A special thanks to EternalDream for being an awesome beta! And for amending the end of this chapter, to clarify a minor detail :)
Standard Disclaimers Apply
The Ties That Binds
Chapter 12
Mamoru moved with grace that one would never associate with lethalness, though he was powerful enough that he was quite deadly if need be. As his body moved to perform a kata he had learned many years ago, his mind replayed his final moments with his beloved Yuzu.
"Don't hurt Sora-chan, ne?"
One day, it would be unavoidable for him to break his promise. Seishiro was getting impatient, and he knew that sooner or later, he will launch another attack at Karakura from the past.
He stopped his movements before he took a deep breath to clear his mind. As he began another set of kata, he ignored the presence in the room that had been observing him for a while now. He moved with such precision, each strike of his fists could cause an enemy to be maimed or killed should he ever use it in combat.
He knew his words to Sora could be considered treason. To let the boy know about the kidou attached to their Zanpakuto meant he could figure out how to stop it—and also how to use it. However, he had never believed from the beginning that the war was necessary, nor had he ever agreed to use the soul poison against anyone. And he knew Sora was a good kid with a good, gentle mother and aunt. He'd never use the soul poison against anybody who didn't truly deserve it.
The poison had originally been designed as the ultimate form of execution and punishment for an individual who had been proven to have committed a crime against the Royal Family. It had never been intended that it should be used for needless reasons, like war. He would protect his clan, die for his brothers even, but he would not allow the unnecessary destruction of a soul simply because it could be done.
"Is there anything you need from me, Nadeshiko?" he said, finally addressing his observer, her presence unwanted in the training room.
The woman stepped away from the shadows and narrowed her eyes at the youngest Taira. "What have you been doing in Karakura?"
Mamoru did not respond, but continued with the steps of his kata.
Nadeshiko's blue eyes glinted. She had always suspected Mamoru was hiding something. Kusanagi and Jiro had tried to follow Mamoru under orders from his eldest brother, but his crows had always gotten in the way. Mamoru was always alerted to their presences, and, being somebody who excelled in the use of ninja-like kidou, his movements and whereabouts had remained unknown. All they could tell was that he was departing for Karakura. It was possible he was going elsewhere out of the town, but Nadeshiko and most of the others doubted this.
"If you think you can get away with whatever you are planning, you are mistaken. Seishiro-sama will find out sooner or later."
"I am not planning anything," Mamoru replied truthfully. All he wanted was to see Yuzu again, and to make sure that she was alright. It was foolish, he knew—the girl was still years away from the woman he had fallen in love with—but he could not stop himself from watching her, just to make sure she was safe.
When it was clear to him that Nadeshiko was not going to leave him alone or accept the truth, he ended his kata and took a towel from the bench to wipe away the sweat that had collected on his finely toned muscles.
"The seals you've created in the past may keep us hidden to your movements, but this is ridiculous, Mamoru! We are more than capable of launching an attack at Soul Society in this time! Going back in the past did not help our cause, but we can fight them here, so you need to stop whatever it is you are doing and focus on the here and now."
"I have told my brothers many times, I will not engage in battle with Soul Society. We have lived a good life, free from their politics and pointless protocol."
"The throne of Soul Society belongs to your clan!" she argued vehemently. It made no sense to her why Mamoru didn't view this war the same way everybody else did. "Don't you remember how we were all banished? Paraded around like criminals… We have the right to clear our name!"
"And how does waging war accomplish that? Do you honestly believe that they'll just hand over the throne? Even if we did win and reclaimed the throne, that would not end this war. We will spend years, risking many lives, to hold on to something that is just not worth it."
"Not worth it…? You call restoring the honor of your clan unworthy?"
"Where is the honor in destroying souls!" Mamoru snapped, and Nadeshiko's eyes narrowed.
"Necessary collateral damage," she replied coldly.
Mamoru shook his head at her foolishness and slung the towel over his shoulders. He knew she believed every word she said.
"I will never forgive Yamamoto and the other clans for what they have done. But to reclaim the throne through this method will never restore the honor of our clan. It will only tarnish it more."
Nadeshiko crossed her arms across her chest and peered closely at Mamoru. "You are really not going to join in an offensive strike against Soul Society?"
Mamoru held her stare and shook his head. "We have already lost many of our men—precious brothers, allies, and friends. I will not condone or actively participate in any actions that would lose us even more."
Having nothing more to say on the matter, he walked out of the room without looking back. In doing so, he failed to realize that something had fallen out of his pocket. He never saw Nadeshiko pick up the item, nor did he see the calculating look in her eyes as she opened the locket he held as his most prized possession.
-0-0-0-0-
Ichigo woke up feeling a short, warm burst of reiatsu, as well as a kick to his face. He opened his eyes and stared at his son's foot and avoided another kick. Smiling slightly with patience and love, he maneuvered Sora's little body so he wasn't in a position to kick him anymore and glanced at Orihime as she peacefully slept. Sora gave another kick as he dreamed, and Ichigo watched in amusement as son's hands flailed before dropping back again and a tiny, gurgling giggle sounded from him. Ichigo smiled slightly. Whatever his son was dreaming about, it seemed to amuse him greatly. He caught Sora's hands just before he was hit in the face again.
He didn't think he could ever get used to this…how someone so small could already have so much power inside his tiny body. Had his father watched him and felt the same way when he'd been a baby? His eyes drifted back to Orihime, and his other hand gently brushed the long strands of hair away from her face. He could feel his hollow fighting for release from his cage, and for the first time since he'd been able to lock his hollow up, he wondered if he would be able to win against their new enemy. As much as he hated to attribute some of his victories to his hollow, he can't ignore the fact that transforming had helped him win many times in the past. Unfortunately, unlike Shinji and the other Vizards, his hollow was more than determined to take over, and he could not allow that to happen. Ever. His family was at stake. He'd jump into Hell before he allowed his hollow to hurt them.
Orihime's eyes fluttered open, and he was greeted with a smile. "Can't sleep?"
In between them, Sora's legs gave another kick, and the little boy let out a squeal of delight before turning his body towards Ichigo.
"He does this a lot?" Ichigo asked as his son settled besides him, his hands still in his father's grasps.
Orihime nodded. "Usually when he plays too much. I guess he had too much fun with everyone trying to get his attention."
Sora had definitely been spoiled for attention throughout the day, with friends and family showering him with attention.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm just thinking," he shrugged. "I'm hoping Renji can find the other book, and that Hinamori can figure it out." Orihime stayed silent when Ichigo's hands intertwined through her hair. She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes in pleasure. "If it's not Aizen, or some freak from Hell, there's always someone out there who wants any one of us dead, imprisoned, or used for something else." Ichigo let out a dry chuckle. "I guess this is as normal as it's going to get for us."
"We're going to get to the bottom of this, you'll see," Orihime said firmly as she gently took his hands and held them in hers. "We survived Aizen, didn't we? We will survive this one too."
"I don't know how to win without my hollow," Ichigo finally admitted with quiet acceptance. The words were bitter in his mouth, but he was relieved to say out loud what had lingered in his mind for so long. It was nice to finally confide in Orihime. He knew no better confidant.
"We'll find a way. I believe in you, Ichigo-kun."
He slowly inched closer to Orihime, and before Ichigo could kiss her, he winced as Sora's hands got in the way, slapping his neck. It wasn't hard enough to hurt, but it was enough for Orihime to laugh as she kissed Sora on the forehead before giving him a quick kiss on the lips.
-0-0-0-0-
Seishiro Taira stood in the balcony of the guest house, his body tense as he waited for his guest to arrive. Things have not gone according to plan, and the time gate had malfunctioned, leaving him unable to travel to a different location in time to change the course of history.
"I am assuming that things are not going as well as you hoped?"
Seishiro turned around and watched the man he gave sanctuary to saunter closer.
"No, they are not," he replied curtly, and he elegantly turned away from Aizen Sosuke.
"Kurosaki is a very difficult boy," Aizen said softly. His voice was full of disdain.
"Are you referring to the father, or the son?"
"I imagine both of them would be," the former Shinigami taichou replied. "It is quite difficult for you to achieve what you want when a Kurosaki is in your way."
"My way? I was under the impression that you have something to gain as well, Aizen."
"You are correct. I'd be more than happy to step aside and watch someone else take rule over Soul Society. My goals now are much more personally oriented than yours. You seek the throne; I merely seek revenge."
Seishiro sneered, unwilling to believe that was all that drove Aizen. Time to cut to the point. "You requested to see me for a specific reason, did you not?"
"I did," Aizen replied with a congenial smile. "I was hoping you would grant me a request."
"And that would be…?" Seishiro left the question open as he turned to face Aizen. He was actually somewhat curious to know what it was.
"In exchange for some valuable information, I would like visit Karakura Town of the past. I think it's time I paid Ichigo and his friends another visit. I'm sure they've missed me as much as I have missed them."
Seishiro glared at Aizen. "What are you planning, Aizen? This is my fight against Soul Society. You had your chance, and you missed it!"
"On the contrary, Taira-sama. I'm merely offering my assistance," Aizen replied with mocking gentleness, his smooth smile turning into a calculating grin.
"I don't possibly see what valuable information you have that you can offer in exchange for using our time gates," Seishiro snapped rudely.
"You have discovered the reason why your youngest brother disappears to Karakura, have you not?"
Seishiro's jaw tensed at the tone Aizen used. As much as he distrusted the man before him, he knew that their temporary alliance would benefit his clan's war. Aizen's implication that he knew something the he did not, did not sit well with Seishiro.
At his silence, Aizen walked towards the balcony and looked outside the house. "I was curious. Wondering, even, how you planned on taking Orihime Inoue or her son to use them in your fight against Soul Society, when your own brother seems to be working against you."
Seishiro's Zanpkauto stopped a few inches away from Aizen's neck. "Speak carefully, Aizen."
Aizen didn't even appear bothered as he turned to face Seishiro.
"You know that he's been spending too much time in Karakura, with no offer of explanation to anyone. Surely you have been curious as to what has taken his undivided attention?"
"I am taking care of it."
"Are you?" Aizen asked with a smile. "Because I can offer you insight on what keeps your brother occupied in Karakura. Something your own men have been unable to do thus far." At Seishiro's brooding silence, Aizen continued. "It's been a while since I have seen what Ichigo Kurosaki is capable of, and I was curious to see how good a fighter his son has become. So I dispatched a few hollows to test them, and you can imagine my surprise at what I discovered instead." Seeing that he finally had Seishiro's full attention, Aizen smoothly moved the blade away from his neck. "Do we have an agreement, Taiara-sama? My discovery for a visit?"
Seishiro sheathed his Zanpakuto back into its saya. "Continue."
"Your brother seems to be quite taken with one Yuzu Kurosaki."
Seishiro tried to remember the name. He forced his face to remain impassive as he recalled that he had once read her name in passing. She was one of Ichigo's younger twin sisters. There was hardly any information on her. Since she had little to no spiritual energy, she had been immediately ruled out a possible threat, therefore making her unworthy of further scrutiny.
"Mamoru? You are telling me that my brother is going to Karakura to visit Kurosaki's sister?" Seishiro asked incredulously, unwilling to believe what he'd just been told. "Are you actually telling me that my brother is refusing to join the war against Soul Society for a child?"
"Your anger is understandable," Aizen said calmly. "But now that you know what occupies his mind and his time, I'd like to lay out my plans. I am certain this visit of mine will benefit us both."
"How exactly will your visit benefit me?" Seishiro demanded, his mind still on his brother.
Aizen gave a small, delighted smile. "I have seen with my own eyes the length Ichigo would go to for Orihime. How much he will push his humanity to the edge to protect her. I suspect you know this is also true in regards to their son?"
"You expect me to listen to and believe in you when you have failed yourself?"
"All I can ask is for you to listen. Hear my plan before you judge it, Taira-sama. I can assure you that it will not only work, but will greatly please you."
Seishiro weighed Aizen's words carefully. He would listen and see how much this ex-taichou's plan could assist him in reclaiming the throne. "I'm listening."
"Should we continue this conversation in your War Room? I believe one of your lieutenants has something to share with you."
Nadeshiko froze from the doorway when men looked in her direction. Clearing her throat, she said boldly, "I have something to report, Seishiro-sama."
Seishiro glanced back at Aizen momentarily before walking out, followed by Nadeshiko.
Aizen narrowed his eyes when the pair left, and his smile dropped. He'd been patient. Since losing his most trusted comrades, he had waited for this, biding his time again and again. Amongst all the clans that were banished from Soul Society, the Taira were the strongest and their tie to the throne was a motive he could and would happily exploit. He was more than content to let the foolish Seishiro Taira believe that a victory in Soul Society would grant him the throne that had been taken away from his family. He was going to allow Seishiro to think he was still the one in command, but when the time was right, and the Taira clan was of no use anymore, he was going to make his move and take his vengeance out on Soul Society and the residents of that pitiful little town.
He glanced behind to the figure standing in a different doorway than Seishiro and Nadeshiko had exited from. "Will you be coming with me?" he asked the man.
The younger Aizen—the one from his past timeline; the one who had eagerly agreed to join him on his quest for vengeance—walked towards him. "Of course," he replied. "I'm sure they will be happy to see me just as much."
The older Aizen smiled in sinister amusement, and they both made their way to the War Room. Victory was within their grasp. Soul Society would fall, and not even Ichigo Kurosaki could stop them now.
0-0-0
Surprise!
Really... how could I not include Aizen? :)
His involvement in this whole fiasco will be explained throughout the remaining chapters! Your comments and reviews add extra inspiration :)
Cheesemaiden: Thanks for the comment! Trying to sprinkle some angst, but will try to balance it out later!
melnel: Thank you... hope you enjoy this chapter too!
The Dessa: Love you back! I hope you like what I'm planning next! Hehehe...
IchiHime supporter: Seishiro's interest in Orihime will be in the next two or three chapters. I shall strive to keep the regular updates!
Ermilus: Thank you, and hope you enjoy what's around the corner!
nypsy: Thank you! There's a little IchiHime here for you, and more scenes soon!
Xtremefairy: I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, it was something I've planned after the other Interlude, just to show Yuzu's side of the story.
Misha: Thank you! Appreciate your comment!
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