Disclaimer: Man, saying this all the time makes me tired… I do not own Bleach. XP

Me: I've been having these weird dreams lately… NO, not those sexual ones! WEIRD ones! T.T And a disturbing thought just crossed my mind, so I'm pretty jumpy right now!

Vivian: HEY, Michelle!

Me: WAH! (jumps in air) Don't scare me like that, Vivian! Dx

Vivian: Huh? But I didn't do anything!

Me: Just shut up, please! I'm freaking out here!

Vivian: (kicks me) Meanie!

Me: Shit, don't do that! DX That hurts! It really hurts! (drops to floor crying)

Vivian: Oh, please! (drags me by the arm) C'mon, everyone's waiting for you! Just leave those people alone now---they want to read the story, not read you freaking out!

Me: (sniff) Can you at least carry me? xD

Vivian: I thought you were crying. O.o (stops)

Me: Uh… If I am, will you carry me?

Vivian: (drops me) I'm not dragging you no more. (leaves)

Me: No, wait! You know I don't like walking fast! Dx

Vivian: I'm not even walking fast! Ur just slow!

Me: (sigh) Might as well wait for someone else to come by and drag me… Oh yeah, i found a song--LoL--that kinda fits Aizen. So if u wanna listen to it, it's called Getting away With Murder by Papa Roaches. Weird name sure but it's a pretty good song, especially if u like rock. xD

--------------- BLEACH ---------------

Chapter18: Will You Be My Savior?

Soi sat in the room, alone with a blank gaze and disordered thoughts. Kuukaku and Urahara were somewhere else in the province; the two had left on the unspoken request of Soi wanting to be left alone. The conversation from earlier continued to replay in her mind, over and over again.

Flashback

"Yoruichi," he told her hesitantly, "She… Soi, she's been sold to Aizen."

Everything seemed to stop; the air no longer breathable and sound muffed by the last pounding beat of her heart. This feeling she had felt before, but still she was not used to it. What Yoruichi stirs up inside her was always something astonishing. Then everything seemed to revive again, and her heart resumed its regular pace. "Aizen?" Soi repeated. She was caught off guard at the unfamiliar name. "And who is he?"

The shopkeeper glanced up carefully. "You can say he works in the dark; pulls the strings, makes the plans," Urahara waved his hands. "But he is considerably dangerous, Soi Fong." A warning gleam entered his eyes. "If Yoruichi really is sold to him, there may be no chance of getting her back."

Rage began to seethe through Soi's veins. She refused to believe saving Yoruichi was a lost hope. She gritted her teeth. "How did she get sold in the first place, Urahara?" she demanded with a hiss. "Yoruichi cannot be sold. I just saw her two days ago! Not a week nor a month. It was simply two days!"

Urahara gave her a sad look but Soi didn't want none of that. She also didn't want to lose Yoruichi either. "Soi," he said gently, "Please calm do---"

"No, I won't calm down Urahara!" Soi shouted with her fists at her sides. "I can't afford to lose her! I can't lose Yoruichi."

He watched her glare at him, a scorching intensity within her silver gray eyes. He sighed and, realizing Soi had slowly stood up while shouting, wearily signaled the lithely woman to sit down. When she did not comply, Kuukaku decided to help.

Soi hadn't noticed the engineer coming from behind, but then she felt a hand lightly gripping her shoulder. She flinched.

"Soi," Kuukaku said, her voice surprisingly soothing yet it held that same fond gruffness of the engineer. "Listen to Urahara right now. If you really do want to save Yoruichi, you're going to need a clear head and all the information you can get," she pointed, concerned.

"But I...," the younger woman wanted to protest.

Kuukaku gave her a look, silencing her friend immediately. "Remember Soi... All we're doing is trying to help you. We want to free Yoruichi, too you know."

At that, Soi Fong angrily opened her mouth to say something, to refuse, to deny, to shout and tell them she wasn't going to sit there and listen while Yoruichi was with some unknown man, but nothing came out because she knew her friends were both correct. The petite woman, now feeling guilty of her actions and foolishness, bowed her head and dropped her gaze to the floor. Her mouth was set into a grim line and, after a minute, Soi gave a jerk of her head to signal an 'okay'. She was being selfish, especially by acting the way she did with her outburts. Soi Fong bit her lip and proceeded to sit down. Kuukaku was right. Urahara was right. She needed to sit down and listen…at least, for now. When Soi sat down, Kuukaku stood there for a few more moments before returning into her own seat. Urahara cleared his throat.

"Yoruichi's father, Shihouin Hitoshi, hasn't been the…most wonderful father in the world since his wife died," he informed the two. Soi Fong stayed quiet and Kuukaku prepared herself to listen to the whole story again. "Yoruichi told me he's been doing dangerous dealings and he's stuck in crossfire. How he had gotten power of the strip clubs here, she has no clue but she's definitely sure something fishy has been going on since the day he brought her into this mess. She's been attempting to persuade her father out but he never listened. He merely tells her to strip and give him her money." Kisuke glimsped Soi's eyes flash but still she didn't say anything. It looked like she was struggling to hold it in, though. "Aizen," he said now getting to the point, "is the most treacherous person you'll ever meet in these streets. He possesses countless thugs and there are plenty of puppets within his control. Once you make a deal with him, there is only two simple ways out. One," Urahara held up a finger, his eyes dead serious, "You do as he says. Easy enough if you don't mind getting a bit dirty. And two," he holds up another finger, "You kill yourself. There's another desperate option where you run away but it also has a slim chance that you'll still live." He waited patiently and soon enough, Soi finally couldn't hold it in any longer.

"But," Soi said struggling to not yell again, "hasn't Yoruichi and her father been doing what he says? Aren't they…free, now?" She looked at him questioningly, a tad bit confused with what he was telling her and still a little bit more than angry.

"Yes, but her father kept going to Aizen for power. If you ask me, he sounds like a blindly willing servant," Urahara replied amusedly.

"Then how…" Soi shook her head and inquired, "How did Yoruichi get sold to Aizen? Surely her father couldn't…"

"He was tricked," the shopkeeper answered easily. "He was gambling drunk with the man and was somehow fooled into betting Yoruichi and lost, the round most likely rigged." Kisuke nonchalantly played with his hat for a few seconds before casually putting it back on. "Even though she is a stripper, it isn't part of a stripper's so-called contract for their boss to put them up for sale like that. Aizen had found a way through that and decided to gamble with Hitoshi while he was drunk. With luck and power by his side, Aizen easily won the bet with no effort at all." The usually cheerful man brought a hand to his chin thoughfully. "What I can't understand is how Hitoshi reacted when he woke up and found that he had lost his daughter."

"What did he do?" Soi asked curiously. She was intrigued to know how the man responded when he found Yoruichi was no longer his kin to claim.

"He went crazy, duh." This time Kuukaku spoke and Soi turned her attention to her. Urahara allowed the engineer to continue. "Everything was most likely a mess since cat-woman told Kisuke here he was destroying furniture. Hitoshi, or whatever the hell his name is, was throwing off the men and yelling stupid stuff like, 'What did you do to Yoruichi?! Where is she? Where is my daughter?!', you know? Then the dumbass got his lights punched off and was thrown into the streets." Here Kuukaku chuckled. "Yoruichi found him and was able to get this info before she was taken away, if you'd already guessed that. We don't know where her father is now...and we're not so sure where the hell Yoruichi is either," she said while massaging the back of her neck and cracking it from right to left, almost shrugging.

"So basically, Hitoshi is who knows where while Yoruichi..." Soi's voice falters for a second. "...Yoruichi is...with Aizen, but we don't know where he is?"

The Shiba woman shrugged once more as if saying, 'Hey, you're asking the wrong person---there's a genius right in front of you and he's wearing a beach hat so go ask him' and the shopkeeper quickly decided to take things from here. "Well techniquely, we have a few conjectures of his whereabouts but even if we do find him, we need to consider the consequences and possibilities of any type of situation that may occur. This is a very serious matter, so we can't go through this carelessly and without a thought."

Understanding this, Soi found herself agreeing if only a bit reluctantly. "So we need a plan," Soi Fong pronounced with a small hint of a scowl. Things didn't look too good in her point of view, but even so, she was set on finding Yoruichi and tearing that Aizen apart...somehow.

Urahara confirmed that by nodding. "Yes and unfortuantely, that's basically all we know so far." He glanced towards Kuukaku and the master engineer nodded after catching his gaze. "We'll leave you by yourself. Come out when you're ready," he told Soi Fong before standing up.

Soi gave a small, curt nod in response, knowing she would need the time given, and stared at the table. The young woman heard the shoji door slide open and, before it closed, Kuukaku's voice telling her, "Don't think about it too much Soi. We'll get her in no time, I'm sure of it."

Once the waitress was sure she was all alone, she let out a soft sigh and massaged her temples. How could things get so out of hand? Soi thought aggravated. "Damn it Yoruichi," she whispered out into the empty room. "Why is it things always get complicated when they revolve around you?"

End of Flashback

Soi was tired of thinking. She didn't want to do this anymore. All she wants now is Yoruichi, but she can't have her...not when some man is keeping her close. Her anger was flaring from time to time and the waitress was uncertain with what to do. She had to admit that at least. Then her anger flared again, much like a geyser, and her hands balled into tight fists.

"Stupid Aizen, I'm gonna kill that bastard when I see him!" Soi snarled under her breath. Keeping her anger under control was a feat she had no trouble at all with but right now, she felt like exploding. Kuukaku's words of keeping a cool head was what was stopping her from barging out and looking through every nook and cranny for Aizen and Yoruichi. The ex-racer took in a deep breath to calm her nerves.

---In the room next to Soi's---

Kuukaku was leaning lightly on a wall while Urahara had taken to it himself to sit on one of the room's armchairs. Seriously, if he could ever convince the Shiba woman to give him a few of her super comfortable almost heaven-on-earth chairs or cushions, he could make a fortune...not that he doesn't make a fortune already. Any second now, he knew the engineer would get impatient and say something about Soi taking too long. Just wait, wait, and...

"She's been in there for awhile now," Kuukaku suddenly remarked dryly.

See? He was always correct. Hiding a smirk, he pretended to clear his throat to cover a victory cry. Kisuke waited for his triumphant moment to pass before replying quite calmly, "It's a lot to take in, you should know that." He then made a sideways glance. "Tell me Kuukaku, what made you change your attitude towards this? When I was explaining this to you, you didn't look too eager to help but when we were with Soi, well… It seemed like you really did want to lend a hand and be of assistance. Why is that?" At the corner of his eye he saw the woman shift uneasily.

"I… I didn't like the look on Soi's face," she confessed. "I wanted to help."

"…You don't want her to be unhappy is what you're trying to say?"

Kuukaku glanced back at the shopkeeper, the brim of his hat covering his face. Now irritated, she crossed her arms and leaned back onto the wall behind her. "Che, if you know so much then why are you asking?"

The corners of his lips quirked slightly and he gave a lighthearted shrug. "Oh, I dunno," he said gaily as always. "Maybe it's because I like to know that my observations are correct?"

Kuukaku rolled her eyes and saw the small smirk on his lips. "You're a real pain in the ass, you know that Urahara?" She massaged the back of the neck. "Just like that Yoruichi, I swear. If you two were scheming together I think I'd run for cover."

This made the man chuckle. "Thanks for the compliment. I'm sure she would be more than happy to accept the flattering remark as well."

"It wasn't flattery," she told him bluntly with a roll of the eyes.

Suddenly the shoji door opened and the two's attention swung towards it. Soi Fong was at its entrance. Her storm gray eyes were focused and stern while her posture showed no distress she must be feeling inside. She looked like the old Soi; the Soi who never remembered a Yoruichi Shihouin. Her eyes flowed from one to the other and she felt strength enter her body again. She felt lighter and now knowing what her aim will be, determination lined her features.

I meant my promise, Yoruichi. I'll be here for you no matter what and whatever happens, I'll save you. I PROMISE, Soi thought firmly in her mind.Eyes flickered and Soi cleared her throat, ignoring the curious gazes locked onto her. "I'm ready," she announced fiercely. "Do we have a plan set out yet?"

----------------- BLEACH ---------------------

--In Aizen's HQ--

Aizen watches Yoruichi sleep in the chair provided. Her ankles, wrists, and waist was chained to the chair that was steeled and bloted into the floor. A cloth was tied around her mouth, ready to muffle whatever words she chose to yell once awakened. It's been two days since he has taken Yoruichi into his hands. It's been two days, and still he was willing to wait a few more to get what he wanted. Generous and patient as he was, his bad side was far more cruel and he knew more than two thirds of his being was just that. Heartless, and malevolent. When he noticed the stripper's eyes fluttering open, a smirk flew to his lips. This should be interesting, he thought while leaning forward.

A groan and a few incoherent mumbles here, but Yoruichi's eyes were still closed and sleepy. When the woman found she couldn't rub her eyes, she blinked them confusingly and tried to clear her vision blurred by sleep. W...What? A figure slowly appeared...brown, slicked back hair...a smirk... Eyes immediately flashing open, her body's reaction went forward to jump the man and a snarl escaped her lips when she found she couldn't go any closer. She glimsped down and spotted the chains holding her back. So it really wasn't a dream; she was in Aizen's clutches and her father, Hitoshi, had supposedly escaped somewhere as she had instructed him to. Back those two days ago, she couldn't believe the man was even listening to what she said---maybe the bet he lost changed him more than she would've expected.

"You're finally awake, princess."

Yoruichi looked up with a glare. She couldn't retort with the cloth in her mouth.

Amusement sparkled in Aizen's eyes. "Oh, do you wish for me to untie this cloth? I'm afraid I can't do that unless you promise to be a good girl, Shihouin." He was playing with her. He's not bothering with doing anything right now. Torture and pyhsical pain would not affect this woman, oh no, he was sure it would accomplish nothing but more despise. But you know, when some may look invincible on the outside...there's always the inside that you can prey on. In this round of the game, he plans on attacking just like that. He leaned in close, his mouth settling beside her ear and he knew with how still she sat, she was curious to know what he was about to tell her. He inquired in a low whisper, "Tell me, Miss Shihouin... Tell me..." His smirk, one that would fit an evil ruler, claimed his face. Yoruichi tensed to what was to come. "What is it...that you cherish most?" He heard an almost silent gasp but with the proximity he had, he could still hear it even with the cloth still tied around her mouth.

He continued to attack. "Is there someone in your life worth holding onto? Is there someone out there right now who is willing to come and save you?" He moved back to see the expression Yoruichi wore. A mixture of shock and fear was what he saw and it seems he was doing very well. Pleased with the outcome, he stood up straightly. His eyes stared down at the form of the tanned woman. "Care to share your knowledge with us...Yoruichi?" His hand came up to the back of her head and after a few fast seconds, the cloth slowly fell to the floor, forgotten.

Yoruichi's mouth was now partly open and her eyes were wide. She struggled to breathe evenly, to calm herself from the shock of Aizen's suggestive tone. Did he know about Soi...? About...everything? Something was crying for her to cooperate, for Soi Fong's sake. Deep down, something else was telling her to play it safe, go with a clueless act and a facade, hoping that he won't see through. Seeing that she was never one for betrayal, she easily picked the second option and took a deep breath. She was going to need it.

She glared up at the man, surprising him if only by a little. He must've thought he had her figured out, knew her weakness.. And maybe he did, but she wasn't about to let him know he was right. "You're a spiteful, sneaky, two-faced, despicable coward Aizen!" Yoruichi spat while starting to suddenly thrash about in the seat she was chained to. "You think you know everything, well tough luck! You may think you know, but you don't! I bet you don't even know my favorite color! Or what I like to eat! You don't know, do you?!" Yoruichi growled and became more furious when Aizen regained his composure and kept the smirk on his face. "Wipe that smirk off your face, Aizen! You have nothing to be smiling about!" she screamed and began to fight the chains more violently.

Aizen only chuckled, rather disappointed by Yoruichi's response. "You have such a fighting spirit, Miss Shihouin," the shady man remarked amusedly. "Even so, everyone has their own limits." He strode forward, lightly brushing her cheek with the back of his hand. Fury rising in her gut, Yoruichi snapped to bite but he pulled back too quickly, her jaws snapping where his hand was a second too late. Her eyes were filled with enraged contempt and his malicious smile widened. "Wouldn't you agree, Gin?"

His most valued partner in crime appeared out the shadows. A creepy smirk adorned the man's face. He had squinty eyes but the woman in the room knew better---she'd rather have them squinty then fully opened. His short silver hair was a mystery, but natural, and explained why he had a name that meant 'silver'. She hated him too. "Oh yes, I quite agree with you there Aizen," he replied while eyeing her. He moved closer towards the two and chuckled to himself when Yoruichi shot him a death glare. "I've got news about old man Hitoshi," he said smirking, revealing the reason why he was there.

Yoruichi's golden eyes widened. "What about my father?" she demanded venomously. Yoruichi soon realized the men were ignoring her and that made her extremely pissed off. She sat there glaring; it was all she could do.

Aizen turned away from the glowering Yoruichi even though he knew what Gin was going to say. "Gone?" he speculated.

"Correct as always," his partner grinned.Yoruichi's form relaxed in relief, but only by a little. Gin continued, "Do you want to stay searching for the old man, hm Aizen?" Yoruichi's head jerked up at this, her golden eyes staring at the two men who were deciding Hitoshi's future.

"No," the man responded, pulling out his glasses. He placed them on. "It would be a waste of invaluable time." Aizen made his way out the room. "Miss Shihouin has yet to be cooperating. Have Ulquiorra show her to her room, Ichimaru. Once that is done, I would like you to meet me at the Royal Passage if you will."

The silver haired man shrugged. "Whatever you say, captain."

Yoruichi watched the door close, her wrists barely having the strength to fight anymore and when the door finally did close and Aizen couldn't be seen, she gritted her teeth to stop herself from screaming. I have to devise a plan, otherwise I'm toast! she thought urgently, trying to convince herself to stay cool-headed. Stay calm… Stay calm… Stay calm... she chanted in her head but there was just one of too many things stopping her from achieving that.

Damnit, why did this have to happen now of all times? Soi and I had just made up and now... It's like everything's turning against me---some luck I have. She shook her head and barely heard Gin call for Ulquiorra. Who's in more danger now? Me...or Soi? She didn't want that question to be answered.

-------------- BLEACH --------------

Me: So, how do you guys like that? I'm still editing chapters, so ha ha. XD And i only just finished this so tell me what u think and criticize and all---i know i need some improving!

Abe: (comes in with coke) O.o WTF r u doing, idiot?

Me:Wha? (whips around) Hey, I am NOT an idiot! T.T And where did u get that coke?! O.O Must---Have---Coke!

Abe: From the fridge, Fake Septhiroth. (sip)

Me: (gasp) Play rock paper scissors with me! O.O We shall call this "The Ultimate Battle of Coke!" And the prize is…ur coke!!

Abe: (spits out drink like a sprinkler) Is this a challenge?!

Me: (gasp) My prize! T.T I shall avenge my coke! (gets into rock paper scissors stance) Paper Claw Slash!

Abe: (gets into rock paper scissors stance) Old Man Kung Fu Scissors

Paper Claw Slash spins into hurricane---multiple slaps to Abe's face! Abe has taken 1500 DMG!

Old Man Kung Fu Scissors sonic stabs, piercing Michelle multiple times! CRITICAL HIT---Michelle receives 4500 DMG!!

Me: Ugh, I can't believe I lost… I won't allow myself to be defeated!

Michelle heals 80 percent of damage! Aura surrounds Michelle.

Abe: Staff Lord Power!! Special Attack: Might of the Dragon, Ram, and Obliteration!!!

(Incantation seals appear and annihilation ensues)

Michelle counters!

Me: Blade Aura!! Special Attack: Final Clash of the Two Moons!!!

(silver aura dragons comes forth and both attacks collide)

Abe: …o.O

Me: …Dx

Abe: Ha ha, what now punk bitch?! I'm still drinking thee coke! Ownage!

Me: (still on ground and raises finger)…F U…and I am not a punk bitch. (drops back to ground unconscious) Dx