Disclaimer: Bleach and all affiliated characters and settings are the creative property of Kubo Tite and all companies holding title to its distribution. Used for non-profit entertainment purposes.

Warnings: vague-ish references to nastiness, dark/weird/divergent!AU-ish type stuff (again), strong language, mild spoilers for Soul Society arc

And here's the second one to the same prompt. Very different, yes? 8D

July 11 Prompt: Brainwashing, take 2

Self-Destruction

There haven't been many times in which I've seen the King so afraid. He refuses to show fear in front of me, but he seems to forget that I can see everything, even if I don't always say anything. I am him, whether or not he chooses to admit it.

Almost every time he's frightened, it has something to do with that shinigami chick, Rukia. Or one of the King's precious friends, but lately that usually amounts to Rukia. Don't blame him for liking her – she is a fine piece of ass, if I do say so myself. This time isn't any different, except that it is. Something happened between him and Rukia, and it's bothering him.

I know he's scared shitless, uncertain. He thinks I did something. Hell, it isn't my fault this time. He may think it is, but I swear on Zangetsu that it isn't. He did this himself, and just doesn't want to admit it. I may enjoy taking a crack at him whenever I find an opening, but I refuse to take the blame for something that he's done on his own, especially if knowing that it isn't my fault causes him more pain.

Oh, it's so delicious, watching him freak out over a little act of indiscretion. Especially since it involves his dear Rukia, and because he doesn't remember. He's calling me out, challenging me, demanding to know what the hell he thinks I've done, but I think I'll just stay here and watch the show. The only problem I have not being in control for the time being is the fact that I can't see how she's reacting to all this.

It must be a thing o' beauty.

Although, if I were to voice my opinion, I think it probably isn't the King's doing this time, either. I have a feeling that Aizen has something to do with what happened; the man is a master of illusion, after all. That kind of power just... mmm. I can't imagine why Ichigo isn't drawn to that kind of person. It's the damn hero complex. Funny thing is, even though Ichigo and I are one and the same, it hasn't even occurred to Ichigo yet that he might not be at fault.

But then again, without that hero complex and that kind of knowledge, Ichigo wouldn't be tearing himself up right now. And if he doesn't pay attention to what's going on here, I'm going to most assuredly remind him that I'm not dormant. He thinks he's hurting now; when I'm through with him, my victory will be sealed.

And the first thing I'll do is thank this Aizen guy for starting the job for me. Whatever he's got going for him – if it has Ichigo this damn confused and troubled and self-destructing – it's good.