Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach!
Announcement:I believe a little reminder would be in order. As I have told you in an author's note a while ago I am going on a vacation soon. Soon being, very soon, as in this Thursday night. The last few days I have already been very busy packing and taking care of some last minute arrangements. Which is incidentally also the reason this chapter has come out a fair bit later then any of the other ones I've written so far. I will be gone for a little more then two weeks and thus this will be the last chapter I intend to write untill I leave. I do hope you enjoy it and please pay close attention to the Author's notes at the end of the chapter this time. I have added a handful of questions I would be very interested to hear answers about.
Yonda: Ggio will probably get a pretty big role at one point or another indeed. And yes Rukia is a very important character in my story. She was after all the one that was partially responsible for Ichigo's death and transformation in a Hollow. That aside she is also one of the main characters in Canon, obviously.
X009: Yes boring was a mistake in wording on my part. I merely meant to say that there would be less action in it. After writing the entire chapter full of mostly infiltrating Soul Society I do have to say it was a little boring to write though.
As for Ggio, who knows. I'm not certain yet. I intend to train him to become powerful, that is for sure. The only question is how powerful, that is something I don't even know myself.
Grimmjow will become stronger but I don't think his character will change any. I'm currently a bit uncertain as to what way I should take this character later on in my story but I can't comment any further on that without revealing too much.
And lastly, yes this is how some characters will act up in Hueco Mundo. But it will merely be the first time they end up there. Inoue Orihime will still be captured at one point or another that I can guarantee. So with that you can pretty much assume that some characters will return to Hueco Mundo again.
DarkJason: Yes I have to admit you're reading me pretty well on some points. I'm glad you seem to be the only one so far though! :p
And indeed, Ukitake is in my eyes a very reasonable person. He is one of the older Captains and it's possible he has even encountered (natural) Arrancar before. Other then that he has complete trust in Rukia and would not doubt her word on such a matter.
RyumaOmega: My plans for Momo are pretty much final now. Rest assured I think I have managed to find an interesting role for her.
MKTerra: Oh I fully understand that. But I can assure you that I will not, ever, abandon a fic once I have started it. Personally I'm totally into the story myself and am spending quite a lot of time figuring out the best ways to continue it. So no worries, it will not be abandoned untill it is finished.
Yes, Aizen will make the Ouken, eventually. And Ichinel is indeed the pairing for this story! Now that I think of it I had actually intended to make IchiRuki at first but I changed my mind when I realised I had to pair a Hollow with a Shinigami. Not that it hasn't been done before, I personally just don't like it. The romances is coming at a slow pacing though and it won't get going completely untill a certain event I have in mind.
Orpheus Thanatos Messiah: Glad you've enjoyed it so far. As for Harribel (Man she sure is popular!) she will make her appearance eventually, as I've said before. I don't have too many plans with her for now but there will be atleast one...well important might be overdoing it, but she will have atleast one significant role in the story at one point or another. I can also guarantee you however that (To the dissapointment of some perhaps) she will not be paired with anyone.
Houkaru Kisaragi: I don't mind you telling me this but I can't help but respond to it either. You probably haven't noticed that it is not labeled under the category romance. I have promised that it will include romance at one point or another and that is all I will promise.
As for it not being realistic. I'm very sorry but on this I will have to be blunt with you too. They are Hollow, Arrancar yes, but still Hollow. Do you expect them to jump one another at the first opportunity? I personally believe that especially with a Hollow pairing the romance should come at a very slow pace.
Lycodrake: I completely agree with you about 'El Sable'. I thought Ggio was a very interesting Arrancar with a pretty good-looking resurrección untill he pulled the steroids tiger card. Truth be told I would almost go as far as to say that completely ruined Ggio for me personally. I'm intending to do something about it but for now I haven't been able to come up with anything yet.
Other then that I will definitely take a look at your upcoming Bleach fic. It'll probably be after I return from my holidays though which is somehwere around the 17th of August. Nonetheless I look forward to reading it.
Ligerheart: I'm glad you enjoy the fight scenes in particular. I put quite a lot of effort into them usually and even then I'm usually not satisfied with them. So you have no idea how good it feels to know that you enjoy them in the end.
Personally I don't believe Rukia's Bankai will be revealed in the upcoming chapters. I also have my doubts about them being able to take down Yammy though. But remember, as far as I know, the remaining four Captains are still in Las Noches. But considering Rukia's Shikai I have managed to come up with some pretty good ideas for her Bankai.
Kisa Teh Puppy: Have to admit I'm glad I changed my mind about the pairing too. It's a lot of fun to write.
About Momo. You probably do have a point but as of now I believe I have a fair idea of what I will do with her. Shouldn't be too hard to figure out after you've read this chapter.
Lastly, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapters in general. I try my hardest and it's always great to see that your work is being appreciated.
Tal lan solus: More of Nnoitra will be revealed in the future. I'm sorry but that's all I will say about him for now.
Chapter 12: Bonding.
"I merely intended to test Kurosaki Ichigo's true powers and potential."
Gin's grin seemed to grow even wider after hearing this statement. It was just like Aizen.
"That's just like ya Aizen-taicho."
Aizen could only smile at this. Kurosaki Ichigo might be his most powerful weapon but Aizen knew how risky this could be. Ever since Aizen had seen the true extent of the bond between Ichigo and Nelliel he had closely monitored Ichigo and to a lesser extent Nelliel as well. It wasn't that Aizen truly distrusted Ichigo. No not at all, but showing emotion to an extent such as Ichigo seemed to do in private could have dangerous consequences for Aizen.
It wasn't a problem at all when Aizen simply looked at his final goal. But it was what stood between him and that goal. It was Soul Society. And while Ichigo would follow any order Aizen would give him without any second thought Aizen wondered if the same would apply when the order concerned Kuchiki Rukia. The truth is that he could have tested his theory by simply killing her but this might in turn cause Ichigo to slowly start to distrust Aizen. After all Rukia had helped him regain his memories and thus she had done him a favor. Aizen in turn had said he was glad, which he actually was. After all Ichigo's last experience with Shinigami during his life was one of being mercilessly cut down by the blade of Kuchiki Byakuya. Nonetheless, he wondered if Kuchiki Rukia could possibly form an obstacle between Aizen and his ambition.
But while Aizen trusted Ichigo perhaps the most of all of his Espada that was also his main reasoning for keeping him so closely monitored. After all, he would not fall prey to the lesson he had once taught his former Captain the hard way. Remembering the exact words he had spoken to his former Captain, Hirako Shinji, he could only smirk inwardly.
'The betrayal one can see is trivial. What's truly terrifying is when betrayal is unexpected, Hirako-taicho.'
=0=
Kuchiki Rukia lay in her bed silently thinking about the day's events. She remembered clearly how angry she had been when she was woken by the Fifth Division's third seat. How dare Ichigo just knock her out like that! The next time she saw him she would certainly kick his ass for that.
She could also remember the Captain's meeting she had attended next very clearly. She knew ofcourse that many still held their doubts. Her thoughts on this were proven earlier that day when she noticed she was actually being monitored. Considering her earlier explanation she couldn't blame them though. It was obvious that the only reason Aizen hadn't killed her had something to do with Ichigo. But she could hardly even hope to attempt to convince the Captains of that. Nonetheless there had been no further consequences other then being monitored and she could live with that.
The meeting she'd had with her Captain afterwards had been...enlightening. Her Captain was far more perceptive then anyone ever gave him credit for. Some would even go as far as to consider him weak due to his illness. Rukia however knew better. Ukitake, Kyouraku and after them Unohana were the oldest three Captains in Soul Society. After the Captain-Commander, Ukitake and Kyouraku were without much of a doubt the strongest remaining Captains. Unohana for her part was by no means weak but the truth was that she had always focused more on the medical aspect.
She knew her Captain was a man she could trust however. He would not reveal her secrets to anyone.
After the meeting with her Captain she had gone straight to the Kuchiki mansion and was surprised to find her nii-sama there. He shouldn't have been done with his Captain's duties yet. As she recalled the conversation she'd had with him that day she realized she still hadn't completely realized just what he had told her just yet.
He had explained her that the real reason for her adoption wasn't because she resembled his late wife Kisana. It had been because Hisana, was her older sister, and on her dying bed she had asked Byakuya to take care of her. He had done so and in doing he had, for the second time, broken the law of the Kuchiki Clan. He had sworn in front of his parents graves that he would never disobey the law again, no matter the situation. And so when Rukia was scheduled for execution, her brother was forced to choose. One of the two promises he had made would be broken, it was up to him to decide which. But he hadn't even got that far because of Aizen. Though ironically he admitted to her Aizen had saved him from even having to make a choice to begin with.
Now lying in her bed she could only smile as she remembered the conversation she'd had with her nii-sama. It wasn't as if he'd never cared about her after all. Well in a way it was actually, after all he didn't even really know her. But he'd found it too hard to even look at her with her resemblance to his former wife Hisana. She was glad and she could finally count her nii-sama among the people that were truly important to her.
=0=
As Hitsugaya Toushirou exited the Senkaimon that was taking him to the real world the first thing he did was take in the sight before him. Currently, he was standing in front of a small wooden building, which was supposed to be Urahara Kisuke's residence.
Remembering where he had been an hour ago he had to say he was satisfied with the way things were going. He had his plan, he just needed to find out if he could gather others to come along. He was silently hoping Urahara Kisuke could help him out some.
It was kind of ironic. The Captain-Commander had actually sent him on this mission after he had volunteered. Hitsugaya ofcourse was known as a Captain that valued his duty as a Shinigami above everything else. But there was one thing they didn't know. That everything else did not include Hinamori Momo. Urahara Kisuke would help him, one way or another.
Entering the house he found the room he was located in was empty. So he silently proceeded to make his way through the next couple of rooms. He hadn't found anyone as of yet but when he entered the last remaining room he could feel a subtle hint of reiatsu coming from below a ladder that was located at the far end of the room. Sighing, he made his way over to the ladder and jumped down.
As Hitsugaya landed at the bottom of the stairs his surprise could be seen clearly on his face. He was standing a giant underground...basement. Well for as far as one could even call it a basement. Rock formations could be seen everywhere around him as far as he looked, he didn't get a lot of time to take in his surroundings however.
"My my, what business could a Soul Society Captain have in my humble abode?" The voice of Urahara Kisuke rang out.
Turning his head around Hitsugaya looked straight into the face of Urahara Kisuke. He was distracted however by the sound of an explosion further into the basement and he instantly grabbed the hilt of his Zanpakutou.
"There's no need for that," Urahara's voice called out. "It's merely the sound of two people training."
Hitsugaya frowned for a second before removing his hand from the hilt of his Zanpakutou.
"I have come here to inform you of certain events that transpired in Soul Society recently." Hitsugaya stated.
Urahara's face instantly took on a more serious expression. He nodded towards a spot on the ground, indicating they should sit down.
And so Hitsugaya started explaining of what had happend no more then a day before. He started with the message received by all Captains and Vice-Captains. From there on he continued his own story of how he had traveled to the western gate and had subsequently confronted the intruder. He had told Urahara with the humiliation still present on his face of his and Soifon's crushing defeat at the hands of the Arrancar. He finished off by telling him how the intruder had then escaped and taken Hinamori Momo with him.
After this, Hitsugaya waited for a moment. Quietly hoping Urahara had something to comment on.
Urahara however remained quiet as if expecting the young Captain to continue his tale.
Sighing, Hitsugaya continued. He told Urahara of the Captain's meeting the next day. Told him of how they eventually came to the conclusion that the intruder had been an Arrancar. At this point he explained how Kuchiki Rukia had been allowed into the meeting room. She had explained how she had gotten to know the Arrancar over the weeks and how he had seemingly brought her back to Soul Society before taking Hinamori with him. They had learned some interesting things, but none were a breakthrough of any sort.
Urahara's face took on a thoughtful expression after Hitsugaya finished his explanation. He was positive this person had been the very same guy that had attacked Ishida, Sado and Inoue not too long ago, though it appeared that he had been alone this time.
Urahara had known from the moment the three teens were beaten as effortlessly as they were that Ichigo had become powerful. However, never in his wildest imaginations had Urahara expected that he would be capable of beating two Shinigami Captains while battling the both of them at once. Isshin's son had become powerful indeed, exceptionally so.
Despite that Urahara didn't feel as worried about this new revelation as he probably should have. The things Hitsugaya had told him, Rukia's explanation of her time held captive in particular, were intriguing. It appeared that Ichigo had regained a sense of his former self. The only true question was, had he, or had he not already regained some of his memories by the time he confronted Ishida, Sado and Inoue. It certainly was information that required some more thought.
Right now however he had to consider what Aizen could hope to gain by the capture of Hinamori Momo. Truth be told, Urahara didn't know much of the girl. He knew she was the Vice-Captain of the Fifth Division and so she had served under Aizen before his betrayal of Soul Society. The only real reason Aizen could have had for capturing her, considering that as a Vice-Captain she would not be likely to have any skills that Aizen himself did not have, could have something to do with perhaps her loyalty. Had she not been faithful to Soul Society all this time since Aizen's defection? Had she been in league with him all along perhaps? If this were the case then she could have obtained valuable information pertaining Soul Society. Aizen could've merely waited his chance to retrieve her so she could return to his side with the information.
Yet, Urahara knew this didn't make much sense. As a Vice-Captain she could've left the Seireitei and gone into the Rukongai or the surrounding woods. Aizen could've simply retrieve her from there and Soul Society would be none the wiser as to how or why she had dissapeared. Instead Aizen chose to take her by force. If Hitsugaya's explanation was anything to go by then the girl had been terrified. She either was a very good actor or she truly was scared.
Taking someone, especially someone as important as a Vice-Captain out of the Seireitei, Soul Society's heart, was an insane task. No one would even dare think of such an act. Especially considering the fact that it was done by a single individual. And that's where something clicked for Urahara.
It was a madman's job indeed. No one would think of such a thing, yet someone had. It was unexpected, true. But that didn't mean that Soul Society wouldn't be able to handle something like this, against a normal opponent anyway. Even then, the intruder, no Ichigo, had retreated after he defeated the two Captains and realised more were coming. He had taken precautions by sealing himself, Hinamori and the Captains in a barrier. He had intended to retreat right away after finishing his fight all along. It could've been because he wanted Hinamori to be safe in Las Noches as soon as possible but Urahara knew better. She couldn't have had much information as she'd been locked in her quarters for weeks, that is how hard Aizen's betrayal had hurt her.
Urahara knew now, he was almost certain. Hinamori Momo's capture had been optional. Well, not optional, that wasn't right. It certainly had been important only not for the reasons people thought. Despite Hinamori's loyalty to Aizen she would hardly be of any use. Even if Aizen chose to let her spy on Soul Society should Soul Society attempt to and succeed in rescuing her. She would be found out, a Vice-Captain could hardly hope to fool thirteen Captains for a long time. The real reason for her capture had been as a test. A test for a soldier of his. The test wasn't just any test though, if Rukia's story was true then Ichigo was regaining a sense of emotion. Aizen had allowed Ichigo to return Rukia to Soul Society and covered up his 'test' by making it appear as a mission. Aizen knew that a soldier with as much emotion as Ichigo was supposedly showing could be a risk and he had to know if the risk was worth it. And so he had tested Kurosaki Ichigo by giving him a mission more dangerous then any other. Infiltrate into the heart of Soul Society and capture a Vice-Captain class Shinigami.
It was very unlikely that any person could possibly succeed in such a mission. Urahara reckoned that had it been the Captain-Commander faced with such odds, he might've even had trouble with it. While Urahara did believe Ichigo was powerful he did not think that he was able to beat the Captain-Commander in a one on one battle. Ichigo's mission hadn't been as completely succesful as most thought. He had been lucky. He had been forced to bring up a barrier to finish his fight without being interupted. When he had finally finished two more Captains and three Vice-Captains had been present to continue the battle. Ichigo had been very lucky he had managed to distract them long enough to escape. In his battle-weary state he hadn't been likely to defeat the newcomers and even if he had more reinforcements would have soon showed up. He had been lucky indeed.
He was certain he had discerned Aizen's true goal with this mission. But he was also confident that Hinamori would play a bigger part then logic would suggest, taking into account what he had just learned. Aizen was the kind of man that would use everything that could work to his advantage, no matter how much it could, or rather couldn't. Hinamori would be put to use at one point or another, the only question was what her use would entail in the end.
"Hitsugaya-taicho," Urahara started, gaining the boy's attention. "I believe I have some pretty interesting information for you regarding this boy and Aizen's motives as well. However I believe it better if I wrote a report regarding my thoughts and suspicions."
Hitsugaya raised his eyebrows at this. A report? Couldn't he just tell him what his thoughts were on the matter? Or didn't the ex-Captain trust him?
Seeing the look on the young Captain's face, Urahara decided to elaborate. "Not to worry this has nothing to do with trust. But I have a lot of things to think about and I believe it would be better if I had a while to think about this new information. I could put things into a better perspective and essentially give Soul Society a better view on all of it. If you could return tomorrow it should be done by then. I will get working on it right away."
Hitsugaya nodded at this, but made no move to walk away.
Now, it was Urahara's turn to frown. "Is there something else I can help you with, Hitsugaya-taicho?"
"Ah. I intend to retrieve Hinamori, so I need someone to create a Garganta for me. You're a scientist, I'm sure you can figure something out. Other then that any possible allies would be appreciated." He stated flatly as if it were a daily occurence one intedned to invade Las Noches.
Urahara looked at the boy dumbounded. He intended to invade Hueco Mundo, Las Noches even. On his own, likely not by the orders of Soul Society. Urahara knew Hitsugaya was hailed for being the best prodigy Shinigami Soul Society had ever produced. Nonetheless, this was madness. Hitsugaya was solidly defeated by the Arrancar that invaded Soul Society and now he intended to invade Las Noches?
He was certain Hitsugaya wasn't the kind of person that would go to such lengths to 'regain his honor' due to the lost battle. That in turn left only one reason why he would want to go. That reason was named Hinamori Momo. If Hitsugaya was willing to go to such lengths for the girl, it must mean that she was truly important to him. A childhood friend perhaps? A close relative? Whichever it was, considering Hitsugaya's reasons Urahara decided he couldn't deny the boy his right to go.
If she was as important to Hitsugaya as Urahara got the impression, this brought a whole new perspective to the reasons Aizen could've captured her. Aizen had always been very perspective. If Hinamori was this important to Hitsugaya, Aizen would've known. It could either be a trap, or more likely, Hinamori's way out of Las Noches without raising suspicion. So a spy after all then? Nonetheless, Aizen would be aware of the fact that she would be found out before long, it was merely a side objective, a nice bonus, to the mission he had sent Ichigo on.
Urahara would make sure though, that in case he was wrong, Hitsugaya wasn't alone. Soul Society couldn't afford to lose another Captain. So he decided to sent someone along with Hitsugaya.
Urahara's face took on a smile as he told the boy just what he intended to do. "Very well," He started. "I will help you, return here tomorrow with the intention of retrieving the report I wrote. I will open a Garganta to Hueco Mundo for you and any allies you might bring along. Other then that, I will send one or two others along with you."
As he said this he turned around and walked away. Hitsugaya meanwhile was looking at Urahara's retreating form with wide eyes. He had not expected to be helped without some sort of argument or discussion. He had even thought of the possibility of having to fight Urahara for going against orders. Shaking his head, he turned around and walked. Urahara Kisuke was an interesting individual.
=0=
Kurosaki Ichigo was making his way back to his private quarters. He had just returned from his latest training session with Grimmjow and had left Ggio at the training grounds to continue training with one of Grimmjow's Fracción, Shawlong Kufang.
His training sessions with Grimmjow had been...worthwhile. At first Ichigo had actually been bored as he didn't want to inflict serious injury on Grimmjow. This only angered Grimmjow and caused him to push himself to his limits. Eventually Grimmjow managed to get Ichigo to start fighting seriously. This in turn resulted in Grimmjow being pounded into the ground repeatedly but after a while things did improve. Grimmjow managed to last longer against Ichigo longer and longer. Although admittedly this was more because of Grimmjow getting used to his fighting style rather then his improving powers.
Nonetheless, Ichigo was starting to enjoy their sessions. Grimmjow was without a doubt a hell of a lot stronger then Ggio and so Ichigo decided it was at the very least worthwhile.
Just this morning Ichigo had had another Kidou lesson from Aizen. It had taken a while for him to get used to the incredibly difficult eighty level spells he was now working on. He had to admit that Aizen had been right though, Hadou #88 - Hiryuu Gekizoku Shinten Raiho was very similar to a Cero. Thus he hadn't needed as much time to learn it. Right now he was able to perform the Kidou although he admittedly still required the use of the incantation.
When Aizen had taken notice of the fact that Ichigo didn't seem to have as much trouble with it as he should have he decided to switch spells after Ichigo had learned to use it with the incantation. After all, he already possessed abilities that were very similar to the Hadou #88. Admittedly it was a lot stronger then a regular Cero but that aside it was only slightly stronger then a Gran Rey Cero.
So Aizen had chosen to move on to Bakudou #81 - Danku for the time being. Now this was a spell Ichigo truly had had trouble with. Considering the time it had taken him to learn even seventy level spells it was sort of depressing. It had taken him almost a full two hours to learn the spells with the incantation. At this point Aizen had left him alone and Ichigo had continued to practise in it's use only this time without the incantation.
From there on it had taken him another day to learn to use the spell without the use of an incation. Well, not exactly a day. Just a total of ten hours practise. He could use the spell without an incantation now, but it was by no means at the power it should be yet.
Noticing he was nearing his private quarters his thoughts had strayed to Nel. He hadn't seen her much in the last couple of his days. She had continued to attend his training sessions with Ggio and Grimmjow ofcourse but outside of that he hadn't seen her at all. He had to admit though this was mostly his own fault. He'd been training too much and as soon as he got in his quarters he simply decided to go to sleep.
He realised ful well that this was in fact, unacceptable. Nel was everything to him. Aizen might be the one where his loyalties lay but Aizen was by no means as important to him as Nel was. Ichigo had wondered many times that should a scenario ever occur where Aizen would order him to kill Nel, just how he would react to that. His first thoughts always were that Aizen's orders were not to be obeyed, no matter what they were. But he slowly started realizing that when it concerned Aizen and his orders he often hardly even thought about them, what Aizen said would be, that's all that had gone around in his head at those times. He had vowed that he would atleast think about that which he was supposed to do the next time though. That didn't mean he would ever think about disobeying though, he had sworn his loyalty after all, something he would probably regret for a long time to come.
As Ichigo entered his living quarters he was instantly engulfed in a bone-crushing hug by a pair of arms. He instantly knew it was Nel, no one other then her would even think about greeting him like that. One thing he couldn't help but wonder was why her usual hug wasn't accompanied by her high-pitched giggling and shouting of 'Ichi, Ichi!'.
He gently patted her back before pulling back to look at her face. Coming face-to-face with her serious expression he instantly knew something was wrong. And he had an inkling as to what it was. He knew now, that he hurt her more then he had thought by not seeing her for a couple of days.
"H-Hey Nel," Ichigo started, he decided to apologize right away. "I'm sorry about not seeing you for a few days. I've really only been sleeping and training. I intended to come over today though, I did miss you." He finished with a bit of an embarrassed smile on his face.
Nel slightly narrowed her eyes at him. If one didn't know Nel one wouldn't even notice. It was just one of the habits she probably wasn't even aware of herself. She let out a deep sight before she talked. "Here I was, intending to scold you properly for not showing up for days." She started, with a bit of annoyed tone in her voice. "But you know I can't be angry with you, it's okay Ichi, really." She finished with a small smile.
Ichigo returned the smile at this. She already called him by her favorite nickname again. He was glad she'd forgiven him this easily he hadn't really had a real fight with Nel, some arguments ofcourse but they were always solved easily enough. Or they weren't and they were simply forgotten.
"Just don't let it happen again." She spoke up once more.
He smiled at her and nodded. He didn't intend to, he had seen now that he had hurt her more then he had thought possible. If there was one thing he didn't like then it was to see Nelliel hurt.
"Where are Dondochakka and Pesche?" Ichigo asked, confused. Nelliel usually took them with her everywhere. They weren't alone too often and even less often because Nelliel intentionally didn't take them with her. Ichigo silently thought that it was because of the latter this time.
"I just wanted to spend some time with you alone Ichi," Nelliel said, looking away from him.
Now this did surprise Ichigo a little. That certainly was a new reason for not bringing them along. He didn't mind though, his training exercises, the Kidou training in particular, was tiring and their antics could very well annoy him if he was already tired.
"Besides, I thought we had some things to discuss but you apologized before I could even get started." Nelliel said, a bit of an odd expression on her face. "I really didn't see that coming."
Ichigo chuckled at this. Moving over to the large sofa he lay down and patted the spot next to him, causing Nelliel to raise her eyebrows at him.
"I'm a little bit tired from training today," He explained. "I prefer to lie down but feel free to lie down next to me. I don't mind."
She smirked at this before she moved over to the sofa and lied down next to him, laying her head on his chest. It happened occassionally, mostly when Ichigo was tired. He'd lie down in the sofa instead of sit down and Nel would lay her head on his chest instead of his lap.
Feeling a pair of arms wrap around this torso he decided he'd forgot to add she often did that too. He didn't mind though, it was comfortable and warm. Ofcourse he wouldn't allow anyone other then Nel to get this comfortable with him but with her he truly didn't mind. She was almost like another body part of him. He knew then and there that he truly couldn't live without her.
And that was how he finally gained the answer to his question. The question he had been thinking about for days and nights. He had thought he had his answer and this had confirmed it. Should Aizen ever order him to execute Nelliel, he would refuse. He would take Nel and leave Las Noches. He would retreat to the deepest bowels of Hueco Mundo and await the inevitable arrival of Aizen or the Espada. He would fight for their lives but inevitably he would die. He was powerful but he knew he stood no chance against either Aizen or the entire Espada.
He wouldn't mind though. If he would ever get to choose how to die it would be by saving someone precious to him at the cost of his own life. Not following the orders of Aizen. No, he would prefer to die saving Nelliel or even Rukia.
"Ichi," Nel's voice shook him from his thoughts. "What do you think of Aizen?"
The question had surprised Ichigo. But he knew it shouldn't have. Nel wasn't the kind of person for war. Despite her strength. One day, Ichigo figured, she might even go as far as to directly disobey orders only to avoid spilling blood needlessly. He hoped that day would never come.
"We swore loyalty to him Nel," Ichigo said, "It doesn't really matter what I think of him."
Nel frowned at this. Ichigo wasn't one to refuse to tell her something, but before she could comment on it he continued. Much to her delight.
"Nonetheless I will tell you, " He started again, "Despite how long we've been Arrancar and despite how long Aizen has already been here. He has yet to tell us of his true goal. But I know it will be something I'm not going to like. My Aspect isn't the Aspect of Life for nothing Nel. I wouldn't want to spill blood needlessly. Because Aizen wants me to isn't a reason to spill blood for me. Yet, I can't do anything about it. I, and you too, have sworn loyalty to him and so I can't disobey him." Ichigo explained.
Nelliel sighed at this. She had expected it but she was dissapointed nonetheless. She had sworn loyalty to Aizen to be rid of the ever-lasting hunger that any Hollow suffers of and to a lesser extent also to see Ichigo develop into who he was today. Right now she was glad she had accepted because Ichigo meant the world to her. But she didn't want to serve Aizen. Like Ichigo said, whatever his goal was, she was sure she wouldn't like it.
She also knew that Ichigo was getting into a dangerous position. Aizen had always said that the emotion Arrancar displayed was what made them different from ordinary Hollow. Yet, at the same time, Nel knew that Aizen wasn't pleased with the amount of emotion she and Ichigo were showing. In her thinking she had gone as far as to believe that Aizen might be willing to dispose of her to make sure Ichigo said under his firm control. Ofcourse he would make it look like an accident, or even better, he would make it so that a Shinigami finished her off. She sighed deeply before burrowing her head in the crook of Ichigo's neck.
Meanwhile, Ichigo was distracted by his own thoughts. He thought he knew why Nel had asked him that question. She felt the same way about Aizen. But there was more to it then just that.
Ichigo knew that Aizen wasn't fine with the amount of emotion Ichigo displayed. Going as far as to allow Nel to support him after his mission. At the same time Ichigo couldn't help but wonder what the actual purpose of his mission had been. Of what use could one puny Vice-Captain really be? He reckoned it might've been some sort of test of his loyalty, if it had been then he had succeeded.
But even if it hadn't been he knew Aizen had been keeping tabs on him ever since that mission. He was being watched and monitored closely. The only place he was never watched was his own private quarters. This only proved to him that Aizen had started doubting his use. He had never thought that he would ever be discarded. He was Aizen's trumph card after all. But he knew better now. He would remain loyal to Aizen though and he would continue to do so unless Aizen ever chose to betray him. But not only him, Ichigo vowed to protect Nelliel, she was everything to him, if Aizen ever laid a finger on her Ichigo vowed he would become the man's worst nightmare.
"Nelliel," Ichigo started, causing her to look up at him. "My loyalty lies with Aizen but I promise you, if he ever betrays you or me I will leave Las Noches and make him regret he ever laid a finger on either of us."
Nelliel smiled at him and crawled up to give him a kiss on the cheek before tightening her hold on him and closing her eyes.
=0=
Aizen was silently making his way over to the quarters that had been assigned to Hinamori Momo. Gin was walking by his side. Kaname was absent as he had been sent out with Ulquiorra into Hueco Mundo.
Even now Aizen was still looking for a big part of the remaining Vasto Lordes. Most declined his offer and Aizen didn't really have any intention of taking them out unless they acted against him first.
Shaking his head he returned his thoughts to Hinamori Momo. He had found a use for her after all. At first he merely intended to discard her right away. Then he eventually believed she might succeed at spying, even if only for a while.
But now he had come up with something that would be worth the time and effort. Hinamori had always been a talented Shinigami and her skill in Kidou was downright prodigious. He would allow her to be retaken to Soul Society after she had been rescued. First though he needed to sway her to his side once more. It wouldn't be too hard Aizen believed. Her loyalty was truly an obsession.
When Hinamori returned to Soul Society she would be spying for him. But it wouldn't be long before she found out. If she wanted a safe return to Hueco Mundo before she would have to learn to control it. It was a very tight time frame and she would not be able to learn to control it within the time given unless she truly gave her all.
Aizen let a slight grin adorn the features on his face as his hand closed around the object in his pocket. The object that had made all that Aizen had done so far possible. The Hougyoku.
=0=
Hitsugaya Toushirou angrily made his way to the Senkaimon. Just a day before he had requested a rescue mission to retrieve Hinamori from Las Noches. It had been denied and he was downright pissed.
Most of the Captains in attendance at said meeting had looked at him as if he were crazy. Well, it was understandable though. After all, what did they know of Aizen's forces? They knew only of a single individual. For all they knew there could be more of those, as unlikely as it was.
He was still annoyed though. It seemed that he had to go to Hueco Mundo on his own after all. Well that wasn't exactly true either. Urahara had told him he would send a man or two along with him. Hitsugaya just hoped it wouldn't be any of the teens. He didn't really have anything against them but it was obvious to any Shinigami worth his salt that both Yoruichi, Isshin and Tessai were far more powerful.
He was shaken from his thoughts by a loud voice just as he arrived at the Senkaimon.
"Oi! Juubantai-taicho[1]." The voice rang out.
Looking up, Hitsugaya was startled to see Zaraki Kenpachi, Juuichibantai-taicho[2] as well as Ayasegawa Yumichika, Eleventh Divison's Fifth Seat and Madarame Ikkaku, Eleventh Division's Third Seat standing in front of the Senkaimon he was supposed to leave through.
Realising he had been caught he instantly grasped the hilt of his sword.
"Tch. We ain't here to fight you." Kenpachi told him. "Las Noches is where you're going, right? If that's where that guy who beat both you and the nibantai-taicho[3] is then I'm coming with you." Kenpachi finished, grinning widely.
Hitsugaya meanwhile, could only stare dumbfounded at the trio from the Eleventh Division.
=0=
No more then half an hour later the four of them stood in the basement of Urahara Kisuke's home. Around them stood Shihouin Yoruichi, Tsukabishi Tessai, Kurosaki Isshin, Yasutora Sado, Inoue Orihime and Urahara Kisuke.
This did confuse Hitsugaya as he was they weren't all coming. Deciding to take the straightforward approach he opened his mouth.
"Urahara Kisuke," Hitsugaya started, gaining the attention of everyone present. "Who else did you find that is willing to come along?"
Urahara scratched his head at this, a dumb look on his face. "Well the truth is everyone here is willing to come." Urahara said. "But I won't allow that." Before Hitsugaya got a chance to react or even frown at this statement Urahara continued. "Some of them simply aren't ready for a battle of that caliber and ofcourse I also need to keep some people about in case Aizen attacks Karakura Town."
Closing his eyes and letting out a sigh he nodded. "Alright, who is it?"
Kurosaki Isshin instantly stepped forward. Hitsugaya instantly felt relief flood his system. He didn't know much about the man but what he did know was all positive. He realised the man had been beaten soundly by Tousen Kaname but he was also aware of the fact that Isshin hadn't even been in his Shinigami form for well over twenty years. Taking the explosions he had heard in the basement the other day in mind he was sure the man had been training.
Returning his attention to the man assembled he spoke up. "All of you are aware of our mission's goals?" He asked them.
The trio from Eleventh Division didn't even reply to his question Isshin nodded with a serious expression. Hitsugaya personally thought that Kenpachi, Madarame and Ayasegawa had only come to fight or perhaps in Ayasegawa's case to help out his Captain and Third Seat.
Even so, it didn't matter. He could use all the help he could get.
Locking eyes with Urahara he nodded once. Signifying that they were ready. As the large Garganta opened up in front of them he silently wondered if he even knew what they were getting themselves into.
=0=
[1]Juubantai-taicho : Tenth Division Captain.
[2]Juuichibantai-taicho : Eleventh Division Captain.
[3]Nibantai-taicho : Second Division Captain.
=0=
Another chapter's done. As I stated at the start of this chapter I am leaving on a vacation for a little over two weeks this Thursday night. This will be the last chapter I will write untill then. You can expect me back around the 17th of August though ofcourse that doesn't mean a new chapter will be up by that day yet either.
Secondly let me personally thank you for all the fantastic reviews I have gotten over the (Two? Two and a half?) weeks. Ever since I started this story I have managed to continue it with pleasure thanks to all of you. You are the ones who inspire me to keep updating at such a fast pace and I thoroughly enjoy reading each and every one of your reviews. So, thanks!
Next I am going to list a couple of questions that I would like an answer to. I would very much appreciate it if as much of you reviewers as possible could provide me with answers to these questions. They are questions that I feel are important I know an answer to if I want to continue this story in such a way that you will all keep enjoying it.
1. What do you think of character deaths? This could mean absolutely any character. Shinigami Captains, Espada, Ichigo's old friends or family, Rukia, even Ichigo or Nel themselves.
2. What do you think of the story so far? What did you like? What didn't you like? What do you feel I should work on as a writer. Is there anything in the storyline so far that you feel needs to be worked at?
3. What are your thoughts on side pairings? So far I don't have any intention to introduce any. Though perhaps I could be swayed in doing so should the demand be high enough and should I be willing to.
4. How would YOU like to see the story end? I personally have already thought of an ending that I believe is both fitting and original but nonetheless I would like to hear your thoughts on it.
5. And lastly, similar to the previous question. Is there any particular way one would like to see the story progress from here? Once again I have already planned this out and while I can no longer be swayed into making the story turn into a certain direction it does interest me to know what you readers would like to see.
Once again, thanks for reading and reviewing. I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter of my story. Expect the next one to be up anywhere between two and three weeks.
Ja ne!
~Bruuz