Disclaimer: Not mine.

A/N: Ah, sorry I took so long to update. Minor schoolwork panic. You know how it is. Anyway- final chapter here. Hope you enjoy it and please review. I actually do update faster with more reviews. Must be a motivation thing.

Chapter Four- How High I Have Fallen

"I will be the one to stand in the heavens."

He stood on Soukyoku Hill, surrounded by his most powerful enemies, swords at the throats of his allies. There was even a sword at his own throat, and another foe preventing him from even drawing his sword.

He had never felt so close to the throne of heaven.

To be in an impossible situation, to be facing death, imprisonment, humiliation, and to still have total control over his life, the lives of his allies, and indirectly, the lives of his enemies. Because he could do the impossible. Or what should have been impossible.

He could escape, with or without Gin and Tousen, as he chose. His allies in Hueco Mundo would come to his unspoken signal. Aizen knew this without a flicker of uncertainty.

And his enemies would be left standing in the dust, in the wreckage of the existence they had known before, helpless. They would be forced to watch as he and his chosen ascended to another place, completely untouchable. They would be forced to watch as he left to start a war that would bring their comfortable lives down around their ears.

They would be powerless. Powerless, because they could not match his power.

He had a sword to his throat, but he was in complete control.

Yes, this was a taste of godhood.

But the merest taste.

Aizen smiled, and gave the signal. Instantly the sword was removed from his throat, as if he had been the one to give the command for withdrawal. Similarly, Gin and Tousen had been released.

He listened with faint disgust as Gin told that ridiculous woman of his that he would have liked it if she had bound him longer. The need to be bound had always been a part of Gin's character. It inspired a certain amount of distaste in Aizen, but he was more than willing to put up with it in exchange for the man's highly useful service.

As Tousen said his chilly farewells to Komamura, Aizen reflected that the man was blind in more ways than one. He had come o close to comprehending the nature of Aizen's mission, but did not allow himself to perceive what it was Aizen wanted.

Tousen perceived justice very well. But he refused to understand power and the need for it.

And now it came time for Aizen to say his own goodbyes, in the form of the condemnation of others. Ah, and the spokesman stepped forth.

"…you even joined forces with the Menos…for what?"

Ukitake. It would be. Ukitake, who knew full well the power he wielded and chose not to exploit it. Ukitake, who he had learned so much from. He would not be at all surprised if Ukitake could understand his manipulations more than most.

After all, Ukitake commanded his division and more through the respect and love he had won. Observing Ukitake had provided him with the means to use Hinamori, Kira, Ichimaru, the whole of Soul Society.

"How low you have fallen, Aizen!"

But Ukitake was a distant master. As remote as the god that did not use his throne, and hence as powerless.

There were certainly some interesting people among his colleagues. Mortal limitation could be so intriguing. He would have to put some thought into this. It could certainly be exploited, and he did not want subjects he could not control. To be surrounded only by equals would defeat the purpose entirely.

He had no equals. And he must establish this right from the outset.

If he intended to rule, he would have to explain his rulings at times.

Aizen considered briefly. This charge would be the issue behind his rule. The accusation of unethical behaviour, immorality. Certainly a worthy one to be answered.

Besides, there was no wrong in playing with toys.

"Don't be so arrogant, Ukitake."