A.N: Second to last one, then we'll be back to the main story. I'm sure that's what you all really want. Until then, enjoy.

Chapter 5: Unequals

Benito sighed as he exited his inner world. He looked around at the dark place that has become his own throne room...and his prison. He had been Espada Infinity for three weeks now. Aizen was still at Las Noches, overseeing God knows what. In those three weeks, he had been completely isolated from the rest of the Arrancar. Even his own sister wasn't allowed to see him. Aizen had told him that Benito needed to completely focus on his training. Benito knew that to a degree, Aizen was right. When his rage got the better of him, he tapped into powers that even he had no idea he had. He was now more powerful than any Arrancar that ever existed, even the great Hollow God Tezuma.

And yet here he was, allowing himself to be subjugated by a man he was growing to hate by the minute. Why? Why was he allowing that to happen?

Benito sighed. He knew why it was. He had joined Aizen for the sole purpose of gaining a large steppingstone towards his and Alondra's plans. Now that he was the only man capable of possessing the rank Espada Infinity, he had that steppingstone. Power and political-wise, he was as strong as Aizen was in Las Noches.

It wasn't all bad. He had time to formulate the next step of his plan. Of course, the one thing he found that he was debating with himself with was the course of action. Does he remain until Aizen set his plan into motion, or kill Aizen right here and now and take the throne himself. Neither were practical options. It could take years before Aizen sets his plan into motion, by then, a force loyal to Aizen, Adolfo, or Baraggan would be formed and even he might not be able to take care of it. Not only that, but he had people waiting for him on the outside. He trusted Halibel, but he couldn't go through an entire week without thinking that she'd be loyal. If he outright killed Aizen, he would definitely have to kill several other Arrancar loyal to Aizen. That was something he didn't want to do. It went against everything he believed in. He did not want to shed any unnecessary blood.

So, in the end, Benito found himself in a never-ending loop of self-debating. He sighed again. This was going to take longer than he expected.

"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Lady Alondra." Said Tia Halibel.

Alondra Muerta smiled. "Don't worry, Tia, I can only imagine how lonely it is with Hermano isolated the way he is at the moment."

Halibel nodded. "Hermano's Fracciónes are pretty despondent as well." Alondra said. "They all miss their beloved leader so much. Ulquiorra still hasn't said anything, but I can only imagine he's hurting the most. He looked up to Hermano with an almost religious zeal, or older-brother figure, depending on your opinion."

Halibel nodded. "He wouldn't admit it, but he probably did view Benito as an older brother." Halibel said softly.

"So, Tia, what did you want to talk about?" Alondra asked sweetly while pouring two cups of tea. "Did you just need someone to talk to with Hermano gone, or did you need some advice from your senior?"

Halibel paused for a moment. "I suppose I just needed someone to talk to." She said.

Halibel graciously took the tea from Alondra. "Whenever Benito and I were together, I was always able to tell him anything. It was always such a strange feeling. To be around someone that wasn't my sister or my subordinates that I could talk to."

Alondra smiled. "I can understand that. It's tough to find someone here to spill your guts to."

Alondra chuckled a bit before continuing. "Aaroniero rarely talks, Szayel Aporro talks down to everyone, Zommari is a loner, Ulquiorra only opens up to Hermano, Nnoitra is...well Nnoitra, Dordoni is eccentric, Baraggan is an old man with archaic ideals, and Adolfo...even I can't stand that man."

Halibel was surprised. "That's the first time I've heard you say anything bad about our comrades." She said.

Alondra chuckled. "No matter how many faults my comrades have, Tia, they are still my comrades, and I still love them all."

Halibel nodded understandingly. "After all, love is the key to peace. How can we hope to achieve such feats when we are always at each other's throats over our faults?"

"That's true." Halibel admitted.

Alondra gave Halibel a sisterly look. "But enough about what I think, what is it you need to talk about?"

"I just...miss him." Said Halibel.

"Of course you do," said Alondra. "It's those kinds of feelings that make you two such a great couple. I'm sure he misses you too."

Halibel nodded. "I wish I could say the same. It's just, I haven't seen him since Lord Aizen isolated him from everyone and that Yammy fellow took his place."

Alondra took a sip of her tea. "Tia, sometimes you don't have to be told how someone feels. It's sometimes something you can feel in here." She said, pointing to her heart.

Alondra looked Halibel square in the eye. "So tell me, does your heart say he misses you?" She asked.

Halibel thought it over, and then nodded, smiling underneath her jacket. "Well there you go." Said Alondra.

Three more days passed, Benito still trained and honed his newfound skills. However, through each passing minute he grew lonelier and wanted to see those he loved again. With each passing minute, he grew to loathe one person even more: Aizen. Who was he to subjugate him like this? Had he forgotten that he promised to treat him as an equal? Damn him, Benito thought. I spend years under his service as an equal and this is how he thanks me? He thinks that by catering to my wish to be an equal, he can subjugate me!

A look of sheer resolve appeared on Benito's face. If that's the way he wants it to be...then I no longer have any interest in serving as his 'equal'. No, as far as I'm concerned, we're unequals now. Only, I'm stronger than he'll ever be.

There was a knocking on his door. Something that surprised him. "Lord Muerta," came a male voice. "Lord Aizen wishes to speak to you in the throne room."

Benito raised an eyebrow. He dares to order me to the throne room, how arrogant. He thought.

"Very well," said Benito. "I'll head that way now."

When Benito reached the throne room, he was immediately greeted by Aizen, who was smiling at him from the throne. "Good evening, Sōsuke." Said Benito. "Why don't we cut the small talk and tell me why you've decided to call me down here."

Aizen raised an eyebrow at the hint of disdain in Benito's voice. He decided to ignore it and tell him his plans for him. "I will be blunt Benito," he began. "I have an assignment for you."

"Oh?"

Aizen nodded. "While I have the utmost confidence in my plans, the fact remains is that I must prepare for every scenario. Therefore, in the unlikely case that I should fail, I need someone who I can trust to make sure my plan is complete."

Benito watched as Aizen continued. "As far as guarantees go, there is no doubt in my mind that I will achieve what I seek. When that happens, I'll have power beyond my wildest dreams. That includes immortality."

Benito's eyes widened. Immortality? Is that even possible? He thought in amazement.

"However," said Aizen. "There is still a slight chance that I'll fail. Yet, I'll still have the immortality I seek. When that happens, Soul Society will have no choice but to arrest me and have me imprisoned in their deepest prison."

Where is this going? Benito thought.

"When that happens, I need someone I can trust to continue my work." Continued Aizen.

Aizen paused before continuing once more. "I want you, Benito, to leave with a group of your choosing and hide out in Hueco Mundo for awhile. Should I fail, I want you to gather our remaining comrades and strike Soul Society yourselves and then free me."

Aizen gave Benito a twisted smile. "If you do this, I will have you placed on this very throne. You can have all the power you desire. What do you say, my equal?"

Benito thought it over. This may be the chance I've been looking for. He thought. I can gather my own following and then...

Benito grinned inwardly. The thought of that excites me so much. Also, it's clear that using the rank of Espada to gain power for peace was not successful. It's clear that Hermana and I must return to the sands to find peace for our world.

Benito gave Aizen a smile. "Very well, Sōsuke, I'll do this for you. We are equals after all. Equals should help each other out."

Aizen nodded. "If I may make a request, however." Continued Benito.

"A request?"

Benito was already planning. "There's a certain someone I would like to bring along with me. He resides in the deepest part of our prison. I believe you know who I'm talking about?"

Aizen was actually surprised by this request. However, he couldn't say no. He couldn't risk losing Benito's allegiance. "Very well, I'll allow it." He said.

As Benito made his way to the prisons of Las Noches, he was suddenly stopped by a familiar voice. "Master Muerta!"

Ulquiorra Cifer looked at his former master in shock. He hadn't seen him for awhile, how could he not be. "Ulquiorra," said Benito. "It's good to see you my friend."

Ulquiorra nodded. "What are you doing here, Sir?" He asked.

"I was just taking a stroll down to the prisons, why don't you join me?"

Ulquiorra was shocked. "The prisons, Sir? Why?"

Benito grinned. "There is a certain someone I would like to bring along with me. I'm going away for awhile Ulquiorra per Sōsuke's orders."

"Let me come with you!" Ulquiorra insisted eagerly.

Benito shook his head. "I need someone I can trust to spy on him while I'm gone."

"Spy on him Sir?"

Benito nodded. "I'd trust Tia with this, but I cannot ask her to choose between me and Sōsuke. She holds great loyalty to him as well. Therefore I can't bring myself to turn her against him."

Benito smiled in that same encouraging and charismatic manner that brought many people to him. "So, can I trust you with this assignment?" He asked.

Ulquiorra nodded. "My loyalty is to you, Sir?"

"Good," Benito nodded back. "I'll explain how I want you to conduct yourself while we head to the prisons."

Benito and Ulquiorra soon arrived at the deepest part of the prisons of Las Noches. Ulquiorra was already practicing his facade that involved him constantly singing praise of Aizen. As far as the two of them were concerned, until Benito returned, Ulquiorra was loyal to Aizen and Aizen alone. "We're here." Said Benito.

"You are," came a sinister voice. "The only question is, who are you? I never get any visitors."

"It's me you fool." Benito said, narrowing his eyes.

A man completely chained to a chair looked at Benito. "Ah, Benito." He said. "You'll have to forgive me, I haven't seen anyone in such a long time."

Ulquiorra soon got a better look at this man. He was tall. His hair was in a ponytail and in spite of his time in a cell, he still looked quite...gentlemanly. However, what really made an impression on Ulquiorra was his eyes. They were incredibly sinister looking. Ulquiorra then felt something he never felt before: Fear. This man was only looking at him, but he was now afraid of him. Why would Master Muerta be interested in this man?

Benito chuckled. "Oh, Raoul, why they keep a monster like you locked up I'll never know."

Raoul Arcano chuckled back. "Aizen wasn't exactly appreciative of the fact that I peered into his memories."

Raoul grinned at Benito. "What really set him off was that I discovered why he became what he is now in the first place."

Benito raised an eyebrow. "Oh, and what was it?"

Raoul thought it over. "I don't...remember it all." He admitted. "It was so long ago...that day when I looked into his mind. All I remember was a lot of blood...and a lot of dead bodies."

"But enough about that," Raoul changed the subject. "What are you doing here, Benito? You didn't come here to make small talk."

Benito shook his head. "You're right," he said. "I came here to free you."

Raoul was surprised. "Free me?"

"Sōsuke granted me this wish before I leave Las Noches." Explained Benito. "You have skills I desire."

Raoul chuckled darkly. "That I do, Benito."

"I intend to change all worlds, Raoul." Said Benito. "Will you help me with that?"

Raoul grinned. "Well then, when do we get started?"

The next area they visited was Benito's old quarters, which were still inhabited by his four still-loyal Fracciónes. The four were thrilled to see their beloved master again. Benito, likewise, was genuinely happy to see them all as well. When Alondra returned to the quarters, she almost broke down in tears of joy. After explaining the situation, Alondra happily agreed to accompany Benito, agreeing that their alliance with Aizen had run its course.

Nobody mentioned that a born killer named Raoul was standing in the room with them. Nobody asked why a peace-lover like Benito would bring him along.

As Benito and his small group prepared to set off into the unforgiving deserts. Ulquiorra said his final goodbyes. "It's been a pleasure serving under you, Master Muerta. I swear I will complete my assignment for you."

Benito grinned. "Don't act like we're saying goodbye. Those are too permanent."

Benito clapped his former subordinates shoulders. "I will return for the throne, Ulquiorra, I can promise you that. Until then, you are loyal to Sōsuke, not me."

Ulquiorra nodded. "Wait!"

Everyone turned to the source of the voice. Benito's eyes widened in surprise. Halibel's sister, Palmira was standing before them. "Lord Muerta, take me with you." Said Palmira.

Benito shook his head. "Out of the question, I can't just take you from your sister."

Palmira shook her head as well. "Sister has told me of your goals, Lord Muerta. I believe in them. I believe in you. I want to help you achieve whatever goal you're after."

Benito sighed. "You know you'll be leaving behind your family, right?"

Palmira smiled. "It's just as you said, Sir. You will return. I will as well."

Benito looked at Alondra, who nodded. "Ulquiorra," said Benito. "Tell Tia that Palmira decided to accompany me."

"Is there anything else, Sir?"

Benito thought it over. "Tell her...I'm sorry." He said. "And that I'll make it up to her when I return."

Ulquiorra nodded. "It will be done, Master."

Ulquiorra left. Fielhombre Guardia looked at his master. "Are you sure you want to just leave without saying goodbye to her?"

"I can't involve Tia yet, Fielhombre." Said Benito. "And besides, if I went to see her now, I don't think I could bring myself to leave."

With that, Benito led the way out of Las Noches, but not without looking at the palace one last time. I'll return, my love. Benito thought sadly.

A slight glare took shape on his face. And Sōsuke, I will return for you as well...my unequal.

A.N: And with that, we're down to one last chapter in this brief Flashback mini-arc. Sorry this one took so long, still busy. Anyways, stay cool and keep an eye out for the next chapter. ND2014, signing off.