Chapter 2
Byakuya stood out amidst the crowded, dusty streets, his elegant form drawing gazes from the impoverished onlookers. His exquisite kimono, crafted from the finest fabrics, seemed out of place in this destitute environment. As he surveyed his surroundings, his grey eyes widened in disbelief, his gaze settling on the dusty ground beneath his feet. "The Rukongai?" he whispered, confusion etched on his face. "How did I arrive here? When?"
Suddenly, a voice pierced the air, echoing through the streets. "RUN! FLEE FOR YOUR LIFE!" A boy with brown hair and a mischievous grin screamed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Byakuya's eyes snapped towards the source of the voice, his brow furrowed in confusion. Before he could react, the boy grasped his hand, pulling him into a frantic dash. "Come on, we have to get out of here!" the boy shouted, his words laced with urgency.
Byakuya stumbled, his long legs struggling to keep pace with the boy's rapid strides. "W-what's happening?!" he stuttered, his eyes darting about in bewilderment. "Who are you?!"
The boy just laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "No time for that! Just keep running!"
As they fled through the winding streets, the sound of their pursuers grew louder, the boys' footsteps echoing off the walls. Byakuya's heart raced with fear, his small hand grasping the older boy's as they turned corner after corner. The older boy's grip was firm and reassuring, his pace swift and agile as he navigated the narrow alleys.
Byakuya's breath came in short gasps, his eyes fixed on the boy's back as they ran. He had no idea who this boy was or why he was dragging him around,but he was not pleased to be chased by strangers. The streets were unfamiliar, the buildings blurring together as they raced through the maze-like alleys.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the older boy darted into a dark alleyway, the shadows swallowing them whole. Byakuya's eyes adjusted slowly to the dim light, his gaze taking in the grimy walls and litter-strewn ground. The air was thick with the smell of decay and neglect.
The older boy released Byakuya's hand, his chest heaving as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "Yo, I'm Aizen Sōsuke!" he exclaimed, his bright smile a stark contrast to the gloomy surroundings. "Sorry about those losers, but it's okay now, they wouldn't find us here."
Byakuya's eyes narrowed, his voice firm and polite. "I am Kuchiki Byakuya. It's...a pleasure to make your acquaintance." His gaze flicked around the alleyway, his distaste for the dirty surroundings evident. He couldn't believe he was stuck in this filthy place with a complete stranger.
Aizen's eyes widened in surprise at Byakuya's formal tone, and he burst out laughing. "Oi, oi,oi, don't be so serious, kid! No one cares about that kind of thing here anyway." His mirth faltered as he took in Byakuya's rigid stance, his smile softening he scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "You don't talk much, do you, kid?"