Kick About, Destroy, Bind
Chapter 2: Dealings
Central 46 Rotunda, Karakura Town
"Tosen's gone too far," one of the Chief Justices said.
"I agree. As soon as this bill comes before the Court, we must make sure that it doesn't pass," the other Chief Justice replied.
"I agree. It's one thing to pass laws that permit merchants and bankers running their industries the way they wish and yet have protocols to protect the people. However, this is giving them absolute control, without any protocols. They could easily take advantage of their patrons. The thing that's even more sickening is Tosen's arguments."
"How is he trying to justify this law?"
"He says that the true path to justice is to ensure that the right people are in control. He thinks that the best way to do this is to allow those in control absolute free rein."
"That's nonsense. Doesn't he realize that if they're given free rein to the bankers and merchants then many will take advantage of those who trust them? How will they be prosecuted? Or is he relying on their collapse to be punishment enough?"
"Tosen's up to something. I've contacted a certain man in town and informed him of the situation. He's having things checked out and when he's gathered enough information, he'll give me his report."
"Have you heard any word?"
"So far, I've only received a report that has confirmed my suspicions. Tosen is working with someone who wants these laws to pass. My bet is that Gin Ichimaru is behind it, but so far they've found no evidence about who he's conspiring with."
"However, he is conspiring with someone."
"Yes, but even then they haven't gotten enough proof to convict him."
"In the meantime, we should tread carefully. When is this bill supposed to come before the Court?"
"It's supposed to be up in the next couple of days. By that time, we should have enough evidence to convict Tosen of conspiracy and bribery. Perhaps we can even get Gin Ichimaru and whoever else is involved."
"That…I cannot allow," someone said from the shadows.
"What the…who's there?" one of the Chief Justices called out.
"Oh…someone you don't know," the voice said again.
"Stop hiding in the shadows. Show us who you are," the other Chief Justice cried out.
"I don't see why not. I've already determined by your descriptions that you two are my targets."
As he was finishing speaking, the man stepped from behind one of the tall columns. The two men looked at him, surprised. He was medium height and rather thin. His light purple hair was rather messy and a scar ran from his hairline on his right forehead to the corner of his left eye. His long, black collar was pulled up to cover his lower face.
"What did you say?"
"I said that you two are my targets."
"Who hired you?"
"Who do you think?"
"Did Tosen hire you, or did someone else?"
"Well, since you're about to die...I was hired by the 'Shadow Lurker', but his actual name is Captain Souske Aizen of the fifth squad."
At the name, the two Chief Justices stood in silence. They were unable to comprehend what they had just been told. Aizen, the hero of Karakura Town, the man who had saved them from the Espada four months before, was the "Shadow Lurker"? They could not believe it.
"First, allow me to introduce myself before I kill you. I am Hanza Nukui, Chief Commander of the Kage no Tanken Squad."
"You're from the Shadow Dagger Squad?"
"That's right, now then," Hanza said as he moved his hands slightly. "It's time to die."
In a quick, fluid motion, he released the throwing knives. The blades embedded in the two Chief Justices in the head. He walked over to the two corpses and plucked the blades from their heads. He lowered his collar and rubbed his jaw. He wondered if he should have kept them alive a little longer.
"You shouldn't have killed them until you found out more information," someone said from behind him.
He turned and saw Shukuro Tsukishima leaning against a pillar. He was reading another one of his books. Hanza was not surprised to see that it was The Prince by Machiavelli. Shukuro put his dagger back into the book and closed it.
"Master Shukuro, I only received orders to kill them. I did not receive orders to gain information from them first."
"That may be. However, whoever they hired will be made aware of this and they could pose a threat. You need to find out who they hired while I inform Gin Ichimaru and Chief Justice Tosen that they are being watched. You might find that information in their offices, so make sure to check before you leave tonight. If you find it, bring it to me tomorrow in the afternoon at my office."
"Is that an order?"
"It is an order."
"Very well, I shall comply. What should I do about the bodies?"
"Just leave them there. It should serve as a…message to those who would dare stand in our way. It should also help keep the other Chief Justices in line. Now then, I must report back to Lord Aizen."
"Very well, and I shall fulfill my duties," Hanza said with a slight bow as Shukuro walked away.
Sheriff's Office, Karakura Town
Ichigo Kurosaki looked at the message again. He could not believe that three soldiers from Captain Zaraki's squad were defeated. He looked over at Shinji Hirako, head of the Visored Squad and then to Kugo Ginjo, head of the Xcution Squad. Out of all of the privatized squads, much more polite than "mercenaries", their squads were the ones he trusted the most. They had been rather moody since Tessai came in and delivered the message from Urahara.
"Are you guys alright?" Ichigo asked.
"Hmm," Kugo said, looking up.
Kugo took out a comb and ran it through his dark hair, combing it back to the nape of his neck. Shinji looked up, frowning. He ran his fingers through his blonde hair. The two looked at each other and then sighed.
"No, we're not," Shinji said.
"That's right. Tessai's message means that he's moving again," Kugo said.
"I see," Ichigo said, as he took a swig from the bottle of brandy next to him. "So, the 'Shadow Lurker' is moving again. Do you think he'll use the Espada again?"
"Without a doubt," Shinji said. "After all, they nearly beat us. If Aizen hadn't shown up…"
"I know," Ichigo said.
"At any rate, we'll have to act as though we don't know that the 'Shadow Lurker' is on the move. This might be our opportunity to catch him," Shinji said.
He rubbed his chin, thinking. He wasn't quite sure of what to think about Aizen. He seemed to appear out of nowhere and proved himself a force to be reckoned with. However, something didn't feel right about Aizen, even though he did save his life.
Karakura Town, Four Months Before
Ichigo was pinned down. His opponent, Ulquiorra "Night Bringer" Schiffer was too quick. One moment he could be shooting from behind a pile of hay in front of the barn and at the next he could be shooting from the porch of the General Store. Plus, he was extremely accurate. Ichigo felt the blood from the wound in his left shoulder oozing down his arm, staining his white shirt.
"Damn it," he muttered.
"I will give you one last chance, Sheriff Kurosaki," Ulquiorra said in his monotone voice. "Surrender or I will be forced to kill you."
"I can't do that," Ichigo cried out.
He could hear gunfire from the other areas in the town where the Gotei Captains and the squads were fighting the other Espada, but Ichigo was alone. He had been with Uryu Ishida who was trying to crawl to his gun, but his wounds were severe, if not lethal. He had been separated from his deputies and from his father who were busy elsewhere. Even though there were ten Espada, and a little girl for some reason, they were more than a match for the defenders. Hell, even that little girl could be lethal with her explosives.
He had seen many of the Gotei defenders fall quickly and they were either dead or too badly wounded to fight. That left only the Captains and the Visored Squad to fight. He had been looking for the one who kidnapped Orihime Inoue two weeks earlier and he found him. However, Ulquiorra appeared as though he had been waiting for him. Uryu tried to shoot him from behind, but Ulquiorra aimed his gun at Uryu's hiding spot and fired without even looking away from Ichigo. He remembered seeing Uryu fall from the balcony to the street below, badly wounded and his legs broken.
Now Ulquiorra was giving him another chance to surrender. However, Ichigo Kurosaki was not someone who gave up under any circumstances.
"Why do you continue to fight a hopeless battle?" Ulquiorra asked. "Do you fight because of the soul? If that's the case, then the soul only causes you pain and suffering. It is because of the soul…" Suddenly, Ulquiorra was behind him, aiming his gun at Ichigo's head, Ichigo turned to face him, his eyes wide with shock. "…that you will die."
Just as Ichigo thought that he was about to die, a gunshot rang out. Ulquiorra's eyes widened in surprise and he collapsed. Ichigo saw a man he never saw before standing before him with a smoking revolver in his hand. His brown hair was swept back and his glasses reflected the sun. He had two others with him. One was dark skinned and appeared to be blind while the other had silver hair and was grinning at him.
"You must be Sheriff Ichigo Kurosaki," the brown-haired man said. "I am Souske Aizen. I see that we've made it in time."
Senkaimon Express Rail Station
The Jigokucho train sat in the station, waiting for its scheduled departure time. Souske Aizen sat in one of the private cars reading through the instructions that General Yamamoto gave him. He smiled slightly at remembering the message he received from Shukuro earlier that evening. The two Chief Justices who were giving Tosen so much trouble had been dealt with. He regretted that he could not be there to see the reaction when it was discovered that two Chief Justices were killed in the Rotunda.
However, he was troubled with the information that one of them had hired someone to investigate both Kaname Tosen and Gin Ichimaru. If that information got out to the public, then someone would tie him to it. He knew that he would have to separate himself from Gin and Kaname if he had to, or even kill them if he had to. His plans had progressed beyond the Rubicon point. He could not turn back and he could not make any drastic changes.
Now, he was entering the stage where he no longer had full control. It was a point that he was dreading, but it was also necessary. He wondered how many of the Espada would join him. He knew five for certain: Grimmjow, Nnoitora, Zommari, Aaroniero, and Yammy. If he had his way, those five would have been the only survivors. Unfortunately that part of the plan had failed. He thought he killed Ulquiorra and Harribel, only to discover a month after the assault on Karakura Town that they were still alive. Baraggan and Szayel Aporro had fled before he or Gin or Tosen could get to them. Then there was Starrk.
Aizen touched his right side where Starrk had shot him. Aizen believed that he had Starrk figured out and under his control, but he was wrong. He did not like being wrong and he did not like to be shown that he could bleed. He wanted to face Starrk and kill him. During his whole life, he had only been shot once and it was by Starrk.
He felt the jolt as the train started to move. He looked out as the train crossed the bridge over the Senkaimon River. Below, he watched the river rafts pulling passengers and supplies that were heading towards Fort Seireitei across the river. During his journey to the Zaraki Outpost, he would think over what he was going to say to the other Espada. He already had a good idea where he could find Baraggan, and he would make a deal with Baraggan. However, after he crushed Karakura Town for good, he would get rid of all of his pawns. In the end, he would be the only one left standing. He would make sure of it. He picked up the first sheet in the file and glared at it.
"You'll pay for daring to defy God," he whispered.
During the trip, Aizen's mind began to focus on something other than his plans for the Espada and Baraggan. He began to think of ways of making him suffer. He suddenly remembered the girl who always hung around him. He smiled. He knew exactly how to make Coyote Starrk suffer.
Precipice Mountains
The sun was beginning to rise. The young man yawned, knowing that his watch would be over soon. He did not see his fellow watcher around and he was glad. Knowing Avirama Redder, he was probably performing some kind of morning ritual that involved a lot of yelling and stomping. He picked got up and bent over to pick up his long brown coat with a stitched crimson dragon winding around the left arm. However, as he bent over, he saw something moving out of the corner of his eye.
He looked, but could only see the shadows. At first he thought that he had just been seeing things. He looked closer. His golden eyes widened a little when he saw the figure, lurking the shadows. He brought out his revolver and moved swiftly, with a cat-like stealth, towards the figure. He hid behind a boulder near the figure was busy leaning on the ground checking for any signs. He took the opportunity to strike.
However, as he rushed out from behind his hiding place, the figure turned with lightning-quick speed and both were facing the barrels of each other's revolvers, the hammers cocked. To his surprise, he was facing a very slim and petite woman who was only a few inches shorter than he was. Her black hat concealed her eyes. Her loose jeans were dirty at the knees. She was wearing a black vest over a white, sleeveless undershirt. Her gun belt was of black leather with a dull silver buckle.
"Who're you?" he asked.
"I should ask the same question. Now, tell me, who are you?" she asked with a snap at the last word.
"I'm Ggio Vega. For the last time, who are you?
The woman standing in front of him smirked a little. Ggio felt himself becoming angry, thinking that she was mocking him. She cocked her head slightly and pushed her hat up enough to show her intense and predatory grey eyes.
"Ggio Vega," she said as though tasting the name. "That's a rather interesting name. I'm Sui-Feng."
"Huh, that's an interesting name," Ggio said with a slight smirk. "Anyways, what're ya doing here?"
"Oh, I was looking for a rattler. They're very poisonous and my partner…well, he's absolutely terrified of any poisonous animal, especially snakes. He's been rather annoying lately, so I decided that he deserves to have a good scare."
"Ain't ya afraid of 'em rattlers? One bite from 'em and you're vulture food," he said.
He pointed to a cluster of nearby vultures that were looking at them. Sui-Feng looked at him and rolled her eyes. She then put her focus back on the rattlesnake she found. It rattled its tail and was preparing to strike. With a lightning-quick motion, she grabbed the snake and dragged it out from its hiding spot. Her hand was wrapped at the base of the snake's head and her thumb pressed down on its head.
"Not really," she said, showing Ggio the snake. Ggio didn't back away and he simply looked at the snake. "Anyways," Sui-Feng continued, "I've learned that there are other things in life that should be feared."
"Whatever," Ggio said. "Anyways, I better get back to my posse before they start…"
"HEY, RUNT, WHERE'D YOU RUN OFF TO?" someone yelled out. "I'M GONNA LEAVE YA BEHIND IF WE HAVE TO!"
"Shit," Ggio said, running to grab the coat he dropped.
"Sounds like your posse's missing you," Sui-Feng said smirking.
"HEY WHERE ARE YA?"
"I'M COMIN' REDDER," Ggio cried out. "Well, it was nice to meet ya. Where are ya headin' anyways?"
"Oh…here and there," Sui-Feng said. "Why did you ask?"
"Oh, no real reason. Maybe you'd like to come with us. I'd like to get to know ya."
"In your dreams," she smirked before walking off.
"Oh yeah, well…"
"HEY, WHERE ARE YA? MOVE IT OR YOU GET LEFT BEHIND," Redder cried out.
"Damn it…I guess I'll see ya later," he said and rushed back to his group.
"I'm sure we will," Sui-Feng called out after him.
She looked at the rattler and made her way back to her partner. So far, the mission was going well.
"Oh yes, I'm sure we'll see each other again," she said smiling, "Arrancar."
The Sabaku Desert
Starrk woke up and saw Ulquiorra kneeling by the fire. The horses were tied up, but the girls were nowhere in sight. He saw that Ulquiorra was busy making breakfast of eggs, beans, and sliced salted ham with coffee. Starrk stretched and yawned.
"Where are the girls?" he asked.
"They are at the nearby river, getting cleaned. They do not wish to be disturbed."
"Right," Starrk whispered.
His head suddenly perked up and he smiled. He leapt up onto a rock outcropping staring into the desert. It was as though he was waiting for something. In the distance, he heard a wolf howling. Grinning, Starrk returned the wolf's greeting. Ulquiorra looked at him and then returned his gaze to the fire and the cooking breakfast.
Starrk unsheathed the dagger he had around his thigh. The hilt was shaped like a running wolf with the blade coming out of the wolf's gaping mouth. He traced the words engraved on the blade, "Dejar que Los Lobos están libres y aullar" ("Let the Wolves run free and howl.") and smiled. With the seven of them together, he felt free.
Majime River
The girls waded in the creek, allowing the fresh water to wash away the dirt from their skin. Lilynette, who was busy splashing and laughing with the "Diamond Sisters", stopped when she heard the howling coming from the other side of the rise. She grinned and let out a high-pitched cub howl. When she was done, she began to laugh.
"What was that all about?" Mila Rose asked, as she waded to Harribel.
"Oh…the wolves are howling," Harribel said.
"Huh?" Mila Rose said, confused.
"Never mind, you'll have to see it to believe it. I would say, tomorrow will be the perfect opportunity," Harribel said.
"Uh…whatever you say."
"ARE YOU JOKING? MY BOOBS ARE BIGGER, SUNG-SUN!" Apacci shrieked.
Sung-Sun held her hand to her mouth and giggled slightly. Lilynette was laughing at them and she splashed water towards them. Sung-Sun and Apacci backed away from the water, their argument forgotten.
"Oh that's it," Apacci said, smiling. "Somebody's gonna get…SPLASHED!" she yelled and splashed water towards Lilynette.
The three were in an all-out splash war. Their laughter filled the brightening morning sky. Mila Rose and Harribel smiled at them.
"What do you think, Mila Rose, want to join in?"
"Sure thing, Harribel," Mila Rose replied.
They grinned at each other and joined in. For the rest of their bathing time, their laughter filled the air. Starrk smiled when she heard it, glad to hear Lilynette really laughing again. Ulquiorra only shrugged it off as he finished fixing breakfast.
The five lay on the soft sand on their blankets, allowing the morning sand to dry their naked bodies. Harribel looked on either side of her, smiling. She knew that she was truly with family.
Precipice Mountains
"Omaeda, get up, we're leaving," Sui-Feng said as she returned.
"Huh? Whoa, what happened to you? You look like you went a couple of rounds with dust devil or something," Omaeda said.
"Shut up," Sui-Feng said, brushing the dirt off of her clothes. "For your information, I was getting you a companion. I would hate for you to get too lonely while I'm away."
"You mean like a puppy?" Omaeda asked, his eyes twinkling with joy. "I love puppies. They're so huggable and lovable and adorable. You know, I have a dog back home! Although…he's kinda old and going blind and he…pees on the carpet."
Sui-Feng rolled her eyes. God, he's such an idiot, she thought.
"No, I didn't get you a damn puppy," she said and reached into her messenger bag. "Now close your eyes and hold out your hands."
"Ooh, I love surprises," Omaeda said, barely containing his joy. "Is it a rabbit? I love rabbits. I'll name it 'Chappy' and I'll take care of it."
"Whatever," Sui-Feng said and placed the rattler in his hands. "Open your eyes."
Omaeda opened his eyes, and shrieked like a little girl. He sent the snake flying as he scrambled to take refuge behind his incredibly fat horse, Gegetsuburi. Sui-Feng laughed at the sight and saw the rattler trying to escape. She reached down and picked it up. The snake was not pleased with being hindered from getting away and so it sunk its fangs into her hand. Sui-Feng cocked her head slightly and smiled at the snake.
"Sorry to break it to you, but…that ain't gonna work," she said. "Your poison won't work on me like it would on Omaeda."
"Hey, why'd you do that?" Omaeda shouted. "You know I hate snakes. I'm just like Indiana Jones."
"That's the only thing you have in common with Indiana Jones," Sui-Feng said, rolling her eyes.
The snake released its hold on Sui-Feng's hand and she lowered it to the ground. She released her grip and the snake slithered away to crawl under a nearby log. She saw that Omaeda was still cowering behind Gegetsuburi. She let out a sharp whistle and her brown and white horse, Suzumebachi, approached.
"That's a good girl," Sui-Feng said as her hand stroked down the black lightning-like mark that ran down her horse's face.
"So, what happened?" Omaeda asked. Sui-Feng looked at him and smiled.
"I've made contact. We now have a trail to follow. Let's go, you coward."
"Hey, I'm not a coward. I just don't like snakes."
"We'll see about that," Sui-Feng said, mounting her horse.
Omaeda only shrugged and he mounted Gegetsuburi. Sui-Feng took the lead and the two followed the trail that Ggio Vega had given her.
Karakura Town
"Ichigo, wake up," Rukia shouted as she slammed a rather thick file down onto the Sheriff's desk.
Ichigo, who was leaning back in his chair, dozing, woke up suddenly and tipped his chair over. He fell with a yelp and crashed to the floor. One of his two deputies, Rukia Kuchiki, looked down at him and shook her head. His other deputy, Renji Abarai, looked over at him while drinking his morning cup of coffee.
He always wondered why Rukia worked with him. After all, her family owned and operated Chappy's Smiles, the makers of fine products like Chappy's Old Fashioned Sarsaparilla and Chappy's Choco-Caramel Drops. Of course, her brother, Byakuya, was a Captain in the Gotei. Maybe that was a part of it.
"What is it?" Ichigo demanded, getting up and rubbing his head.
"New information about the 'Los Lobos Duo' and 'Blood Star' and the 'Diamond Sisters'," Rukia said.
"Is this about the incident yesterday involving Ikaku and Yumichika?" he asked.
"Don't forget, Maki-Maki was there too," Renji said.
"No, this is new information," Rukia said. "We just received a telegram. They were spotted in the Sabaku Desert near the Majime River."
"Wait a minute, then that would mean that…"
"Yes, they're heading our way," Rukia said, smiling.
"Wait, is it just them? What about the other Espada?" Renji asked.
"Well, at this point in time, it's very difficult to say. The informant did mention seeing seven horses, but only six figures."
"What did the seventh horse look like?" Ichigo asked, very interested.
"It was entirely black," Rukia said, looking at the file.
"Ulquiorra," Ichigo whispered.
"That's what I think too. I think that 'Night Bringer' is with them. However, there were no sign of any other Espada or Arrancar," Rukia said.
"Maybe they divided their forces. They'll probably launch a pronged attack," Renji said.
"No," Ichigo said. "The only way to get from the Outer Provinces here is through the Garganta Pass. But something's going on and they know something."
"Ichigo, I know that look," Renji said. "You think that 'Shadow Lurker' is on the move, don't you?"
"Ha, if he is, he'll fail again, just like last time," Rukia said.
At that moment the door opened and Akon came rushing in. His face was contorted in terror. They saw that he was clutching a message with the Central 46 seal of two octagons, one within the other, on it.
"Akon, what happened?" Renji asked.
Ichigo could only stare. Terror seized him. He knew that something bad was going to happen, but he never expected it to happen this soon. The message that Tessai delivered from Urahara was right. The Shadows were rising again.
"There's been a double murder," Akon gasped.
"What?" Renji asked, shocked.
"Where did it happen?" Rukia asked.
"It happened at the Central 46 Rotunda, didn't it?" Ichigo asked, gesturing to the seal on the message.
"But…but that's impossible," Renji said. "Akon, please say that it didn't happen there."
"I'm afraid that Sheriff Kurosaki's right. Two Chief Justices were found dead this morning. Their offices were ransacked, and as far as they know nothing was missing."
Rukia and Renji looked shocked by what they were being told. It was not possible. There was no way that two Chief Justices were murdered, and in the Rotunda of all places. The Central 46 Rotunda was supposed to be the most secure area in the Gensei Provinces outside of Fort Seireitei. They both looked at Ichigo, but he didn't say anything.
"Akon, give the message, and you may go back to your post."
"Uh…yes sir," he said, handing the message to Ichigo, and rushed out.
"Ichigo, what's going on?" Rukia asked.
"I guess I better tell you," Ichigo said, looking at his two deputies. "I'm afraid…I have some bad news."
Zaraki Outpost
Out of all the military outposts throughout the Gensei Provinces, the Zaraki Outpost was perhaps the most hastily put together and the most intimidating-looking. The fortification itself was nothing more than a wall made out of wooden stakes that rose ten feet at the top of a sand and rocky hill with another wall at the base. The hillside leading to the first wall was covered with sharp stakes. The only ways to the front gate was by a wooden bridge across a deep ditch filled with wooden stakes, and then up a narrow path that wound up the lower portion of the hill.
Souske Aizen wiped his forehead with his handkerchief as he stepped down the platform steps where he disembarked. He was glad that he wouldn't be here long. He walked across the wooden bridge with his bag in hand. The Gotei soldiers stood at attention and saluted him. He saluted back, but only out of habit. When he reached the lower gate, he held out his pass to the bald soldier who took it.
"Oh yeah, Captain Zaraki's been expecting ya," Ikaku said.
"Is that any way for you to address your superior?" Aizen asked.
"Hey, this is Squad 11 territory. The only 'superior' here is Captain Zaraki and the…Lieutenant," he said with a slight shiver. "Anyways, come on."
Aizen shook his head. He made a mental note to have this soldier killed once he was in power. Ikaku led him through the gate and then up a winding pathway that ran around the hill. Aizen noticed that from every angle, it was well protected by the watchtowers at the top of the hill and by a series of traps. When they reached the top of the path, there was a small court area with the gate standing open. Yumichika stood, supposedly at attention, but he was slouching. He still wasn't over his revolver being dented by Harribel.
"Hey, Yumichika," Ikaku cried out. "The guest from Fort Seireitei arrived."
Yumichika stood up and approached Aizen. He gave a slight nod of his head and then turned, gesturing for Aizen to follow. Aizen realized that he would not be able to get any respect from this bunch. However, their fighting prowess was legendary among the Gotei, and they might be useful. However, as soon as they exhausted their use, they would be discarded like the trash they were.
When Aizen entered through the gate, he saw a training yard about 300 square yards. At the far side of the court were the barracks with the Captain's quarters on the second level of the tallest one. He saw the stables where about 50 horses were kept and the storehouses. He saw one newly built…shack…with a sign that read "MAKI-MAKI SALOON". The training yard was filled with Gotei soldiers who were doing their morning exercises.
They made their way to the barracks and Yumichika led the way up the staircase until they reached the door to Captain Kenpachi Zaraki's quarters. He knocked.
"Yeah?" a rough voice asked.
"Captain, the visitor from Fort Seireitei has arrived," Yumichika said.
"Send him in," Kenpachi said in his rough voice.
Yumichika opened the door and stood aside as Aizen walked in. Kenpachi Zaraki was a tall and muscular man. His tattered Captain's coat was draped on the larger bed against the wall. The other bed, located further down on the other side of an alcove wall, was smaller. He sat at the desk looking over some of the paperwork. He glanced at Aizen out of the corner of his eyes and gestured for Yumichika to leave. Yumichika gave a deep bow before closing the door as he left.
"Your men need to learn to show respect their superiors," Aizen said.
"They do…they show respect to me and to Yachiru."
"That's not what I meant. They need to show proper respect to other officers."
"You need to get something straight. This isn't Fort Seireitei where they have to kneel and bow to every officer who comes their way. This is the Zaraki Outpost. This is Squad 11 territory and here, they only show respect to those who deserve it."
"And I don't deserve respect? Do I need to remind you who saved your men at Karakura Town?"
"As far as I'm concerned, you're timing at Karakura Town was a little too…perfect."
"Just what are you trying to say?"
"Oh nothing," Kenpachi said, grinning. "I've been instructed by Old Man Yama to give you a horse while you go out into the Hueco Mundo Wastes."
"And do you know why I'm going out to that God forsaken land?"
"Sure, you're the new head of the Espada Task Force. However, that does not mean I have to cooperate with you any further than what Old Man Yama told me to."
Aizen's eyes narrowed. He wondered if he should just kill Kenpachi now and be done with it. However, he knew that Kenpachi could be difficult and he was not going to put his plans in jeopardy just because he lost his temper. That was when the door opened and a little girl with pink hair came rushing in and leapt onto Kenpachi's shoulder.
"Hey Kenny, hey Sneaky," she shouted and giggled.
"Ah Yachiru, did you have fun playing with Ikaku while we were talking?"
"Yeah, Baldy and I had a great time."
Aizen looked at the little girl. Hatred and fear boiled in him. She had called him "Sneaky" and he wondered how much Kenpachi figured out. Even though Kenpachi mostly thought with his revolvers, he could be intelligent and see through people and was therefore a threat. During his time among the Captains, Aizen knew which ones could become a threat to him later on, and he knew that almost all of them could become a threat.
"Now then, you want to get going, don't you?" Kenpachi asked.
"I do. The sooner I begin my mission, the sooner I can end it."
"Alright, you can have your pick of any horse except for the 50 in the stable up here. You'll have to go to the outer barracks to get one. Is that understood?"
"I understand, Captain Zaraki," Aizen said.
As he went to the outer barracks and picked the strongest and fastest horse he could find there, Aizen began to think of the many ways he would like to kill Kenpachi. He didn't bother looking at Ikaku who was cowering in a corner of the stable, trying to wipe his head clean from the massive amount of saliva on it.
When he watched Aizen leave, Kenpachi walked back to his desk. Yachiru sat on her bed, swinging her feet over the edge and holding a bag full of Chappy's Fruity Rock Candy.
"Hey, Kenny, are you gonna let the others know?"
"They already know that Aizen's here. However, we can't interfere with him."
"What do ya think he's up to?"
"I don't know. All that I know is…I don't trust him."
Las Noches
Grimmjow leaned back against the cliff wall. He fingered the medallion around his neck as he watched his gang mingle with some of the other regular Arrancars and the fraccions of the others. He did not see the dark-skinned man approaching him. He was dressed like some kind of preacher and he was fingering the gold cross he wore around his neck.
"Todas las cosas servir a algo más grande," he said fingering the message on his cross. "All things serve something greater."
"Come again, Zommari," Grimmjow said.
"All things serve something greater. You and I are proof of that. Lord Aizen would be pleased that you remained loyal to his cause."
"Whatever," Grimmjow said.
He knew that Zommari would never betray Aizen. However, he didn't know just how many of the others he led to singing Aizen's praises. Out of all of the Espada gathered, Zommari was the most influential because he actually talked with the others and also supplied them with the drug called "Brujería". Most of the Arrancars in Las Noches were already addicted to a combination of Brujería and peyote that they called "Amor".
"At any rate, it is good that you have rejoined us, Grimmjow," Zommari said and he walked away.
"I see that Zommari welcomed you back as well," Shawlong said and he sat beside his commander.
"That bastard has too much influence over the others," Grimmjow said. "Yammy's too stupid to realize it and Aaroniero doesn't seem to give a shit. Nnoitora is too eager to fight to even bother listening. Shit, why didn't I think about getting some influence on the others while I had the chance?"
"It's not your fault," Shawlong said. "None of us truly knew that Aizen would try to betray us."
"Starrk knew," Grimmjow said. "Hell, he even warned me to watch out for Aizen before Kurosaki and his group did their little raid to retrieve that girl. But all I could think about was getting revenge on Ichigo Kurosaki for what he did to me. I was such an idiot. So, how's Zommari dealing with Aizen's betrayal?"
"He says that it was Lord Aizen's test to see who among us was worthy of inheriting the new world he was creating."
"What a load of bullshit."
"Unfortunately, a lot of the others believe him."
"Then we'll have to get rid of him, and soon."
"That may be a bit harder than it was before. He has his own fraccion now, and they are extremely dangerous and extremely loyal to him. We'll have to wait for the right opportunity."
"I know when," Grimmjow said.
"What do you mean?"
"I have a feeling that Aizen wants us to attack Karakura Town again. To persuade me to remain, he said that I would have an opportunity to get back at Ichigo. Little does he know that his 'opportunity' will also allow me to take him out for good," Grimmjow said, grinning.
La Sala del Rey
It was a secret place. Located at the very edges of the Precipice Mountains, this natural fortress was the perfect place for the "King of the Wastes" to have his throne. The six men surrounded the natural dais where an older man sat. He was wearing a long, black coat with gold buttons and trimming of royal purple. The silver fur lining the collar and the cuffs of his short sleeves shone in the light of the sun.
The old man traced the engraving of the golden arm band he wore just below his right elbow.
"Todas las coasas a donde en su Tiempo, pero la Gloria es para las Edades," he said to his six followers. "Remember that men. 'All things whither in their Time, but Glory is for the Ages.' That bastard thought that he could take away our Glory and our Pride by betraying us. However, we'll show him that you, the Crimson Dragons, and I, the King of the Wastes, refuse to kneel to anyone."
"Yes, sir," they replied.
When Baraggan was done with this morning's "sermon", Ggio Vega thought about Sui-Feng. He thought about her grey eyes and that sadistic streak she had. He found himself wanting to know more about her. He didn't know if it was attraction or if it was because he had a gnawing suspicion that he heard her name before. He thought about it and then realized where he had heard her name before. His eyes widened in surprise.
"Holy shit…I thought I heard that name before."
"Hey, Ggio, what's wrong? Did you finally realize you're actually a girl?" a large blonde man wearing a loose white shirt and black pants over his massive bulk asked.
"Shut up Nirgge. If you want to talk about someone being a woman, look at Cuuhlhourne," he said.
Nirgge looked where Ggio was pointing. He saw the long, purple haired man walking around wearing extremely tight pants with sparkles made to look like roses on both sides of the seat of his pants and a tight violet vest. Nirgge looked away at the sight. A desire to vomit came over him and he rushed away. Ggio took the opportunity to rush to Baraggan and knelt before him.
"What is it, Ggio?" Baraggan asked.
"I'm sorry my Lord, but…I think I encountered Sui-Feng this morning."
"You mean that bitch that almost killed me?"
"Yes, my Lord," Ggio said. "I'm sorry I should have told you sooner. However, I just realized who she is."
"Hmm, I see. That means that she's most likely tracking us now. I should have realized that the Gotei would send out the Commander of the Onmitsukido Squad, their Stealth Force, to help track the Espada."
"Sir, this might be the perfect opportunity to get your revenge."
"Fool, the only way to take out someone from the Onmitsukido Squad is to take them by surprise."
"Sir, I almost took her by surprise earlier."
"Idiot, she's the Commander of the Gotei Stealth Force. She wanted you to 'almost take her by surprise'."
Ggio nodded and lowered his head in shame. He understood what Baraggan was telling him. He had given her a trail to follow. However, if he could take her by surprise, then he could repair the situation.
"LORD BARAGGAN, SOMEONE'S COMING!" someone cried out.
Baraggan looked up at Avirama Redder, who was wearing a pair of deerskin pants and two deerskin sleeves. He wore a necklace made from eagle feathers and pieces of turquoise. His face and body had their usual red paint.
"Who is it?" Baraggan asked.
"I don't know, but I think it might be Aizen."
"So, the fool is coming to me," Baraggan said.
"Sir, I can take care of him if you want," a tall, thin man with long blonde hair said.
"No, Findor, he is mine to take care of," Baraggan said as he mounted his ashy grey horse, Arrogante and rode out to meet him.
Thoughts raced through Baraggan's mind. He knew that he should kill the bastard while he was alone. However, a part of him was curious about why Aizen would come out here. Baraggan kept a close look out to make sure that Gin or Kaname weren't lurking out there.
"I'm alone," Aizen said, holding up both hands.
"Where are your two minions?"
"They're back at Karakura Town, doing what I tell them to."
"That doesn't surprise me," Baraggan said and drew one of his ornate revolvers and aimed it at Aizen's head and cocked the hammer. "Now tell me why I shouldn't kill you right here and now like the dog you really are."
"Because, I can help you become more powerful than ever before."
"Nice try, but you used that same reason before. I'll give you one last chance before I blow your fucking head off and leave you to the vultures."
"I understand why you are angry. However, my 'betrayal' was only to ensure that I would gain a position where I could aid those who remain loyal to me or to those who I need to succeed. I need your skill Baraggan and the skills of your Crimson Dragons."
"Oh, so you admit that you need us. Then why didn't you make me the Primera in your army? Why did you make that nobody the Primera?"
"I thought I could trust Starrk with that position. However, I was proven wrong."
"That still doesn't explain how the Gotei knew we were attacking."
"Actually, it does. You may think that I informed the Gotei about the attack, but it wasn't me. It was Starrk who informed them."
"What?" Baraggan asked, surprised and confused.
Even though he despised Starrk for being made the Primera Espada instead of him, Baraggan found it very difficult to believe that Starrk would betray his comrades. Even though he kept mostly to himself or with that girl and Harribel, he did get along with some of the others like Ulquiorra and Grimmjow. He would also take time to help train the fraccion and lesser Arrancars. If anyone was unlikely to betray them, it was Starrk. However, when he thought about it, people like Starrk did make excellent traitors since they were usually the last ones you thought were capable of betrayal.
"That's right. Starrk was the one who betrayed us. He betrayed you because he was afraid that you would prove to be mightier than he. If I had put you in the position of the Primera, then maybe we would have succeeded the first time."
"Why should I believe you?"
"Because I'm here, alone, unarmed, and completely at your mercy. Starrk isn't and neither are Harribel and Ulquiorra."
"You're saying that they were also involved?"
"I didn't think they were, but upon reflection…"
"You realized that they were helping him betray us."
"That's right. They betrayed us. They trampled those things we hold dear. They spat on my desire to build a new world where the Arrancars were in charge. They scoffed at your Pride. That's why I came here. I need you to help me get vengeance against them."
"If you succeed, what do I get in return? Vengeance sounds nice as an appetizer, but it's not enough for me."
"I understand. If I succeed, then control of the Gensei Provinces will become mine. I am more than willing to give you absolute control over the Hueco Mundo Wastes and the provinces west of the Senkaimon River."
"How do I know I can trust you?"
"You don't. However, if you do not wish to join me, then you may shoot me."
Aizen knew that he was treading on very dangerous ground. If Baraggan pulled the trigger, then all of his plans would be ruined since he would be dead. However, the look of hesitation on Baraggan told him that he had won. Aizen did everything he could not to smile. Baraggan lowered the hammer back in place and re-holstered his revolver.
"Alright, I'll join you," Baraggan said, holding out his hand.
"I'm glad, Primera Espada," Aizen said and shook his hand.
The Sabaku Desert
"You have a request for my services," Ulquiorra said as he approached Harribel.
"Yes," Harribel said. "I need you to find someone."
"Let me guess, you wish me to find Szayel Aporro Granz."
"Yes," Harribel said. "I don't think Aizen is going to bother with trying to find him. He was too…eccentric for Aizen's liking."
"Then why would you wish to find him?"
"Well…we need his expertise in weapons' development. Do you remember how much damage his 'Fornicarás Rifle' did against the Gotei?"
"I see. Aizen never really saw it in action. He only thought that it was some kind of toy," Ulquiorra said, contemplating. "That means that Aizen will most likely not bother with him. However, he will go out of his way to get Baraggan on his side."
"That's right," Harribel said. "We need to get Szayel Aporro to join us, at least temporarily. Convince him any way that you can."
"Very well, I shall do what I can," Ulquiorra said as he saddled Murciélago.
"Good luck finding him and persuading him," Harribel said.
"Oh…I already know where to find him," Ulquiorra said. "The hard part is going to convince him to fight with us. And I fear that time is running short. You and Starrk will have to at least convince Ichigo Kurosaki that Aizen is the 'Shadow Lurker'. Perhaps he can then convince the Gotei to act accordingly."
"We'll try," Harribel said.
With that, he rode away. Harribel wished that he would succeed. She felt Starrk put a hand on her shoulder. She looked at him and saw that he was watching Ulquiorra depart. Both wished him success. As he rode off, Ulquiorra wished that Starrk and Harribel would be successful. He knew that if they failed in either task, then they would have to fight Aizen alone. If they had to do that, then none of them might survive.
"Good luck, my friends," he whispered.
Pinkerton Agency Offices, Karakura Town
Out of the privatized squads, the Pinkerton Agency was the largest and most influential. They employed hundreds of officers, investigators, and gunslingers as well as thousands of regular agents. Shukuro Tsukishima walked down the hall with the file on the two slain Chief Justices. Sheriff Ichigo Kurosaki had been more than willing to comply with his requests and gave him the proper information. However, Shukuro was only interested in one thing: who the murdered Chief Justices hired to investigate Tosen and Ichimaru.
"Sir," someone said.
"Yes, what is it Keigo?" he asked turning to look at the brown-haired agent who was walking towards him with a file.
"Here's that information you requested," he said.
Shukuro took it and looked at the name on the cover: DR. ISSHIN KUROSAKI. He looked at the new recruit, fresh from the training facility back East, and nodded. Keigo Asano bowed and walked away. Shukuro knew that the boy showed promise for becoming an ace investigator, but right now he was still naïve enough to believe anything.
The other recruits who just transferred: Mizuiro Kojima and Tatsuki Arisawa also showed promise. The best thing, they were close friends with the Sheriff and his friends. Based on the information he gathered from them, Shukuro was beginning to formulate a plan to get the Kurosaki family out of the way.
He walked to the door marked: EXECUTIVE'S OFFICE and opened it. Before the figure that was standing in the area beside the door could move, Shukuro had his dagger pointed at Hanza Nukui's throat. Hanza chuckled slightly.
"You are good," he said.
"You're fortunate I knew it was you," Shukuro said, lowering his dagger. "Well, did you get the information I sought?"
"I did," Hanza said and brought out a file from the messenger bag he carried. "The idiot actually had an entire file for it. I made sure I got any and all information related to it."
"Excellent work," Shukuro said, taking the file. "I'll have your pay deposited into your account, with a little extra as well for the overtime and for a job well done."
"Thank you sir," Hanza said with a bow.
"Now, you may leave. However, make sure no one sees you going out," Shukuro said.
"You don't have to worry about that," Hanza said and left.
"Now then, let's see what we got," Shukuro said and opened the file.
As he read, he felt a small gnawing of panic spread across his mind. The very idea that anyone could get this close to finding out the truth was frightening. However, when he saw the names of the investigators who were hired, he was not really surprised. Shukuro Tsukishima, Executive Director of the Karakura Town branch of the Pinkerton Agency, smiled slightly.
"Kisuke Urahara, Yoruichi Shihoin," he whispered. "What are we going to do about you?"
Urahara's Shop, Karakura Town
"So, they're dead," Kisuke Urahara said.
"Yes," Ichigo said.
"That is most unfortunate," Tessai said. "It may mean that whoever killed them knew that they employed you, boss, to investigate Tosen and Ichimaru."
"What? You were investigating them and you never even told me?" Ichigo asked, shocked.
"That's right. However, I was only investigating a possible conspiracy between Chief Justice Tosen and Ichimaru to get the Banker's and Merchant's Protection Bill passed. It would appear as though, something much larger is going on that we don't even know about," Urahara said.
"And Tosen and Ichimaru are behind it?" Ichigo asked, surprised.
"We don't know," Urahara said. "They may not even be involved. However, someone wants that bill to pass for some reason. The unfortunate thing is that most people, even those who are supposed to be Chief Justices, don't bother reading them."
"What do you think will happen?" Ichigo asked.
"Something bad," Urahara said, putting his fan down onto the floor. "I think this might turn into the greatest crisis that Karakura Town has faced since the Espada attack four months ago."
Las Noches
"Someone's coming, brother," Yylfordt Granz whispered to Grimmjow.
"I'm not your 'brother'," Grimmjow growled. "Who is it?"
"It's Aizen and he has Baraggan with him."
"What? How the hell did he persuade Baraggan to join him?"
"I don't know, brother, but they're coming. The Espada are to meet him outside the canyon as Aizen's instructions said."
"Fine…and stop calling me 'brother'," Grimmjow said and got up.
He saw Zommari already rushing to meet Aizen on his light-brown steed, Pumpkin. Yammy's large, muscular figure was already on his large, iron-grey steed, Ira. He wore a large, baggy pair of black slacks tucked into his black, steel studded boots with a crimson sash beneath his belt. Yammy touched the iron buckle he wore with the message "Rabia lleva a la Perdición" ("Rage leads to Destruction") surrounding a horned skull engraved on it.
Grimmjow mounted his own light-blue horse, Kitty, and only trotted his horse through the canyon's passage. He turned and saw that Nnoitora and Aaroniero were catching up to him. If he had the chance to talk with two other Espada about his plan, now was the time. However, he didn't know if he could trust them.
"Well now, it looks like he's returned after all," Nnoitora said.
Grimmjow looked at the exceedingly tall and thin man who was riding a bony, light-grey horse called Santa Teresa. His black hair hung over his shoulders and were hung throw a pair of narrow gold rings, one on either side. His smile was wide and his one eye was narrowed. The socket of his left eye was covered by a thick white eye patch with black trim. His thigh-long red jacket was unbuttoned. His long rifle was hung behind his back by its strap.
Aaroniero remained silent. The silver and gold-adorned mask he always wore gleamed in the sun. His long white coat and white gloves gave him a refined look. His chestnut-colored steed, Glotonería, moved with such refinement that one would have thought that it was a show-horse and not the war-horse that it actually was.
When the five Espada were in front of the entryway to the canyon, they halted. Aizen and Baraggan moved forward while the Crimson Dragons held back. Aizen looked at them and smiled.
"Hello, my dear Espada," he said, "I have returned."
End of Chapter 2