Disclaimer: I own nothing
A/N: Thank you all for the reviews and your patience. It is nice to see such a response for an obscure pairing. I would like to thank 'Lilinoe', my wonderful beta, who does a marvellous job at editing my work to make it readable for you all.
Summery: "Chichi-Ue, could you tell me how you met Otou-san?" Byakuya asked as he snuggled into his father's embrace. Wrapping his arms around the boy, Sojun smiled fondly at the orange haired man sleeping beside them, "It all began…"
Warnings:
Time Travel
AU
Mpreg
Mild Violence
Black Peninsula
VI. One Mind
46.
Just as he expected the Seireitei descended into mayhem. Yamamoto rubbed his temples to keep the inevitable migraine from taking over, but his efforts were in vain. Thankfully due to his authority and experience at dealing with so called declarations of war, he kept his level head and started to bark orders at people to attend to the fallen Shinigami. Looking at the victims of hollowfication, he felt Ryujin Jakka bristle. It was nearly a millennium since he had seen so many captains and lieutenants fall at once in battle and he had prayed that it wouldn't happen again. However it seems the gods were against him and his wishes.
Letting his gaze fall on Ichigo, Genryusai held back a sigh. The boy had obviously known about Aizen's true nature and did his best to stop him. It did pain him to admit that if the orange haired brat had told him earlier about the situation he wouldn't have believed him. They would have also penalized him and deemed him as a threat if he had attacked the lieutenant before today. Thinking back to how quickly they assumed it was the Ryoka who was perpetrator, when the prodigy third seat Ichimaru Gin had sent them Jigokucho, let them know just how little they had trusted him. Seeing the way the child acted with the drifter did give him some form of hope that at least the newer generations were not as biased as they were.
Watching the male direct Kisuke and Tessai on how to contain the infected Shinigami, he let out another tired sigh. Ichigo had approached him directly after Aizen's departure, with a rather peculiar request and he left no room for arguments.
'If the Seireitei changed it's ways, he would make a good captain.' Yamamoto mused as he recalled the red heads words.
"Let me and Urahara deal with this, while you keep the Central off their backs until the situation is stabilized." His voice was hard, but also somewhat resigned, "I know you cannot keep them at bay forever, but give me some time to sort some things out."
"You have a week."
"That's enough."
He didn't know what he was agreeing to, but sure enough when the Central 46 called Urahara and Tessai for a trial, he should have anticipated that the ryoka would be making an appearance as well. The Central was a necessary evil in Genryusai's mind. Since it's inception, the Gotei Thirteen and the Seireitei had grown, it would be inefficient and unwise for one person to handle everything. Therefore the Captain Commander would handle the military aspect of the Seireitei and The Central would be in charge of the justice system and political brouhaha. However with the passage of time, politics had corrupted the purpose of The Central and a majority of those who hold seats in the chambers hadn't even served a day as a Shinigami. This frustrated him more than anything else, to have a group of people making decisions about matters that they couldn't empathize or understand.
Yamamoto could have guessed their verdict even if he hadn't attended the trial. Central 46 was set of spineless cowards, who likes their positions a bit too much to allow for change. So for them to make Urahara into a convenient scapegoat, fault Tessai for his use of forbidden Kido and demand the execution of his hollowfied captains and lieutenants were mere technicalities. These fools didn't understand that loosing such people would not help them in the long run, especially with a megalomaniac preparing for war. It would weaken the ranks and there just weren't people able to take up their position. Not to mention it would take time for the officers to become accustomed to their new captains and lieutenants. Such relationships are founded on experience and time. Time they didn't have. However how could they understand? It wasn't as if they were out in the field risking their lives for the survival of Soul Society.
As he was about to contradict the verdict, Genryusai suddenly felt a familiar dark reiatsu flood the room. Having spared with it's owner on a monthly basis, he recognized it within an instant.
'What is that brat doing now?' He wondered as he watched many of the central member start to quiver in fear.
"Do you feel that?" Ichigo asked, appearing into view. Increasing his spiritual pressure a bit more to make a point, "That is what your troops are up against."
"How did you enter?" One of the older members asked.
"Your security is pathetic." Ichigo pointed at the door, "Don't worry no one died. They're just knocked out."
Walking towards Urahara and Tessai, he placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder in reassurance, "Here you are squabbling over charging these two with crimes they had no link to, while there is a highly intelligent Shinigami traitor planning a war."
"He created the Hogyoku that caused this mess!" "He used a forbidden Kido!"
The read head spiked his reiatsu once more silencing them, "Shut up." He growled, "He may have created the Hogyoku, but it was Aizen that used it against Soul Society. Power alone is not evil, but the intent behind it's use is. Not to mention that man was the one that first invented it. I cleaned that mess up, no thanks to you all." Gesturing to Tessai, "He had no choice in the matter, since how do you expect to transport such a large number of extremely powerful volatile beings? Please do tell."
Nobody spoke for a moment, but much to Genryusai's disappointment there was always an idiot who didn't know how to read the situation, "That is why we're calling for the extermination of the hollowfied captains and lieutenants." One of the newer members spoke up making Ichigo's reiatsu take on a much darker and far more sadistic edge. The Head Captain's hand tighten over his staff, as much as he wished for Central 46 to shove their opinions where they belong, he didn't want them annihilated. That would be too much paper work to process.
"Those men and women served to protect your pathetic existence, they are not insects to be exterminated." Ichigo spat out with contempt, "Since you are all clearly incapable of understanding your situation, allow me to enlighten you."
"If this Hogyoku can make a Shinigami acquire Hollow characteristics, why shouldn't it allow the reverse? I am pretty sure as we speak, this is what Aizen is doing right now. Building his army of these creatures. How do you expect to fight them with only nine captains, since you want to execute three, seal one along with the head of the Kido Corps?"
"They cannot all be as strong as captains." A miscellaneous member argued weakly.
"No they won't; but given that he'll get the co-operation of the Vasto Lorde, I believe you have to re-think your decision of ridding yourself of any source of power, just because it is not what you're used to."
"What make you think that the infected Shinigami would be powerful?"
"Am I correct in assuming that you are aware that I am a combination of all four races?" There was low hum in acknowledgment. The Central was still a bit sore from being unable to touch the ryoka thanks to the intervention of the Kuchiki Clan and Yamamoto. Genryusai couldn't help but feel a bit pleased at outwitting them, though they were far more difficult to deal with afterwards it was worth the effort.
Especially now.
"To stabilize the hollowfication and prevent soul suicide, a vaccine had to be created using a Quincy's Heilig Pfeil and Human Souls, which was then injected into them. Thus making them to a certain extent mimic my being." Ichigo cut them off, "Don't worry they won't be able to use Quincy abilities since they are not from a Quincy bloodline."
Letting his potent reiatsu flow around the room, nearly suffocating its occupants, "I trust you feel this power. It is only a mere fraction of my true strength. So I trust that you can figure out that, now that they more or less like me, I see those Shinigami as my brethren. Therefore, I believe you have the mental capacity to understand that threatening them would upset me greatly. I think you having one over powered enemy is enough and don't need another." Gesturing to Urahara and Tessai, "They are under my protection as well. So tread lightly and reconsider you verdict."
"Are you threatening Soul Society?"
"I would never." Ichigo promptly and honestly, "This is the home of my family and many of the people I have come to care about."
"Although," Turning around and walking lazily towards the exit, "I am threatening you."
'Children are always so dramatic about everything.' Genryusai pondered idly as he felt Ichigo's reiatsu steadily grow fainter, allowing the occupants of the room to breathe.
47.
From all the welcome home greetings he had received over the years from his beautiful husband, being slapped upon arrival was a first.
'Over a century of being together and we still have firsts.' Ichigo thought as he placed a palm against his stinging cheek. Though being physically weaker than many, Sojun did have quiet the arm.
"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked, voice nearly cracking with barely suppressed emotion.
"To protect you."
"I am perfectly capable of protecting myself."
"And I don't doubt that." Ichigo agree keeping his voice calm, "But Aizen is not your average deranged traitor."
"You could have still informed me."
"I did."
"A simple, 'I don't like him', doesn't tell me that he is a possibly insane, power-hungry maniac." Sojun shot back with an undertone of sarcasm, "Did you know what went through my mind when you rushed out like that, and then received the news there was a traitor who had attacked four captains and lieutenants?" Turning away from Ichigo, "I knew it wasn't you, but I didn't have anything solid to tell them."
Walking towards the slighter male, Ichigo wrapped his arms around Sojun's slender frame, "I am sorry I put you through that pain, but I had no choice in the matter." Resting his chin on the raven's head, "I would have told you if I had something more substantial than my gut feeling."
"Aizen mentioned you destroying his Hogyoku, you could have brought that back instead."
"Sojun, Aizen is a master manipulator. Even being married to you for over a century, my relationship with the Seireitei is still relatively fresh. So if I had brought that wretched object to their attention, do you think they would believe me when I said it belonged to Aizen?"
Sojun didn't answer but instead placed a hand on Ichigo arms that were wrapped around his waist, "You could have told me." He whispered. "I would have believed you."
"I could have." He agreed tightening his embrace, "But not telling you, save you from him as well."
The Kuchiki didn't respond but Ichigo could feel the question hanging in the air, "Being the genius he is he figured out that it was me ruining his plans quite early, and after he became a lieutenant you mentioned that he had begun to converse with you more often." Burying his nose in Sojun's hair, taking a deep breath, "Even though he didn't mention it when he left, I am willing to bet he was feeling around to see if I told you anything. He must have figured you weren't in the loop, which is why he didn't bother touching you."
They stood like that for what seemed to be hours, when Sojun broke the silence, "No more secrets, please."
Ichigo paused and contemplated the request, "I cannot tell you everything," He replied with a sigh, "Not yet, I cannot tell you yet."
"If not now, then when."
"When I am completely sure of certain happenings; because to truly understand how I came to Soul Society you have to witness something first before I tell you."
"Then tell me what you can."
It was then, Ichigo told him about meeting Gin and Rangiku. He went into detail about his surveillance of Aizen and how he ruined his plans and how Gin had helped him in the later stages. How he felt about failing and not being able to prevent the man from hollowfying the captains and lieutenants. About not being able to protect them like he failed to protect his friends back home. Slowly the topics moved into his old life. He was vague and didn't give too many identifying details, but he spoke about his friends. About how Keigo would greet him, Mizuro's womanizing tendencies, Tatsuki's rather violent nature, Ishida's sewing skills and, how he befriended Chad and their promise to use their strength for each other. Ichigo went on to about his mother, what sort of person she was, and how crazy his father was. He spoke about his two little sisters that he adored. Knowing this was dangerous territory cause if the wrong word slipped out he would regret it, so he placed his focus back on his human friends. He didn't want to speak much about the Shinigami, Hollow and Quincy ones in case something slipped out.
"Orihime." He let out a sigh, "She was different. Special. She had a sense of optimism that could never be broken. She didn't possess the aggressive attitude which was needed to fight but she did it anyway to protect and help others. That determination and strength, was something I respected greatly."
"She was the one you love." Sojun finally spoke after listening.
"I loved her." He gently corrected as he tighten his embrace.
Moving back to current topics, he spoke about Hisana, Rukia and Renji. Which caught he Kuchiki's attention, especially hearing their ages. After a few more details, Sojun demanded quite adamantly to visit the children, and they both agreed to slowly introduce Byakuya to them. That eased to the mood, and the couple slowly lowered themselves to the floor. Ichigo pulled Sojun to his lap, the recent events did rattle the red head and he felt rather in need of the stability the Kuchiki's presence provided him. Entwining their reiatsu, allowing each of their signatures to brush against each other, calmed both of them down. Even though he couldn't be completely open with his spouse, being able to come clean with certain aspects of his past did lighten the burden considerably.
When Ichigo ran out of things to say, they resorted to soaking in each other's company. With his nose now against Sojun's neck, he breathed in the man's scent. Surrounded with the smell of jasmine tea and ink, Ichigo realized that he was honestly terrified to lose Sojun and Byakuya. They had become such a vital part of his existence. It was an odd feeling but it was the same he felt when thought of harm was directed towards his family and Orihime. It was then he realized that without him knowing, the two Kuchikis had filled that void in his heart effortlessly.
"I also received word of your appearance at Central 46." Sojun commented looking at their entwined fingers.
Ichigo hummed in response but didn't saying anything, allowing the man to continue what he was saying.
"So I guess it is not an exaggeration to say that you threatened them."
"If it had been you and Byakuya, I would have done much more than a verbal threat."
Sojun didn't say anything for a while, and Ichigo was quiet satisfied with just having the man on his lap, being able to feel his presence and sense his reiatsu dance along with his.
"Don't leave us." Sojun whispered turning his head to meet Ichigo's eyes. "Don't leave me."
"Don't plan to." Ichigo answered immediately and sealed his word with a long drawn out kiss.
48.
"Hey."
Ichigo put his bottle of water down, and looked at the owner of the voice. Not that he didn't know who it was already, he could never forget Shinji. Although the long hair did throw him off balance. He had to admit, not even the women in the shampoo advertisements had such fine straight hair.
"Hey." He responded softening his features making himself more approachable.
"Kisuke filled us in about what happened at The Central." The captain shifted uneasily, "So on behalf of everyone, I would like to thank you."
If the situation was less tense, Ichigo would have laughed at the restlessness displayed by the blonde. He knew how awkward Shinji was when it came to displaying emotions, especially the more genuine ones such as gratitude, and considering the circumstances he decided to go easy on the man, "Anytime." He responded and went back to drinking his water.
They were currently in the secret training area under the Sokyoku Hill, but despite not being out in the open the humidity of the summer still managed to dehydrate him. Though the Central had let them off the hook, there was still hostility directed towards them. Ichigo knew this wouldn't go away until the Visoreds had proven their worth to them. So stabilizing and training them would have to be done away from prying and judgmental eyes. He hadn't told Urahara to take them to the secret training area, but he knew that it would be the most probable area for them to go. When he was directed where to go by Tessai, he merely commented about lining the opening with Sekkiseki stone to prevent any stray reiatsu from leaking out.
Ichigo was glad that he didn't follow Aizen to Hueco Mundo, for if he did he wouldn't have been able to prevent Central from convicting Urahara and Tessai, along with executing the Visored. Not to mention Sojun and Byakuya would not have been too happy with his sudden departure. He knew that Yama-Jiji would have done something to mitigate the outcome of the verdict, but it wouldn't have resulted in the outcome they currently received. It did trouble him that Aizen was most probably making his Arrancar army right about now, and here they were playing politics. Ichigo didn't know how much time it would take to train them all to a point they would be effective in battle. However he knew he was stronger than before and knew how this hollowfication process worked, so he should be able to make them battle ready in much less time. The only factor he couldn't change would be how much time they can maintain the masks for, that would be up to them entirely.
Returning from his thoughts he noticed the blonde captain didn't leave but continued to stand opposite him. Capping his water bottle and placing it on the floor, he met the man's gaze and raised an eyebrow in question.
Taking it as a cue to start speaking, Shinji let out the rant he had been containing, "Why are you doing this for us? We clearly didn't welcome you and treated you as a threat even after giving you permission to stay. Kisuke told us that you went so far to claim us as your kin and take us under your protection. It is pretty much known that the Central is afraid of you and the Soutaicho is quite fond of you, but to go so far as to threaten the Central 46 is just mad. You could have lost everything."
Ichigo blinked at the blonde in amazement, this had got to be first time he had seen the male so unhinged, emotional and talkative. 'Must be the stress.' He thought before answering the many questions the captain had directed towards him.
"I claimed you as my own because we are the somewhat the same, I extended the courtesy to Urahara and Tessai because of what they have done for you all and we are trying to fix Aizen's mess." Pausing a bit to word his sentences right, "I threatened Central because they were being bigoted narrow minded fools trying to fault people for what they are. You can convict people for what they do, but to annihilate a person simply because they exist is a bit too barbaric for me. This is putting aside the fact of your service towards the Seireitei. No offense, but I think Hueco Mundo is far more progressive in that aspect. It is primitive, but even Hollows would never betray those who have been loyal to them." Thinking of all the Espada and their Fraccións.
"There was nothing at risk for me to lose anything." Ichigo continued, "They knew I wasn't someone they wanted as an enemy, especially not with Aizen running about trying to attain God-hood."
Patting the rather stunned Shinji in a friendly manner, "You should get some rest, training is going to start as soon as you lot are fit." With that he waved goodbye and walked towards the mouth of the cavern to leave.
As he reached the exit, he found another blonde captain staring off into the distance. The depressed aura hanging around him was almost tangible, letting out a breath of mild annoyance he approached the blonde. Not a single movement from Urahara told Ichigo that he blonde acknowledged his presence beside him, and he simply continued staring at the Seireitei. However he could feel a slight shift in the man's reiatsu as he remained standing beside him.
"Amazing view." Ichigo commented taking in the sight of the Seireitei stretched out before him.
Urahara didn't say anything, but there was an almost imperceptible twitch in the man's jaw. Ichigo would have missed it if he hadn't been looking for a response.
"You did nothing wrong." The red head finally said after another couple of minutes spent in silence. He kept looking straight ahead and from the corner of his eye, he could see the blonde clench his fists and jaw but stubbornly remained mute.
"Sure, you created the Hogyoku but it was Aizen who used it on them." Ichigo spoke up again, "You're a scientist, and your purpose is to create. Create objects, techniques, knowledge. Anyone with a drop of common sense would see that you are not responsible."
"I am responsible." Urahara snapped, voice tight and thick. "If I didn't create the damn thing, none of this would have happened."
"If Oetsu Nimaiya didn't create the zanpakuto, we wouldn't have had Aizen's Kyoka Suigetsu hypnotizing everyone." Ichigo countered, "I don't see anyone blame him."
Urahara returned to his silent staring, but his eyes were no longer blank with helplessness. Taking it as an opening, Ichigo pressed on, "Soul Society needs continuous development; it needs to get out of it's stagnant rut and Yama-Jiji saw the solution in that creative mind of yours. Why do you think he was so welcoming of your idea to found the Shinigami Research and Development Institute? The Hogyoku is an admirable creation, it could have been invaluable and done limitless amounts of good if the right intention were behind it."
"What purpose would the Seireitei have for breaking down the barriers between Shinigami and Hollow?"
Ichigo blinked in confusion and then remembered, at this point Urahara didn't really understand the true power of the orb, "Kisuke, if that were it's purpose; why would Aizen go so far for it? He wants to become a God." He could practically see the blonde's mind rapidly fire as realization dawned on him, "Your Hogyoku wasn't the first I have come across. Aizen was the first to create such an object. From what I gathered interacting with it, was that it manifests the desires of the person wielding it. So yes, Soul Society could have many purposes for it."
The blonde stared at him in disbelief, but Ichigo knew he would be later checking his notes on the creation of the object. "Aizen's Hogyoku-"
"Was inferior and incomplete, so I was able to destroy it."
"If I hadn't created-"
"He would have found another way with far more casualties."
"You can't know that."
"I know Aizen."
Urahara didn't say anything in return. He only stared at him with a mixture of doubt, incredulity and an extremely reluctant acceptance. After a brief pause, the young captain spoke up again, looking away and eyes downcast, "Why did you protect Tessai and me? We aren't like Shinji and the rest for you to claim us your kind. All the work you put into stopping Aizen for the past century is wasted since I created the Hogyoku. So why us? Why me?"
After the trial, Yamamoto demanded a comprehensive report about his actions regarding Aizen. With the addition of Gin and Rangiku's witness statement he ended up spending an entire Sunday compiling the document. So his self-appointed surveillance wasn't really a secret anymore. Reaching out and placing a hand lightly on the male's shoulder, "Because we are friends, are we not?"
Urahara stared at him, emotions swirling behind his eyes moving from one to the other rapidly. For a moment, Ichigo thought the man had gone into shock due to the stillness he displayed, until he burst out laughing. First it was low chuckle until it grew progressively louder and out of control.
'I think you broke him, King.' Zangetsu commented.
'Yeah…'
Finally after Urahara had calmed down, wiping his eye's the blonde gave him the most sincere smile, "I guess we are." His voice heavy with gratitude.
Ichigo let his face soften and a hint of a smile play on his lips as he nodded towards the blonde. As he was about the leave the cave entrance, "One more thing." Urahara called, some of his old curiosity leaking back into his voice, "How do you know about Oetsu Nimaiya? And his contribution to Soul Society?"
Information on the Royal Guards was restricted to the Captains and even so it was verbally passed on. Only a handful of Shinigami knew about each member of the Zero Squad and they were the ones that had interactions with the members before their promotion. Ichigo smirked, "That's a story for another time."
49.
Training with the Visoreds was just as gruelling as he predicted. Ichigo had given them the basics of what to do, such as defeating their inner hollow and how to take control over their hollowfication. He knew the results would differ from his, for Zangetsu was his Hollow and Shinigami powers wrapped into one. Plus he had him since birth, while they were actually fully Shinigami who had been hollowfied. Making Tessai form a powerful barrier, he took on each Visored one at a time. With adequate breaks in between each one he would be able to battle them alone.
"Alright." He spoke up when he arrived to the cave, "I'm not going to bore you with the details, for I haven't the faintest idea how it actually works." Gesturing at Urahara who was present to observe and research the topic, "He is going to do that part."
"What do you mean you don't know how it works, baldy?" Hiyori interrupted.
Ichigo shrugged, "I haven't really met any other hollowfied Shinigami. My mother was a Quincy and their souls are different and the hollowfication process wouldn't stabilize on it's own unlike with Shinigami. That's where my dad came into play, something about his reiatsu stabilizing hers."
"So how exactly are you planning to help us?" This time it was Lisa who responded.
"Despite me being born with an inner hollow and you recently acquiring yours, the process is somewhat the same. You now have a darker side you have to accept and overcome."
"That makes no sense what so ever." Shinji deadpanned.
Ichigo flipped him the bird, "It will when you go through it." And walked towards the Kido barrier, "I'll start with Hiyori."
As expected she had taken the longest and was by far the most violent. Even though Kensei and Love were physically more powerful, Hiyori's berserker style and unpredictable nature was what gave him problems. It had taken three days in total finish the first stage of the training with them. At the end of the third day, he felt as if he was back at Las Noches battling Espada after Espada. He had forgotten what it was like to fight with the intention to defeat and not to kill. The next stage was to repeatedly fight them until they built up the stamina to wear the mask. This made Ichigo hesitate, he didn't know if he would be successful in making them gain time in large portions but he would have to push them. Unlike his world, they didn't have the luxury of a century to build up to it.
The bright side about the rather demanding training regime, was his husband waiting for him when he arrived home. Previously he would be the one to welcome his spouse, but now it was the opposite, since they wrapped up the day very late. He would eat dinner with the Visored and go to the manor to wash and go to bed. They did point out that it would be easier to bunk with them and spend the nights there as well. It made sense, but times were different.
"C'mon, why not?" Shinji pestered.
"Because I have someone at home waiting for me." He answered bluntly.
The blonde blinked before letting out a bark of laughter, "'Kuchiki' and 'Happily Married' normally don't go hand in hand."
Ichigo hummed in agreement, "There are always exceptions."
Both of them returned to their sake.
For the past three days he had arrived at the Kuchiki manor covered in filth, so he would walk straight to the indoor hot springs. The first day of training he had arrived very late so he didn't go to their private chambers to greet Sojun for it would mean waking him up, instead he went towards the baths directly. Stripping from his dirt covered training outfit and lowering himself into the bath, he allowed himself to finally relax and enjoy the warm water soothing his rather worn out muscles. Allowing his mind to wander he thought about the plan for the next day, as in who to pick for training. Caught up in his thoughts and exhaustion made him miss the steadily approaching reiatsu signature. Only when the door opened and the figure stepped in, did he sense the presence.
"I thought you were asleep." Ichigo lazily commented taking in his husband's form. He always preferred the way the Kuchiki looked when he was about to retire for the night. The male didn't have those cumbersome heirlooms in his hair, allowing it flow freely around him. Also Sojun was far more relaxed and at ease in a thin sleeping yukata.
"I thought you weren't coming today." Sojun whispered as he walked towards the bath, kneeling by the ledge.
"I would never allow you to sleep alone." Placing a wet hand on the man's cheek, "No matter how late, I will always come home to sleep beside you."
The Kuchiki blushed lightly and leaned into his hand. Ichigo allowed a small smile to grace his face as he stroked his husband's cheek. Sojun had been gradually becoming less restrained around him and allowed himself to show his emotions freely. Ichigo never commented on it but it pleased him greatly to see how far the man had come in terms of trusting him. They stayed like that for a few minutes before Sojun broke away from the touch, to grab a body scrubber. Recognizing what the male was going to do, Ichigo shifted around so when the male knelt down behind him outside the bath, he had the room to wash his back.
"Will the training always be like this?" Sojun questioned as he washed lightly around the multiple bruises that coloured Ichigo's back. The red head cursed his lack of foresight of soaking in the healing springs at the secret training area, but he had been in such a hurry to return home that he forgot about taking a dip to rid himself of most of the damage.
"I can't say." He finally answered, sighing in relief as he felt the raven use some healing kido, "It depends from person to person." Providing a brief explanation on how some of the hollowfied Shinigami are more violent than others. Ichigo figured that Mashiro and Hachi would be the least problematic, so there probably wouldn't be much fighting to do so as they confronted their hollow side. However he could tell Sojun wasn't really pleased with his answer. Turning around and grabbing the man's arm, Ichigo guided him into a soft and gentle kiss.
"I know they're tough." He whispered as he broke the kiss for some air, "But I'm tougher. Believe me when I say that it's going to take a lot more than this to kill me."
"That doesn't really inspire reassurance." Sojun replied dryly looking away, but it didn't have it's usual bite because his face was flushed lightly.
The steam of the bath had dampened the man's yukata. Making the thin material translucent and cling to his body. It being off-white didn't really help in concealing the Kuchiki, for Ichigo could see the outline of his body underneath;nipples erect and a slight hardening of the man's length. Looking at the male's flushing face he noticed it was due to arousal. All in all it was an awfully provocative image laid before him, and in response Ichigo felt his own length twitch with interest. Suddenly his previous exhaustion had seemed to have all but disappeared. Feeling invigorated he climbed out of the bath and crawled over Sojun, making the male lower himself to the floor.
Placing a leg between Sojun's thighs and hand next to the male's head, Ichigo used his free palm to cup the man's cheek. Tilting his face up so their eye could meet, the red head smirked as he saw the red grow steadily deeper in colour. Grey irises were now just a ring of silver as their black pupils had blown wide with arousal. Lowering his face so they were mere centimetres apart, Ichigo whispered huskily.
"Then let me remedy that for you immediately." Sojun let out a moan in response and Ichigo instantly took advantage of the man's open mouth to go straight for a deep passionate kiss. He was a little impatient today and his husband was a little too arousing.
Placing kisses as he travelled downwards, Ichigo stopped to leave a couple marks on the man's neck. None of them would last the night but for the time being see those little red marks littered across his neck made his hollow nature purr with pleasure. As he was nibbling Sojun slim delicate collar bone, Ichigo reached down to cup the raven's length which Sojun was grinding against his knee. As he placed his hand on the male's groin and squeezed, Ichigo felt himself being rolled to the side. The next thing he knew was that he was now lying on the bathroom floor with Sojun straddling his hips.
Discarding his damp yukata, leaving him bare, Sojun gave a rather challenging smile that made Ichigo's length harden. "I think I can find out for myself." He whispered as he ran a long pale finger down Ichigo's torso. When he reached the larger male's erect length, he wrapped his fingers around his girth and began to stroke. Propping himself on his elbow, Ichigo let out a groan as he felt the man's cool palm squeeze tightly as he ran it up and down in a slow tortures rhythm. Sojun smiled to himself as he saw his husband clench his jaw, shifting down until he was at eye level with Ichigo's length. Looking up he saw that Ichigo was staring at him with such intensity it made him lick his lips with anticipation. Closing his eyes, Sojun guided the man's length to his mouth.
Ichigo sat up as he watched the Kuchiki take him deeper into his mouth. He nearly came when he felt the familiar warm and wet cavern wrap around his length. Using his will power, he held back as he felt the male's tongue twirl around his length and massage the vein on it's underside. Sojun would occasionally pull away to suckle the tip, licking away any precum and run his tongue around it's head. Since the first time he had perform oral sex, the man was quite fast in picking up tricks and slowly gained the confidence to try out new things. Not that Ichigo was complaining, but it did bruise his ego a bit since he couldn't last as long as he would have liked.
Not wanting to seem selfish, Ichigo wetted two of his fingers and placed them at Sojun's entrance. He was partially seated with a hand propping him up. Sojun on the other hand, was now kneeling between Ichigo's thighs as he lowered his chest to his elbows so would be able to suckle better. Feeling Ichigo's fingers at his entrance, he stilled and paused his sucking momentarily to look up, seeing the larger male's equally lustful look, he smiled. Lifting himself up and placing a quick kiss before returning to his attention to Ichigo's hardened length.
Circling Sojun's entrance a few times, Ichigo entered the male using a single finger. Thrusting it in and out a few times he added the second. Twisting his hand, he began to play with the tight ring of muscles. Alternating between spreading his fingers, hooking them slightly as he pulled out and thrusting deep into the tight hot sheath; Sojun began to moan as he had his length in his mouth. With that added vibration from the Kuchiki's throat and the vigorous suckling, it didn't take long for him to come. Once Sojun had swallowed his load, Ichigo pulled the man into a deep kiss and flipped them again. Placing the smaller male on the floor.
Now kneeling between Sojun's thighs, he lifted the male from his slim toned calves. Placing a hand behind each knee, Ichigo held him in place as he slowly bent the smaller male almost in half. Lowering his head towards the raised bottom, Ichigo tongued the man's twitching hole making Sojun curve his body upwards in pleasure as he tried to muffle a loud moan. Placing the Kuchiki's legs on his shoulders, Ichigo used one of his hands to stroke the man's erect length as the other steadied them. Sojun couldn't stop the lewd noises that forced themselves out of his mouth as he felt Ichigo's wet muscle circle his sensitive entrance. It was foreign and he didn't know people did this during intercourse. Though it was slightly embarrassing, he couldn't help but be aroused by the sensationshe was feeling.
Once Ichigo sensed the Sojun was approaching his climax, he immediately raised his head and lowered the twitching male down. Smirking at the sight before him, his normally cool and collected husband had been turned into a writhing and sensitive mess. Something primal purred within him in satisfaction, and Ichigo couldn't help but agree with it. Though he wanted to take the man then and there, he knew the male wasn't quite ready yet. Gently rolling Sojun on to his stomach, raising him up to his knees while his chest was on the floor, Ichigo covered the man's naked body with his.
This position allowed his fingers to reach deeper into Sojun. Allowing him to massage the man's sweet spot, causing a shudder to run through the slighter male's frame. Using his other hand, Ichigo stroked the male's length, he began whispering the rather filthy thoughts he had during the activity to Sojun. The raven replied in moans and cries of pleasure, while he was overwhelmed with the sensation. Within seconds, Sojun felt him reach his climax, and spent his release in Ichigo's hand and all over the bathroom floor. Both of them collapsed to the side and Ichigo drew Sojun into a tight embrace.
Kissing the back of the man's long pale neck, "Reassured?"
Sojun let out a breathy sigh and hummed.
"Ichigo-San." Urahara's voice cut through the memory, bring him back to the present. Looking in the blonde's direction, "It would be greatly appreciated if you wouldn't reminisce about your happy and healthy marriage during training." He continued with amusement colouring his tone, reminding Ichigo of certain annoying shop keeper.
Sending a confused look, Shinji began to laugh manically. It was Hiyori who enlightened him of a certain fact, "Your nose is bleeding, pervert."
Hand quickly reaching to wipe away the trickle of blood, Ichigo heard Yoruichi tease, "Awww, I'm so glad Byakuya-Bo comes from a happy home."
50.
It had been six months since they had begun training and Ichigo was glad that the Visoreds have been making progress in building their endurance wearing their masks. Maybe it was due to him guiding them through the process or it could be not having to deal with the emotional trauma of being exiled from the Seireitei. Whatever it was, Ichigo was glad that it didn't take a century for them to gain the same amount of control they had in his universe. However one observation did strike him as odd.
It was dinner time and Urahara was quickly recapping the progress they had made today. Such as Hiyori increasing the time she is able to wear her mask by five seconds. Everyone was listening in when he made a random comment, "It's odd." He said looking at his papers, "When you all battle each other, the progress you make wearing your masks is significantly lower than when you battle Ichigo-San."
"How much is the difference." Shinji curiously asked.
"About 89.7%." Urahara answered making a quick set of calculations, "Basically, if Ichigo hadn't been training with you all, the time you have gained so far in wearing the masks would have taken several decades."
Everyone remained silent and stared at Urahara and Ichigo, alternating between the two. Even he was surprised but then again he wasn't with the Visoreds from the start in his universe.
"Makes sense." Mashiro piped in breaking the quietness of the training area, "Cause Hollow-Chan is afraid of Ichi-San."
Everyone turn their attention to her and then the Visoreds looked at each other before nodding hesitantly in agreement. Shinji was the one to provide a more adequate explanation, "How can I explain this?" He muttered to himself, "He, my hollow, is quieter when I fight with Ichigo. He is reluctant to take control and is far more docile. Almost as if he doesn't want to fight and only does when he thinks Ichigo is going to kill him. Like a cornered animal."
The other Visoreds nodded in agreement at the blonde's explanation. Urahara returned to his notes and Ichigo kept staring at Shinji who returned his gaze.
Ichigo hummed lightly in annoyance at that memory, it didn't make sense.
'But then again what did?'
'It's 'cause those Hollows know we are much stronger, King.'Zangetsu chirped in helpfully.
'What do you mean?'
'Like you know, King. Hollows can gauge the strength of another Hollow. So when they senses another is much stronger than they are, the 'get the fuck out' instinct is triggered. They are scared of you King, 'cause they think your gonna eat them when yer done.'
'I'm not going to eat anyone.' Ichigo reproached quite offended at the mere thought of it.
'Hollow instinct, King.' Making the red head let out a sigh in exasperation.
'Ichigo-San, do you think now is an appropriate time to train?'
Smiling at the polite tone and speech he replied, 'Sure thing, Muramasa.' Even after all this time, the zanpakuto was extremely polite to him. He figured that the sword spirit was still afraid, thinking that he might be discarded like with his previous wielder. Despite his reassurance, Muramasa was still very docile around him and would always go out of his way to please him. Not that he minded, but he preferred being treated as an equal than being placed up on a pedestal. Since he had come to acquire Muramasa, he had been training with the sword spirit. Since he didn't have his human body anymore the human portion of his soul was the least powerful, making the merge to take twice as long as it could have. However during the course of the century he had spent with the sword spirit, he had noticed certain changes that were taking place.
Like Ossan had said, Kido had been easier to handle. Not that he was anywhere near the level of finesse Byakuya had in his universe but his control over it had improved. Healing Kido was easier to use and he could do some of the lower number spells, making his skills at the level of acceptable. However he accepted that even if he reached the old geezers age and position, he would never be able to claim he excelled in the Demon Arts. Some things are just not meant to be and him being good at kido, was one of them. Apart from that minor change, he was able to materialize Zangetsu, Ossan and Muramasa. The spirits themselves were able to materialize without his command and he allowed them free reign as long as nobody saw them and didn't cause havoc. Which didn't really interest them much. Ossan liked his rooftop forest too much to leave, Zangetsu only came out if there was a spar promised first and Muramasa would almost never make an appearance. The only time he did, was to have a long conversation about Koga when he was fully integrated into Ichigo's soul allowing him access to his memories.
He didn't know if he could use the sword spirits other abilities, but he wasn't really in a mood to try test them just yet. He hadn't told Sojun that he had acquired Koga's zanpakuto, and to tell him now seemed too late. However Ichigo steeled himself and resolved to tell his husband when Aizen was out of the picture.
'One problem at a time.' He told himself, as he went further into the secret training area. Making all three of his sword spirits to materialize.
Since all the Shinigami who were infected with hollowfication were either captains or lieutenants, after the initial three day marathon he had with them, their training was full time until they all had their hollows under control. Now their schedules were such that in the mornings they would return to their division to perform their duties, while in the afternoon and evening they would come to the secret training area to spar. Therefore in the mornings he had the entire training field to himself, allowing him to train with his spirits in privacy. He would summon all three and battle them one by one, and if he was feeling ambitious two of them, but never all three. No matter how strong he was, handling them all at once was a little too much for him. He could vividly remember the bruises and cuts he sustained from the one time he did. Each spirit would summon their own blade, Zangetsu would wield his khyber blade while Ossan would use his trench knife. Muramasa on the other hand would wield a standard katana blade, since he didn't have physical blade with Ichigo and the one Koga had shattered upon his death.
They were two hours in and he was now sparring with Ossan, when he sensed something amiss. Looking towards Zangetsu and his other swords spirits, they were also restless so they all walked towards the entrance. Up above the Seireitei a garganta was opening inside the Shakonmaku causing the entire Seireitei to sound the alarm. Pouring out of it were a number of Gillians, Adjuchas and Arrancar. Out of all the reiatsu he could sense he recognized one signature immediately, making him search among the numerous invading hollow hybrids.
Right in the middle of the swarm stood a familiar shock of spiky blue hair.
"Grimmjow." He murmured.
"Fucking finally." Zangetsu piped in stretching his arms. "Some action at last."
51.
Sojun slowly opened his eyes and winced at the dull throb that passed through his head. The last thing he remembered, he was in the office preparing to respond to the hollow invasion that happened in the Seireitei, when everything suddenly went black. Clutching his head he took in his surroundings. It was a high ceilinged bare white room with no visible doors and a barred window near the top of the wall, closely mimicking a prison cell. He was in his shinigami uniform and he could feel a rather heavy metallic collar around his neck. Apart from the large futon on the floor, there was nothing else in the room. Glancing to the side he realized that he wasn't alone on the bed and gently lifted the covers.
It was Byakuya, fast asleep in his standard academy uniform.
It was then he realized he couldn't sense his son's reiatsu. Frantically checking for a pulse he relaxed when he felt the steady rhythm of his son's heartbeat. Searching his body for any signs of injuries, Sojun found only a fresh bruise on the back of the teen's neck. He tried to check the severity of the damage but a similar collar around his son's neck prevented him from seeing the whole wound. However when he tried to heal the bruising with some healing kaido he found he was unable to.
"The collar prevents you from accessing your reiatsu and hinders your ability to sense it as well."
The Kuchiki immediately turned towards the voice and was greeted by the cold and calculating smile of Aizen Sosuke. Suppressing the feeling of apprehension Sojun shifted his body to block the brunet's view of his son. Assessing his situation, Sojun came to the conclusion that he and his son had been abducted during the invasion and brought to Hueco Mundo. His zanpakuto wasn't in the room, whoever kidnapped them was smart enough not to leave his blade nearby. Keeping a Shinigami away from their swords was the number one tactic to assume power over them. Those from the Second Division would go through special training to lower their dependency of their blade. Tugging the collar he tried to sense Aizen's reiatsu and could only feel a faint flicker of it, as if he were miles and miles away instead of a few feet to his left.
"Why did you bring us here?" He asked steeling himself and channelling as much of the famed Kuchiki pride and aloofness that he could muster. They were taught from a young age to take over the situation. Though the cards were not in his favour of manipulating the man, he could still prevent himself from being manipulated.
The other male chuckled softly, and knelt down beside him. Reaching out to touch his face, "Isn't it obvious?" He smiled but it lacked warmth and sincerity, "To make you mine."
Sojun immediately slapped the hand away, "Don't play games with me." He retorted, "You said it yourself, you don't want anyone beside you. So tell me why did you bring my son and me here?"
"Always straight to the point with you Kuchikis." Aizen smirked and stood up, staring down at them. "Careful Kuchiki Sojun, you are the captive here and don't have the right to make any form of demands."
Sojun glared but suddenly felt difficulty in breathing, coughing violently he gasped for breath. 'Why is this acting up now, after so long?' He wondered clutching his chest.
"Ahhh, so my hypothesis is correct." As if reading his mind, Aizen lazily answered, "Your illness is kept at bay by your immune system, which uses your reiatsu to fight it. When you exert yourself, your immunity had little to no access to that reiatsu causing the illness to act up. It is fast spreading and taxes your body and reserves to keep it from killing you. Why it's acting up now is because you are away from your husband, a literal reservoir of spiritual energy, which suppressed the disease while your immune system hacked away at it. Also the collar is suppressing your reiatsu making it difficult for your immune system to use it."
Sojun gritted his teeth, his health was back to before he met Ichigo on a good day, "How long have we've been here?"
"What did I tell you about making demands?" He tutted, "But since I am feeling rather generous today. You have been here for almost a day."
The raven froze, 'A day and I'm already like this? What will happen tomorrow?'
"Don't worry I'm quite fond of you, so I'll not let you die off just yet." Aizen lowered himself again beside him, so his hand was now in front of his chest and started to part his shihakusho. Sojun automatically reached up and caught he man's wrist, halting his actions. "Are you sure you want to do that? I'm going to heal you, but if you don't want my help I don't mind either. However, I am sure you realize that you could at most make it through half of the next day on your own before succumbing to the illness. Surely you don't want to leave your son all alone in a place like this would you? Who knows how long till your beloved husband arrives?"
Sojun lowered his gaze in defeat. Despite how he felt accepting help from the despicable man in front of him, he couldn't bear the thought of Byakuya being left alone in a place such as this. Letting go of Aizen's wrist, he reluctantly allowed the man to part the kosode and shitagi of his uniform. Exposing his chest to the brunet. Feeling the palm against his chest glow with a familiar green light, Sojun's mind screamed that everything about it was wrong. He didn't want to expose himself to anyone other than Ichigo nor did he remotely like the feeling of Aizen's reiatsu entering his body, despite it making it easier for him to breath. Once the male withdrew his hand away from his chest, Sojun immediately went to adjust his clothing.
However Aizen caught his wrist preventing him from doing so, "Please unhand me." Sojun replied politely, but his voice wavered slightly with unease.
"I really wonder what was so special about you that caught his attention." Aizen mused stroking the wrist with his thumb, "With his level of power he could have literally taken over the Seireitei, or maybe even all three worlds. Yet he decides to play house with a pitiful pregnant heir and raise a child that not even his own."
"Let go of me." Sojun repeated face flushing from the sting of the man's word, as he tried to pull free his hand.
"Let my father go." Byakuya jumped in and pushed Aizen back, but the brunet merely slapped the teen with such force he flew back to futon.
"Byakuya!" Sojun called attempting to reach his son, but was held back by other male.
"Such impertinence." Aizen remarked dryly as Byakuya glared at him, "So you found out your father is not your father, how does that make you feel? Betrayed?" He asked chuckling at his own joke. Sojun felt himself tense up with anxiety. Neither he nor Ichigo told the boy of his true parentage and it was ordered that the staff and clan keep it that way.
"As if." The teen retorted fearlessly, "I knew since I was a century old about that, and it didn't matter to Chichi-Ue and Otou-San, so why should it to me?"
"Byakuya…" Sojun murmured staring at his son.
"Isn't that sweet?" Aizen smirked as he stood up and withdrew his zanpakuto. Sojun instinctively reached out for his child to protect him from the brunet's next move. "It is quite obvious that your husband is dependent on you, so taking you away would merely drive him into battle. There is no doubt the man would come. However I would like to see his reaction, when he realizes that his family doesn't consider him as part of it and I take his place in their memories." Smiling coldly at the older Kuchiki, "Especially when he sees you on your knees between mine willfully servicing me."
Sojun's eyes widen at the realization of what he man was trying to do and shielded his and Byakuya's eyes.
However it was too late.
"Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu."
52.
Ginrei clenched his fist with tightly restrained anger as they all gathered at the Captains meeting room. The invasion had caught them by surprise, for never before had they thought a garganta could be opened within the walls of the Seireitei and it had sent them into a tremendous wave of panic. Glancing at the hollowfied captains, who now identified themselves as Visoreds, he was glad for their presence. If they had not been present, the casualties of the skirmish would have sky rocketed. The strange hollows that attacked them were strong, without a doubt, it had taken the captains and the above average lieutenants to deal with those who possessed shinigami powers. However there were too many, and they were being out matched. The other seated officers and members had focused on curbing the Gillians and Adjuchas, but unfortunately they were outnumbered and out classed.
When the situation was beginning to become bleak, the Visoreds donned their masks and started to hack away at the powerful hollows with ease. His son-in-law, Ichigo, had been occupied battling one particular hollow, and from the way the hollow was shouting orders he could see it was the one in charge of the invasion. Ginrei was surprised for even though the battle was clearly of another standard, Ichigo was using only one of his blades and was treating it more as a sparring match. It was a given that the Hollow was holding back as well, for he had seen multiple times the creature touch the handle of the katana on its side, but didn't unsheathe it's blade.
Letting his thoughts flow to his son-in-law, Ginrei felt some of his anger ease. Over the years he had grown accustomed to the red head's presence. Though there was suspicion and mistrust still, one could not stay hostile towards the strange man. From the way he treated his son, Ginrei felt more trusting of the man's presence. He was glad to see Sojun beginning to smile more freely and relax around each other. Seeing his son no longer withdrawn and now walking with the confidence that he once had when he was a child, was a gift for his old eyes. Ginrei could feel the guilt in heart slowly melt away as his son was becoming the man he was meant to be.
Although there were many actions he disapproved of, he couldn't bring himself to comment on it. The open and unhindered display of affection Ichigo showered his son with, positively affected Sojun. Maybe the way nobility did things were not truly effective after all. His grandson, Byakuya, was a prodigy on his own right. Having Shihoin Yoruichi teach him shunpo, additionally his son's talent for Kido had passed down to the boy. His swordsmanship was also impressive for his age and the only area the teen had problems with was his hakuda. However Ichigo had also noticed and took over training the boy. Ginrei smiled as he remembered the memory that brought on the arrangement.
"I want to learn Otou-San's zanjutsu." A seven year old Byakuya suddenly announced at the table as they were drinking tea on a Saturday afternoon.
Ichigo chuckled, "Why is that Bya-Chan?"
"Otou-San's has never lost a match to anyone, including Kenpachi-Taicho." Ginrei smiled slightly into his cup. They all remembered the time the Eleventh Division captain had crashed into their family dojo demanding a spar from the red head. Ichigo had initially refused but the captain had been persistent, and one of the swings he dodged had nearly landed on the young child and his son. Apparently that was enough to goad the red head into a spar, which he ended in matter of moments using a bokken. The red head's style wasn't like anything he had seen before. He recognized certain moves from different clans but it was all amalgamated into one form. It was efficient and unpredictable, but also very difficult to imitate. The sequence of moves flowed from one to another seamlessly and there were combinations even he couldn't predict but Ginrei could tell it was meant for those with very high physical stamina and dexterity.
Ichigo smiled and placed a hand on the boy's head, "Much as I'd love to teach you my style, I think Chichi-Ue's is better."
Ginrei saw his son pause and stare at the duo with curiosity and slight embarrassment; he still wasn't used to receiving compliments. Not paying attention to the staring, Ichigo explained gently to the boy, who seemed petulant at his refusal. "Chichi-Ue's style is far better than mine. He never wastes any energy and always chooses the fastest way to finish the battle. His might not be as flashy as mine, but it is the most beautiful." Turning his attention to Sojun, making the Kuchiki flush a little redder. "Every time I used to see him in battle I wouldn't do anything but watch him."
Returning his attention to Byakuya, "My style is too difficult to learn now, you have to be very strong to learn it. So how about I train you in hakuda instead?"
The pubescent pondered on the notion for a while before agreeing, satisfied with the exchange. Ginrei hid his amusement and pretended not to notice how Sojun became self-conscious when he caught Ichigo's smile.
'They are a good match for each other.' The sixth division pondered idly waiting for the other captains to filter in. It wasn't all that surprising to see Kenpachi-Taicho was the last to arrive.
Recalling the purpose of their meeting, Ginrei felt his anger surge once more. It was only after the chaos and panic had settled did he realize that his lieutenant was missing, on instinct he checked the Shin'o Academy and they had reported after some time that his grandson had also disappeared. However looking into the matter closely, some of the students who had been accompanying his grandson to his dorm were knocked unconscious and there were the remains of Shinigami outside his son's office, suggesting an abduction. They were discussing the purpose of the abduction as well as their next course of action, when a thunderous reiatsu flooded the meeting room. Doors violently flying open, everyone turned towards the figure that entered, hands on their zanpakuto ready to draw.
In walked Ichigo, dressed in a standard shihakusho and a beige cape thrown over it. His larger zanpakuto blade was strapped on his back, while the smaller one was tucked on his side. His spiritual energy thrummed with anger and it made them all apprehensive of the red head. Ginrei had felt this anger before, more than a century ago when he saw Ichigo's violent fight with Koga, but now it was darker and far more animalistic than he remembered. The male's face was blank but looking closely, his frame was stiff with barely restrained wrath. Ginrei actually felt a sense of pity for those who were going to be on the receiving end of his blade.
"I'll be departing for Hueco Mundo, shortly." Ichigo announced to the Head Captain, "I suggest you all focus your attention on protecting Karakura Town."
"Why?" Yamamoto-Soutaicho questioned calmly. It could be noted that he was the only one unperturbed by the male's violent reiatsu.
"Urahara will explain to you the details, I have more pressing matters to attend to." Everyone glanced at the blonde captain who nodded in return.
"You want to go alone?"
"It is my husband and child they have taken." Ichigo glared at the older man, "I have every intention to bring them back and teach those responsible not to touch what's mine." Turning his attention to Ginrei, "I will bring them to you within thirty six hours."
With that he shunpoed off, allowing everyone to relax his guard. Breaking the tension, Shinji commented, "That's one scary man."
Kuchiki Ginrei couldn't agree more.
53.
Byakuya hated being weak. He hated not being able to do anything. He hated not being able to protect his father.
"Better get strong Bya-Chan, who else is going protect Chichi-Ue when I'm not around."
Otou-San's words haunted him since he was ripped away from his father, by that man. They all heard the news about Aizen Sosuke betraying the Seireitei and declaring a war. From the rumors he heard, apparently Otou-San had known about Aizen's true nature and tried to stop him, however due to his relationship with The Central he was unable to apprehend the man. It was an open secret that Otou-San wasn't a full Shinigami, he knew since he was a child that his father's reiatsu felt different to those around him. However Otou-San had never made him feel anything other than safe and protected. The way he treated Chichi-Ue was a testament to that. He had heard two of the elders muttering about his parentage and the crimes his actual sire had committed; truth be told he was rather upset at the time. He had run towards his parent's room and found Otou-San laying his head on Chichi-Ue's lap while they spoke. When they saw him enter, they both greeted him with such affection and care, Byakuya understood then that blood wasn't everything. Chichi-Ue and Otou-San cared for him despite him being half of another man, so his logic told him that he shouldn't either.
However glaring at the green haired hollow woman, he felt utter shame at his failure to protect his Chichi-Ue. The one thing his Otou-San asked him to do.
After the blinding flash, Byakuya blinked away some of the black spots that clouded his vision. From what he gathered of the Shinigami traitor, was that seeing him release his zanpakuto would make them susceptible to his will. Apparently Chichi-Ue had seen the release beforehand but seeing it the second time didn't alter the effects. However when he looked up at the brunet he notice his brows furrowed in concentration and confusion.
After a few tense seconds had passed, Aizen grabbed Chichi-Ue by the collar pulling him up. "When did you touch my blade?" His voice was low and dangerous. "The only way to escape that technique is to touch the blade before witnessing the ritual. How did you know that?"
Byakuya froze recalling an old memory of his father making them touch a zanpakuto when he was a child. 'He knew since then.' The teen thought, 'Always protecting us.'
Chichi-Uedid not answer, causing the larger man to slap his face. The sound of flesh meeting flesh had broken the teen from his thoughts and on instinct,lashed out to strike the brunet. However it resulted with him being thrown against a wall, his head throbbing as he heard Chichi-Ue cry out, "Byakuya!" Aizen had apparently called for someone, because the door slid open and a well-endowed woman walked in.
"Nel, please take the child to your quarters." Aizen calmly commanded, none of his anger showing in his tone.
Byakuya could hear his father's panicked voice desperately calling his name and pleading not to take him away, as the woman used a single hand to grab him and throw him over her shoulder.
"I don't need Kyoka Suigetsu to control you." The brunet stated coldly, "Do as I say and no harm will come to your child."
All Byakuya remembered was Chichi-Ue's frightened face as his vision faded to black.
A crash brought him back to present, and he saw that the woman's two minions were engaging in a small fist fight. She had been unexpectedly kind towards him when he woke up but Byakuya didn't trust her compassion. Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, as she called herself, was particularly talkative towards him. She had explained that they were Arrancar, hollows who gained shinigami powers when they took off their masks, and she was an Espada. One of the elite members of Aizen's troops.
"You must be confused by my reiatsu signature." Nel spoke up as she watched her fracción's antics.
"Hardly." Byakuya scoffed.
"Ahhh, yes, I remember." She placed a finger on her chin in thought, "You have your own versions as well. Some of the arrancar who survived mentioned that."
Anger at his situation, Byakuya couldn't help the next set of words that left his mouth. He wanted her to worry and lose that nonchalance, "Not really, my father's reiatsu is far more complex and potent."
"When he arrived here, I sensed only Shinigami markers."
"My other father." Byakuya smirked at her mildly inquisitive look, "He has two more additional reiatsu markers apart from Hollow and Shinigami."
That garnered the emotion he was looking for, the female arrancar stiffened and blinked rapidly. There were a few moments she just stared at him before asking, "What does your father look like?"
Byakuya blinked at that question, curiosity getting the better of him, "Tall, tan and well built. He has long orange hair." This gained the same shocked look Nel wore matters before. She opened her mouth several times but closed it seconds after.
Sighing she hesitantly asked, "Is your father's name Ichigo by chance?"
It was Byakuya's turn to be shocked, swallowing nervously, "Yes. Yes it is." Trying to comprehend the matter, "How do you-"
Grabbing his arm, using the hollow version of flash step along with him she commanded, "We have to go."
Byakuya didn't have time to catch his breath, because the next thing he knew they were in a different chamber. At one corner of the vast room was a middle aged male arrancar, who was currently fast asleep in a pile of throw pillows. In the centre of the room was a female arrancar, around his age, hopping around on the tiles playing an imaginary game. As they entered she stopped playing and immediately ran towards the female Espada beside him.
"Nel!" She cried with her arms spread open for a hug and the older woman embraced her.
Letting her go and patting the girl on her helmet, "Lilynette, we really need to talk to Starrk. It's rather urgent."
She grinned mischievously, "Don't worry. Leave it to me." As she ran towards the sleeping figure and proceeded to wake the male up in what had to be the most violent way Byakuya had ever witnessed.
"Why did you bring the prisoner here, Nelliel?" He asked clearing he throat and stretching.
"Because there is something you should hear." She answered and looking towards Byakuya, "Tell him about your father."
Not knowing where to start, Byakuya lamely began, "His name is Ichigo." That brought on a similar stillness to both the girl and the male. Fidgeting slightly, he chose to mention another defining feature of his father, "He has orange hair, that fall to about here" Gesturing to his mid chest area. "Carries two swords. Both black. A large khyber knife and smaller trench knife." Every detail he mentioned made the room become tenser.
"His reiatsu. Tell me about his reiatsu." The male, Starrk, urged.
"He has Hollow, Shinigami and Human markers. My grandfather says he also has Quincy as well. Although they should be extinct now."
The room was silent and nobody spoke until, Starrk sighed, "Yes, they existed a long time ago. When I was a mere fledging adjucha." Seeing his confused look, the arrancar smiled slightly, "I am old, very old."
"Grimmjow did speak about an orange haired shinigami hybrid." Nel spoke up finding her voice, "He didn't mention a strange reiatsu. Although he did act quite skittish after returning."
"That feline is a creature of instinct. He obviously sensed it; still he went and did something he shouldn't have and is going to pay for it." Starrk sighed. "But he still wants to put a brave face. Such a child."
"What do you want to do?" Nel asked.
Starrk sighs and stands up, stretching his limbs, "What else? We have to protect his mate and cub until he comes for them."
"But Aizen-" Nel feebly retorted.
"Nelliel." Starrk cut her off harshly, making her flinch, "You of all people should know, the bond you have with him is far greater than the one you have with Aizen." Turning his attention to the group, "Let's go."
"Why are you doing this?" Byakuya asked, clearly not understanding the situation that lay before him.
Starrk smiled lightly, "We both have an old debt to repay." With that Nel gathered him into her arms and Starrk took hold of Lilynette as they flashed towards his father's chambers.
54.
Sojun clutched his open kosode and shitagi closed as he tried not to gag. His mouth was bruised and the side of his face was beginning to swell. He had thank the small mercy that he his son didn't have to witness his father forcibly having to service the enemy. It was a small miracle on its own that Aizen only wanted him to use his mouth and not take him from behind. His head throbbed as he massaged his scalp. It was similar to his time with Koga, where he would grip his hair and roughly shove his length in and out of his mouth. All he could do was to leave his jaw slack and try to regulate his breath. When Aizen released, he had refused to swallow but the brunet merely pinched his nose forcing him to gulp down the bitter liquid.
Once the deed was done, Aizen released his hold on him and adjusted his own clothing; leaving him with a polite "Thank you". Laying on the futon, Sojun couldn't hold back the tears that slid down his face. He thought this nightmare would never happen again. He was glad that Ichigo managed to protect Byakuya and him from being under the traitor's control, being hypnotized into doing such humiliating acts. However he felt utterly powerless in this situation.
"My, my, my." A silky voice interrupted his thoughts. Sojun immediately sat up at took in the new presence that entered his room. "Don't you look absolutely lovely like that? If I had known how tantalizing you were, I would have come here sooner."
"Who are you?" Sojun asked weariness and fear leaking into his tone. The male was exceptionally tall and lanky. He wore an eye patch on the left side of his face and his smile revealed all his teeth. His expression was lecherous and there was something sadistic in his presence. Sojun watched in muted dread as the male walked towards him, kneeling down and grabbing him by the collar.
"Name is Nnoitra Gilga." He smiled dangerously before licking Sojun's face with his elongated tongue, "And you taste absolutely delicious." Sojun struggled helplessly as the male reached and pulled his belt.
"And that will be all you will taste." A deeper voice interrupted.
"Starrk." Nnoitra address the newest member in the room. "What brings you here?"
"Those matters don't concern you, insect." He replied, eyes narrowing. "That Shinigami is my property and I don't like it when people touch my things."
"He don't have your name on him, mangy mutt." Nnoitra retorted.
With that Starrk allowed his reiatsu to spike, and from the involuntary flinch that Nnoitra made, it was obvious that he was going to retreat. When he lowered his reiatsu, Nnoitra left the room with a few colourful words aimed at the other male.
Once he left the room, Starrk called out "You can come in now. Nel. Lilynette."
In a flash, Sojun saw his son appear with another girl and the woman who previously took him away, "Byakuya!" he called out and his child came running into his arms.
Inhaling the familiar comforting scent of his child in his embrace, Sojun calmed down feeling his eyes become wet with relief. "It's okay Chichi-Ue. You're safe now. Otou-San told me to look out for you when he is not there." Sojun smiled into his son's shoulder. His boy has grown well. They remained in that position, even when the older female approached them.
"I would like to apologize for causing you pain." She began bashfully, "I wasn't aware that you were Ichigo-Sama's mate and cub."
Both Sojun and Byakuya stared at her as she bowed. Then Starrk spoke up as he leaned against the wall and slid to the floor, "We will be providing you with protection until he arrives." Nel sat on the floor beside him and pulled Lilynette onto her lap. Although the girl at first protested, she gradually settled down and began to doze off in the woman's arms.
Overcoming the surprise in his system, "Thank you." Sojun nodded his head, "But may I ask why you are doing this and refer to my husband as such."
"We both are well acquainted with your mate." Nel answered as she stroked Lilynette's hair, "And he helped us a great deal during his time here."
"Time here?" Sojun repeated, but then he remembered, "Yes, he did mention spending some time in Hueco Mundo before coming to Soul Society."
Nel nodded, "Yes, during his time here he helped many hollows during their time of carrying, ensuring they were provided for and protected. It was also during this time I had lost my mate, and I was carrying my first litter. As you know the first is always the toughest, so he found me very near starved and exhausted from being chased by a pack of crazed adjuchas. After he killed the hollows for me to feast on he took me under his wing and acted as a surrogate sire. Due to his aide I was able to give birth to Pesche Guatiche and Dondochakka Birstanne." Smiling to herself, "I was the first carrier hollow he looked after."
"You mean your fraccións are-" Byakuya asked shocked by the revelation.
Nel's expression harden, "They were not always like that." A snarl formed on her lips, "Before I made them my fraccións, I found them with their masks forcibly ripped off by that man, Nnoitra Gilga and that despicable mate of his, Szayelaporro Granz." The manner in which she spat out the names as if saying it would poison her.
Sojun nodded with empathy, even if it meant his death he would do anything to protect his child. However there was a flicker of contempt and jealousy when he found out that Ichigo had helped many others in a similar manner as well. Despite knowing his husband would never be unfaithful towards him, he could help but wonder was Ichigo intimate with the woman sitting across from him. Did he remain with her after the children were born and help raise them. She was beautiful and well-endowed and, from the way she treated the little girl, very nurturing as well.
"Fear not Ichigo-Sama's mate." She spoke up again smiling at him, "What you have with Ichigo-Sama, I've never had with him. Hollow pairs generally part after the birth, and the dam would look after the litter. Which is what I did with those two cubs. I was fairly strong and was able to protect and provide for them, so his presences was no longer needed. It is rare for a sire to stay with a dam, and rarer still is a mated pair." Seeing the confused looks of the shinigami and teen, she elaborated, "That is when a dam and sire would remain together and have multiple litters. Generally only Vasto Lorde would act as such and I have only come across two such pairs in my life span; as I mentioned before, one such pairing is Nnoitra Gilga and Szayelaporro Granz. Although they were already arrancar when they mated. If given a few more decades they could have evolved into Vasto Lorde, since both of them were high level adjuchas at the time Aizen met them."
Turning her attention to Sojun, "The other is Ichigo-Sama and you."
Sojun flushed at the comparison, but said nothing. It made sense since they identified his husband as a Hollow. Compared to Soul Society, the beings in Hueco Mundo are far more accepting; which was a rather depressing fact, since they were considerably more primitive in many other ways. Looking at the now sleeping male, he asked Nel, "Is that the same story for him as well?"
It was the little one on her lap that answered with a yawn, "Ichi-Nii, saved us." She answered sleepily, "He saved us from being lonely." Gesturing to Starrk's sleeping figure, "We have a lot of reiatsu, so anyone who couldn't stand the pressure would die. This made everyone avoid us, until Ichi-Nii came out of nowhere and stood in front of us as if it was nothing. He was our first friend. He taught us how to control our reiatsu so we would not kill anyone else."
Sojun nodded and Lilynette went back to sleep on Nel's lap. Pulling Byakuya into a tighter embrace he smiled, his husband was truly someone not from this universe.
A/N: 'Shitagi' is the undershirt they wear and the 'Kosode' is the top. While as many of you know the 'Hakama' is the pants.
The Espada ranking would be the same from zero to sixth, save for Nel taking Harribel's place. She would ranked seventh, pushing everyone below a number down. Aaroniero Arruruerie would not make it to Espada level since Metastacia couldn't be created by Aizen in this fic.
Those who are interested in IchiGrim, I have written a One-Shot 'Menthol Blue', and I am taking prompts as well. There are a few conditions I have mentioned on my profile, so please check them out before you suggest anything. Drop a message or an anon review (if you don't have a FFnet account) with what you have in mind, and I'll see what I can do.
Feel free to drop a comment and anything is welcome; constructive criticism, questions, suggestions, opinions, comments, corrections etc.