AN: I am a terrible author. I am so sorry that I haven't updated in so long, and I have no excuse other than my exams and my own laziness. Anyway, this is a much longer chapter than I thought I would write, because I thought that you guys deserved a special long one after such a long break. Anyway, thank you if you have followed this story or even favorite it. It really means a lot to me!

Since not many people reviewed or gave their opinion, I just followed the majority who did. There are only hints, and most of it is Ichigo's reaction to it. Please review! :D

Well, on with the story!

CHAOS, ASSASSINS AND GODS
Chapter 5:
The Celebration

I heaved a sigh, pressing my forehead against the cool tile of the shower. I let the caressing touch of warm water cascading over me ease away the tension, the dark red of Nakeem's blood already washed down the drain. I had watched as his life blood had slowly turned from crimson to pale pink, to the nothing that was clear water flowing down the drain. I raised my hands, looking at the clean nails.

Not too long ago, they were caked in his blood.

"Please don't force me to do this. I can't tell you anything!"

The tremble was evident in his voice, but it didn't matter to me. We'd see how long his bravado would last, and how long it would take before his secrets would spill from his lips like the blood from his body.

I cocked my head, and stared at him. His hands and feet were bound in rope, his naked body suspended from the shower rail in the bathroom. I could see my gold-black eyes reflected in his dilated ones, his body's reaction betraying his attempt at strength. I could barely restrain myself, barely hold myself back from the chaos that was raging within me.

I stretched out my hand, gently cupping his cheek in my palm. He flinched away from my touch, like a startled animal, his eyes wide and unseeing in his terror. I could see his entire body shaking, trembling in his fright. I smiled grimly behind my mask, my watery voice echoing around the bathroom of his house.

"Yes. You can, and you will."

The screaming started not long after, not that anyone was around to hear. It reverberated within the small bathroom, and my manic laugh joined in.

It was a long time before the screaming stopped.

I shivered, despite the warm water flowing down my body. It never failed to strike me how fragile human life was. Humans, despite their strength and intelligence, could be killed so easily, in so many ways. An accident, a fall down some stairs or a knife in your throat. The skin was barely a barrier for any danger, so easily torn away. It only makes me treasure my own life more, yet mourn for the loss of my mother's.

She was such a warm person, so filled with life and hope. She was like a bonfire at night in the dead of winter, her warmth comforting and safe. I loved her dearly, as she loved us. Yet she was killed so suddenly, her warmth snuffed out by the bitter cold. Which is why it was my job to avenge her, to make sure that such troubles do not befall another innocent family.

I got the information out of Nakeem, at the cost of his own life. Was it worth it? To me it was, but morally was it right? I really don't know. I hope it is. I was almost there, my goal so close within grasp. Just a while more, a few more people, and I could finally stop.

I reached out to shut the water off, and stepped out of the shower. I made a cursory attempt to dry myself, and then collapsed into bed. I shut my eyes, and let sleep claim me.

xxx

I walked through the forest, my heart thumping loudly. My mind told me to get away, to get away as quickly as I can, to run from the horror I left behind. I walk from moonlight to shadow, from shadow to moonlight, the barely-there light trying to illuminate my face. I walk quickly, breaking out into a run as I dodge the trees in my way. I moved past the trees in the forest, before finally reaching the stream.

I took a deep breath, my chest expanding with the cool air. Then the ice around my chest shattered, and I fell to my knees beside the stream. The smell of blood clung to me, unpleasant and disturbing. Acid burned strongly in my nose. I retched, ripping my mask off my face and coughing vomit out onto the cold ground between my hands.

My gloves were stained red, and wet. Somehow the red still managed to show despite the black material. Cold. It was cold. I could feel my body shaking. I could hear the man screaming. He wouldn't stop screaming, even when I told him to stop.

It was in my mind. Only in my mind. The man couldn't be screaming anymore. The screaming was just in my mind. The screaming had stopped, the man was dead. He was dead. I'd killed him. The screaming had to stop, because he was dead.

I could still hear him screaming.

I retched again. The vile liquid dripped from my nose and mouth, burning my sinuses. It was really cold here. I could hear someone sobbing, long and loud and screaming- No! The man was dead.

Something reached out and touched my shoulder. I jumped, flinching away in my panic as I expected to see a corpse. It was going to find me and kill me and-

Nothing was there. Breath whistled through my aching chest as I tried to focus on the trees ahead of me. My heart hammered, my heartbeat pounding in my ears. Wind ruffled through my hair, almost like cold fingers. The man begged me to stop, his eyes blown out by his fear.

It was cold. So, so cold. Wet, wet and slick. Blood pooled around my feet, soaking into my gloves and-

I heaved again, choking on absolutely nothing. My hands wouldn't work, couldn't control themselves. Words. Words that he babbled, telling me the answers to anything I asked. I could see his mouth working, his eyes working to focus on me-

And somebody screamed again.

I whimpered, my hands automatically rising to cover my ears against the loud screaming. Cold, wet gloves touched my ears and I flinched, immediately dropping them to my side again. I bit down on my lip, tasting the salty tang of my blood flowing. My own blood, not his, not the red liquid that stained my gloves.

"He won't stop" I hear myself whisper, "he won't stop screaming…"

"Shhh, it's alright Ichigo… just close your eyes and sleep…"

No, you don't understand. He won't stop screaming, he'll come and find me! He was wheezing, trying to get air into his failing lungs. Blood flooded his throat, his efforts useless except for the gurgling in his throat-

No! It was the stream. The stream was gurgling, the water splashing against the rocks. Not him, because he was dead!

My knees gave out, and I fell harshly onto the frozen ground, the cold biting into my shivering body. I started crawling, every inch I moved a herculean effort. I shook my head in denial, trying to ignore the screaming in my head. It wasn't him!

I managed to reach a hollow formed at the base of a large tree, and I curled into a ball there. The rough bark bit into my shirt, the frozen ground unforgiving against my body. I closed my eyes, trying to block out the begging I could hear so clearly.

The voices in my head started to hum, humming a comforting tune that almost managed to drown out the screaming. I focused on the dual voices like a lifeline, letting the soothing baritone and watery voice wash over me. I tore off the gloves violently, flinging them away from me.

I pulled my hands in, hugging them against my chest. The voices continued to hum, filling my head, and I started to relax as the screaming started to fade. I shut my eyes and let the voices lull me to sleep.

xxx

I slowly opened my eyes, not really aware of what was going on. I let the last vestiges of comfort fade as I gradually registered the blankets strewn over my body. The warm of the sun filled the room, and I heard the dying tones of humming across my mind. It was a long time since that incident had happened.

The incident where I had tortured someone for the first time.

I've really come a long way since then, but I had the voices in my head to thank for that. They were annoying sometimes, and that was the truth. Yet, they were my guardians, and I wouldn't let go of them if I could help them. They had guided me through my decisions, helped me stand when I thought I couldn't anymore, given me strength when I had most needed it, and comforted me when necessary. Although they were just voices, I felt that they were so much more, and they were important to me. I had yet to discover if they had a name though, for they refused to tell me. It didn't matter to me anyway, since the important thing was that they were there.

I smiled gently to myself, letting the sun's rays warm my bare skin. I got off the bed, stretching lithely and enjoying the sensation across my back. I strode over to the small dresser, pulling clothes out for the day. I tugged a tight fitting white cotton shirt over my head, the stretched material tight across my chest and then falling at my narrower waist. I picked up a pair of long black pants, slipping my legs into them. I gathered my hair up into a ponytail with a small leather tie, and then slipped down the stairs.

It was already quite late in the morning, and the house was empty except for me. I grabbed an apple from the kitchen before wearing my sandals and walking out the door. I took my time strolling through the village to Las Noches, taking the time to enjoy the warm sun rays and cool breeze that complemented it. The sky was a clear blue, not a single cloud dotting the vast expanse. Birds chirped to each other, bursting into song when they felt like it. I loved the blue of the sky, the incredible shade of blue flawless.

The sound of heavy footsteps broke through my admiration of the beauty around me and I focused on the road in front of me. I caught sight of bright red before Renji arrived before me, gasping for breath and red in the face. He bent at the waist, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. This piqued my curiosity as Renji was rarely in such a fluster.

"Ichigo!" Renji said, "Have you heard?"

"Heard what? I only left the house not too long ago."

The dismay and panic in Renji's eyes was evident and I grasped his shoulders tightly.

"What's going on? What don't I know," a frown forming on my face.

"This is serious, Aizen managed to get into trouble with one of the gods!" Renji gasps.

"And what does that have to do with me? He'll get the brunt of it! He deserves it anyway," I scoff at his plight. It was his own bloody fault, and it was his problem.

"It was one of the 10 swords, the Espada! You should know what they can be like!"

This time, a frown genuinely took over my face. What on earth had Aizen done?

"Depending on which god it was, it might not be that bad. Some of the gods could be appeased with a few offerings…"

"This isn't one of the more accepting ones! He managed to anger Sexta!"

"How the hell did he manage to do that? Sexta is one of the most volatile gods, and he's been known to destroy entire cities! He isn't known as the god of destruction for nothing! Please tell me this is your idea of a joke."

Aizen was genuinely an idiot, and I almost felt like face-palming right now. Renji was completely in panic over this. What was Aizen going to do now…

"Do I look like I'm joking? Aizen killed one of Sexta's sacred panthers while hunting… and he's definitely angry now!"

"He must be a retard to hunt within the sacred forest that belongs to Sexta! What the hell was he doing there?"

"How on earth would I know?" Renji nearly ripped his own hair out in his frustration.

"What is Aizen going to do to appease him? How do you appease a god like that anyway!"

"That's why I'm here to warn you. Sexta has chosen what he wants. He wants beauty and strength as a sacrifice."

Thoughts raced through my mind immediately. Beauty and strength? That had better not be referring to me. I nearly growl in anger as I realized Aizen planned to sacrifice me.

"You need to get out of here! He's going to hold a celebration tonight and he'll probably grab you earlier to prepare you!"

"That asshole! Thanks Renji, I'll go on a little trip elsewhere first."

I hug Renji tightly, fearing that it would be a long time since I'll next see him, and thankful for the warning that he had given me. He hugged me back equally tightly, afraid that I'll really be sacrificed. I break apart from him, and turn away to head back home.

I quickly make my way back, intent on getting away before Aizen has a chance to make a move. My mind is racing at this point, and I'm thinking of what to pack and where to go. I'll have to bring my weapons, and maybe leave a note for my family. The anger boils within me, the frustration at being treated like property and a gift increasing with every step I take.

I reach the house, pulling open the door and striding in without looking. A smooth baritone slides over me, freezing me in place instantly.

"Glad to see that you've arrived home. Won't you come with me to the castle? We have a small… celebration tonight."

I nearly snarl at him, restraining myself only because he was king. I settled for sneering at him, the disdain in my voice clear. He was in the kitchen, sitting facing the doorway, his hands crossed in front of him.

"No thanks… King Aizen. I'd have to decline your lovely offer."

He only smiled gently at me, his calm air disconcerting. I was immediately filled with a feeling of distrust and unease. What on earth had he planned?

"Oh, but I'm not so sure you would be able to decline quite so easily."

My forehead creased. He definitely planned something, but the question was what he was going to do.

"You see, I'm sure you wouldn't want something happening to your family would you?"

I froze, my body shocked still. My face turned pale, before bleaching entirely. I could feel my hands clenching uncontrollably, sheer fear took over my mind.

"What have you done to them? Where are they now! Tell me you bastard!"

Aizen only stood up, pushing the heavy wooden chair back. He walked around the table, pausing right in front of me.

"You don't need to worry about them. They are safe… for now. Co-operate with me and nothing will happen."

A low growl erupted from my chest, hating that I had to go along with his plans. As much as I hated the slimy bastard, he had the power to do whatever he wanted. Frustrated and annoyed, I simply nodded at him, and he smiled even wider. I follow him outside, ignoring the fact that he was leading me out of my own house and see Renji and some other guards outside with horses.

I scowl at Renji, and he grinned sheepishly at me. He mouthed "I really didn't know!" to me and I nodded a little. He did try to warn me after all. Aizen really was scheming, and he worked fast.

Aizen got onto a horse, and I quickly climbed onto one as well. My horse was a beautiful chestnut brown, and he was well fed and groomed. He snorted as I climbed on, and flicked his tail at some passing flies. Aizen gave a signal, and we started moving off.

I lost myself to the motion of riding a horse, the rocking motion almost hypnotic to me. I lost myself in my thoughts, thinking of whether Aizen would keep his word. My family means more to me than anything else, as proven by my trying to avenge my mother. My family must remain safe. I nearly groan at the thought of Aizen having his hands on Yuzu, her innocence and naïve self would probably not know a thing on how to protect herself. Karin would protect her, which I was sure of. Dad could take care of himself… mostly.

Suddenly, the horses stopped, and I almost slip off my horse. I quickly grip onto the reins of the horse, tightening my hold on him to prevent falling off the horse. That would be something I would never live down.

"You need to get ready here. Renji will escort you to the castle itself afterwards."

Recognizing the dismissal clearly, I slide off the horse, patting his head before doing so. Renji got off his horse too, before taking both horses reins and leading them to a small stable besides the building. Aizen and the guards quickly rode off towards the city proper, leaving me and Renji behind.

Renji squeezed my shoulder comfortingly, and led the way in. Once inside though, I was shocked by the sheer quantity and diversity of cloth before me.

Every single wall inside was covered with bolts of material, with every shade of colour imaginable. Some were shimmery, some were sheer, and I could see silk, velvet, cotton and more. Mannequins took over most of the space and they were covered with beautiful clothes, with accessories to match them. The vast types of material were new to me, as I had never seen such a thing before. How do you even memorize where everything is?

Out of the blue, a slim bespectacled man appeared in front of me. Shocked, I took a step back from him, squishing the gasp that almost escaped my lips. He wore a fitted white shirt with a black tie and black pants and completed the look with shiny leather shoes. His dark hair was parted to both sides, and he exuded a professional aura about him.

"Nice to meet you, I am Uryu Ishida. I assume you are my project for the day."

Completely out of my element, I just nodded blankly at him. Immediately, he launched into a frenzy and took all my body measurements, and all I could do was go along with him. I heard Renji snickering somewhere beside me and I shot a glare in his direction. He immediately stopped and had the decency to look abashed.

Done taking my measurements, he started running around the room gathering different materials. It was quite comical to say the truth. He would run all around the place, taking this material and that material, matching everything quickly. He even had a ladder that he could push around to take materials that were higher.

He dumped all the bolts of cloth onto a table and started work. Bored, I walked around the place, looking at all the mannequins. Renji trailed behind me like a lost puppy and he was admiring the work this Ishida person did as well. If this was truly all his work, he must really be a genius. Every piece was a work of art, and combined with the accessories, it was mind-blowingly beautiful. There were flowing dresses, suave tuxedos and casual wear, yet all were beautiful in their own right. He truly was a master of design. But of course he would have to be, for Aizen to use him.

"Done! Please proceed over here Mr Kurosaki."

I moved over to the workbench and stood beside Ishida. He held up a beautiful dress that was incredibly well cut with amazing colours. It would leave one shoulder bare, and it dropped to the floor and a short length of it would trail on the floor. The top half of the dress was a jet black, and it slowly faded into sunset orange and gold. The colours were exactly as if a sun was setting on the horizon, and it was replicated perfectly onto the dress. Then the thought struck me that I was supposed to wear that. A dress.

"Wait a moment. Why am I wearing a dress?"

"Sorry, Aizen's orders!"

I grimaced, and thought that he didn't look sorry at all. I knew that I had to swallow my pride, to do as Aizen said. It was hard enough being feminine, but having to wear a dress was too much. Yet, I knew it was the only way I could protect my family. I sighed, and quickly changed into the dress. It fit me perfectly, and I actually looked good in it. I sighed, because it still didn't change the fact that I was wearing a dress.

Ishida put in into golden sandals, and made me wear a simple gold chain with a gold sun that dangled from the end. My hair was let down and left alone, with Ishida stating that it was already good enough. When Renji caught sight of me, he gave a soft "wow" of appreciation, before shaking his head sadly.

"I have to admit, you look spectacular, but this just increases your chances of being chosen."

I can't help it as the thought of leaving my family behind strikes me. I can barely force my lips open and all I can force is a soft whisper.

"I know. But if I'm chosen, then my family will be safe. Take care of them for me Renji."

Renji nodded to me, despair on his face. I step forward, hugging him tightly. This may really be the last time I would see him ever again.

I need to be chosen, so that my family will be spared. If I am not chosen, Aizen will destroy my family. I can't let them happen, no matter what. If my family dies, then I will die with them. And I don't have the power to stop him. But luckily I have Ishida to help me.

I am not pretty. I am not beautiful. I am as radiant as the sun.

xxx

I arrive at the threshold of the palace, and I stand just outside the main door, looking up at the towering place. It was beautiful in a way, the stark white marble flawless. I slowly climb the stairs alone, the sky just beginning to darken behind me. I can already hear the chattering coming from within the palace's main hall; imagine the huge crowd of people inside.

I step into the palace itself, a red carpet guiding me to the main dance hall. The huge doors are shut, with guards outside that are stunned by my appearance. Immediately, they swing the door open, perfectly synchronized. When the door opens, I am the center of attraction. All eyes fall on me, and I stride proudly into the hall, chin held high, gaze unwavering. Aizen may be forcing me to give myself away, but I will maintain my pride. I do what is necessary for my family, and I will not waver in my promise to keep them safe.

The chattering breaks out once again, people turning away from me. The men are ogling me, the women jealous of me. The so called 'celebration' is everything I thought it would be. Men were flirting endlessly, groping and leering at the women. The women wore such heavy perfume that it made me gag as I walked past them.

The hall was decked out beautifully, but what was beauty if there was no substance inside? It was a large hall, with a winding staircase on the opposite end of the hall's entrance that led to a second floor that ringed the hall. The entire wall where the staircase was was made entirely of glass. The sun was starting to lower over the horizon, and it was blinding through the glass. The second floor had large balconies attached to them, with stained glass doors that threw light all over the hall.

The smell of alcohol and shameless sex in dark corners was suffocating and I made my way to the second floor, brushing past the people who tried to cop a feel and avoiding everyone. I could feel the people's eyes on me, but I ignored them. I pushed open one of the doors and stepped out onto the balcony.

I inhale the clean air that blows past me, the wind playfully toying with my hair. It was disgusting, what those people inside did. I sat down on the railing surrounding the balcony, letting the wind sooth my skin. I sighed, the full impact of what was going to happen hitting me with the force of a sledgehammer. I was going to give everything up, when I was so close to discovering the mastermind behind the scheme that killed my mother. However, if it means that I can protect my remaining family, it is worth it though. I sincerely hope I'm not making the wrong choice. It was just the fact that I am treated like I am nothing and my family nothing more than a bartering chip that fills me with anger. I don't care that Sexta is a god. When he chooses me, I'm going to give him hell.

Suddenly, the door creaks open and I whip my head around to look at who invaded my space. I glare at Aizen, while he just smiles gently at me.

"You look beautiful, if I do say so myself."

"You're just doing this so that you can get me out of the way. You just don't want some feminine male defeating all your greatest fighters."

"It may be so, but it doesn't matter. You are but a subject under me. And you have to do as I say."

"Let my family go."

"Your family will be let go when it is time."

"I have already followed all your stupid instructions. Just let them go already!"

Aizen smiled sickeningly at me, that gentle smile somehow disturbing now. He ignored my outburst, simply walking away and back to the hall.

I growl, and slam my fist onto the railing in frustration. Pain shoots up my arm, but it is nothing to what Aizen has coming… if he didn't have my family. I think of innocent Yuzu, and hope that he is treating them well at least.

I sigh, and stand up. I should probably go back into the hall now, and get whatever is coming over and done with. I push open the doors, and start making my way down the stairs. Just as I reach the landing halfway between the first and second floor and am making my way down, the door slides open directly opposite me.

What immediately catches my attention is not the striking blue hair, but the piercing blue eyes that bore into mine.

Please do review! This story lives on if you review. I personally think that the dialogue lacks something, but I'm not sure if its just me or what. Please give me some criticism in your reviews so that I can improve in my writing! I'm going overseas so I'll only be able to update in around two weeks, and I'm sorry you guys have to wait so long for updates. Where do you think this story will go? Heh heh. :D

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