Chapter Seventeen:
Ichigo had never felt power like it. It pulsed through him like a second wind, revitalising and electrifying, making him feel as light as a feather, but as strong as an ox. He'd sensed Tōsen move before he'd heard him, and had acted accordingly.
His body moved like water as he ducked the other man's Zanpakutō, a hand flying out and striking him in the face; he watched as he was thrown backwards through the office window, the sound of shattering glass was sure to draw attention, even if his sudden explosive reiatsu didn't.
And then, his attention turned to the man at the head of the room. There was an expression of stunned amazement in those deep chocolate eyes, as well as pure admiration. For the briefest of moments, Ichigo felt proud of that reaction – for the longest time it was all he had ever wanted to see, all he had ever wanted was for Aizen to truly praise him. But that momentary elation was crushed by the surfaced memories he had dredged to the front of his mind.
He was cracking. Where rage and fury roamed, they were followed by chaos and insanity. He could feel the entwining sensation of those powerful emotions swirling in his mind, he had to fight back the urge to laugh.
"Let... Renji... Go..." He snarled.
To his surprise, Aizen's fingers immediately left those scarlet locks of hair, and the Fukutaichou slumped to the floor, apparently still dazed from whatever it was he had been traumatised with. Taking slow steps forward, Ichigo's expression never changed as he drew closer, reaching out a deathly still hand until he was able to snatch up the front of Aizen's shihakusho and yanked him in close.
"I remember that night." He whispered, "The rain... The storm... You on the pathway... I invited you into my home... I offered to help you... And in return you butchered them..."
Aizen's face revealed nothing, "You are remembering incorrectly, Ichigo. Put me down, and I can help you see the truth."
"The truth? You wouldn't know the truth if it slapped you in the face, you lying bastard." He hissed between clenched teeth, "You destroyed my life."
"I gave you life." He breathed.
"No!" Ichigo snapped, "You took everything from me! You murdered my mother, my father... Even my sisters! They did nothing to you! Nothing!"
Snatching his Zanpakutō from where it had rested near the wall, he swept it down towards Aizen. He was going to end it. He was going to avenge them. Zangetsu stopped. Ichigo faltered, glancing at the blade and wondering why it was no longer moving, until his eyes slowly focused on the single finger that had been placed in the way.
A gasp escaped him as pain rippled up his chest, blood seeping down his front as he staggered backwards and hit the floor, Zangetsu dropping from his fingers as Aizen stood over him, unharmed.
"You truly are beautiful, Ichigo. And you have grown more than I thought possible. But you aren't strong enough to cut me yet." The brunet's voice was oddly soft, and then he spoke again, but it was almost as if he wasn't addressing Ichigo anymore, but rather the power behind his sudden surge in strength, "Step back now, our business isn't finished."
A momentary struggle seemed to take place, Ichigo could hear a frustrated snarl somewhere deep inside his mind, inside his Soul. And then he felt his energy sap, his body weakening as the incredible rush he had experienced seemed to... Dissipate obediently at Aizen's command. He let out a weak moan of pain as his chest wound pulsed, truly letting him know it was there as his second wind faded. He felt his hands shaking at his sides as Aizen drew closer, dropping down so that he was kneeling over the crumpled strawberry.
"I'm so proud of your growth, you know. I simply wish it hadn't been as a result of your betrayal." Aizen leaned down slowly and stroked his cheek, it was almost affectionate, "I am willing to give you another chance, Ichigo. Tell me where the Hōgyoku is... And everything I ever promised you will still be yours."
It hurt. For some reason his usual healing talents weren't working, he found himself wondering briefly if it was because Aizen had banished the Hollow power that had been bolstering him. Aizen's touch hurt more though, it was so warm and so full of promise. He could feel himself sinking into it, believing it, wanting it.
It was sick. But that was the summary of their connection really, wasn't it? It had always been sick. Twisted. Depraved. It was part of the reason they worked so well together. Neither of them were above committing atrocities that would break the minds of lesser men.
No matter what Byakuya could offer him, not even all the tenderness and care in the world could truly heal him. There was no cure for what he had. He could run from one end of the world to the other, he would still belong to Aizen. Because that is what he was. Aizen's. Everything he had, everything he was, had come from that man.
He knew how the Hōgyoku worked. It was capable of dissolving the boundaries between Shinigami and Hollows, allowing one race to attain the powers of the other. And yet there was another side to the small orb, something far more sinister, and yet far purer. It's true power was its ability to sense the hearts of those around it, and to materialise their deepest desire.
His life; his power; his determination, all of it, was the result of Aizen's deepest desire. The desire to create something better than a Shinigami, better than a Hollow, better than both. If he had wanted to kill him, he would have been dead along with his family, but the willpower that had struck him that fateful night had been the will to create, rather than to destroy.
"Aren't you tired of walking among people who are less than yourself?" Aizen asked, lips brushing his ear, "Aren't you tired of holding back? Spending more time afraid of hurting someone because they are far weaker than you are is no way for someone of your talents to live. Even if it is subconscious, you lock away your biggest assets out of a misguided sense of protecting the people around you. Do you remember what I promised you, Ichigo?"
He swallowed thickly, looking up at the ceiling, "You... Promised me a place among people who were strong enough to withstand my power. People who wouldn't crumple and die. People who wouldn't be afraid of me."
"That's right. And I will still give that to you, I still want that for you."
It was getting hard to breathe, he let out shuddering gasps as his gaze slowly moved to meet Aizen's, there was no hint of a lie in his voice nor on his face. He really would still give him what he'd promised. All it would take was his cooperation and...
"Ichigo!" Renji's voice cut through the darkness in his mind like cold steel, "Don't listen to him! Remember what you stand for!"
"R-Renji..." He licked his lips, brows furrowing as his head exploded with pain, so many thoughts clashing from one side to the other.
Surrender or fight. Give in or stand strong. Rise up or be crushed. Live or die.
A wordless Kidō darted from Aizen's fingers, rendering Renji unconscious against the wall before his attention returned to the struggling strawberry beneath him, "I can give you everything you have ever wanted, and more. You know that to be true."
"You can never give my family back." He whispered.
"No, I cannot." The brunet agreed, "But I did not take them from you to begin with. I didn't kill them, Ichigo."
"Then who-"
"It doesn't matter." The brunet stroked his cheek again, the backs of his fingers were soft, "I want you by my side. Tell me where the Hōgyoku is."
"It... It..." He couldn't understand why he was choking on the words, the sudden desperation to tell him everything had bubbled up from nowhere, it was hard to ignore.
Ichigo felt a bead of sweat roll down his face, unable to tear his eyes away from Aizen's. They looked so warm in that moment, so unlike what he was used to. It was almost as if he was being genuine. Was he being genuine? He couldn't be... Could he?
"What are ya waitin' for, King? Tell him. We both know ya wanna do it."
A small gargle escaped his lips, brow furrowing at that voice again. Who the hell was that anyway? He shivered, dropping his head back restlessly as his fingers twitched at his sides. Did it really matter who he kept hearing? They were annoying. Appealing to his darker nature like some kind of leech.
"I'm sorry." He whispered, biting his bottom lip for a long moment, "But I can't tell you what you want to know."
Aizen seemed surprised by his decision, and released a heavy sigh, "Very well. Gin?"
Ichigo tipped his head back as far as he could, seeing Gin stood near the doorway, the silver haired fox was as silent as could be and yet that smile was etched widely across his face like a sneer.
"Yes, Aizen Taichou?"
"It appears a different tact is required, so for now you may dispose of Abarai, he is merely... Cluttering the room." The brunet watched Ichigo's face carefully for any sign of relenting.
"No..." The strawberry breathed, struggling under the man with renewed vigour, panting hard as pain blossomed across his bloodied chest, "No! Gin don't!"
"Ne, Ichi-Berry, an order is an order." The fox didn't seem sorry at all as he drew his Zanpakutō, pointing it in Renji's general direction, "Shoot to kill, Shinsō."
Eyes widening as he watched the blade shoot forwards, growing exponentially fast, he let out a yell as Renji was struck in the stomach. The impact was enough to rouse him from unconsciousness, a cry of pain escaping the redheaded man as his body convulsed at the new pain.
As the sword contracted again, Renji slumped to the side, Ichigo could see a thin line of blood spilling from between his lips and he let out another cry of disbelief, fighting harder under Aizen as his heart sank deeply with regret and guilt.
He slouched, half heaving for breath as he glowered up at the brunet above him, rage was seething through his blood like a scolding magma. He hated himself for how close he had come to falling for his deception, that urge and desire to surrender was sickening.
"Rukia..."
Ichigo's eyes widened briefly as he heard the whisper tumble from Renji's lips before he saw his chest stop rising; his gaze slowly lifted to Aizen's face and there was a look of consideration there which greatly unsettled him.
"Gin," a slight head tilt, "You mentioned that your suspicions concerning Ichigo were confirmed entirely only after you threatened to visit Kuchiki's sister, yes?"
"That's right." The fox nodded once.
"I see." Calculating eyes narrowed, "And we were discussing earlier today how much time Abarai has been spending with her."
"We were, yeah."
A smirk, "I rather think Abarai has answered my question."
"No." Ichigo croaked, "No, he hasn't. He's got a thing for her, nothing more!"
"I'm disappointed, you used to be so much better at lying Ichigo." Aizen raised an eyebrow, "Perhaps Kuchiki didn't have as much of a positive influence over your training as I first thought."
Swallowing, the strawberry tried to find something to say, anything he could say to dissuade him. Rukia was in danger and there was nothing he could do to stop it. He grunted as Aizen stood up, nudging him aside with his foot; the brunet was searching his draws again for something before he pocketed an item that Ichigo couldn't identify at his current angle.
"Track down Rukia Kuchiki and take her to Sôkyoku Hill, Gin. Have Tōsen investigate the whereabouts of the other Taichou before contacting our other friend, and have him meet us there. It is time to make our move." Aizen stared down at Ichigo as he spoke.
Ichigo didn't hear Gin reply, but heard the door snap shut to signal he had left. He quivered on the spot, dragging one hand out from under himself and digging his nails into the floor, trying to push himself up onto his knees. Rukia was in danger. He had to warn Byakuya. Violent coughs racked his body, fresh blood spilling from the ugly wound in his chest, his healing capabilities still hadn't taken effect and he was starting to feel a chill.
Was he dying?
A strong arm wrapped around his waist and lifted him with apparent ease, he faltered as he found himself pressed up against the man he would have followed to the very pits of Hell once, Aizen was looking at him deeply as if trying to see an answer in his eyes. He wasn't sure what the question was, or even if he wanted to know. But he was sagging against him regardless, losing the will to fight. Even staying awake was a battle now.
"Let's go, Ichigo."
"R-Renji..." He breathed, glancing over his shoulder towards his friend.
"Is dead. There's nothing you can do for him now." Aizen didn't sound sorry, but there was a touch of something that Ichigo couldn't identify.
Drooping in his arms like a flower long starved of water, Ichigo felt the world shift around them, blurry vision taking a moment to acknowledge the speed of the man's Shunpo. He felt like that probably shouldn't have been important, but as unconsciousness swallowed him whole he couldn't help but make a note of it. Silly really.
It was already growing dark outside the Kuchiki mansion, Byakuya had barely sat still since Renji had left not long after Ichigo. He'd expected some news by now, something to explain what the disturbance had been at the Division, or even for Ichigo to have returned. Despite the fragility of their new found relationship, and the turmoil which had come before it, he'd grown to trust the strawberry haired Shinigami almost implicitly, if Ichigo said he'd be back then he would be.
And yet, the strawberry's reiatsu had almost entirely disappeared once arriving at Division Six. That fact alone sent pangs of fear through the nobleman. But maybe Ichigo was merely suppressing it for some reason. He knew in the back of his mind that was a foolish notion, Ichigo could barely suppress his power at the best of times...
So what was keeping him away? For something that was apparently 'minor' it was taking some time to clear up.
Then there was Renji, his Fukutaichou had promised to send a message about how Rukia was doing, and yet there had been nothing. No Hell Butterfly, no flickering of reiatsu, just silence.
Surely it was too much of a coincidence for the pair of them to fall off the radar at the same time. In fact he was certain of it. Something had happened. Something bad. There was no other explanation. There couldn't be.
Residing himself to that fact, the Division Six Taichou snatched his Zanpakutō from its resting place against the wall and left the study, taking stiff strides towards the entrance hall of the mansion. He stopped in his tracks as he watched one of his many attendants rushing to answer the front door, he was curious as to who would visit his residence so late at night, and was beyond surprised to sense two familiar reiatsu.
"Momoru, I'll handle this, return to your duties." He called out to the maid who had almost made it to the door.
She glanced at him and bowed deeply before backing away, disappearing down one of the many secret passages hidden throughout the walls. He barely gave it a second thought, and closed the gap between himself and the door, opening it wide and staring at the two beyond.
"Jūshirō Ukitake, Shunsui Kyōraku... What brings you here so late?" He asked, voice flat despite his attempt to maintain his manners, he had known these two men all his life, the least he could do was be respectful to their faces.
"My, my what a scary face." Kyōraku mused, "You look even angrier than normal. Perhaps it is a good thing we arrived when we did, eh, Ukitake?"
"It would seem so. May we trespass upon your time for a few minutes please, Byakuya-san?" The white haired man smiled softly at him, but there was an edge to his voice which suggested he had no choice but to agree.
Jaw tightening, he sighed, "Very well, but it will have to be quick."
Byakuya wasn't sure if it was his grandfather's influence or not, but he couldn't bring himself to do business on the doorstep, so he showed the two men to the office on the first floor, making sure they were completely alone before closing the door and taking a seat behind his desk. From the way his fingers danced over the hilt of Senbonzakura, he was making a poor attempt to hide his agitation from them.
"Is something troubling you, Byakuya-san?" The Taichou of Division Eight looked at him with a defined clarity, despite his usual habit of being intoxicated on the job.
"Perhaps, but as I said, this needs to be quick." The nobleman dropped all attempts at being polite, glowering up at them, "What is the issue that brought you here tonight?"
The two men shared a look, apparently judging how best to approach the subject given his ill favoured mood. Silently seeming to reach a conclusion, Ukitake stepped forwards, resting a hand on the desk thoughtfully.
"You have been investigating Sōsuke-kun, haven't you?" The white haired man met his gaze with an undeterred warmth.
"I have." He said simply, there was no point in hiding it from the two of them, they were far too smart for it.
"Have you found anything conclusive?"
"Why do you ask?" His eyebrow twitched in mild irritation.
Ukitake sighed softly, "Because we have."
"What? You have been investigating him as well?" The noble breathed, "What have you found?"
"Central 46 was broken into, its occupants are dead." Kyōraku murmured, his grimace solemn, "From the looks of things they have been dead for some time."
"That's impossible, we have still been receiving orders from Central 46!" He was on his feet, he hadn't even realised it.
"No..." The man tilted his hat dramatically, "We have been receiving orders from an imposter."
His face paled dramatically, if what they were saying was true then Aizen's control over Seireitei had been far greater than he'd ever expected. Every single order coming in and out of Central 46 had been a fiction, a distraction, a fabrication to hide their demise. But why? Why had he killed them?
"We have shared our findings with Yama-jii." Kyōraku heaved a heavy breath, "He is assembling the others now, preparing to arrest Sōsuke-kun and his conspirators... I am assuming you know who they are."
"Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen." Byakuya glanced between them, "How long have you suspected him for?"
"Quite some time, but we were unaware that our... Perception of him was shared by anyone else, otherwise we would have come to you sooner." Ukitake frowned faintly.
"How did you know about my investigations now?"
"Your Fukutaichou has been spending an unusual amount of time with Rukia-chan, earlier today he came to see us both." The white haired man folded his arms, expression turning concerned, "He said that he felt he was being watched, and wanted to alert us to the danger Rukia-chan is currently in, just in case anything happened to him."
Momentarily annoyed by Renji's inability to keep a secret, he then remembered the very reason he'd wanted this conversation to be over with swiftly, he swallowed, "I think he may have been right."
"Mm?"
"He was meant to report back to me on Rukia's condition, but I haven't heard from him since earlier on today." He paused, "My Third Seat has also gone missing."
"Kurosaki-san?"
"Yes." He wondered just how much Renji had told them as he watched them share a brief look, "What is it?"
The men seemed uncomfortable, unwilling to answer, until Kyōraku glanced indignantly towards the window, "On our way here, we sensed a slight disturbance in Division Five, Kurosaki-san's reiatsu was present, however it was incredibly faint as if concealed by sekkiseki stone. We think, perhaps, parts of Division Five have been imbued with it, to suppress the strength of certain reiatsu."
Byakuya felt his blood run cold and his hand shook, tightening around the sheath of his Zanpakutō, "Aizen knows..." He hissed, "We need to go, now."
"Byakuya-san?"
"I will explain on the way." He said bluntly, sweeping past them.
The trio of Taichou made their way towards the heart of Seireitei, Byakuya was intent on going directly to Division Five and confronting Aizen directly, but was stopped as the night sky was illuminated by ash and smoke, the deep seated rumbling of explosions rippling around them. Rubble, debris and flames rose into the sky from Division Three, Division Five and Division Nine, hailing down on the surrounding area in a furious bombardment.
Byakuya's eyes widened as he sensed three Taichou level reiatsu move as one, all heading towards the same location. All heading for Sôkyoku Hill.
