Aizen watched over the barren landscape of Hueco Mundo, from his throne in the balcony of Las Noches, surrounded by his both Gin and Tousen, he pondered on how the mission he had handed to his Espada was going, finally he sensed the presence of his eight Espada approaching his throne room so that long before Granz made his presence known Aizen had already turned to face him.
"You called for me my lord." the Espada announced bowing at the entrance to the room
"Yes Granz, please step forward." Aizen replied with a simple wave of the hand
"How can I be of use today, lord Aizen?" Granz asked in a obedient tone, taking one step inside
"Is it possible to arrange another journey to the other universe?" his lord answered back, going straight to the point
"Of course! Still it may take some time to prepare." Granz replied, initially with a louder and less controlled tone, which he immediately corrected
"You have half an hour Granz." Aizen announced, in a soft tone
"But my lord it's far to dangerous..." Granz began before being cut off by Tousen
"Know your place Granz!" the Shinigami roared
"There is no need for such tone Tousen. Granz you have no need to worry, I am well aware of the workings of this bridge that we have created and I know that it can be stabilized by who ever is using it..." Aizen began, then making a paused he eyed the other tree people in the room with him
"...since I'm going to be the one to go through it there is no need for concern." he continued, causing visible shock in the faces of Granz and Tousen
"Captain there is no need for such action!" the Shinigami replied in disbelief
"Ulquiorra should be more then enough to deal with any possible trouble." Gin spoke finally breaking his silence
"Both of you are correct, but I think that given the unique nature of the situation that currently stands before us I can't just stand by and wait. Also what greater joy could any of my Espada experience then being at my side in the field of battle. Don't you think Szayelaporro Granz?" Aizen argued, purposely emphasizing the name of the Arrancar
"Yes, my lord." he scientist replied respectfully with a bowed head
"Even so captain, we can go with you." Tousen said
"I need someone to stay here and look after Las Noches, that will be your role Tousen...Gin." he ordered calmly, looking back at Gin after pronouncing his name
The windows that remained on the floor which they were on and those above finally shattered after a newly transformed Grimmjow let out a mighty roar, the Hulk replied with an intimidating roar of his own apparently ignoring the form his opponent had taken. The green titan was the first to charge, his fist clenched and ready to strike, Grimmjow on the other hand starred him down with eager eyes so that when the first fist came down on him he used his hand to not only block but completely stop his opponents attack, the brute growled in return and tried to punch him with his other fist just to be stopped again.
The Espada gave him a smirk in return, with one fluent motion he pushes the Hulk's arms away leaving a clear opening for a deep punch in the gut followed by a spinning kick to the jaw sending the brute flying back inside. Taking the stance similar to a cat ready to pounce, Grimmjow lunged at his stunned opponent first his right hand claws made contact with the Hulk's left shoulder cutting deep and all to way to the right shoulder, letting out a rage filled roar he turned to his right waiting to see the Arrancar standing there but there was noting, his opponent was already on top of him delivering another kick to the side of his head.
Grimmjow grinned when his angered prey came back at him for more, now he hoped for him to be as hungry as he was right before he had used his Resurrección, his expectations were met when a right fist came swinging at him so in order to further enrage the Hulk, Grimmjow started using his superior speed to dodged each blow at the right moment and then reply with a strike of his own. For a minute they repeated this actions, till the Espada finally got bored, grabbing the giant's hand mid punch he delivered a precise strike to the chest, resulting in a uncomfortable sound of what seemed to be broken ribs, it was enough to drop his prey on his knees.
"I'll have to admit that I used more strength on that one then I was expecting, but it doesn't matter now." Grimmjow snarled at his fallen foe, as he began to seemingly walk away, yet he felt the Hulk getting back up
Ulquiorra's senses were keen to detect the disturbance caused by the Sixth Espada's Resurrección, he wondered the reason of such an action against such trash, could it be that he had found a need to do so or was he just toying around with his opponent, such motivations he would never understand. Now he had to decide how to take care of the two remaining Avengers, taking into account that he couldn't kill them he would have to regulate his strength to knock them out effectively. Then another thought clouded his mind, the woman, lord Aizen had stated that this mission would also work to showcase her powers and so far she only had done it once, maybe he could create another similar situation.
"Woman, do you remember what Lord Aizen told you?" Ulquiorra asked
"That during this mission I should use my powers to prove their worth." she replied
"Correct. So far you have only used your healing ability, which you had already used on Grimmjow..." the Espada began, before dropping into deep thought
"What are you saying?" she asked confused of his intentions
"Maybe a demonstration of your other abilities is required."
"But I already used my Santen Kesshun when the man in armor charged at me." she informed him
"Your words do not constitute proof..." Ulquirra once again began, before Stark cut him off
"Did you forget we are still here!?" he growled in his sarcastic tone
"I agree, if you are going to finish us, do it already!" Thor roared defianlty, making a stance against the Arrancar
"Be silent trash." Ulquiorra replied without any trace of interest
"If you don't hurry we'll just have to fight back." Stark announced placing himself side to side with Thor
"Fight back?" Ulquiorra asked
"Till we cease to draw breath." Thor replied passionately, taking a battle stance
"If you wish to fight, you'll have to find another opponent, I have no need to prolong this charade." the Espada said, showing his lack of interest in the situation
"You think all of this is a game!?" Stark roared
Ulquiorra didn't reply, both his and Orihime's gaze turned in the direction of the Avenger's tower, Thor was quick to note the worried expression on her face and then he too felt what had alarmed them someone new had arrived, someone much stronger and from what he could conclude a Shinigami.
"It's..." Orihime gasped in shock
"Lord Aizen." Ulquiorra concluded
Thor's hearth sunk even more hearing this, not only was this Aizen stronger than their current opponent but he was their commander, he was powerless before them and now it was about to get much worse.
Back at the Tower, Grimmjow had just finished jumping back dodging a blow from the Hulk, the Espada landed right at the edged of what remained of the landing platform when his senses detected the new arrival at the scene, anger filled his being knowing that he would have to answer to Aizen for his actions but things like that couldn't be helped. Straightening his stance he stared at his opponent who was now composing himself for another charge, the green brute ran with a blind rage at his target confident he would manage to hit him this time, then a voice came from above them.
"Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi."
The brute stopped in his tracks when a purple rectangular frame formed around him soon to be filled with a black matter trapping him inside the newly formed structure, it didn't last long when the thing shattered only Bruce Banner remained with several cuts covering his body. The Espada's eyes widened in surprise but quickly narrowed in anger and frustration at the arrival of his lord, his gaze darted upwards to the source of the voice, but he was no longer there looking back down Aizen was standing right in front of him, his master slowly turned to the left so he could make eye contact with his servant.
"Why are you in that form Grimmjow?" he asked, mocking him
The Arrancar didn't reply, Aizen could see the frustration slowly burn inside him, he decided to continue his inquiries.
"Did you need to use such methods to defeat...such ants?" he continued
"I understood it was your wish for me to prove my worth in combat after recovering my arm, I would be unable to fully test my self if I weren't to use my Resurrección." the Sixth Espada growled back in the most obedient tone he could muster
"I see. Now you may go reunite with Ulquiorra, tell him to wait for my arrival before he makes any further decisions. Also I would advise you to revert back to your previous form, unless you want Ulquiorra to see you like this..." Aizen ordered, pausing at the end so that Grimmjow could conclude what he meant by Ulquiorra seeing him
Grimmjow simply replied with a small bow before disappearing from sight, Aizen placed his full attention on the fallen human he began to approach him with a slow methodical pace he positioned himself to the right of the fallen man so to better analyse the collapsed being.
"I was expecting more from you." he announced, before turning to the inside of the building
In his way still two people stood, Widow and Hawkeye having composed themselves enough to stare down the enemy had decided to face this new arrival and do the best they could to better understand his motives.
"Today's just full of new acquaintances isn't it?" Hawkeye laughted
"What's your name?" Widow asked, no longer having the patience to take the situation lightly
"My name is Aizen, Sōsuke Aizen. My I learn your name?" he stranger replied
"I'm Black Widow and he's Hawkeye." she spat back
"Interesting names." were the words she got in response
"It seems like you're the boss?" Barton asked now in a more serious tone
No answer came, Aizen was less then interested to waist his time on such weak creatures there was still the asgardian to deal with, so for him the easier solution was to slowly increase the output of his reiatsu it only took him to increase it a little for the two weakened humans to collapse.
Grimmjow's feet landed on the fresh dirt, Inoue was the only one to take notice of his arrival Ulquiorra still had his eyes fixed on the remaining Avengers, it had to be Grimmjow the one to disturbe the silence.
"What's taking you so long to crush these ants?" he growled
"I could ask you the same thing Grimmjow, using your Resurrección in a situation like this is an insult to your rank." Ulquiorra replied
"How dare you!?" Grimmjow roared furiously, but his rage went unnoticed by his fellow Espada
"I was simply toying around with him. What about you? I didn't take you for someone who would play with his prey." he continued, trying to get a response
"I was simply operating under mission parameters." Ulquiorra answered methodically
"What about the woman? What have you been up to pet?" the Arrancar asked, directing his questions towards Orihime
Inoue didn't really know how to explain what she had done so for, but any words she could possibly had said were cut off by Ulquiorra.
"She did what Lord Aizen commanded her to do."
"Good to see that she's behaving. Now Aizen says that we are to wait for his arrival before we do anything else."
Thor and Stark looked at each other both giving an audible sigh at the situation, now they both had to wait for this Aizen to arrive and decide what to do with them and they could do nothing against it. Aizen arrived shortly, landing in between the trio and the Avengers he took in the battlefield surprised by the state it was in, knowing that surely these two hadn't been that much trouble.
"Anything you would like to inform me on Ulquiorra?" he asked
"The asgardian's hammer, Mjolnir. It seems to be able to control the weather if not more." the Espada announced to his lord
"What about his strength?"
"Nothing of note, most of it seems to come from the hammer." Ulquiorra informed
"Interesting. Now allow me to introduce my self asgardian my name is Aizen, Sōsuke Aizen." the Shinigami announced looking back at the exhausted Thor
"Pleasure, I'm Thor, Thor Odinson. I guess that we will have to get pass you if we are to get anywhere?" Thor introduced himself in the a cordial manner
"If you wish to fight, I'll be more then honored to reply. I've always wondered what it would be to clash with one of your kind." Aizen replied politely
"I can say the same thing to you. I was wondering if I could be healed, so that I can show you my full strength." Thor suggested
"Orihime please heal him." Aizen commanded
"What about me!?" Stark snarled
"Is he of any interest Ulquiorra?" Aizen asked his faithful Espada
"No."
"Then there is not need to heal you..." Aizen resumed, making a small pause at the end as if implying Stark would play some role in their duel
Inoue was quick to heal the asgardian, who know at full strength took his stance ready to fight, Aizen placed his hand on his zanpakuto but stopped before revealing it a small smile crept over his face when he proposed something to Thor.
"Since I've been told the name of you weapon, do you wish to know the name of my zanpakuto?" he asked, finally removing the blade and holding it in front him his with the blade turned downwards so that Thor could examine it
"Tell me the name of such impressive weapon." he replied, with a subtle hint of sarcasm
"This is my Kyōka Suigetsu." the name seemed to fill the battlefield with it's presence
"When ever you are ready." Thor let out, ignorant of what had just happened
Aizen finally took a battle appropriate stance and signaled his opponent to charge, Thor took a few long steps before jumping up and raining lighting down on the Shinigami who easily blocked with his blade, then jumped up to meet Thor midair. Their weapons clashed with great force sending them both backwards, Aizen continued to throw the Avenger a confident look, Thor not wanting to waste much time began to spin Mjolnir involving it in lighting and with one powerful motion he threw himself forward into the arrogant fighter who used his blade to block. This time when the weapons clashed something unexpected happened, the zanpakuto began to give way cracking slightly, seemingly by instinct Aizen used his superior speed to gain some distance between himself and Thor examining his blade a less then pleased look emerged.
"Where did all that confidence go?" Thor laughed
"This is nothing but luck." Aizen replied trying to keep his calm
Thor replied with a confident grin and quickly closed the gap between them going for another direct hit, only this time Aizen disappeared just to emerge above him, yet Thor threw his body backwards evading the incoming blade and replying with a another swing from Mjolnir finally broke his opponents weapon. The Shinigami's eyes grew wide with disbelief before once again using Shunpo to gain some needed distance from his opponent.
"You ant! How dare you break Kyōka Suigetsu!?" Aizen roared furiously throwing what remained of his sword away, before Thor no longer stood the confident man from before
"Must be my lucky day." Thor replied with a smile, not even he could believe how well this fight was turning out
Thor began involving Mjolnir with lighting once more ready for the next attack when he saw his foe disappear once more, he took a deep breath using his senses to detect where he could come from, in a rather unimaginative turn of events he sensed the Shinigami approaching from behind, turning around he saw Aizen flying in his direction with his right hand aiming at him. When the distance with them was close enough Aizen began to call forth his next attack "Hadō #4..." the asgardian acted quickly bringing his hammer down on his opponent's hand canceling the spell and sending him crashing down into the ground below.
Aizen slowly crawled on his all fours, blood covered his right arm strength leaving him and his pride destroyed, looking up he saw the Avenger appear before him a laugh escaped his mouth as he said one final time.
"Come on finish me...do that and it's all over..." he said, trying to catch his breath
"I won't kill you, but I will leave you something to remember us by." Thor growled back grabbing the fallen man by his collar
He stared deep into the Shinigami's eyes just before ramming Mjolnir into his gut, with enough force to knock him out but not kill, Aizen gasped for air as blood jumped out from his mouth, his hands fell on Thor's shoulders saying one strange word, before collapsing.
"Why..."
"Shatter." a rather familiar voice said behind him
Thor's eyes widened in horror when the men laying before him was no longer Aizen, it was Stark, turning to the source of the voice he saw Aizen standing there with not even a scratch on him.
"What is this!?" the asgardian roared
"You just witnessed Kyōka Suigetsu Shikai, Kanzen Saimin or in other words Complete Hypnosis." Aizen explained with his ever present confidence
"This was all an illusion?" the asgardian asked in disbelief
"Yes. Now shall we begin?" Aizen asked calmly
Thor didn't even consider a possible plan of attack his anger just told him to attack, throwing himself wildly at the Shinigami who didn't even try to block this time instead opting for a quicker way to get rid of him.
"Hadō #4. Byakurai." firing a bolt of lighting from his right index finger punching a whole into the asgardian's right shoulder
"Did you believe I would waste my blade on you."
Thor didn't hear the taunt as he squirmed around holding his injured right shoulder, it was if that one hit had cracked the rest of his body in half no longer did he have the power to even consider lifting Mjolnir, luckily for him the invaders were already walking away.
"Let's go back to the location you arrived at, from there we can open a Garganta back to Las Noches." Aizen announced
"Yes, Aizen-Sama." Ulquiorra replied
"I'm also very curious to hear your reports, specially yours Grimmjow." Aizen continued, ignoring the growl his Sixth Espada gave him in reply