Disclaimer: STILL, don't own them…
Warning: Contains serious OOCness from all characters and an alternate storyline. And I apologize ahead of time for any grammatical and spelling errors that I have made.
Author's Note: Forget next week, I was in the mood to type today, so here's the next chapter. Hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 2: White Lies
--In Las Noches--
Sosuke Aizen sat upon his throne idly, but still carrying a commanding air around him. "Halibel, come forward."
A lone figure stepped away from the other Arrancar. "Yes, Aizen-sama?" She was dressed in a white shirt that exposed her mid-riff and a collar that covered most of her face, her golden locks hung over her eyes, almost hiding them.
"I have received reports that you witnessed the fight between Grimmjow and that ryoka boy, have you not?" The former Go-ban Taichou inquired questioningly, carefully observing the reaction he would get from the Second Espada.
Halibel didn't reply for a few moments, contemplating her answer, weighing the consequences of each reply. When she finally made up her mind, she addressed her superior with confidence. "Yes, Aizen-sama, I did."
Sosuke nodded approvingly, "Good, judging by the fact that Jeagerjaques is currently not present, we can deduce that he was defeated, correct?"
Mentally chiding herself, Halibel's eyes narrowed, "Yes, Aizen-sama."
"Very good," Gin, who was standing a ways away, could have sworn he saw a flicker of amusement in Aizen's eyes, real amusement. "'Then, his body was disposed of?"
Halibel paused, recollecting her thoughts at the abrupt question.
--Flashback--
"Go back to Las Noches," the Espada ordered, "I'll take care of this."
Four pairs of eyes watched as the body of Grimmjow Jeagerjaques was lowered slowly to the ground by the ryoka. "But Halibe-" her fraccion protested.
"No, go now." She ordered, this time with more force.
"H-hai," and then, the three of her subordinates were off, heading towards the fortress that they called home.
"What have you gotten yourself into, Grimmjow? Aizen-sama is going to be furious," Halibel muttered to herself as she hurried to said victim.
Just as she arrived though, she felt a pulse of reiatsu that she didn't recognize. Quickly retreating back into the wreckage and hiding hers, the Espada watched as a shinigami dropped down next to the Sixth Espada. Halibel carefully watched as the girl checked his vitals and forcibly returned him back to his normal state. Eyes widening, Halibel whispered to herself, "What is going on?"
Suddenly, the mystery person slung Grimmjow's arm over her shoulder, making sure to grab Pantera, and shunpo-ed away from the area.
--End Flashback--
She had always had a soft spot for Grimmjow, watching out for him from afar, never getting involved, but she had always been there, secretly making sure he was alright. Now, Halibel wasn't sure what she should do. Biting her lip, she finally answered, "Yes, Aizen-sama, I personally took care of the body."
Raising a thin eyebrow, Aizen responded slowly, "I see, very well, you are dismissed."
Bowing respectively, Halibel walked out stiffly, hands crossed over her chest.
"Well, Gin?" Aizen said softly, as to keep the conversation between him and his favorite subordinate. "What do you think?"
Replying with his trade mark smile, former San-ban Taichou Ichimaru Gin, said, "I definitely believe that she's hiding some minor details, but I don't think that it's anything to worry about, Aizen-sama."
"Very good," Aizen agreed, smiling slightly, "I trust your judgment."
--In Hueco Mundo--
"I think he's finally waking up…" the girl said again.
"Hn," the man agreed.
Bleary eyes forced themselves open and caught the outlines of shapes before shutting again, "Ugh…"
A soothing voice called out and a hand was placed on the figure's forehead, "Relax, you'll be fine now."
A cold, clipped voice joined the conversation, "Concentrate on getting some rest, we'll discuss the plans later."
"Hn," the figure the groaned, a moment later, it was asleep.
The girl smiled and got up to join the other at the edge of their temporary hideout. "Well, taichou, you said that you'd be heading back when he woke up, are you leaving soon?"
"Are you that eager to get rid of me?" The man asked softly.
The younger looked at her superior and broke into a grin, "Of course not, but they will get suspicious and the last we need is the rest of the Gotei 13 breathing down our necks."
Nodding, the elder replied, "I suppose so. What do you plan on doing once he recovers?" He indicated the sleeping figure a little ways inside the cave.
"Well, we need to train to get him back in shape, but I'm fairly confident in our combined technique is enough to overthrow him." The girl joined her captain in staring out over the landscape.
"I need to verify a few details before we're sure this'll work. Hopefully, if all goes according to plan, you'll have a full month before we need to start moving again." The man said gravely. Luck had been on their side so far, but how much longer would their good fortune last?
"I understand, that's more than enough time for us to prepare." The road ahead wasn't going to be easy, both of them knew it, but no matter how experienced they were, neither could deny the light flutterings in their stomachs. "Would you like me to provide transport?"
The man shook his head, "No that won't be necessary. How big is the barrier?"
"It extends about 500 yards outward from this spot in all directions." The girl replied. "Good luck, and be careful."
"Hn," was all the response that she got, but it satisfied her nonetheless and she busied herself with healing the other that still lay sleeping.
--In Seiretei--
Renji Abarai was becoming restless, it had been another day since his captain's disappearance and he'd been looking EVERYWHERE for him! Sighing, he decided to head back to the division headquarters. As he entered the office however, he felt an unmistakable reiatsu that could only belong to- "Kuchiki-Taichou!" Renji all but shouted as he entered his captain's office.
Startled, the composed captain looked up sharply, "What is it Abarai-Fukutaichou? And please lower your voice, no need to be so loud."
Shocked, Renji sputtered, "W-whe-where've ya been? I've been lookin' all ova for ya!"
"That is none of your business," The Kuchiki heir said dismissively.
"Like hell it's not!" Renji shouted, ignoring his captain's request of being quiet, "I've been worrying my ass off over ya and that's all ya can say?"
Byakuya paused for a second, "Fine, if you must know, I have been…taking care of some personal issues." he finally answered evasively.
TBC
So, what do ya think? Good, bad, so-so? It's slightly longer than the last one, but I just had to post it. Anywho, please please please review!!