fear through his entire being. He also couldn't explain why he was grinning from ear to ear.

"I believe our guest should show some restraint as well."

Arashi stopped dead. He had been caught. He wasn't sure how, but Aizen had known he was there the entire time. His first instinct was to run. His body, however, refused to budge an inch. Light flooded his mortified face as the door creaked open.

"Hello there," said Aizen, smiling down at him. "It's quite rude to eavesdrop. You've been following us around for quite some time, haven't you? If you're so interested in our research, why not come inside?"

Arashi couldn't breathe. He couldn't form words. The suffocating presence around Aizen was even stronger now that he was so close. He was no longer convinced a man was before him but some sort of monster that had stolen human flesh.

He winced when Aizen lifted his arm.

Rather than do him any harm, Aizen held out his hand. "I can tell from looking at you that you would be an extraordinary asset. You would like to know more, wouldn't you? About this world. About your place in it. And...about the secrets of the Hollows. If you follow me, everything will be known in due time."

Scared out of his mind, Arashi contemplated the opportunity that had been presented to him.

Something built up inside of him.

He...understands. He's going to change everything, isn't he?

There was nothing to think over. He took Aizen's hand without a moment's delay.

#

"Yes. I learned a lot from you, Sousuke. For that, I am truly thankful. You really did change everything."

In spite of his claim, Arashi had enough of strolling down memory lane.

"Unfortunately, we aren't as like minded as I assumed all those years ago. In fact, it's hard to tell who the bigger fool between us is. I made the mistake of giving up everything for the sake of my misguided dream. My friends. My family. My conscience."

"A man of science has no need for such things," replied Aizen. "It's unfortunate. Your brilliance cannot be denied, Arashi Mitarashi, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut you down in the prime of your youth."

"Well, you can certainly try."

"Stop it already, Arashi! You'll die if you…!"

"It is too late, Kana," said Sharpscale. "I am sure he is aware of it. He does not have much time left."

Kana shuddered. "W-What does that mean, Heishiro?! Arashi is going to…?"

"I too am running short on time." Sharpscale pointed at his Hollow hole. "You are all my heart. Arashi. Akira. And of course you, Kana. The three of you complete me. It is time I became your heart."

"What are you talking about, Heishiro?! You…!"

A blinding flash of light interrupted her. It stemmed from Sharpscale.

"Thank you, Kana. And tell Akira and Arashi that I am...truly sorry. Regardless of what happens, I will always be with you three."

The light swept across Soukyoku Hill, interrupting Arashi's fight.

"What the…?! H-He didn't!" he gasped.

"What was that just now?" asked Aizen after things returned to some semblance of normal. "That Hollow's spiritual pressure is completely gone."

Aaron sensed this as well. "Sharpscale...h-he's…?"

"No," said Izumi breathlessly. "I can still sense him just a little. It's...different though."

"'Different?' What does that mean? Hey, Izumi!"

Aaron's concern shifted to Kana, who was lying face down in the dirt.

"She's alive." Izumi had to concentrate rather hard, but she could definitely pick up on Kana's spiritual pressure. "She's just knocked out...I think."

"So, where the hell did that Hollow guy go then?" asked a bewildered Ichigo. "Did Aizen…?"

Aizen couldn't take any credit. He peered at Arashi, hoping for an explanation himself.

"If you don't want to say anything, that's fine," he said. He zeroed in on the unmoving Kana. "I'm sure your sister will be far more forthcoming."

Someone beat him to the punch. They dashed in front of Kana with their sword drawn.

"What a surprise. How did you manage to break free from my Kidou, Rukia Kuchiki? No. I suppose it doesn't matter."

Rukia leered back at Kana and feared she really was no more. "It's not me you should be paying attention to!"

Aizen saw she had a point. Arashi had used their conversation to sneak behind him. It didn't help; he easily parried Arashi's blade and without bothering to turn around.

"I think I've had quite enough of these mundane clones," he stated. He struck down the one attacking him and then moved his head to dodge another. He sliced it apart as well, adding, "Surely, you can do more, Arashi."

As if answering his request, a water shark large enough to block out the sun came chomping toward him. Without so much as batting an eyelash, Aizen raised his sword.

"Way of Destruction Number Seventy-Eight. Cutting Flower Ring."

A wave of energy severed the shark down the middle. The rest of it sailed past him harmlessly, sending water crashing all over.

"W-What the hell?!" Izumi felt like she was missing something. "Wasn't that other guy handing Aizen his ass just a minute or two ago? Is it...no good after all?"

"Dammit! Can you stand, Higuchi?" Ichigo said, struggling to do so himself.

"N-No…" Aaron groaned. He wanted to kick himself for being so frail. "Sorry."

Aizen looked down. The water at his feet bubbled. Before he could even react, a giant hand snatched him up. An arm and then an entire body spawned around it. In the blink of an eye, Aizen found himself gazing up at a pair of watery giants.

"T-That's…!" Aaron recognized the technique better than anyone.

"You're about to feel the wrath of my Twin Goddesses." No one was sure when he had gotten there, but Arashi was standing directly below Aizen. "It's been fun, Sousuke, but…"

The liquid visages of Kana and Akira crushed Aizen between their fists. A crimson rain fell on Arashi. He soaked it all in.

"It's about damn time…" He sheathed his Ekitai Ouji and took the deepest breath of his entire life. It was finally over. "Time to claim my prize. The Hougyoku is mine at…"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?! HE'S RIGHT BEHIND YOU!"

Arashi heard Aaron's warning.

It just came far too late.

A torrent of blood stained the ground. Arashi slowly looked down and found a sword jutting out of the center of his chest.

"...Dammit."

Standing at his rear was none other than Sousuke Aizen.

"When were you ever under the impression I had never released Kyouka Suigetsu in front of you? Did you truly believe I'd be that foolish? I've only ever had two subordinates. And you, Arashi Mitarashi, have never been counted amongst them."

So, that was it. Blood trailed out of the side of Arashi's lips. They curled into a smile.

#

Arashi scrutinized the moon for answers. It was so big and bright in the sky that night, and yet…

"Surprise!"

He hadn't heard the footsteps racing toward him. That explained how Kana snuck up on him so easily. She startled him enough that he nearly tumbled off the balcony. Despite his brush with death, his sister giggled up a storm. He frowned, questioning why she had to pick on him when he had come outside to get some peace and quiet.

"What'cha doing?" she asked, helping herself to the empty spot next to him.

Arashi returned to his stargazing. "...Nothing."

That sort of answer wouldn't do. His sister placed him in one of her world famous headlocks.

"You're talking whether you like it or not!" she proclaimed.

"L-Lemme go! Lemme go!" her helpless sibling cried. Breaking free wasn't a possibility. Once his sister had someone in her clutches, they were as good as finished.

"Give in!"

"Or, how about you cut it out already?"

"Ow!" Kana released Arashi, though only because someone flicked her forehead with enough force to make her eyes water. "What was that for, Akira? You're such a meanie…"

Akira, with a wicked frown, answered, "You're one to talk. Why not pick on someone your own size for a change?"

"Is that a challenge?" Kana fired back with a scowl of her own. "We were only messing around."

Akira faced Arashi. The way he held his neck took the weight out of his sister's claim. With a sigh, Akira handed him a piping hot cup of tea.

"T-Thank you…" he mumbled, blushing at having to be saved by her yet again. The bitter yet familiar taste of his drink helped to ease him. "It's good."

Turning red herself, Akira looked away and replied, "G-Good…"

With that, two enjoyed their drinks in silence.

Near silence anyway.

"Hey! Where's mine?!"

Kana, huffing and puffing, couldn't believe they had the audacity to enjoy the cool, night air without her.

"Make it your damn self," was all Akira had to say.

"You really are a meanie! How come he gets special treatment?!"

Putting his head down, Arashi desired no part in the discussion.

Neither did Akira, who asked, "What are you two doing out here? Heishiro told us to go to bed half an hour ago. If he wakes up and finds you…"

"Whatever." Waving her head, Kana wasn't worried. "He sleeps like a log. A bunch of Hollows could attack our house and he still wouldn't wake up."

Although not as confident, Akira conceded she had a point. She could hear Heishiro's loud snoring all the way from the back of their house. He was out like a light alright.

"I was doing some thinking," Arashi announced. "I...met an amazing man in Rukongai today."

It wasn't often he talked with such vigor. Kana and Akira leered at one another.

Arashi didn't wait for them to reply. "I want to become a Shinigami. No. I have to become a Shinigami."

"Eh? You?" Kana hadn't meant to sound so unsupportive. She simply never imagined her brother uttering such a thing. "This is seriously coming out of nowhere…"

"A Shinigami? That again? ...For what?" Akira's tone, meanwhile, was one of repulsion. "I thought you said it was impossible."

"Didn't you want to be a Shinigami, Akira? That's all you used to talk about. Heck, you'd go down the street over there and tell anyone who'd listen!"

Akira, mortified, wished Kana would have picked a different time to bring that up. "T-That was before! I know the truth now. Think about it. What have Shinigami ever done for us besides sitting behind those fancy walls of theirs? Must be nice."

The three grew silent. They lived in a particularly rough part of Rukongai. Hollow attacks, robbery, and all sorts of other nasty crimes were common. Shinigami rarely ventured there, meaning they were often left to fend for themselves. They knew they would have dead a long time ago if it wasn't for Heishiro.

"This...guy is different," said Arashi with conviction. "I see the truth now."

"What guy?" asked Kana. She couldn't explain why listening to him made her so uneasy.

"He's a genius. This guy...he understands the big picture. He understands everything."

"Whoever this is, he must be one hell of a guy if he has you this excited," said Akira. "You don't yap like this even when we have dinner every now and then. Are you sure it's alright to trust a Shinigami though?"

"Yeah. Like I said, this one is different. He says I can really do it. Be a Shinigami I mean."

"Maybe we should all become Shinigami!" suggested Kana. "It might be a lot of fun!"

"...You're not taking this seriously. Not that you take anything seriously." Akira shook her head. "I'm not interested. ...Not unless it'll help pay the bills."

"It will. That Shinigami told me so," said Arashi. "And we would be able to escape this hellhole. Don't get me wrong—I appreciate everything Heishiro has done for us, but...there's nothing for us if we stay here, nothing but waiting for a Hollow or some crook to kill us while we're walking down the street."

His words were grim. His siblings also knew they were the absolute truth, the only thing about the Mitarashi district one could count on.

"Money, huh?" Kana thought the prospect over. "That would sure be nice. We'd be able to buy so much candy!"

Akira rolled her eyes. "...Or, you could stop thinking with your stomach for once. If we had money, we'd be able to take care of Heishiro and not the other way around like it is now."

"Oh, you're right! We could buy him a big, giant mansion somewhere in the Seireitei!"

"I don't think that's how it works…"

"Not just that, but," Arashi found himself gazing at the moon once more, "we'll have power, all the power in the world to fight, to survive."

Again, Kana and Akira agreed. They simply didn't like the way he had worded it.

"You're starting to creep me out. Just drink your damn tea," advised Akira.

He bowed his head and did exactly that. "S-Sorry…"

"Well, I think it's a great idea!" Putting her missing baby teeth on display, Kana smiled and slapped Arashi on the back. It made him choke on his drink, but like earlier, she paid his obvious discomfort no mind. "I'm gonna be a Captain and lead an entire squad!"

"...Into ruin," countered Akira. "They'd never make a nutjob like you Captain."

"Hmph! And here I was going to be nice and make you my Vice-Captain!"

"I'd rather resign than serve under you. Hell no."

"W-What?! I'd make a great Captain! Right, Arashi? ...R-Right?"

Invisibility powers would have been nice. Arashi settled on ducking his head between his knees.

"Oh, whatever!" Kana's nose wrinkled. "I've already said it before, but my mind is made up! I'm going to become a Captain, even if it kills me! And when I do, I'm going to give you guys so many chores that you'll regret opening your big, fat mouths!"

Arashi, groaning, regretted getting her so worked up. It might have explained why she hit smacked his back again.

"You're gonna protect your big sis once you're all big and strong, right? Oh, and Akira too."

Flustered for the second time that night, Akira said, "I-I don't need protecting! You're the one we're worried about!"

"Ah! You're so sweet!"

That wasn't supposed to be a compliment. An already irritated Akira conceded for the sake of her sanity.

"I...can't protect anyone," Arashi answered. "I'm not…"

"You'll be really strong one day. I just know it! Then, you'll be able to protect all of us!"

#

Aizen ripped his Zanpakutou out of Arashi, slinging the blood off of it in the same motion. Seeming to fall in slow motion, he was allowed one final glance at the glimmering Hougyoku in Aizen's hand.

He had been so close, so very close.

I'm sorry, Kana. You were wrong. In the end...I was the weakest...

"What...just happened?!" Aaron cried. It didn't make any sense. Aizen had practically walked up on Arashi as easy as breathing. "How did he…?!"

"It's...that sword of his!" Izumi grit her teeth. All the hope she had been leading on was now snuffed out like a light. "I don't know what it is, but his sword did something just now! The energy changed and everything!"

"Complete Hypnosis." Aizen walked past Arashi, wading through the growing pool of blood under him. It was like his fallen foe was nothing more than a piece of garbage littering the ground. "Isane Kotetsu must have explained. It allows me to manipulate sight, taste, smell, hearing, touch. Whatever I desire. The five senses are at my mercy. However, it only works on those who have seen Kyouka Suigetsu's release. The fact that you could tell something was amiss despite that tells me you really aren't a normal human. Now I'm curious. Tell me more about that strange power of yours."

Izumi wasn't interested. Aizen likely wouldn't take no for an answer, however.

"Erode, Tatsumaki!"

"Another uninvited guest…"

Aizen was long gone by the time Akira Akiyama brought her scythe down. Not that it mattered; she was more concerned with getting him as far away from Arashi as possible.

"You sons of bitches!" she snarled, seething with rage. "What did you do to him?!"

The spheres of water imprisoning Gin and Kaname melted away.

"Oh?" Gin turned his head at his newfound freedom. "I guess that means that brat is at the end of his rope."

Akira grew pale at his assessment. She chanced a glance at Arashi, who wasn't moving. She couldn't feel anything from him either.

"Hiya, Akiyama." Waving fondly, Gin rejoined Aizen's side. "I was wonderin' when you'd show up to the party."

"Save it for when you get to Hell, Captain Ichimaru! I'm about to kill each and every one of you!"

"How scary. Why are you still callin' me 'Captain Ichimaru' though if you're really plannin' to slit my throat?"

That shut her up.

"What are you doin' here, Akiyama? Come to save that trash behind you? Forget it. He's done for. Just let him join that Hollow already."

"...What the hell did you just say?"

By 'Hollow,' he could have only meant…

"What the hell happened to Heishiro?! Answer me now!"

Weak, blood-soaked laughter intruded on the conversation.

"That...worked even better than I imagined," Arashi managed to spit out. "To think you would let your guard down around me, Sousuke, even with Kyouka Suigetsu at your disposal."

Without warning, glowing rings appeared around Aizen's wrists. Their presence gave him a dose of something he had yet to experience—genuine surprise.

"What are these…?" he was quick to inquire.

A person who wasn't Arashi answered, "That...would be a seal."

An entirely different individual added, "Specifically, it's a seal designed to seal off your spirit energy."

Bewilderment soon slipped into amusement. Aizen couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"So, you've come, Kisuke Urahara. And what's this? Kagami Meigi as well?"

The two in question stood side-by-side. Neither looked all that happy to encounter Sosuke Aizen after so many decades.

"Mister Hat and Clogs?!" cried Ichigo.

"K-Kagami…" said Aaron in the same mystified tone.

"How long has it been since I've last seen the sun?" Kagami, with his hand on his forehead, peered at the blue skyline. He then inhaled the sweet air of outside world.

"Be very careful. You may melt away in the light after so long," joked Urahara.

"Since when have I been a vampire? Your crappy sense of humor certainly hasn't changed."

"And neither has your lack of one!" replied Urahara cordially.

Kagami lit the cigarette between his lips, exhaling dark smoke out of his nostrils moments later. "...Why the hell am I working with you again?"

"My, isn't this a surprise," remarked Aizen indifferently. Nonetheless, he remained attentive to the bindings around his wrists. "This is a reunion of sorts. Former Twelfth Division Captain and the first president of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, Kisuke Urahara. And you, the former co-third seat of the Twelfth Division and high ranking member of the SRDI, Kagami Meigi."

"A youngster like your really remembers me, huh? That's all in the past now." Kagami siad. "It looks like you've done well for yourself in our absence, Aizen. Captain of the Fifth Division, eh?"

"Don't make fun of him now," said Urahara. "After all...we're partly to blame for allowing him to get this far."

"Urahara!"

Izumi broke up their friendly chat. The moment the shopkeeper arrived, everything Aizen said about him flashed through her mind. Though having her doubts that any of it was true, she needed to hear that from Kisuke Urahara himself.

"Ah. Miss Izumi. Still full of vigor I see." Urahara lowered his bucket hat over his eyes, frowning. "And hello to the rest of you. ...While it's good to see you all again and in one piece, I would have rather done so under less pressing circumstances. Let me apologize for putting you through so much on my account. You can rest easy now."

"I'm talking to you, Urahara!" Izumi snapped. "You've got a lot of explaining to do considering you almost got my brother and his friends killed!"

"Rest assured that as soon as this is taken care of…"

"No! I want answers right now!"

Bothered by her conduct, Urahara scratched his beard stubble. There was no way to explain things in an abridged manner, and yet, Izumi wasn't likely to drop the matter.

At least, that was the case until Kagami intervened. "Do me and favor and go to sleep, princess. We'll tell you whatever you want once you wake up."

"W-Wha…?"

Her surroundings became hazy. Before Izumi knew it, the strength in her legs had faded. She passed out into Kagami's arms, where he then laid her next to a wary Aaron.

"Don't sweat it, kiddo," he said. "She was just being a little loud for my liking."

Aaron wasn't sure what would unfold. Like Izumi, trusting Urahara seemed like a stretch at the moment.

Now, Kagami had been added to that list.

"That was rather cruel of you. I still wanted to ask that woman something," noted Aizen. "If you don't mind, what sort of Kidou have you used on me? If you think a mere binding spell can keep me at bay, you're sadly…"

"You don't listen. Damn young people." Kagami sighed. "We already said that it's a seal."

Urahara, in a much more gracious tone, added, "It's something I've recently designed. Those rings block the vents located in the wrists of all Shinigami, the source of their spirit energy. Technically, I designed this particular seal to incernate the victim from the inside out using their own energy. For someone as strong as you, Aizen, you can understand why that wouldn't be a pleasant proposition."

One of Aizen's eyelids twitched. That was the closest thing to fear anyone had seen from him.

"Fortunately," continued Urahara, "this spell is at the stage where the most I can do is seal off your spirit energy. Forever."

That got another rise out of Aizen..

"It's also so new that I require the help of three people to even pull it off. It wouldn't have worked unless one of us came into physical contact with you."

Immediately, Aizen whipped his head over to Arashi. "...Are you suggesting that trash over there sacrificed himself to…?!"

Arashi laughed yet again. "I...already knew I wasn't immune to Kyouka Suigetsu. I used that to my advantage. It really is 'Complete Hypnosis.' Even if you know about it, you can't do a damn thing to stop it. And that's why you have so much faith in it, Sousuke, enough that you got close to me without a second thought. Do you get it now? You don't have access to that immense strength of yours anymore. You can't even use Complete Hypnosis. It's over. You lose."

"Your power is indeed great, Aizen. Unfortunately, it's been your undoing," said Kagami.

"Because that spell is stronger the more spirit energy the victim has," said Urahara. "It's exactly what you think—that Kidou was made specifically to use again you. Your mistake was having so much faith in that strength. ...No. Your mistake was underestimating everyone else's."

"Don't you think that's enough prattling, Kisuke? You're giving me a headache."

Aizen discovered a blade at his throat. The less than pleased visage of Captain Sui-Feng told him not to move a muscle. The person that had chided Urahara though was the very same using a sash to keep his Zanpakutou sheathed.

"Took you long enough to get here, Kisuke." Yoruichi Shihouin added.

"You don't need to do that, Yoruichi," Urahara replied. "He can't use Kyouka Suigetsu anymore"

The disturbing smile Aizen gave her made her say, "...Let's just be on the safe side. There's no telling if that spell of yours is even going to last."

Hurt by her remark, Urahara lowered his hat even more to hide the fact he was tearing up.

"Oh boy. This sure looks bad. Maybe I should do somethin' before…"

Someone grabbed Gin's wrist, interrupting his musing.

"Please, don't move," said Rangiku Matsumoto.

Gin's signature smirk dropped into a frown as he studied the sword at his throat. "Looks like she got me, Captain Aizen. Sorry."

"It's over for you too, Aizen," said Yoruichi stiffly. "Can't you feel it? You're completely surrounded."

Shinigami popped up all over. They were the various Captains and Vice-Captains of the Gotei Thirteen. Shuuhei Hisagi found himself reluctantly restraining Tousen, while everyone else cut off any potential exits.

"Well done." Aizen's tone wasn't one of a man who had been thoroughly defeated. "Arashi Mitarashi, you weren't kidding when you said you covered every base. However…"

Something wasn't right. Trusting her instincts, Yoruichi shouted, "You two! Get away!"

Though baffled, Rangiku and Hisagi did as ordered. It came at the cost of releasing their captives, though they soon understood that was an easy price to pay. Beams of light came down from the sky and hit Gin and Tousen, enveloping everything around them.

The spectacle was nothing compared to what was happening in the sky. A literal crack had been torn open, much to the bewilderment of those on Soukyoku Hill. A white hand jutted from it, a hand Aaron thought was alarmingly familiar.

"T-That's a…!"

The attack in Karakura Town. That giant Hollow that defied logic. He and his friends nearly dying striving to drive it off. There was no way he would ever forget.

More hands appeared and helped to rip open the breach even more. Now a gaping hole, it gave everyone a clear glimpse of a group of Menos Grande towering over Soul Society.
"U-Unreal…" was the only thing Aaron could think to say. If all them had come for a fight, he didn't see any hope of winning. It had taken a literal miracle to get rid of the one in Karakura Town. Here, there were more than he can count. But, there was something else. "A-An eye?"

That was the most he could make out but it was definitely there.

It was even bigger than the Menos.

"The Gillians. Right on time," said Arashi. "Akira! Get the strongest barrier you can muster around Aizen now! If one of those beams of light touches him too, it's all over!"

She didn't like being bossed around, but she followed his instructions to the letter.

"Hey! Do the same for Captain Ichimaru and Captain Tousen!" ordered Tetsuzaemon Iba, Vice-Captain of the Seventh Division.

"It would be pointless." Captain-Commander Genryuusai Shigekuni Yamamoto said. He stood by as Gin and Tousen were slowly but surely being lifted toward the Gillians. "It is as Arashi Mitarashi has stated—once those two were hit by that light, they were forever out of our reach. It is called Negación. Menos use it to rescue their comrades. Everything inside that light becomes a separate dimension. It is impossible to break through from the outside."

"Too bad. And here I was hoping I could be your captive a little longer." Gin was still close enough that Rangiku could make out his sober smile. "Goodbye, Rangiku. And...sorry."
"TOUSEN!"

Arising from a bed of rubble, Captain Komamura was covered in enough blood for two people. His grievous injuries were the last thing on his mind. He raced toward the light beam carrying Kaname Tousen away.

"Get back down here, Tousen! Tell me why! Why?! Why did you become a Shinigami?! Wasn't it for your friend?! Did you not want to carry out justice?! Where the hell is the justice in any of this?!"

"I already told you, Komamura," Tousen answered. "The only path these eyes can see are ones with no bloodshed. Those are the true paths to justice. Since this is the path I've chose, that means this path is justice."

"Tousen…!"

"Capturing me is pointless, you know," said Aizen. "The mere fact you let those two get away...no. Even if you had captured them, events have already been put into motion that will lead to your demises."

"...I'd advise you to shut that mouth of yours." Yoruichi had half a mind to break his neck and be done with it. "If you want to talk, do it later when you're under interrogation."

"She's right, Aizen.." Captain Juushiro Ukitake told him, his expression matching Yoruichi's. "Just what did you have in mind to go as far aligning yourself with Hollows?"

Remaining unusually cordial, Aizen replied, "You will find out in due time. As I've stated, you people are as good as dead."

His attention moved to his throat. Blood leaked out of a fresh cut.

"My hand slipped," Sui-Feng growled. "I can't promise it won't happen again if you keep running your filthy mouth."

She and Yoruichi hauled him off once Yamamoto nodded his head. Akira watched him go, looking away when their eyes met. Even that brief instance caused every one of her nerves to shout in protest.

The crack in the sky was gone. So were all the Gillians and the two now-ex Captains.

"Good riddance," Akira said. She wasn't sure who she wouldn't miss most of all, though Gin Ichimaru was gunning for the lead.

"Y-Yes. Well done...Akira. You...have my thanks."

In all of the chaos, she had forgotten about Arashi. Crouching down, she moved his bloody hand aside to reveal a gaping hole that was far too close to his heart. It was easily the worst wound she had ever seen.

"A-Arashi…!"

"Leave it," he said. He was incredibly pleased. Akira didn't get. There was nothing at all humorous about the situation. "Save your energy for someone who actually matters."

She paid his suggestion no mind and got to work. No matter how much energy she expended, the hole refused to close.

"Come on! Come on!"

Sweat poured off her forehead. Every second she wasted was one closer to…

A hand on her shoulder made her jump.

"He is right. Please, do not expend any more energy." Retsu Unohana, Captain of the Fourth Division, shook her head. "Even I would be unable to heal a wound of that severity."

Akira, on the verge of tears, yelled, "M-Mind your own business! I can do it! I can…!"

"You're so damn stubborn." Arashi slapped her hand away. "Heh. There's no point in both of us dying. I...want this. This is exactly how I planned things turning out."

"W-What are you saying?! Why would you…?!"

"Death is the easy way out, but...this is all I can do to atone for all the sins I've committed. Don't waste your tears on me, Akira. I don't deserve them."

It was too late for that. Sobbing into her arm, Akira finally gave in.

"Captain Unohana…" Arashi's breaths were strained. "Promise me you'll take care of Aaron Higuchi and his friends. They are Ryoka, but my sister would kill me if something happened to them."

Unohana smiled warmly. "You have my word. We will treat all who are injured, Ryoka or not."

"You have my sincere thanks. Now, Akira…" No longer able to see, he reached around for her. She took his hand, resting it against her cheek. "I know I'm in no position to do so, but...I need a favor. Please tell Kana that I'm sorry. ...For everything."

"Don't go Arashi! Please! Y-You...can't…!"

"...You really are sweet, Akira. I'm...sorry I wasn't a better man. I'm sorry I got you caught up in all this. It's better this way. You'll see."

"Arashi, I...I lov…!"

"I know, Akira. ...I've always known. I..."
But he never finished the remainder of his sentence. Akira felt him go limp. His eyes closed.

"Arashi…?" Akira nudged him a little as if only rousing him from a light sleep. "I-It's not funny anymore, Arashi. G-Get up!"

"Akiyama, please."

"No, Captain Unohana! He's not dead! He can't be dead! Get up, Arashi! I just said it's not funny anymore!"

Digging her nails into his shoulders, she shook him for dear life. Even as a number of people came over to pull her away, she convinced herself that this really was a practical joke that had gone too far.

Until it finally hit her.

"UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

END