Chapter 4

A Father's Warning

At the assembly, she had figured he was the boy from her alley. He was out of his mind, something was different and he was shifting his ways. He should focus on his life and tasks but Ichigo couldn't get Nozomi out of his head. She occupied a part of his mind that she shouldn't be wondering in, but she was dancing and playing with his thoughts. The light gasp that escaped her perfectly pink lips brought him a thrill. He wanted to touch her cool skin and feel the warmth rise from his touch. Her eyes darkened to a deeper purple that the specks of red almost disappeared from his touch. Was she so sensitive to touch?

The boys had left the assembly early. They were good at disappearing without being noticed and being seated at the back played in their favor. He avoided seeing her throughout the day and the days to follow. She would see him but never approached him. During their passing period, their eyes would meet and disconnect.

He didn't want to be followed and he didn't believe she would confront him with so many students around. He wasn't in any serious trouble. If she confronted him, he could make up an excuse and say he was going out for a midnight run. More importantly, he didn't need to justify his actions to her or think too hard about her pondering. As long as she didn't figure out that he was the boy from the violent incident, he was at ease.

And today was no day to be distracted.

The boys were getting ready to meet Aizen at a cafe. Ichigo stood by the kitchen counter, pulling up his sleeve revealing a tattoo. A thick x circled around his lower arm. He wore a white shirt over his jeans. Ulquiorra checked himself in the mirror and pulled his hair back but the hair fell over his face again. He wore all black sometimes white and no other color. Grimmjow came out pulling a black shirt down his head that fitted his perfectly muscular body and showcased his sleeve tattoos. He slicked his hair back with some hair product but a few strands made their way to the front. His hair was obedient unlike Ichigo's and Ulquiorra's hair.

The months had gone uneventful and the boys felt an unsettling restlessness. They were tired of the slum life but they weren't accustomed to this peaceful life. In the slums, they lived everyday with eyes at the back of their heads and keeping areas in check and reporting to their leader. They were conditioned to survive in their dangerous environment. This area was different, the boys didn't have to work as much but they trained just as hard to wear off the restlessness.

They made their way out, their neighbors smiled at them and the boys smiled back. If any of them were approached by the neighbors, Ulquiorra gave a quick greeting. Surprisingly, he was good at this stuff and the elderly enjoyed his quiet company. In order for the neighbors to feel safe around the boys, they had to do their part by coming off polite and civilized. Grimmjow was quite the handyman and helped the old timers with a few household repairs. Ichigo would step aside for mothers and their children and let them pass by without being in their way. He would help elders cross the streets and retrieve balls that rolled off to the road for the kids. If they were ever present and someone needed help, they would assist. By doing so, the neighbors looked past their delinquent looks and accepted them.

It was a quiet walk until Grimmjow spoke up, "What da ya think this meetin gonna be about."

"Progress report, he hasn't seen us in a while," Ichigo said.

"A fatherly visit," Grimmjow laughed.

Ulquiorra spoke with a stern voice, "You shouldn't joke about his reasoning, it could be serious."

"Shut up and get that stick out ya ass," Grimmjow said, rolling his eyes.

"Trash, someday someones going to rip out your vulgar tongue," Ulquiorra said.

"Settle down," Ichigo said, walking between the two. "I don't want to be in the middle of this bickering, literally."

"Ya think he would ever come to one of those parent teacher nights?" Grimmjow said.

"We don't ever have to mention it," Ichigo said and looked over at Ulquiorra.

"Even I know better than to inform Aizen about such matters," Ulquiorra said, looking at the boys.

The three shivered at the thought and hoped a day would never come for Aizen to meet Ms. Rangiku. She was "hot" as the students described her. Aizen wasn't the type to have a woman linger around him but in his spare time he had his mistresses.

They arrived at the cafe. Eyes were on them which wasn't uncommon, and there in the corner they saw Aizen. He noticed the boys with his sharp brown eyes. He was put together as always in his neat deep charcoal suit. His hair slicked back, perfectly as if it never disobeyed its form. His presence was overwhelming and enticing. People noticed; the women blushed, the men intimidated, the children gazed and the elderly awed around him. They made their way over and took their seats beside him with slight nods. Grimmjow went for the menu and looked over the specialties.

"It seems that this small town is doing you good," Aizen said, "quite the scenery up here, I should visit more often." It was quite the scenery, the cafe was located at the very top of the town that showed the town's greenery, hills and ocean. It was a popular spot for friends, couples and families to gather.

"We're still adjusting," Ulquiorra said, honestly.

"I'm sure you are, it's not quite what you grew up in, you're not at a point where you are constantly fighting for survival," Aizen said. "I brought you to the richer sides but never had you live in them until now."

"What's this about, old man?" Grimmjow asked annoyed.

"Always straight to the point, can't we ease into the conversation," Aizen said. "The boys at the corner miss you, apparently want to settle some friendly scores in the ring," Aizen said, smirking.

"Well nothing gonna change, I'd kick their ass before and I'd kick them again," Grimmjow boasted. He was known as the number one champion in the boxing ring. Any one with brute and senile strength was welcomed. It was literally a death match, one would be lucky to come across a merciful opponent that would spare a life. Grimmjow didn't fight an opponent that was weaker than him.

"Still what's this all about, old man?" Grimmjow said, going back to the point.

Aizen smirked, "Can't a father come and check on his children, I'm really curious to know what you boys have been up-to, how's school? work?" Aizen looked at Ichigo "You've been quiet, what's on your mind?"

Ichigo looked up at Aizen, "Nothing much, enjoying the quieter side of town," Ichigo replied.

He didn't admit it but the night patrols didn't satisfy his itch. He was born into chaos and he reigned it. He loved the fights and attempting to be good was harder to display. Ichigo knew this was the same for Grimmjow and Ulquiorra. They liked the quiet but they wanted the chaos too. They wanted both and they knew that Aizen was aware of this information. It didn't have to be said out loud.

"It's been getting a bit more active but manageable," Ichigo said.

"I'm aware and you've been efficient in your work and keeping ahead of your studies, it's quite impressive but I expect nothing less," Aizen said. "The work won't lessen for some time but your uncle will manage the more tedious tasks."

Grimmjow raised an eyebrow, Gin.

Before Grimmjow could say anything, a girl stepped in front of their table, "Hello, my name is Nelliel and I'll be your waitress."

Grimmjow looked up to see Nel looking down at him. She gave him a smile.

"Fancy seeing you hear, Grimm," Nel said.

"Grimm?" Ulquiorra thought. "She must be his mustard." He looked at Ichigo to confirm his speculation. Ulquiorra baffled Ichigo with his obliviousness. The fact that Grimmjow took a liking to Nel wasn't news to Ichigo.

Nel smiled, waiting for Grimmjow to answer.

"Yeah, you too," Grimmjow said, distantly.

"Don't need to be so shy, who's this?" Aizen said. "Introduce us."

Grimmjow glared at Aizen.

"This is our dad and these guys you usually see around are Ichigo and Ulquiorra," Grimmjow said.

Nel stared curiously at the boys and Aizen.

"We're adopted," Grimmjow said, plainly noting the curiosity on her face.

"Oh," Nel said.

Nel gave Aizen a polite smile "Hello, I'm Nelliel Tu, Grimmjow's classmate."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Nelliel," Aizen said. He took in Nel's unique appearance. The town was filled with distinct individuals but Nel stood out amongst them. Her hair was a vibrant mint color that sharpened her gray eyes. There was a calm in them with a certain storm. He took in her height and posture. He looked at Grimmjow and found it amusing that he was flustered by this girl. Obtaining a woman's attention wasn't difficult for Grimmjow, but a woman was never able to grab his attention beyond primal instincts. What Grimmjow felt was a first.

"Shouldn't we get started on our orders, she can't stand here and entertain you," Grimmjow said.

Nel was taken back by the sternness in his voice. She flipped open her tablet and started taking their orders. Ichigo looked over at Grimmjow burying his feelings down to the very pit of his existence. He didn't want to interfere with his business. Grimmjow never grew too attached to people and if Aizen took an interest in someone, Grimmjow cut them off immediately.

When Nel walked away, Aizen could read the discomfort and confusion at the table. For the first time, he saw the boys as normal teenagers rather than his adopted little henchmen. He looked at Grimmjow in his discomfort, Ichigo in his silent war and Ulquiorra taking in this foreign world. They weren't new to this side of society. Aizen had ensured that they would be part of all aspects of society. He took them to grand parties to socialize when he would meet with clients. He was involved with the legal and illegal parts of the world. They conducted themselves with proper behavior but they were always distant from their peers. He knew they needed to adjust and grow accustomed to being normal. This was an ordinary growing process that would fade into their early adult years.

Aizen stared at Grimmjow.

"What?" Grimmjow said, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm here because the matter concerns you," Aizen said.

"Me?" Grimmjow said.

"You made quite a mark on yourself," Aizen said. "The way you have been taking out wanderers, it draws attention. There's a wanted price for you in the market."

"Uhh, so they've been comin after me, so what?" Grimmjow said, bored.

"How could you not know?" Ulquiorra asked.

"They're all weaklings, I didn't think much of it," Grimmjow said.

"At the moment, yes 'weaklings,' but it's going to get difficult. Your name and location was leaked," Aizen said. "Which puts all of you at risk."

"How did they find out about him?" Ichigo said, leaning in, brows forwarded. They were always careful not leave any trace of evidence that would expose them. The cleaning crew didn't even know them.

"A traitor, I took care of it," Aizen said.

"To clarify, this bounty hunt, they only know him by name and location but not his physical appearance," Ulquiorra said.

"Yes," Aizen said. "I need you boys to remain sharp and take whoever crosses your path a little more seriously."

Grimmjow scoffed.

"The relations you built, cut them," Aizen said, glancing at Nel and back at Grimmjow. "She's pretty to look at and I would hate to see what happens to the innocent lives that come in this crossfire."

Grimmjow's eyes darkened and he gritted his teeth.

"You may think of me as cold and cruel but my priority is to ensure that we remain on top and secure," Aizen said.

He got up and looked over at the boys.

"I'm going to be gone for a while, Gin will be in charge," he said. "In the meantime, soak in the whatever peace and quiet is left, in our line of work it doesn't come very often."

He laid out the cash on the table for the bill tab.

Grimmjow glared at Aizen.

"Ichigo, make sure he stays out of trouble," Aizen instructed. "And Ulquiorra, that's too much hot sauce and ketchup."

"Is it?" Ulquiorra said, swirling the condiments with his fries.

Aizen blinked, "I leave them to you, no strings attached," he said, looking at Ichigo.

"We'll manage like always," Ichigo said.

Aizen left the boys and tipped Nel the way out. He gave her a fatherly smile which always seemed to piss off Grimmjow.

"Who sent you?" Ulquiorra demanded coldly. Pressing his shoes onto his head. The alley was dark and narrow. The buildings hovered over them and to their advantage not a window in sight. Even the moon avoided splaying its light down the alley.

Earlier, the boys decided it would be best to stay in darker and quieter corners. Ulquiorra and Ichigo stayed put together but Grimmjow split up wanting a moment to himself. The boys didn't argue. In doing so, they crossed paths with an opponent who didn't appear to belong on this side of town.

The man spat at his shoe. Ulquiorra didn't like that at all, he hated bodily fluids and being touched. It was one way to trigger him to insanity. He took the man's head and bashed his head against the wall and back to the concrete.

The man groaned, his left face was swollen from the impact of the hit. In the beginning of the fight, he towered over Ulquiorra, swallowing him in his shadows with his menacing physique, but this opponent lacked self control and awareness. Ulquiorra easily took the behemoth down. He didn't rely on raw power to win fights. He wasn't cynical like Grimmjow and quickly finished them off. He didn't like to play on his fights. Ichigo didn't have to get involved and let Ulquiorra handle the situation.

"Are you Grimmjow!" the man demanded. He tried to push himself up with clenched fists. "By the looks of it, I say not, that you two aren't him but related to him. It's not one but three of you." He smiled weakly. The pride never left his eyes for figuring them out.

"What good is that information when you're not leaving out alive," Ulquiorra said coldly. "Who sent you?"

The stranger didn't answer. He gave a boastful smile.

Ulquiorra slammed the man's face against the metal pole, repeatedly. The man struggled to bring his arms up to stop him but groaned in agony. Ulquiorra took his arm, twisted it and dislocated his shoulder. He lifted the arm and slammed the man against the wall and punched him in the throat.

The body fell. His breath came out ragged and his eyes moved side to side in a panic. Cold sweat crept down his back.

Ichigo sighed. This wasn't going anywhere. The man would die with his pride and tight tongue.

"Well this isn't good," Grimmjow said, emerging from the shadows.

"He's not talking and he's not going to talk," Ichigo said.

"Then we'll make an example out of him for everyone," Grimmjow smiled.

Ulquiorra stepped away from the quaking body. The man's eyes locked on Grimmjow and watched him lean down into a squat and tilt his head. His eyes were a cold and icy blue.

"I'm just gonna have to loosen that tongue of yours," he said with a twisted smile. He opened his mouth and pulled out his tongue. The man struggled and squirmed but Grimmjow put his knee to the man's throat. He grabbed his tongue and with one swift motion ripped it out.

Ulquiorra's eyes twitched and Ichigo stood in silence. This wasn't the first time they witnessed Grimmjow's twisted side.

Grimmjow stood up and flicked the saliva from his hand.

"You could have worn gloves," Ulquiorra said and threw him a small bottle of hand sanitizer.

"I forgot," Grimmjow said.

Ichigo looked at the body, the eyes rolled back and the mangled tongue loosely hung out of his mouth. His body was twisted and dislocated, as if it were a scene from a horror movie.

"Ugh, he pissed himself," Grimmjow said, disgusted and stepped away from the dead.

Ulquiorra took out his phone and sent a quick message to their cleaner.

We should go, they'll be arriving soon and they don't want us around.

"Ya let them know to throw him in slums as a public message," Grimmjow said.

"Yes," Ulquiorra said. "We are no longer in secrecy, as we had hoped," he added.

"No shit, it's annoying," Grimmjow said.

"This is no longer about taking over territories but taking us out and getting to Aizen. To our knowledge, our opponents only know of Grimmjow. Aizen took extra precaution to ensure that we would remain secret." Ichigo said.

"No one should have known we were associated with Aizen, even in the slums. The only ones who know about the members in the association are Gin and us." Ulquiorra said.

Ichigo looked ahead and saw a dim light approaching them. The headlights were the shape of bumblebees.

"They're here, let's go," Ichigo said. "We can talk about it later."

"Trash thought I was you," Ulquiorra said. He looked at the body with disgust. "What a meaningless way to die."

Grimmjow snorted.

The boys fixed their hoodies and separated out of the alley.

Hello,

A bit of twisted chapter, but a fun one to write.

Thank you for reading! (/^_^)/ \(^_^\)