Heart's Desire Chapter 9
By C. LeShay
Genre: Romance, AU
Characters/Pairings: IchiRuki, etc.
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Me no own Bleach! I don't even profit from this fanfict!
Warning: As this is an AU story, many of the situations are changed to fit my idea. I'll try to make the characters as in character as I possibly can do. All of the captains are here (that means Aizen, Gin, and Tousen) but I added a division (thus Gotei 14 instead of 13). The setting is in Seiretei and no one is living in Karakura. The timeframe is somewhat feudal, so no technology stuff except for what the 12th division uses.
Summary: In the middle of the war against the Arrancar in Seiretei, Kurosaki Ichigo laid siege to the district of the noblest of all nobles. The mission: to capture and take as hostage the sister of his enemy, Kuchiki Rukia. The problem: the hostage herself.
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Recap of previous chapter:
"An annulment." He says out of the blue, causing Rukia to double check her mental conversation to discern if she had been speaking out loud. "An annulment is possible. Has the marriage been consummated?"
"Nii-sama…"
Think, Rukia urged herself, think! To tell the truth means to have the marriage annulled, but that would also mean betraying the agreement she and Ichigo drew together. If she breached the contract (and her Kuchiki name was signed over the papers legibly), she would only be bringing in a load of humiliation not only for her family, but the Kurosaki's as well.
Naturally, it would be Ichigo who will be the laughing stock of Soul Society if they found out he was unable to consummate his marriage. However, his pride and male ego was the last thing in Rukia's mind as of the moment. All she was thinking about was his family. Isshin-dono, Karin, and Yuzu would be in trouble not only with the Central 46, but also with her brother and Aizen as they would be seen as having a part to what Ichigo had done.
"Because I told your father that I would do anything to return the favor and protect the life of his children. I was unable to help you the night your parents were murdered, Rukia. So please, let me help you now. Let my son protect you from Aizen."
Isshin's words rang on in her head. Taking a deep breath, Rukia looked up to meet her brother's eyes. "It was consummated, Nii-sama."
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For the first time in a hundred years, Kuchiki Byakuya was left wondering about his failures and shortcomings. It didn't do well to wallow in what could have been, that was a lesson ingrained in Byakuya ever since he could remember. As a Kuchiki head and a taicho, he understood that the lives of many were in hands. A small misstep could cause someone's life, yet that one life was not worth mulling over when there were a hundred more that were depending on his guidance.
The day Hisana died, Byakuya had once been tempted to wonder what his life might have been had he not met her. Perhaps he would have been spared from an indescribable pain and even more of it in the years to come. Fortunately, he realized that he would have never traded anything, not even a lifetime of loneliness and hurt just for those five years he spent with his wife.
Now, he was walking a hole in his carpet as he thought back on the conversation he had with Rukia.
Kurosaki Ichigo was definitely irritating him. Byakuya frowned. Irritating? He was now feeling anger boil up from within him. Contrary to what everyone thought, Kuchiki Byakuya was not by any means a cold, unfeeling man. The reality was, he was a passionate and ill-tempered individual.
During his youth, Byakuya was prone to anger at the slightest provocation. Yoruichi once laughed at his exuberance and was often annoyed with his gung-ho attitude. She often warned him that acting rashly made his judgment clouded, making him an easy person to beat. After being defeated by the said Yoruichi in the most humiliating way possible (it was an incident involving a pond, a cat, and flashing a dozen of people who were in the Kuchiki compound), Byakuya made it his life's goal to bury his emotions safely so that no one would be able to gain access to his thoughts and feelings. True, it was hard to stop himself from laughing out senseless when he made a ranked shinigami piss in his hakama; or be the only man without a nosebleed when the newly-promoted Matsumoto Rangiku accidentally spilled out of her shinigami robes during her fukutaicho induction ceremony, but Byakuya achieved the impossible and became Seiretei's resident marble-statue taicho.
And then came Kurosaki Ichigo to destroy the carefully cultivated walls of ennui he built for himself. All it took was for him to claim Hisana's – no, his sister for his own.
He was sure Hisana would be turning in her grave if she knew just how Rukia ended up getting married. Byakuya's eyes narrowed very slightly in annoyance as he sat back on his chair. He had promised his wife that he would take care and protect Rukia, that he would give her the best in Seiretei, and that he would ensure that her future was secure. And he failed her.
Not only did she get married in a hurry, it was even a necessity! Remembering how Rukia said it, he took note that her face was flushed like she had a fever. Neither could she meet him in the eye. Putting two and two together meant four. Byakuya had a suspicion on what the 'necessity' might have been.
If it wasn't improper conduct to murder a taicho, Kurosaki Ichigo would have been a dead man.
Rukia was betrothed to Aizen. If Seiretei ever gets a wind of this development, Rukia's character was going to be flayed by the 'well-meaning' nobles and the sympathizers of the 5th division's taicho. While his sister was the unspoken princess not only of the Kuchiki clan, but also of Seiretei's polite society, Byakuya knew that the adoration could easily turn into detest. Noble matrons always had the sharpest claws; no doubt Rukia would be cut to the quick.
A knock on his door roused him from his musings. "Kuchiki-sama."
"Enter." He said curtly.
The servant bowed from the open door "Kuchiki-sama, Aizen taicho has just arrived. Shall I send him in?"
There was no time than the present anyway. "Send him in."
There was the sound of footsteps fading away; then when Byakuya looked up, he saw the 5th division taicho looking at him from outside his door. "Kuchiki Taicho."
Standing up, Byakuya motioned for him to enter "Aizen Taicho. Please, come in."
Despite the fact that not a hair was out of place and that Aizen Sousuke looked calm and collected, Byakuya was sure that he just got back from Hueco Mundo. Aizen was just like that kind of person, one who did not put off things that he could do at the present. He sat in the offered chair and was silent as a servant brought in a tray of tea and other light snacks.
As soon as they were alone, Aizen spoke directly "Is Rukia alright? Can I see her Kuchiki taicho?"
The taicho of the 5th division, Aizen had the reputation of being the most even-tempered and understanding superior officers in the whole of the Gotei 14 squads. Aizen carried with him an air of cool serenity and friendliness second only to Unohana Retsu, taicho of the 4th squad. A smart and resourceful man, Aizen was often entrusted with the task of shinigami propaganda – the recruitment of the students at the Shinigami academy. More often than not, many opted to start at his division before they would be transferred or promoted elsewhere.
Many a shinigami believed that to be under the division and tutelage of Aizen Sousuke was a good career path for anyone, especially for those who were good with kidō. It was because of this that Byakuya was convinced of the merits of letting the said taicho mentor his sister, and it was met with favorable results.
"I'm afraid Rukia isn't here as of the moment." Byakuya said before he took a sip of his tea.
Aizen blinked several times "Is she in the 4th division? Was she hurt, Kuchiki taicho? Or did she return to the 13th? Has she heard about what happened to Ukitake taicho?"
At the mention of Rukia's superior officer, Byakuya looked up from his tea. "Did anything happen to Ukitake taicho?"
Frowning a bit, Aizen folded his hands in front of him on the desk. "It's a bit bad… his men got attacked by a weird hollow – or arrancar, if heresy could be believed – and he tried to help. Unfortunately he was at his limit and he really got it bad in the battle." Aizen sighed as he shook his head "If it wasn't for Unohana taicho there, I'm not sure what would have happened. That's why I was a bit late today. I had to check on his condition first so I can tell Rukia about it later."
"Rukia is also not at the 13th." Byakuya said, feeling a bit miffed that he would be unable to say this in any other way to soften the blow. "She's at the 14th."
"What? You haven't recovered her yet?"
It might as well be a time for firsts as Byakuya was almost surprised to hear worry with underlying impatience lace the words of Aizen. "Rukia was returned the moment Kurosaki Ichigo was brought to the 10th division holding cell. She just went out to the 14th with Inoue."
"In as much as I know this sounds impolite, I think that you allowing her is… unwise." Aizen said quietly, as he took another sip of his tea. "I mean no offense, Kuchiki taicho."
Byakuya likewise took a sip, relishing in the scalding temperature of the tea on his tongue. Of course he knew it was not a wise decision. If he had a say in the matter, he would have ordered Rukia not to leave her room until this mess was sort out. "None taken Aizen taicho." He said instead. "However, I cannot do anything to stop Rukia should she want to visit the 14th division with the intent of being there for the night. She is capable of making decisions on her own."
"Yes I am aware of that." Aizen said with a barely audible sigh. "But Kuchiki taicho," he said as he fixed the other man with a serious look "As her brother and the head of the clan, you have authority to overrule her decisions if you see it fit."
"Not anymore." Byakuya said, tensing with the knowledge that it was about time to be the bearer of bad tidings. It was a pity really, he admired Aizen taicho and he would have been pleased to have him as a brother in-law. "I cannot make decisions for Rukia anymore. Not after she got married to Kurosaki taicho."
Aizen remained motionless. Byakuya wondered if he went into shock or if he was trying his hardest to compose himself. No one has ever seen the taicho of the 5th act inappropriately or show anger. Even when he was fighting hollows, Aizen always had this way of being calm and rational, making him an ideal squad leader and superior officer. Though he may show grief, concern, disappointment, and sometimes a trace of melancholy; fury was something not associated with him.
However, as he watched the man clench his fists, making his knuckles look bloodless, Byakuya became all too aware that Aizen was not made of stone. Though he was confident that Aizen could definitely calm himself, the noble knew that his rage would be something that will possibly shock Seiretei into its foundations if unleashed. "More tea, Aizen taicho?" he asks politely, attempting to make contact. After all, it would do him no good if Aizen had an outburst here of all places.
Aizen looks at him from beneath his glasses. For a moment, Byakuya was able to see seething hatred lurk behind the 5th taicho's brown eyes. On the normally kind Aizen it seems out of the ordinary, but the glint disappeared completely in a heartbeat as the eyes closed briefly. When the lids flew open, Aizen was now carrying a dejected expression on his face. "I was hoping that was an ill-conceived joke, until I realized you were never one for such, Kuchiki taicho – especially vicious ones like this."
"I apologize, Aizen taicho. For whatever inconvenience my sister has caused you. She has acted improperly by betraying your engagement."
"I suppose there's a story behind this?"
Byakuya took a sip of his tea to compose his thoughts on a diplomatic way of phrasing the truth. "It was the wisest course of action at the time."
Grimacing, Aizen's had reached out to grab his zanpaktuô's hilt, but then he let his hand fall back on the table. "I often wondered why Kurosaki taicho has always been particularly uncivil towards me." He said, thinking along the lines of his host. "I thought that could have just been a trivial matter; I did not expect him to go through this length to get to me." Facing the other taicho, Aizen fixed him a look that spoke volumes "I will do all that I can to dissolve the marriage. I'm sure Rukia can help me by providing insights –
"There is no way out of it and you know it." Byakuya told him evenly, his face impassive as he interrupted the other's musings. "The moment you reached for your zanpaktuô, you already knew. Kurosaki plans to keep it that way and he even had a Quincy officiate it."
"Was she forced?"
Byakuya's eyes narrowed "Rukia is not saying anything. All I have is an account of her travel from here to the 14th. Anything beyond that is out of my knowledge."
Silence once again settled between the two men. Then, after a moment, Aizen stood up wearily. "If you will excuse me, I must be going." He said in a forlorn tone, looking as uncomfortable as any jilted man would. "I must check on the other shinigami left in my division, I can only assume that they are in a state of confusion considering Hinamori-kun looked like she got the shock of her life." As the other man stood up to show him out, Aizen held up a hand to stop him. "Please. I will be fine… I need… some time to think about this."
As Aizen Sousuke trudged out of his study, Byakuya could only imagine the events that were to come.
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The next day came with a vengeance in a bright vision of light that covered almost every surface on Seiretei unmercifully. In his cell, Ichigo grunted softly as he sat up to try to look outside the window again. Honestly, couldn't Toushiro have given him a cell with larger windows?
"Kurosaki Taicho!" the boisterous voice of Matsumoto Rangiku floated as she rounded up from the corner.
"What is it now, Matsumoto?"
Matsumoto laughed, dragging with her a chair "I thought you might like some company to talk to, of course!"
Ichigo snorted "What so you can get the dirt on my marriage?" he said snidely, knowing all-too-well how the fukutaicho of the 10th would act. Ishida already informed him that a couple of their shinigamis had been in brawls since the rumors regarding his honor and that of the Kuchiki princess came out earlier. There were only a few people who knew about it. Matsumoto was included in that short list.
Honestly, Toushiro should have just kept her drunk. An inebriated Matsumoto, contrary to public belief, was a very good secret keeper. What gossip during her lucid moments made her careless about secrets, no one has ever – to date – forced her to reveal things kept in strictest confidence when plied with alcohol. With Matsumoto's open love affair with sake, this information was guarded by a handful of people zealously.
Quickly, Matsumoto sat in front of Ichigo. "So, care to spill the beans?"
"On what?"
"Oh come on, taicho!" scoffed the woman "Everyone is so curious to know about your love story with Kuchiki …err… Kurosaki Rukia!" she said the last part with a squeal. "I mean; you weren't exactly a suitor of hers. In fact, no one actually knew if you liked her in any way since you don't move in the same social circle at all. So imagine everyone's surprise to hear that you two got married!"
Ichigo just gave her an annoyed look "Right. Imagine that."
"So?" she prodded, "What was it that made you decide to marry Kuchiki Rukia? Considering the fact that she's engaged to Aizen taicho, everything seems so… rushed."
Knowing that she and the rest of soul society wouldn't believe him if he said that it was because of Aizen Taicho himself, Ichigo wisely kept his mouth shut.
Matsumoto looked at him slyly "Are we supposed to expect a little Kurosaki sometime soon then?"
Ichigo fought the urge to blush "Shut it." He gritted out. If his honeymoon was any indication of his life with Rukia, it was a highly unlikely possibility. Aside of course, from the fact that he was, currently in jail.
"You know," Matsumoto said pensively, all traces of humor gone "You left a lot of women broken-hearted, Taicho. The fact that your wife was previously engaged to another taicho makes people want to think it might be a love match. Otherwise, things won't look good for the two of you – if you know what I mean."
"You 'aint getting anything from me, Matsumoto." Ichigo said dryly "You'll have to filter through the rumors yourself."
Matsumoto gaped at the taicho before pouting. Well, she knew he really wouldn't comment on the issue. Now what would she report to the Shinigami Women's Association meeting? She could try to find Rukia, but as of the moment she wasn't at the 6th or 13th division. Unless she made a dash for it to Hueco Mundo, the only place she could be was at the 14th. Unfortunately, no one with official business with the 14th was allowed in today.
"Matsumoto." Hitsugaya's voice came from behind her "Please leave the holding cells with Hinamori fukutaicho."
Immediately, Matsumoto whirled around to face her Taicho.
"Hinamori is outside." Hitsugaya said in dismissal. His taicho nodded and complied. As soon as Matsumoto was out of hearing range, the taicho of the 10th division looked at Ichigo. "He's here to see you."
By that, he meant Aizen, and Ichigo knew it.
Without another word, Hitsugaya walked out, leaving Ichigo to wait for Aizen's arrival.
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In all the centuries he was alive, the only time the whole division was like this was when Masaki died. With this thought, Isshin finished his breakfast wearily, wondering just where his daughters and Rukia were.
He had been surprised, but not displeased to see Rukia and Inoue standing outside his son's division a few hours after the news of Ichigo's arrest arrived. The usually confident and headstrong noblewoman looked like she was completely confused and discomfited with the idea of stepping inside the walls of the 14th division.
Considering the rumors that were quickly spreading around Seiretei, Isshin would understand just why she was hesitant to see them. Apparently, Rukia thought that she was to blame for the mess his son was in.
Isshin wonders what in hell gave her the idea that she was the cause of Ichigo's predicament? Besides, the Kurosaki home was always open to her, seeing as she was now one of them.
It was Ishida who convinced Rukia to step inside. Tatsuki was the first to ask the two if they had eaten dinner already, while Keigo and Mizuiro took turns to greet them enthusiastically as Sado took the small bags they carried.
Rukia was Ichigo's wife; his men would rather eat their livers first than cause her grief.
Though he wanted to welcome the shinigami noble that was his daughter-in-law with open arms, he was beaten to it as Kon hurled himself to Rukia's bosom, sobbing as hard as any stuffed plushie could. The small smile that Rukia allowed herself to show was reward enough for Isshin.
Everything went by in a flash, as Yuzu flew out of the house in speeds that were impressive as she too clung to her sister-in-law's arms as she cried.
Karin said nothing as she opened the door wide for Rukia, but Isshin could see the unmistakable relaxing of her tensed shoulders, as if a great load was taken away from her.
After finishing his breakfast, Isshin decided to go look for his three daughters. He was sure not one of them ate yet and it just wouldn't do. Now that Ichigo wasn't here, he supposed he had the right to spoil them rotten once again. Sighing, Isshin made his way out of the dining table to make inquiries as to their whereabouts.
A little while later, Isshin found them huddled together under an apple tree in the gardens. Pasting a jovial smile, he started to skip towards them until he was near enough to see their faces. And Isshin stopped in his tracks.
Rukia sat against the tree as his daughters leaned against her for comfort. His ever practical and stoic Karin had her head against Rukia's shoulders while Yuzu had hers on top of Rukia's lap. Both were fast asleep, with Yuzu clutching Kon by the arm tightly. Surprisingly, the plushie was not making a fuss.
Slowly, he made his way towards the group. "Rukia-chan." he whispered to the surprised woman "Would you like me to take them off you so you can rest?" It was quite obvious that she kept them company, having as little sleep and food as his two girls. Isshin knew that if this kept up, all three would probably get sick – and this was not a good thing for Isshin. His son might just have his hide for it. Besides, he didn't want anything happening to his girls too. Rukia included.
Rukia shook her head as carefully as she could, so as not to wake Karin.
"He'll be fine." Isshin assured her "He's gone through a lot, and even if he came home banged up, he would find his way on his feet again. You know, there was this one time where he fought this menos – actually there were three of them and he got home sporting torn ligaments in the legs; three cracked ribs; one fractured forearm; and a concussion. Boy, Ishida and Sado were holding him up, it seems the menos did a bloody number on him." Isshin recounted in a low but excited voice, seemingly unaware of the nauseated look on Rukia's face. "I knew he'd be fine! He's my boy, and not even losing almost two liters of blood could kill him! Hah, he was being a pain all right, screaming bloody murder to anyone who tried to get near him. Unohana had to keep him restrained so she could set back his broken bones…"
"Isshin-dono…" She said cautiously, surprisingly feeling a bit queasy at his description.
"Rukia-chan!" sobbed Isshin "Why do you not call me father? Dad? Papa? You're Ichigo's wife now, that means you're my daughter!"
"Daughter-in-law…" Rukia protested weakly.
Isshin waved his arms around excitedly "Well, Ichigo won't stay that long in the slammer, you know. I'll have to make a petition. I mean, how will I get grandkids if he's locked up? Unless…" he trailed, looking at his daughter-in-law with a decidedly very naughty smile.
Rukia blushed a deep shade of red.
Sitting beside her, Isshin gently lifted Yuzu and settled her across his legs. "Don't worry about Ichigo, Rukia-chan." He said gently. "I promise you, he'll be okay. He's tougher than you think." Isshin flashed another a big grin. "It's you who I should worry about. This won't be easy on you. The Kuchiki clan may even disown you for this. But don't worry, family take care of each other, don't they?"
Wordlessly, all Rukia could do was nod. Family. Yes, that had a nice ring to it.
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Hatred. Fury. Absolute loathing.
He wonders how he did it; how he was able to rein in the urge to run his zanpaktuô through him everytime they met for Taicho meetings. It was actually short of a miracle that he was able to contain his hands – itching to kill – from committing murder in front of all the taichos in broad daylight.
Now it has come to this. Finally, it has come to this.
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There was no warning, no footsteps that signified Aizen's arrival.
It was as Ichigo expected it to be.
"Kurosaki Taicho." Aizen's baritone echoed softly across the cell block's corridors. "I trust your stay has been to your liking?"
"Aizen. Always for trivial pleasantries, aren't you?" Ichigo said, his voice surprisingly calm and composed. "What brings you here?"
Aizen stood quietly as he contemplated the other man. The second youngest Taicho in the whole history of Seiretei. The shinigami who broke barriers with his quick ascent into power, in speedy progress that was almost unbelievable. Kurosaki Isshin's son, Kurosaki Ichigo; the man who had the physical strength to rival the strongest man in the whole Gotei 14, the 10th Kenpachi. Whose agility in hand combat was worth of any seat in the 2nd division; had shunpo speeds that were almost inhuman; with mastery of bankai was as surprising as that of the resident prodigy; Hitsugaya Toushiro; and whose popularity was at par with Kuchiki Byakuya and Ukitakue Jyuushiro.
Yes, Kurosaki Ichigo. Seiretei's poster taicho of valor and strength. His hands clenched unconsciously at the thought. "It has come to my attention," he started "that you captured my fiancé –
"Wife. She's my wife now, Aizen, never forget that."
"She was not yours to being with."
Ichigo chuckled, but there was no humor in his voice. "I suppose you're to say that she belongs to you? Rukia belongs to no one, Aizen, only to herself."
Aizen's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, "I suppose her decision was free of any outward provocation or blackmail?"
"And your point is."
Stepping forward to look closer at the man he was currently talking to, Aizen lowered his voce even more "What did you do to Rukia-san that she had to marry you outright?"
Ichigo gave him a sardonic look "What? You don't believe in love at first sight?"
Sighing in a way an adult does when faced with a particularly naughty child, Aizen looked at Ichigo. "What have I done to you that would make you use a woman like this, Kurosaki Taicho?"
Now all pretenses of amiability were gone from Ichigo's eyes. "Does the name Kurosaki Masaki ring a bell, Aizen?"
"Kurosaki Isshin's wife; your mother isn't it?" Aizen asked. "I've heard about her often."
"For a moment there I thought you'd forget about the people you murder, Aizen."
Aizen said nothing for a while, then his eyes widened in realization of his underlying accusation before he frowned in confusion. "Murder? Your mother? Kurosaki Taicho… I'm afraid there must have been some mistake…"
"Is there really?"
Shaking his head, Aizen said "I have heard of the incident, but at that time I was at the 5th division doing evaluations for my subordinates –
"You lie!"
"Hinamori-kun will vouch for me, Kurosaki Taicho –
"You jackass! You were there, and you murdered my mother!" Ichigo shouted, standing up and rushing in an attempt to grab the other man by the neck. All that his hands caught were the edges of Aizen's haori.
"Kurosaki Taicho, please calm down!"
Suddenly, Hitsugaya sped by in flash steps, grabbing Ichigo's arm by his right hand and prying Aizen's clothing from his grip with the other. "Kurosaki!" he hissed "Let go of Aizen this instant!"
"Bastard!" shouted Ichigo, oblivious to the struggle "You killed my mother!" he shouted "You can lie to anyone, to every one, but not to me!" His face contorted into a scowl full of rage, Ichigo continued to pull at Aizen's clothing "Let go, Hitsugaya, let me go! This man is a murderer!"
"Compose yourself Kurosaki!" snapped Hitsugaya as he struggled to gain purchase with one hand so he could try and get his sword to cut the cloth. "Aizen taicho!"
But Aizen was not even resisting. "Kurosaki Taicho, I'm afraid you're mistaken," he said quietly, "there is no way that I could be in two places at one time…"
"Did you think that I forgot you have a zanpaktuō that creates illusions Aizen?" snarled Ichigo. "Why did you have to kill my mother? What was important about the hou –
Suddenly, there was a flash of red from Aizen's hand and the fabric was disintegrated, enabling him to be free of Ichigo's death-grip. With a force, the 5th division taicho stumbled backwards, catching his balance on time. His hands smoothed out the creases and singe on his haori.
Hitsugaya let go of Ichigo's arm. "Go back to your cot, Kurosaki." He said severely to the still fuming Ichigo.
"Bastard." Snarled Ichigo, hands gripping the bars so tight, they were almost bloodless.
Calmly, Aizen looked at the smaller taicho "Clearly you were right in saying this was a bad idea." He shook his head "Well then. I should leave."
As Aizen walked out of the cell block, Hitsugaya sent Ichigo one last look of warning before he followed the other man outside.
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"Aizen!" Hitsugaya called out. "Aizen!"
At that, Aizen stopped and turned to face the taicho of the 10th division. "Hitsugaya Taicho." He said somberly, "I am sorry for having caused a scene earlier. I did not think that Kurosaki Taicho would act like that."
Curious, Hitsugaya looked up at the other taicho carefully "Aizen Taicho, are you… alright?"
"Yes, Hitsugaya Taicho. Thank you for asking."
The other made a move to leave, but Hitsugaya continued to trail him. "What happened in there, Aizen?" he asked, not liking the rabid anger that rose in Kurosaki. Aside from that, Aizen's uncharacteristic use of kidô, as if he truly wanted to get away from the other man as soon as possible, was most curious. "What was he talking about?"
"I have no idea." Aizen said, "He seems to be in a delusion that I killed his mother."
Hitsugaya wanted so badly to ask what it was that Kurosaki tried to say before Aizen severed his haori, but by the looks of it Aizen was unnerved enough as it is. "You think he's delusional?" he asked instead. "I know Kurosaki to be quite unpredictable and unconventional in his dealings with other people, but delusional?"
For a moment, Aizen said nothing as he walked ahead along the 10th division's corridors. Then he stopped in his tracks and turned to face the other taicho. "No… I'm sorry. I don't think he's delusional. He acted with far too much planning to be delusional."
"Excuse me?"
Wearily, Aizen motioned Hitsugaya to walk on ahead, a signal that the conversation was private and must be place in the strictest confidence.
Catching his unspoken signal, Hitsugaya led the way to his office, where he was sure they would not be disturbed by random shinigami. Matsumoto was currently keeping Hinamori fukutaicho company, so the chances of her 'eavesdropping' was likewise very rare.
Once they were in Hitsugaya's office, he offered the older taicho a seat.
"Hitsugaya Taicho… I wonder if this was planned by Kurosaki Ichigo all along." He said quietly. "I don't want to assume the worst… but…" he said hesitantly "Thinking about the events make me think that Kurosaki Ichigo has a different agenda, one that I am not sure of…"
"What do you mean?"
Aizen looked uncomfortable as he composed his thoughts. "We all know that Kurosaki Taicho has always been supportive of a pre-emptive strike to Hueco Mundo."
"Because he had an encounter with an Arrancar and that the living world, especially Karakura-cho has been riddled with high-level hollows recently."
Looking at the younger taicho, Aizen inclined his head "Yes, but such an event has never happened before. What are the chances of high-level hollows and arrancar being in one small town in only a little over two months? I confess that it seems unnatural."
"You do seem to have a point." Hitsugaya said, after considering the comment carefully "It is unnatural; usually it takes years for that much number of high-level hollows to congregate in a certain area. The timeframe is moved upwards."
"When Seiretei went to war, Kurosaki Taicho's division was ordered to remain here. What surprised me was that he didn't even make a fuss…"
"It seems like a well-organized plot, Aizen Taicho."
"Another thing is that Kurosaki taicho's fifth seat…"
Hitsugaya racked his brains to get a name. "Kojima? Kojima Mizuiro?"
"Yes. He may have had something to do with why the shinigamis of the 6th division have no recollection of the siege. I have heard that he has a kidō-type zanpaktuô that can erase a part of one's memory…"
"But won't that be impossible to use when dealing with more than one person at the same time?"
"Theoretically, yes." Aizen mused "But if you use a certain amplifier similar to the one the kidō cops use… the one created by the 12th divi…"
Suddenly, Aizen shook his head as a thought struck him, "This doesn't seem like something Kurosaki taicho would plan. This one requires him to be patient and lie in wait. The Kurosaki Taicho we know is not like this."
Looking up in surprise from the patterns of his desk's border, Hitsugaya's brow was creased in apparent confusion. "What are you saying then Aizen taicho? That this is not Kurosaki Taicho's doing? That someone is manipulating him?"
"This conspiracy is pointing towards someone more capable of manipulating events to his liking." Aizen said quietly, rubbing his temple as the faint beginnings of a headache made itself known. "There's only one person in Seiretei capable of such well-planned strategies; Urahara Kisuke, former taicho of the 12th division and former head of the Shinigami Technological Research Bureau."
At the name, Hitsugaya sat upright, curious about the said dangerous shinigami. "Who is he?"
Aizen looked at the younger taicho seriously, "Whatever I say is in the strictest confidence, taicho. This topic is forbidden to talk about." As Hitsugaya nodded, he continued, "Urahara Kisuke is considered to be one of Seiretei's most intelligent taichos in its whole history. He spearheaded most of the developments we use today, and he knows the in and outs of whole Soul Society like the back of his hand.
"Urahara once created a dangerous device – one that allows a hollow to have shinigami abilities and a shinigami to gain hollow powers. This was the hougyoku."
Belatedly, Hitsugaya realized that this was the said object Kurosaki had been raving about in his cell earlier.
"Unfortunately, such a creation could destroy Soul Society as we know it, so he was commanded to turn it over to be destroyed. Unfortunately, he was unable to, so Central 46 ordered for the destruction of both the hougyoku and Urahara."
"So he was executed."
"No." Aizen said in a hushed tone; "Urahara disappeared from Soul Society, taking with him the hougyoku. Up to this day no one knows what happened to both. However, the minute either of the two resurfaces, taichos are given the order to destroy them on the spot. This is to prevent cataclysmic events to occur."
Giving the other taicho a look, Aizen added, "Urahara Kisuke happens to be Kurosaki Ichigo's godfather. And if Urahara had anything to do regarding this… it could be a bad thing, because it means that the hougyoku is still here and he is trying to retrieve it."
The idea did not bode well for Hitsugaya. Was soul society under threat? "Do you have a reason to believe that Kurosaki Ichigo is working with Urahara to bring down soul society?" he asked hesitantly, half afraid of the answer.
Sighing, Aizen rubbed his cheeks with his palms, obviously weary about the discussion. "No." he said finally, after a moment of silence that was uncomfortable for both of them. "The Kurosaki Ichigo I know is not like that. I've met him several times before when he was younger;" he said fondly "I have never seen a more kind-hearted boy who went out of his way to help others."
Hitsugaya personally agreed. Kurosaki Ichigo may be a stubborn, disrespectful man; but he himself knew that Kurosaki was committed to the ideology of saving souls and defeating hollows. Hitsugaya was a witness to how he treated subordinates with respect; how concerned he could be for the weak; and how dedicated he was to protect Seiretei. "He seems very upset about his mother's death."
"Kurosaki Masaki was his world." Aizen said, a hint of fondness heard in his tone as he recalled the then-young Ichigo and his mother. "He strove to please her all the time. He was hardly the same after her death."
"So Urahara is using these feelings of his to gain access to the hougyoku again?"
Aizen gave Hitsugaya a pensive look. "I believe that Kurosaki Ichigo had been under Urahara's control for a long time because he had somehow lost his touch with reality."
…
…
…
Ishida was looking at her progress with interest and irritation. Really, Kurosaki's wife was a very difficult woman to protect. She had this annoying habit of leaving without informing others about it. He tried finding her earlier, but no one in the house has seen her. Of course she was free to come and go as she pleased, but Ishida had this feeling that she was about to do something uncharacteristically stupid.
Kurosaki was definitely to blame.
"I would like to ask where you are headed, Kurosaki-san."
Rukia just stared at him blankly for a minute, before she broke into a cheery grin "To visit my division of course, Ishida-san."
"Allow me to accompany you."
"Oh no! That would be too much of a bother, I am perfectly capable of traveling on my own!" she insisted, fake giddiness lacing her voice. "You should stay here, Ishida-san, as Ichigo's fukutaicho, you have to watch out for the division."
"I was ordered to watch you until Kurosaki gets back."
Rukia smiled gaily, "Oh please! You don't need to do that, right?" she asked, taking a step –
"My Hirenkyaku can easily outstrip your shunpo. So don't think about it, Kurosaki-san." He warned. "And yes, I have an idea where you really are going, so I can definitely get there before you."
Rukia gave Ishida a level stare. "All I want is to talk to Aizen taicho."
"What would that entail? Kurosaki had specific orders, you are not to go to the 5th division."
"He is the only one who can –
Ishida shook his head "He won't accept –
"Who cares what Ichigo thinks?" Rukia said angrily, her eyes flashing in anger. "Did he think of his family before acting like this? Did he think about how Karin and Yuzu would stay up waiting nervously to hear that their brother can go home? Did he think about Isshin-dono and how worried he is? Did he think of what his friends would say? What about his men, they're worried too! Did he think about you, leaving all the cleaning up of this mess and keeping division 5th's shinigami outside the gates? Did he?"
For the life of him, Ishida had no ready reply. "Kurosaki-san…" He said hesitantly "Don't do this… he knows you're in danger, don't make him worry about you more…"
Rukia shook her head. "Ishida." She said quietly, looking down on the ground "I'm NOT going to beg for Ichigo's freedom. If Aizen Taicho believes I married Ichigo of my own free will, he will drop his charges and the sentence will be lighter. Ichigo can go home earlier." She looked up to glare at the fukutaicho "I will ask – if need be, demand that Aizen taicho to drop all charges. I don't care what it takes or what I have to lie about."
"Kurosaki-san…"
"I will tell Aizen taicho that I was the one who forced Ichigo to marry me. That I made a ruse that caused him to come after me at my brother's division. Then nii-sama will hear the exact same thing from me, I hope that it will be enough to make him drop his charges against him as well – maybe all of it." She mumbled, nervous at the prospect of making the Kuchiki family look like fools in Seiretei. "Ichigo is needed here, he must be here with his family."
"With all of us, you mean." Ishida said, making Rukia look at him in surprise. The fukutaicho turned the other way; not wanting the other to come to the conclusion that he gave the acknowledgment everyone had been waiting to hear for half a century.
Ishida cleared his throat uncomfortably, "What will you do if Aizen does not listen? You're already in his division, he could easily prevent you from going out."
"He won't do that." Rukia assured him.
"What if he does?" He insisted, hoping one last time to dissuade the shinigami noble who was slowly earning his respect.
Rukia sighed, looking wryly at Ishida's back. "Well, if you ask me… that's where YOU'RE coming in."
…
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C. LeShay's corner:
Thank god for Kubo's flashback filler chapters in the manga; otherwise, there'd be no way Byakuya would be IC here. On a note, Kubo-sensei, I wanna see a Bya-tantrum. I have this gut feeling he hates Ichigo because he lost his license to bitch around and this former ryoka just reminds him of it.
Ha, now Aizen is the one gearing the wheels. Poor Hitsugaya, caught in the middle. You gotta respect the kid – err, taicho, he's trying to be as objective as possible considering the evidences against Ichigo seems to be piling up. I think he was accepting the 'loony' theory as it somehow makes Ichigo innocent of his severe crime – somewhat.
Sorry if I took this long to explain the details behind Rukia's capture. I wanted the story to have its own pace first before I unravel it. If there are any questions to the story behind Rukia's capture, please be patient. You can ask of course, but I can't answer all as it may affect the next chapters… I so do not want to give spoilers.
Again, I believe that Isshin is capable of being serious. It could be OoC, but Kubo himself showed that it was possible, right?
Gyah. The last part was sappy, wasn't it? I do hope Ishida and Rukia weren't too OoC or anything.
Once again, please do review.
Oh, before I forget, happy birthday to one of my favorite beta-people ever. My good friend, recklesflight.