Pre fic banter
Sosuke Aizen: So blackout2010 why have you called only me out here today?
Blackout2010: Well that's because today…I wanted to thank-you.
Aizen: Thank me?
Blackout2010: Yeah, for all the shit that I put you through here and the static I give you in fic. I gotta thank-you because without you then there wouldn't a major antagonist in this story. (smiles) so seriously Aizen, thanks for being the villainous douche bag we all love to hate.
Aizen:…(turns away) I…(sniff)…
Blackout2010: So this chapter is a love letter to you and the events led you to be the guy you are today. [looks to crowd] stay tuned for the end fic banter for a special advertisement.
Chapter 32: Life and Death: True worth.
(300 years ago)
Light filtered through the various holes in the wooden structure that the young man laid in the previous night. His eyes flickered open due to the brightness of his surroundings. The boy's mind felt hazy, light-headed even, as he turned his attention to nearby window sill, the accomplice of the invading new dawns light and disturber of his rest.
The boy placed his arm behind supportively, propping himself up off the floor. His eyes scanned the nearby area for the woman he'd vaguely remembered through his bouts of consciousness last night. Removing the straw mat placed on his body as a makeshift blanket, he saw that the bloody wounds he had gotten yesterday were no longer there.
Curious as to his body's condition after last night's emergency medical procedure, the young man touched his chest and recoiled in pain, a hiss escaped through his teeth. The man clenched his fist a few times to fight off the pain, while it seemed that his wounds were healed, they were still quite tender.
After taking in a few deep breaths, the boy let out a sigh as he got up from the floor carefully. It seemed, despite having his life saved from the hands of oblivion, he was abandoned back to the worthless life he lived, a constant struggle day in and day out.
He wasn't feeling particularly thankful all of a sudden.
Looking to his side, he saw his tattered moss-green jerkin lying on the floor not too far away. He could see many rips and holes ranging from the usual wear and tear of daily life and climate to the occasional fights against other Rukongai survivors or hungry Hollows he barely evaded. 'Oh well.' He thought to himself, as he walked over and slipped the damaged clothing over his head.
Compared to others: At least it was something.
Once it was on, he heard the sounds of something warbling. Looking down, he noticed a small sheet of paper settling down against the old wooden floor. The man quirked an eyebrow surprised that the woman had actually taken the time to write him a letter; instead of, say robbing him blind; although, he didn't really own anything, except for his shirt and trousers, which she probably wouldn't want since she wore very clean durable black clothing belonging to a Shinigami aka a noble. 'I guess she left it on my clothes to make sure I'd find it, before she headed home.' He concluded about her whereabouts, before turning his attention back to the paper in his hands.
Opening up the folded sheet of paper, he saw that the characters used were very simplistic in their writing, to the point a child could read it and understand most of its contents. He supposed that she went out of her way to use the most recognizable kanji, so that he'd have a greater chance in understanding it.
[Dear young man.]
[If you are reading this, then that means your life is no longer in danger and that you can move around okay.]
[And for that I am relieved]
[I am sure this must seem so strange to you. Having been at death's door, bleeding to death, only to wake up hours later in the same health you were, before what happened to you yesterday.]
[That is because I saved your life.]
[The other day…when I saw you throw yourself against those men in the streets; it tore at my heart when they struck you down without a hint of remorse. I stood up for you after that and chased them away when no one else would help you. But, when I turned to you, I saw a most frightening sight.]
[Your eyes…they lacked the will to live.]
[I want you to know that if I had not been pass through there, you would have died.]
[I know it may seem like I am talking down to you, preaching even, and I do not want it to seem like that. I…admit I do not know of the pain in your life. The pain that would drive you to kill yourself, commit suicide. I could not fake an understanding of it if I tried. I know that I am lucky, privileged, to be where I am today, but…young man, I beg of you:]
[Do not throw your life away.]
[Big or Small. We humans have a special talent: The ability to become anything that we set our minds too. From great villains to righteous heroes, the world revolves around those who act!]
[Be something more, young man. Believe in something.]
[I believe the strong should protect the weak. That is my belief. That is what I hold in my heart and what gives me strength to act. That is why I saved you.]
[It is my hope that you would see this yourself and in turn grow strong, protecting those who are weaker than you are.]
[I believe that is the foundation for a fulfilled existence]
[I am sure, that from your point of view, it may seem like an impossible challenge, a fool's errand. Something I, a Shinigami, have no business to impose on others, whom I know nothing about.]
[But…but I know you can be strong; because, you have the strength of heart to take your own life.]
[To challenge death and your own mortality.]
[With courage like that, do you not think that you change the circumstances you are in? (●´ω｀●)ゞ]
[Just think about it for a bit, you will see that I am right.]
[I wish you a good life, young man.]
[Sincerely,]
[The Shinigami who saved you.]
[(*●⁰ꈊ⁰●)ﾉ]
[PS: Sorry, but healing kido doesn't work on clothing, and I've never been good at mending them either. I always prick my fingers. o(╥﹏╥)o]
[I left some money for you in your pocket. (＾＿－)≡ ]
"Hmm…" the man hummed to himself, as his hand absent-mindedly dipped into his pocket pulling out a few golden coins. The man's eyes widened, at the treasure trove. If he spent it wisely, this much money could feed him for a month.
His astonishment soon gave way to concern, as he looked back around his 'lodging'. Did he really want to continue living like this in Rukongai? Living in old dilapidated homes that he didn't own? Keeping his head down amongst thousands of people who'd try to kill him for what little he had, if any reason at all? Living without any real proof that showed he, the boy without so much as a name, had existed in the first place?
He glanced back at the coins, his hand lightly shaking them as they let out a nice jingle. The money was a godsend, but it would dry up eventually, putting him back where he started.
On death row.
'Miracles don't happen twice.' He quietly thought to himself. He knew that if he tried to kill himself again, there would be no angel of mercy coming in to save him at the last possible second; he would simply slump to the ground and die, the scavengers would pick his rotting body apart, leaving him nude for the flies or beasts to devour.
The young man scratched his unkempt brown hair, as he made his way to the door. His eye wincing briefly, as they tried to adjust to the brightness of unshaded sunlight. "Shinigami…" he muttered as he reflected on the mysterious woman's words.
He was surrounded by a few rotting shacks along the rocky barren road that ran from his right to as far his eyes could see down the left. The people walking around the nearby area were wearing dull torn clothing and had tired unhappy expressions on their face, as they traveled through with no destination in mind, like vagabonds.
The man lowered his head in thought, as he rested his arms on the half-destroyed guard rail beside the home's porch.
Did he want to settle for this?
'She wrote: The world revolves around those who act.' He recalled the words in the letter, as he looked down one end of the rocky road that lead to a distant white-walled city.
He had always heard that the Shinigami lived there; it was story that circulated many a time on his travels through the maze of hopelessness and destitution.
He himself had tried to go there multiple times in the past. Each time ignoring the hateful whispers and scorned looks of the better offs, whose land he had to travel through, and their armed guards, who silently dared him to make a move to their charges. But, he was never admitted.
The guarding Shinigami, who would call the gatekeepers to open the gate, would always force him away, sometimes violently. They would tell him that Rukongai souls had no business with them; that the Shinigami weren't interested in whatever problems he had.
They told him flat-out that the only ones who would pass through into the Seireitei were the Nobles, who had a good reason to be there, other Shinigami, although that was rare since they hardly left except for routine patrol, which was basically a day off to drink for most, and the ones labelled as 'Special cases' after receiving approval from the Central 46, the Sotaichō and captain willing to undertake the task and accompany the soul; needless to say, this was an even rarer occurrence then the aforementioned Shinigami visiting Rukongai.
The young man clutched the letter he received tightly; a Shinigami had written and given it to him, even if no name was written they guards loafing around the Seireitei wouldn't be able to contest that would they?
The man had a mental pause.
Was this a sign…was this his proverbial chance?
Odds were still slim at best that he'd be accepted without question, but this letter could be the one thing that changed it all for him. "The world revolves around those who act…" he muttered to himself.
In that instant his resolve solidified as he made up his mind. Casting one final glance at his latest hideaway, he stepped off the porch and walked towards the place where his savior lived.
(Three days later)
The young man braced himself for pain, as the fist of the nobleman buried itself in his stomach. He gritted to teeth to stifle a pain-filled shout.
The green haired man in front of him cocked his head to the side and flipped some hair arrogantly from his face. "So stubborn." He tested displeased, "Who do you think you are exactly, Rukongai scum?"
The restrained man glanced to his sides at the two men that held his arms tightly preventing him from retaliating. His vision was forcefully brought back forward, as the green haired youth grabbed a tuft of his hair roughly, turning him in his direction. "How rude I was talking to you!" he yelled, before backhanding the youth again, spilling some blood from his mouth.
"Now let me ask you again: What's your name?"
The nameless boy just glared at him as the blood ran down the corner of his mouth. He knew it was a loaded question. The prick didn't care about his answer and even if he did, he already knew that most people in Rukongai didn't have a name unless they had a family, something which would have intervened by now.
As he thought, the man sudden burst into laughter "Hahaha! Oh, I see. You don't have one. You're no different from a lost puppy!" he cried, his two associates also joining in his mirth. The nobleman then pulled out a sword from the sheath at his side. "Well, then boys. Why don't we put this puppy to sleep?"
The brown-haired man snarled and with what strength he had left, kicked the swordsman in the stomach, sending him to the ground.
"Master Owari." One of the men cried, both concerned for his master and surprised by the zeal still in the boy.
The Rukongai resident allowed himself to smile, to savor the look of pain on the boy's face, before he was viciously beat down by the two men. They just clubbed his back and shoulders with their meaty fists, until he was against the ground and then they proceeded to kick away mercilessly.
The youth cradled his head protectively as his body rattled and shook under the men's assault.
"Back off! Back off!" the man known as Owari hissed as he shoved both men back, before turning his snarling face back to the diminutive boy. "He's mine." He stressed sadistically, daring them to cross him and interfere.
And the kicking continued for a few more moments, until another voice deigned in, breaking the crazed man's frenzy. "Sosuke, are you done?"
When the onslaught of boot suddenly stopped, the wounded man on the ground forced his pain wracked body to look up and see the green haired youth, who was assaulting him earlier, cowering under the gaze of the blue haired man with glasses. "F-father…" the swordsman stuttered out not expecting him to return so soon. He knew he'd have to explain his actions somehow. "I…" his eyes darted back to the boy as an idea formed. "I was merely training the new whipping boy sir." He replied crisply
'Whipping boy (1)?' the youth thought to himself, while the other boy's father looked on appraisingly.
"Training were you?" he repeated patronizingly, causing his son to sweat. They both knew he wasn't buying it, but he'd play along. "Then what is with the sword?"
"Master Owari was just seeing if the boy had fear, sir." One of the lackeys spoke up. "It would do no good to have him cower when the master must be punished, especially during the combat instructor's training."
As the apparent leader looked over to the other man, his son spoke up. "That's right father." He bowed his head to at least try to sell it, since he knew father would force him to take him now. "By your leave, may we return to the mansion for studies?"
The man briefly raised an eyebrow, it seemed that his son was at least willing to take responsibility with assaulting others without having to be reprimanded into it. It would be enough of a lesson for now. Besides, he did need a replacement. "Very well." The man said with a small nod, "Bring the whipping boy with you and pray that he lasts more than a month." He then walked away, leaving Sosuke and his cronies with the defeated youth.
With the authority satiated, Owari turned around and squeezed the battered soul's cheeks painfully and emasculatingly, His tone and posture letting him know who was in charge now. "You hear that? We're going to spend a lot of time together now." His eyes grew colder as he smiled darkly. "Now do me a favor: When the pain finally kills you, die screaming."
He then spat scattered bits of saliva into his victim's face, before making a circular sweeping motion with his hand as he followed after his father. As the two men placed the boy's arms over their shoulders and dragged him away after his new owner, the coins in the youth's pockets spilled quietly onto the street below.
Barely an hour passed in Rukongai, before the one thing that showed he used live there was snatched up; taken by another soul looking to change his own fortune.
(100 years later)
"Do you know the answer, Sosuke Owari?" Professor Nikaido asked the bored young man, who everyone knew had been too busy staring out the window for the past ten minutes.
"No, and who cares, you senile old man." He blurted apathetically, as he shifted in his chair antsy, his golden robes shining radiantly in the surge of light.
Nikaido sighed, before looking at the grown man wearing the red shirt, beside the nobleman. "Whipping boy, stand up." He commanded
The man did as he asked, lifting his shirt off his body, as he placed his hands against the desk braced himself for the inevitable pain. His muscular body was covered in rough scars and semi-healed wounds, whether it was from being forced to take blows during combat practice or Sosuke just mouthing off to one of his tutors, he would be the one struck.
Over and over.
Same story, different reason.
As the metal pipe slammed into the brown-haired teen's back, his knuckles cracked audible when he clenched them. The pain hurt, but he could tell that Nikaido was holding back. He was one of the few who did see his potential for knowledge.
Due to his status as whipping boy, he had to follow his Master wherever to be disciplined in his place. The reason being was that a previous clan head had made it forbidden to lay hands on anyone of direct bloodline to the original ancestor, as an act of filial piety. Sosuke Owari conveniently fell into this category. Of course, this did give the young servant the benefit of actually learning things he otherwise couldn't have, like advanced writing, calligraphy, politics, science, combat, mathematics, history, a whole slew of knowledge was placed at his fingertips, at the price of a few blows to his body, his dignity, and the occasional trip to Sumia's infirmary, when most of the house was asleep.
As the tenth strike collided into his now red back, the teacher looked over at Sosuke, "And let that be a lesson to you." He repeated with the same fervor as the last ten thousand times he scolded the idiot.
"Yes, yes…" he waved off dismissively, as the professor sat down back down, laying his correction tool atop the desk.
As the whipping boy put his shirt back on to tuck back in to his trouser, Nikaido looked at him. "Whipping boy Nanashi." the professor called on him, using the semi-given name Nanashi, since the family had to call him something other than 'Whipping boy'. "Perhaps you know the answer to the question." He stated, since he already knew of the boy's work ethic.
Nanashi allowed himself a few seconds to recuperate as he sat back down, back throbbing against the hard wood. "Yes, professor. The answer is Gikon. They are the soul candy that allow Soul Reapers to leave their Gigai to combat Hollows."
The teacher nodded, "Correct."
"Woooh." His classmate sarcastically quipped, his fingers moving in mock amazement, earning him the ire of the teacher.
"Perhaps, awe is the correct response, Master Owari. You are practicing for entrance into Shino academy, the academy of Soul Reapers, if you do not know this you will not last very long."
"Pffft. Whatever, fool. Everyone knows they don't turn away nobles, the written aptitude test is merely formality, which the whipping boy over there already knows to give me the best possibly score." He shrugged, uncaringly. "It's the only thing Rukongai trash is good for: Dying and making other better."
While the boy beside the noblemen glared at him in contempt, he kept his anger down. He already had a plan long in the making. He wasn't going to screw it up by beating the shit out of Sosuke Owari now and getting himself executed.
No, he just had to bide him time a little while longer.
All he could do was turn his glare into a smile and chock it down. "I'm glad I could be of service, master Owari." Nanashi expressed his gratitude.
"See professor." He pointed his thumb at him, as he turned back to the setting sky outside the window. "He knows his place in the world."
(One year later)
A year had passed and Sosuke and his whipping boy had set out for the Seireitei. However, due to Sosuke's lack of constitution, the two travelled at a slower pace, which forced them to find shelter for the night and in the whipping boy's case, cook dinner and keep lookout when his Master slept.
Right now, the two of them were sitting outside one of the better-built homes. It was a rather chilly night, so the two of them sat around a fire, once again another creation of the whipping boys.
Sosuke looked over at his bespectacled servant. A disgusted look on his face. He couldn't believe that HE had been forced to pay out-of-pocket for his whipping boy to get glasses after a small training accident affected his vision.
His first inclination was to have the boy executed; however, Professor Nikaido and Sumia the medic had convinced his father otherwise. They both expressed that the current whipping boy, Nanashi, was quite strong and smart. Given Sosuke's 'needs', if the young man were killed, it would take time to cultivate another youth to take his place, and the result would be catastrophic on the young master since he would be attending Shinigami academy soon. It simply made more sense to just buy glasses to fix the problem.
And so it was done, much to his displeasure.
As the memory surged in his mind, a disgruntled wisp escaped from the bored master's lips, as he pulled out the acceptance letter again, to at least occupy himself with something other than looking at his companion.
Tending the fire, the whipping boy looked up at his lazy master and saw that he was distracted, "Master Owari." He called out, briefly gaining the man's attention. "Perhaps, you would like to wash up in the nearby river. You must be presentable for tomorrow."
Sosuke looked at his arm, and then sniffed it. He didn't smell bad, but…looking back at the filthy home that'd have to rest at, he assumed it would be better to wash up now than in the morning with the other uncouth barbarians. Getting up off the ground, he tucked his acceptance letter back into his shirt. "Very well, show me the way." He ordered,
The servant nodded his head, grabbing a nearby piece of wood and sticking one end into the fire pit. "Follow me." He muttered, as he pulled out the torch.
The pair walked about half a mile, with the whipping boy forced to carry his master the remaining distance, before they came to a large stream. The clear waters shined brightly under the nighttime sky, while small fireflies buzzed around the surface of the water.
Sosuke eyed the water displeased, he wasn't enthralled with the idea of having to share the pool with every other person who had come in here before him, but it would be the only way he could be clean before he arrived at the academy. Disrobing himself, he turned to his servant. "Keep an eye out. I don't want any rubes intruding on me." He commanded, as he undid his obi to let his clothing fall down.
"I understand." The man said as he pushed glasses up, his eyes obscured by the glare from the moonlight.
Sosuke made no outward signs of acknowledging him as he walked over to the water's edge and leaned down. He dipped his hand into the water and shivered, "Aaaah, it's chilly." He then dipped both hands in, bringing out a small handful of water that he splashed against his face. A pleased exhalation escaped his lips, as the cool waters would allow for a more peaceful night's sleep. Just as he was about to dip his hand in again, a hard hot blow collided with the side of his face, knocking him to the side.
Sosuke barely had time to register that a person had attacked him, before he had his head dunked underneath the water. The nameless whipping boy held the nobleman near the water's edge, a pleased smirk on his face. "How the table have turned, Sosuke." The boy said smugly.
He then pulled out the man's head, who sneered at him. "What the fuck are you doing you lit-"
Again, he had his head dunked back under the surface. "Getting revenge of course." The bespectacled man stopped himself, as he grabbed his hair roughly again, pulling him out. "My sincerest apologies. Even though you have a thick skull, I shouldn't have forgotten that having you under there wouldn't improve your listening capabilities." He replied smugly to the selfish brat.
Sosuke gasped for air as he tried to break free, but the strength of his slave overwhelmed him. "You're dead. You're a dead man."
"You've tried to get me killed for years. Hasn't worked out has it?"
The man squirmed fighting, trying to get out of his slave's grip. "If you let me go now, I'm willing to overlook what you've done today!"
"Really?" the man inquired mockingly "By your grace, you are a most generous master. However…" he then dunked his head back under and this time kept it under. "I will not let the time I've spent learning and bettering myself be laid waste by remaining content where I was before." His eyes narrowed behind his frames. "I am a slave to no one. I am a man. I choose my destiny and I choose what you consider impossible. (2)"
As his master's body stopped its struggling and accepted the cold embrace of death, the slave pushed the rest of the man's nude body in the water and turned around, walking towards his discarded clothing. "Fear not Sosuke, I'll be sure to take your place at the academy." He then picked up the clothing and started changing out.
It was time he grasped his destiny.
(Five years later)
Walking into his spacious living quarters, the new 'Sosuke Owari' returned from finishing up yet another hard day of scholastic endeavor. The man stretched his arms as he walked over the study desk to sit down, his eyes drifting down to the half-finished 'progress' letter he had written to his deceased master's parents.
The moment the man arrived and was accepted into the school, he knew that he would need to keep the charade up for as long as possible to not only the officials but Owari's family. So, using a combination of his knowledge and natural talents, Nanashi did just bad enough to warrant some attention for his grades, but not actual clan involvement, while at the same time writing letters back to his family, saying the whipping boy wrote it for him to save time and provide an explain for any handwriting differences.
The first of his letter were written with the purpose to fool his parents, it said that he couldn't have visitors until graduation, because it would 'disrupt the flow of focused learning' as the school would say, and that the reason he was taking so long in graduating the classes weren't because of his own fault, but rather because all his classes full of 'bilge spewing troglodytes and annoying fools not worth the clothing on their back', and that his whipping boy couldn't be used as a 'proper' stand-in for combat training, which was a 'infuriatingly stupid rule'.
Every letter after that was used to give small status updates, which Nanashi would use his extensive knowledge of Owari's life to inquire about servants or things only he would be interested in. Yes, it was a beautifully constructed lie to cover up the fact that the whipping boy was truly enjoying his time, going as slow as possible to absorb as much information as possible from as many sources as he could.
The man smiled as he looked away from his desk to the sword on his bed. His Zanpaktou had been an interesting partner so far. He quickly learned his Zanpaktou's name far, far, earlier than anyone else had; he tinkered with the idea he might have been the youngest thus far, but he kept it to himself to avoid drawing such attention, it wouldn't do to blow his cover.
Still, despite the logic behind it, and his achievements thus far, it wasn't enough. He wasn't nearly satisfied with his life. A sentiment that had stemmed from his encounter with Kyoka Suigetsu, the observant traveler had deducted what lay deep within his heart.
Acknowledgement.
Acknowledgement that he was his own person. That he could live a life far better than what he was currently settling for. The spirit's thoughts intrigued the young impostor because they were the truth. So far, he was only living up to the standards, the potential, of being his deceased master. He could continue to masquerade as him after getting into the Gotei 13, but what then? He would just be forced to lead a life of mediocrity, a life as a drone for Soul Society. He would still be a shadow, providing undue praise to someone else. In the end he would have nothing, be nothing. He would continue to live in a more luxurious version of the hell he tried to escape from after being saved that fateful day.
But…
But… he thought to himself, if he had the courage to aim higher, to expand his plans, to expect more of himself, he could become a Master of reality, one without peer.
Looking back on his desk, he saw the sacred letter that had prompted him on this journey, so many years ago. The only thing that served to acknowledge his existence from the one person who remotely gave a damn.
"Be something more. The world revolves around those who act." He quoted in a well-practiced tone, as his eyes shifted back to his sword. His thoughts drifted back to the constant war against Hollows, the world of Hueco Mundo. His eyes narrowed on his sword as he thought to himself. "Perhaps, battle." He walked over and picked up his sword, his eyes tracing the sheath of it. "I most hone myself; become the master of myself, before I can truly become great." He concluded while the blade seemed to silently agree with his observation.
Turning around, the man walked out of his room, recalling the sign-in on the bulletin board for a human world excursion in the Hollow slaying aspect of Shinigamihood.
(Sometime later: Hueco Mundo)
Trudging through the unending sea of sand, a large skeletal figure paused when he saw the sky above open up, the signs of another Hollow returning back from the human world. The leader, Barragan Luisenbarn, looked back at his small entourage of hollows. They seemed to have sensed it too and were looking ahead warily for who or what could appear. Suddenly, the tiger pointed his paw forward and with a roar of his voice said, "Look, it's no Hollow!"
Turning back around, Barragan was perplexed to see that instead of a bestial figure, it was a young man with brown hair, white and red clothing, a sword and glasses. The young man was looking around the sandy badlands curiously, before turned his head to see the portal he had entered closing shut behind him, its purpose done. "No turning back now." He muttered to himself, before turning to the nearby spiritual pressures. 'Sosuke' raised an eyebrow when the monsters formed a protective circle around the skeletal ghost with the crown, in front was a strange horned gorilla creature that looked ready to pound him to paste.
The skeleton king raised his hand up, as if commanding them to stand down, before he approached the strangely unafraid young man. "Hello." The young man greeted with a courteous bow.
While the skeleton had no eyes, he was sure it was glaring at him. "What is a Shinigami doing in the land of the damned?"
"A Shinigami?" he questioned with slight amusement. "I am no Shinigami." He then looked across the desolate desert, "As for my purpose? I'm not sure. Something called me to this land."
"Called to this land?" The black cloaked monster repeated skeptically. "What madness is this?"
Sosuke shook his head, "I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name." he tried to shift the conversation, his eyes drifting over to the strange gaggle around him. "I thought Hollows tended to fight each other as much as they fight against Shinigami."
"Watch your words, niño. You are not welcome in these lands." The skeleton's voice boomed, while his compatriots drew in a little closer, malicious intent rolling off their bodies.
Sosuke bowed his head again. "Forgive me. I was only stating what I know from the books. If this is not the case, then please forgive my ignorance."
The leader floated ominously, before easing his posture. "Very well, I will indulge you then. My name is Barragan Luisenbarn, the leader of these Hollows." He then gestured to the empty expanse nearby and continued, "I have lived for a very long time and have grown sick and tired of the ceaseless fighting among my fellow Hollow, so with mi familia, I am going to put an end to this once and for all. I will become the king of Hollows."
"The king of Hollows." Sosuke intoned thoughtfully, this would be his opportunity. Kneeling down, he bowed before the skeleton, a sight that took all of them by surprise. "If that is your will then allow me to assist you in that endeavor."
A thunderous laughter escaped Barragan, his chest and cloak flowing blissfully in the air. "And what exactly can you do?" he challenged, "You look barely old enough to wipe your own ass, niño. Do not presume to know us!"
Unperturbed, Sosuke raised his head and centered his gaze on the skeleton's face. "You are not the only one with grand ambitions, Master Barragan. I too have a dream, but I require strength to achieve it. Strength not only of myself, but others as well." He pushed himself off his knees, but still maintained eye contact. "Experiencing things for myself is the only way to get closer to that dream." He tilted his hand in an amicable gesture. "You just saw my ignorance of your race. I must learning things first, including the strength earned from battle."
"Hmmm…" Barragan hummed to himself, considering the man's words for what they were. It was indeed, quite bold. "And what is it you dream of lad? What drives you?"
"Just as you wish to become one that transcends Hollows, I wish to transcend Shinigami. However, one-side cannot do so without the other. So long as both sides fight against each other, no one will ever truly excel past the limits they have imposed upon themselves."
"You make a good point." Barragan acceded,
Sosuke nodded, "Besides, if both sides cannot come to an agreement, war will break out once again. This kingdom you speak of, all it will do is rally all of the Shinigami's might against one target. They will not allow the Hollow's to unify, but if I can become the king of mine…"
"I see." The conqueror muttered as he pressed his hand against his chin, considered the proposal. "Both sides of the afterlife may genuinely know peace." He said aloud the obvious end goal. But, there was one thing that nagged at him. "How would this change things for us Hollows though? We will still be forced to feed upon others."
Sensing that an appropriate interjection would be necessary to keep their interest, Aizen quickly interjected. "Not if I am king." The man said garnering their attention. He wasn't going to lose them now. "The spirit king rules over all happening in the afterlife. If I can ascend to that throne, removing that hunger or changing you back into humans should be no problem." He placed his hand against his hips. "But as I said, I cannot do it alone. I need an army and time to plan."
Another groaned escaped Barragan, who was carefully thinking over his options on what to do. As the man thought some of his followers decided to speak up and let their voice be heard, "We cannot trust him. He merely wishes to use for his own end."
"Yes, the moment we give aid, he will destroy us."
The creatures continued offering different piece of advice to their uncrowned ruler, but Sosuke stepped forward and extended his hand to silent Barragan. "I am not asking you to trust my word just yet. God only knows, I barely trust you. However, that is why I am asking that you let me accompany you in your fight to unify Hueco Mundo. Judge me for my worth yourself. If it is my destiny for the two of us to end all suffering in the afterlife, then I am ready to do so, but if it is not, I will more than likely die in this world. I'm trapped in this world until the day the conflict is resolved enough to allow safe travel back the Hollow way. So I ask you, do you trust me?"
A silence fell over the crowd, as they all turned to the unreadable leader. The purple aura of death that he was known to exude when fighting wasn't appearing. Finally, he stepped forward around his descendant and grabbed the healthy hand with his bony one. "Very well. You will accompany us. But you will do exactly as I say." He then let go and walked around him. "I have my eyes on you."
As the assortment of creatures walked around their newest addition, Sosuke turned and looked into the back of his commander and smiled gentle.
War would be waged.
(80 years later)
Walking out to the balcony that overlooked their capital stronghold, Las Noches, Sosuke breathed out a sigh of relief, as he gazed outward to the expansive desert.
"Hoy! Ahí estás!" a loud jovial voice called from behind the relaxing tactician.
Turning around, the man removed his glasses and smiled warmly at the two men who were approaching. One was wearing a battle torn cloth that had small branch appendages sticking out from all angles, his face was covered with the mask of a dead cow, but Sosuke could tell from his body language and persona experience that he was quite jovial. The other was a large brown man in white with gray hair and large battle scars all over his body, a golden crown sat atop his head, while a battle-ax was slung from his back, a bright smile on his aged face.
Barragan walked over and slung his arm around his general small shoulders. "Otra victoria para el joven general!" he boomed as he shook the pleased man's body, "Digo Rudbornn: Tres hurras por nuestro amigo."
Rudbornn laughed as he took the space next to Sosuke. "De acuerdo, Barragan!" he raised his fist over the balcony and yelled "Para Sosuke del Shinigami! Héroe de Hueco Mundo!"
"Para Sosuke!"
Sosuke laughed to himself over the zealousness of his friends. "Por favor, no todo era yo." He looked over at Rudbornn, "¿Por qué si no fuera por usted y sus zingers siempre bien colocados, toda esperanza se habría perdido más de una vez!"
The cow-skulled hollow laughed, "Aye! ¿Quién hubiera pensado que una rutina de comedia habría dado la victoria como en las trincheras!"
Sosuke turned over to Barragan and smirked, "¿Y quién podría olvidar nuestro intrépido líder? ¿Por qué con cada cicatriz en la cara, el corazón de cada desmayos femeninos en delicia!"
Barragan laughed, "¡Ah! Sí, puedo ver ahora." He patted his friend on the shoulder. "No tengas temor de joven Sosuke. Voy a tratar de no tomar todas las guapas chicas."
The three of them laughed merrily with each other, before settling down to look over the impregnable fortress. Their dream was close at hand; most of the Hollows they had sought came to them of their own volition, while the rest were left in the sea of sand far beyond their sight. This fortress was the only haven in the death world outside.
Still it was quite small in comparison to the ever-expanding world around them. It didn't take them very long to realize that fully conquering the Hollow world was an eternal struggle, so they compromised with what they had. All in accordance to Sosuke's grand plan to unify the kings of each world.
However, even as he looked into the jubilant faces of his friends, doubt still lingered in Sosuke's mind. Sometime during the endless fighting, he had admitted to them that he wasn't sure, if he'd be able to hold his end of the deal, of whether he could truly use the power of the Spirit King to grant peace. Barragan merely laughed and told that if he was the king, it was in his power to do so, not because of some divine celestial force, but because he had proven himself the strongest of all, so the Shinigami would have no choice but to listen.
And for once, the man found himself surprised by the answer that was seemingly right before him the entire time yet he could not grasp.
It had uplifted him.
It had brought them to this point.
"So are you ready for your prodigal return?" Rudbornn asked his fellow conqueror who would be gone for some time.
"As prepared as I can be." Sosuke muttered introspectively, before smiling to himself. "Although, it does alarm me to leave the safety of the kingdom of Las Noches to a practical joker who doesn't have a single good joke and a senile old man who'd probably forget his name without me reminding him."
"Senil, ¿eh?" the elder man looked at the cocky youth beside him.
The other hollow was no less amused. "Okay. I got you, Sosuke." He replied sarcastically. "You don't even know how, but I got you. I got you all day. All day!"
The man gave a cocky smirk, "All day? But I thought it was always night here?"
Barragan's menacing posture gave way to a hearty chuckle. "Aye! It seems our grand strategist has got a few jokes, Rudbornn!"
Through his own chuckles, Rudbornn retaliated. "Tal vez, mi amigo, but then again, out of the three of us, Los tres vencedores de Hueco Mundo, only one of us lives his life for the sake of his first love!"
Now it was Sosuke's turn to shut his mouth and glare. It was no small secret between them, that the reason the ex-whipping boy-turned-Shinigami-turned-conqueror had even started his journey to seek his full potential was, because, of that letter given to him by the beautiful Shinigami that saved him.
When he described the turning point in his life, he was both surprised and expectant of their juvenile reaction. The two of them teased him, practically raving how the otherwise celibate Sosuke, the hero of Hueco Mundo, the grand strategist of Barragan's unification army, was really just a young man in love, who was willing to conqueror worlds and kings just to impress the girl he liked.
Aizen was far from amused and made his rage known during the many strategy meetings that involved unit placement. The strategist upon addressing one or both of them would playfully shove their icons directly to the front lines while shouting 'Barragan and/or Rudbornn will advance and DIE HORRIBLY, here while I smile and say "exactly as planned" from over here.', before returning back to a calm civilized tone when addressing the others present.
Coming down from his high, Barragan looked over to his fellow Hollow general, who nodded in kind. Sosuke seeing the action looked at the two quizzically, "Something you wish to share?"
"It's about the plan." Rudbornn stated, "It is simple enough. We maintain our army, while you strengthen your influence in the new world, occasionally keeping in contact."
"Yes, what about it?" he asked, since while it was overly simplified, that was the gist of it.
"We believed it was time for a promotion of sorts." Barragan picked up.
"Promotion?" the brown-haired man repeated quizzically. He then scoffed, "I'm already a general, what more can I be?" he asked playfully.
Rudbornn turned around and leaned against the balcony, "King." He said simply. "The leader of the new campaign." He extended his hand to Luisenbarn. "We got to talking. Everything so far has been all a part of your grand strategy. We thought it fair that since we are no longer pursuing the expansion on the Hollow frontier, you, the Shinigami, should be the leader for our latest campaign."
"It is as he says. We can continue the expansion here later, indefinitely. But we believe that for a new endeavor we will need a new face to lead the way yet one that our forces can trust." Barragan pointed to the city below. "Many of our forces are placing their hopes in you, mi hijo. You are the master that steers us to victory. Without you, Rudbornn and I would not be here today."
"We believe in you, mi amigo. And we will wait however long it takes for your plan to be successful."
Sosuke's arm shook as a feeling of happiness resonated through his body. His eyes felt watery, so taking off his glasses, he rubbed his eyes, a smile on his face.
His actions didn't go unnoticed, "Aye! Did you see that, Rudbornn?" The old man yipped with his thundering baritone.
"Si! The glasses have come off!" the cow masked Hollow said as he backed up. "Sosuke the transcendent has taken the field, whatever shall we do?"
"haha, sh…haha callarse…haha." Sosuke chuckled, as he turned around to leave for the gargantua that would allow him to proceed with part two of his scheme.
(Two week later)
The whipping boy walked through the halls of his Alma Matier. Using the powers of both Kyoka Suigetsu and the alias of Sosuke of the minor noble family Aizen, he once again re-enrolled in the Shinigami academy.
With his years of battle-hardened use of illusion powers, it was quite simple for him to have slipped back in undetected. The only thing he needed to do now was reestablish himself on societal norms and bide his time as he gained influence and allies to his cause. He smiled to himself as he proceeded to his first class; things were coming full circle for him.
(Seven months after chapter one)
Taking a step forward, Sosuke Aizen gripped the railing of the apartment of his target. His breathing sounded steady, but even his two associates could tell that he was highly nervous. He had already informed them what they would be doing and that there was to be no messing around once the signal was given because the chances of death today was quite high.
But that wasn't what was scaring him, death was a close friend, it held little sway over him. No, what was frightening him was actually WHO was on the other side of the worn metal door. He knew that if he called it off now, everything, every plan he had ever made, every person he ever manipulated, every battle he ever fought, it would all be for naught. His life long journey through back alleyways, destructive battlefields, and dream-filled skies would come to an end.
He would be forced back into the dissatisfied, empty, hollow life he had sought to escape years ago with not a single true friend at his side to acknowledge his accomplishments or validate his worth.
Digging into his pockets, he pulled out a fragment of the red ruby they had stolen from the twelfth division, its beautiful eye-catching shine belied its ability to nullify all reishi energies that would normally radiate off them. This had helped them leave the Seireitei without incident and approach the target's home without spooking her guard.
Just above the gem, situated between the man's fingers was another object, a black orb called the Caja negacion. It was pinnacle point of the plan and would serve as their invisible battlefield.
Slipping both objects back into his pocket after making sure they were still in perfect condition, he removed his other hand off the rail and placed it into his other side pocket, quietly his hand against the paper treasure that gave his life meaning.
Another sigh escaped him, as he conquered his anxiety. Finally, after giving a confirming nod to Tosen and Ichimaru, he raised his hand and knocked against the door, the noise loudly reverberating through the air. When the person inside said 'coming', Aizen gave one last command, before reverting to his 'friendly Taichō persona'. "Follow my lead."
As the door opened, Aizen fought hard to keep all his real emotions out of his expression when he laid eyes on the same woman who had saved his life all those many years ago.
The same woman, whose power he now required.
"Ah, hello." She greeted with a semi-forced smile to the strangers. After delving into the forbidden records, Aizen understood her reaction to Shinigamis.
The people who knew of her mythical existence in Seireitei was a short list, both in part of her action of leaving so long ago, and the casualties from the wars with both Hollows and Quincies, even Aizen the meticulous knew almost nothing about her before she was censored from most records, only the obvious or rare truth from a reliable word of mouth amidst a sea of rumors.
The woman had gone AWOL for just a little over a century now, due to the preceding war with the Quincy, which he had participated in due to both opting for the lowest position to consolidate strength most effectively and to ensure that there would be no further problems once the his plans got underway.
This absence coupled with the large losses in Shinigami was what caused Yamamoto to secretly pull aside young unsuspecting Shinigami, who did not know of her true identity, and send them to her home. He would pose it as mix between a mission and request to the earnest individual to try to invite her to come see him in the Seireitei, where presumably he would try to convince her to return to the Gotei 13. An action, which, if successful, would bolster the morale of the Shinigami, and silence the central 46, who sought to have her also labelled as a dangerous liability to Soul Society on top as a deserter, citing that she had the ability to come and go within Seireitei as she pleased and nothing stopping her from going rouge.
Despite the accusation, which held a certain amount of gravity depending on whom you asked and where you stood with the rumors, Yamamoto would not allow them to do such a thing for a reason that not even the senior captains could agree on.
Still, this wasn't reciprocated by Masaki, who, despite receiving and welcoming the many, many, Shinigami to the humble Kurosaki residence, told each and every one that asked her the same thing: "No thank-you."
Now that he was standing in front of her and seeing the way she was acting with three captains she didn't know at her door step, he was willing to believe that her fabled apprehension to not go to Seireitei wasn't just an exaggeration.
"Can I help you Misteerr?" she said with a small shake of her head.
Aizen bowed gracefully, "Greetings, my name is Sosuke Aizen," he extended his hand to his fellows. "These are my associates, Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tosen."
"Evening!" the chipper silver-haired man greeted
"Good day." The African man bowed gentlemanly
"Hello." She waved weakly, as she looked back to Aizen. "So what bring you here, captain?"
Aizen smiled, keeping with the script. "It was about your son, Ichigo." When a look of worry crossed her features, Sosuke reassured her. "He's quite alright, I assure."
Masaki relaxed, "Oh, well that's good…" the woman crossed her arms over her dull colored yukata, unable to really make anything of the conversation so far. "Sooooo?"
A low grunted reverberated in Aizen's throat. She wanted to know what brought them here. "I'm friends with Toshiro." Her eyes lit up, now she was beginning to lower her guard. "He's told me so much about one of his previous soldiers. Quite frankly I was curious." He took half a step back and gestured to the conspirators. "When he was being transferred, so many Taichō's jumped at the chance to get him, us included." He then reached down and held Masaki's hand, his head bowed in respect. "I wanted to get to know the family that produced such a model Shinigami."
Masaki blushed, as a childish laugh escaped her. "Oh, really? I'm glad to hear that my son is making such a strong impression on everyone!" she then stepped aside, her hand raised to welcome them in. "If its stories you want to hear about, then please come on in. I'll get some tea ready."
The trio thanked the woman as they walked down the narrow wooden corridor that lead to the circular table with two chairs. Masaki apologized, as she went to go get some stools; Tosen accompanied her, while Gin and Aizen surveyed the area.
"What a dump." Gin pointed out to the small living quarters. He glanced over to his leader, who seemed to be deep in thought. "I don't get it, if she's an ex-captain like you say, why live in this tiny hole in the wall?"
Sosuke ignored the question, as he could understand her thinking. This was the dream she had wanted for herself.
During his time at Shino academy, he spent the majority of his time looking up the various captains who would impede his path, when he came across Masaki Kurosaki, the woman who saved him, he focused intensely on her. For the most part information was extremely limited; most sources just detailed her personality and gave small excerpts about her abilities and Zanpaktou. Aizen could tell from the way the teachers spoke and short hand of relevant information, the Sotaichō considered nearly all information about her a classified secret, this included date of birth, relatives and other such relationships.
Most of the other idiots in his class called her the 'Captain who got captained, when no one was around' because of the way she was glossed over by the school and never mentioned again, but he could tell the old man was hiding such information for a reason. Even to this day, the many questions about her origins remained unanswered despite being a captain with untold resources at his disposal and an illusion creating blade at his side.
Still, while the majority of her was obscured in the deepest recesses of Yamamoto's mind, he was able to figure out that she was the original creator of the fourth division and had power that belied her disposition. Through those facts, and what he could infer about her, based on everything else and his own experience, he could now understand the reasoning for her departure from Soul Society, shortly after his arrival.
The ex-captain simply wanted to be closer to the people whose suffering she alleviated. She was unhappy of leaving people to die, because they were not born of noble blood or didn't 'have an ability worth Soul Societies' notice. Her apprentice Retsu Unohana had fallen into that category.
Sosuke noted that by creating a reverse timeline of events and by plugging in the knowledge that Retsu Unohana was her apprentice from the streets and when her Shinigami registration date was, Masaki had met and saved his life shortly after meeting her. This fact coupled with the hard to obtain knowledge that Masaki had fought tooth and nail to keep her around after picking her up from Rukongai and reforming the Yankee, explained why she hadn't taken him as well.
The conclusion was obviously that her actions landed her in hot water with the higher powers in the land. Sosuke figured it was most likely due to one part prejudice, both on Retsu, who was Rukongai born, and Masaki, who wasn't noble born, but shared a confidential connection to the Sotaichō, and the part being Masaki's childishly obstinate behavior that she used to get her way on the issue.
Still, even after the numerous attacks on her character and criticism for her 'barbarian' ways of handling thing, at least according to some nobles, she took it with a smile and spunky 'can do' attitude.
No, what had really been the straw that broke this patient camel's back was the Quincy extermination. After a long bloody war, the Quincy tentatively offered a truce with fairly reasonably terms to the Shinigami, so no side felt short-changed. Masaki had been one of the few who was ready to agree and work alongside them; however that day, instead of learning that a united front would be created for the benefit of humanity, she learned that even a captain could do little when their beliefs were the minority.
The Shinigami ended up wiping out the surrendering Quincies, driving them to practical extinction.
He could tell that upon hearing the killing order, her heart broke into a million pieces with each new Quincy soul returned to the cycle of reincarnation. In her mind, spiritually gifted or not, the Quincies were still human beings, just as the Shinigami were human souls with the power of death gods. It was the ultimate travesty: The Shinigami breaking their code of swearing to protect human beings and the souls in the afterlife by putting humans to the sword.
Of the strong dominating the weak, instead of protecting them.
It was not long before Kaname and Masaki came back, stools in hand for Gin and Aizen. Once everyone settled in, Aizen placed his hand on the table, the caja negacion, visible to his associates. "Thank-you for your hospitality, Ms. Kurosaki."
"Oh, please. Masaki is fine." She instructed, as she sipped her tea with a childish smile.
Aizen nodded, "If you don't mind my asking, Ichigo-kun seems to look to you as a source of strength, could you tell us a bit about your views on him being a Shinigami?"
The orange haired woman took another sip of her tea, her body rocking back and forth in her chair as she thought it over. Finally, she said, "Well, I've told him that the strong should protect the weak." She replied, pausing to consider what else to say. "I believe that everyone has the ability to become truly extraordinary. They just need a chance and the courage to do so."
Unbeknownst to any of them, Aizen's other hand was clenching the letter in his pocket tightly. This was going to be harder than he expected. "What makes you think that?" he asked, trying to provoke a reaction.
"Well…" she looked away to a picture that was on the wall, it was of Ichigo, her and Retsu, smiling care-freely. Her eyes then returned to the man before her, who had also spared a glance at the photo. "My friend in the photo, Retsu Unohana, she was from the streets of Rukongai. She hailed from one of the worst districts, but with perseverance, she was able to make something of herself. She's a Shinigami now and I was really glad that she could help get my son in too."
Aizen knew she had lied about the last part; it seemed that she thought they didn't know about her past and was going to keep it that way. "I'm surprised that's very fortunate of you."
"Yes, well, not everyone has a success story." She replied sadly, her hands cradling her cup. "I once knew of a boy who nearly took his own life. He tried to commit suicide by assaulting some armed men, but he was saved by a passing Shinigami." She paused and took another sip of her tea, "It really seemed like the Shinigami wanted him to live." she shrugged, trying to pass it off as hearsay. "But, I don't know, he was never heard from again. Maybe he's still out there."
She paused as she pressed her pointer finger against her lips, a hum escaping her as she thought something over. When she reached silent conclusion, she clasped Aizen's hand and smiled demurely. "Aizen-san, I know as a Shinigami you must be busy, but if you ever have the chance, perhaps you might try to find him for me. That way I can at least know that he's okay."
'He's okay now.' He thought to himself solemnly, it seemed that even though she did not recognize him, his disappearance probably contributed to her falling out with Soul Society.
He almost laughed. It was ironic. The words in her letter that prodded him to continue living and better himself would ultimately lead to not only her separation from Soul Society, but also seal her fate in the war to come.
"Aizen…" Tosen stated, drawing the man back to the actual task for which they came, time was short.
"Yes." He acknowledged, as he removed his hands from her grasp.
"Oh, going so soon?" the woman pouted at her departing guests. She had hoped talk with them a little more, but Taichōs were ever busy it seemed.
"Yes," he repeated, before turning over his hand, the caja negacion springing into the air coming to life. "But you are coming with us."
The black sphere engulfed all four of them and transported them to a colorless version of the world around them.
Masaki quickly jumped back from the table. "W-who are you!?" she demanded fearfully.
"I apologize, but I'm afraid this charade is over." Aizen said coldly, as he removed his hand from his pocket and drew his Zanpaktou.
Understanding their intent, the cornered woman quickly shot her hands in front of her. "Hado 93! Gaki Rekko!"
Numerous blinding bright green lights appeared before her hands that extended outwards. Erring on the side of caution, Aizen pulled his underlings back with him as the attack went off. A huge barrage of green energy rays blew apart the ceiling of the two-story apartment, Sosuke and company appeared in the sky a small ways away, the main leader, breathing heavily from forced evasion.
Gin wiped a bead sweat off his brow, "Wooo! That was almost a doozy!"
"Thank-you, sir." Kaname gave his gratification. None of them had expected the woman to be able to pull off a ninety ranked kido with that much destructive force with almost zero spell time AND no chant.
As the cloud of smoke screening dust settled below, Aizen looked to Gin. "Is Grand Fisher in this dimension?" he asked, just to re-confirm.
The man smirked, "Yep, he's hanging around until you give the word. It's ready to fight and stage the scene." The Taichō of three turned and looked to the clearing, where Masaki stood, her sheathed Zanpaktou in hand. 'Great. She had her Zanpaktou in her home the whole time. Wonnndreeerrful.' The wide-eyed man thought sarcastically.
"How are you flying?" Masaki asked her attackers, unlike the world of the living or Hueco Mundo they were in Soul Society, the laws of gravity applied to spiritual beings here.
Aizen stepped forward, "This is caja negacion. A parallel world that mimics the landscape of where it is used, but does not follow same rules. There is no escape for you until I will it."
The ex-captain recoiled half a step. "Please, stop this. If you let me go right now. I won't harm you." She pleaded, her words reminding the Rukongai boy of the final moments his slave master had.
Aizen had prepared himself for this as best he could. He did not know what it was about her, whether she did it unknowing or not, but he steeled himself, he did everything he could to resist her words, the words that could crumble anyone's resolve to stand against her.
"Why are you doing this?" the woman looked ready to cry, "You're a captain, you should be defending people, not holding them hostage!"
"Again, I apologize." He held his sword in front of him, as a cracking echoed throughout the sky followed by a bright light, the sign of his Shikai activating. "But for the path I walk their can be no defeat. Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu."
The woman continued to stare at the man, before looking away in shame. She stood still for a few seconds, stewing in her thoughts. "My son…" she muttered; her voice barely a whisper. "You're going to hurt him, aren't you?"
No words, no defense, was offered against the accusation. Just the passage of air and time. Their silence was her answer, it was the only answer required.
"Very well. Shine in heaven, Shinsei fukkatsu (Sacred rebirth)." The sword in her clenched hand radiated with power, but remained unchanged in its state, having still not been drawn. "Defiler of souls, will you not turn away from this dark path?" she offered one final chance.
Aizen just stared at her impassively, silently in awe at her transformation. The childish woman that they had sat down to drink tea with them and tell stories of her son was gone. In her place was a strong determined woman with a fire as bright as her hair ready to run them through to protect her son.
For the first time, he was now looking at the warrior side of the miracle worker, one of the most powerful being to have ever lived.
The only being that trumped all other fear he had ever experienced.
"So the miracle worker finally shows herself." Aizen spoke of the woman, trying to keep a cool head despite his rapid heart rate. "I know why you have that title."
Masaki said nothing as she continued to glare against her oppressors, her spiritual energy seemingly at least hampering the man's two associates somewhat.
Aizen continued, "You received it not because of your unrivaled spiritual energy or for your prowess in battle. No, you earned it because of your ability to resolve even the harshest of conflicts with words. The ability to shake the heart of another and make it see reason beyond hate."
Sosuke closed his eyes, as his two insurance policies release their Shikai to even the playing field. He knew that even with them, this would still not be an easy fight, coordination and tactics were the only way to win. "You are the miracle the spirit king granted to humanity, a kind, caring, goddess of light." Sosuke opened his sorrowful eyes, "I am sorry it has come to this, my Shinigami." He whispered the last words to himself.
"Yes, I am sorry as well." Masaki closed her eyes, regretfully. "Make peace with your transgressions…" She had given them a chance to live, it was out of her hands now. "For I shall wipe you from creation." She lifted her Zanpaktou. "Bankai! Sōdaina sōzō, shinsei fukkatsu (grand creation, sacred rebirth)!"
"Bankai. Omoide no hōru, Kyōka Suigetsu (Hall of memories, Mirror flower, water moon).
"Bankai. Kamishini no Yari (God-killing spear).
"Bankai. Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Kōrogi (Bell Bug Closing Ceremony: Final Cricket).
(Present)
Aizen was sitting on his throne, his mind having wandered back to the battle that happened long ago. In his hand, was the old crease riddled paper given to him from a bygone age. He had been eyeing it absent-mindedly for some time; even he didn't realize he had it in his hand, until snapped from his thoughts.
As the door to his chambers opened, the would-be god folded the paper up and straightened up his posture for his latest guests.
"I will be more. I will transcend all." He told himself as he prepared to assert his newest scheme.
Post fic banter:
Blackout2010: Good day vast viewers of the web. Now for the special advertising. In honor of this chapter's star and in fic origins, Sosuke Aizen has asked me to publicly endorse his new album. You see Sosuke Aizen has been a lot of things over his life, slave, warrior, drifter; however, musician is not one of them, so in order to rectify that he has taken to composing.
Blackout2010: So without further ado, for the price $12.99, you can buy Sosuke Aizen's latest album, 'Where you lookin'?' released under stage name 'Transcendent One' at your store. The album includes songs:
1. Kyoka Suigetsu
2. S(osuke) A(izen) Pimpin' [Featuring Grinnin' maru and K. T. Justice]
3. Where you looking? (saw it comin')
4. Got a plan? (better than yours)
5. G-O-D (is me)
6. Urahara is a whore [Explicit ver.]
7. Hogyoku
8. We don't love Hinamori (messing with Toshiro) [Featuring Grinnin' maru]
9. Rise up and transcend! [Explicit ver.]
Bonus track: Dick move [explicit ver.] [Featuring K.T. Justice as back-up vocals]
Blackout2010: That's right you can get these and many more great songs as well as behind-the-scenes interview:
Aizen (smirks): Well I figured that since I'm so awesome, I should try my hands at other tasks to further display my dominance to my adversaries. It's really quite natural.
Blackout2010: Buy 'Where you lookin'?', coming to your nearest store soon.
(Author's informative to the audience)
The following chapters after this chapter are written in such a way that they interconnect along the timeline of events. This means that we will be seeing simultaneous events that must be viewed, because if it's skipped, you, the audience, will be left somewhat in the dark.
Hence the timeline I've provided.
Aizen force: 33a, 32, 33b (link)
Time: 29 (split)xxxxxxxxChap. 34 -) continue into next Arc.
Ichigo for.: chap.30 and 31 (link)
For easier convenience into understanding how to read, I'll provide a different but easier way to visually explain it:
Imagine two guys living in the same house: Joe and John.
At 8 am:
John is heading off to work/Joe makes himself some coffee
At 10 am:
John is sitting in his cubical/Joe turns on the TV and watch the news
At 12:
John is eating lunch [at work]/ Joe is eating lunch [at home]
At 2:
John is at a meeting/Joe does exercise
At 4:
John is driving home/Joe starts making dinner
At 5:
They both eat dinner.
I hope it helps explain. PM me for any question in trying to understand. (Don't worry I'll put this at the end of the following chapters for convenience.)
(Author's informative to the audience end)
Guide post of the Soul:
1. Whipping boys were usually servants of rich master, who used them as surrogate stand in for their children when it came to punishment, as it was seen as shameful to leave lasting bruising and could affect marital proposals with other nobility. On a semi-connected note, Aizen's story does bare more than a few similarities involving a moral story about a whipping boy, who was a hard worker and after having a brief switch in roles with his master, both gain an appreciates for the other and become friends. Sadly, this is not the case in this story.
2. A bioshock reference and another parallelism, this time with Andrew Ryan. A man chooses a slave obeys indeed, and while Sosuke Aizen could not choose rapture, he still choose the impossible by grabbing his own destiny.