Chapter Fifty:

The gates creaked open as Shiro descended the stairwell, his fingers clasped tightly around Ulquiorra's ankles as he dragged the unconscious man behind him. He couldn't quite hide the satisfied smirk that crossed his face with each thud the Espada's skull made against the stone steps.

As he reached the bottom floor, he glanced around and lifted one pale eyebrow at the sight of the brunet haired Shinigami who was just a few meters away. Aizen had accompanied him to the cells in silence, but he'd felt those dark eyes on him ever since they'd left the scene of the battle. His attention was drawn away by the sound of scuffling feet from a nearby cell, and the Cero Espada stalked down the hallway between them until he found an empty one, ignoring the gawping stares of the prisoners.

He threw Ulquiorra into the empty cell and followed in behind him, rolling the man onto his back as he dropped down and straddled his hips silently. Deft fingers made short work of tearing the Espada's coat open, exposing his torso. Golden eyes narrowed on the Gothic four that remained branded on his skin.

"K-Kurosaki-kun?" A timid voice asked from the cell beside him.

Shiro looked around in annoyance at the interruption, scowling at the petite woman who'd spoken. He recognised her immediately. Orihime. Her eyes were wide, disbelieving. Beyond her form he could see her husband with his hands resting cautiously on her waist, blue eyes narrowed on him behind his spectacles. Further beyond, he could see the fearful and shocked faces of Chad and Rukia. He could see Renji sprawled out on the cot of his cell, sweaty, pale, shaking.

He looked back down at Ulquiorra and lifted a hand, tensing his fingers as he charged a large Cero in his palm, expression set like stone.

"Kurosaki-kun what are you doing?!" Orihime was up against the bars, her hand felt small as it grabbed his shoulder.

"Don't touch me, if ya value your arm." He snarled, lifting his eyes slowly to fix her with a deathly glare, "And my name ain't Kurosaki. Remember that if ya value your tongue."

"I would listen to him, were I in your place, Orihime-chan." Aizen's voice was friendly, uplifted as he leaned incredibly casually against the wall opposite the cells, "My Cero Espada has a penchant for ripping people limb from limb when they annoy him."

Smiling to himself as he looked back down at Ulquiorra's barely moving chest, he lowered the Cero to his skin, pushing it against him. Twisting. Burning. The smell of mottled flesh was pungent as he scrubbed out the last evidence that Ulquiorra Cifer had ever been an Espada. He was unworthy of his rank. Unworthy of the power it bestowed upon him. Unworthy of the position it gave him within Las Noches. No more.

Murciélago had disintegrated into dust after the removal of the Cuatro's mask remnant, there was no way back for him. When he finally woke, he would do so with the knowledge that he had lost everything and he would never get it back.

He flicked his hand aside and allowed the Cero to fizzle into nothing as he got to his feet, he shut Ulquiorra inside the small cage and let out a long breath.

"Satisfied?" Aizen rested a hand on his shoulder, head tilted slightly to one side.

"More or less." He flashed a sly smile at the brunet, "I wanna go now. I don't wanna be here when he wakes up... No one should deal with that mess."

"Of course, there are things we need to discuss as well."

Shiro nodded once, walking away from Ulquiorra's cell with a definite spring in his step, he paused only long enough to meet Rukia's wide eyed gaze and flashed a feral grin at her, "He warned ya, didn't he? Aibou said if he spent too much time here... I'd rise up and swallow him whole. Well, guess what princess... He was right. Enjoy yer new reality."

The albino Hollow left the prison, leaving Aizen to lock the gates up before they walked in silence towards the King's Suite. The quiet between them was peaceful, private. Shiro allowed his hand to stretch out, fingertips brushing the walls curiously. He could feel the vibrations of reishi running through every inch of brick and stone, like the very heart of Las Noches was built on a foundry of power.

When they passed the threshold into the King's Suite, Shiro sucked in a breath, wandering towards one of the large windows. His gold and black eyes darted from side to side, scanning the sands with interest as he took in the dark expanse of Hueco Mundo. His time on the roof hadn't been enough to truly comprehend the appearance of the Hollow home world.

"It's beautiful here." He found himself saying quietly, glancing around as he felt dark brown eyes on him, "Ya just gonna stand there and stare at me?"

"As blunt as ever I see." Aizen muttered, a soft chuckle escaping him as he walked around his desk, sitting down as he glanced over the half finished paperwork which had been interrupted by Grimmjow and Byakuya earlier in the day, "As I understand it... You named yourself?"

"Well, ya never seemed bothered in doin' it for me." He shrugged as he stalked across the room, resting his hands on the opposite side of the desk, he read the papers upside down, "I wasn't gonna live the rest of my life havin' him call me 'Hollow' for fuck's sake."

Lifting his gaze for long enough to offer the Espada a brief glare, he spoke again, "It wasn't my place to name you. All Hollows have their own names, they discover them once they become Adjuchas."

"But I was never gonna become an Adjuchas, I was born a Vasto Lordes." The pout was audible, "As my creator, ya really should have named me..."

"Perhaps." He muttered, "You named yourself Shiro, yes?"

"I did." The white Hollow straightened proudly.

"I will be sure to remember that then." Aizen offered a very small smile as his gaze returned to his work, "Are you alright?"

"Huh?"

"You took quite severe damage during your fight with Ulquiorra, despite your... Impressive high speed regeneration I wish to know if you are fully healed." Aizen closed his eyes, letting out a small sigh.

Shiro seemed surprised for a moment but then broke into his usual grin and stretched the limbs he had regrown, "I'm fine! It was kinda mean to tease everyone like I did but... I was under orders ya know?"

"Your game was dangerous, but I am pleased to hear you are alright." The brunet hesitated, meeting that golden gaze, "And what of Ichigo?"

"What about him?" The sudden change to a scowl was almost frightening in its speed.

"What Ulquiorra did to him... The last time something like that happened he was incapable of feeling emotions, it didn't effect him. I suspect this time it was vastly different. Is he alright?"

Shiro's scowl deepened and he looked away, "He went quiet once Ulquiorra was defeated, his dyin' wish was fulfilled so to speak... So now, he's sleepin'."

"Sleeping?"

Narrowed eyes flitted around the room restlessly, hands digging into his pockets as he snapped his teeth, "I slept. I slept... For years after killin' his family. Years. Now... It's his turn. He'll sleep like I did."

"I see." Standing slowly, Aizen moved towards the pale Espada. He could already sense that Shiro was temperamental, almost bipolar in his reactions. He would have to be cautious, it would take careful management to avoid unnecessary conflicts between them, "Forgive me, it must seem as if I am solely concerned for his well being, as opposed to your own. I assure you, that is not the case."

"Yeah, right." The Hollow snorted, "Everyone... Is always interested in him. But he'd be dead without me! Do they ever remember that? Do they ever care about that? Fuck no."

"I remember, Shiro." The Shinigami reached out, gently brushing his fingers through some of the roaming strands of white hair that trickled down the albino's face, "I am pleased you have returned to me at last, I was beginning to believe it would never happen."

Shiro stilled at the contact, his expression loosening to one of surprise at the borderline tenderness, his gaze shifted until he was looking into chocolatey pools, mouth opening and closing as he found his voice, "He was a strong influence, it was hard to... Remember what I wanted... Instead of what he wanted..."

"You are here now, that is what counts." Hair was curled around his fingers and a smile was offered, "My Cero Espada. You certainly know how to make an entrance."

Preening under the attention, his scalp tingling at the contact he stepped closer, lifting a hand and allowing his fingers to splay over the brunet's chest, "I had a good teacher..." His mood shifted, eyebrows furrowing, "I know... I know this wasn't what ya wanted. I know it wasn't me ya wanted in control. Ya wanted him... All... Orange and tanned and sexy brown eyes. I could feel the disappointment when ya first saw me out there..."

Aizen hesitated at the insight the Hollow possessed and let out a small breath, "I won't insult you by denying it. But, I speak the truth when I say I am pleased to see you. Knowing that the alternative was Ichigo's death, and your death... I think this is far better. Don't you?"

"Mm." Shiro's laugh was a little off, but he shrugged, "Even if this ain't what ya planned for... I'm just as good at him, better even. He's slowed down by his emotions now... By his need to protect.. I don't have that. I just have instinct and desire. If ya gimme a chance... I'll prove it to ya. I'll prove I can be better than him."

Staring down at him, the brunet Shinigami found himself momentarily lost in the treasure trove gold of the Cero's eyes, they were beautiful. Menacing. Dangerous. The promise of violence seemed written into them, as well as the promise of pleasure. He found himself as drawn to the malevolent gold, no different to how he had been drawn to the warm chestnut he was used to.

"You will have your chance, my dear Cero. You have my word."


"Ichigo!" Byakuya sat bolt upright in bed.

Sweat was running down his neck and back as he stared with wide eyed into the darkness of the room, panting short sharp breaths as his mind caught up with him and he recognised the details of the Sexta Espada's bedroom. Groaning softly, the nobleman dropped his head into his hand, the throbbing ache in the back of his skull provided no comfort from the nightmare he had woken from.

Flinching as the door opened without warning, revealing the dishevelled blue haired Arrancar himself, azure eyes narrowed as if assessing for danger before Grimmjow plodded further into the room, flicking a light on, "You alright? I heard a yell."

Mortified, the Kuchiki heir looked away with a scowl, "I... I'm fine. I apologise for disturbing you."

When he didn't hear a reply, Byakuya slowly peered back around, surprised to find Grimmjow just staring at him with a bemused expression. He watched as the Espada's shoulders slumped and the man sat on the end of the bed, looking out of the bedroom balcony doors in silence.

A pressure began to build inside the raven haired man's chest, bubbling angrily to the surface until he found words tumbling free without permission, "I dreamt... I saw... Ichigo and Ulquiorra again..." Shame flooded him for admitted to it, he felt like he was exposing a weakness.

Grimmjow seemed to sigh, hunching forwards as he propped his elbows on his thighs, "It's normal. I'd be more surprised if you didn't have nightmares about it."

"I do not... Have nightmares." He growled, fist clenched at his side, "Nightmares... Are for children... Not for the likes of... Not for the likes of me."

Snorting, blue eyes fixed the nobleman in place, "What, you think your special because you're a noble? Or a Shinigami? Or a Taichou? You think that protects you from your own mind? Don't make me laugh, Kuchiki. None of those things can stop you reliving the nightmares you face when you're awake. Doin' that is impossible."

Byakuya spluttered, feeling anger burst inside him like fireworks, "What would you know of my mind?! What would you know of my living nightmares?! Or my thoughts?! Who do you think you are?!"

"Cut it out, Kuchiki. What have you got to hide here? The worst has already happened! You don't need to be ashamed of something you can't control." Rolling his eyes, Grimmjow huffed.

Letting out an uncharacteristic growl the Kuchiki heir lunged at the Sexta Espada. He didn't know what he was doing, he knew he was wildly outmatched and underpowered but he didn't care! He shoved Grimmjow off the bed with every ounce of strength he could muster, toppling with him in a messy pile as he smacked him as hard as he could with his fist.

"You have no idea!" He yelled, struggling as he felt firm hands wrap around his wrists, "NO IDEA! YOU WOULD NEVER UNDERSTAND!"

Hissing and thrashing as he felt them roll, Byakuya seethed furiously as he found himself pinned down on the hard floor, Grimmjow's brawny body pressing against him, preventing him from moving. Teeth clenched, steel eyes began to soften as his anger faded. The blue haired Arrancar did nothing. There didn't seem to be any fight in him at all. He just held him there until he was calm.

"You're right." Grimmjow said finally, "I have no idea what you've been through. No idea what you've seen. But... Never assume I'm incapable of understandin'."

Swallowing at the intense expression on the man's face, Byakuya let out a shaky breath, finally recovering his composure, "What... Do you mean?"

"No one knew Ulquiorra better than I did." He said quietly, "No one knew what he was capable of... Better than I did."

Flinching, steel eyes widened at his words, "You... You don't mean..."

Letting out a breath, Grimmjow raised an eyebrow, "What? You think just 'cause I'm bigger than him I could fight him off if he was fixed on humiliatin' me?"

"That's... That's why you went so far. With Aizen... With Harribel and Starrk... That's why you were so determined to have me removed from his care... Why you went to the effort of marking me... Why you... Why you said he deserved what he got." The Kuchiki heir searched the face in front of him, hardly believing it, "Aizen let him get away with it? Let him... Hurt you?"

Releasing his grasp on the Shinigami's wrists, the Sexta carefully picked himself up off the floor, rubbing his jaw where he'd been punched before he folded his arms, "You think Aizen gives a shit about any of us? Have you met him? It's a long story."

Sitting up gingerly, half embarrassed by his previous outburst, half disgusted that Aizen thought so little of his subordinates, he got to his feet and slumped down on the bed in defeat, "I'm sorry."

"I don't want your pity-"

"Good! Because you'd never get it!" Byakuya snapped, glaring at the blue haired man, "I'm sorry... For my actions, and my attitude. You've been a gracious host, it was ill-mannered of me to throw it back in your face."

Grimmjow chuckled softly, eyebrows lifting in amusement as he flashed a grin towards the blustering Shinigami, "Let's call it even. I'm guessin' you've been wantin' to smack me one ever since Sôkyoku."

A reluctant tugging at the corner of his lips made the nobleman look away, "Perhaps that's true." He paused and glanced back towards his host, "There's one thing I don't understand though... Your behaviour towards me has been... Far from what I expected. You've been polite, considerate, kind almost. Why? When we are as blatantly opposed as the sun and the moon, why have you been so kind?"

"It's late. You should try and get some more sleep." The Arrancar said gruffly, throwing the bed covers back as he avoided eye contact.

"Grimmjow... Why have you been so kind?" He said again, taking a step towards him.

A hand rose between them, preventing the noble getting any closer as Grimmjow fixed him with a glare, "Don't... Don't make the mistake of thinkin' my actions are good. I'm the same asshole I was on Sôkyoku, the same guy who would have killed Kurosaki if you hadn't got in the way. Don't make the mistake of thinkin' I'm tame. I ain't tame. I just..."

Byakuya watched curiously as the Sexta seemed to struggle with his words. He didn't dare speak, he didn't want to put him off. He didn't want to anger him. But he was curious.

"Ulquiorra humiliated me when I was at my very lowest." He stated suddenly, "I was kicked out of the Espada for a while... Makin' me free game for anyone interested. I was low, angry, alone. I figured, if I could stop you sinkin' that far then... Even if Ulquiorra found a way to get to you... He wouldn't win. Turns out I was protectin' the wrong person though..."

"You... You blame yourself!" Suddenly Byakuya looked aghast by the realisation, "You blame yourself for what happened to Ichigo... Grimmjow you had no way of knowing! Look at what you did when you realised... You came with me... You told Aizen... You helped! It wasn't your fault."

"And so did you." Grimmjow's gaze was sullen but his voice rose without warning, "You went to Aizen, you told him what you knew, you helped as well but you're still in here screamin' in your sleep because you weren't quick enough!"

Watching as the man seemed to pant for breath, Byakuya looked down as he realised he wasn't exactly wrong. He had always punished himself where Ichigo was concerned. He'd blamed himself for not recruiting him into Division Six before Aizen had snagged him. He'd blamed himself for not seeing what Aizen was like sooner. He'd blamed himself when Ichigo had been injured. He'd always blamed himself for not being quick enough.

"I shouldn't have said that." A hard tut came from the blue haired man.

"You are correct, though." He said simply as he sat back down, "You're right about it all. Just as you will never erase the memory of what Ulquiorra did to you... I shall never forget seeing the aftermath of what he did to Ichigo. And I should not be ashamed of the nightmares that plague me as a result of it. It's... Very Human isn't it?"

"Ironic, right?" A snort.

Byakuya felt a small smile touch his lips as he nodded, "It is ironic indeed."

"We'll get him back, Kuchiki." Grimmjow sat heavily on the bed beside him, hands clasped in front of him, "I don't know if that extends to gettin' you out of Las Noches or not... But... I won't rest while Shiro's in charge. I won't live my life in fear of another man who can flip at the push of a button."

"It will be a hard fight to draw Ichigo out when he has been swallowed so deeply by that creature's madness." He sighed, "But... I have hope."

"Hope..." The Sexta Espada looked out at the blackened sky of Hueco Mundo, "Hope is being able to see that there's light... Despite all of the darkness."

"Without the darkness you cannot see the stars." Byakuya whispered.