ALIVE

It may have taken a zanpakuto piercing his body from behind so a bastard could undermine him and take over his fight, and being flung into the desert to die, forgotten, to get Grimmjow Jeaggerjaques to fully open his eyes, but when he finally did, he sure as hell did like what he was seeing.

Grimmjow Jeaggerjaques lay on the formerly white sands of Hueco Mundo; the area where he lay was dyed crimson from the blood gushing out of the wound in his mid section. He was going. What a way to die, forgotten on the battle by comrade and enemy alike, not even able to finish his last fight. It was just another example of how little everyone thought of him; no form of acknowledgement whatsoever. No one even bothered to ensure that he was actually done for before moving on. Lying on the ground, awaiting death, all alone, only one thing was going through his mind, he was fed up. Fed up with it all; especially Aizen.

Grimmjow Jeaggerjaques couldn't take it anymore. He was at his last straw with Aizen and the whole becoming god thing. He had had enough. Enough of the man's orders, his condescending looks, his manipulation and most of all his plans. Enough of working for him. Being on his death bed may not have been the prime time to realize the he wanted out, he wanted freedom, to live for something else, and make something more of his life, but at least he did. He was not going to die oblivious of his own true desire.

Grimmjow had never really liked Aizen, nor supported his efforts, but now, he wanted nothing to do with them. He looked back at his life, wondering how on earth it had ended up like this. As a hollow in hueco mundo, Grimmjow had always felt lost, all he knew was his desire for power and acknowledgement and he clung to that, if only to justify his existence. So when Aizen had recruited him with the promise of power, he had accepted. From the beginning, both he and his 'leader' had an understanding; Grimmjow felt no compelling loyalty to Aizen whatsoever. He was in it for the power.

Aizen was fine with this, for Grimmjow had great potential and he thought that sooner or later, Grimmjow would come to serve him faithfully, and for now, fear more or less kept him in check. All in all Grimmjow had come to be more or less content with life in Las Noches, it was interesting, to say the least, which made up for the fact that he had to be around people like Ulquiorra, Szayel, Aizen and Gin, just to name a few.

He remembered, when he had now become a hollow, he had been overcome with misery, a sense of emptiness that had been clawing at him from the inside, ripping apart his none existent heart, and an insatiable hunger. A hunger for meaning in his life, a hunger for a reason to exist, a hunger for freedom; a hunger to live, not to simply be alive, but to live. Life was painful, boring. Each day was just about finding another hollow to eat [Grimmjow had always refrained from hunting and eating human souls, he told himself that it was because he thought that was below him, as he thought them too weak] in order to support his empty existence; it was all he had to live for. Why did he want to survive this hell hole? Even he didn't know, but he was determined to do it anyway. He thought it was in order to show his strength, to prove to whoever was testing him that he could best it all.

Then, when he had met the others like Yldforte, Shaolong and Di-Roy, things had improved a little. At least he had company, and a definite goal to work toward now. Then came Aizen. Living in Las Noches, with his companions as fracciones was nice. And he had a bunch of strong arrancar at his disposal to choose from whenever he wanted to have fun and challenge himself.

When the war started, he thought things would get even more interesting, and he was proved right, especially by the existence of one Kurosaki Ichigo. Grimmjow grinned at the thought. Kurosaki was a great rival, a strong and determined kid too; admirable characteristics.

Hey, why did I want to kill him so badly again? I know I always wanted to fight him for the fun, and to prove myself, but kill him?

Because, that's how it works. In order to prove yourself, you thought you had to kill him. Life in hueco mundo has always been a battle to the death.

Yeah, but why? I mean, he's just trying to save everyone… wait, nevermind, this has got to be the pain talking.

The voice in his mind chuckled before continuing.

Maybe you were just trying to show him that no matter how hard you try sometimes you can't save everyone, life isn't that simple. Plus, I think you wanted him to kill you and prove you wrong.

What? You're sayin I'm suicidal?

Nope, I'm just saying life here sucks, and you didn't want to go out at the hands of a bastard like Aizen, which you know it would've most likely come down to eventually, cuz we both know you were never going to become the humble loyal servant he was hoping you would, and you'd never fully go along with his plans. So you chose someone whose hands you didn't mind dying by.

Yep, definitely suicidal!

Interpret it as you wish, but you can't deny it.

Well, anyways, if that was the plan, it didn't really happen like it was supposed to, huh? I'm still dying at the hands of a little shithead, maybe Aizen would've been better, at least he was a big one.

At the thought of Aizen, Grimmjow's temper skyrocketed. He had never liked or respected the man, Aizen was just a big bully, with a serious superiority complex. But it was only now, lying here, waiting for death, after being stabbed in the back by scum like Nnoitra, that Grimmjow realized. He realized why he felt the constant need to disobey Aizen, why he felt reluctant to carry out Aizen's orders, why he wanted enough power to dethrone the bastard eventually. It wasn't because, as he had originally told himself when faced with these questions, that he wanted the seat of power for himself. He actually didn't give a damn about that. He never wanted to rule anyone, he just didn't want anyone to rule him. It wasn't even solely because of his pride. It was because he couldn't stand self important bastards who thought the world should and did revolve around them, and Aizen was the epitome of that. Then he realized that, more so, he hated that Aizen was killing innocent people just to make himself god, but the realization that struck him the hardest was that he was an accessory to it all. His instincts to fight, to escape boredom, to gain power had all clouded his mind. He had sat back and watched as Aizen planned to kill a town full of people for a key! He also followed orders from the bastard and helped to attack said town. He had let himself be used, let his mind be fogged, just so some power hungry maniac could threaten lives and take over the worlds. Grimmjow mustered enough energy to let out an audible groan of anger.

Shit, that hurt!

He couldn't take it, he couldn't believe he let himself be controlled by Aizen. And that was how Grimmjow Jeaggerjaques had realized he had had enough! Enough of Aizen, enough of this meaningless war. It was stupid. Aizen was just selfish and evil.

I hope Kurosaki kills him!

So you're gonna let him steal all the glory and fun?

Yeah, what else can I do, at least that bastard'll die.

Hmm. So you're not even gonna try to clean up this mess you had a hand in making? Or at least show Aizen that he doesn't control you? I'm disappointed…

Shut the hell up!

Grimmjow gathered his energy, and, taxing his muscles to the max, heaved his bloody form off the ground. He could almost hear the voice in his head smirk. He definitely did hear the smugness in it when it next spoke.

I see you've finally come to your senses.

Grimmjow didn't have much energy left, his reiatsu was practically none existent. But he knew for sure that he was the only Espada left, he could feel it. He had sensed when Ulquiorra's reiatsu had disappeared from above the dome, then Yammy's went out too, eventually, and for some unexplainable reason, he just knew the others out in the human world had met the same fate.

And I bet Aizen doesn't even care one bit.

Of course not. You were all just tools to him.

Grimmjow snarled. While he had never really liked his comrades, hell, he even wanted some of them dead, he couldn't help but feel his hatred for Aizen rise to new levels, and to feel sympathy for them. They too had probably been misguided and lost, drawn to Aizen because of the beacon of power that he was. Many of them definitely didn't strike Grimmjow as evil, especially not in the take over the world kind of way. They were just contented to live life. A life they thought Aizen had provided for them, and would maintain if they stuck with him, and thus, they worshipped him. But he didn't give a damn about them. He had manipulated them all. Grimmjow gave a snarl of fury, and drawing energy from the wave of hatred and determination that had suddenly washed over him, he ripped open the fabric of space, and stepped through the garganta.

He would show them all, especially Aizen. Show them that he obeyed no one, that he had to live up to no one's expectations, that he and he alone was in control of himself. Hollow or not, it didn't matter. What mattered was what he believed in, what he thought was right, and from now on, that would be what he fought for. That was when he realized, why, no matter how many fights he had had and won, he had never felt fulfilled or content, and had continued to search for more. All those fights were empty, despite what he had thought at the time, his heart wasn't in them, he did it just to relieve the boredom, the reason wasn't strong enough. He had still been searching. Searching to find himself. But now, like lightning, it had struck him. He had found it, the thoughts and feelings that fuelled the fire in the eyes of the real Grimmjow Jeaggerjaques. No longer was he hopelessly empty. He had found a reason to fight, and now, he knew why he had always had such a strong desire for power. It was to protect. To protect what he thought was right, what he thought was worth fighting for. To uphold his beliefs and values. To preserve his ideals, and to prevent that terrible emptiness from spreading further. Even though this would most likely be his last fight, he knew he had now truly begun to live, and it was an exhilarating feeling. It was thrilling, comforting, terrifying and heart warming all at the same time. He was ALIVE.

It was ironic that it really turned out to be because of Aizen that he had filled some of the emptiness inside and found some meaning for his existence. He had something to live for, to cling to. The feelings were foreign, but he felt as if they were so natural to him. He welcomed them as they flooded his entire being. Standing straight in a determined pose, forgetting about his wounds and fatigue, Grimmjow stepped out of the garganta, his eyes ablaze, all his newfound emotions swimming in their blue depths.

In fake Karakura town, the battle raged. All the espada were down, and yet the battle only seemed to get tougher. Ichigo was fighting Gin [more like standing around with him and watching Aizen's fight] while Isshin, Kisuke and Yoruichi were trying to fight Aizen. They were no match. Together with the hyogoukou, Aizen was proving to be almost unstoppable. Engrossed with the battle at hand, no one noticed the garganta that had appeared in the sky. Grimmjow's unsubstantial reiatsu also went unnoticed. Aizen was countering every move any of his three opponents threw at him. Then, he spoke, saying that he'd make them understand his power. Whilst Gin was taunting Ichigo to run, Aizen took down his three opponents. He moved toward Gin and Ichigo, telling his comrade that they'd go to the Karakura Town in Soul Society instead of breaking the barriers.

Grimmjow looked at the scene revealed to him when the garganta opened. Ichigo and Gin were switching between staring at each other to staring at four other people. Everyone else present was also doing the latter. He looked at the four people. There was Urahara Kisuke, Shihoin Yoruichi, a man he didn't know and… what the hell is that?

Wait, did they just say Aizen? Oh yeah, listen to the arrogant bastard speak, it's him alright.

Then the man he didn't know spoke, "Getsuga – "

No way in hell!

" – Tensho!"

Okay, I missed some serious stuff!

Grimmjow had been on the receiving end of said attack too many times to not recognize it. But how the hell was this guy using Ichigo's attack? Aizen was unscathed after being hit with the attack, and in the process of subduing his opponents. After regaining his bearings, Grimmjow was about to charge, when the thing – Aizen – started to change, after turning towards Gin and Ichigo and addressing them both. The creepy looking exterior began to fall away, and out emerged Aizen – cocky smile and all – except it wasn't quite Aizen. His hair was longer, his expression even more overconfident and condescending, if that were possible, but most noticeable were his eyes. His eyes were no longer the usual coppery brown.

They were different.

Like Kurosaki's, when his hollow took over, black sclera and all.

Grimmjow snapped out of his daze when he registered that Aizen had said he was going to Karakura Town… in Soul Society! Eh? Then he turned to Ichigo and spoke. Simultaneously, Grimmjow took action; he wasn't about to let Aizen escape and cause more trouble; he wasn't going out without at least trying first.

…..

"…And I'll eat you afterwards." As soon as Aizen finished talking to Ichigo, he had to hastily sidestep a blue blur hurling toward him at hyperspeed; the incoming figure of Grimmjow.

"You bastard! You're not going anywhere!"

Pantera and Kyouka Suigetsu clashed several times, seen only as flashes of reflected light.

Grimmjow's fierce determination and the fact that everyone could barely sense him due to his drained reiatsu, coupled with Aizen's overconfidence was what allowed him even the slightest chance of getting their swords to connect. As a great Kuchiki once said 'Arrogance is often the undoing of a would be victor', never mind the outrageous hypocrisy that it was an arrogant bastard himself who said it.

Everyone in the vicinity was dumbfounded.

Why?

Well, one; no one saw that coming. Surprise surprise!

Two; OMG, someone actually almost got a hit on Aizen's shoulder and kept up enough to exchange quite a few blows with him.

And three; it was an Espada! Deranged, psychotic, murderous maniac himself, Grimmjow Jeaggerjaques.

Ichigo's eyes were wide.

It took him a while to finally comprehend the scene before him.

"Grimmjow, what the – " he began, surprise evident in his voice, but was cut off by Aizen.

"Ah, it seems I missed one. Should I leave him for you to play with, or should I kill him now?" he said to Ichigo. Grimmjow snarled.

"I'm here for you, you bastard!" he said, pointing at Aizen.

"Fine, you shall die now, if that is what you want."

Aizen appeared behind Grimmjow, his sword moving speedily, already at Grimmjow's neck. Grimmjow didn't have time to think, or try to dodge, as it all happened so fast, and the blade was already upon him, so, instead, he shot a cero over his shoulder, hoping to at least get that one shot in, as Aizen was at close range, and braced himself for the attack that was less than a nanosecond away.

However, it never came.

Aizen never felt his blade rip through the flesh and arteries of the Sexta Espada. His blade never even made contact.

It was all due to the fact that he was met with resistance by what seemed to be an invisible barrier. Grimmjow was surprised, but didn't question his good fortune. In the time that he had somehow managed to buy, he sonidoed a distance away from Aizen and turned to face him just in time to see the life saving force field shatter after prolonged contact with Aizen's zanpakuto.

Aizen smiled at Grimmjow.

"Interesting, I had no idea you had such abilities Grimmjow," a sliver of curiosity danced in the now black depths of his eyes but was soon replaced by the usual arrogance, "But no matter, whatever that ability was, it could never be a match for me."

Grimmjow, in actuality, had no idea what had just happened, he wasn't even sure if he was the one who did it, but there was no need to tell Aizen that.

"You barely have enough strength to stand, Grimmjow, let me end your pitiful existence now."

While each word Aizen uttered was meant to be mocking and discouraging, the effect they had on the Sexta Espada were quite opposite than intended. Each syllable out of the pseudo-god's mouth only served to fuel Grimmjow's determination to cut the man down further. He gathered the dregs of reiatsu flowing weakly through his body, and with energy he didn't know he had, he shouted, "Grind, Pantera!" His hair lengthened, as did his claws, gone was his jawbone mask, replaced by a forehead protector and plates of bonelike armour covering his body. Fierce determination shone in his eyes, as he shouted "Dessgaron!" and pointed at Aizen.

Aizen sidestepped the beam of energy with ease.

Grimmjow continued to unload a barrage of attacks on the man before him, but they had no effect. All the while, he was attempting to avoid Aizen's attacks. Miraculously, he had only acquired a few minor injuries, but he knew he was already way past his limit.

"It's time we end this meaningless little game," Aizen said, raising his zanpakuto, "Shatter – "

Aizen was about to release his zanpakuto, Grimmjow knew that no one would stand a chance against him if he did so, not that they really did even if he didn't. He also knew that the man could very well kill him without having to release his zanpakuto. In the miniscule amount of time between Aizen's words, Grimmjow's mind had begun working at an astoundingly fast rate. Thoughts flew in and out of his brain at speeds one would think impossible!

Hmpf! He just wants to show off!

Grimmjow was sure of one thing at the moment; he had to stop Aizen from attacking. He had to, but he had absolutely no idea how. His brain was in overdrive, searching frantically for answers. He had never thought so much, much less in so little time, before. He didn't even think it was possible. But try as he might, he could find no solutions to the problem. He could only be glad that time outside of his mind seemed to be moving in slow motion, so he could try to think.

" – Kyouka – "

Damnit! I don't have time!

As his panic kicked up a notch, Grimmjow could no longer keep his thoughts in check. They began whizzing around haphazardly, not giving him time to make sense of any. He was beginning to get a headache, and could no longer focus on the issue, while his mind seemed to have totally lost it. It was processing too much, and too fast, and not even information pertaining to the current predicament. It was straying, aimlessly, to anything and everything, from chocolate cake to his last fight with Ichigo.

Then suddenly, a random scene flashed through his mind. He had no idea where it came from. Did his mind finally snap? Was his mind beginning to put together imaginary and absurd scenes because of all the pressure he was under?

In the scene, there was a boy sitting under a tree. Grimmjow couldn't see the face, but the boy had a head of brown hair. In his hand, he gripped a stick, which was pointed menacingly at a little, brown dove. "Okay, time to test it out," the boy said, then, tightening his grip on the stick, he cleared his throat, and uttered one word, "Crucio!" The bird on the floor began to wriggle and twist, squawking in pain. The creature's agony was evident, even without its anguished cries. The sight was disturbing and sickening. Even Grimmjow felt pity for the poor bird.

No one deserved to go through that… well… no one except for Aizen, of course.

At that point, Grimmjow thought he wanted nothing more than to see Aizen in that bird's predicament, thrashing in unbearable pain, possibly even begging for mercy. That one thought filled his head, and he focused on it with everything he had, because, try as he might, he could think of nothing else.

The time it took for Grimmjow's mind to show him this was less than a pico-second, so Aizen had not finished with his release yet, the wave of thought that had hit the Sexta was instantaneous, and almost reflexive, when Aizen had begun to call upon Kyouka Suigetsu. Just as Aizen was about to finish the command, Grimmjow, his mind brimming with thoughts of a tortured Aizen, in his moment of desperation, pointed at Aizen, and screamed, "Crucio!"

…..

"Shatter, Kyouka Sui – " Aizen dropped his blade, as his body began to convulse with pain. He had no idea what was happening. Everything was fine until Grimmjow had shouted some nonsense at him. At first he had thought that the idiot had finally lost his mind, in trying to resist the inevitable end that was to come, but now it was evident that it was an attack. There was now searing pain coursing through his body. It was indescribable. He'd rather have a million knives stabbing him simultaneously, all over, repeatedly, than go through this torture. It took all he had to keep from screaming. Surely Grimmjow couldn't have done this to him, after all, he was untouchable, and yet here he was, barely able to see, due to the anguish that flooded his being. This was unforgiveable! Grimmjow would have to be punished in the cruellest way Aizen could think up, then he would try to make use of his Primera Espada, yes, he could win Grimmjow over by promoting him. After, he would try to uncover more of Grimmjow's hidden powers and the secrets behind them, so that he could use them to his advantage.

It was amazing that though Aizen was being subject to such intense torture, that his mind could continue to plot. Aizen was relieved when the pain subsided. He straightened up; he didn't even realize he had doubled over in his agony. His body was shaking, still trying to get over the pain. He personally thought that after that experience, his nervous system was totally and completely destroyed; royally screwed. He'd probably experience random bouts of pain for no particular reason for the rest of his life from now on, he thought, and some of his senses might start to periodically shut off. After being subject to that, nothing would surprise him; the pain was otherworldly.

Grimmjow stared in astonishment at what he had just done.

Yes, this time he was sure it was him; it had to be.

This was not the first time he had made strange, unexplainable things happen. Although, all along, he had been doubting if it really were him, he had actually been trying to convince himself otherwise in his mind. There were numerous incidents in Hueco Mundo that he couldn't explain, like that time Ulquiorra called him 'trashiest trash' and the Cuatra's hakama suddenly caught on fire. Of course, there was no proof that Grimmjow had done that, it just spontaneously ignited, at the same time that Grimmjow really wanted to attack the man. Grimmjow had just thought that the universe was on his side that day. Then, there was the time he had woken up in Szayel's lab, after said psycho had drugged [A/N: Si-hime, thinking bout u, lol!] him and taken him hostage to do experiments on. Of course, when Grimmjow regained consciousness, he pulverized the scientist until the pink of his hair was almost unnoticeable through the red of his blood, and his formerly pristine white clothing was soaked scarlet.

That was not strange.

The strangeness started when Szayel went missing. Of course, everyone thought Grimmjow had done something to him, but he hadn't; he refused to go back to that lab, much less within a few feet of the maniac. When they found Szayel, he was in one of his storage cupboards, pinned up to the wall with scalpels from all sides, quite a few scratches, cuts, bruises and other minor injuries decorated his body, a rubber bung stuffed up his left nostril, and the floor of the cupboard was littered with broken test tubes, forceps and scalpels that hadn't met their mark. When they had let him out, he was terrified. His eyes had held a look that was never seen there before, the type he instilled in other people when he flashed them his manic glint. He was babbling about treachery, how his apparatus had all turned on him. He insisted that his tools had come to life, chased him into the cupboard and then started to attack him. Everyone attributed his tall tale to whatever the substance was that had been in the now empty syringe that was attached to Szayel's arm by a hypodermic needle. He had clearly injected himself by accident with crazy serum, right? Grimmjow thought so too, but there was a nagging voice at the back of his mind reminding him that the little scene that Szayel had just described was exactly what had been playing through his mind when he was storming down the hallway away from the said lunatic's lab.

Then, there was the time that Nnoitra kept talking about how he hated Nel while Grimmjow was trying to think of a way to get Ulquiorra to fight with him, and for him to win [yes, Grimmy thinks!]. Nnoitra just wouldn't shut up, and it was affecting his concentration, so the incensed blue haired Espada threw his zanpakuto across the room at the Quinta, and screamed 'Silencio!' Both actions had an effect. The wound on his left shoulder distracted Nnoitra from his rant, and, for some reason, Grimmjow couldn't hear the profanities he knew Nnoitra was spewing at him. Somehow, he had managed to shut the Quinta up, and he had no idea how. So, how did he deal with this situation? Well, he grabbed his Zanpakuto and ran out of the room before Nnoitra or Tesla could blame him for the Quinta's predicament. Then, nobody ever did figure out who had managed to slip that nail onto Aizen's chair right before the start of that one meeting; all Grimmjow knew was that one minute, he was pissed at the man, trying to wipe that cocky smirk of his face with his mind, and the next, the smirk was gone and their leader had sprung off of his seat as though someone had electrocuted him. Plus, they never found evidence as to who really accomplished to paint Tousen's zanpakuto bubblegum pink, but there was suspicion that it was Grimmjow, as that was the day after Tousen had cut off his arm.

These were just some of the minor occurrences that happened on a daily basis in Hueco Mundo that Grimmjow couldn't explain and tried to deny had anything to do with him. And now, he had used some kind of torturing curse on Aizen. How, how could he do all this? Actually, he decided to save that question for later, because Aizen was starting to recover.

"You've been hiding some interesting talents indeed, Grimmjow Jeaggerjaques, I'll give you a second chance, how would you like to be my Primera Espada?"

Grimmjow scoffed and screamed, "Hell no!" and charged at Aizen again. Aizen was still a bit disoriented from the previous attack. Grimmjow managed to scratch him across his face with his long claws. A trickle of blood rolled down Aizens formerly unblemished cheek. The wannabe god looked absolutely scandalized. Grimmjow smirked. He sent another dessgarron Aizen's way, but this time the shinigami was prepared, and he dodged the attack. His face was restored to flawless once again, as the hougyouku healed his wounds. Grimmjow was enraged. Once again, he focused on causing Aizen as much pain as possible, and put all his willpower into making that real. Screaming the curse once more, he waited. Though Aizen knew what to expect this time, he couldn't avoid it, and once more felt his body contorting in pain. Grimmjow would've liked to attack while Aizen was incapacitated, but it was taking all his energy to maintain the torture. He didn't let up on the intensity of the attack, willing more and more pain to course through Aizen's body with each passing second. It worked. Aizen was practically curled in a ball, and was actually reduced to crying out in pain, [how ungod-like]. Grimmjow kept increasing the intensity of the attack, when he was almost unable to continue anymore, it happened.

The hougyouku shattered!

First, with all the pain and magic coursing through his body, it was beginning to reject the divine jewel, then as the attack reach its maximum intensity, it shattered. Everyone in the vicinity just stared. Red shards fell to the floor, while Aizen staggered backwards, clutching his sides in pain, shock clearly etched in every line of his face. His long hair receded, and his eyes reverted back to their normal colour. Grimmjow plastered a smug grin on his face with the last of his energy, and, as the blackness began to envelop him, he called out, "Now's your chance Kurosaki, take him out!" and with that farewell, he lost all consciousness, and his body began its descent to the ground.

…..

Ichigo watched as Grimmjow blacked out and began to fall, the Espada's final words ringing in his ear. Gathering his resolve, he rocketed toward Aizen as the man began to regain his control over himself. He launched Zangetsu at the brown haired man, but Aizen had recovered enough to block the strike. The two Zanpakutos were a blur as their wielders continued with their dance of blindingly fast strikes and blocks. The shinigami themselves soon become a blur, their steps barely followed by any in their audience. Red was added to the myriad of colours flashing in the sky where the two shinigami fought as Aizen drew blood. The battle ceased for a moment, as they both stopped for a breath; Aizen thoroughly surprised that Ichigo could keep up with him. The substitute shinigami steadied himself, and yelled, "Getsuga Tensho!"

The blur of light energy moved at five times it usual speed, striking Aizen on his upper right arm, and creating a long gash. Blood flowed from the wound in torrents. Ichigo, with his masked donned, stood opposite the rogue-shinigami; no one had even noticed when he had brought out his Vizard mask. Behind his obsidian pools shone raw determination. In less than a second, he was behind Aizen, Zangetsu at his neck. From the close range, Ichigo yelled, "Getsuga Tensho!" and fired a crescent of raw black and red energy at the man. Aizen attempted to shunpo away, as getting hit at such a close range from the attack was sure to spell imminent doom.

Gin opened his red eyes just in time to glance his leader barely escape Ichigo's clutches. There was a long gash straight down his torso, almost cutting him in half. The blood flowed like a scarlet river. The brown haired man staggered a bit and then righted himself, looking at Ichigo with cold, calculating eyes. The orange haired teen steadied his grip on his sword, preparing for another attack. However, Aizen seemed to have regained full control over all his abilities, for he soon disappeared from Ichigo's sight, only for said teen to hear a whisper in his ear.

"Lucky shot. Nonetheless, you do have some skill."

Before Ichigo could respond, Aizen brought Kyouka Suigetsu down, and the scene was painted crimson.

Standing between Ichigo and Aizen was Isshin Kurosaki, cradling the stump of what had moments ago been his right arm, his expression laced with defiance and protectiveness. Ichigo stared wide eyed and horror struck at the bleeding form of his father. Rage filled his entire being. How dare that traitorous scum hurt his family? Then, Aizen's mocking smile as he said, "Ah, how touching, but you'll both die here," triggered the ticking bomb that was the human/vizard, Kurosaki Ichigo.

Ichigo screamed, his reiatsu leaking out and swirling around him like a cyclone. Wind from who knows where whipped through the air suddenly, causing the substitute soul reaper's cloak to billow menacingly around him. With a cry of, "You bastard!", the massive typhoon of reiatsu, and the orange haired teen enclosed within hurled toward to man standing in his blood soaked, formerly white outfit. The air pressure around Aizen increased, preventing the man from moving as Kurosaki hurtled towards him at incomprehensible speeds. Without even uttering the command, Ichigo sent two successive, massive, speeding getsugas toward Aizen, while also rushing forward with his sword to follow up the attack. The getsugas struck their mark, slicing off Aizen's left hand, and leaving a deep gash in his body which crisscrossed with the previous, which actually managed to sever the body at the upper portions of the wound. There was now nothing to suggest Aizen's clothes had ever been any colour other than the scarlet that they were now dyed. As long as Aizen didn't get any medical attention, he was done for. But that didn't stop Ichigo from speeding toward him with his Zanpakuto poised to pierce through his heart. Just as it seemed he would make contact, and Aizen began to feebly fumble with his sword in an attempt at defense, at large rent ripped through the atmosphere, and from within, a hand emerged.

It grabbed hold of the battered lord of hueco mundo, as if he were a rag doll, tossing him through, and immediately, the gaping hole sealed itself. Whilst the tear bore similarities with a garganta, it was different. It had sealed before Ichigo could try to barge his way through. Everyone stared dumb founded, including a wide eyed Ichimaru Gin, who seemed as confounded as the rest of those who were gathered. Everyone heard ichigo's cry pierce through the air.

"Noooo! Dammit!"

He slashed his Zanpakuto into a building that stood behind the spot where Aizen was formerly standing, sending pieces of concrete crumbling to the floor.

Gin was still glued to the spot, eyes transfixed on the area where the portal had opened and Aizen had been pulled through. Ichigo walked up to him, and in his anger, grabbed the man by the scruff of his neck. The man was so engrossed with the events that were replaying in his mind, that he didn't notice being lifted off the ground until the short tempered substitute began rattling him around and screaming.

"Where did he go? Who helped him?"

"…"

Gin stared at Ichigo, taking a moment to absorb the questions.

"I…I…don't know," the silver haired man finished softiy, his mouth no longer upturned in its usual smile.

Ichigo Kurosaki walked toward Urahara's shop, replaying the events of one week ago in his head. He was so close to finishing Aizen and ending it all, once and for all. Then the unknown entity had decided to interfere with it all. Thorough questioning of Ichimaru Gin, which continued on a daily basis, had not yet revealed any information on this new player in the game; either the man was extremely good at keeping secrets under pressure, or he really didn't know anything, and Ichigo thought it was the latter, knowing some of the tortures the interrogation squad had put him through.

Then, there was the matter of Grimmjow, whom the Gotei had also wanted to interrogate. Ichigo doubted whether the Sexta –or was it former Sexta? – had any information on this topic, and was pretty sure he wouldn't take kindly to being strapped to an electric chair and being threatened to provide information. However, this hypothesis could not be tested as the espada was nowhere to be found after the battle. Had the mysterious hand captured him too?

Ichigo was pissed that after having Aizen backed into a corner, he had not been able to finish him off. The hand – and whoever was attached to it – would pay. On the upside, while the winter war had not been concluded, Karakura Town was safe from the clutches of a deranged madman with great hair for the time being, the only thing was being prepared for when he next struck, for he surely would strike again, if he survived. It would be best if they could find him before he had time to build back up his army and formulate some even more ridiculously unstoppable plan. For this purpose, Ichigo had begun training with both his father, whose arm had been mended by Orihime, and Urahara, though he would only be starting with the exiled shinigami turned shopkeeper today. He was also due to start learning kido from Tessai soon too. He would be as prepared as he could be for Aizen's next attack.

Ichigo was thankful that all his friends, family and acquaintances were safe, and that life was able to return to some semblance of normalcy. He tried to focus on what was to come, but no matter how much he did, he couldn't escape from one question. A topic that piqued his curiosity more than the hand. What was it that Grimmjow had done to Aizen, and how did he do it?

Ichigo sauntered down the street, and turned the corner toward Urahara's shop.

"Good evening Kurosaki-kun!" Urahara said, waving his fan in front of his face.

"Hey, Urahara, you ready to start my training?"

"Yes, but first, i would like to introduce you to your other sparring partner, aside from me of course."

"..."

Ichigo stared at the man in the green and white striped outfit. Then, he was pulled from his trance by a voice, a very familiar voice.

"Hey Kurosaki."

He spun toward the source of the voice, not daring to believe his ears. There, standing in the doorway to Urahara's living room, was none other than Grimmjow Jeaggerjaques. The blue hair was a dead giveaway, but the jawbone mask was missing.

"Grimmjow? So this is where you disappeared to!" Ichigo turned to glare at Urahara.

"Yup, when I woke up, I was lying in the room back there," he said, pointing with his thumb, "In bandages. I felt like shit. I hurt all over. I only fully recovered like two days ago."

"And where's your –"Ichigo didn't finish his sentence, but Grimmjow understood what he was asking as he was pointing to his face while he said it.

"I'm in a gigai, I don't see why shinigami complain about them so often, they're rather comfortable."

Ichigo's mind couldn't keep up with this.

First, Grimmjow was talking to him. Civilly.

Two, he was talking in complete sentences, in proper language, without insults or curses scattered in between.

Three, he wasn't asking for a fight.

And four, he was kind of smiling, almost pleasantly.

The scene was foreign and unnerving for Ichigo, to say the least.

"Ah, Kurosaki-kun, it appears I have some explaining to do."

"Hell yeah!"

Urahara explained that when the battle was over he had taken the injured Grimmjow for treatment before the Gotei, and Mayuri could get their hands on him. He was also curious as to Grimmjow's power, and also didn't want the Gotei to start pestering him, he wanted to hear Grimmjow's side of the story first. Then Grimmjow took over. He explained how he was fed up of Aizen and was trying to make things right, and how he just wanted a chance to live his own life from now on. Then, Ichigo heard that he and Urahara made a deal, he'd work for Urahara part time in exchange for lodging.

"Um, well, thanks for your help back there..." Ichigo said sheepishly.

"Hn." Grimmjow nodded.

"If you don't mind my asking, how'd you manage to hold out so long, and do... whatever it was you did?"

"I dunno, resolve?" Grimmjow shrugged.

"Well, now that everyone's introduced, let's get down to business!" Urahara exclaimed happily.

...

After Aizen was pulled through the rift.

The figure cloaked in darkness threw the battered, bloody body of Sosuke Aizen to the floor. Turning to his companion, he spoke, "Heal him."

"Yes my lord," came the voice of a woman.

"Pathetic," the first voice whispered as he looked at Aizen's bloody form, his cold voice cutting through the still air, "But we shall need him, he will prove to be a valuable follower in time to come."

Aizen Sosuke stirred in his barely conscious state, and managed the words, "Who are you?"

"I am the lord you serve now, shinigami, the soon to be ruler of all the worlds!"

Even in his injured state, Aizen somehow filled his disbelieving scoff with tones of condescendence. The man drew his sword and slashed it across Aizen's face, scarring his perfect features.

"You will do well to show some respect. You may be the man who almost became god, but alas, almost is only as far as the incompetent get. I shall show you true power."

He turned to his follower again, "Heal him, and let him rest, he is of no use to us in this state... also, go buy me some conditioner, I think his hair looks a little shinier than mine," the man added thoughtfully.

"Yes my lord."

Aizen saw the man step into the light, revealing his perfectly pale skin, handsome features, deep blue eyes, and his mop of wavy hair in honey tones. A broad smile was plastered on his face, only serving to enhance his good looks. The smile sent shivers down Aizen's spine. So this was how his subordinates usually felt when he smiled at them. The last thought Aizen had before oblivion seized him, was that no matter how powerful this man was, he'd overcome him, and restart his journey to the top.

"Aww... he blacked out already, that's no fun! Pattron, deal with him quickly, we have more pressing matters at hand."

"Ah, yes my lord. Actually, I have been working on tracking it but –"

"What? Oh, that. Yes we'll have to get to that too, but not until you get me my conditioner. What do you think, Herbal Essences?"

Pattron smiled, and sighed mentally, "Sure, my lord." Really, was this guy for real, but then again, this was one of the reasons she loved – um, I mean, admired – him.

"Oh, by the way, you'll probably need this," he said, shrugging, and tossing a bloody arm at her, "It's his."

"Um, thanks."

"Very well, I wonder if there's a full length mirror in this house. Hmm..." and he walked off to explore, leaving her with the prisoner.

Hey, this chapter was written right after the manga chapter where Aizen fully transformed, and the story spews off on a tangent from there. Sorry for taking so long to update, I've had major computer problems, one after the other. It was so much, it seemed unreal! I killed my old lappy, that being the start of the problems, motherboard and hard drive fried! Then things only went downhill from there if you can believe that! I currently have no internet! It's torture. Hopefully the story will start making sense soon. Anyone like it so far? Please review, comments and criticism of any type are welcome. Oh, and the two worlds will meet properly soon. I had originally planned for Pattron to not be mentioned again after the prologue, but somehow she wormed her way back into the story, guess I can't keep her away from her Marc! Thanx for readin, don't forget, review. Oh, and if I didn't before, I'd just like to say I don't own Bleach or Harry Potter, cuz then I'd be rich, and totally awesome! This disclaimer holds for all chapters, so I won't have to do it again!