Author's Soundtrack:
Seven by Blueneck

Chapter Eleven

When they got back to the hotel, Rukia was quick to slip out of her dress, shower, and grab something more appropriate for a rooftop meeting by twilight. Really, anything would have worked, but she selected her usual dark top and slacks, ensuring she wouldn't stand out against the dark of the night sky as they traveled. When she was ready, she met Ichigo on the roof of the hotel and together they headed towards the rendezvous point.

The FCA agents had been a concern at first. Although Agent Inoue and a few other agents left the hotel for the night, a small team of agents remained behind to "assist" them should they need anything. Rukia worried they wouldn't be able to slip away without being noticed. However, the agents seemed more interested in relaxing down at the hotel bar than keeping an eye on them. Hideki joined them, taking care of half of the Japanese team as well. Ashido was a concern as well, but he'd holed himself up in his room for the night. They were free and clear to take their leave.

Heavy crowds, construction work, and the paranoid feeling of being tailed forced Rukia and Ichigo to take a few detours rather than a direct route. She worried the additional time would make them late. Punctuality, especially at first meetings, was a trait Byakuya practically beat into her. Considering this was the First, the thought of being even a minute late was intolerable.

When the building was in sight, Rukia sighed in relief. Despite the delays, they would be early. Byakuya would be proud. Rukia noted figures standing on the roof. He would have also been pleased that Starrk and his people were also early.

And suspicious.

Signaling for them to halt their progress, Rukia ducked behind a large air conditioning unit. Ichigo did the same. Together, they peeked out from their hiding locations on an adjacent building. There were nine vampires scattered about the roof, their dispositions seemingly casual. From this distance, however, Rukia could see the strategic placement of each.

Standing closest to them was Nelliel. Two men were beside her - one large and squat, the other tall and lanky. Their mixed builds prepared them for a variety of attacks and allowed for a more diverse defense.

Only a few feet away was another group of three, all of them women. None of them were in the files, leaving Rukia to wonder if they were brand new to Starrk's following. They looked quick, ready to disperse and secure the rooftop and anyone who might slip by Nelliel and her companions.

A solitary vampire was positioned further away from the others. Unlike the others, he wasn't scouring the other buildings for any sign of Rukia. Smoking a cigarette, he glowered at the crowd of people on the streets below with disgust and disdain. His disinterest in his surroundings could have been mistaken for laziness, but the tense muscles framed by his shirt hinted at his readiness and prowess. He was ready to act a moment's notice and use brute force to deal with anyone unwanted. She almost didn't recognize him, except for that unusual pale blue hair. The Lady's files listed his name as Grimmjow.

Then there was the porcelain doll, a small woman with pale skin and large green eyes. She might have been cute, except for the look of utter revulsion twisting the corner of her nose. Though small and seemingly harmless, Rukia knew she was possibly the most dangerous of the bunch. The Lady's files listed her as Starrk's oldest known companion. While Starrk might be strong and protective of his friends, their kind didn't live this long due to connections and luck.

Without a doubt, every single person on that roof was dangerous, and they were all waiting for her. She was beginning to regret bringing Ichigo along. If things went wrong, as they were apt to do, she didn't want him getting caught up in it. Then again, she wasn't keen on facing off with a small battalion alone.

"I don't like this," Ichigo grumbled quietly. "Why are there so many of them? Did he need to bring a whole damn entourage?"

It did leave her to wonder. Did he feel threatened by her? Was he worried she would betray him? Or had his people insisted on coming along, like Ichigo? Before she could give it much more thought, the wind shifted. It had been blowing in their favor, concealing their arrival, but now it wafted their scents towards the large grouping.

At once, they all turned their heads in their direction. As mismatched as they all appeared to be, they were unified in their defense of Starrk. It was fascinating - and frustrating. She'd hoped for a little more time to evaluate the situation and determine her next steps. Now, they would have to work on the fly.

Ichigo gripped her shoulder, catching her attention, and gave her a firm shark of his head. He didn't like it and didn't want her heading over there. She didn't blame him, but she wanted to meet with Starrk. What would be the point of him summoning her only to betray her? What benefit could she give him?

Ichigo growled and tried to stop her as she stepped out from her cover, but she shook off his hand and leapt over to the other roof.

Gravel crackled and churned under her feet as she landed. She eyed the others as they watched her, unmoving. Ichigo landed beside her. She cringed as he moved to stand in front of her, his hand on the hilt of her father's sword.

"Told ya she wouldn't leave the ginger shit at home." Grimmjow was sneering at the pair of them. Ichigo growled and Grimmjow's smile only widened. He was trying to antagonize him, and it was working. What was it the file said? He enjoyed fighting and cutting loose? The last thing she wanted was Ichigo going head-to-head with someone as old and experienced as Grimmjow.

"Ichigo, that's enough," she warned. When he ignored her, she huffed and moved around him and coming face-to-face with Nelliel.

Back at the gala, the woman had been stoic and unmoving - a Grecian statue of calm. Now, her lips were pressed into a thin line, her olive skin tinged with a furious flush in her anger. It was an intimidating sight to behold, but Rukia wouldn't cower. Completely surrounded, showing any sign of weakness could be a death sentence.

"You were instructed to come alone." Nelliel's tone was even, the complete antithesis of her seething form.

"Normally, I might have obliged," Rukia replied cooly. "However, Ichigo is my personal guard. He goes where I go, no matter the situation. Even if I asked him to remain behind, he would have followed me. Instead of having him lurk about in the shadows, risking the misconception I was betraying you, I thought it more prudent to have him beside me when I arrived."

Tipping her head back, Rukia stared down her nose at Nelliel in defiant challenge. It was stupid. This wasn't a political arena. Nelliel wasn't a competitor she needed to stare down, but it felt important to show her - and the rest of them - she wouldn't cower.

Nelliel narrowed her eyes, taking her challenge head on. "And how do we know you didn't bring more than just him with you?"

So that's why they brought so many with them. It wasn't to set a trap, but to defend against an ambush. It was logical, and she couldn't fault them for it. They didn't know her, didn't know where her loyalties lay. And there was very little she could do to assuage their concerns.

"I suppose if I had, you would already know by now."

The others turned their attentions back to the other buildings. From their positions, they could see most of the rooftops, it was probably why they had chosen the location. It was easy to see if others were coming, especially in large groups.

Grimmjow scoffed in disappointment when he found no one.

Feeling justified, Rukia continued. "I'm not here to try to capture Starrk. I only came to talk and hopefully get some answers."

Nelliel stared at her, assessing whether or not she was speaking the truth or trying to deceive them. A throat cleared and Nelliel turned to a man standing at the furthest end of the roof. Starrk stood on the ledge, wind whipping his hair about, masking the chiseled features of his face. While she couldn't read his eyes, his body language was another matter. It was weighted down, shoulders slumped and back curved in what looked like utter defeat. Surrounded by these people willing to defend him no matter the cost, this city with all its noise and life, and he still stood there as if he was completely and utterly alone; a beacon cast out to sea, sought after by many and yet still suffering isolation.

Lilynette jabbed him in the side with her elbow, jolting him from his thoughts. With a nod of his head, Nelliel sighed her resignation and motioned for Rukia to approach. The others parted, giving her a clear path to Starrk. In only a few yards, she was in front of the first of their kind, the last remaining blood connection she had. There were so many things she wanted to ask him, so many things to learn, and so many things to be scared of. This man held the answers and now she hesitated, unsure if she wanted to hear any of them.

Then he raised his hand and motioned for her to come forward. It stretched out before him, open and welcoming, and she found herself taking those last steps. She bowed respectfully and then stared. What did she say? What did she ask? Where did she start?

A familiar voice chided her in her head - she should start with the basics.

"Thank you for the invitation."

He stepped down from the ledge and smiled at her. It was soft and warm, soothe her nerves, which were bundled up in a tightly knotted ball.

"You have questions, but allow me to ask one first. If you don't mind."

She blinked and then nodded. It hadn't occurred to her he had questions of his own.

"How did you find me? I know you came over from England, your friend from Japan, but what made you look for me here? Who gave you my name?"

It hadn't occurred to her he would wonder such a thing. Nelliel had given her the impression Starrk was already aware of their movements, and she figured the Lady had already been in contact with him. Given her personality, Rukia could believe the Lady would keep such a matter to herself, most likely thinking it would make for a great joke.

"The Lady offered up information about your current alias," she explained. "The Japanese Chancellor is her adopted son and he sought you out through her."

"And you?" There was a flicker of something in his eyes, a brief glimpse of what looked like overwhelmingly sorrowful, and then it was gone.

"She suggested I join them here when I meet with you."

The corners of his lips twitched into a pained smile, but it quickly vanished, pushed aside and stamped out.

"And how is Beltis these days?"

Whatever that feeling was, he didn't want to linger on it, and she wasn't going to keep him there.

"She seems to be well," Rukia offered politely. "Not nearly as frightening as I imagined her to be."

Starrk chuckled, a deep sound the reminded her of her father.

"I've heard the rumors. She must be quite pleased with herself, becoming some kind of Baba Yaga. Don't be deceived by her appearance. She may be blind, but she isn't one to be trifled with. Those legends are not all exaggerations." His lips spread into a wide, menacing grin, baring his long canines.

"Seriously?" Ichigo asked hesitantly. Starrk's grin widened, though morphing into something more playful.

"She was rather enthusiastic in her younger days. Her eyes," he pointed to his own for emphasis, "were permanently damaged by a high priest she offended. He managed to concoct a poultice that prevented cellular regeneration - quite impressive considering it was before the fall of Babylon. As her revenge, she strapped him to a wooden beam, cut the flesh from his bones, and fed the raw pieces to him one by one."

Ichigo blanched and even Rukia felt her stomach twist in revulsion.

The little vampire beside Starrk prodded him in the ribs and he cleared his throat.

"I apologize. I've been told I prattle on incessantly and spend far too much time reminiscing about the past rather than deal with the present." The sideways glance he gave Lilynette implied she was the one who had told him as much.

"Now for your questions." His smile had fallen and a mask of practiced apathy settled in its place. It was a little disconcerting, but she pushed on.

"Why did you exclude the Japanese Council agent in this meeting?" It wasn't the question she really wanted to ask. It wasn't what nagged at her, tugged at the tip of her tongue, but she felt she owed it to Ashido.

He almost seemed a little disappointed as he replied. "Because there would be no point to it. I simply don't have the answers to his questions."

"True immortality?" If Starrk was offended by Ichigo speaking up, he didn't show any indication. Lilynette, however, snarled at him to be quiet.

"I'll admit, I've experimented with my own life to a certain degree. Several millennia does wear on one after a period of time." The flash of emotion was back as his eyes locked with hers. "But so far nothing has been successful."

The grim expressions of the others spoke volumes of his attempts. This man was special to them, though she didn't know how and didn't think she ever would, but it was clear they all cared for him. To know that he sought to end his life and leave them beyond was a pain she could not and did not want to imagine. Even now, knowing that her own life might mirror his, the thought of succumbing to the solitude and anguish reflecting in those eyes was unimaginable. Her desire to capture and bring justice to Aizen prevented her from seeing too far into the future, and she was grateful for it.

Except, Aizen could not be killed. Although Starrk did not share the details of his attempts, it was likely all of his methods encompassed the most basic approaches. How many ways were there to kill a person? What were the chances of them finding that one method that worked? It was a risk they couldn't take. They would need to find another way to deal with him.

The thought of a lifetime imprisonment didn't sit well with her.

"What are your other questions?" Starrk asked. He stared down at her with that smile and she felt she could ask him anything. Was it their blood connection that made her feel at ease, or was it his general demeanor? What were the chances that the man who was her ancestor, the man who began it all, had such a gentle soul? How had he managed to survive the world without being twisted and tainted by the life and death that surrounded him? Aizen would never be like him. Would she? Could she maintain her self after so long?

"You know, don't you?" She asked, studying him. It wasn't clear how much information Starrk had on their world, on current events, on her, but there were moments when he seemed to be fully aware of everything. And yet, there was a certain detachment that felt like he was only guessing. With the way he looked at her, watched her, smiled sadly at her, she couldn't help but feel as if he knew everything.

"I do," he replied. "When did the abilities first manifest themselves?"

"Almost immediately. After I woke up, I used them and killed a man."

A hint of pride bubbled to the surface as Starrk looked impressed.

"So quickly? It seems you may have a knack for the powers, though it is a shame you were exposed. I have tried to be careful with my blood, but as you can see, that isn't always the case. To be honest, I never wanted to make more people like me. My own tribe despised me, banished me die in the desert for what I was, when I was but a child. I didn't wish for anyone to experience such hatred in their lives."

He drifted away, physically and mentally, his eyes searching the city around him for a distant memory he longed to touch yet feared to recall.

"As a kid?" Ichigo asked, baffled and perturbed by the concept. It pulled Starrk back to them before Lilynette could slap him across the head.

"They were afraid of me," he answered simply. "My mother, the chief's first and most beloved wife, died giving birth to me. From that day he hated me. He would have crushed my skull with a rock if he had another heir. It was difficult for him to rear me, even more so when I started showing signs of what I truly was. They turned the other cheek when I drank from the goats, whispered about the demon child and avoided me, but they did nothing to stop me. And then another son was born to him and that all changed.

"I should have died in the desert. One of my mother's loyal nursemaids followed after me. I'm still not sure why. She was old and nearly blind, but still, she left her home for some broken child. She was frail, quiet, and constantly falling behind, but in the end, I found that I needed her far more than she needed me."

That soft smile was back, his mind fading as he remembered the woman who had saved him.

"Together, we traveled across the lands to find a new home. Scattered, friendly villages would take us in, only to cast us out when they found their livestock nearly dead or dying. I'd known all my life I was an anomaly. There were no others like me, and no one accepted me but her. Eventually, though, it was too much for her and I left her behind to enjoy the last of her days."

She expected to see tears in his eyes, recalling the feelings of leaving behind the only person from his village who loved him, but she saw only happiness there. After all this time, he still appreciated what the nursemaid had done for him.

"I travelled alone for some time, feeding on beasts when the need arose. I avoided people as much as possible, especially when I hadn't fed in quite some time. But youth makes us unwise. I thought myself in control of my hunger and stumbled on the one that would be the first of our kind when I was nearly dead of starvation. I didn't kill her, mind you, but I didn't mean to turn her either. Her transformation was a complete accident."

"You remember the first vampire you created?" Ichigo asked incredulously. Lilynette gnashed her teeth and moved to strike him, but Rukia stood in her path and Starrk motioned for her to stand down. Lilynette narrowed her eyes at Ichigo in warning and stepped back.

"Is that what we're called now?" Starrk asked curiously. The collective groan from around the rooftop alleviated some of the tension between Ichigo and Lilynette.

"Idiot, I've been telling you that for centuries," Lilynette griped. Starrk smiled apologetically and turned to Ichigo.

"She is difficult to forget," he continued. Guilt marred his features, but it wasn't heavy like Rukia expected. There was a small tug at his lips, indicated something more. "Although I didn't mean to turn her, I'll admit that I'm glad I found her. It's one of the few decisions I would gladly repeat."

Rukia and the others waited with unrestrained curiosity. It appeared this was a story he hadn't shared with his companions, and they were anxious to know about this mysterious woman.

"You are like her, in some ways. That pride, passion, and unbreakable tenacity - she had them too. Your appearances are different. With a few generations in between, the bloodline has become more Asian rather than Babylonian, but there are hints here and there. Those eyes, though - she had the most vibrant amethyst eyes."

His wife. Her ancestor. The first he had turned was the first he had loved, and she had dragged him out of the depths of his loneliness. Knowing that was. . . she didn't know. It was difficult to put the feelings into words. Whatever it was, it was quickly overtaken by sorrow. That woman was nowhere to be found on the rooftop. She wasn't in the files. She had died, like so many others.

"Why didn't you give her your blood?" Ichigo asked. It might have seemed insensitive, but Rukia could see the sympathy he felt for Starrk, the wonder as to why he would choose to let her go.

Starrk smiled sadly, and she wasn't sure if it was full of remorse. "Honestly, I might have, had I known it was my blood that would have saved her. At the time, I didn't know the limits of our people, of myself. Had I known a little sooner, she might. . ."

Lilynette stood beside him. Instead of striking him, she put a hand on his shoulder. The two of them shared a look, one of mourning shared between child and parent. Rukia wondered if Lilynette had known his wife and wished for the same.

"But," Starrk said suddenly, pulling himself back into the conversation, "once I did learn about my blood's powers, I tried to make sure it would not pass to others."

"And those who have had your blood, displayed these powers, were they able to control them?" Rukia asked, anticipation suddenly clawing at her.

"Not all, but some," he said with a rare and playful smile.

"How?" She asked, taking a step forward. None of the other's moved, waiting to see what his answer might be.

"Shall I teach you?" Amusement stretched from his smile to the glint in his eye as she nodded her head, almost vigorously.

"Please."

Even if Aizen was truly immortal, Rukia was sure her powers could be used to subdue him. Remembering Kaname encased in a freezing pillar, she began to formulate the kind of prison she could create for Aizen should she finally have control over her abilities.

"She used to get the same look when she was plotting something," Starrk mused. "I imagine you want full control sooner rather than later. Full mastery takes decades, but if you are truly dedicated, you should be able to use your abilities with some dexterity in a few months."

Her smile fell. They didn't have months.

"I suppose that isn't soon enough," he observed. "Aizen has already placed his pieces on the board, and soon he will be ready to act."

Rukia stiffened with surprise. "You know about Aizen?"

He hadn't known of the Lady, of their movements, until they directly crossed his path. She thought him unaware of the current situation, focused only on the world the immediately surrounded him.

"Although I choose to hide myself away from time to time, it doesn't mean I'm entirely ignorant of the world around me. Besides, that man has been searching for me for quite some time. He made it surprisingly far without having the benefit of your connections."

"Arrogant douche bag," Grimmjow grumbled, and Rukia wondered if he'd met Aizen personally.

"Since then, we've been keeping tabs on him."

"Tabs?"

"A friend of mine is working closely with him, feeding us information."

"Does that mean you know where is right now? What he's planning?" Ichigo demanded. He might have sounded desperate at first, but now she could hear the underlying threat in his tone and saw his hand on the hilt of the sword again. So could the others.

"How about you take your hand off that stupid ass knife before I cut it off?" Grimmjow warned, now standing much closer to them than he was before. Ichigo turned, ready to face him, but Rukia placed - what she hoped - was a calming hand on his arm. His muscles rippled beneath her touch, taught and ready to snap. After a year of searching, they finally met someone who could point them directly to Aizen. With that information, they could put an end to this. Ichigo could finally be reunited with his remaining family, and he wasn't about to let anyone stand in his way. But they needed to tread carefully.

Starrk indicated to Grimmjow to stand down. The man scoffed and took a few steps back, giving Ichigo the finger as he did so. Ichigo snarled, but Rukia kept a firm grip on his arm.

"He travels frequently, gathering test subjects, evaluating those he's already released. He's been very busy experimenting with genetic modification using my blood and other means, but these are only pieces of the puzzle. We don't know what the full picture is. Even after years of loyalty, he has not been forthcoming in that regard."

Rukia was stunned by Starrk's lack of concern. Hadn't he been worried about the unrestrained use of his blood? About changing more people to be like him? And yet he didn't care whether Aizen was manipulating it? Changing it? Controlling it?

"For someone who wants to keep his blood from being passed to others, you're certainly blasé about a sociopath playing mad scientist with it," Ichigo snapped.

Rukia tightened her hold on Ichigo, stopping him from advancing forward. The others were beginning to close ranks. One look from Starrk, and they wouldn't hold back.

"My friend is keeping an eye on him."

"And will your friend step in to stop him?"

"Measures will be taken to ensure he doesn't go too far."

Ichigo barked, his laugh sharp like a knife. "Excuse me for not taking you at your word. You've known about Aizen for how long? And yet you allowed him to roam free, search for you, for your blood, hunt and kill your family, and you did nothing!"

The words struck her like a blow to the gut. It hadn't occurred to her that Starrk might have known what Aizen was up to, known what danger her family faced. He could have warned her family, told them what was coming or helped them to prepare. If he'd reached out to them, would they still be alive? Would she have them by her side as they hunted Aizen down?

Starrk took a long, deep breath, as if Ichigo had revealed the ghosts that clung to him. The deep slate color of his eyes darkened under the turmoil of his decisions. In those eyes, she saw someone who longed to reach out and touch those who should be closest to him, only to sever those ties for the safety and benefit of all involved. He was a risk to them. They were a risk to him.

He didn't beg for forgiveness, didn't offer up excuses or platitudes, but as he looked at her she knew he regretted a great deal. If he could go back and make a different decision, he would. But he couldn't. What was done was done. At the end of it all, there was only one man to blame for what happened to her family.

"Will you tell us where he is?" She asked, dismissing all of Ichigo's questions that pulled and tugged at her heart.

"At the moment, he is on the hunt for more subjects. During this time, our source cannot be reached." Starrk offered regretfully. "He has many labs around the world, and we won't know until the end of the hunt which one he will head to."

"Would you tell us even then?"

As he started to answer, he closed his mouth again, frowning as he considered what he would do. Why not tell them? Why help them only to stop here? What did he fear would happen once they knew?

Rukia's phone rang, startling her. She should have ignored it, focused on their conversation until she got an answer out of Starrk, but when she recognized the number belonged to Shinji's tech contact she picked it up.

"Kuchiki."

"Ms. Kuchiki, this is Mark Wilson. I know it's a bit late where you are right now, but I thought you'd want to know what I found out about those chips you sent me."

Her gaze flickered to Ichigo and he caught on that he needed to listen. "What did you find?"

"Quite a lot, actually. These little guys were packed full of information. It took me a bit longer to crack into them because there was a pretty complicated encryption protecting the data. But, once I was in, it was a gold mine. Most of the data is biological information about the vamps these guys were stuck in. they were tracking all the normal body functions, as well as blood intake and brain patterns. They were also sending that data to a location. I tried pinpointing where, but the signal was bouncing around the globe like a rabbit on steroids."

She sighed, pressing her head to her forehead. "So we don't have a location?"

"Yes and no. . . Before the little bastards fried on me I narrowed it down to the Americas."

It wasn't a lot - if anything. The Americas were huge continents. Sure, it was better than scouring the whole globe looking for him, but it wasn't by much. And, given Starrk's information, Aizen wasn't staying in one location for too long. Maybe the signal was bouncing because Aizen was traveling that much.

Her brain halted when she realized something the tech said.

"What do you mean by 'fried'?"

Wilson laughed nervously. "I was kind of hoping you glazed over that bit. During my little mining excursion, the chips overloaded - but don't worry! I backed up all the data I found, so we didn't lose anything."

"Way to bury the lead," Ichigo remarked sardonically.

"Get the information on a backup drive and make sure it's encrypted. Send a copy to Dr. Sarah Collins and have her evaluate the biological data. Send copies to myself and Shinji as well."

"Will do. Tah."

"We have a lead," she informed Ichigo, putting her phone away. Starrk watched, his expression guarded. Through the cracks, she could see pride and apprehension. For some reason, he didn't want her finding Aizen. Would that mean he would take back the offer to help train her?

"You'll be leaving then?" He asked, disappointment eeking through his composed demeanor.

"Only if you're retracting your offer." Starrk looked mildly shocked. "We don't have an exact location on Aizen, and until we do, or we find another lead, I think it would be beneficial to get a handle on my powers."

"It's the least I can do," he replied, that soft smile returning.

Relief washed over her, glad he was still willing to train her. If she was right, it would be the only way to stop Aizen. "I'll file the proper paperwork with the FCA in the morning. We need to get back before someone realizes we slipped out."

She nodded farewell as she began to step away, but stopped. Glancing over her shoulder, she said, "Thank you."

Ichigo was on her heels as she leapt to another building and began heading back to the hotel. In the silence of their travel, she could feel the anger rolling off him in scorching waves. By the time they landed on the hotel roof, he was ready to explode.

"He's lying to us," Ichigo seethed, marching towards the access door before turning sharply and headed back towards her.

"About?" She asked, finding it safer to investigate rather than counter.

"Aizen. He knows where he is, he's just not telling us!"

Rukia flinched as his voice grew louder, and silently hoped there wasn't anyone staying in the penthouse.

"Potentially."

Ichigo whirled, turning those furious eyes on her. "Then why the hell didn't you press him for the location? All we need is that information and we can finally end this bullshit!"

"It wouldn't get us anywhere-"

"Bullshit! We could storm that asshole's lab right now and end this!"

"It's not that simple-"

"The fuck is isn't!"

He was frustrated and indignant. The answer was in front of him, or so he thought, and like usual, he wanted to run in head first. He never stopped to think before he acted. Go after Aizen, fight an army, change his world, save her life, meddle in other's affairs - it was all done on impulse, gut reaction. And where had it gotten him?

She needed him to see reason, think about their situation, and plan accordingly. You didn't face Aizen head on. You had to get ahead of him and come at him from the side. It's how her mother and aunt had deceived him for so long. But he couldn't think clearly when all he could see was red.

"It isn't simple," she stated again, setting an edge to her voice that caused him to slow his pace. "Aizen isn't a fool. He will be prepared for an attack. We need to think about this, plan it, and we need more than just us. But the councils are in chaos, bickering and snapping at one another while a madman destroys the world around them. England doesn't have the manpower to go after him without support. And if we go on alone, we would be walking into a war zone with nothing but the clothes on our backs. "

He tried to argue, but she clamped her hand over his mouth and dared him to struggle against her with a glare. She would not be interrupted again. "Starrk is keeping Aizen's location a secret, but I'm willing to accept that, especially since he is giving us an opportunity to arm ourselves. Don't forget that you're not the only one with a grudge against Aizen, Ichigo. I have plenty of reasons to go after the man myself."

The wrath faded from his eyes, changing the deep topaz to a familiar honey color, and she could read the remorse in them. Reaching up, he pulled her hand from his face and held it lightly in his hand. He studied it a moment before clasping it in both of his, giving it a gentle squeeze. She could feel the resignation, the sorrow, the desire to be done with it all in that one gesture, and she wanted nothing more than to free him from them all. There was nothing more she wanted at that moment, then to release him from his burdens and send him to his sisters. But he wouldn't go. He would remain by her side until it was all finished, even if it took decades.

"I'm going to go get some sleep." His voice was rough, shredded from his shouting and exhaustion. Offering him a small smile as he released her hand, she watched him head back inside.

If he hadn't been so upset, he might have caught a whiff of a familiar scent. She was glad he hadn't. He'd suffered enough for one night. There was no need to make him deal with his current rival.

Turning, she spotted him sitting on the ledge, one leg dangling over the edge. Judging by the dark look in his eyes, he'd seen enough to make him unhappy. Which particular subject he was displeased about, she didn't know, but it wouldn't get any better the longer she waited.

"Ashido," she greeted him casually. "I'm surprised it took you this long to get back."

Tilting his head like a curious cat, she could see him debating on how to reply. She decided to help him along.

"Don't bother pretending like you weren't following us. I know it's been awhile since I've worked with you, but you don't really think me so naive as to believe otherwise?"

Stealth was Ashido's speciality. If he wanted to, he could completely mask his presence, making it nearly impossible for others to detect him. Knowing him as she did, even she wouldn't have known he was there. Starrk's people, as skilled as they were, would have had difficulty finding him as well.

His lips twisted into a bemused smirk. "I should have known better. Are you going to tell me what you discussed?"

Quirking an eyebrow, she couldn't help but be amused. "Couldn't get close enough to eavesdrop?"

"Not without alerting the others," he admitted. "A couple of times I thought that nasty looking guy with the blue hair picked up on me."

"You're slipping in your old age," she mocked, pleased it came out somewhat naturally.

He narrowed his eyes at the insult. "I'm only 60 years older than you."

"That old? And still a full head of hair!"

The mild look of aggravation that settled on his features nearly had her laughing, but she managed to suppress it into a controlled smirk.

"Don't think you can distract me, Kuchiki," he growled in his frustration, raking his fingers through his hair subconsciously.

"A good amount of the conversation was private, but," she stressed the last word as he began to argue, "I'll tell you what is relevant to your mission."

He didn't look happy with that news, but didn't argue. "Fine then."

"When it comes to Aizen, he doesn't know if he's truly immortal."

"Bullshit."

Rukia huffed. She was getting rather tired of everyone calling what she said into question. "There's no reason for him to lie to me. He simply doesn't have the answer."

"Oh don't hand me that shit, Rukia," Ashido bit back. "He's been alive for how long? You can't honestly believe he hasn't tried to figure out the limits of his own mortality. He knows the truth, and I'm willing to bet it's that there is a way. He just doesn't want to tell you because he's protecting himself."

She thought to argue with him, thought to tell him why Starrk wouldn't feel the need to lie to her, but there was no point to it. In the end, the situation hadn't changed. They still didn't know for sure whether Aizen was truly immortal or just extremely difficult to kill. They still needed to stop him and put an end to his escapades.

"Fine," she said with a sigh, her body finally feeling the weight of the day. "Believe what you want to, but you need to be prepared for both options."

He looked almost disappointed, as if he'd been expecting a fight, but she had no desire for it. All she wanted was her bed. Her hand was on the handle when Ashido called out to her.

"I suppose if worse comes to worse, we can try throwing the bastard into an active volcano. If he is immortal, I'd like to see him try to recover from that."

"Just remember to send me tickets to the show," she remarked with a smile, and then headed inside.

Author's Note: I know a few of you weren't thrilled with the last chapter, but did we like this chapter a bit better? It had Starrk and Grimmjow - that counts for something, right? I know it was another chapter with a lot of talking and not a whole lot of action (unless you count verbal sparring), but I promisepromisepromise, things are about to get a lot more interesting and a lot more serious. That thing you've been waiting for all this time - it's coming.

Thanks to those who favorited and followed! And a special thanks to those who left reviews: yocel, MugetsuIchigo (and their advice on linking), NieveDrop (whom I continue to stalk - musically now as well), IchiRuki, and the anonymous guest! Please R&R. Even if you hated the chapter, I love hearing your thoughts and how I can make things better in the future.