The Fallen Series: Part I - Victory Falls

by Seth's Kiss

Canon Divergent: 'They made the biggest mistake of their lives. They forgot Aizen always had a back-up plan, with it usually being far worse than the first'. DARK Fic. Rated M (violence, horror, torture, non-con), also has MxM, MxF, FxF and many unstable pairings (for now). Warnings in each chapter for safety. Proceed with caution. BEING EDITED: Chapters may vanish till completion.

5. Part One: Chapter 3

The Fallen Series (a Bleach Fanfiction) by Seth's Kiss:

A/N: Hello and thank you all for following this fic! Even if it is becoming darker and darker with every chapter...but oh well, what can I say: I write this way (a nod to: Born this way). This chapter was rather hard to write (even though I started it at the same time as the 2nd chap) as I had to construct a past for Aizen Sosuke: so not a piece of cake. But the good thing is that I managed to finish it earlier than expected, so I didn't want to keep you waiting. Hope you'll like it...

P.S: This chapter was supposed to majorly focus on Aizen and it will...mostly. Only I'm not exactly letting you know much yet: I hope you like suspense because I write with it a lot...

To ChizomenoHime: Hello there and thank you for your review! I honestly, sincerely don't know what to say...apart that your reaction is exactly what I was hoping for (my heart still pounds when I reread your review namely with the way you qualified this fic with all those wonderful adjectives). See, as this fic is my first, I wasn't sure if I should write with my normal writing style (which is fairly dark, a faint deform reflection of what my eyes observe of this wretched world...yeah, I know: depressing) but, after my friends encouragingly pushed me, I figured that I'd just go with it to see what it would give...and here we are. So really thank you! Now to answer you as for the ending...um, I don't want spoil anything but let's just say that I'm not that depressing of a writer: there will be ups and downs, moments of angst and serenity (a lot more of the former than the latter)...etc, but the ending (as far as I've planned it) isn't bad...but, uh, the ending is still pretty far away. See, this is but the first part and I'm barely even done with the 3rd chapter, so I still have seven or so more chapters for the first part (Victory Falls) before the 2nd and 3rd parts (whose number of chapters I haven't quite decided yet: having lost all my previous version due to that horrid blackout, I'm currently rewriting, so please, bare with me)... So, I'm really hoping that you can hold on that long because the 'happy ending' you're waiting for is still rather far-off. Be brave! And wish me luck! Next is, I'm quite glad you find my humour to be funny...though I personally find myself boring even if I try to be humorous (my friends think that I'm either too tedious or too sarcastic, so I got used to it). As far as your questions for the characters are concerned, I'm afraid that I unfortunately can't really answer you...for surprisingly the responses would be rather revealing to the plot: the two Arrancars that willingly abided by Aizen are definitely Espada, but I won't say who (but so you know, according to this fic, it's neither Hallibel (she was swayed), Grimmjow or Stark (the two were forced), so that leaves seven for you to guess from until they're revealed (little note: a few Espada are definitely deceased in this, including Barragan Luisenbarne who has been replaced by an O.C, Veneno Luisenbarne, the former's 'supposedly' younger brother)); I have to admit though that it's pretty interesting for you to be asking about Orihime: safely, I can tell you that she is...drowning in guilt for something she has done and for the major part she will have to play in what's to come...not willingly of course but she will have to do it (I won't say more); and yeah, Grimmjow, Orihime and Gin have been pretty messed up: in this fic, Aizen is really no saint after all (you'll see what I mean later on); As for Grimmjow...let's face it: Aizen's going to get out and our dear Grimmjow would rather cease to exist than to fall into the other's hands again, losing his regained freedom of will. It's not giving up per se, it's merely facing facts and besides, when I make a character say the word 'die', it usually has a hidden meaning, which will be eventually be explained in Grimmjow's case (because while Grimmjow may have scars, he's not one to just go on and die, so don't worry, while there will be characters dying, I won't let Grimmjow die (2nd favourite male character of the series)). Also, I love the fact that you want Aizen to pay already: though just so you know, he hasn't even started showing everyone his true nature: like I said, I just began this fic and if you hate him now, then I cannot bare to think the way you'd consider him with the upcoming chapters (especially in what I have planned for part two)... Anyhow, on parting words, I'll say to please put up with me and my updates: I'm working as fast as I can, I just lack time that's all nor do I wish to rush things and end up writing utter crap, one of the reasons I make the chapters as long as possible. Thank you again for your support and I hope to keep up to your expectations and also to hear from you soon. Bye!

Rating for this chapter: Quite dark in my opinion with depictions of interrogation torture with an attempted non-con and mentions of past violence, death, torture, emotional hurt...etc. Caution for the full chapter actually. It delves a little into Aizen's past and connection with the Kuchiki Clan, so not reading would make it confusing, yet reading this chapter might be disturbing for some (emphasis on might: I don't write that well in my opinion). Be careful...

Part One: Victory Falls:

Chapter 3: Evil Rooted Origins:

In the Seireitei, more specifically within Muken:

Sighing deeply in slight boredom, Sosuke Aizen sat in the void of dark swirling purple mist that was his mind, awaiting his cloaked allies for an update as he was seated upon a throne in the middle of the hazed nothingness. They had contacted him mere moments ago, telling him that they had rather pressing information for him...only they hadn't arrived yet.

The brown-haired immortal was grateful for the fact that he didn't have to deal with them on a physical plane...because he was definitely not presentable enough for that, given the tender care he was receiving on his corporal end within the confines of Muken.

Here, in his mind, he could take the appearance he wished, shape his surroundings the way he wanted, a wonderful advantage and magnanimous courtesy of his zanpaktou's abilities that could extend further than their inner world's limits...as everyone knew...and mostly forgot...

Five shadows abruptly appeared from within the mist slowly taking the forms of cloaked beings, three in scarlet, one in black and another in white, the latter hanging in the background, while the former four stepped forth.

Four of those present - the one in white, the one in black and two of those in red - bowed down low, but not the fifth who remained standing proud and tall...though it wasn't like the immortal was expecting him to bow in the first place...not with the kind of relationship they had...

"Aizen-sama" voiced one of them reverently as he shed his hood, revealing it to be Veneno.

"Hello to all of you. It's been awhile since you last visited" smiled Aizen with a nod to acknowledge them before he tilted his head, eyeing them expectantly "I'll take this as everything is going according to plan."

With a frown upon his features, Veneno cleared his throat unnervingly: "Mostly, my lord."

"Mostly?" echoed the brown-haired immortal slowly with a raised eyebrow, displeasure evident in his voice.

"We have had two rather...unfortunate occurrences" explained the Arrancar carefully, keeping his eyes lowered "Whether they will interfere with your plan or not, will be for you to tell us, Aizen-sama."

"I'm all ears" notified Aizen in the same tone as he shifted to set his chin upon his hand.

Licking his dry lips nervously, Veneno cautiously informed his master of their dilemma: "A few Arrancars, including Stark, Hallibel and Jeagerjaques, have fled to Karakura. By the time we got there to pursue them, they were gone. Hypothetically, they must have been taken into custody by the Shinigami."

"Grimmjow, hm?" said Aizen darkly with narrowed eyes, clearly very irritated that his second in command had lost grip of his preferred plaything "And how many have run away exactly?"

"Fifteen, my lord" replied the new Segundo Espada quietly before he flinched fearfully upon witnessing his master's expression darken further.

"Ah" uttered the immortal plainly, staring down at the other murderously before he resorted to just closing his eyes and sighing deeply, his next words stunning his subordinate "No...I don't see this as a major problem."

Eyes widening in shock and confusion, Veneno whispered tentatively: "Aizen-sama?"

"However...I do really fail to understand how they managed to escape."

At that, the Segundo Espada's eyes narrowed with ire as he glanced behind him and jerked his head curtly towards the white cloaked being, gritting out: "That, my lord, you should ask him."

"Aizen-sama" greeted the one cloaked in white evenly as he stepped forward and dropped swiftly to his knees, his hand upon his heart whilst his other hand withdrew his hood.

"Hello, Ulquiorra. Feeling well?" asked Aizen considerately and, upon receiving a nod from his Cuatro Espada, he then questioned "Now tell me, what are you being accused of?"

Raising his large expressionless dark green eyes, the black-haired Espada responded calmly, lightly even: "I should wonder that myself, for I personally do not see what I've done wrong."

"Liar!" spat out Veneno vehemently as he glared at the other heatedly "You were merely seconds away from getting a hold of Grimmjow and the others but then you just came to a halt and let them flee through the Garganta right under your nose. I'd say that you've gone all soft due to that human bitch who..."

"Careful now, Veneno" spoke up Aizen warningly, bringing the other's words to an instant halt "Our sweet little princess is very important to my plans so if you could be kind as to value her accordingly..."

"Yes, of course" mumbled the Segundo Espada softly, lowering his head in a deep reverence "My apologies, Aizen-sama."

The immortal didn't even spare him a second glace as he focused on the fourth again, speaking with lethal gentleness: "Now then, Ulquiorra? Anything you'd like to say in your defence?"

Returning his master's stare composedly, the Cuatro Espada was actually sifting through his thoughts rather vigilantly. He was entirely devoted to Aizen, has always been. Before he had no meaning; now he did and that he owed it to the man before him. He would kill and die for him. Bow down to him and carry out his every demand... However, that didn't mean that he was entirely agreeing to his master's doings. Far from it: he was starting to loathe them.

Veneno wasn't exaggerating: Ulquiorra had let them run, Grimmjow in particular... As to why, well...that concerned him for now, though with Aizen, it was probably best to just tell him...a carefully edited truth. He knew Aizen wouldn't penalize him no matter the reason anyway. After all, he was one of his master's favourites...and Veneno knew and resented that.

Speaking as blankly as ever, Ulquiorra declared truthfully: "I was merely returning a favour."

"Ah?" uttered the immortal in evident surprise: clearly, he was not expecting such a reply... but then again, any reply the 4th would have given that didn't state disloyalty shouldn't have stunned him. Ulquiorra would be the last of his Espada to even think about betraying him: He was just that loyal.

"Now that it has been done, next time, I won't be as lenient" asserted the Cuatro Espada firmly, unwaveringly as he let his master bore his eyes searchingly into his own, analysing them in depth, verifying if his words were of veracity or of lies.

"Very well, I'll believe you, Ulquiorra" stated the brown-haired immortal with finality, apparently satisfied by what he found within his subordinate's eyes, before uttering in slight warning "Just make sure that after this occasion, there won't be another 'next time'."

"Of course, Aizen-sama" vowed the black-haired Espada effortlessly, dipping his head in a bow, whilst Veneno could only turn bright red with raging jealousy.

Aizen simply smiled at Ulquiorra before he drew them all back to the matter at hand: "Now, you had mentioned a second problem?"

"Yes, Aizen-sama" articulated a different voice suddenly as yet another being manifested.

Aizen's eyes shot wide open as he took in the other's appearance: "Kyoka Suigetsu?"

"Hello, Aizen-sama" hailed the zanpaktou with a smirk so similar to his own before bowing down low.

"Care to tell me why you here in your original form?" questioned the immortal, eyes still wide with surprise: he wasn't taken aback by the other's presence, no far from it, for it too had been one of his informants; however, it was seeing Kyoka Suigetsu that perturbed him when, as of late, it had only been communicating with him vocally.

"I've been pushed out" notified the zanpaktou with an irritated expression, as it huffed in indignation.

Now the immortal was utterly flabbergasted: "Come again?"

Kyoka Suigetsu pursed its lips as it glanced upwards before it admitted bitterly: "A combination of reiatsu from Grimmjow and Inoue Orihime rejected me from the boy's inner world, so here I am."

Whilst Aizen silently assessed the new and utterly unexpected development, Veneno raised an eyebrow with a smug smirk: "Do you still not have any doubts at all about that human girl, my lord?"

Withdrawing his face from his hand, the brown-haired immortal answered evenly: "No. I have none."

"How can you trust her?" exclaimed the Segundo Espada in dismay: Veneno had never liked humans, so this one was no different.

Staring at his subordinate with condescending annoyance, the immortal stressed out: "It has nothing to do with trust. It's a plain fact: she will not and cannot go against me."

"Then how do explain that she...?" persisted the other only to be cut off by his master yet again.

"Do you honestly think it best that they all know whose side she really is on?" enquired Aizen, smirking when Veneno lowered his eyes and remained silent "I didn't think so. So, Kyoka Suigetsu, I'll take this as Ichigo being involved in the upcoming war?"

"I doubt so, Aizen-sama" responded the zanpaktou with a meditative expression "Ever since you have ordered me to lock him in slumber, I have not sensed an ounce of power emanating from him. He will be no threat to you at all."

"He has lost his powers?" uttered Ulquiorra in slight disbelief: it was hard for him to imagine the orange-haired teen as nothing but a normal human.

"Apparently so" sighed Kyoka Suigetsu flippantly as it shrugged before crossing its arms.

"That's impossible" stated suddenly Aizen with a deep frown, drawing stunned stares to him as he attempted to dissect the information "Something's amiss."

"My lord?" inquired Ulquiorra with slight curiosity before dropping it immediately when his master shook his head.

"Let's leave it as it is for now" declared the brown-haired with a calm smile, frown that previously marred his features now gone "Again, I do not view this as a problem."

"As you say, Aizen-sama" accepted Kyoka Suigetsu easily, the two Espada following its lead.

"So, the next phase, my lord..." began Veneno cautiously, still wary of his master's former irritation in him.

"...is already in play" completed the brown-haired pleasantly, making the Segundo Espada relax slightly "I merely would need of you to interfere when you are told."

"Of course, Aizen-sama" they all instantaneously responded in chorus.

"Excellent" smirked the immortal before he gestured towards his zanpaktou and his two Espada "Now, if you could leave us?"

As Ulquiorra, Veneno and Kyoka Suigetsu bowed before they took their leave, Aizen focused his attention on the three remaining cloaked individuals, speaking up calmly to one of them, the one who hadn't bowed: "I trust that you are ready to play you part in the Seireitei when it'll be needed."

The amusement was palpable in the person's voice as he affirmed haughtily: "Naturally. Leave it to me and don't worry your pretty little head over it, hm?"

A deep threatening ethereal growl emanated from one of the other two present, prompting Aizen to smile in her direction indulgently: "Please do calm down."

She instantly complied and bowed low, admitting in a subservient tone: "I will never tolerate any disrespect in your regard, Aizen."

"I know and that I am grateful for. Now take your place beside the others. Aid them in any way you can."

"By your command" she responded instantly before she stood and departed with the other, leaving behind only one individual left, the one cloaked in black.

"As for you, dear, I have something rather specific to ask of you" said Aizen with a gentle smile as he locked eyes with the remaining being before him, a being with two slanted mismatched blue eyes, the right one of dark sapphire and the left one of a bright azure, both filled with adoration.

000000000000000000000000000000000000

Grimmjow Jeagerjaques never liked Aizen.

Wait...scratch that... Correction: Grimmjow has always loathed Aizen; even at the time when they originally met, out within the cold empty white sands of the Hueco Mundo, one of the first emotions that came to the feline Arrancar was hatred...

It wasn't some spontaneous opinion mind you, for as a pure free-minded spirit, he enjoyed delving into feline-like curiosity hence unravelling another person's personality upon initial encounter, yet due to his strong instincts, he knew exactly when a person was a threat...and Aizen was exactly that, for the very first emotion that Grimmjow had felt...was dread, screaming at him to run for his life... As one can only come to hate what they sense fear for...

Later on, he only grew to hate him more, because, unlike most of the other Arrancars who were 'politely' invited, deceived or swayed to join Aizen, he was captured, locked up and dragged to endure degradation beyond anything he had ever thought possible... And right now, he had to really wonder just to what extent that bastard was sincerely depraved...

Following his recent transgression, thanks to Kaname Tousen and his sense of righteousness, he had lost an arm with a swift slash and then in a blazing burn...but his punishment had not resumed itself to that. He still had to endure what his master, lord Aizen, had in mind for him.

So that's how he found himself, in his master's own quarters, his head hung low, kneeling and chained to a pillar, his restraints firmly secured around his neck, remaining arm and torso, clenching his teeth till his gum bled as his master slowly, torturously slow even, proceeded to char off the skin holding the tattooed six with a sustained burning red orb of kido, very similar in appearance to the Arrancar's cero actually...

Excruciating moments later, Grimmjow could only gasp quietly in relief when the agony subsided and only a vivid throbbing lingered: Aizen was finally done...well no, not quite...for while he was done conducting chastisement, Aizen was not yet done with Grimmjow. Far from done...

Hand fisting his blue locks firmly, the lord of the Espada forced his subordinate's head up in order to have easy access to the feline's features which were twisted in pain and loathing, causing Aizen to relish in the expression the Arrancar wore.

Noticing the sadistic lust within the brown-haired's gaze, Grimmjow wanted to snarl out in disgusted rage but wisely chose against it, choosing to glare wordlessly instead, making his wild restless blue eyes clash with calm amused brown ones. They were more than enough to convey to the lord of the Espada exactly what the Arrancar thought of him...

Irritation shone in his eye as Aizen looked down at him: They shared the same height yet Grimmjow always felt like the other towered over him...or maybe he had gotten that impression because Aizen often had him kneel before him...Either way, he wasn't fond of the position he was in, though of what he gathered, the lord of the Espada simply loved to have him on his knees...

Grimmjow startled slightly when he felt something metallically cold and thin tap against his lips, and a quick glance told him that it was a rather long menacing stick he hadn't realized Aizen had been holding. The brown-haired languidly traced the other's lips in mock tenderness that could have fooled Grimmjow to submissively open his mouth for Aizen...only he was no fool, so he kept his lips tightly sealed shut, even when the lord of the Espada forcefully tried to nudge them apart with the offending object.

Chuckling darkly, Aizen's lips merely curved into a smile at Grimmjow's silent defiance: "Now, now, my beloved. We can't have any of that."

Shuddering involuntarily, the Arrancar's jaw tightened further: he hated it when the other spoke to him like that...in that sickly sweet sadistic tone of voice. It just made his skin crawl...

The stick then rested underneath his chin before Aizen used it to tilt his head even further upwards, expecting to lock eyes with the other, only Grimmjow kept them rebelliously lowered.

"Look at me, Grimmjow" ordered the brown-haired in a deep voice that demanded obedience.

Blue eyes instantly snapped up to those brown ones above, apprehensive of what the other would do if he didn't comply...especially if he imprudently chose to defy Aizen when he used that particular tone.

"Now then..." began Grimmjow's master as he closed in, his voice now downright menacing "What did I tell you about you not having any right whatsoever to do anything without my permission?"

Blue eyes snap open, darting around wildly, only calming down when they fully took in their surroundings and saw that Aizen was nowhere to be seen. Relief flooded him, much to his quiet resentment, before he hastily shut his eyes again and shielded his eyesight from the bright sunlight as he realized that it was day...here: there was no such thing as day in the eternal night of the Hueco Mundo, with the exception of Aizen's artificial creation of course.

Gradually adjusting to the light and now a lot more calm than the prior few moments, the Arrancar once again looked around. The detainment cell he occupied was rather decent, oddly enough, and that had been something he wasn't really expecting. Then again, he and the others had no real idea in depth of how the Shinigami dealt with things in general, having a rather biased opinion of them, which was indisputably mutual and that he would know: all either of them knew was that they had to kill each other in order to survive...

The other Arrancars were locked up in nearby cells - he could sense their presence - however, they were too far apart for them to communicate, not that it bothered him...but he had a feeling it would bother some, especially the two lovebirds that had decided to side with him: not being under the same reign had made it difficult for them to interact yet alone see each other, as one was a Fraccion and the other used to be an Espada. So, they both seemingly agreed that still being under Aizen's orders wouldn't do any good for their relationship thus followed Grimmjow and the other Deserters...only they were still apart, despite being in this together. The feline Arrancar could only smirk as he practically sensed the irritation radiate from them, their furiously fluctuating reiatsu being a translator to their stressed feelings...

A sudden set of footsteps heading to his cell had Grimmjow turn his attention to the bars with perked ears, inquisitively curious as to was visiting him...yet alone willingly. Maybe one of the captains was here to ask even more questions and that notion made him scowl: he was in no mood to deal with any of them and, quite honestly, had nothing to say to them in particular.

His thoughts manifested Orihime momentarily but he was quick to shove her image away: as if...not with what happened back in Las Noches she wouldn't. She could barely look him in the eye yet alone talk to him without a stutter or a shiver...and he honestly couldn't blame her.

While he wondered who it was, Grimmjow lifted his gaze as the footsteps finally reached the door, revealing, through the cells' bars, the guard that had been assigned to watch over them.

"You have a visitor, Jeagerjaques" stated the sentinel after he had greeted the Arrancar with a curt yet polite nod, before making way for the person accompanying him and taking his leave.

"Thanks, Takada (1)" responded the blue-haired automatically, having sympathized with the guard quite easily due to his easygoing character - for a Shinigami - before shifting his attention to the orange-haired teen on the other side of the cell "Kurosaki."

At first, the teen didn't respond...for his mind was racing rowdily. Having heard of the Arrancars' detainment, Ichigo had honestly expected to find them dwelling in pitiful condition, though in the end, he had to hand it to 6th Division's barracks - and by extension to Byakuya - the cells' accommodations were acceptable. He still stood strongly against the thought of having to lock them up...but he had very little say in the matter. He no longer was a Shinigami after all...although, even when he was one, he still didn't have much say anyway...so all in all, it wouldn't have a made a difference...

When Grimmjow had come all the way from the Hueco Mundo to not only warn him, but save him, the former Substitute Shinigami had no idea what to think. When the Arrancar had told him that he had basically done it out of some sort of gratitude, he still didn't know how to react to that. However, when the blue-haired feline had whispered that he was planning on ending his life, Ichigo could only think of one thing.

"You can't die" he blurted out desperately in a whisper before he mentally slapped himself: he hadn't at all planned to start the conversation like this.

"Huh?" the Arrancar uttered with stunned wide eyes and a very confused frown: what was the kid on about?

"You can't die" repeated the teen a little louder this time, scowling at the blue-haired now that he couldn't take his words back "You said you've always had the instinct to survive, now you're quitting?"

"Don't you know how to fuckin' greet people properly, kid?" deadpanned Grimmjow in disbelief... before realizing that he wasn't good at greeting either: he usually went on and attacked people.

When Ichigo remained silent, awaiting an answer, the feline Arrancar sighed tiredly: "I never said that. Knowing that he'll be back, I...You wouldn't understand."

"Make me understand then! What the heck has he done to you? I mean, I still don't get what you've been through! Apart, uh...'being disciplined'? Whatever the heck that means..." muttered Ichigo after having shouted the first sentences before he focused on observing the Arrancar attentively "Was it that horrible?"

The teen saw agony in the other's dim eyes before the Arrancar even answered: "You have no bloody idea."

"Then tell me" offered Ichigo gently, showing Grimmjow his sincerity by not looking away or blinking while the Arrancar vigilantly searched his eyes.

"I..." wavered slightly the blue-haired as he glanced away from the fully honest and absurdly selfless teen before him "I can't. It's not something you willingly go and howl out loud for everyone to hear. He...he is capable of bestowing twisted forms of punishments that are both agonizing and fuckin' humiliating."

Frowning in deep thought, the teen tried to come up with the most mortifying and painful situation he could think of: "What? Did he make you walk around Las Noches stark naked on a path of glass shards or something?"

Genuinely amused laughter escaped the feline's lips before he could stop it, leading Ichigo stare at him with unconcealed surprise: "That would have been acceptable actually."

Recovering from the fact that Grimmjow had momentarily looked like something other than a deadly killer, the orange-haired human considered his own idea briefly before he shuddered in horror: "Not for me it wouldn't."

Grimmjow's expression immediately turned serious at the teen's words: "Then don't ever let Aizen know that: he takes what you hate or fear the most to make you go through as much fuckin' pain as he can inflict you."

"You making him sound far worse than evil" observed Ichigo quietly after awhile.

"He is" stressed out the feline Arrancar with a stern glare "I thought we've established that."

"I'm not denying it" retorted the teen just as firmly before he clarified his point of view for the Arrancar "It's just to me...evil is gaining others' trust and then crushing it, having people loyal to them and then turning against them. That sort of thing."

Shaking his head at the orange-haired human, the Arrancar sneered mockingly: "Then you're way far of course, kid."

"Am I?" inquired Ichigo as he crossed his arms "What is else is there?"

"I'd tell you, but then you'll have nightmares for the rest of your life, Kurosaki. You're too young to know about it" admitted the Arrancar as he mumbled the last part: he had not come to that realization until recently, but sixteen was still very young (2), by anyone's standards. Assessing the youthful teen in front of him, Grimmjow had a hard time imagining him between Aizen's claws: he'd lose his fire for sure...if he doesn't lose his mind first.

"But not too young for you to pummel me into the dirt, right?" countered the orange-haired teen with a raised eyebrow, snapping the other from his thoughts.

The Arrancar had the decency to look slightly uncomfortable as he understood the teen's implications: "Yeah, well...for you, that's a kind of violence is easy to deal with, not the one I had to endure".

"Wow. I feel loads better" stated the teen dryly with a roll of his eyes "Seriously though Grimmjow, dying isn't a solution."

"Who said anything about dying?" asked the Arrancar with a quirked eyebrow as he stood from his bed and leisurely moved to stand near the bars, his hands in his pockets as he stared down at the teen on the other side of the cell questioningly.

"Uh..." hesitated the orange-haired human slowly, noticing for the first time the slight height difference between them "You did? 'I was planning on dying after this' or something. Isn't that what you said no later than last night?"

"Maybe I should have been more specific. I'd die as Grimmjow Jeagerjaques but that doesn't mean I'll stop living."

Bewildered confusion instantly plastered itself on the teen's face: "Uh..."

"What is it that I've said that you don't fuckin' understand?" the Arrancar exasperatedly sighed with closed eyes as an eyebrow twitched in annoyance at the teen's puzzled expression: his words had been clear enough in his opinion.

"To be honest...the whole sentence..."

Well, apparently not: "Ugh...Look, the only way to ever escape Aizen is to disappear, to die as the person he already knows, ditching everything that makes you recognizable: name, appearance and so on. Like that, I'll finally be fuckin' free from that bastard because like damn I'm going through all that hell again."

"Oh, now I get it" uttered the teen as understanding dawned upon his features before a disapproving scowl immediately replaced it "It's the worst option for a better life that I've ever heard and I can't believe that it's coming from you."

"Oh yeah?" smirked the Arrancar mirthlessly as he tilted his head and raised an eyebrow "Having a much better idea maybe? Care to share?"

"Fighting to live" declared the orange-haired teen firmly as he crossed his arms and his scowl deepened, unable to understand why the other would choose to run.

"Yeah right...Think I haven't?" snarled the blue-haired as he took hold of the bars in each hand and drew his face closer to the teen's who unconsciously pulled back "That's what I've doing for the past I don't know how many bloody years, long before that Aizen fucker. I'm sick and tired of trying to endure that fucked-up existence."

They remained silent for awhile as they merely stared at each other - one glaring, the other scowling - before the teen loosened his scowl a little: "What about living for your friends?"

"Herd" corrected the feline Arrancar persistently...because that's what they were: he cared for them, but Grimmjow Jeagerjaques really couldn't afford the luxury of having friends...It was too dangerous for everyone concerned.

"Same shit" the teen sighed in exasperation at the other's rectification "How about them? Are you abandoning them?"

"Hell no...That was never an option. They're coming with me...wherever we end up" glared the blue-haired feline as he exposed his fangs fiercely: he may be hollow, he was not heartless.

"Then why...?"

"I'll make it simple for you" grounded out the Arrancar tightly as he jabbed at the other's chest impatiently, now tired of the teen's incessant questions "I want to get the hell out of this mess now before it gets ugly, but they want to do this either if the Shinigami secure our safety first, either when Aizen's far too preoccupied with the Shinigami to remember about us."

Easing the now sore spot on his chest, the former Shinigami Substitute raised an eyebrow critically at that: "In other words, securing steadfast safety or bailing out in discretion?"

"Exactly...And that's their choice. I was outnumbered so I'm following" shrugged the Arrancar offhandedly though Ichigo had a feeling that Grimmjow wasn't that nonchalant about his decision "Without that, we're all in this together after all and that began the moment we ran from the Hueco Mundo."

Sighing, Ichigo looked away and rubbed at his neck: "Listen, I don't want the guy who fought like hell to get me back on my feet, just throw his life away. Running, hiding: that's not a life."

Blinking slowly, Grimmjow remained quiet for awhile before he smirked scathingly: "Ain't that fuckin' cute? If you knew Aizen like I did, you'd do the same, kid: it's the only way out."

"No, it isn't" rejected Ichigo as his scowl returned tenfold and he shook his head obstinately, whilst overlooking the Arrancar's jibe "It's a coward's way."

"Bravery or cowardice has nothing to with it" the feline Arrancar growled low before he pushed away from the bars and moved back towards the bed, his next words bringing an end to their conversation "You wanna fight and hope to survive what's gonna come, be my guest. But it's going to be without me, without any of us actually: we are not going up against Aizen. It's a fool's errand and a fuckin' granted one-way trip to losing your freedom...Forever at that."

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Gin had expected it sooner or later, though he would have largely preferred later than sooner.

He would rather confront the entire Gotei 13, be hated for the rest of his life by the whole world, be killed by Aizen repeatedly...than have to explain his actions to Rangiku of all people.

Since he had been brought back to the land of the 'living', Rangiku had completely avoided eye-contact with Gin, as well as avoiding him in general as well...and he didn't blame her. She was simply giving him a taste of his own medicine: he had done near the same before he unexplainably left with Aizen...and leaving her behind...Yet again...

Although now, with her standing in front of him and staring at him meticulously like this was kind of making him uncomfortable. Not something he was used to: typically when he was the one to unnerve people. He decided that he didn't like being on the receiving end, just barely sympathizing with all those he had ever made feel this way...

Closing his eyes and tilting his head faintly, the silver-haired smiled tightly: "Hello Ran-chan."

"Gin" acknowledged the gorgeous golden blonde woman with a stiff nod before her pale crystal blue eyes narrowed a little "You have some explaining to do."

Ah. Straight to the point...Well, that was probably the best way to deal with this at the very moment.

The 3rd Division's captain still maintained his smile though: "Of course: I'll answer all your questions, Rangiku."

The 10th Division's lieutenant shook her head before raising an eyebrow: "I have just one."

Wondering curiously now what she was going to ask, Gin consented easily: "Ok then. Let's hear it."

"Why?" she asked expectantly, as she unwaveringly fixed her stare steadily on him.

"Why?" he echoed in a surprised tone, before perplexity seeped in his currently wide open eyes "Why what? I think you'll have to be a little bit more specific."

"Why did you do all those things you did? That's what I want to know" she explained before many emotions ran through her unusually expressive eyes which she was quick to lower before Gin caught onto anything.

"All those things I did?" he repeated softly with raised eyebrows before he closed his eyes again and calmly replied "Alright...So...Why did I side with Aizen? To protect you. Why did I wish to protect you? Because you're the most important person to me and I have no other. What did I protect you from? I rather you didn't know. Why did I obey his every word? In order to protect you, I had offered myself to him, saying I'd do anythin' he asked of me. What really motivated me to join Aizen? I had every intention to betray him as soon as I had the chance and terminate his existence. In the end, I failed."

"Gin..." breathed the blonde woman in a hushed whisper, a mixture emotions robbing her from uttering any other words.

Locking eyes with his childhood friend, the silver-haired captain spoke up seriously: "That person's a demon, Ran-chan. You just don't know it."

"Or rather you don't remember it" corrected Gin's mind instantly as his thoughts unwillingly drifted away to a certain memory amongst many others he'd rather never recall.

In the forest's clearing, a child Gin fidgeted nervously as he fixed intently the man hovering over the frame of the unconscious young golden haired blonde girl, watching the man's every move and clutching the blade within his hand in an iron grip, not trusting the other one bit yet resisting with every ounce of willpower he had to not dash over and behead the monstrous man before him. It was his fault that...No, it was too late for that: to set the blame on him alone, when Gin too was just as blameful...as evil had also tainted his soul this fateful night...

The man had his hands over the girl's head, energy pulsating around them as he carried out his deed. After a few more tense minutes, the man withdrew and stood, before smiling darkly at the child: "It's done."

Gin didn't know whether to feel relieved by the fact or disgusted with himself whilst he asked the other in a hushed whisper as he stared at the girl: "She really won't remember?"

"Positive" confirmed the brown-haired man, before his brown eyes focused on him and he reached out to tousle his hair "Do you doubt me?"

The child was quick to shake his head, both to answer and to keep the other's hand away: "I just wanted to be sure. I...I don't want her to remember."

"Don' worry. You're little friend won't recall a thing of what happened" insisted the evil man as his smile became ominously sinister whilst his eyes glinted darkly "I've made sure of it."

"Gin" called out the golden-haired blonde, drawing his attention to her concerned frown "You spaced out."

The silver-haired forced a playful smile to his lips: "Have I? You were sayin', Ran-chan?"

Frown deepening at his nonchalance, she stressed out grimly: "You could have died."

Gin blinked once before he gave her an empty smile: "I did die."

And Rangiku saw red: "Don't joke about this! I almost lost you! You said I was important to you, did you once to stop and think that maybe, just maybe, you were important to me too?! I care about you!"

"I know, Ran-chan, I know" placated the 3rd Division's captain with a sigh before whispering quietly "You care, just not like I do."

She immediately turned threateningly miffed at that: "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"What am I to you?" inquired the silver-haired captain instead as he tilted his head barely.

"What...?" began the 10th Division's lieutenant hesitantly, confusion upon her features.

"Just answer the question, Rangiku."

"You're my best friend, Gin" she answered staunchly, missing the fleeting pained flicker in the other's eyes "My best and only friend."

"Yeah, well, you're far more than that...You just won't hear it from me" confessed Gin mentally before sighing again and smiling vacantly at the woman before him "I'm sorry, Ran-chan. I must have made you really worried. I won't do it again."

"You'd better not" the golden-haired blonde huffed with a raised eyebrow, still slightly puzzled by his question "Otherwise I won't forgive you this time."

"Meanin' that right now, I'm forgiven, that it?" pointed out the silver-haired with wide eyes, giving Rangiku the impression that this was his version of hopeful puppy eyes...hm, they didn't suit him at all.

Lips quirking into a small indulgent smile, she glared at him without anger: "Don't push your luck."

Chuckling for a moment, Gin then breathed out and gazed at her: "Ran-chan, I..."

"Ichimaru-taichou" called out Izuru as he promptly made an appearance beside his captain, already kneeling.

Silently glad for the interruption when he realized what he had been about to say, the silver-haired turned towards him with a light smile: "Why, hello there, Kira-chan. Is everythin' alright?"

"Just a call for a meeting: Captains only" informed the pale blonde lieutenant as he stood when his captain motioned for him to do so.

Gin frowned slightly: "I thought that the rules changed about the only captain meetin' thin'."

"Just this one time apparently" shrugged Izuru though he too was confused before he noticed Rangiku "Hi, Matsumoto."

"Kira" she acknowledged with a smile and nod before locking gazes with her childhood friend who had turned to face her again.

He smiled ruefully at her: "So...I have to go."

"That's not new" huffed Rangiku as she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, trying yet failing to show him that she wasn't still bothered by the fact they rarely got to see each other.

"I'm sorry. And to you, my apologies are sincere" confessed Gin quietly before he shunpo-ed away, leaving the golden haired blonde smiling softly at his words.

"Huh..." uttered the 3rd Division's lieutenant with an offended frown "That being said, I guess when he said sorry to me, he didn't mean it."

Rangiku blinked before she burst out laughing: leave it to Kira Izuru to cling onto little details.

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Compared to the prior meeting, the Assembly Room was significantly emptier: not only were the lieutenants not present, but it was also the case for the bedridden 2nd Division's captain, Soifon - she was in intensive care back in the 4th Division's barracks with Unohana and Yoruichi who have both remained by her side until the meeting was called upon, the Shihoin princess tagging along for she too was also unexpectedly summoned - and the deceased 12th Division's captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi - he had been brutally, very brutally, slaughtered by the Arrancars that ambushed him and the others: the Shinigami know this for they had sent scouts to discreetly go over the Hueco Mundo in search for survivors...only to find numerous bodies torn to pieces strewn amongst the white sands, former members of the 2nd and 12th Divisions, amongst them the unrecognizable mangled corpse of Mayuri... Somebody had done quite a number on him and had thoroughly, viciously enjoyed it.

Retrieving the lost souls to give them a proper burial back home and surprisingly though thankfully not encountering the enemy on their way back, the scouts had also stumbled on Marechiyo Omaeda's cadaver, much to the deepest chagrin of his family back in the Seireitei.

It was rather vital to mention though that out of all the bodies, one wasn't at all located: the body of Nemu Kurotsuchi, Mayuri's lieutenant and artificial daughter, was never found...

Amongst the entire captains of the Gotei 13 present, Yoruichi Shihoin and Urahara Kisuke were also there, having been brought in to assist to this particular assembly though with no specifics as of yet. The only lieutenant present however was Chojiro Sasakibe who took place beside the Captain Commander to make the announcements that would begin the following deliberation. Clearing his throat, he declared loudly for all to hear: "Following recent events, the Arrancars have asked for protection."

"Have they?" uttered Gin in a surprised tone, for he never thought he'd hear such a choice coming from them in person, given their fierce independence "Will we allow it?"

"We should" spoke up Toshiro, already holding them in slight sympathy "They are currently fugitives and have nowhere to go. If anything we could have them fight alongside use when the time comes."

"Nah, it ain't happening" voiced Kenpachi in a bored tone, frown deeper than usual "They don't seem to want anything to do with fighting at all."

"Isn't that just an act?" questioned Yoruichi with a raised eyebrow, her voice not holding scepticism yet seeking confirmation "What makes you not doubt the fact that they may still be loyal to Sosuke? What if this is a mere ploy on their part?"

"I would have agreed, ya know" said Shinji as he tilted his head, his thoughts drifting to the blue-haired "However, their apparent leader, Blu...Jeagerjaques Grimmjow, harbours utter loathin' towards Aizen and it isn't at all faked."

"Still..." objected Byakuya firmly "This very Arrancar had been subjected the Hogyoku's control. Being in its vicinity, wouldn't that make him more malleable to Aizen Sosuke's commands?"

The 5th Division's captain blinked before he muttered sulkily: "Hadn't thought of that."

"You didn't answer" pointed out the Kuchiki noble earning a glare from the blonde but just as he was about to retort, someone else replied in his place.

"It would" agreed the 3rd Division's captain with a smile before countering with his own theory "However, had it been the case, wouldn't he more likely have easily agreed to remain on permanent lockdown here? A few Arrancars, though all of them willin' at first, seemed rather uncomfortable with the concept of stayin' in Aizen's proximity, Jeagerjaques bein' one of them and the one that the thought seems to bother the most."

"Where would they rather be then?" asked Rose curiously.

"Far from Aizen" admitted Gin with lowered his eyes "As far as possible. Who wouldn't?"

A brief silence echoed in the room before Yamamoto spoke up decidedly: "In this case, we shall grant them with what they ask. Their cells will be furnished accordingly where they will be kept under constant lockdown and surveillance."

"Sounds legit...if not a little draconian, Commander" observed Shunsui disapprovingly with a taut smile, voicing both his and Jushiro's thoughts: he didn't need to ask the white-haired captain, for the latter's frown was enough to tell that he didn't like this decision either.

The Captain Commander glanced at him just as reproachfully: "They are not prisoners nor are they guests, Kyoraku-taichou. In addition, they were formally against us, our enemies. Besides, we cannot afford any further decrease in our ranks. They may have left Aizen's army, they remain incredibly more powerful than us. It is mere precaution."

Sighing, the 8th Division's captain nodded while closing his eyes: "I have to agree to that."

"May I say something?" requested Urahara suddenly as he raised his hand, just like a child seeking permission in class.

"Go ahead" permitted Yamamoto in a conceding tone, whilst the others, interested in what he had to say, turned their attention to him.

"How about letting them dwell - under surveillance and so on - in Karakura instead?" the sandy blonde suggested gently, genuinely hoping that at least this option would be considered, instead of having them on constant lockdown: at least there, they would have a semblance of freedom and not feel like prisoners of war.

"No way" rejected Kensei instantly as he shook his head "Way too risky."

"Let's all just think about it for a second" pressed on Urahara insistently "Firstly, they want to be the furthest possible from Aizen and they can't even go back to the Hueco Mundo. Secondly, they don't want to get involved in what's going to come and even less fight. Lastly, we need everyone here just in case but that means that Karakura is defenceless, especially since Ichigo-kun's powerless. Not only the whole town's in danger but Ichigo, his family and friends are as well. You could station a few members here and there but it might not be enough for them and we'll be a few fighters short, which in a war can make a big difference."

"I certainly do see your logic" stated the Captain Commander slowly after awhile of thought before he nodded faintly "It is a thought to consider...carefully...but to definitely consider."

Sensing that the topic at hand was over for now, Sasakibe then announced the following: "Speaking of being short on members, there is also the problem of the 2nd and 12th Divisions."

"Yes, there is" confirmed Yamamoto before he shifted his focus on two individuals in particular "Urahara Kisuke and Shihoin Yoruichi: as you both have the capacity and used to once hold the title, you will both take lead of the 12th and 2nd Divisions' respectively until further notice."

After slight stunned hesitation, they both wordlessly nodded their heads whilst Toshiro pried upon something that's been tugging at his mind for awhile: "What of Aizen?"

"I received a recent report from Muken" informed the old captain slowly "He hasn't yet breathed a word."

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Muffled chocked coughs echoed within one of the torture rooms of Muken as Aizen struggled to breathe. Spluttering out the murky liquid, he barely had the time to intake some air before his head was once again forced back beneath the filthy grey waters.

Grey rainy skies above a grey village lost in a grey world seen through a bitter grey child's heart.

Clutching tightly at his mother's hand as they trudged through the muddy paths of the Rukongai, their eyes not straying anywhere but to the road in front of them, the child tried not to react to what he would hear as they passed by inhabitants and their aghast fixated stares...

"Look" whispered a voice cautiously amongst a quiet furore of many others "Look there. It's those of the Aizen name."

"The cursed children?" another whisper resounded in horrified awe "Oh dear."

Yet another voice spoke up more inaudibly: "They're very the last ones."

"Good riddance" sighed one of the voices in utter relief, but was quickly reprimanded by a collective reproachful hisses.

As the child grit his teeth and turned to glare murderously at them, they were all quick to look away, warning those who didn't: "Shy your eyes away. If you meet theirs, you'll be damned for the rest of your life."

"Fear them" murmured another voice "Fear them and you'll live."

A soft tug on the child's hand and his attention was drawn away towards the woman who eyed him tenderly: "Heed no mind to their ignorance, Sosuke. They can only fear what they do not comprehend."

Frowning faintly, child Sosuke tilted his head in questioning: "What is it that they don't comprehend, mother?"

Whilst a lovely smile adorned her features, everyone else but her son saw it as unsettling: "Everything about us."

Hands fisted in his brown locks pulled him upwards before the immortal found himself thrown to the ground, heaving, instinctively trying to expel water from his lungs. He heard his tormentors laugh at his predicament seconds before receiving a brutal kick to his exposed sides, his hands unable to prevent the attack for they were bound behind his back. One of the tormentors jeered derisively: "Here, let me help you with that."

"Let me help you" voiced the elderly Kuchiki as he knelt beside the woman and her child huddled together, eyeing him warily, apprehensively, hatefully...

"Why would you?" she questioned tersely, her voice but a hoarse whisper.

Maintaining eye-contact with her, calm grey eyes versus burning brown ones, he gestured to the world around them: "You are alone with a child in the middle of a harsh environment that doesn't sit well you. You are in need of help and I cannot simply ignore that."

The woman frowned: "You shouldn't care. Do you not hear what is said about us? We are a curse to all those who get close to us."

"I have heard and I do not believe their words" replied the Kuchiki resolutely.

"Then you are a fool" she sneered with a dark smile that bared her teeth, ignoring the bristle amongst the Kuchiki's guard "Are you Kuchiki ignorant to the cursed children that we are? You are better off far from our vicinity, believe me."

Holding out his hand to her, the Kuchiki uttered just as gently as his previous words: "My name is Ginrei Kuchiki and I am merely trying to aid you in someone else's stead, so let me."

When the woman before him merely stared back in silence before shaking her head slowly with a glare, knowing who he was speaking of without needing to ask, Ginrei insisted some more: "At least follow me for your son. He needs a semblance of a family."

Gazing down at her child who looked up at her, the same brown eyes staring at each other, she then nuzzled his cheek and sighed, before reaching out gingerly to take hold of the Kuchiki's hand.

Vicious kicks rained down on the brown-haired man as he merely grit his teeth and let them have their way with him. Being hit wasn't new to him after all and that was far from enough to make him crack. Far from it... He wouldn't break.

A resonant smack rang throughout the room and Sosuke found himself with a throbbing red cheek, a bleeding cracked vase at his feet and the wife of Kuchiki Ginrei standing in front of him, venomously looking daggers at him.

"Horrendous child!" shrieked the old woman, glaring down hard at the child "How dare you?! That was a wedding gift, you barbarian!"

Overhearing the commotion, Sosuke's mother quickly came over in a rush and swept her son into her arms as she knelt beside him before beseeching to the Kuchiki quietly: "Please, my lady. He is but a child. I doubt he did it purposefully. Do forgive him."

"Neither of you deserve forgiveness. Cursed lowlifes" bit out Ginrei's wife vituperatively before she gathered her robes and sauntered away, not sparing them another glance "The Aizen should not be allowed to even breathe."

As she walked away, she missed the way the young Aizen darkly glared at her retreating back. "Ginrei-sama!" called out an attendant in alarm a few days later "Your wife! She's been poisoned!"

Amidst the beatings, his hair was violently seized again before he was thrown against the nearest wall, his head colliding with it hard.

Sosuke's mother cried out as she connected with the wall, the Kuchiki woman responsible for it, one of Ginrei's daughters, shouting out at her hatefully: "You wretched harlot! Unforgiving whore! How dare you steal the man of my life away from me?! He was my husband!"

"And he was the father of my child" voiced quietly Sosuke's mother as she struggled to get up, her lip bleeding, while her words caused the other to see red and shove at her yet again.

"Your bastard child!" she rectified furiously pointing down at Sosuke's mother breathing harshly far the bottom of the steps she had just been pushed down "You are nothing but scum amongst the dirt of Rukongai! Go back! Or better yet, just die!"

She continued to beat on her, not noticing that Sosuke was there, wishing for her death as well...

A few days later, a voice yelled out: "Someone come quickly! Hurry! The lady is no more!"

Breathing out harshly, Aizen readjusted himself against one of the jail's walls, catching his breath just like his tormentors were. One of them gritted out breathlessly: "Don't you ever scream?"

Sosuke's mother screamed in horror as two Kuchiki - one of Ginrei's sons along with his wife - burst into her room, breaking the door, both as pale as a sheet. While the woman scrambled backwards to shield her son, the Kuchiki stayed rooted in spot, wide eyes filled with terror.

"You..." whispered the wife with horrified eyes as she pointed at the Aizen before her "...are of the cursed children, the children of chaos."

"Keep that to yourselves" stuttered Sosuke's mother, just as shaken while pushing her son behind her "For the sake of my son, this child, tell no one of what you now know!"

"We can't!" exclaimed the husband with vigorous determination though his form was also trembling "We have to warn everyone of your lineage! For our own salvation!"

Though she looked at them with eyes doubled in fear, her voice was cold: "There is no salvation for your kind. You have been cursed just as we have. To be at each other's throats until no one is left."

"You knew of this and yet you let my father take you in!" roared the husband now angrily livid at the Aizen in front of him.

"I warned him" countered Sosuke's mother tightly, her eyes now hardened and glowing menacingly blood red whilst she clutched onto her son harder "He didn't listen. I'm not the one to blame."

Shuddering at the threatening aura the Aizen woman was emanating, the Kuchiki both recoiled and drew away, the wife yelling as they left: "You really are a beast... The others will know of this!"

Sosuke's mother sighed in relief at their departure before she gazed affectionately at her son who, though they were long gone, was glaring sinisterly in the direction they had left: "They'll come to regret that if they dare..."

That night, their house burnt down, leaving behind only their son, Tetsuya, as a survivor...

The tormentors, their breath regained, once again reached for Aizen, grabbing him and hoisting him upwards, forcing him to his feet. Once they had him standing up, they unbound his hands before swiftly cuffing them to a set of chains dangling from the ceiling. One of the tormentors moved away before coming back with a whip that he pointed towards the immortal: "You'd better start talking, Aizen Sosuke, or I'll make you bleed so badly that even your mother won't recognize you!"

Aizen merely regarded him in silence, his eyes narrowed in displeasure at his mother being evoked by a lowly lout, whilst the tormentor took it as defiance so he promptly began the lashes...

"My mother has nothing to do with this!" cried out Sosuke in desperation as he glared at the Kuchiki before him through an uncontrolled torrent of tears. His mother often told him to never cry in front of others as it would be viewed as weakness. Right now, that was exactly how he felt: weak, weak and helpless, weak...yet entirely and bitterly resentful.

"She has" spoke Ginrei softly as he knelt beside the shaken child "She even confessed to the murders."

Now Sosuke was in appalled shock: "Why on earth would she do that?!"

"Listen, Sosuke" the Kuchiki clan's leader sighed with closed eyes "I know this must be hard for you as you are very close to her. But when the elders had begun to paint the blame on you, she spoke up..."

"She's lying!" cut off the child with a vigorous shout, shaking with anger and anguish "She would never do that!"

"You don't know that, Sosuke."

"SHE'S MY MOTHER! I WOULD KNOW!" seethed Sosuke loudly, eyes blazing with anger and loathing before he held himself in check: 'Keep control of your emotions', his mind told him, once again recalling his mother's words.

"It wasn't her" the child persisted in a tone that was lower than before "At least accuse ME."

Shaking his head at the child's angst, Ginrei reprimanded gently: "Do not speak nonsense, child."

"It's not nonsense! It was me! I did all that! I wished for them to be harmed, to die! Me, not her! If you to want to condemn someone, let it be me, please!"

Eyeing the child ruefully, the Kuchiki elder uttered meaningfully: "Wishing for something won't make it happen, Sosuke: that only occurs in fairytales... Listen, I understand that you were angry at them for the way both you and your mother have been treated. The Kuchiki household hasn't been tender towards either of you and that I am sincerely apologetic for. But I cannot overlook what has been done. She has taken away the lives of far too many."

"Ginrei-sama..." pleaded Sosuke imploringly in a small voice as he fell to his knees "Please, I'm begging you. I'll do anything, everything, you want just spare my mother. She's innocent in all this and she... She's all I have left."

"I'm sorry, Sosuke" murmured Ginrei as he looked away, unable to face head on the boy's grief anymore "You should at least know this: the elders wished to see you both gone due to them believing you are cursed - an utterly ridiculous notion if you ask me - however your mother wished to spare you and her plead was accepted, therefore I will carry out her wishes and take care of you in her stead. Again, I'm dreadfully sorry."

"NO, YOU'RE NOT!" screamed Sosuke as he raised his head to glare at the Kuchiki with all the hatred he harboured, startling Ginrei as the child wore an expression akin to that of an agonized animal "IF YOU REALLY WERE, YOU WOULD DO SOMETHING TO STOP THIS! YOU'RE CLAN LEADER, DOESN'T THAT COUNT FOR ANYTHING AT ALL OR IS IT JUST A HOAX?! THE TRUTH IS..." his shouting died down as he hung his head low, unmindful of the guards who had moved forward as Sosuke raised his voice only to be held back by Ginrei "You're just terrified by our curse as everyone else is..."

Having whispered the last part and witnessing the guilt flash upon the old man's features, the child snarled in disgust before getting up and turning his back on Ginrei, heading straight for the exit, only coming to a slight halt when the other called out to him: "Wait! Sosuke...Believe me when I say that I am merely honouring your mother's wishes: she is doing this so you can live."

Glaring over his shoulder with ominous darkness amidst his tears, Sosuke spoke for the first time with a voice devoid of any emotion whatsoever: "Don't bother to respect her wishes, Ginrei-sama: you, the Kuchiki, have just killed me."

The whip tore through the flesh of his back with a resounding crack...before the motion repeated itself again...and again...and then yet again... If Aizen had his math right that was the sixty-third lash...

'Thirty-seven to go then' he told himself patiently as he gritted his teeth when sixty-fourth came striking down on his raw, bleeding back 'Make that thirty-six.'

Personally, he found his torture to be ludicrous: they were trying to force out answers out of him in hopes of preventing the unavoidable. Their desperation was almost laughable, really. For even if they did manage to get him to snap and talk - as if - what would they gain exactly? There was no escaping what was going to come as it was too late to counter it in the first place: everything had already been set in motion long before they even realized it...

Pain was nothing to Aizen: he had long outgrown it. True, he'd relish in inflicting it, sadistically adoring it, but enduring it didn't do anything to him. He had managed to rise above physical pain when he came to the conclusion that the body was a mere shell protecting the soul. Of course, he was under the form of a soul yet due to willpower, the conviction still stood as it was. Even mental or emotional torture couldn't do him any harm either, not anymore: he had become and now was a master manipulator himself. Now who could outshine that?

He smiled fondly as he reminded himself of the one who influenced his current philosophy...

The walk back to his room had been strenuous, agonizing, as if taking a tortuous trek towards his own death sentence. He still couldn't believe that she was gone and that he was now alone. His mother, his dear, beloved mother...and it was all the fault of...of...

Whose fault was it again?

Was it because of him, causing so much hurt just by wishing it due to being cursed? Or was it Kuchiki Ginrei who, despite knowing that his mother was innocent, didn't lift a finger to save her? Or was it because the Kuchiki Clan never accepted his mother and him in the first place, leading him to spiral down a dark path? Or was it just the malediction of the Aizen following him since his birth?

So many questions rushed through him while streams of hushed tears trailed down his youthful cheeks as he finally reached his room and shut the door behind him, before leaning against it and sinking to the floor, one question tugging persistently at his mind: Why him?

Burying his face in his hands, he gritted his teeth in rage: "This...This...THIS ISN'T FAIR!" Sudden shrill dark laughter erupted in his room, startling him and causing him to look at his surroundings with wide eyes as the ominous laughs echoed all around him, before resuming themselves to cloying chuckles.

Blinking at nothing as he tried to pinpoint where the sinister sounds were coming from, Sosuke whispered softly: "Who...? Who's there?"

Instead of answering, the voice, feminine yet deep, sweet yet devious, whilst holding sibilant undertones like that of a snake, chose to respond to the boy's first claim: "Life...is not fair, my dear child. It is but the illusion of it ever being fair that makes it unfair."

Frowning in thought at the voice's words, Sosuke then raised his eyebrows: "Well...you certainly have things thought out...Though I must agree with you as your words make sense."

"Of course they do" laughed the voice sweetly, her laughter echoing off the walls of the room.

Once again, Sosuke looked around in curiosity and puzzlement: "Where...where are you?"

"Where?" repeated the voice with an amused chuckle "Dear child, I have always been by your side."

All of a sudden a dark aura, forming out of wisps of black and dark blue smoke and flickering with bright blue and black energy, gradually appeared out of nowhere within the middle of the room, with the young boy staring on all the while.

Sosuke then found himself locking gazes with two slanted mismatched blue eyes, one dark sapphire and the other bright azure, that had shaped themselves from within the black aura, watching him with amusement when the being did not detect any fear from him: "Tell me, are you not afraid?"

"Not really, no" Sosuke found himself calmly replying, before tilting his head "I actually feel...a certain sense of security instead. Shouldn't that be weird?"

The mismatched eyes softened at him: "Not at all... It is merely your origins calling out to you to finally embrace your heritage."

"My heritage?" repeated the boy in confusion, gazing at the being before him that seemed to constantly be in movement, shifting form every now and then.

"YES" stressed out the being with its eyes widening in glee as it once again reformed this time with an elegant shadowed hand with pointed nails - or claws - pointing straight at him "You are a child of chaos and it is time for you to come to understand what that truly means...

"Oh, I see..." uttered Sosuke quietly - the being was talking about his malediction as an Aizen - before raising an eyebrow "But wait, who are you anyway?

The being's eyes widened before it stuttered in what sounded to be embarrassment, making his lips quirk into a small smile without realizing it: "Dear me, my apologies. I have completely lost sense of my manners. Having not met one of you for so long has left me far too thrilled to recall them."

"Uh...thank you?" suggested the boy hesitantly, not sure if he was right to think of its words as a compliment.

The being laughed again before nearing Sosuke's face, gently brushing his tears away with newly formed hands whilst whispering in a tone far too tender for the words being said: "I am an entity of madness and havoc, of pain and agony, of lust and desire. A purely evil being whose sole existence is to serve and protect the five clans of chaos, which you are part of, as an Aizen...I aided time and again in guarding your sibling clans and ancestors, notably when only one potentially promising survivor remained, such as you now, my master. Say and I will do for you, wish and I will give you, hate and I will kill for you."

Letting the voice's words slowly etch their way in, accepting them, adoring them, although Sosuke did lower his eyes and breathe out sharply: "You should have saved my mother instead of me."

The being's eyes turned wistful as its voice cracked with emotion: "Oh my dear, dear child. I wished to. I truly did. I appeared before her, offering her to come to her aid...only she rejected me, setting me under oath: to stand by and protect her son, doing anything he asked of me. So just tell me what you need, what you want and I shall carry out your will."

The being wasn't lying: that definitely sounded like what his mother would do. Closing his eyes, Sosuke let out with a cutting hateful hiss: "I want revenge, that's all. Just revenge..."

The being retracted abruptly to bow low and avow faithfully: "And I shall give you the power to achieve it, the patience to organize it and the knowledge to plan it. You will have the powers from the very depths of hell at your disposition and you will carry out your vengeance, master: I will make sure of it."

Remaining silent for a moment and relishing in every pledge the being made, whilst stunningly believing its every word without a single doubt, before Sosuke chose to insist upon a single fact: "That...That still doesn't tell me your name..."

The mismatched eyes gleamed mysteriously at him as if they were smiling: "I have none."

"What am I supposed to call you then?" exclaimed the boy, openly stunned by the other's absence of appellation.

The being once again bowed low, this time offering instead of promising: "Whatever you wish, master."

Not expecting that response, Sosuke momentarily failed to think straight: "I...Uh...I'll think of something...eventually. Right now, I've got nothing, sorry."

Straightening up and closing in as fast as lightning, the being narrowed its eyes for the first time since they've met: "First rule, master: never apologize to anyone, not even me. You are a god, master: A god of chaos, of evil. Everything you do, anything you say, is in your upmost right. No one, nothing, should defy you, deny you or disrespect you..."

An expected thrill and powerful surge of confidence filled him at its words, making him smirk darkly for the first time in many more times to come: "I think I like the sound of that."

Dissipating into nothingness just as it appeared, laughing all the way, the being declared: "And I think I am going to love serving you, Aizen-sama. Now, all you have to do, is find me..."

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Rukia smiled softly as she watched Tatsuki chat away with Chad, Uryuu and Renji at a table of the many stalls set up along the paths of the Seireitei. For someone who seemed to be flabbergasted by the existence of a parallel world, Ichigo's childhood friend had gotten hand of it pretty quick and had even stayed behind whilst Ichigo's family, Mizuiro, Keigo and Chizuru went back home, now that they had the confirmation that Ichigo was alive and well.

The petite Shinigami giggled behind her hand as Tatsuki knocked Renji on the head for saying something insensitive about her fashion sense: she really did seem to fit right in their group now, as if she'd always been part of it all since it had all started.

Remembering how it had all started, the petite Kuchiki's smile fell: as she had prepared to transfer her powers to Ichigo that fateful night, she had been absolutely ready to die. She had in fact wanted to for a long while, before even meeting the orange-haired teen, ever since what had happened with Kaien Shiba. The guilt had been consuming her, tearing at her... And then Kurosaki Ichigo showed up in her life and changed her, changed many actually...

Breaking out of her thoughts, it was then that she noticed that the others had stopped talking in favour of greeting said teen who waved back at them nonchalantly, a deep scowl on his face as always making her smirk: some things didn't change though, no matter what happened.

"So?" she chirped up as Ichigo made his way to their table and took a seat "How did it go with the Arrancar?"

"Fine, I guess" shrugged the former Shinigami Substitute grumpily, causing his friends to sweat-drop: 'fine' didn't quite seem to be the case...

"Wanna talk about it?" asked Chad in offering as he handed him a plate of food which his best friend accepted with a polite nod.

"Not really" mumbled the orange-haired teen as he picked up a dango and twirled it in his hand before his scowl deepened even further as he huffed "Why are Yama-jii and the others even holding them captive? It isn't fair."

"Though I know nothing of them, I agree" spoke up Ichigo's tomboyish friend as she nibbled on a candy stick "They ran away, betrayed that psycho butterfly guy, saved your life..."

"Nearly killed us more times than I can count, kept Inoue captive..." continued Renji in order to remind everyone that they had still done their fair of serious damage.

He didn't need to carry on though for as soon as he mentioned Orihime, Tasuki's expression closed up as she grounded out heatedly: "Then I don't agree."

"I'd say that they earned our trust already" stated their tall tanned friend realistically.

"I wouldn't be quick to talk about trust just yet. Perhaps an understanding could work out" considered the Quincy thoughtfully "Though I do have the same opinion: keeping them locked up like this is far from reasonable..."

"See?" pointed out eagerly the orange-haired teen as he slammed a hand on the table and pointed at his cousin with the other "Even Ishida agrees, so that's saying something."

Uryuu glared at Ichigo in retaliation: "I don't like the way your wording it, Kurosaki."

Casually waving off the other's indignation, the scowling teen drew back the conversation to the important part: "Point is, why are they doing this to them, hm? Renji? Rukia?"

"Uh..." the petite Shinigami hesitated before she smiled sheepishly "Well, they were our former enemies."

"'Were' is the key word" emphasised Ichigo with a raised eyebrow "Anything else?"

"Look, Ichigo...all I know is that Urahara-san offered an alternative that's currently being considered..." revealed Renji quietly, having looked around cautiously before saying anything.

"And...You know this how?" inquired the petite Shinigami suspiciously "No one but the captains attended the recent meeting."

Renji grinned knowingly as he wriggled his eyebrows: "Tell that to Yadomaru-fukutaichou."

"An alternative?" echoed the orange-haired teen as he tilted his head in curiosity whilst slightly glad that that loopy shopkeeper seemed to want to help them out as well.

"Yep" nodded the 6th Division's lieutenant before making it clearer for them all "Living hidden in Karakura Town...along with surveillance from a few officers of the Gotei, of course, but they'll definitely have a little more freedom there instead of here."

"Ah. Now that would be fair on them" Ichigo breathed out in relief before he grimaced at a sudden thought "Good thing I don't have my powers or Grimmjow would definitely want a rematch. He seemed really disappointed that I'm just a normal human now."

"And you seem to be taking your loss pretty well" observed the Quincy with raised eyebrows: having he too lost his powers once, Uryuu wondered how his cousin could be so indifferent about it. He would have thought it would bother him.

"I'll live with it...for now" muttered the orange-haired with a resolute expression as he worded his next sentence, confirming the Quincy's doubts "I plan on getting them back as soon as I can...when I find out how."

"I don't think..." began the red-haired lieutenant before he quietened down when Rukia shook her head at him: both Unohana and Urahara had mentioned that if Ichigo became a Shinigami again, it would downright kill him. Not only that, but should Ichigo die a normal death, his ascension to the Soul Society had very little chance of happening...

"You should talk about it to Urahara-san" she offered helpfully with a small smile "Maybe he'll figure something out for you. He often does."

"I haven't seen him much recently" remarked the orange-haired teen offhandedly before he came to a sudden realization "Coming to think of it, he isn't the only I haven't seen lately. Where's Inoue at? I haven't seen her at all since I woke up."

When his friends just glanced at each other and sustained an awkward silence, Ichigo instantly grew worried: "Guys? Is there something I should know?"

"Inoue..." began the petite Kuchiki tentatively as she cleared her throat "...has been acting a little...odd these days."

"Odd?" repeated the orange-haired teen, frowning in perplexity.

"Mm..." acquiesced Tatsuki worriedly, feeling a little guilty for not noticing that her friend was acting way out of character sooner "She, uh... Well, obviously she's been worried about you. A lot... But... there's something else bothering her, only we don't know what it is."

"Have you tried asking her?" questioned the former Shinigami Substitute, now feeling very uneasy if even Tatsuki didn't know anything: the two girls were B. for quite awhile now...

"We would have done that if we found her" the Quincy huffed impatiently as he readjusted his glasses.

The orange-haired teen now looked even more at sea with his eyes going wide: "Huh?"

"She has been disappearing every now and then for the past week without any explanations and without a trace. We don't know where she goes or how she leaves or even what she does when she's gone..." explained Chad with a serious face "We're seriously worried about her."

"You're not the only one. That sounds pretty worrying to me" admitted Ichigo as he stapled his hands together and leaned his chin on them, his face now set in a very anxious expression.

"Even Kuchiki-taichou..." began Renji slowly only to trail off when he noticed Rukia wince and slap her forehead whilst the orange-haired teen turned his attention to the red-haired.

"Byakuya? What about him?"

Clearing his throat uncomfortably as Rukia glared at him, Renji tried to placate the teen by choosing his words carefully: "He's noticed something or maybe even knows something. He's been asking me about her recently."

"What exactly?" asked Ichigo tightly before raising an eyebrow when the other didn't answer "Renji?"

"About where her loyalty really lied" mumbled the red-haired before he cringed when he saw the others bristle in shock...and then explode in rage.

"WHAT THE HECK IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!" exclaimed furiously Tatsuki, Ichigo and Uryuu as they stood up at the same time, glaring along with Chad who had chosen not to say anything. He didn't need to: his expression said it all.

"Ichigo, please calm down" called out Rukia soothingly, holding her ground when the teen in question turned to glare at her instead.

"No! I don't care if he's your brother, he can't question her loyalty, damn it! She was forced to join Aizen and we still don't know what he did to her and..."

"Ichigo" repeated the petite Shinigami a little more firmly this time "Nii-sama isn't the only one to question it. Most of the Gotei and even Urahara are suspecting that Orihime is hiding something. Something big..."

"I'm still very unwilling to accuse her of anything" declared Ichigo steadfastly as he crossed his arms.

"We aren't saying that nor have we come to that yet" pacified Rukia as gently yet as firmly as she could "Remember: she's our friend also, to Renji and I. But we really need to know what happened, at least to keep the Gotei from confronting her about it. They won't be gentle in asking her: Interrogations in the Seireitei are rather harsh and I heard that Aizen's currently experiencing them first hand."

Ichigo snorted at that: "Well, I'd say it serves him right but I'm not a monster so..."

"What could be upsetting Inoue-san?" wondered aloud the Quincy, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Grimmjow knows..." stated Ichigo quietly after awhile, leading everyone else present to stare at him questioningly.

"The 6th Espa...That blue-haired Arrancar?" asked Renji inquisitively with a tilt of his head whilst quickly amending the appellation of the other.

"Yeah..." nodded the orange-haired before half-shrugging at the red-haired lieutenant "I mean, he didn't openly say it but I think he knows something."

"We should ask him then" suggested Tatsuki resolutely, only for her determination to quickly deflate when Ichigo rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Don't bother. He'll just tell you that 'it isn't his place to tell'."

"Well...That gets us nowhere" uttered Uryuu, redundantly pointing out the obvious...as usual.

"I hope for Aizen's sake that he didn't do anything to her because powers or not, I'm gonna crush him" growled out Ichigo threateningly as he cracked his knuckles: Orihime's behaviour indeed sounded strange and the teen could only think of one person to be responsible for that, Grimmjow's reassurances be damned.

"He'll crush you well before that, Kurosaki" pointed out the Quincy in a straightforward tone of voice as he eyes his cousin sceptically "He has too much reiatsu and you, presently, have none."

Glaring at the smart-mouthed bespectacled teen, Ichigo muttered stubbornly: "I'll still crush him..."

He didn't pay any notice, but at his words, both Tatsuki and Rukia glanced at each other knowingly.

"Why do you care about Orihime so much, Ichigo?" asked the tomboyish girl abruptly, scrutinizing her friend with sudden interest.

"What do you mean, Tatsuki? She's my friend, why wouldn't I?" countered the orange-haired, confused by the turn their conversation had took.

"Just a friend?" insisted Rukia with a playful expression, making Renji, Uryuu and Chad smirk in understanding at the two girls' game.

"Yeah" replied Ichigo slowly, still baffled "Like a little sister, I guess. Why're you asking?"

His best female friends were about to answer when a presence suddenly drew their attention away from their discussion with Tatsuki stating fervently: "That's Orihime."

"Yep" agreed Renji as he stood up and cracked his neck "Came back from God knows where."

"Let's go" announced Ichigo in a serious tone as they took off towards where they had sensed her spiritual energy, hoping to get to her before anyone else did...

Parting ways to search more efficiently, Uryuu headed off with Chad, Rukia went off with Renji whereas Tatsuki and Ichigo dashed off together...only to suddenly run into Byakuya Kuchiki a few feet away. They stare at each other for awhile in silence - well, Ichigo was scowling rather - before the noble broke it: "Feeling better?"

"Yeah, I am" responded the orange-haired teen curtly with a brief nod.

Acquiescing himself before taking his leave, the Kuchiki clan's leader uttered simply: "Good for you."

Ichigo blinked slowly: if the noble had noticed his irritation towards him, he didn't bring it up.

"Byakuya...?" called out the teen, making the other halt in his steps and look over his shoulder "Have you seen Inoue?"

Noticing the concern in both of the teenagers' eyes as he turned to face them, the noble chose to pointedly pretend that he hadn't felt the girl's presence: "Not recently. Do you seek her?"

"Yeah, we do" affirmed the orange-haired teen, internally relieved by the other's apparent lack of notice "We want to talk to her."

Orihime's progressive bizarre behaviour stuck to the noble's mind like glue: "That...is a good idea. She had been...feeling a little out of sorts."

Not missing the way he had carefully worded his sentence, Ichigo spoke through clenched teeth: "Byakuya, is there something else we don't know about?"

"Meaning?" questioned the noble with a raised eyebrow, staring down haughtily at the two in front of him, earning a shiver from Tastuki.

The orange-haired teen however didn't budge: "Meaning that you and the others are questioning her loyalty, Byakuya..."

Byakuya's eyes widened a fraction before the change in his expression was gone the next second: "Kurosaki Ichigo, you need to understand..."

"No, you need to understand. Inoue would never betray us...unless Aizen's done something to her, like he's done to her before, when she was forced to join him. His also played around with a few Shinigami if not mistaken, like that lieutenant under his orders, Hina-something-something, remember? So stop accusing her when you know nothing at all."

Mentally reminding himself to confront his lieutenant about this later for talking too much, the noble chided: "You don't know much yourself, so I wouldn't speak if I were you."

"You're not me" gritted out the former Shinigami Substitute as he clenched his fists, leading his tomboy friend to take a hold of his arm securely in fear of him setting off to hit the noble.

"And that I'm quite grateful for" sighed Byakuya tolerantly as he glanced upwards causing a vein to throb furiously upon the orange-haired's forehead.

Raising his free clenched fist, Ichigo smirked angrily: "You know that I can still punch you."

"BYAKUYA-BOY!" shouted out happily a familiar voice suddenly, taking everyone aback "MEOW!"

The following second, a very annoyed Byakuya found himself squeezed tightly within a pair of pretty tanned arms: "Shihoin Yoruichi."

"Oh! Yoruichi, hi!" exclaimed Ichigo in surprise while Tatsuki simply looked on with a stunned expression, wondering just how many pretty women her friend knew exactly "I didn't know you were still around."

"I-chi-go!" cheered the purple-haired princess merrily as she turned her attention to him and hugged him, earning a sweet blush from the teen when she thrust her face into his "Looking good! Feeling better, yeah?"

"Loads" mumbled the orange-haired teen awkwardly as he tried to pry free: did she still not get the concept of personal space?

"Wicked, kid: that's really epic!" grinned Yoruichi before teasingly tugging at the bottom his shirt upwards and wriggling her eyebrows suggestively "Gonna show off?"

"Nah, I'm fine" brushed off Ichigo as he swatted her hand away before noticing the woman's get-up "What's with the haori though, Yoruichi?"

"Pretty on me, huh?" beamed the Shihoin princess as she twirled around for show before stating proudly "I'm the 'temporary-replacement-captain-until-further-notice' for the 2nd Division. Kisuke's the same for the 12th Division."

Having heard of the Gotei's losses, the orange-haired teen's face fell a little: "Oh, yeah. I heard about Mayuri. And Soifon: is she ok?"

"No worries" reassured Yoruichi confidently "My girl's strong: she'll be up and about in no time."

The teen gave her lopsided smile at her optimism: "That's nice to hear."

"So..." she began before realizing that the Kuchiki noble was discretely eclipsing away "Sorry, kind of in a hurry: New responsibilities and stuff. We'll catch up later, 'kay? Glad you're well, kid" she whispered fondly with a grin, as she ruffled his hair lovingly, earning lopsided smiles from the teens at her almost motherly affection.

A sudden shunpo and Byakuya was missing his scarf a second later, the purple-haired princess laughing an impressive distance away: "You're following, Byakuya-boy?"

Clenching his teeth, he swiftly lunged after her, leaving behind the two teens blinking at their sudden departure.

"They're always like this?" asked Tatsuki curiously as she pointed in the direction the two captains left off.

Shrugging, Ichigo answered casually: "I think so. I heard it goes way back."

Catching up with the purple-haired princess of mischief a few good blocks away, Byakuya snatched back his scarf before promptly putting it on again, glaring at the giggling woman all the while: "Does it amuse you to pester me?"

"Of course it does: why would I do it then?" grinned broadly the Shihoin princess before her face lost its smile as it settled for a serious expression "Besides, I needed to talk to you."

"By stealing my scarf?" muttered the Kuchiki noble as he resisted the urge to roll his eyes "How original of you."

Yoruichi raised an eyebrow: "And you...are being cynical, as usual. Listen, I had to find a way to keep this conversation under wraps, so stop complaining."

"What are you on about, Shihoin Yoruichi?" sighed the Kuchiki noble exasperatedly as he began to walk away.

"Aren't you looking for answers, Byakuya-boy?" asked the tanned women with intent.

Instantly halting in his steps, he half turned to regard the woman with a sceptical eye: "Say I am... How would you know anything?"

Placing her hands on her hips, she tilted her head and raised both eyebrows, as if what she was saying was far too obvious for him to be oblivious about it: "I'm your father's childhood friend, remember? Don't you think it would make sense for me to know a thing or two, hm?"

He sighed resignedly: "Fine, so what do you know?"

"What do you want to know?" countered Yoruichi cautiously, not willing to give the other more than specific answers: she couldn't tell him everything she knew...but could no longer let him wander around in the dark... It was unfair on him given the actual circumstances.

"Whatever and anything I can. I have been warned at least six times by very different people to be wary, without any further clarification whatsoever, of something I know nothing of" said Byakuya gravely, recalling his grandfather, his father, Kurosaki Ichigo's father, Ichimaru Gin, Inoue Orihime and even the Arrancar Jeagerjaques Grimmjow all warning him to be wary of Aizen...only without any explanations.

"Six, huh?" whistled the Shihoin princess with a distant gaze "Wow."

The Kuchiki noble's eyes narrowed in irritation: "I'm in no mood to joke about this, Shihoin Yoruichi."

"Will you just relax? A minute ago, you were going to walk away from this very conversation" she admonished with a vexed expression, only continuing when Byakuya reluctantly tilted his head in apology "You're being warned to beware of Sosuke."

This time, the noble did roll his eyes subtly: "I understand that part, thank you very much. But it still doesn't help me understand why I should."

She considered him carefully for a moment then answered tellingly: "It has to do with the history he has with your clan."

"Meaning?" he questioned with a raised eyebrow, seeking clarification.

Shrugging slightly, Yoruichi crossed her arms as she spoke up again: "Long story short, Sosuke was taken in as kid by Ginrei long ago, when Sojun and I were still young."

"You mean adopted" corrected Byakuya immediately, without really meaning to.

His eyebrows furrowed in puzzlement when the Shihoin princess shook her head: "No, I mean taken in. Had he been adopted by Ginrei, it would have made him inherit the Kuchiki name and hence be your uncle. You and Sosuke are not and have never been related. He wasn't an orphan at that time yet: He still had his mother, Sachiko Aizen (3), and Ginrei took them in both when Sosuke was still a very young child."

"Go on" urged the Kuchiki noble, now very interested in what Yoruichi had to tell him.

Indulging him, the purple-haired princess continued: "She was very young and alone in the Rukongai when she turned to prostitution. She later had Sosuke as a result of a rather restrained relationship she had with Koga (4)."

Byakuya's eyes went wide in recognition at the name: "When you say Koga, are you...?"

He could only cringe when she nodded: "Yep, I'm speaking of that Koga: Your adoptive uncle."

"So...Aizen Sosuke's father...was Koga, making the former...my cousin?" swallowed the black-haired noble uncomfortably before frowning "Wait...Wasn't Koga married to my late aunt (5)?"

"He was" she confirmed "He had the affair with Sachiko before the marriage. And don't worry your head over Sosuke: you aren't related by blood, or by name. Besides, Koga is your adoptive uncle, making it even less possible for you to be of the same family."

"I see..." he whispered, still in taken aback by this sudden knowledge "Then what happened?"

"He eventually abandoned the two when his responsibilities began piling up, for he was rather ambitious to win Ginrei's favour, in order to eventually inherit the title as clan leader, and then...well, you know..." trailed off the princess with a redundant half-smile.

Narrowing his eyes, Byakuya spoke through clenched teeth: "Yes: his ambition, as you kindly put it, drove him to defy everyone and instigate a violent massacre, until he was sealed. I later dealt with him."

She merely acquiesced before carrying on with her narration: "Requesting a final favour from his adoptive father, Koga pleaded Ginrei to find and take care of the woman and child he had left behind and alone in the Rukongai, to which the old man conceded to. Finding them and taking them in pity, he sheltered them much to the horror of all, especially your aunt's, Koga's wife, when she found out what kind of relationship Sachiko had held with Koga."

"I can only imagine" voiced the young Kuchiki with a shake of his head: he couldn't decide if it was infidelity or idiocy on Koga's part.

A small sad smile appeared on her lips as she reminisced on the past: "Sosuke, Sojun and I quickly grew up to be the best of friends, but because of his background - not only as a child of the Rukongai but also as a bastard child - Sosuke was shunned, loathed and humiliated constantly by everyone else: the other Kuchiki Clan's members, the other noble families and then later it extended to everyone within the Seireitei's walls. Everywhere he went, he was faced with hatred and slowly it began consuming him in turn, making him, all of a sudden one ordinary day, snap and become exceedingly vengeful, taking out his loathing on everyone and anyone he could. As you know, his first victim was your grandmother, the one who never accepted him the most: he poisoned her cup and a dying confession from her warned those present at her deathbed that Sosuke was the one responsible. However, it was quickly brought to the conclusion that it was an exaggerated accusation and that it was in fact an attack actually carried out by those within the Seireitei who hated the noble clans...although many clan members held Sosuke and/or his mother responsible but without proof - for nothing at all proved who the murderer really was - nothing could be done. Sosuke's mother, Sachiko, then endorsed the role of raising both her own son and Sojun, acting as a surrogate mother to whom your father quickly grew attached to, calling her Lady Aizen."

"Is that why he can't associate anything else with the name Aizen?"

"Yeah...Sojun might be the only one who doesn't think ill of this supposedly accursed name" confessed Yoruichi before shaking her head upon seeing confusion settle on the others' features "I'll come to that later. Anyways, Sosuke didn't calm down though, as the next victim was your late aunt, Koga's wife."

"My aunt?" repeated Byakuya with wide stunned eyes "I wasn't aware she was killed. I was told she passed away normally."

"She didn't..." the tanned woman whispered with a haunted look in her eyes "But only because he was subtly tormenting her, playing with her emotions, verbally abusing her, amongst other things...just like she had done his mother, Sachiko: she had never liked her after learning that they had loved the same man. It was an eye for an eye, I guess. In the end, she just...couldn't take it anymore: she hanged herself."

Despite not having known her or how she had actually died, Byakuya was still shaken by what he was learning: "I cannot believe this. No one realized what was occurring? For the both of them?"

"Apparently not...Then it was Tetsuya's parents but I still don't know why he did it. However, despite there still being no proof whatsoever, this started to draw the attention towards him and he was actually going to be condemned without trial, but his mother stepped in to take his place, much to his horror. In order to draw the blame back to him, he told Ginrei that he was the one behind it all, in hopes of sparing his mother but it only resulted in the old man not doing anything to stop the woman's execution."

If he was shocked before, now he was downright horrified: "I...I can't believe what you're telling me."

"I know: I wouldn't either" voiced the purple-haired princess in a saddened whisper as she looked away, her mind wandering off to a particular memory.

"Sosuke!" called out urgently a youthful Yoruichi as she ran to catch up with a certain young brown-haired boy she had caught sight of further up ahead.

"Yoruichi?" acknowledged Sosuke calmly as he shifted focus on the panting purple-haired girl "What's wrong...?"

Though her lungs were in desperate need for her to catch her breath, she ignored them and tried to notify the other in a panicked voice: "The...The Kuchiki elders...Th...They...They..."

"Calm down" he soothed smoothly and she complied, trying to regain her breath whilst he grasped her shoulders gently waiting for her to settle down "Now...What is it?"

"They're blaming you for all those deaths, saying it's your fault!"

"Did they now?" he asked in an impassive voice, his expression blank.

Confusing his expression for unease, Yoruichi tried to reassure him: "Look, you might be cursed or whatever, but they have no right to accuse you like that...!"

"What if it was true?" he whispered softly, cutting her off but not meeting her eyes, his own hidden by his brown locks.

She blinked at him before scoffing: "What? Don't be silly and listen to them! They don't know what they're saying..."

"What if I really caused all those deaths, by cursing them all to die, killing all of them, Yoruichi? What would you say?"

"I wouldn't believe you. I know you!"

"Do you?" he asked darkly, finally locking his dim brown eyes with her wide golden ones. In them, she saw sheer and utter loathing, resentment against the entire world...and for the first time, she feared him: "Sosuke...you're scaring me."

"I know I am. It is but a natural reaction anyone should undergo in the presence of a murderer" he stated with a sinister smile before letting her go and walking away, leaving her standing in shock.

"Please tell me you're not serious!"

"If I did that, I'd be lying."

"But...But...But why?"

"Because this is who I am..."

"No...It isn't! This isn't you! YOU'RE LYING!"

"Believe what you want. One day, you'll accept the truth as it is."

Yoruichi had finally accepted the truth but it had been far too late to do any good: she had accepted it...the day Sosuke Aizen created the Vizards, resulting in Kisuke and her banishment for coming to their aid. She sighed sadly to herself as she recalled the friendship the three of them had along with Sojun: why did it have to go so wrong?

Remaining lost to his thoughts as well, Byakuya finally spoke up again, visibly perturbed: "How could my grandfather make an innocent person pay for that wicked child's evil deeds?"

"Because..." hesitated the tanned woman before she smiled sheepishly "...he was a child?"

"Shihoin Yoruichi" reprimanded the Kuchiki noble in a tone that demanded her to remain serious.

Sighing, she dropped her smile as she answered him: "It's simple really. Though he had been quite unwilling to cause either harm, Ginrei later came to this conclusion: Sosuke had taken away his wife, he took away his mother."

Raising an eyebrow, he stated sternly: "He should have had Aizen Sosuke killed, not anyone else."

"Especially given that Ginrei had been warned not to look after either of them, so yeah...only he didn't listen" pointed out Yoruichi grimly before carrying on with her narrative "After his mother's death, he was inconsolable, despite Sojun and my efforts, and then one day, he was just gone."

Not expecting that turn in the events, the young clan's leader did a double-take: "What do you mean 'gone'?"

"He was just...gone" replied the purple-haired princess distantly "Left the Seireitei for a long time actually and then, out of the blue, reappeared again as a student at the academy, having the similar attitude you first knew him with years later. To everyone, it was if he had a sudden change of heart and had calmed down. Oddly enough, the ones who really seemed to have a change of heart was everyone in regards to Sosuke: it was as if no one seemed to blame him anymore. The only ones who seemed to recall anything were Ginrei, Sojun and I. Even the other Kuchiki had forgone loathing him, acting normally towards him."

Staring at her in astonishment at first, his eyes then narrowed with suspicion: "I have an inkling that it was due to his zanpaktou."

"Could be..." she agreed solemnly, having come to the same conclusion with Kisuke, before recalling something and smiling slightly "I remember Sojun being quite happy to see him again."

"After all Aizen Sosuke had done, my father was happy to see him?" deadpanned Byakuya, disbelief quite loud in his tone.

"He didn't know... Not yet at that time at least."

So many emotions were running through the young noble - bewilderment, anger, incredulity, concern, dread - therefore, as he asked his next question, he didn't have the strength to give any intonation to it: "My...grandfather didn't tell him?"

"No, though he should have - there were a lot of things Ginrei should have done and said but didn't do either, come to think of it. Anyway, Sojun, as he was unaware and hadn't changed with Sosuke, managed to placate the latter's hatred that still hadn't dissipated away... That was until Ginrei announced that Sojun was going to get married and then all hell broke loose. Sosuke did not like it and made it known quite loud: Sojun and Sosuke haven't spoken to each other since your birth."

"Why?" Byakuya frowned in bewilderment "Why would my father's marriage bother him? And why would that result in them no longer speaking to each other?"

There, ever since they started this discussion, Yoruichi hesitated in answering him, not sure if she should. Even if she didn't know herself the actual reason, she had her own suspicions yet wasn't sure she should share them with Sojun's son.

So when she did reply, she dexterously danced around the issue at hand: "I...I'm not really sure. I wasn't there as much as before - clan responsibilities and all that drag - so I don't quite know. All I know is that, the day you were born, something happened between the two, something terrible. Maybe they fought, maybe Sosuke told Sojun the truth...I have no clue..."

Noticing her unwillingness to answer him directly but not calling out on it, the young clan's leader uttered another question: "What I don't understand, is why my grandfather did absolutely nothing to stop it all?"

"I don't know" the purple-haired princess admitted in frustration, she too wondering what led Ginrei to do all that.

Mistaking her ignorance for more reluctance, Byakuya eyed her harshly: "You said you'd answer my questions."

Vexed, she glared at him firmly: "Yeah, but that still doesn't make me a mind-reader! I have no freaking idea what went through Ginrei's head! Still don't! Sorry to disappoint!"

Lowering his head slightly in apology once again, the young Kuchiki's mind reeled with all this new information: "This is a lot for me to grasp. Why wasn't I told of all of this? I could have used this during the trial..."

She regarded him thoughtfully for a moment before voicing her thoughts: "I think that's why you weren't told. Ginrei and Sojun don't want Sosuke to know that you know."

"Are they that afraid of him?" he questioned incredulously, still not able to grasp what made the immortal so terrifying: he was just a murderous, manipulative villain with a god complex, wasn't he?

Shuddering slightly, Yoruichi rubbed at her arm nervously as she answered in a whisper: "Oh you have no idea."

Remaining silent for a while, Byakuya then asked something that had been tugging at his mind since awhile now: "And where do I fit in all this?"

"What do you mean?" she inquired for clarification with raised eyebrows.

"I overheard my grandfather and father talking, saying that there was a possibility, that if Aizen got out, he'd 'take it out' on me. Why would he aim for me at all? Rationally speaking, I have nothing to do with this"

"Honestly and I'm saying this because I know how Sosuke thinks, I'm guessing it's because he wants to get to both Ginrei and Sojun by...hurting you" she told him, grimacing as she said the last part.

"I can take pain" declared the young clan's leader staunchly, head held high.

"Ah...Not really the pain you have in mind, Byakuya-boy" contradicted Yoruichi with a shake of her head "Emotional agony isn't easy to deal with, believe me."

"It stays a low tactic. How befitting of him" the Kuchiki noble seethed, wondering how one could derive amusement out of the cruelty of causing others harm.

"Don't you get it? It's the same game they've been playing since Sosuke was taken in by Ginrei: 'hurt me, I hurt you; hurt someone dear to me, I'll hurt someone dear to you...'" alerted the purple-haired princess tellingly before she noticed that the other had spaced out "What's wrong?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, he locked eyes with her as he confessed slowly: "You may have replied to most of my queries, I still have quite a few unanswered and now even more questions than before."

She could only smile apologetically at that: "And here I was hoping to remove thorns from your side."

"You have, just...not all of them."

"Sorry about that" she winced ruefully before inquiring "What else is bothering you?"

"If I hear you correctly then Aizen Sosuke's motivations would have to do mostly with revenge...on the Seireitei, or more precisely on the Kuchiki Clan. So how would annihilating the Soul King achieve that? The Arrancar Grimmjow even mentioned that going after the Oken was a mere diversion" revealed Byakuya as he exposed his speculations in order to ask her for her opinion "What do you think?"

"I too don't see the connection..." concurred Yoruichi with a meditative expression before lifting a finger "...unless he had an ulterior motive."

"But you wouldn't know what it is?"

She could only shrug: "No...I can't even guess here: it's beyond me. See because if it was about power I'd understand, but Sosuke already has it...A lot of it."

"I won't deny that" he nodded acceptingly before he raised an eyebrow "And yet, he was defeated by Kurosaki Ichigo and Urahara Kisuke simultaneously working together."

"It shouldn't have worked" she coughed awkwardly whilst saying so, leading Byakuya to think he had misheard. As such, he stared at her with wide eyes: "Pardon?"

"Ichigo was supposed to overthrow Sosuke before the latter gained access to immortality. When it was too late, Kisuke had held onto the slight hope that if the kid could at least manage to weaken him, the kido he had sealed within his core would eventually activate" explained the Shihoin princess before frowning as she recalled her sandy blonde friend's words "Only, Kisuke had told me beforehand that he was quite sceptic and almost positive that it would fail, as it only had a very low rate of success. Until now, he still doesn't see how they defeated Sosuke."

"Are you saying...that he may have...faked defeat?"

"That's what Kisuke thinks anyway."

A sentence suddenly echoed within the Kuchiki's mind: "He foresaw his imprisonment - though not the way it happened - and was even counting on it. What he plans to do with it though is beyond me."

"Now that I recall, the Arrancar had also mentioned that he had anticipated his capture. But he does stay incapable of escaping Muken on his own... Am I right?"

Yoruichi merely tilted her head: "Theoretically...He shouldn't be able to escape. So, yeah..."

Blinking wearily once, the noble then sighed in sheer aggravation: "All this still doesn't make it much clearer: on the contrary, it has now become even more undeniably complicated."

"That's not the worst of it" stated the purpled-haired princess regretfully.

He slowly shifted wary eyes to Yoruichi: "There's worse?"

Nodding with an expression that seemed to be saying 'tell-me-about-it', she asked him: "Why do you think Sosuke was shunned in the first place?"

"Because of his birth as a peasant...? And as a fatherless child, I suppose" suggested the young Kuchiki, thinking that was the reason.

"I thought the same at first but it, in fact, has something to do with the name Aizen" she clarified before asking him expectantly "As a Kuchiki, what do you know of this name?"

Byakuya hesitated at that: "Apart that it is his last name, nothing else. What else should I know?"

"I don't know much myself. What I do know though is that in the entire Soul Society, the Aizen are said to be cursed and bring the darkest of misfortunes to all those around them, whether unintentional or not. You can ask around, especially in the Rukongai: most will say so. Which was why I mentioned before that it is viewed as an accursed name."

"Wouldn't that be more likely to be a fable?" uttered the Kuchiki noble cynically, not personally believing in curses and such.

She raised an eyebrow at him reproachfully: "Fables are lessons...that no one pays heed to, Byakuya-boy..."

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"Ayesegawa-san!" called out a frail voice urgently, snapping the 5th Seat out of his focus. He instantly recognized the person's voice and was rather surprised as to why she'd willingly venture to the 11th Division's barracks, especially given Ichigo wasn't there.

Raising his head from the paperwork - given he was the only one of the Division willing to do them - and standing from his seat, Yumichika let curiosity get the better of him and headed towards the entrance, coming face to face with a very sickly looking Inoue Orihime.

"Please, Ayasegawa-san" pleaded frantically the orange-haired human girl as she bowed her head formally as soon as she saw him "I need your help."

"Anything, Inoue-chan." accepted the 5th Seat instantly with a soft smile, judiciously not commenting on her appearance "After all the trouble we've put you through every time we got ourselves hurt, aiding you when you're need is the least I can do."

Straightening as he said those words, her bloodshot eyes shone with a faint glimmer though her voice remained strongly doubtful as she murmured: "You mean it?"

"Of course" asserted Yumichika with an affronted expression "Why wouldn't I?"

Lower lip trembling as tears threatened to drown her yet again, Orihime lowered her eyes: "Because I'd like you to hide me from my friends... I don't...I can't talk to them right now."

The beautiful Shinigami stared at her with a blank expression for a moment of utter silence, making her fidget uncomfortably, before he nodded at her: "Alright, I can do that."

Ignoring the way she first gaped at him then beamed with gratitude, Yumichika glanced away as his attention was drawn by a group of familiar reiatsu: "Ah...So they're heading here now, aren't they? You can stay in my room until they leave. Don't worry: I won't let them get in."

Orihime almost cried in relief whilst the other led her to his room: "Oh thank you. Thank you so much."

He merely winked at her before shutting the door behind her...whereas his mind was racing: he had heard rumours recently - word circled fast after all - that this girl had been acting...odd lately and he had to admit that it seemed to be true. First off, she loved her friends, so why would she hide from them? Secondly, or at least from his point of view, she looked... unwell: she was still as pretty as ever, yet with the pale sheen on her skin and her darkly rimmed exhausted eyes, she looked far worse than him on a bad hair day...and that was saying something... But what caught his attention the most was that her large grey eyes, though usually joyful, held unbearable sadness...but also blame and shame...

It made Yumichika wonder...however, having secrets of his own, he knew better than to just outwardly question her about it for it will only result in her running away from him, just like she was apparently doing with her friends. There was something she didn't want to tell and he was going to respect that...and was going to make her friends respect that too.

Moments later, her friends arrived: Ichigo, Renji and Rukia in the lead, then followed by Chad and Uryuu, before Orihime's best human friend - Tatsuki if he recalled correctly - arrived shortly after them, slightly out of breath. She didn't seem used to running marathons like her friends were...

Shifting her attention to the room behind the 5th Seat, Rukia began to walk towards only to quickly be brought to a halt when he fellow Shinigami stood in her way: "Why are you stopping me, Ayasegawa-san?"

"Because she doesn't want to see anyone for the moment, Kuchiki-san" replied Yumichika evenly, maintaining his ground.

"What do you mean?" asked Ichigo as he frowned, sharing a baffled expression with everyone else.

"I don't know who you are" interrupted Tatsuki harshly before the 5th Seat could answer "But you don't get to speak for Orihime."

Raising an eyebrow as he gauged her, Yumichika countered haughtily: "Oh but I do. She told me that she couldn't talk to anyone right now. She'll see you all eventually."

"How soon is 'eventually'?" inquired Ichigo carefully as his eyes strayed towards the open window of the 5th Seat's room, hoping to catch a glimpse of their hiding friend.

"Give her time, Ichigo" chided Yumichika gently with a shake of head.

Sighing, the former Shinigami Substitute closed his eyes with a deflated expression: "I would. Of course, I would...but right now we can't. Most of the Gotei are suspecting her for being on Aizen's side and want to question her for that. We just want to know her version of the facts before they get to her."

"Do you doubt her?" asked the 5th Seat with sceptical frown: those didn't sound like words the orange-haired teen would use. Wisteria eyes flicker to Renji and Rukia who looked away guiltily...Ah.

"OF COURSE NOT!" yelled Ichigo instantly in ire "She's a very good friend of ours and..."

"Then give her time" whispered Yumichika with insistence as he moved forward and wrapped an arm around the teen's shoulders, leading him away whilst giving him a reassuring squeeze "She seems pretty shaken up about something and I know from experience that if you push, she'll only close herself up more."

The others took the hint and, taking one last glance at Yumichika's room, followed the two, whilst the 6th Division's lieutenant questioned quietly: "And what of the Gotei...?"

Raising an eyebrow defiantly, the 5th Seat stated sincerely: "They'd have to go through me, or rather Zaraki-taichou. That'll be even better. Trust me: she'll be fine here."

"I hope you're right" the Quincy sighed with closed his eyes.

"So do I..." remarked the petite Kuchiki nervously "Because...I mean, Nii-sama..."

"Again leave that to Zaraki-taichou" insisted Yumichika unwaveringly, making the others' smile a little, glad that there were still those who believed in Orihime like they did: they knew without a doubt that the 11th Division's captain would defend their friend...though he would have maybe liked to come to blows with Ichigo as compensation. Oh well, we can't always have what we want.

"Thanks, Yumichika" acquiesced Ichigo gratefully whilst Tastuki offered him a half-smile and Chad gave him a thumbs-up "Say hi to her for us."

"And that we're on her side no matter what" swore Uryuu solidly as Renji grinned and Rukia smiled, both nodding in confirmation.

"I'll let her know" the 5th Seat promised as he waved at them and watch them leave.

"Thank you, Ayasegawa-san" whispered Orihime suddenly with a gentle shaky voice, drawing the wisteria-eyed Shinigami's undivided attention and seeing her outside his room, standing quietly next to him: her eyes were even redder then before, having cried at their words.

"Leaving already?" observed Yumichika softly before gazing at her eyes "Did you hear?

A small smile appeared upon her lips, but her eyes didn't change: "Yes. Yes, I did."

As she began to walk away, the 5th Seat reached out and held her back, catching her shoulder gently: "You won't be safe from the Gotei if you wander off. You should stay here."

"I'm not safe anywhere I go" she admitted inaudibly, biting her lower lip and twirling a lock of hair around her fingers under the other's watchful gaze: the latter was a nervous habit he had noticed she had; the former was a sign of extreme and definitive fear.

"Are we talking about the Gotei here, Inoue-chan?" inquired Yumichika gently though didn't pry further when she didn't answer "Go back inside and rest. You look like you need it."

She regarded him hesitantly: "And you? I'll be condemning your room and..."

"Nonsense" he cut off with a smile "Let me worry about that, ok?"

Lowering her eyes with a sigh, she gave in with a small nod, letting him lead her back to the room. Inside, he fixed his futon for her and handed her a bunch of covers before bidding her a good rest and shutting the door behind him, leaving her alone to her not so happy thoughts.

Sighing in exhaustion, she bunched up the covers and hid her face in them, hiding her stressed out features from the walls surrounding her. She was tempted to scream but restrained herself from doing so: she didn't need a sore throat on top of her already bloodshot eyes.

Rolling onto her side, she tried to follow Yumichika's advice and closed her eyes, trying to search for sweet slumber...but every time she did fall asleep, just like it's been happening ever since Ichigo was back amongst them, she'd wake up moments later startled, sobbing, whilst clutching at her heart that was thumping wildly in her ribcage, threatening to burst.

Every time she'd fall asleep, she'd have this awful, appalling nightmare. She dreaded it so much as much as she hated it, hoping with all her heart that it would never occur in real life.

In her every nightmare, Aizen called her to his throne room, back within Las Noches. And she would go, not having a choice. And every time the doors opened, instead of seeing Grimmjow kneeling at Aizen's feet... she would see Ichigo...

Somewhere in the Rukongai, more specifically within the nearest district to the Seireitei:

Regarding the surroundings with an apprehensive eye, the blue-eyed Kuchiki nervously whispered near his cousin's ear as he accompanied him through the district's crowded streets: "Are you sure this is a good idea, Byakuya-sama?"

"I need answers, Tetsuya" was the other's quiet response "...and the only way I'll be getting them, is if I seek them."

When Byakuya had told Ginrei that he intended to head to the Rukongai, his grandfather's first response was a firm resounding 'no', without even waiting to hear of his grandson's motive, stunning Byakuya into silence. He hadn't dared pursue the matter further but was quite determined to go there any way...so he snuck out with Tetsuya, supposing that Ginrei was simply worried for his safety as a noble in the midst of the Rukongai's harsh environment.

Tetsuya had been reluctant but easy to convince. As long as they were both disguised as peasants - they were both dressed in plain dark cerulean hooded robes and Byakuya had left behind his kenseikan and scarf - the blue-eyed Kuchiki wasn't that worried, though he was still apprehensive whenever he caught a few stares straying towards them and lingering far too long on their features, for he was mostly afraid that they would be recognized, Byakuya in particular.

"Well..." sighed Tetsuya after awhile with closed eyes "As long as I'm here to protect you."

Byakuya raised an eyebrow at that: "You speak as though I cannot defend myself if attacked."

"You know what I mean."

"Actually, I believe I don't" stated the Kuchiki noble with an expression of feigned innocence.

"A handsome young man like you?" teased the blue-eyed playfully as he took in some of the women nearby staring at his cousin with scarlet blushes "Do you want to be eaten alive by hordes of awestricken women?"

Restraining himself from chuckling, Byakuya chose to grace the other with a small quirk of his lips: "You have such a way with words."

Pretending to be flattered by his cousin's blatant banter, Tetsuya placed a hand to his chest self-importantly: "One of my many qualities, I must admit."

"Don't let it get to your head" chided the grey-eyed Kuchiki gently with a shake of his head as they continued to walk through the crowd, eyeing each person carefully, whilst considering who they were to question regarding what they wished to know.

Suddenly, Byakuya felt a gentle yet firm tug on his sleeve. Turning around, he was faced with a pretty brunet with gorgeous honey eyes, smiling brazenly at him whilst she wrapped herself around the arm she had taken hostage from the noble. Batting her long eyelashes at him, she pressed herself further against him as she purred seductively: "Why 'ello there, young man. If you're feelin' lonely, I'd be 'appy to keep you company."

Inwardly cringing, the Kuchiki clan's leader calmly raised an eyebrow at her but before he could say anything, Tetsuya spoke up, using the same thick accent as the woman whilst he held out a bag of money: "Missy, can we ask ya somethin' instead, yeah?"

Eyeing it hungrily, she instantly reached out for it - letting go of Byakuya in the process - but as she was about to grab it, the blue-eyed Kuchiki held it out of her grasp whilst wagging a finger at her with a smile: "We didn't ask anythin' yet, missy."

Batting her eyelashes again, she raised a hand to her mouth and giggled giddily: "Silly me."

Now that he had gotten her attention, Tetsuya continued to speak: "We were wonderin' about one of them famous names 'ere. Name of them legends."

Eyes never leaving the small bag of money, the girl nodded eagerly: "Of course. Anythin' for ya, me good sir. Let's 'ear the name."

"Aizen" revealed the blue-eyed noble simply...and both he and his cousin witnessed the girl turn ashen pale as she took a step back from them.

Staring at them with wary eyes that suddenly widened in what seemed to be recognition, her voice wobbled with panic: "Ya're them Kuchiki lords, huh?"

"What...?" began a stunned Byakuya before cutting himself when she backed away some more.

"Forgive me insolence but I'm changin' what I said before: anything, me lords, but them!" she let out in a loud quivering whisper before she sprinted off as fast as her legs could carry her.

"Wait!" called out Tetsuya but she was already far gone.

"She...She ran away" deadpanned the Kuchiki clan's leader before glancing at his cousin who was just as taken aback.

"She was utterly terrified" observed Tetsuya quietly before he locked eyes with the other Kuchiki "This might be a little bit harder than you initially thought, Byakuya-sama."

And he was right: everyone they ran into fearfully fled them like the plague as soon as either of two uttered the immortal man's name...and annoyance was quick to prick them.

"Why won't they answer us?" grounded out Tetsuya in irritation as he ran a hand over his face.

"Oi! Ya two!" called out a gruff voice abruptly, drawing the two nobles' attention...only to see an empty alley, until the voice spoke up again "Down 'ere."

Eyes flickering down, the two Kuchiki meet a very - emphasis on very - short old man leaning on a cane who then used it to beckon them before he began to walk down the alley: "Follow me an' I'll answer that question."

Staring silently at each other whilst the blue-eyed of two merely shrugged, they then ended up following the man until he stopped in front of a rundown house and sat at one of the many chairs just outside of it. And it was only then did he speak up again: "That's 'cause no one 'ere go on and ask 'bout that name."

"Why?" asked Byakuya in disbelief, curiosity gnawing at him "What is so terrifying about that name that they wouldn't even dare utter it?"

The old man just stared at them in silence for awhile before he suddenly yelled at the top of his voice, startling the two nobles: "NORIKO! NORIKO! BRING ME SOME SAKE! I'LL BE NEEDIN' IT! NORIKO!"

"YEAH I HEARD YA, OLD MAN! QUIT YAPPIN' ALREADY!" answered snappily a younger man's voice from inside the house.

Clearing his throat under the wide-eyed stares of the nobles, the old man sighed deeply: "Ya them Kuchiki?"

"Would you run away if we say 'yes'?" countered Tetsuya cautiously, causing Byakuya to give him an odd look.

The old man just grinned with very little teeth: "Nah, too old. Won't be gettin' anywhere if I do. I'm be askin' that 'cause it'd be better if I be tellin' them in person, ya know? Them Kuchiki and them Aizen...go way back, before either of ya or me being born."

"How so?" inquired Byakuya inquisitively, sitting down along with cousin when the old man gestured for them to.

Lightening a pipe and taking in a waft of smoke, the old man began his narrative: "Long ago, so long ago, when this place, the Soul Society, 'ad just begun to be, it was sheer mayhem an' chaos. Order was none. Families of sinful souls claimin' to be absolute ruled this place with anarchy, exertin' a fierce control over all the other souls. Them were powerful, very powerful, upheld by dark magic offered to them by demons and witches, servin' their masters' cause, bendin' to their will an' grantin' them every wish. Them families were seen as devils, others saw them as deities... deities of evil that were all feared and no other soul dared defy. Them were five and named: the Susanoo, the Tsukuyomi, the Aizen, the Izanagi and the Narukami. And them ruled...Till the day, a family of pure blood, the Purebloods, rose and defeated them, reducin' them to a history now near forgotten, before liftin' one of them own to reign as the Soul King. Of these evil families, very few remain today, but them still remain, hidden, lurkin', waitin' in the shadows for the Fall of them Purebloods..."

Eyes wider than ever, the two Kuchiki stayed in absolute silence, minds reeling as the man spoke up again a bottle of sake to his lips, leading Tetsuya to realize that they were so absorbed that they hadn't noticed when it had been brought to him: "This story has been told around the years from mouth to ear. Then the story was used to scare them naughty children, some makin' a song of it, just like them all do with ancient 'appenings. Today, everyone 'ere believe it to be just legend, that them families are just cursed that all, but everyone still fear them, knowin' that them out there for revenge against them Purebloods."

Tetsuya blinked before he shifted to whisper anxiously in his cousin's ear: "When he says 'pureblood', he can't possibly mean...?"

"Yep, me lord" interjected the old man, accurately guessing what was being whispered low "I'm talkin' about ya Kuchiki, though not everyone get that part. I don't know who's left of them Families of Chaos, but if there's any left, ya better watch out for yarselves. Them gonna take ya down hard, just so them can rule over everyone again. Them resort to anythin' for that."

Byakuya's eyes widen as all the old man had told them slowly began to sink in and he realized that Yoruichi was not bluffing: Aizen Sosuke's name was indeed cursed by origin...

Back within Muken:

It had been a moment since the torturing had come to a halt, giving the immortal a brief break, when the doors of the torture cell suddenly opened up again quietly, causing Aizen's attention to peak, concentrating on his hearing as he was once again blindfolded: whoever it was, it was somebody who didn't want anyone to know they were here.

The doors locked inaudibly and quiet footsteps headed straight for the immortal, left bound on the electrical chair for the next session, when the footsteps came to a halt right next to Aizen.

As firm callous fingers touched his cheek before dragging down leisurely to his neck, Aizen instantly pinpointed who it was...and he almost laughed in gruesome amusement.

When they had first began their 'interrogation techniques', the immortal had laughed for they hadn't brought up much of a challenge and that he was rather disappointed to admit: whipping mostly, but also beatings, electric shocks and dipping his head under water...in constant repeat. They apparently lacked creativity...or they were simply becoming exceedingly desperate. One of the guards had once proposed a collective or individual rape on their prisoner but it was quickly turned down by the others who had categorically refused, saying that that it was immoral, far too cruel and they wouldn't lower themselves to resort to that...Ever...

'Oh, if only they knew...'

The one currently laying his hands on him and sitting on one of Aizen's legs was the exact one who had shamelessly offered to violate him. Apparently, he had no reservations whatsoever and hadn't quite let go of the idea just yet.

Tightening his hand around the immortal's neck, the tormentor drew closer to breathe in Aizen's ear: "You know that you and I are alone right now."

"I am aware, yes" responded the brown-haired detainee calmly, a derisive smirk to his lips when he felt the other's bulge digging into his lap. Preposterously ludicrous...

Panting in the brown-haired's ear, the tormentor leered in guttural voice as he began rubbing himself against the bound man for friction: "Heh, then know that you and I are going to have some fun, neh?"

"How joyous" the immortal chuckled darkly, morbidly amused by the whole situation, as the other fisted a hand in Aizen's brown locks, lowering his head "Should I sing for the occasion?"

"Oh, I'll make you sing alright. Screaming will be nice to hear too" groaned the tormentor deeply as he hoisted himself upwards and began to undo his belt "But right now, you're gonna suck me off."

"I beg to differ" articulated abruptly the immortal making the other halt in his movements, staring at the bound man with puzzlement.

"Huh?" the tormentor managed out hazily making the detainee chuckle again.

Lifting his head blindly yet accurately and placing his lips near the other man's ear, Aizen nipped at it, eliciting a moan, before he confessed sinisterly: "Only I get to ravish others."

"And just what do you think you're doing?" resounded a firm unyielding voice all of a sudden, laced with utter disgust.

Turing around immediately, the tormentor went pale: "Kuchiki-sama!"

The noble, along with his attendant, had entered like a ghost and was now regarding the other unmatched revulsion, having not seen Aizen's own motion: "Get out. And don't bother to come back: your position has hereby been revoked."

"Y...Yes, Kuchiki-sama" gulped the man with a stutter as he hastily made his leave.

"Repulsive" gritted out Byakuya through clenched teeth with a voice too quietly to be heard whilst Tetsuya nodded from beside him.

"I must agree" whispered back the blue-eyed Kuchiki before moving forward to check if Aizen had sustained any permanent damage: there was none.

"Will he be alright?" whispered the noble inaudibly frowning instantly when Aizen chuckled.

"Well, well" cooed mockingly the immortal whilst Tetsuya moved forward to remove the blindfold before the noble could react, leading Aizen to lock his eyes with Byakuya's "That almost sounded like concern. Should you really concern yourself with likes of me, Byakuya?"

The Kuchiki noble's eyes narrowed in displeasure: "It's rude to eavesdrop, Aizen Sosuke."

"So is spying, but who am I to say that, hm?" he chuckled again, as if humouring himself with a private joke.

"Leave us, Tetsuya" instructed Byakuya gently and was only when his attendant left that he could fully focus on the bound man in front of him "I have questions for you, Aizen Sosuke."

"Of course you do" the immortal smirked before he tilted his head "And since no one is really willing to answer them for you...you came...to me."

"Are you saying that you will answer any of my questions directly or truthfully?" inquired the noble sceptically.

"I might..." uttered the immortal lazily, smirk still in place "But we won't get anywhere with anything if you don't ask me, hm?"

Byakuya regarded the other more carefully than he had ever before, as the recent discoveries he made concerning this man vividly permeated his mind. However, before coming to that, he would at least show the courtesy of not ignoring the conversation he had with Kurosaki Ichigo, nor the one with the Arrancar.

So, he eventually asked his first question: "What did you do to Inoue Orihime?"

Though he was expecting it, Aizen hadn't thought it would be the other's initial question. He didn't show his surprise however, merely smiling enigmatically instead as he replied: "Nothing she didn't need. A little thing you should know: there are times where you must distance yourself from those you love, because you love them... Believe me, it's amazing what a person in love will do (6)."

Frowning both in confusion and irritation, Byakuya pointed out: "You are talking in riddles, Aizen Sosuke."

"I said I'd answer any question you might have. That's exactly what I'm doing."

Inwardly sighing for he should have known he wouldn't get straight answers, the Kuchiki noble still pursued his questioning: "The Arrancars then?"

Instead of smirking, this time, Aizen smiled forebodingly, revealing his teeth whilst doing so: "We already established that during my trial, Byakuya. I'd hate to have to repeat myself."

"It was vague so do repeat yourself" countered the noble with persistence.

Yet again, the immortal chose to reply mysteriously: "You'll find out soon enough."

The young Kuchiki noble paused significantly at that: it sounded that Aizen was making a promise...that Byakuya wasn't sure he wanted the immortal to end up keeping.

Brushing off his unease aside, he continued his enquiry further: "How did you deprive Kurosaki Ichigo of his powers?"

The smile abruptly fell from the immortal's face as his eyes doubled slightly in size: "I'm sorry, what was that?"

The noble was about to repeat himself when he paused in realization: "You...weren't aware? That he had lost his powers?"

"No, I didn't know" confirmed the brown-haired detainee with a shake of head, pretending to be rather bewildered when he had actually been formerly alerted on the fact by his zanpaktou: he personally made note to himself that what Kyoka Suigetsu had told him was actually quite real and true. However, he wasn't about to let the noble know that he knew anything already.

"Ichigo had mentioned that he'd acquired a technique that would ultimately require sacrificing his abilities..." stated the immortal slowly with forged confusion etched upon his features, endorsing the role perfectly of someone who was blissfully oblivious to the situation "I didn't think he was that serious. Besides, with his origins, his powers shouldn't nullify themselves like that out of the blue...It really doesn't make any sense..."

Upon seeing the utter bafflement on the other's features, Byakuya could only frown in uncertainty: "But then how...?"

Seeing the noble hesitate, the immortal urged him on: "How what?"

"Why were you keeping him in a comatose state?" inquired the noble inquisitively whilst glaring coldly at the other, waiting for him to admit that he was the one behind Kurosaki Ichigo's comatose.

Closing his eyes as to hide his surprise over the other's knowledge of his definite responsibility - though he personally suspected a certain blue-haired feline - he carefully considered his next words: "First off, it wasn't me. It was my zanpaktou. Second, I just told you that I didn't know he had lost his powers. Had I known, I wouldn't have bothered and I would have kept Kyoka Suigetsu by my side. You do agree with me when I say that it would have come in quite handy for my present predicament."

"Where is it now?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

"You said you could still influence it, so..."

"I had asked Gin what made him believe that I couldn't still use it but I never confirmed anything. Besides, if I could use it, like I said before, I wouldn't be here, now would I?" teased the immortal with a raised eyebrow, drawing the conversation once again in circles.

Closing his eyes and sighing deeply, as he saw this was going nowhere, Byakuya cautiously asked a question that involved him in person, giving back freedom to his eyesight in order to look directly within the other's eyes: "What happened on the day of my birth?"

While his face remained neutrally blank, the immortal's bound hands tightened into clenched fists: "Why you were born of course. What else might have happened?"

"I wouldn't know. You're the one who no longer spoke to my father from that day forth."

Eyes narrowing just barely, Aizen smirked in a sinister way that Byakuya had never seen before...and it made him immediately feel greatly uncomfortable, near distressed even whilst he felt his heart skip a beat in dread. The immortal was looking at him like he was some...prey, whose was to be devoured to its core...

"These families were seen as devils..."

Mind going on a brief startled lockdown as he recalled the old man's words from the Rukongai, Byakuya almost missed the other's words: "Let me guess...Yoruichi? She actually went on and told you some things, didn't she? I'll admit that I'm surprised. What happened between your father and I...well, were I to tell you, I don't think you'd like what you hear... Let's just say, what I did to him, I definitely intend to do to you."

When he was met with silence, Aizen curiously lifted his gaze only to meet the other's rather taut expression, fixating him with a hard, distasteful and quite vividly fearful stare within wary eyes, as if apprehensive that the immortal would suddenly liberate himself and destroy him there and then. A most delicious thought actually...

Banishing his thoughts for now and tilting his head faintly, he inquired lightly: "Is there a reason you're looking at me like that, my dear?"

"Don't" the Kuchiki noble forced out warily, eyeing the other vigilantly whilst his mind tried to decipher Aizen's words and intentions "Don't use any terms of endearment with me."

That seemed to make Aizen pause considerably as he regarded the noble: Byakuya had shown aversion upon receiving such appellations but he had never vehemently worded it.

He would have thought it was because he had unsettled him with his words, but the noble had seemed troubled ever since he began their discussion. Then Aizen suspected Yoruichi, but yet again, she didn't know everything concerning him. So, there was something else...

"You seem..." spoke up the immortal slowly, as he assessed the other with a scrutinizing eye "...on edge? That's a little unlike you. Angry, yes, I've already witnessed that upon you, but uneasy like this...I cannot decide if it is appealing or unbefitting."

Swallowing subtly at a lump that had formed in his throat, Byakuya cursed himself as his voice shook: "You...You're...You're a..."

"I'm a what, Byakuya?"

"You're...an Aizen" he said finally, immediately witnessing yet another terrorizing change in the detainee's demeanour as the noble pronounced those words.

The immortal's cold dark brown eyes instantly darkened at that: "And?"

"I don't need to tell you. You already know."

"Obviously, since you've clearly decided that on your own..." scoffed Aizen scornfully with a roll of his eyes "Also, I should be aware of my own name, don't you think?"

"The Aizen..." began Byakuya hesitantly as he tried to gather his thoughts "...is one of the five cursed families from over more than a thousand years ago and like the others they...have a connection with magic, with demons, with...hell...A strong one at that."

Though his voice was calm yet remained dangerously dark, Aizen's eyes were now downright murderous: "Now where did you find this out?"

The noble had to wait several seconds before answering without a tremble in his tone: "Should it matter?"

"Yes, it should. Had you just spoken of the horrors and misfortunes the Aizen were capable of due to their mere presence, I wouldn't have asked...but this specific information is forgotten. Well, majorly forgotten: rare are those who still know of this. Now I ask again, how do you know of this?"

"I am aware of it. That's all that matters."

Aizen's lips tightened and his jaw went taut, causing a chill to wander down Byakuya's spine. At some point, the noble even had the impression that the other's eyes had gleamed blood red but a fleeting blink on the Kuchiki's part and Aizen's cruel eyes were the same brown again: he was probably hallucinating due to the oppressively suffocating atmosphere that had begun to infest the torture cell. The immortal's unexpected yet blatantly obvious ire was palpable in the air, despite him not showing it upon his features, and the noble had the strong urge to take a step back, which he firmly abstained from doing. He could never show weakness or even open fear in front of this man for he'll just relish in making use of it...but his usually calm facade was quickly faltering before the immortal's sudden lethal ire...

Brown eyes latched searchingly onto grey ones, Aizen exhaled through his nose before a wicked smile adorned his expression as he whispered forebodingly: "I'll let the issue go for now. However, I do trust that you will keep this to yourself...Right, my dear?"

Byakuya was about to protest when he realized that he couldn't do otherwise: this part of history had been hidden from the entire Soul Society, so no one really knew about it...in detail. True, the rumour had existed at some point and it was surely the type of narrating that would be taken from mouth to ear throughout the generations.

But that was all it resumed itself to: a rumour. Not only he had to learn it from the Rukongai of all places, but if Byakuya were to call out on its veracity he'd face two major problems: the first being that he might not be believed, due to everyone thinking that the Aizen were merely cursed, and the second was that he could be putting his clan in a compromising position. The history which the Kuchiki clan recorded was supposed to be thorough, complete, never leaving out any details. And yet, this specific data had been kept away from everyone, including from the current members of his clan, for it didn't officially exist in the records. Byakuya wasn't sure who was really responsible, however it was undoubtedly someone who hadn't taken into consideration the need to note down this particular part of history...

Focusing back on Aizen, the noble asserted tightly: "I have no reason to tell anyone for now."

The immortal smirked almost normally compared to the former ones: "Wise choice."

"I am not doing this for you" retorted the Kuchiki clan's leader harshly with hard eyes, unease still quite palpable within them.

"No, no, of course not" agreed Aizen sarcastically before raising an eyebrow "You are doing this for your clan. It's incredible what a little mistake on a person's part can do, can't it?"

"I...I don't understand."

The immortal shook his head and chuckled mockingly: "Oh dear. That simply won't do. Here, let me enlighten you. The entire Seireitei, but more notably, your beloved clan, made me into who I am today. They are the only ones to blame and, when I get out, they'll all get a taste of their own medicine...your grandfather, your father and you included."

"I won't ever let you get out, Aizen Sosuke" declared Byakuya resolutely whilst lifting his head with haughtiness.

Here, the brown-haired detainee seemed genuinely amused: "Oh? That almost sounds like a challenge. Do you really think that your determination alone shall keep me here?"

"You will never leave Muken: I'll ensure your eternal stay here myself if I have to."

"How amusing" stated Aizen smilingly with a low laugh "You seem so confident that it's simply heartbreaking, really, that all your efforts will be in sheer vain."

Though aware of it as everyone else was, the Kuchiki Clan's leader remained steadfast: "You don't know that."

Hilarity and derision shone in the immortal's callous dark eyes: "Oh, but I do. My breakout will occur: Gin warned you, Kisuke warned you, the Arrancars warned you, Grimmjow warned you. Even your family members are acutely aware of this. It. Is...Inevitable..."

Having never mentioned which Arrancar had been brought the Seireitei, nor recalling even telling Aizen in the first place that they were here, Byakuya's eyebrows flew upwards, far too taken aback to try and bluff: "How do you that that Arrancar is here...?"

"I know many things, my dear. That aside, since you are so determined, let me give you a rather considerable token of my generosity" drawled out Aizen leisurely eyes never leaving the Kuchiki noble "Within the Seireitei's walls, there are a few individuals on my side and, whether willingly or not, will be involved in delivering me from Muken. Find these five before the nightfall of after tomorrow, imprison them, kill them, do what you will with them, and I shall remain here eternally as you wish it."

"Why would you...?" began Byakuya in surprise, mind reeling in shock by what he was hearing when he pulled himself together in order to ask knowingly "It isn't that simple, is it?"

"Nothing is" confirmed the brown-haired immortal with a dark glint in his eyes as he announced the following "Get these five individuals right, you win. Get even one wrong, and you'll fall."

Eyes wide in anxiety and astonishment by both the surreal offer and the fact that Grimmjow had indeed been right when he had told them that Aizen had allies amongst them, the young clan's leader could only repeat numbly: "Five?"

"Yes, and before you go any further, don't blame the Arrancars that fled here. That would be too easy."

Much to his exasperation, Byakuya could only agree: "It would. Though you'd have to admit I am in a delicate situation as of now, especially with a deadline."

"My generosity has bounds, my dear" informed the immortal lightly with a smirk before it darkened "But I'll relent and give you this one hint only once, so listen well: one is pretending to be someone their not; the second, despite all I've put them through, stays unconditionally devoted to me; the third, resents me but has been conditioned to fight for me when the time is right; and the fourth holds the undisputable ability to free me, yet will not do so willingly. They are, if you will, my trump cards, my four horsemen of your own apocalypse (7)."

Frowning with displeasure at the detainee's smug amusement, the noble asked rigidly: "And what of the fifth?"

"That would be you, Pureblood child."

Not at all expecting that of all the things the immortal could have told him, especially not that appellation, the noble spoke through clenched teeth as all colour drained from his face: "What did you say?"

Aizen's calm expression and dark smile had never seemed so nerve-jangling: "Should everything go the way it was been planned, you'll be the one to bring me my freedom, Byakuya Kuchiki."

To be continued…

Ta-da! Things are getting interesting (I hope) and will begin moving on starting next chapter, so please do look forward to it! A little thing I'd like to ask: who do you think should survive? Aizen's soon-to-come liberation will lead to a war (which will be around the sixth chapter normally) and there will be casualties, those who will be spared and those who will become spoils of war (I already have a few characters in mind but I'm open to suggestions). Have any thoughts? Let me know! : any ideas to whom Aizen's four horsemen might be? Until next time!

Next Chapter: Begin The Lock-Up:

(1) Takada: Is just an O.C prison guard: nothing much interesting about him except that I gave him a name (pulls tongue in distaste): I give too much detail to characterization.

(2): I mentioned somewhere that I'd make Ichigo at least 18, but after awhile I decided to just stick with the fact that he is 'too young' but 'of legal age in some countries' for this fic: I do maintain though that Ichigo doesn't look like a fifteen/sixteen year old in my opinion.

(3) Sachiko Aizen: I didn't know what else to call his mother (for the Bleach wikia states that her name is unknown) and I hope it is fitting: I was looking up archaic Japanese names and stumbled on this one and it just seemed a nice one to use.

(4) Koga Kuchiki: Is a Bleach character of a filler arc (see the Rogue Zanpaktou Arc: starting around episodes 230 or so).

(5): Effectively, Koga Kuchiki had a wife (I'm assuming she was of the Kuchiki Clan as one of Ginrei's children giving the fact Koga was the one adopted).

(6): The line: "It's amazing what a person in love will do", comes from Lana Del Ray's song Big Eyes (which features in Tim Burton's 2014 movie Big Eyes, inspired by a True Story), only I put 'a person' in the place of 'women'...for I wanted it to sound vague since it is Aizen talking (but it's quite clear who's being mentioned). I recommend both listening to the song and watching the movie: they're really great...

(7): X-Men: the Apocalypse anyone? No? Then: Now you see me. Neither? Hm...Google it up then (the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Death, Famine, War and I forgot the last one)...

A/N: Fun fact: the five family names (of the Families of Chaos, spelling out the word 'stain' if you look closely) found out by Byakuya are in fact, all five, Japanese deities, and, in Japanese mythology, Aizen (also and mostly known as Aizen-Myoo) is the god of love (yep, did my research this time). I quote: 'Aizen Myoo is one of the most popular deities in the Japanese pantheon. He is the god of love, a deity of both physical and intellectual desire and represents love transformed through the desire for enlightenment. The translation of his name reads "King of Esoteric Knowledge [called] Tinted by Love (or: Lust)".' My point for saying this...? Hm...You'll see in later chapters, if it isn't blatantly obvious to you already (grins deviously). There was also this part: 'within art, the god is usually shown with a 'blazing circle' that envelops his halo and the upper part of the lotus seat which he sits upon. This 'blazing circle' is commonly known as the Moon Disk, and is usually believed to represent the burning disk of the sun (nichirin) although there are some sources which state it is the moon (gachirin).' Kind of reminds us of the purple halo thing around his head when he was in one of his hollowfied forms whilst fighting against Ichigo, doesn't it? There were other descriptions to Aizen-Myoo but personally it wasn't what I was looking for and not quite what I needed for this fic (though now it makes sense to me why Tite Kubo choose that name in particular for this character), but feel free to read it up.

Until next time!