A.N.: This story was commissioned by Anonymous. Please see my bio page for information if you want a paid commission done.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

12 Brides and a Strawberry

Chapter 18

Hueco Mundo

"Renji did WHAT?!"

Ichigo stood in the throne room of Las Noches. In front of him was Halibel and the Tres Bestia while Nelliel stood beside him. Ruddborn guarded the door and Grimmjow resumed his spot on the side of the room, keeping himself out of the conversation until he felt like wanted to be a part of it.

As soon as Ichigo arrived, the girls wasted no time in letting Ichigo know what'd happened when Renji visited them. Hearing Renji's ploy made Ichigo's blood boil. His mind instantly went to Rukia and how she would feel if she found out what her boyfriend was doing; at least when Ichigo was roped into his twelve marriages he wasn't in a committed relationship.

Walking over to the wall Grimmjow was leaning against, Ichigo punched it hard, cracking the black stone. Grimmjow said nothing, merely looking at Ichigo with an eyebrow raised. "Goddamn that idiot! What is his fucking malfunction?!"

Nel walked over and put a hand on Ichigo's shoulder, trying to get him to calm down before he started to tear the place apart in a rage. "Ichigo, please calm yourself. Take deep breaths."

But it was impossible for Ichigo to keep his cool. Renji's antics were beginning to become too much for Ichigo to simply stand there and take it. "How can I? He's my friend, Nel! And he's…" Turning away, he balled his hands into fists. Ichigo couldn't believe Renji would go this far. It was clear that this wasn't just about being angry about Ichigo's marriage. This was something else.

Punching the wall again, Ichigo turned around and looked at Nel. "Open a Garganta to the Soul Society. It's time I went and had a talk to Renji." He cracked his knuckles as his anger boiled over. "And by talk, I mean I'm going to knock some goddamn sense into him!"

However, Nel's expression hardened and she shook her head in refusal. "Ichigo, no." She spoke with a harder tone to her voice rather than her softer, gentler voice. "Fighting Renji is not the answer."

"Nel, this has gone on long enough. He being mad at me marrying you is bad enough but at least that was done by Kyoraku and Kisuke for a good reason. Renji is just being selfish and it needs to stop!"

Halibel walked over them. "Correct. And while Renji's actions are deplorable and he is your friend, he is not your responsibility."

"What are you talking about? He's my friend, of course he's my responsibility!"

"If Renji was another Human or a Substitute, I would agree. But you've forgotten something critical, Ichigo: Renji is a soldier. He's a member of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. When it comes down to it, the responsibility of how to handle him falls to his commanding officers. This goes beyond just you. This involves the Seireitei. As such, you are neither at fault for his actions nor are you the one who should do something about it."

Halibel's rational had the intended effect. Mulling on his bride's words, Ichigo cooled his jets. "I guess. But I-"

Nel took hold of Ichigo's hand. "Ichigo, I know you feel responsible for what your friends do but Halibel's right. The burden doesn't fall to you."

"We told you what happened because you had a right to know. But we didn't tell you just so you can storm into Squad Six and trash the place in a battle. I know you held back when you and I fought, Ichigo, but I know even as we were crossing blades you could have crushed me had you chose."

Nel scratched the back of her head. "I don't know if it's a good idea for you to fight Renji. He's become really powerful too." Her thoughts drifted back to when they invaded the Royal Palace. The spiritual pressure she felt from Renji's battle with Uryu made her worry that even she might not stack up against the lieutenant. Squad Zero's training was no joke.

Grimmjow rolled his eyes. "Bullshit. Kurosaki is powerful enough to bench press the fucking moon! I sized up that red baboon when he showed up. If you don't puss out like when you fought Halibel, there shouldn't be any contest."

It was weird for Ichigo to hear Grimmjow give him a backhanded compliment. He mulled his bride's words over and took a deep breath, knowing that Halibel and Nel were right. "Okay. But if this keeps up, I have to take action," he quickly said.

A snicker came from the blue-haired man. "You sure about that? Your bitches have you whipped."

"Shut up, Grimmjow."

"Make me. Or do you need your women to give you permission?" Grimmjow grinned evilly while making a whipping motion with his hand.

Halibel rolled her eyes. "Ignore him, Ichigo. Nel," the queen turned to her confidant/fellow bride. "Go take Ichigo back to his quarters and help him calm down. We've already alerted the Soul Society of Renji's actions. There's nothing else we can do but watch how things play out. I sent Sung-Sun to help with the next wedding preparations," Halibel added, since she knew Ichigo was wondering where his third Hollow bride had gone.

Nel led Ichigo away while Grimmjow continued to make whipping sounds. Halibel looked at her comrade in disgust. "Must you be so aggravating?"

Grimmjow simply shrugged. "What? He won't fight me so I have to get my kicks somehow."

"Rgh…" Rolling her eyes, Halibel left the throne room to attend to her queenly responsibilities. As she walked, she contemplated the situation they were all in and started to mumble to herself. "The Soul Society had best do something about that man soon. Should he do something stupid to those Ichigo cares about, I doubt even Grimmjow would have the strength to stop him from tearing him apart…"

Ichigo was led to the bedroom he shared with Halibel. Leading her future husband over to the bed, Nel sat down on the edge and took a seat next to him. "Breathe, Ichigo."

Balling his hands into fists again, Ichigo closed his eyes and did as his bride instructed. He took deep breaths, letting his angry thoughts pass through him. Nel's hand on his shoulder and her calming presence helped soothe him. "Okay," he said after a minute, opening his hands. "I'm fine."

"I know that this is hard for you, Ichigo. I could tell even back when we met just how much of a friend you regard him. I don't know what's going on in his head but you cannot succumb to rage."

"You're right. I know I don't want to admit it but…you're right."

Smiling in turn, Nel stood up and slid onto Ichigo's lap. She pressed their foreheads together and stared deeply into his eyes. "It'll be alright, Ichigo. If you ever feel like you're slipping, I'll be there to help you."

Ichigo's arms wrapped around his greenette bride. "Nel…"

"Shhhhh…I was told by Halibel to help calm you down. And I always obey my queen," she said with a smirk.

Smiling back, Ichigo trailed a hand up her back. "Thanks, Nel."

"Anytime, Ichigo."

Substitute and Arrancar shared a sweet kiss. Ichigo leaned back and let Nel lay on top of him while he ran a hand through her soft green hair. They rolled onto their sides and continued to make out while cuddling, Nel doing everything in her power to take her fiancé's mind off of things…

Meanwhile…
Soul Society; Squad Six

Despite Renji's threat, Rukia strolled right into her boyfriend's squad with a determined look on her face. Behind her was Orihime, who was there for much needed moral support. Reaching the door to the captain's office, Rukia took a deep breath to steady her nerves. She looked back at Orihime, who gave her an encouraging nod. Readying herself, Rukia knocked on the door.

"Enter."

Opening the door, Rukia stepped into Byakuya's office. Her brother sat behind his desk, scribbling away at paperwork. "Hello, Byakuya. Please forgive our intrusion but we need to speak to you."

Looking up at his guests, Byakuya set down his pen and gestured for his sister and her friend to sit. "What is the matter, Rukia?" The man asked the question but it was pretty clear from the look on his face that he knew what the answer was.

"It's…it's about Renji."

Leaning back in his chair, Byakuya gave a rare sigh. "I thought so. I could tell that the relationship between you two has become frayed but…"

Byakuya wasn't blind. He could tell that his lieutenant's actions were taking a massive toll on his sister's health, both physically and mentally. He'd hoped that once Renji saw that they were going ahead with Kyoraku's wedding plans for Ichigo regardless of his objections that he would simmer down and learn to deal with it but he clearly wasn't getting the message.

Rukia swallowed the lump in her throat. She hated having to talk to Byakuya about this; it felt like she was giving up on her relationship with Renji. But Renji had pushed her to her breaking point and it was time to call for help. "Yes. I think Renji's attitude has spiraled into a dark obsession. He's becoming consumed by his jealousy of Ichigo."

"Yes. It's become clear to all of us that Renji is losing himself," said Byakuya with a grim nod.

Looking at her brother worryingly, Rukia asked her next question. "What's going to happen to him?" She was reluctant to tell him what happened at Askin's café. She already risked having Renji suffer to the wrath of Ichigo and if Byakuya knew what he said, he'd be absolutely livid.

Looking at the two girls, Byakuya didn't want give them soft platitudes of how "it'll be fine". They were grown women and would handle the truth, come what may. "Renji has much to explain. He's snuck into the Head-Captain's office unbidden and contacted the Royal Guard and we learned from Nelliel that he entered Hueco Mundo without our permission to demand a Hollow bride of his own."

Orihime's jaw hung low while Ruka's face turned red with anger. "Renji did WHAT?!"

Byakuya eyes betrayed the anger he was also feeling. "This goes beyond mere anger at having his friend being forced to marry our former enemies. His actions have jeopardized the peace treaty that Head-Captain Kyoraku has worked so hard to make. There will be consequences."

Cooling down for a moment, Rukia slumped in her chair. "I can't believe this…Renji, why?"

Orihime put a hand on Rukia's shoulder for support. "Rukia…"

"What's…what's going to happen to him? He's not going to be arrested, is he?"

Thinking about it for a moment, Byakuya shook his head. "Unlikely. The Soul Society is in the midst of rebuilding. Our forces have been decimated by the Vandenreich. Renji has proven himself to be a much needed asset to the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. His strength is not something we can simply let go of." However, Byakuya's expression hardened. "But one does not do what Renji does and not face consequences. If he continues this reckless actions, I will have no problem putting him in his place."

"I…see…"

Byakuya leaned forward and gave his sister a sympathetic look. "Rukia, I can tell that your relationship with Renji has been affecting you."

"Yes…" Rukia looked down at the floor ashamedly. She couldn't tell him of Renji's earlier actions or how he hurt her when they were in bed together.

"Rukia, if you believe that Renji isn't making you happy and wish to break off your relationship, you have my support."

The girl looked up at her older brother. She could tell that Byakuya was being serious about her leaving Renji. "I see…well, I haven't fully made up my mind," she said, though in her heart, she knew the truth already.

"I spoke with Head-Captain Kyoraku earlier. He's agreed to give you a leave of absence until we can get this mess with Renji all sorted out. Orihime," he addressed Ichigo's wife for the first time. "Would it be alright if Rukia stayed with you? I believe that she needs all the support she can get. And I can think of no better people to give it to her than you and Ichigo."

Orihime happily nodded. "Yes! Rukia's more than welcome to stay with us. We've plenty of room."

Byakuya nodded in understanding. "Thank you. May I have a moment alone with Rukia?"

"Of course. I'll be right outside."

Standing up, the married teen left the office to leave the two Kuchikis alone. "Rukia, I can tell from how you've been acting that your heart is being pulled in two different ways. Whatever you choose, I support you."

Realizing just what her brother was saying, Rukia nodded. Standing up, she bowed in thanks. "Thank you, brother. If you'll excuse me, I need to get packed and ready to leave."

"You may go. Leave Renji to us."

Byakuya watched his sister leave, waiting until the door was closed before he stood up. Sighing, the captain stood up out of his chair and walked over to the window. Looking out across the distance, his thoughts turned to his insubordinate right-hand man. "Renji…" His expression hardened as he put a hand on Senbonzakura's hilt.

"If you have truly hurt Rukia, you will pay the price."

Meanwhile…

In another section of the Seireitei, Renji stomped his way down the street. His spiritual pressure mirrored his volatile behavior, causing many of his subordinates to move out of the way from the terrifying lieutenant. He was still livid after being rejected by Halibel and seeing Rukia hanging out with Orihime. 'Fine then! If she wants to bow to our enemies, then she won't have any problem if I get friendly with some of her subordinates!'

Before Renji could do something stupid, he felt something tap his leg. "Going somewhere, Renji?"

Gravity suddenly pulled at Renji's right leg. "Ngh! What the hell?!" His leg felt heavier, as if he was dragging an invisible ball and chain. "Wait, this is-" Looking up, he glared at the man who'd attacked him. "Izuru! Just what the hell are you doing?!"

The resurrected lieutenant of Squad Three, Izuru Kira, stared intensely at his friend. In his hand was a released Wabisuke, having used its power to weigh down Renji's leg. The Soul Reaper wore a hood that obscured most of his face, his Shihakusho now thicker and sporting long sleeves. His black, prosthetic hand gripped his zanpakuto while he glared down at Renji was the man struggled to remain upright with a quarter of his body now heavier. "Sorry about this, Renji. But I didn't want you running away."

Renji glared daggers at his friend. "Izuru! What is this?"

"You of all people should know about my Wabisuke," pointed out the blonde man.

"I know what your zanpakuto does! What I want to know is why?!"

With his sword still released, Izuru grabbed the collar of Renji's uniform with his real hand. "We need to talk. And you're coming with me."

Everyone on the street watched in terrified fascination as Izuru dragged Renji away. The redhead angrily yelled but there was nothing he could do. He knew better than to try to pull his sword out; at this close range, Izuru would just make that heavy too.

Izuru dragged him all the way to the Squad Three barracks. They passed by his captain, who looked at his lieutenant curiously but made no move to stop his subordinate as Izuru dragged him into his squad's conference room.

Renji yelped as he was dumped into a chair. Looking around, he saw they weren't alone. Sitting across from him at the conference table were his old friend, Momo, and his mentor, Ikkaku. Izuru sealed his sword to let Renji let his sore leg return to its normal weight. He sheathed his sword and took a seat. "If you think about getting violent, Renji, I will weigh you down again."

"Ikkaku. Momo. Izuru. Just what is this?"

Sitting back in his chair, Ikkaku stared at his former subordinate. "Consider this an intervention."

"Intervention? For what?"

Despite being so shy and modest, Momo stood her ground. "Renji, you have been spiraling. Your actions have been…rather distressing."

"My actions? For what? For not wanting Ichigo to be married to our enemies? Am I the only one who forgot just what those Quincies did to us? They killed Head-Captain Yamamoto! They slaughtered thousands of our comrades! And suddenly everyone wants to make peace with them? Just because Kyoraku had to join forces one time against that Tokinada guy, suddenly they're on our side? AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO FORGOT WHAT THEY DID?!"

Everyone jumped when Izuru suddenly stood up, the sound of his chair scrapping the floor loudly before he walked around the table. He leaned forward until his dark eyes stared into Renji's. "I'm going to ask you keep your voice down. We are not here to fight you. We are here to help you. If you keep screaming like a toddler, I will restrain you. Understand?"

Seeing how serious Izuru was, Renji reluctantly nodded. The lieutenant turned around and sat back down in his chair, gesturing for Momo to continue.

Clearing her throat, Momo continued, "We're worried you're going to get into trouble if you keep this up. We know you snuck into the Head-Captain's office and contacted Squad Zero. And how you've gone to Hueco Mundo."

Ikkaku turned his head to the side. "Gotta say, that took guts. I don't think I've got the balls to walk up to a Hollow Queen and ask to marry one of her Arrancars…"

Momo shot him a look to quiet Ikkaku down. "Renji, we haven't forgotten what the Vandenreich has done. I mean…how can you ask that when Izuru is sitting right there?!"

"And that's my point, Momo! Izuru, did you know that the Quincy who killed you is alive? Kisuke brought him back to life!" Renji said, pointing to Izuru's black hand. "How can you just sit there and be okay with that? And that fact that he's now living in the same house as Ichigo, the one who saved us!"

"But Renji!" Momo scowled at her friend. "That Quincy, including the ones who fought Ichigo, helped us get to the Royal Palace! And the Quincy who killed Izuru was killed in turn by the Quincies too!"

"Yeah, after Yhwach turned on them. And after they killed so many people. Don't act like Yhwach betraying the Stern Ritter absolves their crimes, Momo. We should have finished what we started after the battle was over."

Sighing, Momo looked over at Ikkaku. "Ikkaku, do you have anything you wanna say?"

The bald lieutenant of Squad Eleven was silent for a moment. "I dunno, Momo. Both of you make good arguments. I ain't forgotten what those girls did to Captain Zaraki. Or what that Zombie freak did to Captain Hitsugaya. Personally, I still haven't forgiven Head-Captain Kyoraku for freeing Aizen. So it's a hard ask from him to just accept some peace treaty after everything went down the way it did. Ichigo told me the zombie girl's not allowed near his new home but I didn't like the idea of forcing Ichigo into marrying them. Renji's right to be mad. We all do."

Renji's expression softened, hearing Ikkaku agree with him. "Then we should all go to Head-Captain Kyoraku and tell him to put a stop to this."

Ikkaku raised an eyebrow. "You ain't got a problem with Ichigo marrying Hollows, do you?"

"Well…" Renji thought about it for a hard moment to gather his feelings on the matter. "It's different with that. Nel is a good friend and I think…" Looking at Momo, he chose his next words carefully, "I think we all learned that not all Hollows are evil, just how not all Soul Reapers are good. I don't really like the idea of Ichigo marrying that Fullbringer either after what she did to Rukia. But the Quincies are where I draw the line."

Momo interjected. "But that's not your choice! It's Ichigo's!"

"Ichigo's-" Balling his hands into fists, Renji tried to tamp down his anger towards his so-called "friend". He looked at his three comrades and calmed himself. "He's thinking with his dick. You give a guy that young twelve beautiful women and of course he'll go along with it!"

Ikkaku shook his head. "Nah, Renji. He's old enough to make his own decisions. We can't just treat Ichigo like a child. Besides…" The man's head tilted to the side as he stared at Renji. "Is that really the reason you hate him?"

"Why would I…"

"Because you're jealous. And it's consuming you."

All eyes turned to Izuru, who sat back in his chair as he doled out the truth. "You're jealous of Ichigo because he's accomplished everything you tried and failed to do." Momo opened her mouth to stop him but he held up his black hand to stop her. "This isn't about the Quincies. This is about Ichigo getting everything and you getting nothing."

Renji said nothing. He sat there glaring at Izuru who was unaffected by his anger. "When you and Captain Kuchiki went to find Rukia, you tried to kill Ichigo because, as you told me, he made her have a "human expression." Then when she was sentenced to death, you tried to erase her crime by killing Ichigo when he came to save her, thinking that'd cause her powers to return. But you failed. Badly," he added, twisting the knife. "Then you resolved to rescue Rukia yourself, only to not only fall to your captain but be upstaged by Ichigo once again as he not only saved Rukia, but defeated the man you spent your whole life yearning to surpass. Ichigo has something with Rukia that you could never have."

Ikkaku and Momo both stared at Izuru with worried eyes as he continued to spell it out for her. "When Head-Captain Kyoraku called for volunteers to marry Ichigo, you saw Rukia hesitate. You saw her wonder if she should forgo her relationship to you and be Ichigo's betrothed. I know you did." He glanced over at his two fellow lieutenants. "We all did. And that's when you broke. You realized she loved Ichigo and compared to him, you'd always be second in her heart when compared to him."

A grim silence filled the room. Renji's face turned bright red, almost matching his hair. He said nothing, merely slamming his hand against the table before getting up and storming out of the room. Ikkaku merely shook his head while Momo sighed miserably. "That didn't go well. Izuru!" She turned to her old friend. "Why did you say such things to Renji?"

"He needed to hear the truth. From us. We can't sugarcoat it, Momo. If he can't handle the truth, then that's on him."

"Maybe so…but I'm worried he's going to do something reckless."

The three sat around the table, knowing it was too late to stop Renji. They could only hope that their friend would listen to their words and try to calm down before he did something really stupid.

Meanwhile…

Karakura Town; Ichigo's Manor

Ichigo and Nel returned to their new home after Nel spent an hour calming down her fiancé before they needed a quick shower together. Hearing noise from the ballroom, they stepped inside and saw most of the brides as well as Askin and Bazz-B, setting up decorations. Not only was the group staying at the manor there, but also the Vizards staying in Karakura Town. "Hey guys, what's all this?"

"What's it look like? We're getting ready for Rangiku's wedding reception," said Riruka as she arranged the flowers.

"We're having the reception here? I thought we were going to do this in the Soul Society?"

Rangiku, who was delegating everyone, set down her clipboard and walked over to her fiancé. "Well, we're going to have the wedding in the Soul Society. But I figured since we're going to honeymoon here in the World of the Living, it'd be best to have the reception here."

"I see. Well, what do you need me and Nel to do?"

The strawberry blonde turned to a few boxes sitting nearby. "Well, you guys could take those decorations and hang them-"

"Oh! Hey, guys!"

All eyes turned to the door and they saw Orihime and Rukia walking in. The nervous look on Rukia's face faded when she saw Ichigo, blushing as Orihime ran up and hugged him. "Um…Rukia's going to be staying with us for a couple of days. Is that going to be alright with everyone?"

The group collectively told Ichigo's first wife they had no objections and Rangiku quickly got everyone to get back to work. Meninas, Rukia and Bambietta all worked at a table setting it up. "Why're you here, Rukia? Shouldn't you be running a squad or something?" asked Bambietta as she opened up a box.

"Oh, Kiyone and Sentaro have things under control. I'm on leave for the moment and just want to relax here with Orihime."

Turning her head, the E Stern Ritter gave Rukia a knowing look. "You're bad at lying. You know that?"

"Huh?"

Picking up her box, Bambietta walked away. "I ain't got time for people in denial. I'm going to see if my husband needs anything."

Rukia watched her leave before Meninas nudged her with an elbow. "Ignore her. She's always been a total bitch."

"R-right," said Rukia as she tried hard not to stare over at a nearby table where Ichigo, Orihime and Bambietta were setting up. Her heart started to beat fast every time she looked at Ichigo, her eyes going to both his wedding band and the colored tattoos on his arms signifying his marriages to his other wives. 'I should ask Orihime to come with me and talk to Ichigo. Maybe the three of us can figure out this problem with Renji.'

Fate, however, was not so kind. The door to the ballroom flew open. Everyone turned and stared at Renji as he walked into the room. "Renji? What are you doing here?" The last she heard, Momo and Renji's other friends were supposed to be talking with him to get Renji to calm down. But it was impossible to know if it'd worked since Renji's face was unreadable.

Staring at the collection of Humans, Arrancars and Quincies, Renji gritted his teeth before he focused his attention on Ichigo. He walked over to the young man and crossed his arms. "We need to talk."

Walking around the table, Ichigo stood in front of his old friend and stared intently at him. "Go ahead."

"I'm angry, Ichigo. I know I've been a jackass lately." Renji's gaze dropped for a brief moment, giving Rukia and Ichigo hope that maybe he'd done some self-reflection. However, he looked back up and continued his tirade. "So I want you to know exactly why I'm so angry and why I want you to stop this nonsense."

"Go on."

"I am so SICK of you getting all the credit! First Aizen, then the Vandenreich! Me, Rukia and everyone else fought just the same, yet you're the only one who's lauded with praise. You're the one who gets the harem and all the accolades. What about guys like me and Shuhei? Huh? Where's Shuhei's gift of whores after he stopped Tokinada?"

Bambietta's eyes lit up with fury. "Excuse me?!" She stepped forward but Askin put a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

Renji's eyes turned to Rukia and she could feel the hurt inside of him as he stared at her before he looked back at Ichigo. "Rukia always said it was you who saved her life. Even though I tried with all my might to stop the execution. I got cut down by my own captain, then almost killed again by Aizen, the one man I thought I could trust. But I thought afterward that I made a friend that I could count on." He glanced over at the Quincies behind him. "But you turned your back on every Soul Reaper when you decided to jump into bed with the Quincy, after all they've done to us."

"Am I jealous? Yes. At first I was jealous. But now?" He stepped closer until Ichigo could feel his hot breath hit his face. "I hate you. Do you have any idea, ANY IDEA, how it feels after dedicating my whole life to something, only to have some punk kid show up and outclass me in every way and take the love of my life away from me and be rewarded every step of the way?!"

Rukia's face turned red hot. She could feel everyone's eyes turn towards her and she couldn't do anything but stare at the floor.

"But now I've had it." Renji's lips formed a sick smile. "But I realized just one thing I can get you as a wedding present: a challenge. You. Me. RIGHT NOW!"

To be continued…

Omake

Fit for a King

While Ichigo was still in Hueco Mundo…

"Uh guys? What is this?" asked Ichigo as he stood in the throne room.

After letting Nel ease his nerves, they returned to the throne room of Las Noches before they headed back home. When they returned, they noticed a new addition. Sitting next to Halibel's throne was a second white seat.

"What? You are going to be my husband, after all. That makes you the King of Hueco Mundo. And what kind of king would you be without a throne?"

"I guess," Ichigo scratched the back of his head. The idea of him of all people ruling as a king seemed really silly. "But where'd you get the throne? Did Apacci or Mila Rose make it?"

"No, actually. When I took over Las Noches, I removed Aizen's throne in exchange for one of my own." Halibel sat down in her throne and gestured to Ichigo's. "It's only fitting, isn't it? You defeated Aizen so you deserve his throne."

It felt weirdly macabre for Ichigo to sit in Aizen's throne. But he could tell that Halibel was very serious about it and decided to oblige her. He took a seat on the throne, reclining back in it. "Well? What do you think?"

Shifting for a moment, Ichigo couldn't help but let his discomfort be known. "I think Aizen must have not have had much of an ass after sitting on this thing. It's hard as hell."

Meanwhile…

Muken

Deep in the depths of the underground prison, Sosuke Aizen was back on his cross, albeit with his face uncovered. In the darkness of Muken, his sneeze was barely heard.

"Hmmm…" Aizen thought about it for a moment. He was immortal so he couldn't possibly catch a cold down here. That meant that someone somewhere was talking smack about him. And he had a good idea who. "Ichigo better not be sitting in my chair…"

END