Chapter Thirty Eight:

Lips in a tight line, arms crossed angrily over his chest, eyes staring blindly at the floor, Ichigo sat silently amidst the chaos. His cell was in ruins. Chairs and tables had been thrown against the bars and walls, spraying splinters of dark wood in every direction, bowls of food and glasses of drink had been smashed to smithereens, the bed lay in pieces beneath a pock-marked wall. The artwork of his fists.

Ichigo had sunk down the wall to the floor once the storm had passed, and had not moved since. He seemed calm but with his reiatsu contained there was no way to know for certain, save for one thing. The blazing black and gold in his eyes, Shiro's influence lingering over his head within touching distance. Their combined rage at being arrested, at being refused the chance to rescue Byakuya, at being cast in a cell like a common criminal had resulted in the unpleasant mingling of their cognitive state.

Four days. It had been four painfully slow, exaggerated days and nights since Byakuya had been snatched away by Ulquiorra and Nnoitra. And nothing had been done about it.

"How much longer are we gonna sit here and wait!" Shiro yelled inside his mind, the albino's energy no where near as exhausted as his own, "We should be in Hueco Mundo now! We should be rescuing Byakuya and fuckin' destroyin' that green eyed fucker!"

"I know." He muttered, nails absent-mindedly pulling at his bottom lip like a restless habit, "I should have made sure he was dead in Karakura town. I should have fought harder in Rukongai... It was pathetic."

"Sure fuckin' was!" The albino growled, fists slamming against an unseen surface, "We were both pathetic... I should have just... Taken over no questions asked... Would have fuckin' saved him..."

"And seen to the deaths of everyone else around us."

"FUCK everyone else!" A skyscraper was reduced to rubble.

He gave a grunt of affirmation, he couldn't help but agree at least a little in his current state. He wanted to pin Soi-Fon down and strangle her, slowly, painfully until the woman's eyes bulged and her lips turned blue. He wanted to crush every bone in Yamamoto's body, one by one until he begged for mercy, only to snap his neck. He wanted to... He wanted...

Ichigo covered his face with his hands and sucked in a shaky breath. Byakuya would be ashamed if he ever found out he was thinking such things. Ichigo was ashamed to be thinking such things. He'd believed his malice and homicidal urges had died with the return of his emotions. It brought a sickening lurch to his gut to realise otherwise.

"They could be doing anything to him..." He whispered, gritting his teeth until they hurt, "Between Aizen, Gin... Tōsen... Grimmjow, Ulquiorra and that fucking bastard, Nnoitra... They could be doing anything. And that's just the ones we know about!"

"We gotta find a way outta here... We can't leave him with them!"

"But how? I can't do anything with these things on me!" He yanked at the shackles around his wrists and slammed his head back against the wall in temper.

Ichigo's gaze was drawn by the sound of conflict outside the door to his cell, he frowned and leaned forwards, trying to spot anything amiss. He could hear shouting, protests, the echo of several strikes against soft flesh. Someone was coming.

The door burst open suddenly to reveal none other than Ukitake and Kyōraku standing side by side. The white haired Shinigami had a cut on his cheek and the pink kimono clad Taichou was sporting a black eye. But all in all they looked rather pleased with themselves.

"U-Ukitake Taichou... Kyōraku Taichou... What are you doing here?!" He exclaimed, slowly getting to his feet.

"We're here to break you out, Ichigo-san!" Ukitake swept forwards, flourishing the keys to his cage, "I fear all is not right in the world, Yamamoto Sou-Taichou is not himself. In the past he would never have left a colleague to suffer at the hands of an enemy while there was still hope that they could be saved. He would never abandon his subordinates to torment and death. Something is gravely amiss and I fear... If you remain in Soul Society your life will be on the line."

"What are you saying?" Ichigo swallowed, watching as Kyōraku retrieved Zangetsu from its own entrapment.

"We aren't sure of anything right now. There is nothing we can safely say." The normally laid back Division Eight Taichou was tense, "All you need consider is one fact: how did two Espada open a Garganta within Rukongai without anyone sensing it, without any resistance?"

As the door to his cell swung open, Ukitake hastily released him from his shackles, the strawberry sucked in a sharp gasp as he felt the release of his reiatsu, "If you're hinting at what I think you are then... Things are far worse than that. Soi-Fon arrested me on charges of conspiring with Aizen, they had evidence. Someone told her and Yamamoto everything they needed to know."

"This all points to an uncomfortable truth." Kyōraku let out a sigh, "There must be another traitor still lingering in Soul Society. Kurosaki-san, for everyone's sake... Do you know who they are?"

The firm hand on his shoulder stopped Ichigo giving a flippant answer, he gulped and looked up into the man's eyes, "Kyōraku Taichou... I give you my word, I had no idea there was another traitor in Seireitei."

There was a stagnant, ill tasting pause before the man nodded, his expression softening, "I believe you. Now come, we must get you to a Senkaimon! The Kuchiki Estate's private one should still be functional."

As he followed them from the building, Ichigo was stunned to see a magnitude of unconscious Stealth Force operatives across the grassy landscape, "Are you going to get in trouble for this?"

"Most definitely." Came the unanimous reply.

"Thank you." He whispered, his eyes slowly bleeding back to their normal shades of chestnut as Shiro's presence faded in the wake of hope.

The seasons were changing, that much was obvious as he felt the chill of the breeze striking against his skin as they rushed across Seireitei in blurs of Shunpo. Autumn was fading away, before long winter would be upon them.

They arrived at the Kuchiki Estate, blissfully undisturbed, and rushed towards the family's Senkaimon. It was active!

Ichigo felt a thrill pulsing through his body at the idea of making his escape, of reaching Karakura town and seeking Urahara's help. He could reach Hueco Mundo. He could save Byakuya. Fuck what Soul Society thought of him.

"I like the new Aibou, this attitude suits ya." Shiro was smirking.

"We'll see how well it goes once we're there. What about you? Gonna manage being in Aizen's territory?" His protective shield of a scowl was in place as he watched the two Taichou setting up the portal for him, making sure everything was functioning normally.

"Won't do ya the dishonour of lyin'. I dunno. But I'm gonna do my best." He could almost see the Hollow squirming with the discomfort of admitting to it.

"That's all I ask, Shiro. There's gonna be a lot of powerful people there. Plenty for us to share!"

Watching as Ukitake and Kyōraku stepped aside and gave him a single nod to let him know everything was ready, Ichigo glanced back over the Kuchiki Estate. It felt like a second home to him, despite having only slept there a handful of times. He made a silent promise to himself that when he returned with Byakuya, they were going to spent a lot more time there. He prepared to jump through the Senkaimon with his fists clenched at his sides.

"Ichigo!"

He spun on the spot with wide eyes, momentarily panicked at his discovery before a flash of red hair caught his gaze and he swore, "Renji! You motherfucker, what are you doing here?!"

"The same thing as you, by the looks of it." The redhead smirked as he walked over, Zanpakutō casually slung over his shoulder, "We're gonna get demoted for this regardless, so let's get demoted together."

"You are rather optimistic on our chances of survival, Renji." Rukia announced as she appeared on Ichigo's other side, eyebrows raised, "We are as likely to get killed as we are to make it back in one piece."

"I'd argue that you're a pessimist, but Byakuya's your brother so I guess it comes with the Kuchiki territory to assume the worst." The Fukutaichou narrowed his eyes, "What are you even doing here?"

Rukia folded her arms smugly and offered a smile, "Ukitake Taichou approached me earlier today and informed me of his plans to break Ichigo out of Division Two. We must rescue Nii-sama. He cannot be left in Aizen's hands. What about you?"

"Kyōraku Taichou came to me." The redhead admitted, glancing at the two men who were smirking slightly at their successful mission.

Ichigo stared at them and swallowed, "We're going to be in so much trouble for this, the two of you have strong positions here... You shouldn't jeopardise them."

"Who cares about our positions?! Nii-sama's life is at risk and the Sou-Taichou doesn't seem to care enough to take action! It's up to us!" Rukia grabbed one of his hands in a painful grip, "Or do you really think you can take on all of Hueco Mundo alone?"

He looked down at her, mouth opening and closing before he released a small huff, "No... No I don't think that."

"You're not alone Ichigo." She said firmly.

He nodded once in agreement and gratitude before rolling his shoulders, the three of them moving closer together so that they could enter the portal at the same time. He flinched as he felt someone else approaching and glanced over his shoulder, eyes widening in surprise at who he saw.

"Well, isn't this an interesting party of vagabonds and jail breakers?" Norio's arms were folded and he was looking increasingly smug, "I do believe you were ordered not to leave Soul Society, Kurosaki."

Tensing, he raised a hand towards Zangetsu's hilt, staring the man down, "Are you here to make things difficult?"

"On the contrary," the Head Elder lifted his hands and opened them, allowing three Hell Butterflies to flutter free, "I'm here to offer my support."

Ichigo watched as the Butterflies fluttered around their heads, "You're helping us?" He frowned, "But you hate Byakuya. You hate me."

Clicking his tongue against his teeth, Norio rested his hands on his hips, "Yes. I hate you both. But it will be troublesome to find a new heir if the current Head passes away."

Rukia gasped, "Because the next blood relative he has... Is you."

"Correct." The man sneered at her slightly before returning his attention to Ichigo, "Becoming the Head of the Kuchiki Clan would be a dream come true... But sadly I am infertile. I will never be able to present the family with the heir it requires. My leadership would mean our downfall. As much as I despise the pair of you... You present the best future for our Clan. For that reason, you must rescue Byakuya."

Lowering his hand at last, Ichigo glared at Norio. He wasn't convinced by his motivations at all, but as he turned back towards the Senkaimon he let out a short breath, "Then it's simple. I just have to win."

Without another word, the three Shinigami leapt into the swirling light of the portal, running through the obnoxiously bright light as they were guided by the Butterflies fluttering just ahead of them. They didn't speak, they were too focused on their task. The only sound to break the silence was their gentle puffs of breath as the light began to dim, the sight of shōji doors opening ahead of them bringing relief.

They burst out of the Senkaimon into the deserted road beyond, street lights flickering around them in response to the sudden presence of such dense reiatsu. Ichigo glanced around and released a small sigh as he saw Urahara already waiting for them just across from where they'd come out.

"Why am I not surprised to see you here?" The strawberry asked as he walked over.

"Good evening, Kurosaki-san, Kuchiki-san, Abarai-san. I wonder what could bring you here in the dead of night, when almost all Senkaimon in and out of Seireitei have been closed." The man was grinning nonchalantly, hat tilted low, "Could it be... You suspect me of having a way to get to Hueco Mundo?"

Stepping a little closer, Ichigo set his expression firmly to try and show his determination, "And do you? Do you have a way?"

"For you, Kurosaki-san... Always. Follow me." The blond turned and swiftly guided them inside the store.

"I assume you're up to date with everything?" Rukia asked.

"Regrettably," a nod, "Yoruichi-san was beyond furious to learn Yamamoto was willing to sit back and do nothing. But we had a hunch you would arrive before long."

"I would have been here sooner," Ichigo growled as he descended into the basement below the shop, "But I was arrested for conspiring with Aizen."

"Truly? Yoruichi-san was sure she had wiped every last drop of evidence away..." Urahara frowned before letting out a sigh, "Troubling times await us I fear."

Ichigo saw Urahara's modified Senkaimon off to the side, its light was dull to show it was currently unusable. He folded his arms and leaned against one of the large boulders.

"So, allow me to get this straight," the blond former Taichou cleared his throat, "You plan to infiltrate Hueco Mundo, seek out Byakuya-san who was stolen so harshly from you, and return him safely to Soul Society where he belongs. All without getting yourselves killed, correct?"

"Pretty much." The strawberry nodded once.

"Is this a private party, or can anyone join, Kurosaki?" A familiar voice asked from up ahead.

Ichigo squinted, pushing away from the rock as he walked forwards, "Ishida? What are you doing here?"

"Urahara-san has already filled us in on the details." The Quincy nudged his glasses up his nose.

"Us?" The strawberry repeated, faltering as he watched Chad and Orihime approaching too, "No. Absolutely not. You've got kids to think of!"

"Forgive my rudeness, Kurosaki-kun," Orihime smiled, clasping her hands together, "But you have no jurisdiction to tell us what we can and cannot do."

"Mm, the mere suggestion that a Shinigami would try to tell me what to do makes my blood boil." Ishida snorted, glaring at him, "We are not here because you asked us. We are here because we want to be. Your best chance of success lies in having strong allies."

Wanting to argue, Ichigo allowed his shoulders to slump, knowing there was no way he would convince them not to join the mission, "Fine. Thank you for your help."

"Now that everyone is together," Urahara clapped his hands sharply to draw their attention, "Yoruichi-san will begin preparations to open a Garganta for you to travel through, I require a moment of your time Kurosaki-san, come this way."

Hesitating for a moment, he watched as his Human friends and his Shinigami friends introduced themselves to each other, Orihime seemed instantly taken by Rukia's elegance and warmth, while Chad seemed pleased with Renji's brashness. Ishida looked impassive about it all, but of course he did.

"What's wrong?" He asked the blond man as they came to a stop out of ear shot of his friends.

"Kurosaki-san..." Urahara hesitated, smile wiped from his face in an exchange with seriousness, "I want you to be very careful while you are in Hueco Mundo."

"Huh? What do you think I'm going to do? Run up to the nearest Hollow and ask to be taken to Aizen?" He rolled his eyes.

"That is not what I mean, and you know it." The blond frowned faintly, seeming to consider his words carefully, "Your coexistence with Shiro-san is not perfect, you are not synchronised. You still remain two very different sides of the same Soul. From the moment you set foot in Hueco Mundo he will start to get stronger."

The strawberry swallowed and licked his lips, "You mean... I'm in danger of him taking over just because we're in Hueco Mundo?"

"I fear that is the case, I can think of no other reason for Aizen to lure you there." Urahara rested a hand on his shoulder, "Finish your mission as quickly as you can. Where possible, avoid extended fights with the Arrancar and Espada. Their reiatsu will call to Shiro, drawing him to the surface. And whatever you do, do not allow Aizen to show you his Shikai. The moment that happens... It's over."

"I-I understand... Thanks Urahara-san." Ichigo looked down as he considered the man's warning, anxiety weighing heavily in the pity of his belly, "You hear that?"

"Yeah."

"We need to work together if we're gonna save Byakuya. Talk to me when things get too much, I'll try and help." He bit his lip and looked around slowly.

Urahara leapt up onto one of the two wooden beams now protruding from the two tallest rock formations in the underground training area, thanking his friend for her help as she jumped down out of the way. He sucked in a breath and dropped onto one knee, firmly pressing the base of his walking aid onto the wood.

"My right hand is the stone that bridges worlds. My left hand is the blade that binds reality. The black haired shepherd is hung from a chair. Stratus clouds come, and I strike down the Ibis!" Billowing blue light erupted from under his cane and his hand, rippling across the stretch between the two wooden platforms, connecting them with a loud creaking sound that seemed to echo for far longer than necessary.

Ichigo steadied himself, heart pounding in his chest as he watched the elastic azure rip apart, revealing the darkness beyond, it looked similar to the Garganta he'd seen in the past, but was less Hollowfied.

"Let's go." He barked as he shot forwards, face set like stone.