~FIREFLY KNIGHTS~

Bleach Copyright Tite Kubo

Firefly Knights Copyright Illand Girl

'For those that need a Guardian.'

Chapter 33:The Fallout

Ulquiorra walked into Las Noches without changing his stride despite the body slung over his shoulder. Blood dripped down his white coat, or what was left of it, as he strode into the throne room. Grimmjow, the only other arrancar to survive the attack, followed behind him with his remaining hand stuffed into his pocket. His blue eyes stared at Naomi as she swayed on Ulquiorra's shoulder.

Ulquiorra, sensing his gaze, glanced at him without breaking stride. Grimmjow bristled, clicked his tongue, and turned to stalk off towards the wall. Ulquiorra didn't stop him.

Aizen watched as the smaller being dumped the body on the floor for the others to see. The stones that many relaxed on had been removed, but the arrancar still swarmed the lower steps. Several unranked arrancar gossiped amongst themselves as they stared at the prone form of Naomi Sakurai.

Her eyes were glazed over, dark and clouded. Aizen noticed the blood seeping from her torso.

"She is wounded." He looked at Ulquiorra for information. The arrancar squared himself up, bowing shallowly.

"Naomi Sakurai proved to be far more difficult to defeat than initially expected." He admitted, rising up again. "Her growth has been spectacular, far greater than Ichigo Kurosaki's. Though I believe most of that growth is due to the seal that was placed on her."

"A seal?" Aizen asked, lazily leaning his cheek onto one hand as he sat high in his throne. Beside him, Gin gazed out across the drop to where the girl laid, noticing the small pool of blood beneath her. Aizen's attention momentarily drifted to his underling; curious what was running through his mind.

"Yes sir, it would seem the chains you described as part of her released state were a seal. She ripped it off in battle, the hollow being fully released was strong enough to do battle with me. I had to use deadly force in order to prevent her from progressing." Ulquiorra glanced down at the body while Aizen's gaze remained on the arrancar. His clothing backed up his claim. "I believe your earlier investigations to be correct. This girl is more hollow than human. In fact, I would venture to say she is more closely related to us arrancar than to those soul reapers."

"Interesting. And what did you make of her other abilities?" Aizen asked, looking to the side where a few arrancar were waiting with a stretcher. He nodded to them and they stepped forward to lift the body onto it. Ulquiorra raised his eyes to his master without regard to the arrancar working by his feet.

"Her abilities are strange, and her reiatsu alters each time she uses her absorption ability." He explained, finally looking down as the arrancar lifted the stretcher. They began to walk out, green eyes following them briefly.

"Hmm? Whatcha talkin' 'bout?" Gin mused, thinking of the portal ability in the girl's palms. "Aintcha missin' the fact that the left and right are connected?"

"It would appear that they are not." Ulquiorra thought back to his battle, thinking of how she absorbed his attack. "It is beyond my knowledge, but each time she absorbed one of my attacks, it did not manifest immediately through the other. In fact, the energy signature simply stopped existing."

He folded his arms behind his back to stand straighter. The tears in his clothing allowing the tattooed number four to slip into view as he did this.

"Her ability is either to create a pocket dimension in which she can summon attacks from, or she is able to recreate and restructure whatever it is she absorbs. Considering the fact that all attacks that were re-directed at me were of the same caliber as before, having been perfectly preserved, I'm more inclined to believe the latter." As he finished speaking, Aizen's gaze was drawn to the stretcher slowly coming out of view. Naomi Sakurai had certainly gone above his expectations ever since he first met her.

"I see," he said smoothly, his voice carrying in the hall. "Good work, Ulquiorra. This has gone above my expectations. I look forward to a more detailed report once you have cleaned up."

If he had looked at that moment, Aizen might've seen a frown grace Gin's mouth, but it was gone before he or anyone else could witness it. Ulquiorra bowed, taking his dismissal. Aizen rose from his seat and left the throne room, Gin and Kaname at his heels.

"Captain, I must ask, for the sake of knowledge," Kaname spoke as they walked. "What is this obsession with Naomi Sakurai?"

Aizen paused at that, coming to a stop. 'Oh boy.' Gin thought. Kaname had pushed the wrong button. Thankfully for the little boy scout, Aizen considered him important still. All he got was a glance over the shoulder, but the sight of his furrowed brow on an otherwise neutral gaze told Gin all he needed to know as the blind man sensed his ire. That, and the heavy pulse of reiatsu that pressed down on him reminded Kaname of his place. He gasped, immediately kneeling.

"Forgive me, I did not mean it as an accusation." Kaname implored, bowing his head as Aizen turned ahead once more.

"Do not mistake fascination with obsession, Kaname. That will only lead you astray." Aizen said, continuing down the hall. Gin ignored Kaname, walking forward with his usual smile as the third man stood and followed as well.

"Don't take it out on 'im too much Captain. He don't know much, after all." Gin looked at Kaname, and though the man couldn't see, he could feel his skin crawl as Gin's grin widened to show some teeth. "He ain't got his history facts yet."

"History..." Kaname mumbled, mulling over what Gin could've meant. Aizen continued, disregarding both men. He sometimes enjoyed dancing around Gin's games, enjoyed the way the man attempted to get under his skin, but today was another time it was becoming boring. Everything had seemed rather boring since arriving in Las Noches.

The trio arrived at the medical bay, observing as the arrancar swarmed Naomi and wrapped her up. Aizen stood at the door, the room freezing at the sight of him, before a lone arrancar dared to continue their work. When he was not attacked, or killed on the spot, several more slowly returned back to work. Their eyes never straying off their master's form for long.

"She dead yet?" Gin asked the room. His voice spurred many of them to scramble. One little arrancar female stepped forward, bowing.

"N-No, not yet, master Gin. She still holds on, but I belie- I- she's lost a lot of blood." The little arrancar remained bowed as the three men all entered further into the room. Aizen observed quietly at the front, hands in his pockets, his face otherwise blank.

"You will keep her alive." He said calmly, using his old captain tone from his time in the Seireitei, and though most in the room took his tone to be assurance, Gin knew the true meaning. A threat, a warning, and a promise should they fail. The silver haired man felt his lips curl once more. He said nothing, though found it rather tempting, wagering the amount he could push the already grumpy man today was at his limit.

As the arrancar ripped open her shihakushō, and sewed her wounds shut, Aizen could see the damages done. She had slash marks all over her body, some of her flesh burned down her left side, and he could see where Ulquiorra's ultimate attack had cut straight into her. Briefly, he considered the fact that Ulquiorra clearly had not held back, and debated on what sort of force she displayed that brought him to that point. The arrancar looked as if he had fought for his life, and judging by the state of Naomi Sakurai, she likely faltered rather than he succeeded.

The arrancar stuffed the wound with medicinal supplies that had been stockpiled in Huecho Mundo by Aizen and his two men over the years leading up to their leave. It appeared that her body had attempted to heal, judging by the odd pieces of flesh across her body that looked unmarred. It didn't heal evenly though, possibly from her running out of energy to do it. As they flipped her over to assess her back, Aizen noticed the long slash from their last encounter. She was marked, scarred. His lip twitched as he watched them work on his prisoner for a while longer.

The bustling arrancar nervously worked under the scrutiny of their master. None understood why Lord Aizen was watching them, nor why he was so interested in this prisoner, but not a single one asked for an explanation that he did not owe them in the first place. It felt, to some of them, like he was making sure the girl remained alive with his own two eyes. It made them twitchy, afraid of making a single mistake.

Gin and Kaname said nothing, but Gin had yet to lose that smug grin as he watched the older man. The arrancar did very little to protect Naomi's modesty, not having the same standard of code as the humans, but Gin felt that staring at her almost corpse was a bigger insult than the girl deserved, especially at how entertaining she had been in their last few encounters, and so he watched his captain instead. It was always amusing, watching the man hide in plain sight.

It was funny.

Naomi, with her torso completely wrapped, was laid back down on the table. Patches of blood stained through the bandages, but more would need to be applied at a later point. Two arrancar worked to move her, but Aizen stepped forward. Both small arrancar froze, then moved away and bowed as he stopped next to her hip. He looked down at her bloody, charred skin that was still visible, along with a long cut on her right cheek, and tried to remind himself this girl was a dangerous being. She had cut him, something only one other person had ever accomplished. She looked too tiny and sad to be anything but though, and he could not fathom how someone like this could be related to Hiroshi. She was nothing like him.

And yet...

Aizen reached down, taking both her wrists in his hands. The room fell deathly quiet as he looked down at her small hands. Half the size of his own. It always was a curiosity of his, that she seemed so much taller, bigger even, when standing against him. When he had held her up on display on Sōkyoku Hill, she barely came to the center of his chest, yet she had seemed so... impressive . But here, in his halls, at the mercy of him and his army, he was painfully aware that Naomi Sakurai was a child at best.

"Bakudō #63. Sajō Sabaku."

His hands glowed, chains appearing on Naomi's skin, wrapping around her wrists, and then slithering up her arms. As they slithered higher, they sunk beneath her bandages and into her skin. The only movement, only hint that she was alive, was the tiny gasp of pain that Naomi released as she whimpered. Her eyes cracked open, watery and soft; a tear broke from her left eye. His brown staring right back at her lilac, locking with hers as she took a stuttering breath, but just as quickly they lost focus and closed. The chains lost their glow, becoming black like tattoos against her skin, only visible where bandages didn't cover her skin. Aizen didn't stop there, but Gin couldn't hear what words he used as more black rings appeared on her forearms. Naomi didn't react to these, remaining prone.

Once he was done, Aizen placed her arms across her middle, looked her over once more, then seemed to find satisfaction in what he saw. He turned, not looking at anyone else in the room, and left. Kaname considered following him, but Gin's lack of movement made him pause. The blind man knew that Gin had more information, and it was something Kaname sorely wanted to know.

"Ya wanna know what Captain's thinkin' huh?" Gin teased, reading the blind boy scout easily. Kaname hesitated, tension in his shoulders. Would this be a slight to Lord Aizen? The snake chuckled; his hands hidden in his sleeves as he folded them in front of his torso. "I'll give ya a hint."

He leaned closer to Kaname, far closer than he needed to.

"Try touchin' the girl and see what Captain does to ya." He teased, making Kaname frown. However, before he could rebuke this, Gin laughed. "Just kiddin'."

He turned, waltzing out, leaving Kaname with many thoughts in his head. He listened to the sounds of the arrancar moving Naomi Sakurai to her room, confused as to who this girl even was beyond the abomination she had become.

It took Ichigo three different times for him to comprehend entirely what Renji was telling him.

The ginger haired boy felt like someone had sucker punched a hole into his chest as the memory of Naomi slung over that arrancar's back cycled through his head. Blood- her blood - dripping down his white uniform.

Gone.

Naomi was gone.

Taken.

He stared vacantly ahead, wondering how this had happened. Hadn't he been training harder? Hadn't he been working on protecting her? He thought- it felt like- He clenched his eyes shut, his whole body feeling like a live wire.

'Naomi...'

"...re me? Ichigo?" Renji asked. His head was spinning, Ichigo was going to vomit pretty soon, but his eyes opened to look at his friend. Renji was sat across from him on the tatami mats from where Ichigo had been laid to rest after Orihime began to heal him. They'd moved to Urahara's due to the rain outside. That was a few hours ago, and since then, Ichigo had been comatose until now. He tensed again, wondering how much time had passed.

'Naomi...'

He thought of her smile, of how confident she had been in him when he'd last seen her. His training- fuck he wished that he came back to see her more. Why did he not come back when she was waiting? He wanted- needed-

"Ichigo." Rukia called, and it took Ichigo a moment to realize she was standing in front of him. He looked at her feet, then she knelt down beside him. His brown eyes found her dark purple, and for a brief, grief-stricken moment he noticed how they almost reminded him of Naomi's.

"We're going to get her back." Rukia said firmly. Ichigo swallowed, then attempted to stand. It was like watching a baby deer walk for the first time, but he fought his own muscles and did it anyway. Renji and Rukia both protested, but Ichigo just looked for his sword.

"Where are you going?" Renji asked, though it was obvious.

"To rescue Nao." Ichigo said simply, not slowing down despite Rukia yelling for him to stop. He stumbled, but ignored her when she tried to help him. "I'm fine."

"I'm afraid that will have to wait, Kurosaki." All three turned to the door where Tōshirō Hitsugaya entered from. His face was usually firm and solemn, but today there was a weariness to his brow.

"Captain Hitsugaya," Renji greeted the small boy. "What do you mean, sir?"

"I'm saying the head captain would like to speak with us," his eyes drifted across the room from Renji, to Rukia, then finally rested on Ichigo. "All of us."

"Don't have time." Ichigo said mechanically, turning his back on the captain. "Naomi's in trouble. I've got to-"

"You never change, do you Ichigo?" Kisuke drawled from another opening. Ichigo's eyes turned to his figure, but Kisuke was watching him beneath the shadow of his hat with a completely unreadable expression. "If you go as you are, you'll die."

And with those words, Ichigo was brought full circle. He felt his chest tighten as he remembered the same conversation with Kisuke months ago. Back when he'd chosen to go save Rukia. Back when Naomi-

He ducked his head, hiding his face, Ichigo couldn't stand to look at them all.

"So what do you want me to do? Just stand here?" His fists clenched as thunder struck outside. The lights flickered once, then the rain continued to pour. "It's the same thing. I have to want it right? I have to want to save her!"

The room was quiet for a long moment, Rukia watched Ichigo's back tense up through his bandages. He looked tired still, not nearly as strong as he had the night before. She and everyone else in the room knew if he went now, Ichigo and Naomi would both be lost.

"Ichi-" She was cut off as Kisuke spoke over her.

"If I hadn't stopped you, you would've died trying to take those two on." Kisuke said, his eyes momentarily slipped to Rukia's. She shut her mouth, surprised. Why was he saying this?

Ichigo's eyes snapped up to Kisuke when he heard that. Brown eyes widened in disbelief, and then they narrowed. In a flash that was quicker than any of them expected, Ichigo grabbed a fist full of Kisuke robe and yanked him forwards. Kisuke grunted, but held eye contact.

"You... Naomi is gone because of you! Why didn't you help us?! Why? After everything- After all she did!" He held onto Kisuke, but his eyes were far away. Distracted, thinking of Naomi, and struggling not to see the blood body slung over that arrancar's shoulder. No one in the room was surprised when angry tears formed in the corner of his eyes. "I was supposed to protect her. I was...!"

Tōshirō's eyes looked to the ground as he heard the lost tone in Ichigo's voice. They all did. A similar sentiment was held around the room. Silence was held as Ichigo struggled to keep himself together. He took in a rattling breath, then let it out.

"Is she dead?" He asked in a small voice. One that couldn't bear the answer. Kisuke remained still, watching the man before him deflate into a young boy. Desperation in his voice like he'd never heard from him before.

"We believe that Sakurai is alive." Tōshirō said calmly. Ichigo flinched, hands twitching, afraid to hope. "There was no other reason to make such a display."

Slowly, Ichigo let go of Kisuke. His hands fell uselessly at his sides. It was silent for another moment, before Rukia spoke.

"Ichigo." She said, but the boy gave no reaction if he'd heard. She continued anyways, taking several steps towards him. "We will get her back. I promise you."

'But you can't,' he thought, remembering the morning after his mother died. How his dad struggled to hold it together. He couldn't understand why his father silently cried before, thinking maybe it was just about being a man. Now, however, he realized it was more to do with the personal feelings. If he lost Naomi...

'You can't promise that.'

Ichigo's shoulders finally slumped. He wouldn't tell them, but they could all tell how tired he was.

"Fine." Was all he said, eyes lost once more.

Kisuke was the first to move, handing Ichigo his top that had been left on the ground until now. He numbly dressed himself while Kisuke slid the door open more, revealing Orihime, who had been trying to stay hidden. She squeaked, stammering to apologize, but stopped when she saw Ichigo's eyes. How empty they looked.

"You should go now, before the storm becomes worse." Kisuke said, ushering them all out. Where to? Ichigo didn't know, but he blindly followed them. As he walked down the street, his mind wandered. He noticed the path they were taking; it was familiar.

"Long time no see, Ichigo!"

"Aw you don't remember me? It's your wifey!"

That's right, it was here where he first saw Naomi when she returned. He stopped, staring at the spot. Had that really just been six months ago? It felt like a lifetime to him.

"Hey, don't fall behind!" Renji shouted. Ichigo looked up, noticing the others walking ahead. Suddenly the rain stopped pelting his face. Ichigo blinked, surprised to see Orihime holding an umbrella over his head. He looked at her, noticed the sad eyes, and then looked ahead. Without saying anything, they both walked.

"You'll get wet, hold it over yourself." Ichigo said, voice half drowned by the rain. Orihime hummed.

"It's okay, I'm fine." Orihime insisted, her usual pep lost in the dreary weather. She wanted to say something, to help him feel better, but Orihime was at a loss for what those words were.

By the time they reached their destination- Orihime's- it was a full-scale thunderstorm. Ikkaku and Yumichika were inside, along with Rangiku. All three were jabbering and yelling at each other about something, Ichigo wasn't sure what, but the tone changed as his crew walked through the door. Ikkaku took one look at Ichigo and could immediately see the difference between the man who beat him and this sad creature in front of him. For once, Ikkaku chose not to say anything about it. Not yet at least.

"Captain! Finally, I had to deal with these two while we waited!" Rangiku cried, watching Yumichika roll his eyes. Tōshirō wasn't in the mood- not that he ever was- but particularly today he felt on edge.

"Just start the meeting, Rangiku." Tōshirō said bluntly. Rangiku pouted, but then turned to a large curtain that separated the room. When it was pulled back, a massive screen came into view. Orihime gasped.

"When did you- Uh..." She quieted though as Rukia passed around towels to everyone. She dropped one on Ichigo's head, trying to get his attention, but he looked the same as before. Her eyes travelled over his face until the towel obscured her view.

The screen jumped to life, revealing the head captain Yamamoto. The soul reapers bowed as the humans stood quietly.

"Captain Hitsugaya. I see there is troubling news in the world of the living." Yamamoto said, cutting straight to the point. Tōshirō grimaced, but nodded briskly.

"Yes. Last night, Aizen struck. Initially it seemed to be at random. I had expected it to be to test our strengths, but I was wrong. Naomi Sakurai was captured." Tōshirō said, eyes strained.

"Yes, I thought as much would occur after your lieutenant ordered the barrier for Sakurai. I suspect she did in fact lose control?" He asked, voice level. Ichigo's curiosity was peaked as he began to listen in.

"It's difficult to say. Her reiatsu climbed rapidly past that of any captain, arguably double, when it was suddenly halted abruptly. Considering the findings from the site, there is evidence to suggest she was trying to protect the Kurosaki household. It is the only building still firmly intact." Ichigo's heartbeat quickened with every word spoken.

"What?" He whispered, but other than Renji glancing at him, he was ignored.

"Then you failed in your mission, Captain Hitsugaya," Yamamoto said, disappointment in his voice. "You were to be sure that Naomi Sakurai did not see battle, nor use any of her abilities for the enemy to investigate further."

"You knew..." Ichigo began, staring straight at the head captain. The old man raised his sight to Ichigo, but his visage did not change. "You knew they would target her, but you said nothing...?"

"Yes, Ichigo Kurosaki. It became evident the moment that Naomi Sakurai battled Sōsuke Aizen in the underground halls of the Seijōtōkyorin that she was the main target. She is the only one capable of seeing through his Kanzen Saimin."

Ichigo's eyes widened.

"It was also brought to my attention that her abilities may or may not be under control. Our intention was to bring her back to the Soul Society to train under a watchful eye. It would allow us to monitor her and keep her under a watchful eye. That of course never came to fruition, as we never considered Aizen would move so quickly." Yamamoto continued to explain. Ichigo stared, silent, as Yamamoto continued on.

"I'm afraid we are in far greater trouble than I initially suspected as well." The old captain took a breath, then began to explain the Ōken. Ichigo's eyes glazed, but he tried to listen. The Ōken, or King's Key. If Aizen got his hands on it, he'd kill the Soul King and the world would collapse. It was all beginning to sound like too much. Tōshirō cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention.

"Then if I may, I would like to conduct a rescue mission for Naomi Sakurai." Tōshirō said boldly. This gained attention from everyone in the room. Yamamoto looked at his youngest captain calmly.

"I'm afraid that is exactly what Aizen wants. He wishes to divide us in order to conquer." He said plainly. Tōshirō bit the inside of his cheek to keep from speaking out. Ichigo had no such politeness left in him.

"So that's it? You're just going to let her die?" There was a dangerous tone in his voice, one that made Yamamoto pause. He looked at the young soul in front of him, at the lost look on his face. He could tell the attachment from a mile away. Anyone could, even Aizen. He feared that was the true reason behind Naomi being taken, to spur Ichigo- their greatest asset- into making a foolish choice.

'Well,' he thought, 'two can play that this game, Sōsuke.'

"I did not say that, Ichigo Kurosaki." Yamamoto said evenly. It surprised everyone in the room. Yamamoto spoke firmly, reminding them all of their position. "I must admit, losing Sakurai is a massive blow. However, it may be a sign that things are not going as quickly as Sōsuke hoped, and he wishes to derail our efforts of combat as well. That said, should she remain with Sōsuke, I fear there may be a chance for him to utilize her somehow."

" 'Utilize' ?" Renji murmured. The head captain heard.

"Sakurai's abilities are unusual, but it is possible he will try to convert her to his side, whether by force or coercion, and if that fails..." He looked straight at Ichigo, seeing the fearful look in his eyes. "There is a chance, that going there is all a trap, and that she is unsalvageable."

Ichigo felt dizzy, the image of Naomi- bloody, laying in the sand, left after those arrancar got away. His face went white- no stop - don't think about it! Don't- Don't look...!

"What do you propose, head captain?" Hitsugaya asked, but even his voice was edging on eagerness. The head captain hummed, mulling over his choices.

"I will give you all fourteen days to recover," he said evenly once more. It surprised them. "In fourteen days, I can gather enough resources to protect Karakura town and rescue Naomi Sakurai. If Aizen attacks within that time, I need a squadron stationed in the world of the living to defend."

"But... fourteen days..." Orihime voiced, looking down. "If Naomi- what if they..."

Ichigo felt cold. Two weeks. A lot could happen in that time. Subconsciously, he looked for Nao in the room, only to have that horrible realization she wasn't there.

"I understand your concern, Ms. Inoue, however, there is one thing you have not considered." Yamamoto said, gaining everyone's attention. Then, in a voice of a commander speaking of an officer, he said, "you have forgotten that Naomi Sakurai is a warrior ."

That perked Ichigo's attention, his head raising slightly.

"That child is the only one of us that Aizen considers a threat. Had Kurosaki or any other comrade been taken, I do not believe it would've held the same effect. No, he took Naomi because he fears her, whether he would admit to it or not is entirely undecided. But he fears her because she is someone who can win ." He looked at Orihime, who squirmed under his gaze. Unconsciously, Ichigo felt himself raise up in stature. Rukia noticed. "Do not disrespect her by thinking her weak. Even as a friend, you must think highly of your comrades. Believe in them ."

Orihime stood straighter, swallowing. Her gaze slipped to Ichigo, but all she could see was his back.

"That is all I can give to you all. Until such a time, I expect you all to put all your time and effort into recovery and training."

"Ichigo!" Rukia called after the boy, rushing to catch up with him. Ichigo paused in the street, letting the storm blast him. Rukia had forgone her umbrella, rushing to catch up with the teen as he burst from Orihime's apartment. "Where are you going?"

Ichigo didn't answer, just silently stood in the rain as it soaked him straight through the bone. From a distance, the others watched on the balcony. Orihime watched Rukia approach Ichigo, who didn't turn around.

"We need to prepare for this. Are you even listening to me-" As she reached for his shoulder, he shook her off. Rukia paused, then wiped some of the rain from her face.

"Rukia," Ichigo called, his voice quiet against the pounding rain. "I need to know something, just be honest with me."

More rain, it wouldn't stop. Ruki9a waited, listening.

"Do you... Do you think we- that I can..." He tensed. "That Nao can be saved?"

Rukia remembered the scene she stumbled upon so many months ago. Of Ichigo clinging to Naomi in front of his mother's grave. Rukia had mistaken it for dependence. She thought that, by needing to hold onto Naomi so tightly, Ichigo was limiting himself. But now, after getting to know Naomi, and Ichigo, and seeing how they interacted, she realized it was nothing like that at all. It wasn't co-dependence that drove them to seek each other, it wasn't fear, it wasn't desperation.

It was hope.

One brought out the good in the other, made them stronger as people, challenged each other. Rukia could see it, clear as day, something few were lucky enough to experience in their whole lives. A dynamic that made them and others around them stronger because of it.

"Idiot," Rukia said, feeling her throat tighten with emotion. "Didn't you hear Captain Yamamoto? Naomi is not a fragile woman. She is strong, you of all people would know that."

Ichigo didn't move, Rukia continued.

"What I believe, is that Naomi is a strong, independent, and stubborn. She is kind and brave and-" she inhaled sharply, then swallowed her emotions. "- and that the only person she would ever let rescue her, is you."

His shoulders tensed, fists clenching. Rukia could hear the sharp intake of breath.

"Naomi still believes in you, so don't you quit on her now."

The boy's head raised, looking to the sky. Just slightly, the rain seemed to ease up. Ichigo took a deeper, stronger breath.

"Thank you, Rukia."

Then, out of nowhere, Ichigo broke into a run. He was in his body, so she took off after him and kept up. He didn't respond to her calls. Still, his legs were longer, and she fell behind him, losing him after a few minutes.

'What are you doing, Ichigo?'

Then his energy signature just vanished, like it had never existed. Rukia struggled to figure out where he would go. She tried several directions, hoping to feel his reiatsu, but there was none. No output. He was just-

'Where are you going?'

"Ichigo!" She shouted, coming to a stop at a corner. It was like he just blipped out of existence. Did he get through a dangai? No, impossible, not alone-

She turned to run for the Urahara shop.

It was still raining when Kisuke returned to his shop, though it had lessened some, the building was dark and all was quiet.

At least, that was what the place looked like from the outside.

When Kisuke went in, he was greeted to Isshin Kurosaki sitting at his table. The father nursed a bottle of sake, waiting patiently.

"Tessai gave it to me, said I looked like I needed it." Isshin said, tossing a dispenser on the table. "I brought back the memory device. Thanks."

He'd used it on Karin. His daughter was having a hard time grasping what she saw, never mind the fact that she'd thought she'd seen Naomi die in front of her. Isshin swallowed a large swig at the thought.

Kisuke paused, then sat at the table across from him. His face was solemn, careful.

"You can't blame yourself, Isshin." Kisuke assured, but like all Kurosaki men, it went in one ear and out the other. Isshin scoffed, staring at his bottle.

"The only reason Naomi was even in that battle was because I'm not at full strength yet." His grip on the bottle tightened. "I struggled against that small fry..."

"I don't think you give Naomi enough credit. Her growth and development has been quite impressive. Even keeping your son on his toes." Kisuke said. Isshin slid the bottle towards him. Kisuke took a swig, then slid it back. Isshin said nothing, staring at the bottle, remember the panic when he couldn't get to her. He could only stop the arrancar from getting any closer to Karin before it vanished with Naomi slung over it's shoulder. His daughter crying into his shoulder.

"Listen, you can stay here for now, but there will be soul reapers swarming the place in no time." Kisuke explained, rising from his seat. As he stepped away, Isshin spoke.

"Urahara," his tone made the blonde pause. "If you sacrificed Naomi to further your goals, there's not a corner of this planet you can hide in."

Kisuke remained where he was by the door, not speaking for a moment. Then he looked at Isshin over his shoulder. Isshin looked up at him, eyes very similar to his son's when they were enraged.

"It's not just me you'll have to answer to." Isshin said pointedly. Kisuke said nothing for a moment longer.

"If I had intervened, Aizen would've sent more, and quite possibly switched his target. He'd go after weaker allies, the humans, and make it appear to Naomi that it was her fault. He'd try and get under her skin until she did something rash." Kisuke said, as if reciting something he'd thought of a thousand times. "And the result would be the same, except with a few more casualties."

It was dead silent in the room as Kisuke admitted the truth to Isshin. Probably not the smartest choice, but he could see the gears turning in Isshin's head. His eyes widened slightly as the words sunk in. Kisuke continued.

"It had to be Naomi, she's the only one who could survive this." Kisuke said, lowering the brim of his hat over his eyes.

"You-" Isshin stood, staring at him. Unlike his son, Isshin had a semblance of patience. It wasn't much though, and his resolve from throttling the man was thinning.

"He won't kill her, or harm her really," Kisuke said, raising his eyes to meet Isshin's. "He's really not the type."

Isshin couldn't wrap his mind around what was going through the man's head. He'd not heard enough of Aizen to understand what was happening, apparently. Because the Aizen he'd had painted in his head was ruthless . So it didn't make a lick of sense that he'd suddenly halt for a sixteen-year-old girl and just- just what? Not harm her despite her being a prisoner?

"Explain." Isshin demanded. "Urahara explain right now."

Urahara looked to the door, but Isshin continued on.

"You've got about a minute to explain this to me. Why are you so confident Aizen won't hurt Naomi?" He demanded, his voice rising at the end. But Kisuke wasn't looking at him, his gaze on the doorway. It was then that Isshin realized they weren't alone. Slowly, he turned to look at the doorway, and found a very drenched young woman standing there.

Isshin flinched, recognizing those lilac eyes. They were weary, older, than he last remembered, but they were still bright and filled with life.

"Chiyo, it's been a while." Kisuke greeted. And just like that the spell was broken.

"Aizen took Naomi?" She asked, but her eyes said she knew the answer. Kisuke said nothing, neither did Isshin. She closed her eyes, looking pinched, before she opened them again. When she did, her eyes were sharp, angry, and weary all at once as she stared down the blonde with contempt.

"Kisuke Urahara, you've got some fucking explaining to do."

I jolted, trembling from the bad dream I had been having. Flashes of a fight, the smell of burned flesh, it all came up to me. Breathing hurt, but I managed. As I shifted, my spine cracked once. I grunted, trying to turn over. Except I couldn't, something was holding me in place as I laid on my stomach.

Panic coursed through me as I tried to move again. In a rush, I opened my eyes, startled by the summer sun. So bright, it blinded me momentarily. I winced, digging my head into my bed. Except it wasn't a bed, it was a living creature I was curled against.

"Hey, easy." A familiar voice soothed, running his hand up and down my back. I blinked rapidly, realizing I was curled up against Ichigo. Relief rushed through me as I settled down, inhaling his wonderful scent. I sighed, melting back into him and closed my eyes. "Everything alright?"

"Bad dream." I said softly. His hands grazed up and down my back as I basked in the afternoon sun. This place, this memory, it pushed all the bad ones away. I was safe here, wrapped up in Ichigo. As I rested my head sideways, sinking into him further, I settled between his legs. It was so warm, so safe here. I sighed, immediately at ease.

"It's alright," he said, running a lazy hand up and down my back. "You're safe with me."

His fingers took a longer glide along my spine, a low hum in his tone. As i took a breath, I could smell the richer scents to his scent-

Was that... Cinnamon?

"I've got you now."

I froze, remembering that voice distinctly. His hand remained on my spine, holding me to him. As I turned to look up, I came to a horrifying realization that it was not Ichigo that I was laying against. Warm brown eyes morphed into cold and calculating ones. His chest was broader, skin colder, and that smile. It wasn't a smile, not really. Smiles were warm and happy, but this one spoke of lies and treachery.

"Aizen." I whispered, afraid, but as I tried to get away, he held me against him tighter. It took me a moment to realize I was trembling, as the halls and the battle with Tōshirō flashed before my eyes. Aizen brought a hand to the back of my neck, grinning as he held me in place, leaning down to whisper in my ear.

"They told you not to go off on your own."

Soooo full transparency, I had this and the next chapter written, and fully edited.

Then I went away for a few weeks and came back to- well, my computer just locked me out of all my accounts. I guess I got hacked? So I mean- yay for them? My only passcodes on here are for AO3, fanfiction, and pinterest so- good for you I guess? Oh and my disney+ but yeah. So I got my passcodes back and then proceeded to find out my auto save wasn't working and at least 7 stories that I had opened- then shut- never saved. I was mad, which is why this took so bloody long.

I will admit, next chapter we are finally going to get some answers! It will be mostly around Naomi and Chiyo! Can I just say, I love writing Aizen? IDK if I'm even doing him justice but there's something about the character that is so creepy and fun to write.

And to be very very clear, no, there is nothing 'romantic' going on between Naomi and Aizen. Never, nu uh. It's not romance, and I apologize if it has those vibes, it's not what I'm going for, but there is an intimacy vibe that will make more sense later on I promise.

And I cannot wait for Gin and Naomi scenes, like- it's gunna happen, but it probably won't go how ya think at first.

Also, everytime I publish a chapter I always think 'oh god what if this one isn't well received?' so just laugh with me on this because even if it was 'perfection' (lmao this story is far from it) I'd still be terrified.

Vex Florez : I think I may not have stated it well enough, but Naomi is quite a strong individual, her struggle is inherently in her control of it. Ichigo struggled to summon his strength, but Naomi has a hard time reining it in, like we see here. I will also say I've got my idea on how things played out and took some mild creative licenses, but I mostly stay true to the plot other than where my OC's can be wedged in. I don't know a TON about the novels but have a general idea about them, so we shall see.

thomascastillo9987: She attacc

Mesmerizing Mermaid: I hope this chapter explained Toshiro's dilemma. Hommie had a mission and his well being didn't come before it. To be clear, poor baby was set up to fail. He did not expect things to go the way they did at all.

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this. There was so many POV's so we didn't deep dive into anyone yet but we will in the coming chapters!

Cheers!

Iland Girl