So here is Chapter Fourteen! This is a very decisive chapter and I only hope you won't be disappointed. I would also like to add that although it appears like a chapter that gives closure to the story, THIS IS NOT THE FINAL CHAPTER. There WILL be more to come, my story is not finished by far! So, please enjoy and please, please continue to review. I know I say it every time and it might be a bit annoying but I LOVE your reviews, they make it worthwhile doing and I am really happy to know that it is appreciated by everyone who reads it with each update.
On with the show!
Chapter Fourteen: What No One Could Have Predicted:
Byakuya closed his eyes and searched out for the reiatsu of the pair who had recently left the cells; a small frown marred his usually apathetic features and he remained almost completely silent. His eyes opened suddenly and his frown dissipated and was replaced with a look of concern, "It have failed." He murmured, attracting the attention of the other prisoners quickly.
"What do you mean?" Stark asked as he shuffled close to the bars to meet the noble's gaze, "What's failed?"
"The plan. The plan has failed." He replied, rubbing his forehead, "Tensa and Shirosaki… They are either dead or near death… I can only assume they were discovered while trying to sneak out with Ichigo. His reiatsu is very close to theirs so it would make sense that they were together, but suddenly the other two's reiatsu dropped significantly, suggesting that they sustained serious injury. The presence of Aizen's reiatsu is also a rather big clue."
There was silence for several moments while it sunk in what he had said before Renji piped up, "So what can we do now, Taichou?" his voice was a little croaky with worry.
Byakuya looked around at him and sighed, "I don't-" he broke off as Ulquiorra abruptly sonido-ed into their sights in the corridor between the cells.
Ishida knelt up, "What's happening up there?" he asked boldly, not quivering as the pale Espada looked around at him menacingly.
"Tensa Zangetsu and Shirosaki Hichigo have both been hospitalized after an altercation took place between Kurosaki Ichigo and Aizen-sama." He replied stoically, confirming Byakuya's words instantaneously.
"Is Kurosaki-kun alright?" Inoue squeaked, she had light bags under her eyes from lack of sleep.
"I have not seen either Kurosaki Ichigo nor Aizen-sama since it occurred." He told her coldly, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
"So… You don't have a clue?" Stark growled as he stood up and looked at the weaker Espada who remained silent, "I may be behind bars Ulquiorra but I am STILL your superior!"
"Kurosaki Ichigo was very distressed at the damage done to his Zanpakto and hollow. I was asked to take him to Aizen's room where he broke down shortly before I left." He half hissed back, his voice dripping with hate.
It was obvious Stark was about to retort but Ulquiorra's attention was draw away by something else, he looked towards the end of the corridor of prison cells and towards the blank wall. He frowned faintly as a strong gush of cold wind flooded the whole room, making the occupants shiver.
Abruptly a black portal, Renji recognised it to be one of Nova's, opened behind Ulquiorra and a lightly tanned hand shot out, gripping the back of the Espada's neck before it yanked him backwards and into the portal, which abruptly snapped shut again.
In seconds, a second one opened and the most unlikely person leapt out. Urahara Kisuke.
Byakuya's eyes widened and he got to his feet, wobbling momentarily before righting himself, "Urahara!" he exclaimed in shock, shock which increased as a further three people emerged from the portal.
Yoruichi Shihouen.
Kurosaki Isshin.
Ishida Ryuken.
The four walked quickly forwards towards their stunned audience, Isshin walked over to Byakuya, "Where is Ichigo?" he asked a low rumble, usual humour and idiocy absent.
"He is Aizen's captive." Byakuya replied, "From what Stark, Aizen's number one Espada, has told us… Aizen and Ichigo have been sleeping together and are slowly falling in love with one and other. We tried a short while ago to get to Ichigo again, sending Tensa and Shirosaki as diversions so that Ichigo would go and see them. But it would appear that they were discovered and hospitalised. We don't know where or how Ichigo is. Most likely he is in Aizen's room, with Aizen. And we can just about gather he is in pieces after seeing his Zanpakto and hollow cut down."
"I see." The former captain sighed and gently rubbed his goatee in thought.
At the same time as the noble and ex-shinigami spoke, Urahara; Yoruichi and Ryuken set about freeing everyone from their cells and making sure they were alright. Uryuu instantly asked his father a bundle of questions but was silenced with a mere treble word answer of: 'I was asked.'
Isshin looked around the tall brunette Espada, "So, why did Aizen have you thrown in here if you're his number one Espada?"
"I have feelings for Ichigo, he is a kind person and I did not want Aizen to hurt him. So I betrayed Aizen, for it I was thrown in here to prevent me being of any further trouble." He bowed his head, "I understand if you cannot trust the likes of me, I know we are natural enemies with your being a shinigami and me being hollow. However I do wish to see Ichigo freed and I would like to help. If you do not think that is possible I ask for you to end my life, for surely it would be quicker than the punishment I would receive from Aizen."
Isshin swallowed in surprise and hardened his expression before walking over and resting a hand on his shoulder, "Any help is welcome."
There were a few moments of silence; the humans were given a nutrient rich drink which instantly boosted their energy and reiatsu again. Then, Byakuya turned to the new comers, "We can't linger too long. How much time do we have until Ulquiorra returns?" he asked.
"About six hours at best. It will take a lot of energy out of Nova but he was insistent upon helping." Urahara replied as his hand tightened on the handle of his cane.
"Alright so we have some utilizable tie before Aizen becomes aware of your presence, unless Aizen is already aware." He sighed.
"He's not. We disabled the camera running throughout Las Noches." Urahara injected quickly.
Byakuya stared at him in surprise, "Oh… That's good. That's very good. We should have the full six hours then."
"So… What are we going to do?" Yoruichi asked, putting her hands on her hips.
"I don't suppose you've managed to contact Soul Society?"
"We have… They're too tied up to send reinforcements at the time."
"Alright so we are on our own again." Byakuya pinched the bridge of his nose in thought as he considered the options.
It took a moment but Byakuya's eyes finally lit up again and he lowered his hand, "We start with rescuing Tensa and Shirosaki." He decided, "If we have them then we have leverage over Ichigo whatever state he may be in."
The others nodded in agreement.
"That sounds like a decent plan." Stark murmured, "Allow me to lead you to the Laboratory. It is where any injured vasto lordes, Adjuchas, Arrancar or visitor is treated should they be require it."
Byakuya nodded, "Alright. But we'll need our Zanpakto too."
Stark merely nodded and strode quickly down the corridor towards the exit of the cells, he pulled open the cupboard which was stationed but beside the stairs up to the ground floor, inside where their Zanpakto and Inoue's hairclips.
Once they had finished gabbing their formerly lost possessions and had all had their reiatsu suppressant bands removed, they eagerly followed Stark up the stairs, letting him lead them. Not without caution, but with faith in him.
Only a few minutes later they arrive outside of the Laboratory doors, Stark halted them quickly and looked at them, "Szayel is still inside, he was probably ordered to keep an eye on the two of them…"
Urahara smirked very faintly, "I've been dually warned about Szayel. I have the perfect thing to knock him out."
Stark nodded, "Alright… Get ready then." He told them quietly before he suddenly threw the doors open.
There was a rush of people. Isshin, Inoue, Chad and Ishida rushed over to the beds where Tensa and Shirosaki were laid and formed a small circle to protect them, doubled by Inoue's shield.
At the same time, Ryuken summoned his Quincy bow and pointed it directly at Szayel who had frozen in shock, Yoruichi remained by the door with Byakuya and Renji to ensure no one else was coming. And Urahara shot towards the pink haired scientist and slammed a syringe of blood red liquid into his thigh and injected it.
In second, Szayel passed out.
"How long will he be out for?" Byakuya called from the door.
"About half an hour, but he'll be paralysed for about three." Urahara replied as he chucked the eight Espada in the office before moving over to the bed.
Inoue lowered her shield made room for the genius ex-captain to examine the pair, "They seem to be mostly healed, I think with a little help we will be able to move them without causing any further damage." Urahara declared to the room.
"Uh…" a small moan echoed after his words, "… I… Ic…hig…o…" Tensa's face contorted slightly as he fought for consciousness, "D… Don't… let him… Take you… Ic…h…igo…"
"Tensa, it's alright." Urahara said quietly, resting a hand on the black haired male's shoulder comfortingly.
Slowly, his eyes fluttered and the crystal blue orbs met Urahara's, "U… Urahara?" he murmured weakly, "Am… I dead?"
"No Tensa. You're very much alive." He replied with a warm smile, "We're here to help you get Ichigo back." He told him.
Tensa looked around suddenly, his mind a little fogged but he quickly recognised Ichigo's father, Uryuu's father and Yoruichi, "How did you…"
"It doesn't matter at the moment. Are you alright to move?"
"Yes." He replied as he slowly sat up and glanced at Shirosaki who was still unconscious, "I'm sure he'll wake up soon."
As if he had heard his words, the albino's eyes flicked open and he sat up as well. Once everything had been re-explained, Chad had Shirosaki put an arm around his shoulders and helped him stand, he walked him around the bed's and towards the door with ease and at the same time Yoruichi helped Tensa to his feet and escorted him to the door as well.
Without further ado, the convoy of people left the Laboratory; Stark shut and locked the doors behind them. Byakuya and Urahara walked side by side, their Zanpakto's drawn and ready for action should any trouble come their way.
Byakuya an Urahara share a look, "Kurosaki's in Aizen's room. I can sense his reiatsu clearly now." The noble told him.
"Yes. I sense them both too." He glanced back at the group following them, "This could be dangerous. You know that right?"
"Of course. We put ourselves in danger the moment we decided to come here to rescue him in the first place."
"So long as you know that." He murmured.
The male in question, Kurosaki Ichigo, was sat in a chair in Aizen's bedroom with his head in his hands. He drew in a shaky breath and lifted his head slowly, looking towards the bed where Aizen was sprawled out fast asleep.
Ichigo swallowed back the guilt he felt as he rose to his feet, his hand dipping into his pocket and pulling out an empty bottle of Amitriptyline (a sleeping drug) and his gaze flicked to the empty teacup on the bedside table and he sighed.
He blew out a breath and walked over to Aizen's side of the bed, he rested a hand on his arm, feeling the heat of his skin against the coldness of his fingers made him shiver slightly as he leaned over and pressed his lips to his softly.
He stood again after only a moment and grabbed his white coat, pulling it on and zipping it up to the hollow of his throat.
"God I'm such an idiot." Ichigo hissed to himself as his eyes welled up; he slapped himself roughly around the face and sucked in a quick breath as he looked back at Aizen and swallowed a little sadly, "I'd say thank you for the things you've done for me while I've been here… And it would be totally true. You won Aizen. I fell for you. How stupid was I? Because even though you won… So did I. You finally showed your hand. And what a treacherous hand it was. You'd kill the people who mean the most to me without a second thought. Act first; think later. I think there's only room for one person who's like that in a relationship. And with your amount of power… It sure as hell shouldn't be you." He shook his head and headed to the door, pulling it open and shutting it behind him as he left the room.
He closed his eyes for a moment to get his head together before pushing away from the wall and ran down the corridor, skidding to a stop and shooting down the stairs; he tore at the collar around his neck, twisting it around and trying to find the buckle to undo it.
He nearly tripped as he reached the bottom of the stairs and looked around at the deserted hallway before running again, faster than before as he ripped at bands on his wrists. He gave up quickly but kept running, pumping his arms in time to push himself faster than before.
He turned the corner and stopped suddenly as his eyes fell upon a group of people coming his way; he was going to hide but he then he recognised the people at the front.
"B… Byakuya… Urahara…" he breathed and hesitated before his eyes scanned further over the group. He quickly found who he was looking for, "Tensa! Shiro!" he exclaimed and ran towards them.
Tensa and Shirosaki both looked up suddenly as they heard a familiar voice and smiles appeared on their faces and they hobbled past Byakuya and Urahara.
Ichigo smiled slightly and ran towards them both, throwing his arms around them, "I thought… I was… I was so worried about you both… I… I'm so sorry you got hurt…" he stammered, holding them both close.
"It's alright… We're going to be fine." Tensa murmured, "How did you get away from Aizen?" he added as the others joined them.
Ichigo faltered for a moment and looked down, pulling the empty bottle of sleeping medicine from his pocket, "I… Added this to his tea. I stole it from the Laboratory when I came to see you before."
"Genius." Shiro chuckled and rubbed his back comfortingly.
"Kurosaki-san," Urahara murmured as he looked at the orange haired male, "Let me remove that collar for you." Ichigo looked around at him and nodded, pulling his collar back and tipping his head as Urahara came at him with his Zanpakto. A quick slice later and the collar fell to the ground with a gently plop.
However, the removal of the collar revealed the dark handprint like bruises around his neck, he faltered as the others suddenly bombarded him with a rush of questions and concerned murmurs. He swallowed and zipped the collar of his jacket up to his jaw line.
Tensa and Shiro squeezed his shoulders comfortingly and shot the others glares that told them not to ask him anything else.
"So… So how did you guys get out of the cells?" Ichigo asked.
Stark shuffled beside Tensa and smiled weakly at Ichigo, "Urahara-san appeared and kidnapped Ulquiorra before arriving with Yoruichi-san, Ishida-san's father and… Your father too."
Ichigo's head snapped up and he looked towards the back of the group, his eyes widened as he saw his dad stood there in a shinigami uniform and with a Zanpakto.
"D… Dad?" he breathed in disbelief.
"I know what you want to ask." Isshin murmured as he walked over to him slowly, "No matter how long you stare… You're not seeing things."
Ichigo frowned faintly, "Yes… So it seems."
"I'll explain things later." He sighed, "There are probably tons of things you want to ask me, but all of it-"
"No there's not." Ichigo interrupted, "There's nothing at all I want to ask you. You probably had your reasons for not telling me about this. So it's your problem. Besides I don't know how to ask you about it. I'll wait. Until you feel you're ready to tell me."
Isshin smiled slightly, "Looks like you've finally learned some tact." He teased.
"Yeah yeah." Ichigo rolled his eyes, "Like that would ever happen."
Ryuken hit Isshin around the back of the head abruptly and lit up a cigarette, "We hardly have time for this heart warming reunion Isshin. We probably don't have long before our reiatsus are detected by someone."
Isshin shot him a glare which made Ichigo chuckle, their relationship seemed to be a lot like his friendship with Ishida, the latter always telling him what a hot-headed idiot he was with an IQ lower than that of an ant. It was funny to see how it seemed to be the same with their fathers too.
"He's correct of course." Byakuya said in his usual soft tone, "We should get moving as soon as possible."
Ichigo looked at Byakuya in a different light; he refused to see him as a cold, ice-hearted bastard… He knew that the noble had experienced the same thing he had. Manipulation by Aizen… They'd both been drugged and had Aizen have his wicked way with them. He could see doubt in Byakuya's eyes, eyes which were no longer detached of emotion, instead they were practically alive with feeling.
Tensa waved his hand in front of Ichigo's face, "Ichigo? Are you okay? You've gone kind of pale…"
The substitute shinigami looked around in surprise, "Oh... Yes I'm fine… Sorry… I was just-" he paused, "Thinking."
"Careful… Ya might hurt ya'self." Shiro teased gently.
"Ha-ha very funny." Ichigo rolled his eyes but hugged them both again as he tried not to hurt them.
Stark sighed inwardly at the love in Ichigo's eyes as he hugged his Zanpakto and inner hollow and felt his own heart twinge slightly in longing. Maybe he still stood a chance… Maybe.
The Espada put an arm under Tensa's shoulders and helped him walk again, Yoruichi did the same with Shirosaki and Urahara set to work removing the reiatsu suppressing bands from around Ichigo's wrists as they walked swiftly towards a hopeful exit.
As soon as the bands were off Urahara pocketed them and flinched as Ichigo's reiatsu temporarily poured out before he brought it back under control.
The group moved with as much speed as they could considering two of their number were injured, that was until Ishida and his father pointed out at the same time that Inoue could heal their injuries with her abilities. So without further ado she ran closer to them and ran an arc of healing light around them both and set about healing them to full health.
As soon as she was finished they were able to leave behind their supports and run fast with the rest of the group.
Urahara lead them out of the palace and onto the sands, they hastened into flash-step (Hirenkyaku and Sonido) and made their way as fast and as far away from Las Noches as they could.
Once they were at a safe distance Urahara pulled out a device he had pinched from Szayel's Laboratory, he fiddled with it for a couple of minutes before hitting the correct correspondent buttons and with a gush of energy a small Garganta opened before them.
"Here we go. Everyone inside please." The ex-captain declared, the first through were Rukia, Byakuya and Renji; followed closely by Inoue, Chad and Yoruichi along with Ishida and Ryuken and then finally Isshin, Tensa, Shirosaki, Ichigo and Stark, with Urahara following in last.
Byakuya made another spending reiatsu path through the pitch black; it was wide and accommodated four people walking side by side at a time.
Ichigo glanced back as the entrance shit behind them and felt a prang of guilt run through him and he swallowed, feeling his eyes well up slightly as he faced forwards and hung his head slightly.
Noticing his saddened expression, Tensa and Shiro put an arm around him each and rubbed soothing circles into his back, "It'll be okay Ichigo." Tensa murmured gently.
"No… It won't…" he said croakily, "I… He'll never let it go… He'll come after me again… I know it…"
"We'll protect you Ichi." Shiro murmured and kissed the side of his head, "It WILL be alright."
He looked around at the two and smiled weakly, "God I have missed you both." He murmured, "Thank you… I'm sorry you got hurt."
Tensa smiled warmly at him, his icy blue eyes softening as he looked at the man he would die protecting, "Hush… We are here to protect you Ichigo. Both of us would rather die ourselves than see you hurt." He cupped his cheek, "That's what we want to do. And it is what we will do every time you are in danger, without fail."
Ichigo smiled more truly than he had since they had first seen each other again, he looked at them both and gave them both a quick kiss on the cheek each, "I love you both." He declared whole heartedly.
"We love you to Ichigo." They both replied in sync, making him smile again.
Ulquiorra sonido-ed into his Lord's room and ran to his bedside, shaking his arm and calling his name in a frenzy unknown to the usually emotionless Espada.
"Aizen-sama! Aizen-sama! Aizen-sama wake up! Wake up!" he yelled, "AIZEN-SAMA!"
The brunette jolted suddenly and groaned, holding his head and wincing as a pain coursed through his whole body, "U… Ulq…uiorra?" he murmured as he turned onto his back, frowning faintly as he tasted Ichigo's unique scent on his lips.
"Aizen-sama! There was nothing I could do… They somehow transported me to a whole different dimension! I couldn't get back… I'm sorry Aizen-sama." The pale Espada dropped onto one knee as Aizen sat up properly and looked around the room.
"Who?" he frowned, "Who are you talking about? Where… Where is Ichigo?"
"Urahara Kisuke." Ulquiorra replied quietly, "He came here and… They have all gone. The cells are empty. They even too Stark sir."
"What?" he hissed before his eyes widened in realisation, "Ichigo… He has gone with them?"
"Yes Aizen-sama." He said as he stood slowly and held out the broken collar in his hand.
Aizen slid off the bed slowly, glancing at the tea cup on the side before he back handed Ulquiorra, "GET OUT!" he roared, "GET OUT!" he howled again, storming out onto the balcony and letting out a scream of frustration, anger and pain.
He clenched his teeth and turned away from the sands, his shoulders dropping slightly as he closed his eyes and felt his anger well in his chest, his eyes opened and he sucked in a slow breath to calm himself. He balled and unballed his fists as he stalked back into his room and sat down on the sofa, resting his head in his hands and considered what he was going to do.
A/N: So, this is the end of Chapter Fourteen, as I said at the start this is not the end of the story and there WILL be further chapters to continue the tale. I hope you have enjoyed it so far, and I hope this chapter has added to your excitement and interest.
Also, I'd like to add a quick message to a review I received for Chapter Thirteen, unfortunately I cannot name who it was who sent the review as they were not logged in (or do not have an account) however:
The sender of the review wished to know if Ichigo ended up with Aizen or Stark, or both. I won't tell you exactly who Ichigo does end up with because that would ruin the anticipation, but the clue that this reviewer asked for it that the person/or people that Ichigo end up with have been included as a main character of this story and have been mentioned and included frequently. (and if the sender does read this message to them then please know… Your English was perfect regardless of whether you were using translator or not :D)
And that… Is all I am going to say!
Thank you all for reading, and please, please review again :3