I'm surprised by how quickly I was able to write this chapter, it isn't even that short either! I suppose I was just really eager to please you all ^_^
Thank you once again for all your lovely and wonderful reviews! I love reading them and they do make it all worthwhile! As always, please, please do continue to review and comment!
On with the Chapter!
Chapter Eighteen: The Last Place I Can Run To:
Aizen Sousuke was not a man easily fooled or tricked. For the most part this was due to his high intelligence and the fact that people were too scared of him to lie to him.
So, when he had received a message from Ichigo asking if they could meet up at Tsubakidai Park he had no reason to doubt that it was really Ichigo who had sent the message.
He arrived in good time, exactly on the dot of when they had arranged to meet up. He looked around, expecting that his berry head was already there somewhere.
Aizen walked further into the park and looked around for any sign of his Ichigo; he frowned as he couldn't even sense his reiatsu and scratched his chin thoughtfully.
His eyes narrowed suddenly as his eyes fell on the group stood by the swings, "Kuchiki Byakuya, Abarai Renji, Kurosaki Isshin, Ishida Ryuken… And Coyote Stark…" he greeted and slowly walked towards them, his hands shaking slightly behind his back in anger, "Where is Ichigo?" he asked calmly.
Stark cleared his throat and straightened up, "Ichigo isn't here. He isn't coming either. It was I who sent that message to you, not him." The former Espada said nonchalantly.
"What?" he hissed, "Why would you have done such a think Stark?"
"Because we believe it's about time someone read you the riot act." Isshin rumbled from beside the hollow, "You are going to stay away from my son, return to Las Noches and stay there!"
"And stay far away from Karakura Town." Ryuken added as he lit up a cigarette and took a drag from it.
Aizen stared at them for several minutes, trying to figure out if they were serious or just pulling his leg, after decided they would hardly even try the latter his expression darkened, "Who do you think you are to tell me where I can and cannot go? Who I can and cannot see! If Ichigo damn well wants to see me HE WILL! And not one of you insolent underlings are going to stop me!" he barked, his reiatsu flaring as his temper got the better of him.
Byakuya, who had remained silent for the duration since Aizen's arrival, finally spoke in a cool tone of voice, "Nothing you can say or do is going to scare us, frighten us or make us back down. You will do as we say or we will have no choice but to run you out of town."
The Lord of Las Noches blinked, his reiatsu lowering again, he wasn't sure how to respond, and he wasn't even sure how he should react to being told what to do by people who were so much weaker than him.
He frowned slightly and looked at each of them in turn before scoffing, "And is this what Ichigo wants? Or is it what Tensa and Shirosaki want?"
Stark kept his face straight, "It is what everyone one wants, including Ichigo. He's very distressed about the whole affair." He replied coolly.
Aizen smirked suddenly, "Really? That wasn't the impression I got when I was fucking him through the wall of his shower… Quite the opposite in fact." His smirk widened as he saw a vein pulse in Isshin's temple.
The former Shinigami balled his fists as Aizen spoke and felt his blood pressure shoot through the roof as he drew his Zanpakto and ran at him, "Don't talk about my son like that!" he yelled as his anger got the better of him.
Aizen barely moved from his stance; in a heartbeat he had drawn Kyoka Suigetsu, taken a slice out of Isshin and sheathed the Zanpakto again as the former Shinigami fell to the ground in a pool of blood.
Ryuken's eyes widened slightly behind his glasses and his cigarette fell to the ground. Byakuya's eyes shot to the Quincy, "Ryuken! Don't rise to it-" he broke off as the white haired doctor summoned his Quincy bow and Hirenkyaku-ed towards the traitor Shinigami.
Aizen rolled his eyes and cut him down as well, sheathing his Zanpakto again and looking down at the two before looking up at Renji, Stark and Byakuya, "So who is going to run me out of town-" he trailed off as he saw the three were looking over his shoulder with slightly daunted expressions. The ex-captain felt his blood run cold and his stomach clench as he slowly turned around to look behind him.
Ichigo, in his soul form, watched with wide eyes as his father and his father's best friend fell by Aizen's sword, a lump forming in his throat as his eyes moved up to meet his estranged lovers'.
"I… Ichigo…" Aizen spluttered and went to walk towards him, "Ichigo I can explain… Please let me…"
Ichigo shot straight past him and turned his dad onto his back, pressing his hands against his wounds and swallowing heavily.
Aizen swallowed and watched him, reached out with a hand, "Ichigo please let me explain… I am so sorry… I…"
"SHUT UP!" Ichigo exploded as he looked around at him venomously, "JUST SHUT THE HELL UP AND BACK OFF!"
Aizen looked shocked and instantly took several steps back to give him space, he swallowed and put his hands in his pockets as he mulled over multiple ways to convince Ichigo he was sorry for what he'd done.
Shirosaki and Tensa quickly moved over to their third and sat down beside him, resting a hand on his back and rubbing gently as they also helped stem the flow of blood from his father's wounds, Ichigo told Shirosaki to try and add pressure to Ryuken's wounds so he didn't bleed out before looking up as Stark joined them and instantly helped Shirosaki slow the bleeding on the white haired Quincy's torso.
Ichigo looked up at Byakuya, "Summon Unohana… They're both going to have to have emergency treatment in Soul Society." He told the shinigami captain.
The raven haired noble nodded, "Of course." He said and summoned a Hell Butterfly, attaching a short message before sending it away speedily.
Aizen swallowed, "I could send for someone to heal them both here and now… If you want?" he offered almost silently.
Ichigo's eyebrow twitched slightly as the Las Noches Lord spoke and stood up suddenly and faced him, "No one here wants anything from you… I was stupid to think you could be what I wanted… You will never change! You're an evil, conniving bastard! You don't care about anyone but yourself! I'd be happy never to see you again! Get the hell out of Karakura! Get the hell out of my life! I hate you! I do not love you! I never will again!" he half screamed at him as his reiatsu flared; a black and red circle of energy formed around his feet and sparked from his wrists, "GET OUT OF MY SIGHT AIZEN SOUSUKE!" he bellowed as his eyes glowed with resolve.
Aizen stared at him as he felt his reiatsu and forced his mouth to close, he swallowed heavily and took a step towards him, "Ichigo please…" He jumped as Byakuya, Renji, Tensa, Stark and Shirosaki all flash-stepped (and Sonido-ed) in front of Ichigo to shield him from the ex-captain.
The Lord of Las Noches faltered again and watched as a Senkaimon portal opened behind the group. Unohana emerged from the light followed by her fuku-taichou, Isane and their subordinate Hanataro.
The three Division Four members set up stretchers for the two injured men and hastened back into Senkaimon. Ichigo watched and swallowed before tugging gently at Stark's sleeve, as the former Espada looked around at him and swallowed, "I want to go with my Dad." He murmured softly.
Stark nodded and gestured for them to move towards the Senkaimon. Ichigo headed through first with Tensa and Shirosaki, followed by Renji and Byakuya and finally Stark himself, shooting Aizen a filthy look of disgust before the doors shut and he followed the group.
Aizen frowned as the Senkaimon closed and his shoulders dropped slightly, he turned away slowly and opened a Garganta, heading inside and walking slowly back to Hueco Mundo, feeling a little emptier than before.
Unohana exited the Senkaimon to be greeted by several more members of her division, she instructed them to take over the transport of the two stretchers. She followed close behind as they headed into her division.
Ichigo and the others materialized out of the passageway only a couple of minutes later, the frantic male looked around before finding his bearings and flash-stepping in the direction of Division Four without any warning; Tensa and Shiro who were on the same thought wave as him however, followed close behind him.
Byakuya and Renji remained with Stark who was looking a little sheepish, the noble captain looked at the former Espada, "Is everything alright Stark-san?"
"Yes… It's just a little daunting…"
"What is?" the raven haired male asked with a small frown.
"Well… This is the home of the Shinigami and I am a lone hollow. It feels very threatening and… Somewhat overwhelming." He told him, glancing around at the passing Death Gods.
Byakuya paused for a moment before nodding, "I see. Well we have already informed the Head Captain Yamamoto Genryusai of your loyalty to Kurosaki Ichigo and to the cause against Aizen Sousuke. You will have no trouble from any Shinigami here I can assure you."
Stark swallowed and shuffled his feet slightly, "That is of some comfort." He nodded and sighed, "Would you mind if I joined Ichigo? I'm worried about him…"
"Naturally… Please go ahead. Tell Ichigo I will arrange some accommodation for him, Tensa, Shirosaki and yourself should you require it." The noble told him and watched him waste no time in rushing towards Division Four, Byakuya then looked back at Renji and showed a rare smile, "Would you care to join me?" he offered, smiling a little wider as his fuku-taichou nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, in Division Four, Ichigo stood at the observation window to the room Unohana was treating his father and Ryuken in, his hands were clammy and his expression full of panic. If Goat-face died what would he do? He couldn't support Karin and Yuzu all on his own…
Tensa and Shirosaki finally caught up with their third and stood either side of him, once again both putting an arm of comfort around his shoulders and waist.
The orange haired male looked up suddenly as Unohana left the room and instantly rushed over to her, "Unohana-san! Is… Is he okay? Will he… Live?" he asked in deep concern.
The healer Captain smiled gently at the frantic male, "Calm yourself Kurosaki-kun… Kurosaki Isshin will be perfectly fine in a few weeks. He will be required to stay here in order to heal and I plan to keep him sedated for about a week."
Ichigo nodded and let out a breath of relief, "Thank you… Thank you so much Unohana-san… What about Ryuken? Oh shit! He-" he broke off as he received and sharp look for his cursing, "S… Sorry… I mean… Oh no! His son doesn't know! Ishida Uryuu… He needs to be told…" he spluttered.
Unohana's expression softened as he apologised and she nodded, "Very well. I will have one of my subordinates send him a message as soon as possible. In the mean time I suggest you go in and sit with him. Talking to him may help him recover."
Ichigo nodded frantically and half ran into the room, dashing to Goat-face's bedside and taking one of his hands in both of his, Tensa and Shirosaki followed him in silently and sat next to him, guiding him into a seat quickly.
The substitute Shinigami fell asleep around three in the afternoon, Tensa and Shirosaki assumed from exhaustion; just as he began snoring softly Stark poked his head around the door, making sure the coast was clear before he crept in and took a seat on the other side of Isshin's bed.
"How is he?" he asked the two souls either side of Ichigo.
"Isshin and Ryuken should both make full recoveries. We may be here for several weeks though." Tensa quietly so they didn't wake Ichigo.
"I see… And how is Ichigo coping?"
"Its 'ard ta say… 'E seems ta be copin' so far but then I ain't sure 'e's likely to tell us if 'e weren't okay…" Shirosaki sighed, rubbing the King's back soothingly, "I still ain't sure 'e's quite realised wha' 'e said ta Aizen yet…"
Stark nodded and sighed, "Well… It was rather a surprise to hear him talk like that after so long."
"We couldn't agree more… But I for one am glad he has finally sent him packing." Tensa sat back and rested his feet on the safety rails on the bed, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
Stark nodded and glanced at Isshin and then Ryuken, "It is surprising isn't it? They act like they hardly know each other most of the time… But when it really counts they'd never be without one and other."
"Just like Uryuu and Ichigo." Tensa murmured, "Regardless of what either says they are good friends. And I can't see many people being as tolerant of Ichigo's stupid streak as Ishida. After all, after Unohana-san told Ichigo that Isshin would recover he instantly told her someone had to let Ishida know about his father's condition."
"Huh… Makes sense I guess." He chuckled before sitting forwards and clasping his hands together, "So… What about that display of reiatsu Ichigo showed in the park? That was something alike to what he used to possess right?"
Tensa sat forwards suddenly, "Yes… We've been wondering about that as well… I have to be completely honest… Neither of us have a single idea whatsoever what happened or how. But it does give us both hope."
"Hope?"
"Yea'! If King 'as started givin' off reiatsu again then we might be able ta return ta his soul and become 'is Zanpakto and inna hollow again…" Shirosaki explained quickly.
The former Espada sat back again slowly and crossed one leg over the other, "So what did you do to him to convince him that Aizen was an evil bastard? He was VERY forceful with him… I was shocked."
"We didn't do anything to him. He just seemed to wake up with that conviction in mind."
Stark shook his head and chuckled, "He is the most confusing and yet incredible person I've ever met."
"Oh we know…" they said together with a brief chuckle.
The three suddenly jumped out of their seats as the door flew open; Ichigo fell off his chair in shock as he was yanked from his sleep by the crashing sound. He quickly stood up and saw that the commotion had been caused by Ishida.
The young Quincy looked pained by the sight of his father lying unconscious in the bed, connected to a ventilator and covered by bandages. Ichigo hastily rushed over to his friend's side and put an arm around his shoulders.
"Don't worry Ishida… He's going to be alright… Unohana has done a brilliant job… They'll both be okay I promise." The berry pulled his friend over to a chair beside Ryuken's bed and sat him down.
"What happened?" Ishida asked after several moments and a few gulps of cold water.
"Isshin and Ryuken agreed to help try to see off Aizen from Karakura… But Isshin was provoked and cut down… Ryuken took it to heart and also attacked Aizen but was injured in the same manner." Stark told him, "Seeing as Isshin was in his shinigami form and Ryuken was hurt by a Zanpakto it seemed best that they were brought here for medical attention."
"I… I see…" he swallowed and ran a hand through his hair, glancing at Ichigo, "Thank you Kurosaki… For having Unohana-san tell me where Ryuken was."
"No problem Ishida… I'm sure you'd do the same…" the berry replied with a comforting smile.
As they were going to have to remain in Soul Society, Byakuya had kindly offered the group two rooms in his mansion, not to mention it was the perfect excuse for him to invite Renji over without arousing any suspicion. He had also insisted that they all join him for a small meal before they retired for the evening.
Once Byakuya had showed them to the massive dining room and they had taken a seat at the twenty-four seater table the servants came in to take their orders.
Ichigo watched in amazement as the servants left again and looked around at the noble again, "How many servants do you have Byakuya?"
"Hmm?" the raven-haired captain set his cup of tea down on the coaster, "There are thirty in total, however ten of those were originally my Grandfather's and another five were added to the family upon my marriage to Hisana." He replied, "The remaining fifteen have been with me since I came of age."
Ichigo's mouth fell open along with Tensa, Shirosaki and Stark's, "S… Seriously? You got fifteen servants just because you came of age?"
"Of course… I am the heir of the Kuchiki family, it is traditional." He shrugged.
Ichigo glanced at the three either side of him before taking an eager sip of tea. After a moment of silence the dining room doors opened again and Rukia hurried in and took her seat between Renji and her brother.
"My apologies for being late Nii-sama." She said hastily and took a sip of water, "I was helping Ukitake-taichou."
Byakuya glanced at her before nodding, "That's fine Rukia." He murmured, looking up as the servants returned with the food which had been ordered.
Once everyone had a plate set in front of them they tucked in, conversation was scarce due to Ichigo and Ishida's predicament and the others felt it would be insensitive.
Ichigo had just finished the most delicious sweet and sour chicken he'd ever eaten when a soft snore broke the silence; he looked around to see Ishida with his head on the table with his glasses crooked and fast asleep.
"I'd best carry him up to his room…" Ichigo announced, "Please excuse me." He added before standing and scooping the sleeping Quincy up out of his chair.
"Indeed… Renji will you give him a hand? Rukia can you show them where Ishida will be sleeping?" Byakuya replied with a nod of his head.
"Of course." They both replied, the three left the room swiftly, Renji and Ichigo struggling to carry Ishida between them without waking the young man.
Byakuya looked back at the three men who remained seated with him, Tensa; Shiro and Stark, "So… Does Ichigo know that the three of you are pining for him?" he asked care-freely as he poured himself another cup of tea.
They all jumped at the question and looked at him in shock, it was Stark who managed to first find his voice box again, "Pining? P… Pining?" he spluttered, "We aren't pining!"
"Are you not? Oh… My mistake…" the noble smirked very faintly, "So you don't fancy him at all then? Because I must admit it looks very much like you do… All three of you in fact."
Tensa gawped for a moment before snapping out of it, "We are all concerned for Ichigo's safety, as such we've decided to stick together as much as possible to ensure he has maximum protection at all times."
"Oh I see… Is that all? I could have sworn there was more to it than that…"
"I don't see 'ow it's any of yer business wha' our 'relationship' wit' Ichigo is!" the albino inner hollow snapped suddenly, he made to continue before Tensa clamped a hand over his mouth to shut him up.
"I'm so sorry Byakuya! You'll have to excuse my rather rambunctious counterpart… He gets over excited VERY easily." He stomped on the hollow's foot in emphasis.
"I… It's quite alright… He spoke some truth, it is truly none of my business however since Kurosaki stopped me making that mistake on the day of Rukia's execution I have felt that we have become friends in a manner of speaking. So you see, when I asked you if there was something more going on it is merely out of concern for Ichigo not to satisfy my own curiosity." Byakuya replied calmly, finishing his tea and setting it down.
Tensa hesitated before slowly releasing Shiro from his grasp, "The truth is that… We are in love with him. All three of us." He sighed, "But Ichigo doesn't know yet. I mean… Although Shiro and I have told him many times I doubt he believes it, or at least he perhaps thinks it is the love of two close friends, maybe even family." He sighed heavily again and ran a hand through his black wavy hair, "We would appreciate it if you would keep our feelings a secret. Please."
"Of course, you have my word Ichigo shall not hear a word of it from me." He paused, "However I believe therefore I should inform you of something I overheard in Division Twelve."
The three instantly pricked their ears and looked at the nobleman intently, "What is it?" Stark asked.
"I overheard several members of the Shinigami Women's Association planning a way to get Ichigo to marry either a fuku-taichou or a Taichou. So if I were you I wouldn't linger too long on telling Ichigo the truth."
"Wait what?" Stark exclaimed.
"Ya seriously mean they would press-gang 'im into marryin' someone like… Like… Oh bloody 'ell think of tha possibilities… There's Nemu, Hinamori, Matsumoto, Isane, Kiyone, Nanao, Unohana 'nd…"
"-Soi-Fon!" Tensa looked fit to burst into tears at the news, "Can you imagine our poor Ichigo being lumbered with a woman like Soi-Fon for the rest of his life?"
Byakuya nodded comfortingly, "This is exactly why I told you… At least now you know why it is better to inform Ichigo of your true feelings before the Women's Association get their beady eyes set to firmly on him."
Shortly after their discussion, VERY shortly after, the three decided they should retire to bed as well and ensure Ichigo was alright.
As they made their way up the grand staircase in the foyer of Byakuya's mansion they realised they had an even bigger problem than the Women's Association.
"So… Here's the thing… There is only one of Ichigo and three of us." Tensa said quietly as they walked, "So in the end who the hell is going to manage to end up with him. We can't all share him!" he scoffed.
"I think it should be first come first served…" Shirosaki imputed unhelpfully.
"If that's the way you think you hardly deserve to be in the running to begin with!" Tensa and Stark barked together, making the albino jump.
"So… Who does get'ta be wit' 'im in tha end?" he pouted.
"I don't know…" Stark sighed heavily and scratched the back of his neck, "If you two joined together to make one soul then we could probably share him… But then again it's not really fair is it to be honest?"
They shared a long look of yearning before all sighing heavily and grumbling about not having any luck at all. In silence they followed Ichigo's reiatsu so they could find the room they were sharing with him.
A/N: So here is the end of Chapter Eighteen, what did you all think? Was it what you were expecting? Please review I would love to hear from you all some more!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it! Until next time! ~13 x