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Chapter Text

As the silver arrowhead quivered in his grip, the bow drawn taught over a lithe body.

 One final chance.

 The Deus ex Machina of Deus ex Machina’s if it had ever been one. It had come down to this - one shot with less than a split-second reaction time for Kurosaki to finish off the Quincy that had essentially become God.

He released the arrowhead as it swiftly traveled toward its target. 

As black inky tendrils shot forth from the ground, swallowing the Soul Society and Uryu’s fellow compatriots, the gloating of the Quincy King came to a halt as the arrowhead swiftly pierced through him. The Quincy king slightly stuttered, “What the - What is this .” The apparent development revealed that Ywach’s pride could not have prepared him for this moment, even if his Almighty Power could have. 

Sweat poured down Uryu's brow, but it had worked . The reaction of the God-like being is evidence of this fact. “KUROSAKI!” He could not allow the shinigami to miss this opportunity, “NOW!” The Orange-headed shinigami launched at the Quincy King; with no fear or hesitancy in his movements.

But it had been too late. The pure anxiousness Uryu felt was palpable, the many thoughts running through his head had stilled to one:

He wasn’t going to make it in time.

As much as the Quincy trusts Kurosaki’s speed and abilities, there was no way in all three Worlds that he could manage such an impossible feat. Uryu’s eyes became saucers as the omnipotence of the Quincy before him and his unyielding insurance in his victory had snapped something in Uryu.  The sheer strength the Quincy King exuded while being stuck in such a state overshadowed the slightest ounce of hope he held that this bat-shit crazy plan would work. He should’ve known that the Silver Still would only stumble the divine being, he shouldn’t have so readily all his faith in something so feeble. He shouldn’t have just believed that Ichigo would be able to defeat any monster that came across his path; that conviction in his friend shattered as he watched the beaten and broken form of Ichigo trail after Ywach.

Uryu contemplates their choices up till now, eyes glazing over as he watches the shinigami charge the Quincy. Ywach’s “Almighty” power already ensured his victory over the shinigami, what good could Kurosaki do now? There was nobody in this- this dimension that could even compare to his sheer presence. Aizen had somehow managed to hold his own for only a few mere minutes. So what could a puny shinigami hybrid do against such magnificence? His face scrunches in despair as he falls to the ground. They should’ve given up by now; resistance was futile. Why had they dared put up a fight after the massacre of their allies? 

He winces even more as he hears the shattering of Zangetsu. His eyes become saucers as he looks towards the battle; fists clenched at his side while he listens to the bellowing laughter of Ywach. The All-Powerful Quincy just destroyed the blade with nothing but his bare hands. Uryu's eyes snap shut, head lolling to the ground, but only to quickly open. There’s a drastic shift in the spiritual pressure of the Godly being, his eyes are only met with the rubble of the ground beneath him. It makes his body shudder as a sharp inhale of breath is all Uryu hears before the squelching of flesh and bone silences his thoughts. That sound - such a sound could only be made by that of a blade. His head flicks up, eyes wide open, and he sees - he sees

Kurosaki’s triumphant body looms over the corpse of the once Almighty, Ywach. 

Tears flood his eyes. 

Kurosaki did it.

  Ichigo ACTUALLY did it.

Uryu's attention drags away from Kurosaki’s form as he observes the stark change in Ichigo’s zanpakuto. The once thick, magnificent blade had the metal all but stripped, revealing the khyber-like zanpakuto, blood now covering its surface. He cracked a smile; that particular blade, in itself, had been a testament to Kurosaki's growth and had only just transformed into its true state of being. Now, it had been reduced to something that seemed, somehow, more fitting for this battle. It was the original Zangetsu. That blade was the one that the entirety of the Soul Society had known to be their saviors. That same blade had defeated the most powerful enemy of the Soul Society they had ever seen. Uryu would’ve laughed if not entirely stressed and fatigue from the battle practically overriding his mind. 

At last - a long last - he was dead. It was all over.

An unholy screech of pure agony and frustration snaps Uryu from his own musings as he watches Ichigo, the shinigami was practically shaking in place. His triumph, one that could be considered “death-defying”, had obviously taken a toll on him, but the same fact stands for all of those participating in this bloody, brutal war.

A streak of red darted toward Ichigo as the man stumbled slightly on his feet, trying to walk toward his fellow Shinigami. Renji places a supportive hand to hold Ichigo’s waist, pulling most of the other man’s mass onto his own worn body. They both clutch softly at the many injuries they shared from the brutal battle; while doing so, they exchange soft hushed words as Uryu watches in awe of his friend. It may not be the first time Ichigo had done something so drastic that it could or had changed the fate of the three worlds; yet, the fact he still managed it in itself is extraordinary.

Ichigo slumps into Renji slightly as Uryu hears the soft, joyful,  tone transforming into a slightly melancholy one as laughter arose out of both of them. It rang out across the area; tears spilling out from both shinigamis’ eyes while doing so. Uryu could understand their sentiments since he, as well, was still wiping away his tears. Ichigo continued to laugh with Renji, like school children without a care in the world. Their laughter made the sight rather somber; the many others who would’ve gladly laughed with them if they were still here. Such a notion that they had won , an impossible feat none of them found even remotely achievable, may let those who passed rest easy.

Breathing in deeply, slowly making his way to his feet, Uryu wipes his tear-stained cheeks with his gloved hands. He, although shakily, begins his descent toward his fellow comrades who noticed him and decidedly waved him over. The slight tremble of his feet was not unexpected, but when his hair stood up on the back of his neck he sensed the looming presence nearby. The ominous, lurking presence of something dangerous had been watching him. The quiver in his knees was back as his eyes snapped to the figure mere feet away from him. He furrowed his brows for a moment, trying desperately to see through his cracked glasses, before recognizing the monster that lay just below those seals. Although Uryu knew the being before him was nowhere near the level of Yhwach, his body began to involuntarily freeze - as if prey knew death was near -  in the bastards’ presence. He makes out the form clad in a black garment, something white draped over its shoulders. Although he could now clearly see the figure before him, the reiatsu was so recognizable he would know it blind. 

Aizen Sōsuke.

Snapping out of his fear-induced state, Ishida reared back towards the man - who only minorly regarded him. Uryu inhaled heavily, adrenaline now beginning to seep back into his exhausted body, while Ichigo - none the wiser - continued to call out to his Quincy friend, “Uryu! What the hell is taking you so long?” The shinigami's words fell on deaf ears as the Quincy’s eyes roamed the expanse of the absolutely mutilated state the ex-shinigami was in. The middle of his torso had been, for lack of a better word, removed. Not only that, but anything below the tricep of his left arm, he had presumed was lost in battle - a slight casualty considering the stakes. 

The traitor stood before Ishida, in his precarious brutalized state, looking blankly at him; not evening noting the damage to his own body. Piercing brown eyes raked over Uryu’s body before the man doubled over coughing up a mass amount of crimson liquid that he promptly, and somehow gracefully, spat out on the dirt below them. The man managed to keep his head high, and without so much as a glance in Uryu’s direction, his gaze landed on Ichigo’s fiery warm eyes. 

Apparently, in Uryu’s panic, he had missed the surplus of reiatsu Kurosaki gave out in order to dissuade Aizen from moving any further. The light brown eyes turned to gaze at the cold, dark ones Aizen held. The wind seemed to stop in this silent battle between the two as a treaty was swiftly made between the two; but it only seemed to do nothing but amuse the ex-shinigami, as both Renji and Ichigo clumsily shunpoed towards them in order to clear things up. Before Ichigo could even open his mouth, A voice called to them from over the horizon,  “ICHIGO! RENJI! Where the hell are you two?” The two gingers swiftly snapped toward the skyline where Rukia’s voice echoed. 

Her, rather small and generally unharmed, form reached the edge of the massive crater. Upon seeing the duo, she quickly shunpoed towards them - tears streaming in her eyes. She leaps into Renji’s arms, pulling her dear friend close into her embrace. Renji sighs deeply, “Glad your okay.” Rukia nods, “Yeah, you too.” Ichigo scoffs lightly at the exchange, “Well it’s nice to see you to pipsqueak.” Rukia’s eyes snap to Ichigo, as she quickly tries to turn away from Renji who catches her, “ What did you just call me? Listen here shithead-” She tries to escape from Renji’s grip, raring to beat the - rather placid - shinigami teasing her. Ichigo lets out a soft chuckle as Renji desperately tries to hold on to the little shinigami clawing at his arm, he’s begging her to stop scratching him, which is followed by an oof as she elbows him in the side. It looks as though if Ichigo could, he’d be cackling at Rukia’s threats of death toward him. His attention is drawn away, however, as his eyes dart over to the horizon. 

Rukia stills when she sees the shinigami’s attention snap away, she crosses her arms and goes limp in Abari’s hold on her. Renji sighs in relief. She snarls at Aizen before a smile crosses her lips as she feels the reiatsu coming from over the ridge. 

Aizen doesn’t even bother to glance at the figures coming their way, his eyes remain flitting over to Kurosaki every few minutes while just standing there, complaisantly. Ishida, who had been side-eyeing the figure observing them, would say his looming presence ought to be menacing - that his unassuming compliance was in fact a rouse to catch them off-guard. He had intended to bring the monster up with the group, to discuss what they should do about him, but had been interrupted before being able to do so.

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Two male figures and a womanly one with long flowing hair called out to the group. Ichigo cupped one of his hands over his mouth, “HEY, we’re down here!” He used that same good arm to wave them down, the three figures had run towards the small group after hearing Ichigo’s call. Renji was still holding Rukia before she wiggled out of it. Stepping towards Kurosaki, she looks at Ichigo with proud eyes, “You did good substitute.” The said substitute laughs, “I know.” He says snidely. Rukia rolls her eyes and lets out a huff, “Just take the damn compliment fool .” The duo fistbump as the three figures of Inoue, Chad, and Ganju near them. Orihime practically lights up as she calls out, “Ichigo!” She ran ahead and squeezed Ichigo into a hug so tight his damaged ribs groan. He let out a slight hiss so as to not disturb the girl, but oh how she has a death grip on him. The others wince at their friend’s pain.

Inoue softens the grip, but her eyes pop open at everybody staring at them, and swiftly takes a step back, her face a bright red as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. She then assesses Ichigo, the brown-eyed shinigami swings an arm over Ganju’s shoulder and nods at Chad. “Ichigo,” she says in a serious tone, he regards her with a brow furrowed, “Are you okay?” Kurosaki cracks a smirk, “Never felt better.” 

Renji scoffs at the notion. The red-haired shinigami had been with Ichigo while training under Squad 0, a grueling task, and then followed his friend into a suicide mission - somehow managing to “team up” with Sosuke fucking Aizen to defeat the Quincy King. He must know the substitute shinigami must be suffering from both blood loss and low reiatsu levels. Renji can barely stay on his feet himself and he had watched as Ichigo took a hell of a beating. So, as is, Renji is honestly surprised that Kurosaki still hasn't passed out yet. But, that's typical for Ichigo.

Renji smirks as he looks at Orihime, “Don’t let him kid you. That asshole had been pushed way past his limits for this fight.” Ichigo gives him a dirty look as Orihime pipes up, “Oh! Well in that case-” She raises her hand in order for Shun Shun Reika to encapsulate his body, but Ichigo lifted his good arm in an attempt to deter her action. 

Orihime lowers her arms slowly, eyes wide. She was slightly dismayed but confused about why her friend would deny her help. Her face must’ve given away her thoughts since Ichigo quickly replies, “Not that I don’t appreciate it Orihime, I really do; but-” his eyes land on Aizen, who only tilts his head slightly at the gaze, “we have more pressing matters-’ his eyes linger on the missing limb and hole in Aizens torso, ‘to deal with.” A keener eye could’ve witnessed the slight cracking of lips as if to speak, yet Aizen instead stifled his tongue in the nonchalant manner he always holds. 

Rukia’s head swiveled from Kurosaki’s eyes to the figure he was looking at. She looked back and forth in disbelief before yelling, “NO WAY!’ she pleads with Ichigo, eyes wide but her brows furrowed, ‘You cannot be serious right now.” There’s a harsh bite to her words. Renji crosses his arms and steps in front of both Aizen and Ichigo, back turned to Aizen as he faces Kurosaki; Ishida lets out a sharp gasp at the bold move. Chad and Ganju, unaware of the subtle staring contest between Aizen and Ichigo, look at each other in confusion. Orihime looked worryingly between Ichigo and the ex-shinigami. Before she can say anything, much to her dismay, she is cut off by Renji.“Yeah,’ Renji says, “I’m not gonna let that happen. I’ll be damned before I let you or Orihime help him.” Ichigo clicks his tongue leaning into Renji’s personal space, “That’s not your decision to make.”

Renji pushes Ichigo away from him, carefully enough not to jostle anything but enough to get his point across. “Why would she do that? ” he steps closer to Ichigo He’s practically screaming in his face now, “Why the hell would you help him?” Renji meets Kurosaki’s glare head-on, his index finger sternly pocking Ichigo in the chest “Do you not remember when you lost your powers defeating that- that PSYCHO ?” A weary sense of sadness passed over Ichigo, as he slaps Renji’s hand away “And? It’s not as if he was in his right mind in that fight.” Ganju mumbles under his breath, “ If he even has a ‘right mind’.” Ichigo clenches his teeth, “It was my decision to make! Even if it cost me a lot.” Ichigo’s grip is tight over his shattered Zangetsu, his knuckles turn white since he has clenched onto the hilt so hard. “And you know I would do it again .” 

What Ichigo doesn’t mention is when he lost his powers, given them up in actuality, it had been on par with losing his mother. His loss cost him almost everything; it was painful being so lonely in his own head, as crazy as it seems.

Aizen’s stern look softens, only slightly, at the exchange. Fire returns to Kurosaki’s eyes as Renji retorts, “Fine, he didn’t make you lose your powers. So what? He’s still a fucking WAR CRIMINAL!” There’s a quiet agreement at Abari’s words, Inoue biting the inside of her cheek nervously. Kurosaki yells back, “I’m one too!” Renji and Rukia go stock still as Ichigo continues, “You might have forgotten what I did, but I sure as HELL didn’t!” Rukia interjects before he can finish, “You may have broken the laws, but you didn’t plan on whipping the Soul Societ clean!” 

Renji asks Ichigo, practically pleading with him to stop this nonsense, “So why defend him? What has he ever done for you ?” Ichigo scoffs yet again, it’s not like the laws here are just anyways. He sighs deeply, almost regrettably, and says, “He helped save us.’ his voice softens, ‘Didn’t he?”  Ichigo pushes past Renji anger rising in his throat yet again, “Whether you like it or not, we would’ve all been dead without him.” 

The doe-eyed girl was quick to interject, but Ishida was swifter to sonido and covered her mouth with his hand. She ripped the unpleasant appendage from her mouth, “What the fuck do you think you're-” He shushes her. He watches as Kurosaki makes his way to Aizen and looks the man straight in the eye. Ichigo is practically toe-to-toe with Aizen, craning his head up to look at him, “I know Ywach came to you in the first place, before -’ Kurosaki motions to the destruction accompanying the surrounding world, ‘ all of this.” Ichigo looks back at Aizen, “But, you didn’t go with him. You-’ Kurosaki laughs at the thought slightly, ‘ -you actually refused to go with him. Said that you would rather rot in there.” Ichigo uses his hand to brush some blood and sweat dribbling from his temple back into his hair. Aizen stays quiet and still when Kurosaki meets his eyes again, “Why? Why help us?” 

It’s a simple question, truly. Sosuke narrows his eyes at the shinigami so close in front of him, “I have my own reasons.” the brown-haired man says smoothly.

 Kurosaki scans his face closely, looking for any hint of doubt or distrust in his eyes. “You could’ve capitalized off the chaos.” The blatant statement of truth sets Aizen on his guard, he stiffens if only minutely as his eyes darken while staring down at the shinigami. Ichigo steps back into a relaxed posture; he sensed the danger that would follow if he kept from inciting Aizen anymore. In a non-threatening motion, he crosses his arms to coddle the wounded one and asks,  “Why didn’t you? It’s not as if anyone would’ve had any way to stop you.” 

The group looks on, silent as they have this conversation. Renji understands why Ichigo would ask, but he knows Aizen wouldn’t give - injured or not. The man may like to monologue, but he’s smart enough to not give away his intentions while doing so. He clicks his tongue and crosses his arms, glancing over at Chad he sees the worried expression on his face. Raising an eyebrow, he looks towards Rukia for clarification; only to be met with Rukia and Ishida obsessing over every minute detail of the staredown between Aizen and Kurosaki. Their eyes cling to every shift of Aizens body and the haggard breath he takes. Chad, unaware of Renji, is actually aware of how Ichigo holds his hurt arm nonchalantly; he had permanently damaged his forearm when he tore the ligament from it defending him from thugs. He always held it in a certain position when it reached its breaking point yet again, but he never wanted anyone to worry so he hid it. He takes silent note of the reddish hue of the swollen limb. Ganju, in comparison, is reluctant to sit around and watch pointlessly; so, he talks to Orihime in a quiet voice. Somehow everybody missed her trembling except for him. “Is everything alright?” He asks in a hushed voice. She jumps at the questions, eyes wide and frightful before they land on Ganju’s confused ones, “Oh!’ she says nervously, ‘I’m fine.” “Listens, between me and you, you don’t look it.” The Shiba says, looking down at the girls still shaking hands. She looks down too, clenches her fist, and softens her eyes when she looks up, “I just -’ she looks back at the stand-off between Aizen and Ichigo yet again, “I can’t bare to see him hurt again.” It’s a lie, an obvious one. Ganju understands her though, in a situation like this it’s better to lie than come clean as it is. It can wait.

Aizen starts back up again, “Would you have rather me take control of the feeble place?” He has a slight smile and a glint in his eyes as he stares down at the shinigami.

Kurosaki blinks once, twice, then three times at the being in front of him. He doesn’t even seem unfazed by the antagonistic reply the traitor gave him, “Fine.” He says bluntly. He walks away, back turned towards him in blatant disregard of the great Aizen Sosuke. “But thanks anyway.” is all the shinigami says from over his shoulder. 

Aizen's facade trembled for a moment, out of anger or pain, it was yet to be known. Ichigo could only feel his eye barreling into him from the back of his skull, it was a burning sensation but easily ignored once he sighed deeply and saw the looks on his friend’s face. 

Rukia elbows her way through the posse, “You IDIOT !” She pulls him by the ear and starts screaming at him for a multitude of reasons. Renji sighs as he watches the two quarrel back and forth before going over to pull Rukia off of him; Chad follows him for backup. Orihime makes her move, she walks towards Aizen before her wrist is caught by a gloved hand, “What on Earth are you doing ?” She pulls away from the Quincy’s grip, “What I need to.” Is all she says as she makes her descent, all the while Ishida gawked at her. Ganju watches her, seeing her hands tremble slightly, but her steps do not falter. He turns away, trusting her judgment, and starts laughing at Ichigo as Chad and Renji struggle to get the little shinigami away from him.

“I still don’t like you.” This is the first thing Inoue says to Aizen, but she still raises her hands out and lets her Shun Shun Reika cast its golden light over him. “But I do trust Ichigo.” The girl looks tired, bags settling beneath her eyes. With her nerves frayed, her body trembles oh-so-slightly in Aizen’s presence. It’s obvious he terrifies her, but she would still heal the traitor regardless of the fact. He breathes easily when his chest is repaired, but his eyes never leave the form of Kurosaki; even when he splays out in the rubble with the Shiba and the abnormally large human. Orihime follows his eyes to see Ichigo occasionally swat away Rukia who sits down with them as Renji looks defeated by the interaction. Uryu is begging Ichigo to bind Aizen, or at least do something about the lingering figure . Ichigo scoffs at him and tells the neurotic Quincy where to shove it. Orihime’s attention flickers back to Aizen when his hand recovers he clenches it into a fist. He looks towards her in fake admiration, “Many thanks, Miss Inoue.” She swallows, looking a little perturbed, before stepping slightly backward and hurrying away toward her friends.  

Orihime strode over to the little group surrounding Ichigo, Uryu continually glares at Aizen - who has yet to make a move. Aizen glances over his shoulder at something, at the same time Ichigo gently lifts himself off the ground to greet the coming captains and other shinigami. 

When it is all said and done, Inoue had been whisked off by the 4th division before she could even talk to Ichigo. Without Unohana the casualties would be far higher than anyone would’ve dared dream of. They needed the resources desperately and took everyone who even had a little experience to save those who were on the brink of death: Ishida included, which surprised Ichigo more than anybody. They had staff running around like crazy. It wouldn’t matter how hard Isane tried, without a captain, they would continue to be in chaos. Ichigo had felt bad for the lieutenant but there wasn’t much that he could do to help.

Ganju had returned to check up on the Shiba clan, or what was left of it; it was really an excuse to tell Kukaku that he survived. Renji had already left since Byakuya called him away to look for the dead and do what he could to help the group morale of the division. Rukia had left straight after though. She had been delivered the somber statement of her captain’s passing and immediately rushed away to be at his side to mourn. She was on the verge of a breakdown as she hurried off without saying anything; Ichigo understood, and he knew he could do nothing to lessen the pain of a lost loved one. 

He hated feeling this useless.

He stumbles backward slightly as part of the 4th division scurries past him with another shinigami from the 11th division in a stretcher. He let out a sigh as he felt his eyelids become droopy, bringing up a shaking hand to try and rub away the sleepiness, albeit unsuccessfully. Chad noticed the movement, “You okay Ichigo?” Ichigo sighs, his usual scowl returning to his face, “Yeah I’m fine. Just a little tired.” Chad could tell it was more than just exhaustion weighing down his friend, but he wouldn’t be able to get him to rest until he knew everyone was fine. It wouldn’t have been a problem if they knew where the Arrancar were; currently, they are MIA, so it may take longer than anyone would’ve liked to find the two of them. 

Looking around the ruins of the once-great Soul Society, Ichigo saw Shinji directing many of the shinigami in order to relieve Isane - if only just a little. Ichigo knew he would want to have what Shinji referred to as a “heart-to-heart” as soon as possible, he saw the man’s envious smile when Ichigo finally looked over at him but even he knew it wouldn’t be possible for a while. He had seemed weary from whatever fight he had come from, and the heavy burden of seeing the many dead shinigami cast about almost every block in the Seretei. 

Sensing Kurosaki, the blond-haired man’s hard gaze softens when he sees the orange-haired hybrid; a friendly face to give him hope. With a signature smile, Shinji turned back to his squad, morale renewed. 

Kurosaki hissed again as he cradled his ribs the best he could, his white bandages beginning to restain with crimson. He was still in terrible shape, but it could wait a bit longer. His head snaps to the side when he hears hollering from some rubble, shinigami rushing to and fro to remove the collapsed wall from where it sat upon an injured shinigami. Chad rushed over and easily lifted it off, revealing the disfigured legs of the poor soul. Ichigo followed him, rolling up his sleeves to help him, but Chad planted his hand on his shoulder (which hurt like a bitch) and told him to rest. Satouro looked away and went on looking for survivors, Kurosaki clicked his tongue and began lifting wreckage from a corpse nearby. Looking back at his friend refusing to listen, Chad pulled him away as soon as Ichigo removed the debris. Ichigo shrugged his hand off, saying he was fine before Chad gave him a knowing look, casting his gaze toward his forearm. The said appendage was wrapped as close as it could to a cast, splinted and all. The swelling, however, could still be seen by his overexerted wrist. The shinigami then stayed silent as Chad left and began to help, grinding his teeth all the while.

A shadow cast over Ichigo when Kyoraku appeared before him, slinging an arm over his shoulders. His nonchalant appearance had put the younger at ease, but Ichigo could sense it was only a facade as he watched the raging fire burn in the other eye, how taught his muscles grew when it landed on the form of Aizen. A soft smirk played on his lips as he turned to Ichigo, his body relaxing after realizing Aizen had no intention of attacking either one of them. “In any other situation, we would be celebrating now.” Ichigo’s scowl softens at the attempt at humor, “I’m not too sure I’m worried about partying at the moment.” In an act of exacerbation, Kyoraku sighs, sagging a little against the Shinigami. “Well, you may not be worried, but I sure as hell am.” The Captain pouts a little bit. He waits for the younger man's response, a soft, tired, and quite frankly strained laugh came out from Ichigo, “I wouldn’t doubt that.” 

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Shunsui is worried for the boy, but at least he’s responsive and not left bleeding out after his battle. After a short interaction to lighten the boy’s mood, it’s painfully obvious how much their substitute was suffering. The little shinigami’s eyes hardened as he trunks back toward Shunsui, “How is everything?” Ichigo implies everyone, hoping Shusui would catch on; which he did, but didn’t have the heart to tell the kid the whole truth. The Captain looks at him. This was not what he wanted to hear from the young shinigami. Not that he was surprised; but the sheer look of fatigue and guilt on the kid’s face is absolutely heart-breaking. Kyouraku wasn’t sure anyone else would be so depressed after defeating anything on the level that Ywach was. Well, anyone living that is.

He can’t think about it right now. He can’t get broken up over the thought of never seeing that pale hair ever again, the stern tone that would reprimand him during their time at the Academy, and those stormy eyes that softened whenever they were together. He can’t do this right now. He knows that once he starts, the pain will never stop. He can’t put his own burden of mourning onto their savior who has already suffered through so much. 

Shunsui purses his lips before responding, “Can’t say well; but-’ he looks down at the brown-eyed shinigami, the kid looks at him with desperately hopeful eyes - ones that he once held before this bloody massacre, ‘-but it could’ve been worse.” He looks around at the many shinigami rushing around, looking for their comrades and trying desperately to save those that they can. “ Much worse.” 

Kurosaki looks right through Shunsui’s soul at that moment, his eye widens when he feels that intense gaze barrel him down. It would be intimidating if it hadn’t been for the shinigami’s intentions in doing so. In the end - after careful examination - the boy sighs, “Thank you.” Is all the teen says before walking, hobbling, away. Kyouraku knows he should chase after the boy, let him confide, and be comforted by his senior; but he can’t help the kid right now. He couldn’t risk it; not with an active threat in front of him. He needs to get a location on the deranged scientist from the 12th to discuss and quickly produce something that could keep Sosuke Aizen contained; anything would suffice for now in order for him to cast the seals back on.

He would be in awe of Aizen’s power if he stopped to think about it. He only released three seals, three, and the man was still able to go toe to toe with Ywach (even if the chair was destroyed). It’s a frightening image, especially after witnessing the state of the young shinigami in front of him.

 That same boy, however, gives him hope that the day when Aizen frees himself - it’s inevitable, Kyorakyu isn’t naive enough to believe they would be able to lock him away and throw away the key - they’ll have the right person to put an end to him. 

The thought provokes another line of reasoning. Urahara may fair better in containing Aizen with the time constraint placed; after all, it was his Bakudo that sealed him away in the first place. He had been slightly worried for the man after feeling the reiatsu of his released bankai but he had obviously won the fight if he revealed his ultimatum. The only issue is, he and Yoruichis’ reiatsu disappeared the moment Ywach was slain. He knows they’re still in the Seretei but if he was never able to catch them in the Academy, there was no way he could find them now.

He sighs, as upsetting as it is, with the knowledge of a missing Urahra - who may or may not arrive in the nick of time to seal Aizen with some funky contraption - Shunsui will have to rely on Kurotsuchi to “re-seal” Aizen for the time being. He’s set to shunpo towards the 12th Division, where the Quincy corpses are being hauled off too when there’s a change in the air. He turned swiftly in that direction, only to feel the wavering of the reiatsu coming from the little shinigami. The soft patter of the young man’s steps stops abruptly before the shinigami is brought to his knees. “Kurosaki!” was called out by the many people, including Kyouraku whose eyes go wide before rushing to meet the collapsed shinigami before him.

Ichigo’s body twists so as to land on his side instead of faceplanting; his eyes widen as he falls and looks towards Kyuoraku in shock. The brown eyes grow dull and glassy, however, before shutting and sending him into a deep, catatonic sleep.  His limbs are still as he hits the ground with a soft thud, the dirt softening his landing. Blut Vene covers the expanse of his body with thick blue lines as his body recovers. It had seemed the many injuries, the overexertion of his body and power, and the exhaustion brought about by the sudden lack of adrenaline sent his orange-haired head straight into a stupor for all to see.

 Kyouraku reaches out, mere inches away before he’s halted in his tracks.  A powerful Hado had stopped him from reaching Kurosaki; the reiatsu flickering off of it was, however, very familiar. Too familiar. He unsheathes Katen Kyōkotsu upon realization and calls out, “Show yourself, you bastard!” 

The shinigami’s limp body was hauled up from the ground by a swift unknown figure. Ichigo’s head lulled and his body is scrunched uncomfortably in the odd bridal-like carry he was held in. The figure's sword was drawn and a slight smile appeared on the figure's face. Everybody froze when they realized who had caught their fallen savior.

Aizen Sōsuke.

His eyes darkened as he looks across the expanse of startled shinigami; eyeing Kyouraku down once he was done surveying the surrounding area. Shunsui made a move toward the bastard before Aizen scoffs in his face, sarcasm dripping off of his tone.

“You should really keep a closer eye on your beloved guard dog since you do value him, so dearly.”

Chapter Text

Aizen rises like the dead, he feels absolutely miserable after battling the great Juha Bach, just to only collapse for a moment and wakes to be met with the Quincys corpse - a peculiar disfigurement of the human body at that- was not as pleasant as one may suspect. He’s a little miffed to not have slaughtered the man himself. He was curious if perhaps the Quincy King’s powers may have helped remove the heavy seals weighing him down - but it’s nothing to fret over, it won’t take long to overpower the damn things and the Kurotsuchi’s device that is leaching off his Reaitsu. It’s particularly flattering that the Shinigami deemed him so powerful to place such seals upon him, but it is - in the same vein - a nuisance to Aizen. On the same note, he’ll never fathom why such a brute of the current Kenpachi would actively choose to wear a similar thing, but that’s something to ponder at another time. 

He took his time rising to his feet, scanning the surrounding area for any potential threats, much to his rapture he only was found with the blue-haired Quincy cowering before him. Fortunate for the Quincy, as expected, Aizen’s body had not yet recovered from the injuries bestowed upon him by Ywach. He expectorates the remaining blood in his lungs, or rather that leaked into his exposed organs while the Quincy looks at him in horror; Aizen paid him no mind and, instead, focused on the abysmal state - that was of Kurosaki’s Reiatsu. He analyzed the Substitute Shinigami intensely. While the hybrid had managed well against the monster that was Ywach, he had only been running off fumes long before that fight - that much was obvious by his ragged appearance and how Abari seemed to drag him to the battle. 

The hybrid, in turn, looks over at Aizen, and even in his fatigue, Kurosaki tried to puff out his remaining Reiatsu to dissuade Aizen from doing anything rash; the attempt in itself was rather humorous to the ex-Shinigami. 

Aizen does find the situation he was in ironic, however; his mind is amused with the thought of the cowering Quincy Kurosaki was protecting by having Aizen focus on him instead. Of course , the traitor of their little posse had been the wariest of the Aizen Sōsuke. The little humor he found almost drew a smile to his lips.

The two Shinigami drew close to him, and all the while Kurosaki maintained eye contact. Those brown eyes burned bright, just as Gin’s did when he released Shinsō, a decisive blow meant to kill Aizen; but, of course, those icy blue eyes were now long gone. 

Even if the Aizen were to make his move, there was no way for the boy to subdue him in battle. The only thing the chimera of his own creation was running on was only his willpower. Not that it wasn’t a force to be reckoned with; from his previous experience, the God slayer before him with only his sheer resolve was enough of an opponent to be compared to most of the remaining Gotei-13 Captains.

But it wouldn’t last forever. The fire would eventually burn out of his eyes, just as his body would give out. Kurosaki’s remaining Reiatsu, underneath the meager surface it protruded, began swirling around him, or rather his Zanpakutōu. The massive gorge-like leak that impressed upon its barrier by the leaking Reiatsu was much the same as a bursting dam - any strenuous crack that allowed water through its impenetrable defense. The most likely case would be because that same dam of power had been drained of all of its previous reserves and could only be returned once a certain condition is met, much the same as the many other stories told by the Shiba clan.

His attention is drawn away from the predicament as the little Kuchiki comes careening over the edge of the massive crater created in their battle. She calls out to them, before leaping into the 6th Lieutenant’s arms, sharing hushed words with him before going practically feral when Kurosaki teases her. When Kurosaki looks away, his attention drawn to the oncoming Reaitsu of the two humans and another from his own Shiba clan, she sizes the traitor up and down - hatred at full frontal even if she was bundled in Abari’s arms. She dismissed him quite easily though, since this was not her first encounter with him since he had been released from Muken. 

Aizen doesn’t bother to look towards the horizon, he felt the herd coming towards them from a mile away.

The cavalry had arrived so it seemed, a weak army at that.

As the rest of the hybrid’s posse meets with them, he sees how the human girl squeezes the orange-haired Shinigami’s ribs ever so slightly which agitates the boy’s body greatly. The girl, realizing her mistake, begins to try and heal Kurosaki before he puts a stop to it.

It was a strange sight, usually, the boy wasn’t necessarily selfish, but would gladly accept his friend’s accommodation with easy compliance. Something inherently must’ve changed about the boy, perhaps he grew into his overwhelming power. 

The hybrid in front of him maintains eye contact as he insinuates that Aizen should be helped before he is. The implication almost makes Aizen scoff: if it wasn’t for the fact he was yet to manage to procure and finalize enough Rerioka to dismantle the seals and Kurotsuchi’s blasted contraption he would be managing just fine. Still, for now, his Reiatsu is focused on keeping his organs in the proper place and making sure they were functioning properly.

But, the Shinigami isn’t simply offering to help him - well procuring help, but that’s neither here nor there - out of pity; rather compunction. Aizen would be surprised by that fact if he hadn’t sized up his pet project the entire time during their battle against Juha Bach. The boy had truly grown, even if he didn’t look it. He may have not witnessed the finishing blow, but from the sheer sense of Hollow emanating from the Quincy King’s corpse, he knew Kurosaki had dealt the final blow to their enemy. 

He looks for such a sign in the boy’s eyes, but all he can see now is how his eyelids sag in enervation. There was still a sense of power in those same eyes, however, it only remained to reintegrate the farce of a truce that Kurosaki had held between the two; almost a pleading to end the fighting and misery for the time being. Aizen would begrudgingly abide by this for the moment, not wishing to insight into a battle if there was no need for one. Unlike chess, for now, he had to play tic-for-tac as the human would say. This reasoning only derived from Aizen’s maintained respect and responsibility for the progression of the boy’s powers, but the final battle fundamentally changed his perspective on Kurosaki. The Shinigami reacted staunchly and quickly to the opening Aizen provided him against Ywach; it was one of the only times Aizen had been thankful to not have Kurosaki under Kyoka Suigetsu’s power. He was also given, through such actions, a reason as to not regret having put the boy under his hypnosis. Not as if he would harbor the thought, or Kurosaki, with malice. Such thoughts would lead to unjustified resentment when it was entirely his own ignorance; it was Aizen who forgot the graciousness of Kyoka Suigetsu when he fought the boy previously.

The little Kuchiki reacts harshly to Kurosaki’s plead, ”NO WAY!” She yells, her head bobbing between him a Kurosaki. Her voice turns worried in nervous as she sputters, “You cannot be serious right now.” The Lieutenant of the 6th steps between Aizen and Kurosaki, boldly declaring he wouldn’t let Ichigo help the traitor; as if he had a choice in the matter. The hybrid turns to face Abari, “That’s not your decision to make.” The boy says it bluntly to the Lieutenant, but not harshly.

Of course, the rest of the group had something to say about healing Aizen - on his deathbed or not - they would rather have him incapacitated in any way, in case he decided to attack or do something unprecedented. The back and forth made him practically nauseous; the thought that he was helped by these mere children, souls barely over a decade old makes him queasy.

Ignoring his own feelings of animosity, Aizen feels their stifle as the intensity of the conversation reaches its peak, “It was my decision to make! Even if it cost me a lot.” Kurosaki’s voice carries his certainty even if his body language does not, “And you know I would do it again .” The boy looks thoughtful during this moment, sad even. For all his might and pride: Kurosaki losing his powers surely would have made him miserable.

Both boys scream and yell at each other, the toll of the war obvious with their frayed nerves. Abari questions the boy’s motives, rightfully so, before Kurosaki responds with something that strikes Aizen,  “He helped save us.’ his voice softens, ‘Didn’t he?”  pushing past his friend, he walks towards Aizen, “Whether you like it or not, we would’ve all been dead without him.”

Aizen had thought that perhaps the hybrid held a sense of responsibility since Aizen had to join the battle in order for the best outcome and had been injured. Then, the Shinigami admits the truth that without Aizen's help, they all would’ve been dead. It’s not a surprising conclusion, but the comment ascertained and clarified Aizen’s previous assumption: it was a sense of guilt that Kurosaki felt.

He sees the Quincy move out of the corner of his eye but didn’t process whatever his intentions were as the hybrid before him has his full attention. “I know Ywach came to you in the first place, before -’ Kurosaki motions to the destruction accompanying the surrounding world, ‘ all of this.” He looks back at Aizen, “But, you didn’t go with him. You-’ Kurosaki huffs slightly, ‘ -you actually refused to go with him. Said that you would rather rot in there.” No doubt, the blazing interest in the brown eyes and lack of judgment all bundled in the fiery Shinigami in front of him due to the adrenaline coursing through Kurosaki’s veins. He has yet to come off that high that allowed him to approach Aizen so insolently but to reveal the fact he knows what Aizen did during his interaction with Ywach is idiotic at best, it brings him to a pungent pause. Aizen stays quiet and still when Kurosaki meets his eyes again, “Why? Why help us?”

 “I have my own reasons.” Aizen says smoothly, after all, it was the truth. The boy continues his line of thought, questioning why Aizen didn’t use the entire situation to his advantage. It sets Aizen on his guard, as does the hushed whispering and intensity of glares from Kurosaki’s posse behind the boy. Noticing this Kuroski relaxes back from his interrogation, trying to placate the ex-Shinigami. 

Pressing his advantage, Aizen has a slight smile and a glint in his eyes as he stares down at the Shinigami, “Would you have rather me take control of the feeble place?” He’s raring to send the one before him into a frenzy, waste the rest of the boy’s energy and leave the Seretei with his ultimatum in toe. The boy only stares dumbfoundedly at him, almost waiting for an actual answer before turning away and thanking Aizen. It was now Aizen’s turn to stare dumbfoundedly, he almost laughs at the absurdity of the conversation. 

The boy is shunned, rightly so. Kurosaki, naїve as ever with his savior complex - developed from his past Aizen had so intricately crafts and his lack of experience - had insisted that Aizen be healed first. The fact the human still holds the ridiculous notion that one of his stature and lifetime could defeat a god such as Ywach alone was foolish at best. The boy still holds himself accountable for not having the strength to overwhelm such a beast without interference - or rather help , but the sentiment must linger that he had done it before. 

Well, Aizen supposed, slightly shy of a true defeat.

Aizen had, of course being such a powerful enemy at inter-dimensional power considered himself such an enemy (and rightfully so), not necessarily been defeated by the boy - but Kurosaki had been able to implement the idea that Aizen could be beaten. The concept of such overwhelming power had been burrowed so deeply into Aizen's head that it had changed his wish, subconsciously, even if he continued to gloat regardless. Such a minuscule detail would never be accepted or affected by the Hogyoku had it not been so glaringly obvious that Aizen was completely overwhelmed; enough so as to weaken him to the point he could be sealed by Urahara. 

The rest was simple after the fact. He broke his character, even; his calm mental state overwhelmed with fury as he could only watch as the two most powerful beings to ever step foot in the Soul Society - especially Urahara - somehow find complacency in such a repugnant place. The fact they allowed the appalling actions of the Seretei and continued to abide by them; but by that point in time, even though his fogged mind was clouded by his burning anger, he was able to feel Kurosaki’s Reaitsu again. Even underneath all the Kido, the boy’s very Hollow-coated Reaitsu came within his realm of strength yet again. Aizen shuddered as the intensity of all aspects of the boy was slightly overwhelming; he should’ve, with all of his intellect, known what would’ve happened next. Aizen lingered on the boy’s Reaitsu, feeling the overwhelming swell of power dissipate before it mutes itself almost entirely. Needless to say, he had easily put the pieces together and figured out that Kurosaki had, somehow, given up his powers to defeat him. How imbecilic of Kurosaki to do something so drastic. He could almost applaud himself; such a powerful last resort could only come from that of Shiba lineage, and since his chimera of an experiment had already reached levels he couldn’t even conceive possible, he would call it a success. Aizen’s mood lifted, he fondly thought of how easy it would be to take over as Soul King without such interferences his own creation could propose; his downfall may have led to the best possible outcome so it seemed.

Aizen knew soon after that he wouldn’t be so lucky; he had felt the overwhelmingly Hollow-like Reiatsu seep through the cracks of Muken from the human world. It was tangling with a similar Reiatsu of that of the Fullbringers, specifically, the one he let fall from grace when the previous Shinigami became so insolent his own ego it began to become an irritant - yet, unlike Aizen, such a pathetic, nebish man could not support his own hubris like Aizen could. Aizen felt somehow whimsy that in comparison to such power Kurosaki held, it transcended that of the Fullbringers tenfold, the likes of whatever such power seemed puny compared to the black reaistu seeping in. Aizen felt a kind of fondness when sensing the familiar Reiatsu after battling it so fiercely, it excited him enough that he let his Reiatsu swell itself. Afterward, he was completely disgusted with himself - perhaps he was more hollow than he dared believe previously.

Aizen, now, watches carefully as Kurosaki’s healer walks towards him with unsteady steps and wary eyes; the Quincy catches her wrists and hisses something underneath his breath to her. The girl’s resolve steadies itself when she tells the Quincy, “What I need to.” She rips her wrist away from him, eyes determined as she walks closer to the ex-Shinigami, “I still don’t like you.” The girl pauses and beings to heal him - contradicting her words previously - but then says,  “But I do trust Ichigo.” Ah. He understood why now Kurosaki’s many friends follow him like a herd to a shepherd; they needed him. The orange-haired Shinigami must feel responsible for the lot of them because of their reliance; he protects them so fiercely from danger since that was his assigned duty. Aizen huffs out slightly when his torso is healed, and unconsciously his eyes drift to the form of Kurosaki. 

The entire posse, including Kurosaki, rest on some rubble from the fight. The Sixth lieutenant was the only one who still spoke out against Kurosaki’s judgment, the boy in turn just huffed and waves the girl away; while the other Lieutenant and Shiba snickered and laughed, Abari does so under his breath. The Quincy begins to pester Kurosaki to do something about Aizen; the boy with furrowed brows, an awful sneer, and a bitter tone snaps back at the boy, “Oh, shove it up your ass Ishida. If you gotta problem, you go deal with it.” The Quincy stays quiet and only occasionally glares at Aizen after that.

The situation had reminded him of the Arancarr (and the nonsense they got into) but, there was no true sinister drawl hiding behind Kurosaki’s words. He had never witnessed such things happen between his hollow creations; although some came close some had formed bonds with one another, but none of them held a candle to the tenderness that Kurosaki's voice held. All of his comments had been out of frustration and not true abhorrence just taunts between comrades used as a stress reliever. It was so simple and somehow the tone gave some sense of normalcy to them all, even if Kurosaki realized it or not. 

It was strange.

Aizen would feel bad for Kurosaki if he could. All of the Soul Society must look at him with reverence yet, they would never admit to it since they are a prideful people, just as Aizen is. They treat him as one of them, maybe the human prefers it that way; even if he’s a God among them. Aizen returns to the present and thanks the human girl under false pretenses, just to see her reaction, she only nods warily and scurries off as soon as she is finished.

Aizen notices the rampaging of unyielding and emotionally charged Reiatsu of the Captains and whatever was left of their squad shunpo closer to the crater they all stay in. He glances over when even Kurosaki comes to his feet. 

As the rest of the Shinigami arrive at the final battle’s location, Inoue, Kuchiki, Abarai, the Quincy and the Shiba had left for varying reasons. The 4th squad, with all the detriment of losing their Captain and being forced to be led under a timorous Lieutenant - was quite a nightmare for them to try and cohesively work together. They quickly latched onto the auburn-haired girl and whisked her away before she could even touch Kurosaki again. Surprisingly, they also took the Quincy for support, even with the many grievances some held, the moment they saw how Kurosaki interacted with the boy they deemed him worthy. 

He watches curiously as one of their spare members wraps Kurosaki’s wounds up. The girl was careful and prestigious all the while but flinched slightly every time she came into contact with Kurosaki’s flesh. Her face burned a bright red against her dark skin when he asked her if she was alright and she then quickly finishes up her work and excuses herself to help her comrades. After teasing Kurosaki about the whole ordeal, the Shiba left rather quickly, waving goodbye to Kurosaki as he walks away from the crater.

When Kuchki arrived, Aizen could sense the man's rage from a mile away. The Captain had still been fairly injured and called his lieutenant away to deal with some menial tasks and strode towards Aizen killing intent on full blast, before getting caught on the shoulder by Hirako; some hushed words were said and the Kuchiki shrugged the blonds’ hand off and shunpoed away. Hirako began to glare daggers through him, all the while ordering the spare Shinigami from any squandering Squad before glancing over his shoulder where his eyes widen. Aizen knew he had seen Kurosaki - who had been rather silent all the while - and when he assumed the boy looked back over at Hirako, the blond Captain’s eyes softened and he returned to his work with a cheeky smile on his face.

Aizen hadn’t been particularly interested in the rest of the Captain’s status - he already knew Yamamoto was dead - or, that was the case until it became obvious what happened to the Squad 11 Captain. He watches with disinterest when one of Squad 11’s 3rd seats came to whisper something into the little Kuchiki’s ear. The girl about crumpled then and there she was told of her dead Captain and she quickly left after following her Lieutenant to mourn whatever memorial or corpse that had been left in the Captain’s stead. 

Not exactly invigorated with the rest of the disorderly mess that was the Shinigami, Aizen watches with peculiar interest whenever Kurosaki tries to help his larger friend. The human tells Kurosaki to stay put, but of course, the substitute Shinigami disobeys and successfully helps one of the corpses - he seems a little shocked by seeing the cadaver but recovers quickly. His creations strain to relieve a singular soldier from their entrapment underneath the rubble of the Seretei telling of the boy’s weary state currently. His friend comes and says nothing, only looks at the hybrid. Something unspoken leaves Kurosaki blazing, but the boy manages to stay put; the human looks over Kurosaki’s shoulder, and his eyes land on Aizen. It all clicks then.

He stays silent and watchful when the Captain Commander materializes out of the blue and tries to relieve the boy of his stresses before his eye lands on Aizens. The Captain’s fuming rage fuels the output of Kyouraku’s Reiatsu, the bloodthirst dampens down when the man composes himself and speaks again to Kurosaki. Aizen was uncharacteristically angered by the fact the, now, Commander Captain all but sized him up with one glance. How dare the man underestimate him to such an extent. Aizen’s anger comes to a head; perhaps he would be more forgiving of the situation had they healed Kurosaki. Then, at the very least, the boy would give the Soul Society a fighting chance at not being utterly obliterated.

He stays unmoving even when he senses the subtlest spike and then a drop of the boy’s Reiatsu. Apparently, Aizen’s keen senses had been the only ones to notice how the Reiatsu depletes completely away from the boy, yet it didn’t dissipate as other such Reiatsu would. It was strange how it almost leaked out of Kurosaki; by using his own, it allows Aizen to notice how the boys Zanpakutō collected the raw energy emanating from Kurosaki. It was almost delightful to watch how slowly the blade was repairing itself; nobody had ever managed how swiftly and effortlessly such a powerful armament repaired itself. Especially after it received such decisive blows, yet it wouldn’t need to be repaired the normal way.

He watches as Kyouraku hyori flows around him, and the man reeks of his desperation - even with the whimsy of his appearance - to help the boy. He even leaned onto the boy in a show of casualness, like the way somebody would have with a close friend. The boy whispers to the Captain, and Kuyoraku’s response had truly shown how damaged the boy would be after it all set in. The emptiness of the boy’s eyes is startling, even to Aizen. It was assured there probably wasn’t going to be a night that Kurosaki wouldn’t have nightmares of the war leaping him out of sleep.

There.

Aizen twitches, he almost jumped into action too quickly when he saw light waver in the young Shinigami’s eyes as he turned away from the Captain. He knew he only had to wait a moment more, but the time felt excruciating long. He was no fool though, he could be patient and needn’t rush into anything. 

The time came as the boy's body falls unwittingly onto the ground and his comrades call out to him, no matter what. Aizen dims the area with a flood of Reiatsu and  Dankū, and Bakudō Sekienton  - all, of course, to “protect” and “hide” from the scrambling Shinigami. He knows it isn’t necessary, all in all, a ruse - he hadn’t needed to perform any other act than simply say the spell's name for them to work properly - but he has yet to toy with the Shinigami he has helped so far. He sweeps the boy off the ground; dust settling into orange hair dulling the boy's color, making the vibrancy subfusc and fittingly so. 

Kyouraku with Zanpakutō in hand growls out to him, “Show yourself, you bastard ! ” Aizen ignored him though - more curious as to what the dampened thrum of the Quincy Reiatsu coursing through Kurosaki is. He could laugh at the Shinigami’s flabbergasted faces: had these imbeciles truly not had any previous expectation, or even notation, that Aizen would refuse to willing back to Muken? Yet, either their sheer stupidity or ego deemed that the necessary actions to take had been to leave the only person that is capable enough to stop him in shambles, while Urahara was yet to reveal himself to put an end to any shenanigans - which would have greatly lessened the workload to the overworked Shinigami. 

His fury rose to the surface. Had they truly underestimated him that much? He could ponder later as he had all eyes on him, almost all frozen in shock. He let his smirk play on his lips, it was to admonish their stupidity and make them feel as such. 

Kyourku lunged at Aizen, Aizen scoffed, “You should really keep a closer eye on your beloved guard dog since you do value him, so dearly.” The tone he tries to keep dry and mocking; he does so with great success as the Captains become enraged.

The Captain Commanders' eye hardened as he understood Aizen's plan, his face slack before he grinds his teeth in anger. He must’ve realized that Aizen was planning and waiting on Kurosaki’s downfall. Aizen could feel Kyouraku’s Reiatsu stifle with contempt as the brown eyes of the Captain become aware of where this was leading; he knew that Aizen was going to use Kurosaki as a bargaining chip. Aizen watches as Kyōraku’s knuckles tightened on the hilt of Katen Kyokotsu, the pieces falling into place. After losing a dearly beloved, the Captain Commander couldn’t bare to lose another one of his own kin, and if he wasn’t afraid of any misstep that could injure Kurosaki further. Aizen would’ve assumed was the same for Hirako, but when the Captain saw the limp body in Aizen’s arms he lunged.

He growled out Aizen’s name, but Aizen released his Reiatsu as a title wave and it stifled Hirako’s movements. The blond retreats back, still glaring with fire in his eyes at Aizen, “AIZEN! You put him down, right now !” The blond-haired Captain roared. Aizen only chuckled at the statement, watching on as his Reiatsu suffocates the Shinigami. It alone had brought most everyone's faces down to the ground, aside from the certain Captains who had stumbled to one knee, making desperate attempts to right themselves. He could even feel the stumbling of Captains and lieutenants desperately shunpoing back to the crater he stood in.

He supposed the time was right to stop playing around with these fools, he relishes in Hirako's dumbfounded eye as the Captain's jaw went slack when Aizen and Kurosaki disappeared under Kyoka Suigetsu’s Shikai right in front of Hirako’s eyes.

He can’t help but be tempted to incite the man’s anger even further, he floods his voice with power, “Why should I?” Aizen says smugly. He shunpos over to a lingering pillar above the Shinigami in question, he presses the blade of Kyoka Suigetsu into Kurosaki’s body even if he could not strike to boy down as it would make a great threat to the Shinigami. He lords over the Captains and reappears before their eyes, they are all at full attention; of course, they had been - nobody would dare look away as he was holding their savior so close to death in his hands. “I have a proposition for you,’ he directed it mainly towards Kyouraku, whose eyes grow cold and unattached as he meets Aizen's gaze with a furrowed frown. “In order to save his life,’ it’s obvious who he’s referring to, but to make the Shinigami squirm like the worms they are he digs his blade in further to the substitute Shinigami’s neck,  ‘you will -” he was cut off by a swift ice column, blasting from the ground. The pillar crumbled from the icy shockwave and froze them both in its trail. Hyorinmaru’s ice encased both him and Kurosaki, their bodies were still and unmoving within the ice.

The mirage of the two bodies flickered inside of the massive collum, revealing two corpses of seated officers of the Gotei; their slack bodies looked almost alive while being suspended in the ice. It was cruel, he knows it - but it would throw the Shinigami off. It would fuel their anger, and make them more unsteady. It had become a game at this point: how far could Aizen go with these pawns of the Seritei before they crack. 

The Tenth Division’s Captain sneered at Aizens work, verbally cursing at Aizen. Aizen continued, never revealing where he was - after all he was on an undetermined time limit - since he was so rudely interrupted, “As I was saying, I’ll let the little Shinigami live, if I can leave and be left to my own devices without interference from any of you or your underling’s.” 

Aizen was practically seething in loathing. How he hated to use a bargaining chip and beg the weak and petty Shinigami to leave him be for the time being, but he could swallow his pride for today. Although he could’ve easily defeated them all by now, each with a single strike; perhaps not Kenpachi, but that was a story for another day - he ponders how that beast managed Bankai with only help from the previous Kenpachi, it was a hard thing to force even out of the powerful brute - but what’s the difference between an ant and a beetle? He eyes the Shinigami who frantically looked for any sight of him.

The fools, he thinks as they signal to put their weapons away in order to come to an agreement with him. He had never thought highly of the Squad Cpatians, but, of course, Aizen would not leave Kurosaki to them - only an idiot would not keep watch over one of the only beings capable of defeating oneself.

He had also been salivating at the chance to get away from his prison by any means necessary at this point; not out of necessity but even he couldn’t quite stomach the corpse of Unohana leaking out such putrid rotten Reiatsu - even he had standards for his living conditions. Not only did he refuse to go back with her so close by, but he could also feel his power waning. Aizen knew it was only the machinations of his mind leading him to believe so, but even a God could fall under such fallacy - and he wouldn’t allow history to repeat itself. 

He could laugh right now, perhaps Muken truly did alter himself greatly; he was truly being selfish at this point in time he thinks. His allowing himself to feel such emotions is almost as devastating; the fact and the only reason he had not done away with Kurosaki yet is purely due to the fact if he had found Inoue in time and recovered, the battle would be bloody and brutal. Not even to mention a complete waste of time, energy, and excess potential; there was no doubt Aizen couldn’t strike the boy down as is, but it would be a complete waste and shame to kill his most prized experiment.

Although he wouldn’t mind a battle against Kurosaki; perhaps in more pleasant circumstances. He thinks upon the circumstances: he was not a coward, he would wait until Kurosaki was healed - it would be a true testament to his strength would be if they “exchanged blows”  as equals. He had also grown quite bored in Muken and this gave him the perfect way to quench his thirst for battle and tactics, albeit quite forcefully. 

He’s quite disgusted with himself at this point: his thirst for battle at this moment is like that of one of his Arrancars. Perhaps he is more Hollow than he would’ve ever presumed with such a lust for violence. Even with this newfound desire for battle, his selfishness would still accomplish his goal of becoming the Soul King; he had even become more powerful, so it was fitting.

He had soon made up his mind, a rough game plan - which is unlike him, but no matter -  had been decided as he used his hand to swipe through the air gracefully, powering the surrounding Reiatsu to rip open the barrier between worlds and make his leave. The sudden rise of power startled the Shinigami, but Hirako was familiar with such a thing bounding towards Aizen with such ferocity the man’s hollow mask covered his face. The Garganta to Hueco Mundo opened, he never missed the wretched place, but it was one of the only places he had implemented putting a bunker in - one in order to last many years. The Captains all barrel towards, shooting off Kido’s and other such attacks at the portal and Aizen, but none of them would make it far enough. 

It’s ironic to him, that now he’s fleeing the Soul Society when he’s so close to grasping his goal, but good comes to those who wait. He calls out to the Shinigami - the need to make a mockery of their entirety is too strong - before taking his leave, “It’s been a pleasure .” He then fully revealed himself and his position. One last hurrah to leave the Shinigami in shambles. Kurosaki was slumped over one shoulder as he hopped through the opening onto the cold sand of Hueco Mundo.

-------------------------

Shinji never felt his heart drop so suddenly since the night he became a Visored; he felt such detriment and bafflement as he turned around - leaving some seated 4th members to their lonesome - and the feeling had peaked when he saw Ichigo land on the ground, barely breathing.

His eyes widen and he rushed to comfort the boy, he’s stalled in his action just as Shunsui is when the Kido came to the forefront. 

Aizen's smug face held the entirety of the Soul Society's angered gaze. In retaliation, Shunsui and Hirako released their Zanpakutō as soon as they assessed the situation. Kyouraku held back; Shinji didn’t care, the blond-haired Captain roared, “AIZEN!” and lept full force at the man. He'd be damned if he let anything else happen to Ichigo Kurosaki after all that boy had suffered just to save the Soul Society from utter destruction. Shinji grits his teeth when he felt Aizen overwhelming Reiatsu bare into him, he fights through it, however. His brows furrow in concentration, the blond would damn himself if yet another comrade fell in this war, and he refused to have to mourn another fallen soldier. The rest of the frightened Shinigami steadied their resolve and quickly fumbled into their stead, drawing their Zanpakutōto. 

It was all for not. They had been too slow. 

It was as if the gravity itself had exceeded its grasp on the mortal realm and leached out its power to grip at their flesh and drag them towards itself; a greedy attempt to swallow them whole. The Reiatsu of such power made the world sway around them; it made their limbs become so heavy it brings them so low to the ground as if it planned on dragging them all the way to hell.

Hirako spat Aizen's name like poison. He wasn’t a fool, he had known Aizen was purposefully playing with them: the out-of-commission Shinigami was a result of Aizen releasing his Reiatsu. It’s the sheer suffocating presence that brought most everyone face down to the ground, aside from the certain Captains who had stumbled to one knee, making desperate attempts to right themselves. Such enormous reserves baring down on them in the area alerted the other Captains to come rushing to their Captain-Commanders aid.

Shinji glares at Aizen, but his mind wonders in search of why reckoning would occur after the battle of their lifetime, and why - of all people - is Ichigo the one to suffer the most from it. After all, they’ve and the substitute Shinigami been through in such a short period of time, one could only question if this was retribution for all the horrid things they did in the past; under the pretense, it was for the “greater good” when it was obviously not, just a sick way to justify their means. 

Shinji clicks his tongue in distaste, his eyes flitting between the slumped, broken body that Aizen holds and the same fucking bastard who was holding his dearly beloved friend. The worry and care would’ve been obvious if Hirako wasn’t shivering in rage while maintaining his position so as to not crumple beneath the weight of Aizen’s Reiatsu. His inner hollow screams for blood, to pay the man back for all those years of agony he suffered through because of him. Shinji steadies himself, breathing deeply so as to stop seeing red. He had lost so much today - too much - he wouldn’t be able to bear it if Ichigo, the kid himself who finally helped Shinji feel whole again and restored his faith in the Shinigami of the Seretei, was lumped into the mass pile of grief he felt.

“AIZEN!” He bellows out, obviously gaining the man’s attention, “You put him down, right now! ” He seethes in rage while he watches the man smile, smile, before disappearing right before his eyes. He scans the area for any of Aizens lingering spiritual pressure but realizes it wouldn’t fucking matter because the stench of it was absolutely everywhere. 

He notices when the other Captains come, some conceal their reaistu. He sees Momo, the poor girl desperate to have her revenge clawing her way out of other seated members who drag her away - it was Hitsuguya’s order to get her away from the fight. The young Captain is hidden from sight however, considering most believed him to be dead, waiting patiently while the other belligerent Captains rush around - Buyakya included.

He snarls since he can only listen to the way Aizen’s sardonic voice taunts him, “Why should I?” The man says. Hirako would never have forgiven Aizen for what he did to him, to the Visored, but he was assured that now he could never in good faith forgive him. He had gone too far and would pay the price for it. Aizen’s goading only fueled the blonds raging inferno of anger; not only he is about his wit’s end, but the rest of Gotei Thirteen is too: that asshole had sounded so sincere as if he was still the once humble Captain of the Fifth with his calm and collected tone. He had once been respected by all, known as the Captain so kind it melted the hearts of the other Shinigami; even Momo, who had all but passed out at that point with the Kido sleep spells, heard that voice and it made her rigged. 

Still desperately searching, Shinji’s eyes still as the figure flashed on top of one of the crumbling pillars, Aizen’s Zanpakutō pressing deeply into the flesh of the substitute Shinigamis’ neck. He presses into Kurosaki yet again, enough to nick the skin and draw blood. They all tense in anticipation, many gasped in horror and cried out for Ichigo - who had not so much as flinched in the older Shinigami’s hold. The action was a clear indication to everyone that if anyone so much as flinched in their direction, Kurosaki would suffer for it. Aizen coughs to catch their attention; his cold, dead, eyes glanced over the expanse to ensure everybody’s undivided attention, “I have a proposition for you,’ he directed it mainly towards Shunsui, who only met Aizen's gaze with a furrowed frown. ‘In order to save his life, you will allow-’ Shinji saw Hitsuguya manage to sneak up from behind and release Hyourinmaru, whose icy collum shot straight forward and true to his targets. As Toshiro grew close, he saw the beings shift, changing into two corpses suspended with his ice. The Captain snarls at his work, he wasn’t surprised - rather he expected such an outcome - but it didn’t stop his anger from growing restless.

The man speaks again, not revealing his location, “As I was saying, I’ll let the little Shinigami live, if I am able to leave and be left to my own devices without interference from any of you or your underlings.” Nothing was spoken as Kyōraku slowly put away his Zanpakutōu, signaling to the others to do the same as a sign of peace. Even with Shinji’s seething revenge festering on his mind, he truly didn’t care if Aizen got away; he cared more about Kurosaki, as long as they had him, they could deal with Aizen when the time came, which would be with a fully recovered Gotei 13.

Some of the Captains, specifically Toshiro and Zaraki had wanted to argue with the Captain Commander, even taunting the man about his weakness, but with a stern look, they had understood and sealed their weapons as well - although not without a click of a tongue or huff, respectively. The rest remained silent, all too wary this may put Kurosaki’s life in even more danger, but the risk was high enough that it may reward them well. The entirety of the Captains were understandably angry about it, even Kyouraku himself seemed reluctant to put away Katen Kyōkotsu; they had all been itching for a chance to redeem themselves by being able to fight the bastard, but managed to put their pride away for the moment - they knew it mattered more to save Kurosaki than anything else. 

They waited patiently for Aizen to appear, or at least start the trade-off, but nothing happened. It was silent enough to hear the sand shift, moving around the rubble of the once proud Omitskudo, but it was cut sharply by the sound of the horrible ripping of a portal. Shinji’s eyes widened in horror before he quickly lunges towards the sound. His Hollow tries to leap out from deep within, giving Shinji the strength to - Ichigo and Aizen disappear from sight as the portal zips closed. The Garganta had closed right before his eyes as he soared through the empty air, arms reaching for a nonexistent body.

 He had been too late.

They had all been too late.

Shinji called out as loud as he could as he flew towards where the portal once stood at full speed, his voice warbles out, “ICHIGO!” He claws at the air; fingers desperately trying to grip onto any lingering sign of the Garganta, but nothing was to be found. 

Toshiro was right behind him, and Horyinmaru in all its glory lunged towards the non-existent portal. It did nothing but cut through the air, as the white-haired Captain’s eyes widened in anger when he realized what had happened, “That bastard!” He spat, poison-laced in each syllable as he fumed in anger. 

Shinjis mind races for an explanation, only a mere reason as to why had he given up so easily? He knew Kyouraku’s word was law but had the Captain Commander intentionally put the substitute Shinigami in harm's way? Shinji, in his anger-fueled delirium, snapped his head towards Kyouraku, prepared to fight; only to be met with the Captain's slack face, body stock still. There was no doubt in the Visored's mind now, the Captain of the 8th had a soft spot for the young Shinigami, but due to his worry, clouded his judgment. 

Those who understood the situation all stared at each other in shock, they were horrified; nobody knew what the likes of Aizen would do to their precious savior. That substitute Shinigami was their only means to an end, and they had now lost him. They all felt pathetic, just as they did those two short years ago. How could they be this stupid, fall for such crooning words again?

They had let Aizen take Kurosaki away and hadn’t even tried to stop him.

They should’ve known Aizen wouldn’t keep good on his word, they already knew that fact but they were so blinded by the fact Kurosaki was endangered yet again that the Captains didn’t even give themselves a chance to bargain. 

Shinji grits his teeth as the rest of the Captains, Zaraki included, finally arrive. Kuchiki is somber, not even his stoic facade could keep its hold on him. Others bicker between themselves, but Hirako didn’t care; anything would’ve been better than this outcome, if only he had done something, anything , to have Ichigo with him now. He meets Shusui’s eye, and it holds the answer the Visored was so desperately looking for. Shinji wouldn’t have believed it had he thought of it himself, but after recounting the bargain, Aizen had followed his promise to a T.

 That bastard.

Shinji feels so stupid, so desperate now. He knew how the megalomanic’s brain worked (for the most part) he should’ve known better. He did know better; yet he let this happen. He and the rest of the Shinigami can only pray for Kurosaki’s well-being.

Chapter Text

The geyser-like pressure pounding at his temples made Ichigo wake up with a slow start. The throbbing of his head was so viscerally upsetting he wanted to throw up; his limbs ache, while he wheezes slightly. His eyes flutter open slowly, blinked his way out of grogginess.

It’s strange how quiet it is, not even the clatter of feet can be heard. He tries to set himself up, but only slumps over only halfway upright. The pounding headache never ceases to let up, and for once in his life, he’s thankful that Zangetsu was not screaming in his ear for him to get up and seek out the blood of his enemies. He can feel his blood snap to attention, Zangetsu should’ve been in his ear: yelling, screaming at him - about Ywach, Aizen, anybody to be honest, on top of the fact he would use that teasing tone when talking about how his ‘delicate King’ had only just now awakened to his full potential. 

But he wasn’t

Ichigo swiftly sat up, nerves still frayed but felt desperate to find the rest of his soul. He lifts a bandaged hand coming up to place a hand on his throbbing temple as winces at the sudden movement. Ichigo squints through his cloudy eyes to make out his surroundings, a strange and barren room with only a blanket underneath him that had been strewn onto the floor. The room was dark and it was quite cold; all the walls looked the same as he sat up from the stone floor. They were a desolate gray color, draining all life that the one barren window gave to the place, and smooth. It was very well kept, without a single crack or smudge of dirt - obviously, he wasn’t in the 11th division if they could’ve kept a room this tidy. There wasn’t a door in sight either, a strange design choice, even through bleary eyes he could tell that much. 

Where the hell was he?

Ichigo sat up even further, his back resting on the stone-cold wall; the biting cold made him shiver. He looked around for his Zanpakutōuu, but none were to be found. He’s not surprised, but somewhat pissed. It did, however, somewhat explained the lack of voices in his head; not fully though. Ichigo wasn’t out of it enough to not realize that they still would’ve tried calling out to him, even if the only way his Hollow - he refused to acknowledge they were technically the same being, like how Christianity believed in their Gods trifecta to be one in the same - would only communicate with him through insults.

He snarls, regretting it as the throbbing in his head ramped up in pain. It didn’t make sense, he knew he had a concussion but nothing that would be this severe. He brought his other hand up, using the fat of his palms to press into his eye sockets to soothe the pain. He grimaces and closes his eyes as he can only sit and suffer through the pain that shoots through his skull. His wrists feel heavy and begin to sag from the weight. He can feel his skin begin to rub raw with every movement so he lowers his hands slowly; that’s when he heard the clanking of chains.

Both his wrist fell into his lap. The stone attached to them was cold and heavy, weighing them down like a ton of bricks. They were white, only slightly lighter than the wall themselves, and had the texture of smoothed concrete. The manacle had been attached so tightly he could already see his hands turning a vibrant shade of pinkish-red. He moved his hands yet again and heard the clamoring of chains, leading up to and connecting to the closest wall. From the corner he was placed in, he leaned his left shoulder against the wall - trying to get a better view of the chains which had been looped through a similar ring on the wall. He ground his teeth, he had to see if he could break the damn things. He tugs at them, exerting more and more spiritual pressure while doing so; it was a mistake. He almost collapsed again when the pounding turned into a grinding inside of his skull.

What the hell was that ?

He shifted his feet in order to pull them close to his body, but something had been attached to his ankles. He uses one hand to uncover them, the white sheet billows away and reveals the same type of restraint clamped tightly onto his ankles; only the chain links had been attached to the ground instead f the wall; still, they attached to the ground with a loop of the same stone jutting out from the ground. 

His breath catches in his chest, and his eyes go wide in panic. He wants to move and break through the cuffs, but it seems every movement he takes the cuffs to restrain themselves further. They bit in and dug through the layers of skin, and his wrist began to bleed because of it.

His heart rate begins a staccato pace when he realizes there was no escaping his confines. His anxiety soon turns to question. Did they really choose to lock him up? He debates if they had reason enough to do so; maybe fucking Shiro took control when he collapsed. His mind scrambled for a good explanation but it only sets off his temper. 

He hissed through his teeth, the pain in his head becoming bearable once again. He thinks with brow furrowed: would the Captains truly allow this - for him to be locked away? Sure, he had broken their laws quite a few times but it only benefited them in the end.

Ichigo shivered in anger. After everything he had done, they don’t deserve his pity or respect. Everything he had sacrificed - the blood, sweat, and tears he had put into protecting the wretched place - was all for them, and now this is their payment to him. He couldn’t put himself through this yet again, he wouldn’t doubt their madness and insincerity this time. He had spiraled last time, and nobody had helped him then; nobody from the Soul Society at least.

After all that bullshit he went through for seventeen months, he shouldn’t be surprised that they would do this. He should’ve known this would’ve happened. When he had passed out they of course would’ve taken advantage of it and locked him up without a second thought. He snarls at the thought of ever trusting those bastards again. They had dropped him like dead weight when he lost his powers, not a single soul had even bothered to visit him for those seventeen months; yet he still came crawling back to them.

During all that time, the only lick of contact from them came from vague dreams; ones he couldn’t even be sure of if it was just his subconscious trying to cheer him up. Even with his powers returned, Zangetsu had stayed quiet at the situation - only grumbling about how much it had been raining every day. Old Man Zangetsu had been acting just as depressed as Ichigo when he returned, he could feel the man’s delight and relished in it when he finally got to see him again - after what felt like an eternity being alone with his thoughts.

Only Urahara had popped by every so often to make sure Ichigo hadn’t offed himself yet, Yoruichi accompanying him once or twice. The store owner had been busy, no doubt about that since the only time Ichigo would see him would be in the odd hours of the night. Hat-and-Clogs, every visit, without fail, checked up on his spiritual levels; and each time, without fail, nothing significantly changed those visits. 

It always left Ichigo even more somber each time the results left him feeling even emptier. That’s why it was always a pleasant surprise when Yoruichi showed up. Her Cheshire grin was always a welcomed act as she would recount her escapades of finding all of her hidden leftover booze from her days in the Academy. She had scattered them all throughout the Seretei in her youth, without getting caught of course. She told Ichigo about all the escapades she and Urahara got up to, much to the disgruntlement of their teachers. It always managed to ease Ichigo after hearing her tell her elaborate stories.

In his own way to cheer Ichigo up, Hat-and-Clogs would always bring him treats and other odd things that he acquired. He told Ichigo the whimsy history of how they came to be, or when Jinta found it while riffling through old projects of Kisukes. He spoke to him in a kind, jovial manner, well as kindly as Urahara can be. Regardless, he had known Hat-and-Clogs had done so just to make sure he was feeling alright; but it was just nice to know somebody cared, even if it was only sparsely.

That didn’t hurt Ichigo, he could understand the man’s schedule just couldn’t fit him in at all times; but, that wasn’t what brought him so much pain. He can remember the night clearly, an unexpected stranger knocked on the glass of his window, of course, he bolted up and flung his curtains open. It was a surprise to see Urahara with his dopey smile and fan, but it wasn’t who he expected. 

It wasn’t Rukia. 

He was confused by the hurt and betrayal that filled his chest when he allowed Urahara in. The little Shinigami, with whom he shared a room hadn’t even visited him in all that time yet Hat-and-Clogs did . Even if she was busy, would even a letter not work? Obviously, she had known that Urahara could’ve delivered it, hell she could’ve even borrowed a Gigai from the shopkeeper.

She could’ve seen him, talked to him, tell him about her escapades in the Soul Society. But, no; she didn’t ever visit him. 

Not even once.  

He grits his teeth through tears of pain and agony as his head yet again bashes against his brain, but the pain couldn’t stop him from spiraling. 

Could she have really locked him away and thrown away the key?

It left him heartbroken; dumbfounded even. 

Time and time again, he thought he heard her voice and saw her big gray eyes from around the corner, but every time he was mistaken. And every time it happened, it left him tormented by his own stupidity. It’s not the fact that she did or didn’t care at all times, it was the fact that at one time she did care. That there had been moments of peace and fun, but it had been stripped away so suddenly; a cold shoulder turned on him without there a reason to be so. So it stung more, more than it ever had before.

He couldn't even keep count of how many times he had confessed to Kon about his troubles, his problems. He felt weak and helpless with nobody to turn to, yet Kon had heard him out time and time again. He comforted Ichigo and gave surprisingly good advice. He remembers the day, fondly, when he cried into that plush toy. 

Ichigo clutches his head, his hair frayed more than usual in his distress.“I just don’t know if I can take it anymore. What’s the point if I can’t do anything anymore? I’m just dead weight, maybe it would be better if I just go.” It goes unsaid that Ichigo felt as if he could help them more if he was dead, he would finally be placed among their ranks officially and work along with the Shinigami.

His bed creaked slightly as his eyes welled with tears, his voice cracking slightly. Elbows rested on his knees as he clutched his orange hair desperately. He stares down at his floor as the smell of lavender floods the room. It had been Yuzu’s new strategy to help cheer Ichigo up by putting fresheners in his room. He constantly thanked Yuzu, but even she knew it didn’t do much to help him. 

He was just so tired.

The squeak of plush limbs comes to a pause as a soft paw lands on his leg. It stroked him slightly, the touch was gentle and comforting and Ichigo didn’t move away.

“Listen Ichigo,’ Kon sighed a little as he continued, he slides down next to Ichigo, looking up at the teenager who couldn’t even manage to lift his head, ‘I know how you feel, as crazy as it is, I understand.” 

There was something so sincere in the stuffed lion's voice, his gaze slides over from off of the hardwood floor and onto black, beady eyes. It was a comforting sight; somehow, they held more compassion and care than Ishin’s eyes ever held for him.

“You know the two of us are kinda similar, they both dropped us like hot potatoes as soon as we didn’t hold any worth for them. Hell, they even tried to kill me.” 

Kon joked about his own hardships so easily, he was trying so desperately to cheer Ichigo up, but it made it even worse. The little hope he had in Rukia every returning vanished with every waking hour. Ichigo’s eyes spilled over with free-flowing tears. They landed on the hardwood floor with a soft thudding noise; Kon, noticing, took it a step further.

“But listen here,’ the little stuffed animal says, pulling on Ichigo’s forearm, ‘if they can’t see how much of an amazing person you are, with your big squishy heart - even though you can be pretty grouchy - then I say fuck ‘em.” 

That sparked something within Ichigo, and he turns his head slightly toward Kon. The stuffed Lion, realizing Ichigos attention was now devoted to him, took a deep breath and continued, “Who gives a shit about what they think or do?” He juts a paw out to make a statement, before pulling it back into his chest, “I sure as hell don’t.” He growls it out before that sincerity Kon put forth reaches deep inside Ichigo and tugs on something Ichigo didn’t realize he had in him. “With all the shit they put me through, the only reason I put up with them was because of you , Ichigo.” The bear sets his paw on Ichigo’s arm, “I knew how much you cared for them, so I didn’t say anything, but if they think they have the right to treat you like garbage and throw you away, let 'em rot in Hell. You shouldn’t have to suffer because of those idiots.” 

Ichigo took a shaky breath before letting out a sob he didn’t realize he was holding. Kon, knowing the feeling of such hurt, rubbed gentle circles into Ichigo’s back. He softens his voice, all malice went as he whispers comforting words, “It’s Okay. Let it all out.”, to Ichigo.

He had felt as if a heavy weight rolled off his shoulders afterward. That pain had released him from its cold hands. As Ichigo relapsed, he had never held so much appreciation for Kon since the little lion comforted him every time Ichigo felt himself falling back again.

He remembers that tragic time riffling through his brain during those seventeen months, yet again questioning why she would do this to him. He could understand the Captains not visiting, Lieutenants, hell even Renji not even dropping in to say hi. He just couldn’t understand why Rukia, Rukia - the one who he had fought for, fought with, lived with, and spent those moments deep into the night talking about how dumb the human world was - how could she leave him hanging?

Ichigo’s mind turns weary from the constant agony of the migraine and at the thought of abandoning the one person who didn’t abandon him. He hates himself for it, but can only sigh. Just as he hopes soon to relieve the pressure from his skull, he hopes Kon can forgive him. 

Ichigo remembers a few realizations after talking with Kon; seeing the situation he was in now, the speculations he had was actually true. 

Ichigo draws parallels to the treatment both he and Kon suffered through. Both of them were left for dead by the Soul Society. They were just two mistakes, only another incident the Soul Society would gladly erase from their history books. They were both failed experiments, a bad dream that the Soul Society wanted to forget about. They always wanted to neglect their history. Shit, if Yamamoto had actually warned everybody of Juha Bach’s rising they wouldn’t have been in this mess in the first place. Maybe the Captain of the 1st would’ve still been alive.

He’s so angry and disappointed with himself. He can even hear Goat-face nagging him with, “Grass is always greener on the other side.” He clicks his tongue, before thinking longingly about the night he got his powers back. Damn did it feel good when he got his powers back; when he was able to see all of his Shinigami friends again with that renewed power. His mind was so focused on defeating Ginjo that he put all that hatred and anger was put onto the back burner, left it there, and waited for it to dissipate entirely. He relished in the power completely with his renewed relationship with Rukia and the admiration he got from the rest of the Soul Society when he returned to the fray.

He, of course, never returned to the Soul Society until the war had started. He still held a grudge, he was stubborn after all, and had felt wronged by their actions, but he wasn’t so heartless as to not leave them to their lonesome when they needed him so desperately. 

He soon realized his internal squabble was all for nothing, giving them the benefit of the doubt was now made the list of Ichigo’s top regrets in life. Now, he was trapped in what was most likely Muken, awaiting his trial and verdict for God knows what.

He only wished he had listened to Kon’s words before he left to go to the 1st Division’s lieutenant’s funeral. Ichigo sets his head against the stone wall in defeat and thinks back to the day when he abandoned Kon for the Shinigami. That was the day when Kon told him what would happen, but of course, Ichigo didn’t listen. 

He growls out at the stuffed plush clinging onto his arm, “Kon, I need to go. I have no reason not to! Besides, something fishy’s going on - especially since that Arrancar-Quincy thing attacked me and knew my name! Something bad could’ve happened there! Why else would there be a funeral?” 

Ichigo flings the stuffed plush off of his arm where Kon hits the window and slides down it. Immediately Ichigo regretted his action, but couldn’t act as if he did. Instead, he placed his hands on his hips, black Shihakusho already on. Bouncing up from the bed and stomping to its edge, Kon balled his paws in anger and began waving them around.

“Ichigo!” The plush says exasperatedly, “That’s exactly why you shouldn’t go! Something fishy is definitely going on!” Kon sighs his fuming anger dampening into melancholy, “And ya know what? It’s not your problem.” He says it directly to Ichigo, those beady eyes peering deeply into the substitute Shinigami’s soul while doing so. He can feel the fury in Kon's voice when he ramps up his tone again, “Why the hell should you try helping them? You might get yourself killed! Yeah, they gave you your powers back, but what if it was to just use you again? What if they were waiting for this to happen and you're just a pawn in their game!” Kon emphasizes his point, “Where do you think Aizen got it from?” Ichigo reals back from Kon’s low blow towards the Soul Society while the bear continues, “I may have never met that bastard, but think about it, Ichigo! They raise these monsters themselves! Remember what Uryu told us about that one Captain who came from the Maggot's Nest?” Kon hops off of the bed to walk even closer to Ichigo, “Please Ichigo; believe me! Why else would they give you your powers back if not just to use you again?” He can feel the desperation rolling off of the plush in waves.

Ichigo didn’t care. Kon made a valid point but he was too busy fuming at Kon’s statement to try and process it. He knew what Kon said was true; he just didn’t want to believe it. 

He couldn’t. 

Ichigo only gritted his teeth, his mind whirling to say something and invalidate Kon. Knowing he would only make an asshole out of himself if he said anything, he calms himself. Kon had expected retaliation from Ichigo, instead, he got the jaded look - the one when Ichigo set his mind to do something and wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. He only watches as the substitute Shinigami takes a deep breath and shakes his head at the stuffed animal.

His voice turns stern and cold, “Kon, I'm not in the mood to argue with you over this. I’m going and that’s final.”

Ichigo spat out the words with more grit than he should’ve as if this wasn’t the same person who held him while he cried for the first time only a few short months ago. Even if he regretted his actions, he did hope that it would get the message across Kon’s thick skull. The animal’s jaw hangs slightly agape before he shuts it and closes his black eyes.

“Fine!’ Kon said while crossing plush arms, he hopped off the bed and turns his back away from Ichigo. Ichigos eyes trail after Kon as the Lion walks out of his room, but before the stuffed bear leaves his voice grows somber and those beady eyes look at Ichigo one final time, “But when I’m right,” the stuffed animal pauses, making sure he’s being listened to, “don’t come crawling back to me!” 

Then the door slams shut in Ichigo’s face.

Ichigo’s eyes snap open as he slams his fists into the concrete floor. The anger he feels now overrides his aching pain. He grits his teeth, mind still lost in thought. How could he have been so stupid; if only he had listened to Kon he wouldn’t have been in this situation. He feels his fury overwhelm him, but in the back of his mind, he remembers his mother. He can only think of her kind face splattered with blood on the rainy day she died protecting him. 

That’s all it takes for that voice in his head to worry about what would have happened had he not stepped in. He clutches at his head yet again, he was confused and hurt but knew he must’ve made the best decision. He blinks when his eyes begin to grow fuzzy, then laughs at the irony of the situation.

 He did make the best decision, but not for himself.

He clears his eyesight and snaps his eyes to attention when he hears footsteps outside his room. His eyes go wide as he tries desperately to sense the person’s spiritual pressure, but it only leaves his headache overwhelming him. Pushing past the pain, he quickly made an attempt to stand up before stumbling right back down; head throbbing while all his limbs felt like lead. 

What the hell was wrong with his body?

He landed back on his knees and hisses at the action, hot pain emanates from his left leg and it assures his thought that he had definitely torn his ACL or something of the sort. He can only grit his teeth at the pain, wary of the footsteps which stopped when they neared his cell. Before him the wall dislodges itself and he’s greeted with a mysterious figure, who - now up close - can only let the Reiatsu flood into his cell and make him sputter slightly at the overwhelmingness of it.

He was so confused, brows furrowing as his signature scowl marred his face. He had never felt this weak before. He can only collapse back, using whatever he can to prepare and defend himself since he can’t even see the figure with the glaring light filling the empty space.

He listens closely to the soft clicking of steps when he could finally see the figure as his eyes adjust to the light. Black-clad boots greet his sight and a battered white cape and black prison garb; he was slightly confused as he slowly trailed his way up the body before landing on the face.

His eyes widened as he forcibly had to stop his jaw from dropping. 

He had never felt so terrified and shocked in his entire life. There was humor in the situation because he never misjudged anything so wrong in the entirety of his life, even compared to his battle with Ulquiora.

He hadn’t been taken prisoner by the Soul Society, no-no-no. He’s speechless as he meets those cold brown eyes; he had, in fact, been fucking kidnapped by Aizen mother-fucking Sōsuke.

Aizen only smiled his douche-bag smile leering high over him. Ichigo could feel his heart pulse quicker into a staccato beat in his chest. He had never been so wrong. His breath quickened as adrenaline worsened his headache, but he couldn’t help the fact he was terrified, he couldn’t fucking escape or even fight and he was stuck with Aizen. 

The man, who in fact, threatened to eat him - eat him.

Ichigo would've fried his brain with so many thoughts if he wasn’t petrified. His brain only landed on one, rather crude, word as he could only look in horror toward the traitor:

Fuck.

—------------------------

Soi-Feng snarls, not for the first time, at Shinji’s accusation and pathetic plan, “And?”  She questions him, her tone hot with anger, “Why the hell should we go after him now? It’s not like he can’t handle himself!” Going after Kurosaki would be to the detriment of the Soul Society if Aizen doubled back to end them once and for all. It wouldn’t necessarily be the worse plan had the Stealth Force found or somehow managed to track Aizen down, yet due to the many dead among their ranks and other problems, they had been unsuccessful thus far. Her eyebrows twitch, “Besides, we have more pressing matters to deal with aside from Kurosaki!”

Shinji scoffs at Soi-Feng, yet again, not for the first time. He began to feel petty, that much was evident in the way his eyes slanted into their half-lidded shape. Although the blond could understand her hardships, he wouldn’t be able to handle it if he found Ichigo’s lifeless body in Hueco Mundo, “And I suppose finding your precious Yoruichi is more important,’ his mocking tone turns to something harsh as the smile drops from his face, ‘isn’t it?”

Soi-Feng, although blushing, absolutely loses it at that comment from Hirako. The other Captains and humans watch on as her face seethes with rage as she tries to deck the Captain of the 5th. The only reason she stopped was due to Mugumura caught her fist in a strong grip and eyed her down. She clicks her tongue at him before he lets go and she shunpos back towards her Lieutenant.

She seemed to get the message, as she ignored the rest of Shinji’s harassment as Hyori pulled on his ear and told him to knock it off. The Stealth Force Captain only turned away and huffed, she rested her arm on her hip as her body grew rigid.

Kensei’s eyebrows furrowed as he pull her gaze away for her and onto Shinji; he watches Hirako barely react to Hiyori’s teasing, a bad sign. The girl realized this too and simply pulled away. Shinji was serious about just sending a full-scale search party to save the kid. As much as Kensei - and the rest of the Shinigami - would love to save the substitute Shinigami, their first priority was to take stock of the damage before continuing with a rescue mission, or hell, even a rescue plan. 

Shinji’s eyes pan over to Kensei, who is reviewed under the gaze. Shinji huffs out a sigh, he can already tell by the stern look in the man’s eyes he would refuse to go along to save Kurosaki. The silver-haired man’s fealty to the Soul Society outweighed any argument Shinji could make for the latter.  

Shinji can’t blame him, well anyone for that matter. It was a known fact that they didn’t even have a way to get to Hueco Mundo, the Seinkimon was utterly destroyed in the ensuing battles. Even with a hollow inside of them, the Visored could not make a Garganta. And the only last hope to make it to Hueco Mundo was strewn somewhere in the Serieti. So, currently, it was a lost cause to get to Hueco Mundo.

Damn Arrancar.

Under Shinji’s scrutiny, Kensei’s eye flit up when he notices the lady-friend of Kurosaki, Orihime, raise her hand to intervene. It was odd to see the lot of them standing there separated from their close Shinigami counterparts, but remembered that their other halves hadn’t even received word of Kurosaki’s disappearance; which is probably for the better knowing how reckless that pair of Shinigami could be.

Hitsugya scoffs at her incompetence, “Out with it then.” He says to her, earning him a dirty look from Kurosaki’s Quincy friend. The white-haired Captain took it in stride and glared outright at the Quincy, which went uncontested since most of the Captains felt the same way as Hitsugya did toward the Quincy.

The brown-eyed girl’s wide doe eyes didn’t even acknowledge the bluntness of the Captain’s statement, only clearing her throat, “Well, why don’t we -’ she motions to the rest of Kurosaki’s human friends, ‘go after Ichigo?” The Quincy backs her up, “Orihime’s right.” He says sternly, “After all,’ he snarls out specifically at the 10th Division Captains, “There would be no skin off of your backs then.” 

Byakuya intervenes, much to the relief of Kyōraku who lets out a sigh. The 6th Division Captain steps forward, “I never took you for an imbecile Quincy.” The blasé tone of the Captain’s continues, “Even if the lot of you could create a Garganta-’ he gives them his signature Kuchiki sneer, ‘How do you plan on taking on Aizen?” 

Kyourkau sighs, his hopes had been dashed as soon as Byakuya’s mouth opened. Inoue goes stock still while Ishida begins to shake in rage, Chad placed a calming hand on his shoulder. They all knew any fighting would only worsen the situation.

The Captain of the third raises his eyebrows in a posh manner, “Well, Kuchiki, you could’ve just put it politely to them.” Rose never did care much for the Captain of the 6th, but he did have a rather tender heart for the little humans. He realized how much they truly did care for their orange-haired friend and could understand their worry and frustration. His comment did however receive a cold glare from the Kuchiki.

“Does it really matter?” Questions Hitsugya, swiftly snapping his eyes towards the Captain of the 3rd. “It’s the truth after all.” The Quincy shrugs off his friend’s hand and struts towards the Captain, pulling out his bow and aiming it at the white-haired Captain. “How dare you.” The Captain only clicks his tongue at the Quincy, releasing his shikai before being interrupted. Rangiku watches her Captain with a shocked look on her face, as did many of the other Lieutenants unaware of why the Captain was acting so out of character - as gnarly as their Captains temper was, he had never acted so harshly in such desperate situations.

Kurotsuchi giggles, it’s startling enough to pause the two in their actions. The painted Captain finds irony in the little spiff coming from the two parties, commenting, “Temper, temper.” He chuckles even louder at the two who now pace back to their respective side. He watches with knowing eyes and lets the dead silence grow serious; he would berate the lot of them for not understanding the actual situation they’re in, but it would only be a waste of time in the end. 

Lifting a grotesque finger his eyes go wide in thought, “Besides,’ his yellow teeth grow into a simile, ‘I wouldn’t mind examining Kurosaki’s corpse.” 

The silence grew deafening as all the Shinigami looked on in horror, “He would be quite the fascinating specimen to behold; and besides that, to experiment on his body would-” Glares from most of the Captains and the few Lieutenants grew into killing intent that had been scattered around before the mass of many reaistu’s lands on Kurotsuchi. He couldn’t help but antagonize them but realized - perhaps - he had taken it a step too far and retracted his previous statement, “I kid, I kid!” He raises his hands to placate the onslaught Shinigami whom were a hairs breath away from launching an attack, “Regardless of such trifling matters, before Sōsuke returns we must find a way to detain him since we can no longer kill him.” 

Kenpachi’s deep frown turned jovial at the mad scientist’s words. He rolls his neck, placing a hand on it to get it to crack sickeningly. While the rest of the Shinigami stayed shell-shocked, he spoke, “Then,” His deep menacing voice broke the fog of silence, “isn’t the best way to take him by surprise?” The Kenpachi laughs, “We should beat him to the punch by finding him ourselves?” His emphasis on punch was said ominously. He lowers his hand from his neck and  rests it on his blade's hilt, “Besides,” blood-thirsty smile curls along the Captain’s lips, “it’s not like I couldn’t take him.” He chuckles and pats his Zanpakutōu’s hilt, “ ‘Specially with Nozorashi.” He chuckles yet again, his eyes glinting with murderous intent.

Mashiro nods her head violently at Zaraki’s display, walking towards the Captain to join him before Kensei palms her face. He only reaches out and pushes her back to her place by his side with his hand splayed open on Mashiro’s face, the girl pouts at her Captain’s action. Rose flicks his hair dramatically, but most stay silent; they had been debating their options on whether or not it would be a good decision to only allow some of the Captains on a rescue mission - Kyōraku included. He knew it wouldn’t be a good idea either way, but beggars can’t be choosers.

Byakyua huffs at Kenpachi’s arrogance to no one’s surprise. It does, however, make the Kenpachi's eye twitch - he snaps his head around in anger and stares down the Captain of the 6th Division. The Kuchiki’s eyes only flick over to his form in admonishment, but the Captain stays silent.

They have never been on good terms, and this just so happened to be another example to prove it - much to the dismay of the surrounding Shinigami.

“Got something to say?” Zaraki says mockingly. He struts toward the Kuchiki in an intimidating manner. The other Captain doesn’t even ordain him his peer a glance, unlike before. The Captain of the 6th only reacts by crossing his arms over his chest and closing his eyes. 

Kenpachi doesn’t move from his spot, and with the aggravating presence to his side that refuses to budge he came to the conclusion that this time, the Kenpachi wouldn’t back down without a fight. Byakyua looked down his nose, turning to respond to the larger man, “The only reason you want to go is to battle Aizen.” It’s an obvious reason, Zaraki practically spelled it out himself previously, but nobody dares voice their opinion out loud. Kuchiki scoffs and chastises him further, “I sincerely doubt you have any care for Kurosaki’s well-being in this situation.” Then the Captain outright glares at the Kenpachi, “Do you?” 

Zaraki chuckles, his anger coming to the forefront, “Sure I do!” He says calmly, “No reason not to have fun while saving Kurosaki’s ass though.” Shinji face palmed when Kenpachi finished his sentence.

Byakyua rolls his eyes meeting Kenpachi’s eyes when he says, “You callous imbecile-” under his breath. Zaraki’s keen ears had picked up on the words. He was not amused in the slightest as his eyes darkened, bloodlust finally aimed in a certain Kuchiki’s direction ready to wreak havoc on the man. The other Captains had stiffened, just waiting for the fight to break out between the 6th and 12th Division Captains. While Lisa and Ikkaku respectively step between the two of them; even Histugya went so far as to produce a thick wall of ice between them with a flick of his wrist with Hyorinmaru. 

The silence had been cut through the air when the two feuding Captains began bickering, even through the wall between them. The remaining Lieutenants tried desperately not to roll their eyes, while the Captains just stood by begrudgingly; that is until Shunsui put his foot down, literally. 

The simple clack of his shoe brought them all to attention, “As interesting as this is-” the sarcasm drips off the Captain Commander’s voice, “we actually do have a problem on our hands.” No playfulness lingers in the Captain’s voice; his serious tone reminded Nanao of how her insouciant Captain spoke so starkly detached when he confronted Aizen in Muken. The Captains stiffen, all except Kenpachi who turns his head to the sullen face of Kyōraku.

 The 11th Captain's twisted grin appears on his face; not even facing the damn thing, the Kenpachi shatters the wall of ice easily with his fist. The cracks surrounding the blow fall onto the ground in icy shards, each landing with resounding thuds, “And who the Hell are you to tell me what to do?” The once soft mumbling between the factions ceases. But, of course, Kenpachi continues, “Just ‘cause the Old Man’s gone doesn’t mean I’ll listen to you .” The shock of hearing the truth still hurts; the loss feeling too fresh to bring it up so causally. The situation soon turns dire and his words begin to simmer away at the Shinigami’s mind when the said Captain raises Nozarashi, the tip pointed at Kyōraku who looked unimpressed. Knowing this would happen, Kuchiki raised Senbozakura at the Kenpachi - blocking his way from getting to Kyōraku with the movement - challenging his action while meeting the Captain of the 11th’s eyes with a glare of his own. They had been defiled too far to be picking fights, most of the Captains and Lieutenants agreed with such a sentiment and went to intervene - when all of a sudden something pricks their ears from over the horizon. 

They listen as a somewhat familiar voice yells angrily just out of sight, it’s a slight thing - but the cursing out at something - or somebody - draws their attention more thoroughly to the distant voice. The Captains had still stayed on their guard, regardless of the unknown voice drawing closer by the second. They knew all too well that the intensity of glares between the 6th and 11th Division was not something to take lightly. They stiffened in place, just waiting for the fight to break out-

“GET THE FUCK OF OFF ME!” The words had been growled out at such ferocity, some of the Lieutenant's heads snapped toward the direction of the voice. It even caught some of the Captain’s attention when the racket continued, “Do I look like one of those Quincy bastards? HUH?” The sound of whimpering and clanging of a sword followed. 

The Shinigami listened in awe when a resounding smack echoed out with the call of, “Grimmjow!” It was a woman’s voice reprimanding the same one who had cursed out, what could only be assumed, to another Shinigami. “You can’t just yell at them for no reason!” The woman’s voice pleads before continuing, “That’s why they keep attacking you; you keep provoking them! It’s no wonder they're so scared of you!” The man’s voice growled back at the woman’s, “Does it look like I give a fuck?” Then there’s another resounding slap followed by a scolding, “Grimmjow!” 

There’s a pungent pause before the male mumbles a half-hearted apology. Even under his breath and through gritted teeth, the Captains could hear him. The pair steadily make their way towards the Captains, stepping over rubble and bickering back and forth. The male one had swept back blue hair, hand shoved deep into his pockets, and a jawbone of a skull with sharp teeth clings to the side of his face; it slightly shifts when he scowled at the Shinigami. While the woman daintily walked towards them, luscious locks of sea green cascaded down her back, a cracked ram skull sitting atop her head. 

The male Arrancar without any hesitancy, not even pausing in his stride, called out to them “Do you assholes know where the Hell Kurosaki went?” Most of the Shinigami were taken aback by his rude nature, the Hollow continued regardless, “I haven’t sensed his presence for the last couple of hours. The bastard promised me a fight but I bet he wimped out, didn’t he?” Orihime blinked owlishly at him, “Actually-’ She had been cut off by Nel, “That’s not what we’re here for.” She says batting him over the head, he doesn’t even flinch just snarls out at her. The female Arrancar does look towards the human girl with a smile, ignoring her companion, “Although it would be nice to know.” Shinji steps in front of Orihime, to block her from the Arrancar’s sights, “And who are you ta’ be askin’-” He’s silenced when Kyōraku gives him a knowing look, stepping forward to greet the Hollows. 

Kyōraku walked towards them, still keeping an eye on Hirako who stays on his guard. He opens his arms in welcome and greets the two Arrancar. He smiles at them, “Ah, Grimmjow, Nelliell, how wonderful it is to meet you in person!” He gives a once over of them, and as much as he would love to appreciate Nelliell further, he couldn’t even ordain the thought in this situation.

Grimmjow looked over to Nel, the hollows eyebrows cocked, “You know these guys?” The male Arrancar glances over at the lot of them, all of them painfully tense (even Kyōraku himself) and gives glares at them, obviously all too anxious to be rid of them. Grimmjow clicks his tongue, the action screamed: why in the world did we agree to help these bastards?

Nel nods in response to her friend, “Urahara introduced me! Remember?” She tilts her head at him before correcting herself, “Well at least for the most part. He told me about them before I left Hueco Mundo.” She says with a smile and turns back to the Captain Commander. Grimmjow scoffed at the answer, unsatisfied with her subpar reply and giddy expression. The Hollow doesn’t even bother to turn back to the group, “So? Where the Hell is Kurosaki?” Even the densest Shinigami could tell the Arrancar was ready to leap the moment they told him any place, his muscles tensed, ready to see Kurosaki in the flesh yet again. He, however, was met with many glum faces of the Shinigami.

Nel slaps Grimmjow yet again, “Knock that off you numbskull! You wouldn’t even be able to ask that if I hadn’t saved your sorry ass!”  Grimmjow, fed up, growls back, “Who you callin’ numbskull sheep-eyes?” Grimmjow’s eyes narrowed into slits, it was a bit of a meek reply from the Arrancar but it seemed to have gotten under the skin of the other Arranar. The girl growls out in frustration, her fists planted at her sides when she turns and faces the blue-haired hollow, “You know I can’t help that!” Tears began welling in her eyes the man only lets out a tch , and turns his attention back to Kyōraku, “Whatever, where’s Kurosaki - he’s the only reason I’m still here.” The girl seems too upset to intervene any further. 

Kyōraku answered him, his face becoming depressed as he spoke, “That's why we’re all gathered here.” His voice turns cold, “Kurosaki was,’ he hisses the rest of the words out in ill-hidden malice, ‘taken captive by Aizen while we were healing our troops.” The dead silence spoke wonders, “We believe him to be in Hueco Mundo, but it has been a few hours since then. We can only guess if he’s still there or if Aizen has taken him elsewhere.” The silence continues, and many of the Shinigami grit their teeth and drop their head to the floor.

Grimmjow and Nel’s faces dropped in disgust and anger; even the tears flowing out of the woman stopped suddenly at his words. Scoffing at the notion, Grimmjow cracked a doubtful smile, nose still scrunched in loathing, “You gotta be kidding. Right?”

Shinji was the one to answer, “No.” He replied curtly, looking at the ground and continuing, “He passed out due to exhaustion and Aizen took advantage of it and took him, hostage. We had been helpless against it, Aizen had threatened Ichigo’s life.” Hirako clenched his hands into fists and set his jaw in anger and disappointment.

Grimmjow’s eyes became wide and predatory at the statement; shocked at the reply but silent, unlike Nel, who had yelled at the Captains, “Why the hell didn’t you protect him? You obviously knew Ichigo wasn’t okay! Right?” She had been overlapped with Grimmjow by the end, “I could smell that bastard’s Reaitsu leaking out all over the fucking place from miles away, and you’re telling me you asshole couldn’t tell he was hurtin’?” Even through the jumbled mess of words, the message was clear.

Toshiro scoffed at the two Arrancar, a scowl setting on his face as he narrowed his icy eyes, “Well, if you guys had gotten here earlier, maybe we wouldn’t have been in this situation in the first place!” This time, even the reserved Kuchiki intervened, “Enough.” He tells the white-haired Captain; it doesn’t stop the blazing hatred from the Arrancar. Grimmjow snapped back, clawed index pointing directly at the Captain of the 10th, leaning in slightly to invade Toshiro’s space, “ Maybe’ he said mockingly, ‘we woulda gotten here earlier if those dumbass Shinigami hadn’t tried ta fight us every step of the way!” The Arrancar gnashes his teeth at the Captain who watches in mild disgust, “It’s not our-” the Arrancar uses his thumb to swivel between himself and Nelliel to get his point across, “ fault they thought that we were enemies.” He leaned back out of the Captain's face, Byakuya moved aside as Toshiro shivered in rage before he calmed himself and glared up at the Hollowe who sneered at him. The hollow cross his arms and aims his scowl at Nel, “Plus it’s not like we coulda killed em’ to get over here quicker. Since that’s ‘wrong.’” He rolls his eyes at the last part.

With a quick judgment from the rest of the Shinigami, the clear consensus was that the beastly Arrancar was probably threatened to be beaten within an inch of his life by the other Arrancar if he killed a single Shinigami. Even Kurotsuchi watches their interactions with a gleeful smile and whispers to himself, “What fascinating-”, “How else would-”, “Ferocious savage yet-”, and so on and so forth. It was so much so that the Sui Feng and Marechiyo side-eyed the man and shuffled away from the insane Captain.

Grimmjow scratched the back of his neck in contemplation, their eyes still lingered on him, before a wicked smirk crossed his face. It startled some of the Shinigami to see his jaw bone mask shift on his face so easily. “Based on whatcha just said, there is no way in hell Kurosaki should be able to beat the bastard. So-” He cracks his knuckles menacingly, “me and Nel could go to settle the score, ‘sides I wanna take a crack at the old bastard.” Grimmjow all but demanded eyes blazing with fury and hatred. 

Kyōraku held his jaw in his hands, sliding his finger through his beard in thought. “Well,” He says, “That's not necessarily a terrible idea.” Rangiku and her Captain’s eyes widen at the statement, she stutters, “You- You’ve got to be kidding me.” Mashiro chimes in giggling, “Sounds like fun to me!” Yet again, the green-haired Visored is met with a hand to the face covering her mouth as Kensei deliberates at the terms. The Kuchiki’s eyes cast over onto the Captain Commander, he’s silent as he walks over to make his statement clear to him, “Over my dead body will I let those ruffians high-jack Kurosaki’s security.” The Captain may act heartless, but Kyōraku knew better. The Captain Commander looks back at the Kuchiki, more relaxed than before, “Take it easy Byakuya.” He says and rests a hand on the 6th Division Captains’ shoulder, “I never said it was a good idea either.” 

Shinji furrows his brows, “The hell you talkin’ about Shunsui? It’s just what we need right now.” He uses his arms to exacerbate his point. Rose walks forward to stand by Shinji, he turns to face the Captain Commander, “I’m in agreement with Shinji.” Rangiku clicks her tongue at their actions, crossing her arms she says, “Are you guys seriously taking sides right now? I mean of course, we would all love to save Kurosaki but do you really think we can risk that at the expense of the Soul Society?” 

Omeada open his mouth, much to Sui Feng’s dismay, “Then why not just send the Arrancar alone?” 

The silence is deafening.

Hitsugya scoffs, “Why not send these idiots on a suicide mission if they’re so desperate.” Rangiku snaps her head to look at her Captain, in disbelief at what he just said. It clicks into place when she sees the way he licks his lower lip, his nostrils flare out slightly, and the wide-eyed look her Captain barely ever wears in battle. Kenpachi laughs at the 10th’s comment but says nothing. “Well-” “In fact-” “ No- ”, “Do you-”, “You bastard -”,  “Why in the world - ”, “Sincerely-”, “I have-”. The overlapping voices of the Captains and Arrancars deafen out one another before a sword is drawn. Nanao lifts her hands ready to form a deadly Kido in seconds, “Put it down .” “Why should I?” Nelliel holds her blade out in a threatening manner, “I have only put up with the lot of you for Ichigo, and I’ll refuse to be under your command over something so important.” Nel says sharply, her eyes growing cold as she sweeps her gaze to the surrounding Shinigami to make herself clear. “So don’t intend to try and stop me if you would like to keep your life.” Grimmjow harks out a laugh, following up on her point, “Besides,” he pulls out Pantera and readies himself to release her power, “you guys are just begging for a fight.” Kenpachi looked at the Arrancar with glee, having found another opponent to brutalize. 

Just then, Kyōraku raises his arm to stop Kenpachi, he looks dead behind Shinji startling the Visored who also felt the familiar presence, “Ah. Just the man I was waiting for.” He says calmly. Heads snap to attention to see just who the Captain Commander was looking at. Mayuri scoffs, “Can’t say I’m surprised.” Although, the scientist seems disgruntled. 

A scruffy face and benign, guileless smile make the statement clear, “Hah! Nice to see you as well Shunsui!” Was all Urahara Kisuke said as he arrived. He looks around at the tense scene, “I hope this all wasn’t because of me .” 

—------------------------

He had felt when the flicker of Reiatsu had been masked with such a familiar and overwhelming one it brought a shiver up his spine. His breath caught in his chest before the Reiatsu had been doused at a moment's notice. The wretched stench of dead, rotting power did not stain the air; so, surely not killed, but something bad had to have happened. It spiked the blood thirst of many surrounding Shinigami, so much so the rest of the remaining Gotei 13 gathered together a ball of fiery tempers. It had to have been a shit show, something Urahara dearly regretted missing, but he couldn’t have been bothered to check it out. They had just been out of reach and he wouldn’t be able to make it in time if he wanted Yoruichi to survive.

Urahara placed a hand on Yoruichi’s feverish head, sweat dripping down from her brow and staining the pillow sheet below. He brushed her purple bangs out of the way, smoothing them back into her hairline, and placed a cooling pack upon it. She groans in her slumber but makes no sudden movements. He stares hard at her, his right eye steal blurry from having it reconnected after his battle, but there is no doubt in Urahara’s mind that she will be incapacitated for, at least, the next few days. Urahara frowned after reexamining her for the 15th time, his hands glow from the light as he pulls them back to rest them in his lap. She was in a sorry state, even after receiving most of Urahara’s reserves of Reiryoku to replenish her own enough to survive. Her Reiatsu was greedy once it felt the slight drip Urahara had leaked of his reserves into her, own, parched reserves - he let his power flood into her, he was careful just in case her Reiatsu would reject his, as it sometimes did. Her Reiatsu tried to pry him open like a locked box after that, he refrained but did allow there to be a steady drizzle flow into the empty space. All in all, she would make a speedy recovery because of it, although not on par with the lighting speed of  Kurosaki’s own recovery time, ironicly. He huffs a quiet chuckle at the thought, that kid could recover from anything thrown at him in under three days or less; it was a true miracle anybody could hold that boy back. 

He sets back on his hands, slipping from his knees to a cross-legged position to the side of Yoruichi. He aches from the feeling of using Benihime to her full extent. His head tilts back as he looks towards the ceiling, brow furrowed in thought. He sighs, then turns his head to the side looking around at the wooden room at the surplus of rations he laid around the place. His eyes land back on his dear friend. She would be starving when she woke up and Urahara created this specific bunker for, what he affectionately calls a code RED situation; so he had to find the odd nooks and crannies he stored his food to give to her so she could actually consume and regain her strength. The “Flash God Super” Transformation, an absolutely dreadful name, drained her and depleted her so drastically that after coming out of her… form, she had to be taken care of. And since Urahara respected this particular Shihoin, and knew she was always a stickler when it came to her appetite, he prepared the best rations he could find. 

He sits up and reaches out and grabs a package, something along the lines of a protein rice cracker, and takes a bite out of it. “What should I do?” It’s a simple question but in this situation a dire one. His eyes glaze over and he holds his head; how much longer must he suffer at the Soul Society’s hands before he can finally rest? He already knows he is the answer to his own question, but he doesn’t want to be. Alas, he thinks, his dear Ichigo will suffer if he allows the others to take his stead.

 He sighs. The bunker he created in an undisclosed location, one which he had hidden much better than that of the first creation he built with Yoruichi. The fond memory gives him the strength to rise to his feet from where Yoruichi lay on the futon. He looks down at her and can only imagine the state Ichigo is in, he pities the boy but doesn’t dare blame himself yet again for the mess the Captains put the substitute in.

Urahara silently slips out of the shoji, not even his shoes make a sound, and he closes it with a soft clack. He turns, eyes gazing upon the fiery sun, its rays spraying out orange, and shunpo’s the rest of the way out of the building. In no time he reaches the Kido barrier placed on his precious hiding place, and easily slips past it. Wishing the unguarded Yoruichi sweet dreams. 

He settles into a mechanical shunpo, allowing his mind to expand upon a plan before he comes to a hard stop when he sees a stilled figure of Renji looking down at the crater found near the middle of the Seretei. Urahara could hear the yelling from miles away but refused to acknowledge it, and now watched with the rest of the anxious Shinigami as the Captains and Lieutenants argue amongst themselves. As Urahara expected, the screaming had been over something along the lines of either storming Huceo Mundo in order to save Kuroskai or bloodshed because of course that was a horrendous idea and many of the Captains went against it. He was surprised to see that even Kurosaki’s friends remained neutral in the battle, but he quickly sensed the animosity rolling off them in waves and came to an easy conclusion.

From the ever-expanding group that now gathered a crowd of frazzled Shinigami, who were desperately awaiting orders for the next plan of action from their superiors, it seemed that the battle that had the Captains snapping at each other's throats spanned for a long time. Renji, behind them all, seemed unimpressed by the display - frown marring his face. Urahara walked to Renji’s side, the red-haired Shinigami didn’t even bother to look at the man. Urahara watches the lot of bickering children, asking the Lieutenant with an amused smile, “How long have they been going at it?” Renji huffed, finally looking towards Urahara, only to be met with a fan covering the shopkeeper's face,  “About, 15 minutes or so since I’ve been here.” He huffs, “I have no idea before that. Don’t even know what their even arguing about. Tried to intervene but haven’t found a good enough opening and I don’t feel like getting split open.” Renji stops and ponders for a moment, “You know where they let Ichigo go off too?” Urahara nodded. Renji smiles, “Sweet! Been meaning to give that knucklehead a piece of my mind.” Renji laughs at his own joke, Urahara watches gauntly and avoids correcting the Lieutenant about his preconceived notions about where Kurosaki was being held. 

Urahara fakes a smile, “Well if you’ll excuse me.” Renji just nods and gives him some space, “Wait, did you say where he w-” Trying to prolong the inevitable, Urahara casts a - fiddled with - Bakudō  30, Shitotsu Sansen he, on the gawking Shinigami. It sends the entire crowd into a stupor as they all fall to the ground in front of the Lieutenant. Renji just calls out exasperatedly, “Come on man! Seriously?” as Urahara runs from the scene of the crime. The boy continues to grumble to himself, cleaning up the mess Urahara made intentionally to distract the Lieutenant from the oncoming conversation.

He approaches swiftly. He gracefully accepts Kyōraku’s welcome with one of his own; his scruffy voice snapping the group to attention. Something rather nasty was said to catch them off guard, “I hope this all wasn’t because of me .” It was only met with good faith by the Captain Commander. Urahara’s face hardened as all eyes were on him. Kuchiki clicks his tongue at him while Shinji tilts his head in response, “Surely you know it’s not.” The Visored eye’s grow hald lidded as Urahara responds bashfully, “Oh, of course I know silly!” He slings out a wrist at Shinji before his eyes turn serious and he lifts his fan to his face, “But what else am I supposed to say with the mass of spectators?” As everybody looked dumbfounded and panicked at seeing the mass of collapsed Shinigami at the top of the Kurotsuchi seemed unfazed. 

His freshly scared face tugs harshly against the unmarred skin in his scowl. He could tell by the frazzled, guarded Shinigami - and by the massive pieces of ice scattered around - that this was not going well. He didn’t think he could last this much longer, and his laughter rung out over the society - even having the likes of Grimmjow waver. The blond rubs his hand over his eyes sockets, already tired of dealing with the situation as is. “Urahara.” Nelliel says to him. He doesn’t even retain his smile, but doesn’t ignore the girl, “What seems to be the problem?” He says. She scrutinizes him with a singular look and sheathes her sword, “I trust your judgment and know you will handle this situation accordingly.” He nods as she continues, “That being said, I would like to ask if going after Ichigo is the correct way to proceed.” Such formal talk from the Arrancar throws Urahara even more off of his game. 

“Of course it is!” Is what Ishida says, he is soon followed up by Orihime, “Ichigo always went out of his way to save us, so this time we should repay the favor!” The one they call Chad agrees with a silent affirmation of a head nod. 

Kurotsuchi absolutely blows a gasket at both the Arrancar and the humans, “You imbeciles! Do you sincerely think this despicable man will have all the answers your heart desire?” The Captain scoffs as he gestures to his head, walking forward towards the Arrancar in particular, “Think, even with your abysmal brains! There should at least be some sort of neurons firing!”  

Grimmjow growls, growls, at the Captain.

Nelliel looks him down and strides forward to meet with him, “Swallow your tongue. Had you made yourself useful we would not be stuck in this situation.” Kurotsuchi looks at her wide-eyed, “Perhaps you have a death wish Hollow .” Grimmjow rears back at this striding forward like a predator with calm, gate, movements, “Shut your fucking mouth before I make you.” Kurotsuchi laughs in his face, “I would love to see you try.” 

In the blink of an eye, the three of them had unsheathed their blades before Kenpachi released the most nauseating blood-lust ever known to the Seretei. “Thank you, Zaraki.” It was less of an applauding and more of a ‘knock it off’ from Kourakyu, it works somewhat as the Reiatsu does dampen somewhat. Urahara takes this moment to assert himself, “Ladies and Gentlemen please calm yourselves and act civil.” Knowing this group, Urahara doubted that would be possible, but the animosity lessened the farther the Captain and Arrancar got away from each other. 

The Captain Commander sighs, “So Urahara, what do you propose we do?”

 Urahara has given that question sincere thought because anything they do currently may be the wrong move. That exact question he hadn’t been able to take his mind off of, but - thankfully - he finally came up with a satisfying conclusion. 

He smiles while addressing the entire Shinigami gathered at the grounds where Juha Bach had been killed. His scars stretch uncomfortably when he says, “Absolutely nothing!” 

At that moment, the world seems to pause. The silence was so pungent that even Kenpachi’s blood lust came to a standstill as everybody stares wide-eyed at Urahara with the singular thought on their mind:

What.

Chapter Text

Pathetic.

Is what any lesser man would say to the hybrid in front of him, but Aizen knows better. Based on Kurosaki’s positioning, he still didn’t even have enough energy to reach his feet properly. He could hear how fast the orange–haired Shinigami's heart was beating, as a pitiful scowl crossed his face as he looked towards Aizen. A smile crosses Aizen’s face; even with the last drops of reiatsu Kurosaki held, those fleeting reserves had managed to dispel a Bakudō 60, Hikari no hebi that Aizen has cast on him. Aizen wasn’t totally surprised at that, even as a Kido master even he would struggle to try and contain a being that transcended the likes that any Shinigami could’ve known. He could’ve possibly assured its proper handling over the substitute had he also cast the spell for the usage of a Hollow and not Shinigami; the fickleness of Kido’s potency varies from species to species. Regardless of what Kurosaki’s true heritage relies heavily on, it should’ve at least held out longer than that of what it had. Perhaps its flaws were a benefit since Aizen’s knowledge of his creation was a step closer to knowing the truth of the chimera’s DNA formation. The quick examination of the broken Bakudō is followed up by a physical examination; Aizen doesn’t even need a moment to realize the manacles had been absolutely devastated, yet not broken. Aizen had seen this tactic used before, but never had it worked on him but for a lesser being perhaps it could. 

Aizen knows about the many reasons why someone would choose not to push their advantage, but it only benefited those powerful enough in that situation; those who were already scholars in their own right to deduce the situation before diving headfirst into mayhem. Aizen scans Kurosaki thoroughly and understands that this simply isn't the case; instead, this was somebody too powerful for their own good, somebody, far too young to understand the situation he was in. The substitute was much too naive of his own abilities to even realize that he could escape; where many used their intellect to not break free until the situation they were in was fully assessed before continuing further, Aizen is entirely sure the boy doesn’t even know he cracked the cuffs already. He watches his hybrid in curiosity; he notes the - not fear, it would never be fear with this creation - but the lack of anticipation in the boy's eyes. That in itself confirms his suspicion.

He feels disgusted with himself and for the Shinigami in front of him. Apparently, the strength Kurosaki uses is rather useless had it not involved any other person than Kurosaki himself. The boy is credulous to the world and his place in it, his downfall would mean the downfall of all those he protected as well, but the boy’s so used to being chastised that he can’t even realize it.

Aizen looked down at the pathetic sight of Kurosaki: his wounds had been reopened as his wounds weep and reveal the crimson seeping through his bandages, thick dark circles sag underneath his eyes that are still cloudy with weariness - but not blinded as he should’ve been - and the boy looks absolutely brutalized aside from the obvious. It's a truly sorry sight, turmoil easily witnessed, but not unexpected. Most of the boy's residual energy went to freeing himself or to his weapons - which had managed to reform already from their fragmented state. The power this magnificent being holds is absolutely electrifying; something the likes of which Aizen has never laid witness to before, and he is enjoying every second of it.

Surprisingly enough, the boy dared to ask a question, “Where the hell am I?” He could hear the desperation creeping into the young shinigami’s voice, sadly.

He almost laughed, he would have fun tormenting the poor boy. He sighed lightly, “Take a guess.” Aizen would enjoy his time as long as he could allow. It’s rather fascinating watching and interacting with his creation rather than just staying on the sidelines and allowing his plan to fall into place.

Kurosaki jumped slightly at the reply and only glanced over at the walls - always keeping Sosuke in his peripheral vision. There was a flicker of something in Aizen's eyes, it must’ve unnerved Kurosaki who decided to lean against the wall and lifted a singular leg to plant it down on the floor. The boy looks troubled, brow furrowed, it is obvious he wants to ask Aizen something aside from a reasonable answer, but refrained from asking for some odd reason. Kurosaki meets Aizen’s gaze and answered his question, “I have no idea.”

At least the boy wasn't being entirely honest, but enough so that it admitted Kurosaki’s terrible character flaw. He can examine the boy's tensed muscles and frantic eyes, even his body posture couldn't hide his thoughts and feelings. The way he had seemed to try and unconsciously rub at his wrist cuffed in Sekkiseki stone, brow furrowing in confusion and anger. It was obvious the boy didn’t understand why he felt so weak, not even feeling strong enough to break through “stone” cuffs. He must’ve felt the cracks finally because the substitutes eyes widen but he doesn’t look at the manacles themselves.

Aizen, as the Kurosaki examines his cuffs not so secretively, ponders his early statement when he had first caught Kurosaki in the Seretei. Apparently, the Gotei 13 didn’t even have the decency to respect Kurosaki even if minuscule so. Even from stories he had heard from the human world, they had treated their pets better: involving them in most of their customs, by taking them on walks and teaching them tricks, even if the foul creatures only lived for a few short years. 

The Soul Society hadn’t even told or explained what the reiatsu-suppressing stone was made for (or Kurosaki had simply forgotten, but Aizen doesn’t believe so). The boy had broken through the Seki-Seki barriers before like Aizen had planned - he finds it rather ironic how the Shiba’s somehow failed to realize, or mention, that the boy was part of their lineage but that’s neither here nor there. Perhaps he was not properly explained the main property the restraint held, rather told it was meant keeping out intruders - which was partly veracious. Then again, improbably, the boy grew to be stupid. In fact, his little Shinigami friend had been held in a similar prison, but from the reports he got, perchance the boy never truly got in contact with it.

If Kurosaki didn’t even know what the stone truly was, alongside the many facts even Aizen himself knew previously that Kurosaki possessed, or rather lack of, knowledge. Kurosaki Ichigo: had no clue on how to use Kido - even to heal himself or others, only knew about Zanpakutō and their Shikai and Bankai (evidently nobody could be bothered to teach him how to properly seal his Zanpakutōu), the heinous nature and destruction of the human soul when they become Hollowfied (and put down by the Shinigami), and most – if not all – of the crimes the Soul Society has previously and will continue to commit against various creatures and the utter repulsiveness of the Rukongai and treatment of the lesser souls, he could only question why Kurosaki still fought tooth and nail for them. 

The travesty of the Soul Society system was egregious, this poor pawn in their games was just another example of it, but it wasn’t as if the Ryoka was a complete idiot. So, what drove him to keep fighting even if what he was fighting for was less than deplorable, which Kurosaki was actively made aware of? Something he unwittingly partook of as well.

Blessed be the poor child who didn’t even know of his own heritage, which Aizen would’ve gladly explained had he not been cut off so suddenly. What agonizing pain for someone so young to suffer through – and, even if Aizen handcrafted it himself – fate had bestowed upon Kurosaki his great tragedy in the making with his own life, even without Aizen there to guide him. A calamity was so intentful it could be compared to that of the dearly beloved Greek Tragedy the entirety of humanity enjoyed so thoroughly. it was astonishing.

Truly.

Then he recounted all the times Kurosaki had stepped in to deal with the Soul Society personally. His plan dictated he sought to save the littlest Kuchiki, and by proxy disrupt the Gotei 13 to allow his pieces to fall into place without much interference, from her execution. Then, once again, Aizen had planned to draw the boy to Hueco Mundo to save his healer friend - who, similarly to Kurosaki, underestimated the extent of her power which even the likes of Urahara refused to grow and develop since the girl was so feeble to handle such power. The substitute Shinigami – what an undermining nickname at that – had continued the fight against Aizen when he threatened to destroy his town and alongside, the people whom he cared for and loved. The pattern must’ve continued with the Fullbringers since it happened yet again with the most recent “villain” – a term Aizen didn’t necessarily agree with – Yhwach, who had attacked Hueco Mundo and threatened his friends within the Soul Society and the Human World. 

Aizen was well acquainted with Kurosaki to know the boy held empathy unlike any other. By then, he had fought to save his friends and family even over the littlest provocation, but Aizen's expectations of each experience had been exceeded every time. Doing so allowed the boy to be resented in his community, which made it all the more simple for Aizen to implement the Kuchiki to become important to Kurosaki since Ishin couldn’t even be bothered to comment on the spare Shinigami inhabiting his house. The Shiba obviously knew not to push his luck in order to not expose himself to the Soul Society, but he had also been forewarned through Urahara about her intrusion into the Human World. Regardless of any Shinigami, Kurosaki expanded his reaches each and every time, so much so it was unprecedented means that he used to protect humans and human souls no less. Aizen couldn’t understand why a bunch of mere souls was deemed worth protecting by Kurosaki. So much so that he would carry his habit over, rushing to the rescue of the wretched Soul Society and even overlooking their grievances. 

Had he really cared that much for them? 

Aizen wasn’t necessarily surprised per se, but to know what he did about humans - or any being for that matter - but the implication of somebody who had shown actual concern for another, without any potential gain was completely absurd. Yet, Kurosaki acted purely for the benefit of others, his need for validation was never quite quenched but it had been received. Aizen had never in his life done something that wouldn’t benefit him in the long run or, at least if it went all according to his plan. It's… underneath him to consider other such options, he was above all the noise and the wreckage and knew it. It’s part of the reason that the Shinigami had been so easily manipulated because they were similar to Aizen. So, this Ichigo had stumped him and thoroughly so and would continue to if all the fury Kurosaki held slowly melded away into meekness as it seemed to be doing. 

Then, a pang of loneliness hit him. He daren’t look away from Kurosaki, but it wasn’t often he thought about his own emotions. He had, but only slightly so, considered when he had been dissecting Kurosaki’s brain that this was a probable outcome, that the only thing to be found was emotions behind those eyes. There had been a surplus of sentiment that the orange-haired hybrid held for others that Aizen didn’t understand, it wasn’t for the betterment of any yet it was a vital part of the hybrid that is currently snarling at him.

Had people truly cared about one another that much or was Kurosaki the outlier, as always? 

He could only wonder if Kurosaki’s companions truly knew how much Kurosaki had devoted to them, especially if even the great Aizen Sōsuke. couldn’t figure out why. He clicks his tongue, a trait unlike him but his frustration peeked in that moment of staring at Kurosaki – who looked worse by the minute, some head wound of his had busted open and began to leak down Kurosaki’s face and into his eye and he didn’t even seem to notice as the white, blood-shot, sclera turned red – much like it did when the boy's eyes bleed black whenever he used his Hollow… “mask” as the Visoreds so called it.

He could tell the boy wanted to strangle him with his hands, if at all possible. The tight clench of his jaw and throbbing vein that laid upon the boy's temple almost made Aizen laugh at his own musings. Even had he put Kurosaki under Kyoka Suigetsu’s control, there would be absolutely no need to. Had everyone been so unconsciously truthful, there would be no reason to place anyone under hypnosis for this reason alone. The absolute hatred in Kurosaki’s eyes meant he had figured out that it was an outside source blocking his power and currently believed it to be Aizen’s presence itself. As flattering as it may have seemed, even the boy knew it was not possible for his power to still be weakened to such an extent and was certainly frustrated because of it. 

If the Shinigami had actual assurance in himself, he would’ve most certainly broken free of the chains by now with the inhuman strength he possessed. Yet, since Kurosaki couldn’t it’s a testament to how appallingly abysmal sentiment the boy had held about himself, which shouldn’t be possible with a Vasto Lorde residing inside of him or, at the very least, content with such bereft pride.

He cleared his throat to talk to the boy, who had clenched his teeth even harder in return, “I imagine you must be quite confused. Am I correct in that assumption?” Kurosaki managed to crouch to his feet, muscles taught in anger as Aizen calmly addressed him. Aizen regarded him suspiciously, the hybrid had always been quick to rage, unlike both his parental guardians. The ex-Shinigami imagined it was due to the said Hollow infused into his soul. The boy must’ve processed most of his helplessness into anger as a young child; ever since his mother had died it was this way or rathered she had been slaughtered. The situation could have never been ameliorated since the boy had always been subtly blamed for their Quincy mother's death by the guardian Shiba. No matter the likes of what the older Shinigami had said, his actions were clear enough. It was even to the point where even the dullness of the surrounding neighbors of the Kurosaki residence could see the blame being placed on the child and, before the boy's rebellious phase, pitied him.

Aizen’s eyes grew dark and cold as he watches with vexation as the hybrid yet again collapses – but holds himself well enough that if only the hybrids breathing didn’t grow so haggard, most would’ve assumed the slow slump to a sitting position was on purpose. It was no matter since the boy still stared straight back at Aizen, never daring to break the man's gaze. Aizen was slowly coming to the conclusion that he would never be able to understand Kurosaki. 

Stuck on the Kurosaki’s heritage, he couldn’t help but linger in his thoughts even if time was of the essence. Such obvious problematic treatment of a child would usually lead to resentment; yet, during the battle of Karakura Town, he had not only seen Kurosaki carry the older man carefully before placing him in a safe place to rest. (He knew why the Shiba was out cold, during that time he grew bored of waiting on Kurosaki to gather his power and destroyed the cleanser with two intentions in mind. It was such a subtle plan even Gin hadn’t caught on to, but it was implemented in case even Ulquiora couldn’t push the boy to another stage in his evolution.) Aizen didn’t even bother to be curious at the moment even with his inquisitive nature. It was unsurprising to him that a human would still save someone that had previously treated them so poorly. Yet, further understanding Kurosaki, he could only ponder why the creation considered his own father worthy enough to be saved; especially since his father must’ve been the one to explain to Kurosaki the Shiba’s exclusive “Final Form”.  It was an entertaining sight since it had been such a shame that Aizen had previously missed Kukaku Shiba’s explosive battle that had been so powerful it banned the Shiba clan the first time from residing within the Seretei walls. Her tale had been spread so far to the outer reaches that even the 80th district of the Rukongai knew to steer clear of her and her family. It was that same technique Kurosaki had held when he proceeded to ‘beat’ Aizen. 

It was unprecedented and rather unexpected for such a young soul to manage such a feat.

Yet, not only that, Kurosaki had been so delicate and kind to a father with no reason to do so. It was obvious something had happened between the two of them in the Garganta as well since Kurosaki had somehow managed to lose all of his power by the time Aizen had been securely locked away, but perhaps Shiba’s always managed to restore their power since even the powerful Kukaku Shiba managed to regain it herself after her catastrophe.

Aizen lingered within his thoughts whenever he had been locked away for that short period of time, but only the ones that would allow him peace within his own mind, which circled around to the Quincy’s. Surely their war would be upon the Seretei's horizon, which was part of the reason Aizen planned his siege when he had. Without the need to prepare an army, he valued the thought of the one-man army Kurosaki held and, knowing how easily Kurosaki was to manipulate and originally assumed Kurosaki may have joined the Quincys – once, of course, the boy had found out about his lineage. It would have made sense the coming and goings of the, newly reacquainted, Gotei 13 that had been traveling all at once to the Human world. He suspected his hypothesis to be imprecise since that may have meant Kurosaki was now a traitor to their kind, but Kurosaki was easily useful enough to any party for them to sweeten the deal by inviting his friends along. During this time, he found it odd that such a powerful weapon had been created in the midst of the chaos and tossed about the Soul Society by Urahara, but its usefulness came to a head when all of the reiatsu of the Captain's power disappeared from the vessel or rather transformed into Kurosaki’s overwhelming power. Therefore, his assumption that his theory was incorrect was indeed the correct choice since the Shinigami had fought the Fullbringers alongside a restored Kurosaki. 

Aizen was underwhelmed. Had so much fuss truly been devoted to the Fullbringers of all species? The Seretei’s incompetence truly made Aizen wonder how far they could get without a scapegoat and such a martyr of one at that.

Aizen had also been underwhelmed all the while that Yhwach had tried to convince him to join Quincy’s side. It was truly amusing, no doubt, but at least the Quincys tried to make sure no oversights would come to… “Bite them in the ass” as Jaegerjaquez would so crudely put it. He let his thoughts linger on the outside world as Yhwach left, he had not sensed the familiar orange-haired reiatsu lingering within Juha Bach’s own and almost laughed. No matter how powerful the self-proclaimed “Quincy King” was, Kurosaki would fight till his dying breath to defeat him. And by that point, what would be left for the Quincy to conquer except for rubble? Kurosaki wouldn’t allow anything less if he were to die at Ywach’s hands, or otherwise. It’s part of the reason Aizen respected his creation far more than any other of the Shinigami.

And sure enough, in the end, Aizen had been right.

Aizen tilted his head in amusement as Kurosaki still kept glaring at him, fire in his eyes, but Aizen couldn’t be bothered to continue this silent battle with more pressing matters that lingered outside of his base. “Come with me.” He doesn’t give Kurosaki the chance to respond as he shoots out his hand with power and frees the shackles from the walls. The boy looks in shock at the sudden display and yelps when Aizen begins to tug him along. The Shinigami stumbles to his feet, obviously nauseated at the sudden movement, but unlike before managed to stay on his feet and walk. Kurosaki gnashes his teeth at him, Aizen’s keen hearing allowed him to listen closely to the hybrid growl at him - much like Grimmjow did every time the Arrancar entered the room and saw Aizen. “Could’ve at least asked politely fucker.” Aizen doesn’t even ordain to respond to the Shinigami, just keeps a hold of the boy's shackles and practically drags him along the cement hallways since the substitute could only keep upright by placing his - what Aizen presumes to be Kurosakis good shoulder along the wall to stabilize himself. It wasn’t too difficult to pull the weight of the boy, who hardly put up a fight. Sincerely, what might those Squad 0’s given the hybrid to empower him so if this is what was left? He comes to a halt and feels the staggering Shinigami collapse to his knees at the lack of momentum. 

Aizen isn’t upset, but he feels as if he would be squandering time at their arrival. They had come earlier than expected, or rather, at an impromptu time. 

He casts the substitute aside, throwing the boy fully into a wall by tugging on the shackles; he listens to the snap of the Shinigami’s head as it connects with the wall. It didn’t take long for his bleeding to double in its flow and the boy begins to outright growl at him with his teeth exposed, like a rabid dog. He could practically hear the ghost of Szayelaporro giggling his, ‘My, my, my.’ at the sight. It was unlike Aizen and Kurosaki to act so out of character. He can only imagine that the hybrid's offset emotion in this situation because his state allowed, yet again, Aizen's devious subconscious to linger in his past with a certain partiality. 

Aizen is almost thankful to be able to ignore such a staggering problem when the ostensible “Bestia’s” and his previous Arrancar, Harribel, burst through the wall with … “Guns blazing”. 

Even that leads Aizen to a notable pause. He is aware of his weakness, even if they are few and far between, but with his sudden appetency to think of the past - which he knows is a waste, yet isn’t Hollow enough to shed the lingering thoughts - is now turning preposterous and nauseatingly so. He had grown strong in Muken, not lost his mind . He doesn’t let it show as the Arrancars ramble on about something Aizen is predisposed to decline, he does cast a glance at Kurosaki: clearing the air for the hybrid that they will finish the conversation that Aizen had so graciously started.

Speaking of which his message is not received, and his anger dissuades interest at how shocked Kurosaki is. The hybrid even stops growling at him as he quickly cranks his head back and forth between the Arrancar who daren’t linger on his hostage. It’s no matter as silence fills the air, as Aizen is expected to respond, and he knows that it is obvious for him to at the very least ordain them with conversation. 

Aizen is, however, a petty man. 

—------------

It was treacherous, being left to rot. Hung as if she were on display; she found comfort when she was so close to death in this aspect. And there she stayed; and although she didn’t regret her choice in giving Nelliel and her servants time to flee, this was degrading at best. Especially since they had left her like this even when they made their grandiose return with Kurosaki Ichigo, then promptly left when the battle was over. She knew her Fracción were close and hadn’t yet left Hueco Mundo, they in fact did stir up some of the Quincy’s but had been defeated by them. It was still a surprise when even Grimmjow left her there after they had defeated the Quincy placed to guard over Hueco Mundo and by proxy, her. 

It was not long after she felt that bastard who had defeated her, Ywach, fall to an early grave - but not in all aspects was he dead. Harribel sighed, truly relieved although still strung up. Much like she told her Bestia’s to stay away, even they felt as if this would be the time to come and find her, even after her pleas not to. They cry out to her when they finally see her, “ Harribel!” Even in their disgruntlement of each other, it brings a smile to her face to see them all work together to free her. “This thing better work, else I’ll kill that bastard!” Appaci growls as she says this. Sung-Sun with her cool tone nods, “Agreed.” Being the tallest of the trio, Mila Rose reaches above Hallibel and places the strange contraption of her restraints, her muscles straining while doing so, “I’m so glad your okay, my liege.” Her voice is quiet, but full of joy. Mila Rose only calls her that in dire times. Harribel smiles contentedly at the Arrancar, as desperate as she is to fall weeping into their arms, she mustn’t let them see her in such a way; this relationship was built on strength and Harribel knows that better than anybody else. 

Harribel waits patiently, her emerald eyes are quick to peer up at such a device hanging above her. She analyzes the strange device; she knows it to be the work of Urahara Kisuke by the way his scent lingers on the small metal devices, Sung-Sun clicks a button on what seems to be a dial of some sort and Harribel is swiftly released from her shackles. She allows herself to slump to the ground, all be it, gracefully. They rush at her, scooping her into their arms and whispering sweet nothings and sorry’s to her. She hushes them gently and thanks them, “You three done all that you could have, and for that I am grateful.” Apacci breaks down in tears at her words, even when Sung-Sun scolds the heterochromatic Arrancar, she isn’t far away from crying herself. Only Mila Rose remains vigilant, even if it is for a short period of time. The pile of heat slowly eases itself into Harribels aching body, soothing her strained muscles; she lets out a sigh of contentment.

As much as Harribel would adore staying in this huddle, the platform that she had remained on begins to slowly crumble away. Perhaps it was also Urahara’s intention to destroy it while releasing Harribel in the process. She could feel and practically see how the building's residual energy seems to dissipate as it continues to collapse in on itself; the device was whirring and the light that resided on top of the object began to glow blue as it absorbs more and more energy. With curiosity, Harribel watches as the little device then transfers out the energy again through fan that, somehow manages, to convert it back into pure Reiatsu. It catches on the wind and spreads far and wide across Huenco Mundo. Harribel watches with her interest peaked, but then turns away when she realizes how fast the little thing is working.

She scoffs at Urahara’s work but is impressed nonetheless. She does, however, fear that perhaps all Shinigami - perhaps aside from the boy who is not fully human - would refuse to help unless it meant a means to an end for them. She wonders how the once proud Seretei could raise such monsters that had always, only, looked out for their best interest. 

She rises to her feet, her Fraccion slows to follow her stead, and she walks towards the edge of the platform, behind the damn thing, and watches it crumble before her eyes. It brings ecstasy to watch her cage be destroyed without her ever having to touch it for it to crumble. Among the rubble, she spots her Zanpakuto and swiftly lifts it from the destruction by the hilt. Its touch in her grasp comforts her far more than she had expected. She smooths a hand over it, wiping off any dust that had remained on it, thankfully, the sheath took the brunt force of any hardships and had still remained intact, it hardly even looked much worse than it had previously. 

She’s quick to place it carefully on her side, contented.

She turns to her Fraccion, “Come, let us depart.” Their weeping subsides as they all follow her in a mild Sonído back to the remains of Las Noches. It was a sad sight to see, being that she was the de facto ruler of the said place. Hallibel had managed to shake off her wounds by now, Reiatsu restored and making quick work of putting up her Hierro, which managed to help or stop most of the subsided wounds. 

Harribel remains quiet as she walks across the rubble, something catches her eye among the dust she sees a stark white coat among the ruins. She manages to salvage a scrap of an Espadas uniform, somehow and shakes any lingering dust out of it. The garment had been ripped to shreds at the bottom, but its length still managed to reach below her hips, and the garment managed well at covering her. She can only assume it had once been a well-used trench coat; the seems looked well-worn and the popped collar made her think it was either Grimmjows or Nnoitora’s, but the scent of Stark hits her as she pulls it over her shoulders. She begins to use the remaining buttons to close it, in doing so, it brings her back to the longing for her dear compatriot. His scent was so heavily laid on the garment, she can only assume this was his dearly beloved coat at one point in time. Stark was the only one who could understand her as her assignment of Sacrifice. Even if she managed to feel purpose, unlike him, he still managed to soothe her with his similar feeling of loneliness she felt the pangs of, since - in the end - she was meant to be led like a lamb to the slaughter. She doesn’t think he ever meant to do so, but - even then - she would forever remain grateful for their menial talks while looking at the neverending sky of Hueco Mundo.

She wraps her arms around her torso in thought; the action also comforted her to some extent, knowing she was far from the harsh treatment she suffered through. It’s not enough, however, as she shivers at the thought of being trapped again and nuzzles into the calming scent of Starks coat. She was relieved that her sacrifice meant something at least, that orange-haired Shinigami managed to put a stop to Ywach before he destroyed the Worlds for good, but her pain seemed to be never-ending and different than that of her transformation from Vasto Lorde to Arrancar. Se is snapped out of her thoughts when Mila Rose asks a question, “Harribel, are you alright?” “Of course she is!” Apacci snaps back, “She’s just planning our next move. Isn’t that right?” The fiery-tempered Arrancar looks towards Harribel for praise, before she is whacked by a white sleeve. “Perhaps if you two give her peace of mind by shutting up she’ll tell you.” The two of them snap back to Sung-Sun growling, “ Why you -” 

“Enough.” That is all she has to say to have them stand down. “Calm yourselves. I have known about the treacherous times you all have suffered through. So now, reflect on all the sacrifices you have made and see how they now impacted the World at large.” They stare in awe at her, so glad she is back to guide them through their troubles and to finally have their dynamic completed.  She, herself, felt the same way as her Fraccion in this way: troubled. Her words were meant to also comfort herself as well, “You should be proud; do not squander your pride by bickering amongst yourselves.” They nod, now knowing she expected better from them than she had previously. “I -’ Harribel stops herself, her eyes grow wide in shock as she flips her head back suddenly; her action is met with her Tres Bestias questioning, “Harribel?”, “What’s the matter?”, “Who’s there!” respectively. She shivers as she feels the looming presence of somebody she assumed dead.

Aizen Sōsuke.

The sickening ripping of the Garganta closes as the man steps through. It’s miles away from them, but still: after going through so much must she really battle with the ex-Shinigami? Her question is soon answered as his presence darts far away from them, but she knows him all too well to just accept that he would leave them to their lonesome. “For now, we take cover.” Her Fraccion blinks owlishly at her, “Okay.” Is all Mila Rose says as Harribel walks past them and into the collapsed building, a gapping opening had let them easily enter as one of its many hallways, had somehow been slashed in half. The wreckage, of which, had been displayed with the crumbling stone all around them.

The steps she takes are very sure and confident of herself. She can still hear the rubble settling all around her, its stability gone with the collapse of the platform she had been contained on; the structure must’ve extended far past her preconceived notions of where she thought it would’ve stopped. 

Her Bestias follow silently, they too stare in silence - taking in the cracks and fragments of the once mighty Las Noches. Sung-Sun is the first to speak, “Harribel, why exactly are we concealing ourselves?“ Appaci growls at her brethren, “How dare you question Harribels motives!” Sung-Sun brings her left hand to her face as her sleeve covers her mouth, “You imbecile. I’m not questioning her, I’m merely curious as to why we are staying out of sight.” It’s a fair question as Harribel turns on her heel to answer the Arrancar, looking her in the eyes, “I have yet to decipher Aizen Sōsuke’s. reason to come here.” 

The Tres Bestias freeze in their steps, blood running cold when Harribel spoke his name. To comfort them, she continues, “Do not fear him. He has yet to make any indication to be heading in our direction.” 

Sung-Sun nods her head, “So that’s who opened the Garganta.”

“Indeed.”

It’s quiet for a moment before Appachi asks, “Why would that bastard return to Hueco Mundo?” Sung-Sun clicks her tongue, “Well if you were listening’ she hisses, ‘Harribel has yet to discover why he has returned.” “Well,” Mila Rose starts, “He must have battled Ywach in order to escape the Seretei. So, he may be recovering now.” Harribel nods and lifts a hand to her Hollow mask, her fingers smoothie over the bone in thought, “As plausible as that is, he still managed to retain most of his Reiatsu.” It goes unsaid that he is still a threat so they need to proceed cautiously and continue on their path. 

It isn’t long before they reach one of the Espada’s rooms, most likely Ulqiuorra’s with the bareness it holds; merely a closed window leading towards the west side of Hueco Mundo and a standard dresser accompanied by a chair, not even the standard bed they were all given remained in the room. Harribel remained standing, her eyes scanning around the white room for anything notable before they land on a singular Caja de Negación. She walks towards the table it’s laid upon and snags the thing, placing it into the only remaining pocket of the jacket near her waist. Her Fraccion scatter about as well, still somber in their thoughts and remaining quiet as she scowers the place. It’s a melancholy silence, but something Harribel is grateful for since it allows her time to think about her own course of action.

She is terrified, truly. If they made a plan to escape by opening a Garganta, Aizen would surely be able to strike one, if not all, of them down before they all made it to the Soul Society. She couldn’t have that, not after everything she suffered through to bear the pain of losing her Fraccion. She knows it’s not within her nature to care about such things, but from the moment she laid her eyes on the rubble of Las Noches a pang of guilt fled through her. She could only imagine her sorrow if she had lost one of her Bestia’s. In order to evade such a tragic end, she keeps thinking. 

It’s dangerous to rely so heavily on her own skill, especially how easily the Quincy had managed to over-power her. She needs to think strategically, if not she would surely regret it. Aizen knew of all the Arrancar’s personality traits and other such things, he had many monitors for all of them - he knew her to be one of, if not the only, level-headed Arrancar from his Espada’s. 

What could she make do with this information?

Harribel tilts her head towards the sky and closes her eyes. Her brow furrows after every failed attempt of leaving that runs through her head. She brings her head back down and opens her eyes. 

What could she do to bring a pause to the cunning man, just enough of an opening for them to escape? 

She stays that way for hours, running every type of plan possible, plausible muttering to herself while doing so. Her growing frustration began to worry her Fraccion as they start whispering amongst themselves. Then- that’s it . A moment of overwhelming courage lands on her as she watches the fear never dissipate from her dearly beloved Fraccion’s eyes. 

She clears her throat, mainly to draw their attention away from the subtle bickering that still remained after her scolding. “I have a plan.” Apacci giggles, it’s a bloodthirsty one no doubt, but it brings joy to see her Arrancar so ready for action. Mila Rose follows her in that action and Sung-Sun asks, “What do you have in mind?” Harribel grows a little tense, but she makes sure not to appear so, “We will attack him head-on, then make our escape to the Seretei.” While two of the Bestia’s roar for a battle against him, her calm one squints her eyes at Harribel, “As much as I trust your judgment, wouldn’t that be… less than beneficial for us?” Apacci snarls at Sung-Sun while Mila Rose asks her, “Whatever do you mean?” Sung-Sun removes the hand from her mouth in order for them to understand she does so to be taken seriously. “Surely Harribel,” her purple-hued eyes meet Harribel's bright green, “you don’t expect us to be able to handle somebody on that power level?” 

Apacci’s nose scrunches as she snaps at the girl, lunging at her “ How dare-” Harribel interrupts her, which puts a stop to her attack, “That is exactly why we go to him.” Mila Rose nods her head in understanding answering her fellow comrades' question, “We bring the fight to him, pounce on him when he least expects it.” Harribel finished the rest of her thought, “Yes, but we only need to catch him off guard for long enough that we can open a Garganta to the Soul Society.” Apacci snarls in disgruntlement, “I hate that place.” Harribel nods, “Although I regret to do so, we can at least ensure our safety there for the time being.” It lingers in the back of her mind how much the Gotei-13 owe the Arrancar now since it was they who had been the ones to warn the Shinigami of the oncoming war - or, at very least, let them prepare for it. “Fine, whatever.” Her Fracion huffs out. Sung-Sun comments on her reaction, “How childish of you.” Apacci points an offending finger back at the one covering her face with a singular sleeve, “I’ll show you- ” 

Harribel cuts them off, “We need to move.” Her Fraccion paused, awaiting another command, “ Now .” It doesn’t take much out of the three of them to bust through the closed window and begin Sonídoing to their full extent to reach the overwhelming power of Aizen. She wouldn’t have been so headstrong and assertive, but something had ticked on her nerves for her to do so: she felt another strange pulse of some sort of Hollow Reiatsu and would rather not stick around long enough to find out what it could’ve been.

Looking back, Harribel would’ve kicked herself for rushing headfirst into something she had no idea about. Her worry for her compatriots overwrought her strategic mind, it was unlike her to do such a thing, and for good reason. Only, this time she would regret it for the rest of her life.

It’s almost soothing, just to sprint fully into the wind. It also is just as nerve-racking when she sees Aizen’s supposed hide-out come into view. Without so much as a thought, she nods to her Bestia’s knowing that if they linger the entire plan would collapse in on itself. There was no doubt in her mind that the man hadn’t already sensed them rapidly approaching, but there wasn’t any possible way he could entertain the idea of Harribel bashing down his door- well his wall in this case. She pinpoints the exact location where he resided and easily smashes through the stone with a swift kick.

She leaps through the rubble, her Bestia’s just a swift to follow her. She has already unsealed 

Tiburón, relashing in it’s glory. She announces herself, seeing how Aizen has his back turned on them, “Aizen Sōsuke,” she raises her blade to point the tip at the man, “we have come-” She pauses mid-sentence curious as to who is growling like an unruly welp, she first would’ve assumed Apacci, but this growl was deep and ominous unlike the girls one of anger or frustration. Her eyes flicker to the side of Aizen and see’s the reason she had come so earlier - that spike of power had been none other than Kurosaki Ichigo, locked away in chains and looking absolutely battered. His presence was so faint, she would’ve thought him dead had she not seen the shackles he was held in. He stops growling as well, his brown eyes meet hers and he doesn't even blink when the blood leaking from his head enters his eyes - both of them. Had she suspected the boy bathed in blood was any weaker than he truly was, she would’ve stood stunned in shock at how he managed to be so aware of his surroundings with such traumatic wounds. 

Even the Bestia’s stop in their tracks to stare down in awe at the boy, but unlike Harribel, they quickly shrug his presence off. Harribel follows in their steps; surprised at her own disgruntlement at the Substitute, but all of this is common in War. She does pity Kurosaki, this was not the path meant for the boy - this tragedy was not meant for the boy’s life, but who is Harribel to decide his fate?

She hopes that this would be the last time the boy watched unmitigated bloodshed, but she doesn’t believe that it would bother Kurosaki as much as his head wound must’ve. Their kind, especially the ones too human for their own good, crave the thrill of battle.

Aizen’s apparel has a lingering stench that makes them all scrunch their noses in disgust, but it doesn’t dissuade Harribel from continuing, “We have come here in the hopes of forming an alliance.” Her Fraccion didn’t respond to this, already knowing Harribel’s plan to only distract Aizen long enough for one of them to open a Garganta and escape with everybody intact. They wait for his response, but he doesn’t even give them a once-over - his back remains turned toward them. His head shifts to the side, the right side, where Kurosaki resides on the floor and remains silent.  

Aizen, that damn bastard - without even facing Harribel - traps them, ensnares them all. It may have been unintentionally so, but that isn’t like Aizen.

He creates a barrier with deft hands as he looks over one shoulder at them, smirking. Without much of a second thought, Apacci leaps at him roaring a battle cry, and allows her hidden Zapakto to reveal itself: it transforms itself from gauntlets into serrated Chakram. With that, she rushes Aizen from the forefront. It was common practice to allow Apacci, whose strength was unmitigated, to lead the charge, flanked by Mila Rose whose Zanpakutōu was typically better for long-distance fighting and allowed Sung-Sun and her defensive Sai-like weapon to wait patiently for an opening to disarm their opponents. There’s a chagrined smile that crosses Apacci’s face as she is mere inches away from reaching Aizen when they all are pushed back by a sudden force.

“ Bakudō  81, Dankū .” Aizen says, his voice relaxed as he turns towards the fallen Arrancars. He only uses the barrier to push them back, until he deems them far enough away. Harribel grunts in frustration slicing her hand on one of her mask’s sharp teeth. She holds the bloody hand out afterward, preparing to release a High-level Cero and she aims it right at Aizen. She only gives her Fraccion enough time to clear out when she releases it and he makes his next move. He remains still, even with the Cero barreling right towards him, and only raises his sword and deflects the mass of energy right back at them. They are all swift enough to dodge out of the way as the entire wall crumbles around the hallway - the ceiling barely being left intact from the blast. 

He laughs, but not at them. He doesn’t even ordain to address them it seems like, only softly - softly - speaking to the Shinigami while lounging against the wall the boy seems to be dying on. She squints her eyes at him, anger flooding through her, but she remains still. She tries to remain patient and wait for a proper opening her Fracion may give her. 

Yet, the boy growls - it’s something so visceral it even makes the likes of Harribel shiver. Her Fraccion, in all their rage, launches directly at Aizen. Releasing her Zanpakutōu from her grasp, Appaci’s swift blade, Cierva, curves through the air at high velocity at Aizen as she calls out, “Thrust!” and her Resurrección form covers the expanse of her body in brown fur. The shift doesn’t slow her down at all, rather making her pace even faster as she follows behind a part of her Zanpakutōu that’s hurtling towards the man, the other held tightly in her hand. 

The curve of her Zanpakutōu takes a sharp turn to the left as a ball of Cero is released from Mila Rose from the right. Her growl was a force to be reckoned with when she finally reveals herself and released the bright ball of energy from her right hand. They work perfectly in the sink, both offensive weapons of the Arrancars are aimed directly at their target and are finding their mark rather quickly. Aizen remains still, almost looking bored, and refuses to move, not even bothering to inch away from his impending doom. He’s hit, when Appachi lets out a battle cry, her horn aimed directly at Aizens heart or where it was and her eyes locked in on the unmoving, undamaged form as she crashes through the wall right next to the hurt Shinigami. Gone was the man she should’ve been able to impale. Her eyes harden with a wild look of ferocity as she searches for the ex-Shinigami that disappeared before her eyes.

Even Harribel was shocked at how fast he was able to move - near teleportation speed, she remind in a defensive stance as her eyes catch onto one of the many shadows created by the surrounding remains and rubble of the safe house and she watches him. He laughs at them, and even though he is looking directly at Harribel - as if wanting her to know he allowed her to see him but is not talking to her when he says, “See? Surely you can understand now.” His voice carries loud across the hall and then Harribel is not the only one to see him as Mila Rose calls out his name, “AIZEN!” and cries out, “DEVOUR LEONA!” As her own Resurrección lengthens her broad sword and she swings the blade out at him from an angle, raising it high above her head before swinging down - only to be met with the rubble the blade left in its path of destruction. He managed to swiftly and smoothly slide out of the way of the strike - eyes wide at the attack. 

It was a strange expression to see on the man, whom Harribel once held respect for as if he hadn’t expected the Arrancar’s strength to grow so strong. She knew then this was her chance, as Mila Rose easily follows up her strike with a series of jabs, specifically used to corner Aizen and he must’ve been weakened since he was only able to evade the blows and not escape them entirely - but he was a showman and didn’t even bother to throw up yet another barrier as a shield, perhaps he gained a thrill out of seeing them battle so hard just for nothing, similarly to how he would toy with the Shinigami. Harribel knew this would be the time if not any other would be so obvious of an opening and she swings back Tiburón, gathering its strength quickly as yellow Reiyoku covers it, and releases it. Even if it would not damage Aizen, perhaps it would blind him for long enough for her to gather power into her Sonido at the same time she, as well, releases her Resurrección. She is calm and quiet when she calls out her turn of phrase, “Destroy.” 

Tiburón glows with power and casts it onto her - covering her in white-clad armor as she then pushes her own Reyrioka into the blade and it receives it and gleams brightly. 

Apacci quickly narrows her eyes at Aizen, who in turn locks eyes with her and smirks. She growls with rage pulling her Zanpakutōu from out of the wall and launching herself at him – ignoring the Shinigami who gasps in shock at her movements. “ I’ll kill you! Bastard! ” She screams in rage, stopping suddenly before launching both of Cierva’s sharply bladed Chakram with pin-point accuracy at him near the same time Mila-Rose quickly lept out of the way of both Apacci and Harribel’s warpath. Harribel, with the time allotted, had gathered enough energy and swiftly launch a powerful blast, Trident, from her Zanpakutōu aimed with the intent to kill as soon as Apacci cleared out of her range. 

Mila Rose scoffed, Harribel noticed since she must keep tabs on them to give the signal when they were all alert of her. The Arrancar scans her surroundings, surely to look for Sung-Sun in any possible nook or cranny she managed to meld herself with; hiding in plain sight and waiting for her prey to stumble her way. She saw her - those purple eyes gleaming with contempt at the man they were currently battling; and Mila Rose dare not acknowledge her in such an intense battle - when all of a sudden, a voice whispers into her ear, making her blood turn ice cold, “ Pathetic. ” She brings her blade up, whipping it around so as to strike her opponent, only to be met with the surrounding air. Her lips turn into a snarl as she growls in frustration. Mila Rose turns back to Harribel and Apacci, both easily overpowering Aizen with blows of their own - mostly from brute force from Appaci, while Harribel lingers farther back - ready for the unexpected.

Harribel was slightly concerned, surely Aizen hadn’t been that damaged from the battle but he has yet to prove his strength aside from the overwhelming reiatsu that made it almost impossible to distinguish it from anyone else’s. It makes it possible for it all to be a charade - a show of power to throw them off as another ruse. Yet, even while being struck and sliced through by Appaci and burns from scalding water and cero’s, provided by Harribel, he laughs. It’s slight, almost muted, but through it all he laughs at them, “Oh, what a display of exquisite power.” He says, easily evading Apacci’s next blow by merely stepping to the side of her fist. 

This brings Apacci to the breaking point, Aizen’s displayed ease makes all rational flee from her mind; while on the other hand, his reaction makes Harribel pause stepping back from him and calling out to Apacci, “Fall back!” Her Fraccion didn’t hear or didn’t care and continued her barrage of attacks; easily bullying her way to hit her mark through a combination of ceros and slashes that doesn’t even seem to phase Aizen.

Aizen’s smirk reappeared as he easily evades Apacci – her rage leaving her blind spot open and she received a blow to the gut that staggers her. Aizen’s voice smugly says, “I’m impre-”

 “What the fuck are you guys doing!” The voice was weak, but so vindictive and clear with the enunciation that even the likes of Harribel can’t help but look in the direction of the voice. Her eyes land on Kurosaki Ichigo, his eyes scream horrified bewilderment and his gaze is desperate and latched onto a lingering figure in the corner- Sung-Sun. Harribel eyes widen, she damns herself internally and without a second thought lashes out at the corner. The water shoots from her Zanpakutōu with relative ease, in such a confined space with a torrential blast of water that “Cascada” releases, but it was necessary - it should give them time to recover slightly.

Mila Rose freezes at the sight, but never doubting Harribel she screams out to Apacci, “Halt!” She is, of course, ignored and swiftly garbs Apacci - who nicks her in the face with one of her blades screaming, “Let me go! Let. Me. Go. Now!” As the Amazonian drags her away from the supposed “Aizen”. The figure before them collapses - Aizen’s heaving and shuddering body perplexes them. That’s when the hypnosis dissipates and reveals the battered form of Sung-Sun - her Zanpakutōu not even drawn. 

They both gasp in horror at the Hollow sprawled out before them - they feel their pulse drop. Without Sung-Sun, they couldn’t be able to form Quimera Parca - whom they planned to rely on to escape Aizen’s grasp. “Duck!” This is all that is said by the Shinigami boy, but his words land on deaf ears as a hurtling blade, invisible to all except Kurosaki, almost cuts through the entirety of Mila Rose’s neck. It’s brutal and disgusting and the mere tendons of Hollow flesh all but keep the head from falling off and rolling onto the ground. The Arrancar drops Apacci, who immediately leaps to her defense - curling her blades around her hands ready for the next blow. 

Apacci is quick to her feet eyes wide as she swings wildly at the air around her, Kurosaki calls out again, “Roll left!” The Arrancar was too caught up in her own mind to hear him; Harribel however was not. Harribel sonido’s to her Fraccion, grabbing her and throwing herself with Apacci both down to the left of where her Fraccion once stood. She could feel the force of the blade coming to swipe at them, it was Reiatsu laced with the intent to kill. It even managed to nick her coat and cut off yet another patch of the weathered garment.

“On your right!” She sidestepped to the left of the Kido with Appacci in the toe.

“From behind!” She careens forward, managing too graceful a roll-out of the way even with Apacci as she felt the wind of a blade rush by her.

“Get back!” The voice carries over the blood Harribel could hear rushing in her ears. She grabs Apacci by the waist this time and leaps back as far as she could. She watches in amazement when she sees the creation of the indent and destruction Aizen’s sword caused as it collided with the floor. She knew he was toying with her at this point. She knew exactly how his perfect hypnosis worked, and if he wanted, she wouldn’t have been able to see the destruction he was causing. He only allowed her to see because he wanted her to know her doom was imminent, that there was no way in Hell that she would be able to escape him now. 

It wasn’t over; as emerald eyes grow wide when Harriberl hears,  “Get out of there!” She looks up, focusing on the worry and desperation that now cover the boy’s - her savior’s - bloody face. They lock eyes, and fiery brown ones make her body move out of need, feeling the necessity of his words impact her tenfold. “NOW!” The boy hollers and he does so, grabbing Apacci by the scruff and launching outside the hallway; or she tries to but their path is blocked by some sort of barrier Kido. 

Her movement saves them both though, even if they can’t escape.

The instant she lept away, she felt a wave of reiatsu flare up to an unbelievable amount and fire out something that surely spelled both of their doom had it landed on its target. She feels Aizen’s blood thirst spike, it was so intense she nearly crumpled onto the ground. Her eyes grow wide, even when he had meant to kill her in the Fake Karakura town, she felt nothing so intense from the Shinigami then. It was surely her end, she listened - and watched , since Aizen would only release the complete hypnosis since he would want to see the fear crawl along her face even if he didn’t want her to see him, as his footsteps grew … farther away?

She looks up from Apacci, watching with interest at how Aizen’s even strides pick up their pace when he nears Kurosaki. At this point, her ears are ringing and show no sign in stopping any time soon, so she has to calm herself and listen carefully. Aizen’s steps are still methodical, but even she could interpret the thudding sounds of heavy footfalls and the terror that follows such a sound. As she looks up she sees little fear in the Shinigami’s eyes but rage and hesitancy. 

He looks the man straight in the eye, but she can see his full focus isn’t on Aizen, something lingers in his peripheral - but soon Kurosaki wouldn’t be able to think so carelessly in his situation. She watches, almost intrigued, as she can only make out how Kurosaki curses - scowl and spittle make it clear the words being said - at Aizen. Then, Kurosaki is lifted up by his throat, and the grip must be miserable since his face turns an unnatural shade of red, and the orange-haired shinigami’s head is thrusted through the wall he had been laying on. Surprisingly, the other doesn’t falter and instead flares his own power and tries some martial arts move - it doesn’t affect Aizen whatsoever, but something is said between the two which leaves the air too still.

With this distraction, she violently shakes Apacci out of her stupor and set her warpath on attaining her fellow Fraccion - she was intent on using this to their advantage and leaving the decrepit place. She watches as the black-haired hollow stealthily and easily makes her way to and lifts her beaten compatriots onto her shoulders. Harribel takes a quick gander back at the scene unfolding on the other side of the hallway; she watches on with disdain as the nick of blood draws down the young Shinigami’s neck, Kyouka Suigetsu once again out for display, but Aizen doesn’t even bother to use his Shikai on Kurosaki. Then, the boy’s head gets smashed into the stone wall by a hand clamped around his entire skull. The wound begins to bleed far more than it already was. Whatever had happened, seemed to grow Aizen’s anger even further as he bashes Kurosaki’s head yet again into the wall. 

It was in the nick of time for them to open a Garanta, but as soon as she raises her hand to do so, the boy crumples to the ground in agony as Aizen casts some sort of binding Kido on him as well. Thoroughly defeated sags beneath Aizen, dead to the world.

She expected Aizen to linger on his work, he’s the type to thoroughly analyze something that had garnered his full attention - not to mention she had never seen the man’s ferocity to this full extent and especially not on any Shinigami - aside from Urahara Kisuke.

It was all for not, as Aizen’s heel, she can hear how loud he makes the noise so she would be aware of his presence, and turns back towards them. 

Harribel freezes in terror as the man’s eyes lock with hers. She watches, stunned, as he paces towards her ever so slowly. Apacci grits her teeth, not realizing the situation she was in, “Harribel, we need to -” She somehow- somehow manages to throw the Caja Negación

Into Appaci’s hollow hole. The girl looks in shock at her, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she suddenly turns - as if realizing the situation she is in - and watches as the full force of Aizen Sōsuke. is upon her. She squeaks in terror, and it is a slight sound as Harribel watches as Aizen suddenly strikes down at the Arrancar, only to be met with air as she is sucked into an alternate dimension. Harribel knew that she had become well powerful than most of the Espada she once knew, and was currently the only way to get her out of that situation. 

And that was that. The air grew cold, Aizen had yet to make another step towards her, only his gaze barreled down into her as she listens to the air breeze around her and the sharp breathing of Kurosaki behind the larger Shinigami. She felt herself shiver when the entirety of the man’s gaze turned for the worse. His intent was clear to her.

It scared Harribel, to see him so close once more - his cloak of hypnosis long gone.

And the silence that followed his movements.

“Had I known your access to such means, I would’ve ended this far sooner.”

She manages to clear her throat, holding her head high for the last time, “Perhaps that is why I brought it.”

“Perhaps.” He walks towards her, “It was an oversight on my part.”

Harribel pauses at the comment.

What? 

“Your actions have become a bother to me.  Farewell, for the final time.”

But he doesn’t start with her. For some sick, twisted reason he makes her watch as he finally puts Mila Rose out of her misery. She had been slowly healing, the tendons and arteries repairing themselves’; but the bone had been utterly split in half and had no way of repairing itself unless it had outside help. It must’ve been a painfully excruciating existence for the time being, and because of her obvious suffering, it may have been the bastard's show of mercy; but for all of Harribels strength she can feel the sting of tears slide down her face at the unnecessary loss of life. 

It was a mess, a massacre, but it felt different when they battled the Shinigami. Perhaps it was because they were battling for an ideal, a goal, and not for their survival; that was a battle Harribel had already fought time and time again. 

And had won. 

Maybe that was why this felt so off-kilter.

This would be the first and only time she truly knew she would lose the battle.

She fell to her knees silently; waiting for her own execution at the hands of Aizen. Blood covered the expanse of the floor, not only from the decapitated head of Mila Rose but also the skewered torso of Sung-Sun - who had been reaching out desperately to Harribel, her last words on the tip of her tongue as she looked at the Espada she followed and loved so dearly. Their bodies, somehow, managed to reside long enough for Harribel to see them for the last time before she closed her eyes to join them as well. 

It was as if Aizen granted her last wish to end it all peacefully, as his blade punctured straight through her heart. She falls flat on her face, breathing heavily as she coughs up blood, her body desperately fighting to stay alive even though she knows that there was no possible way that she would’ve been able to make it out of this battle unscathed. Death may have not been her initial belief, but she had been too blinded by her own humanity to realize the mistakes in her plan. 

She can feel her own eyes diminish from the life they held on to, but there it was again. The growl brought a shiver to her spine and made her blood run cold. She could laugh now, her own instincts still trying to warn her of a potential threat while she lay dying on the floor, but she can’t help but be endeared to the Shinigami who would dare fight for her honor - even in her last moments. 

Somehow, she manages to watch from her place on the floor at how Kurosaki leaps at her attacker, fists flying and hair a beacon of light within her dulled senses, but she couldn’t be bothered to watch him die as well. She can only imagine the worse when after what can only be the little Shinigami’s head - she can hear the brutality of the smashing of ribs and his skull land against something solid followed by a resounding thud and crunching of bones - hits the wall and slumps down it. His blood smeared the gray walls with a dark crimson. 

Her breathing shallows, it must be noticeable enough for Aizen to waltz toward her after brutalizing the Shinigami.

“It was rather admirable for you to come here. Surely you knew that any other option would’ve led to a quicker death.”

She doesn’t respond. She doesn’t need to because she knows that he already has the answer. 

“Your need for survival is understandable-” he pauses, leaning down to grab her hair and pull her limp face towards his, “-but you sorely underestimated and misjudged the situation for which was the reason that I appeared.” He continues his beratement, “You also should’ve known better than to interfere with the likes of me .” 

His ego withstanding, Harribel begrudgingly agrees with him; but what would be the point?

It’s not as if she could now spread her knowledge, it was too late for her now, as her head thumps against the ground dully as Aizen lets go of her.

She found peace within the silence now, it was rather pleasant. She knows this could’ve been w- and she stood corrected.

Even with death lurking, peace would never be known in the life of Tia Harribel. 

Apparently, that hadn’t been enough for the boy to remain down since there was a resounding crash from in front of her. The battle between the two, still alive, Shinigami fighting. 

She breathes deeply, she feels cold overtake her, it was unlike any feeling of cold she felt before. 

She tries to hold herself steady until the very end, but something seems far too ominous to allow her to rest. Her eyes lift and move away from the dreary spot on the ground, to where she had previously sensed the presence of movement. She listens to another resounding thud from the two Shinigami, and any other movement stops for the moment. Her eyes finally reach the planting of two swords on the ground of the floor. 

One was obviously smaller than the other, but each gave off such tremendous power that she felt slightly overwhelmed by just the close proximity she had to them. The Reiatsu they gave off tasted almost Hollow to her, but not nearly enough to be one of the Espada’s lingering weapons. It was strange.

They seem to linger eerily close almost as if they were trying to reach Kurosaki.  Had that been true, they had been just inches too short from their supposed mark but had fallen short and landed near her instead. 

Even in her delirium over the Zanpakutōu, Harribel smiles.

It was a somber way to go, but she makes it clear in her mind to herself as the thanked her own sword. She feels it call out to her as she squeezes the hilt so much that her knuckles turn white. She also wishes Apacci a safe return to Huco Mundo and for her and Nel’s safety. She hopes that Mila Rose and Sung-Sun found peaceful deaths, that they felt as if their lives had meaning, and did not die with any regrets.

She then lets herself rest. Allowing herself to be swallowed by nothingness as she fades away.

Chapter Text

Ichigo doesn’t allow Aizen’s cold eyes to linger on him any longer than they must, “Where the Hell am I?” His voice cracks, he may have been embarrassed anywhere else but he can’t even draw himself up enough to care. He watches as the fucker smiles at him as if he was amused by Ichigo’s antics. 

“Take a guess.” 

Fuck.

This bastard is just playing with him.

Ichigo flinches, his body rolled up taught as Aizen’s gaze latches on to all and any of his movement, the action itself was -- unsettling to Ichigo at best. He then tries, and fails, to relax by settling himself further up on the wall he had propped his back on. Aizen remains silent as if he actually wants Ichigo to answer his pretentious ass question; even though Ichigo’s rational side screams at him to just stay silent, Ichigo refuses to do such a thing.

Fine.

He grits his teeth and looks up at the bastard, “I have no idea.”

Aizen remains silent. It unnerves Ichigo since he is in the worst possible place right now and can’t get these damn cuffs off. He rubs his fingertips on the rough texture, feeling the cracks along them and his eyes unconsciously widen; perhaps Aizen hadn’t noticed he cuffed Ichigo with broken manacles - but that doesn’t sound like the fuck-all meticulous Aizen Sōsuke..

He continues to let his hands linger on them, as Aizen remains silent. Ichigo feels as if he’s being scrutinized underneath Aizens gaze as if the man was being examined like a bug underneath a microscope. Trying to not shiver in disgust, Ichigo lets his eyes unconsciously draw to the light that illuminated the room; it pours in from where Aizen stood in the … doorway? Ichigo thinks once again at how Aizen managed to hide a secret passage into a cell before he had to blink rapidly. The foreign substance of blood makes itself welcome inside his eye, coating the organ in its own shade of crimson. He clenches his teeth at the pain, he hates the stinging feeling in his eyes. 

He meets Aizen’s eyes, yet again, and can only imagine strangling the man till he sees the light drain from his eyes. He’s not vicious enough to want to kill the bastard, but damn would it be nice to KO Aizen for good. It doesn’t help that he is also pissed off by the fact that he can hardly stomach Aizen’s Reiatsu that drawls into the room, making him feel even weaker than before. 

He’s annoyed, more than he is angry.

Annoyed that after all the bullshit he went through he now, also , has to figure out how he can regain some amount of his own Reiryoka and battle his way out of here, that or wait for the rest of the Shinigami to come for him; which he knows is unlikely. He may be naive, but he isn’t stupid.

As if trying to gain Ichigo’s attention again, Aizen clears his throat. Ichigo tries his damnedest not to snarl and lose the rest of his composure when the man opens his mouth, “I imagine you must be quite confused. Am I correct in that assumption?” Ichigo didn’t expect such a question from the man, it wasn’t as if he was trying to be all that snarky either. Ichigo manages to settle down his rising anger because of it and deems it better if he makes his way to his feet to actually have a decent conversation with Aizen.   

He isn’t able to make it to his feet yet, but he does try. Aizen’s silent through the whole process of sliding up slightly, using the wall as support, then having to slink right back down on that same wall to his ass. He nearly collapses, knowing to do the breathing exercises Orihime taught him to maintain the pain radiating off of every joint, but fuck his lungs hurt. It’s hard for him to even decide which one aches the most right now. 

Fuck he hurts so damn much.

He raises his head to meet Aizen’s eyes, who was still just staring at him. He wouldn’t dare try to look away now. He couldn’t tell why, but Ichigo knows this is important. He holds that same thought as Aizen makes no move to speak and can’t help but glare at the traitor in contempt - almost daring Aizen to make a move. That’s when Aizen speaks, “Come with me.” Ichigo realizes it’s more of a demand than a prompt; so, he was a bit surprised when Aizen just drags him off of the ground - he was more shocked at how the chains worked, some sort of spell cast on them that only Aizen could use. His head throbs in pain, he can’t see anything but the world is spinning at the same time. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, which makes it better, but he still feels wobbly. He was about to cuss out Aizen when he feels a sharp pull and is sent stumbling forward at the tug. 

This leads Ichigo to growl, growl . Fuck he never felt more desperate and feral but he couldn’t manage to stop it, so he tried to speak instead, “Could’ve at least asked politely fucker.”  From what Ichigo can see, which is limited, when Aizen looks over his shoulder at him the ex-Shinigami rolls his eyes. 

Like, sincerely rolls his eyes at Ichigo.

Ichigo doesn’t even have the time to think about the action before he’s hulled along the longest hallway he has ever seen in his life. Aizen, of course, has no ounce of sympathy in him so he just pulls the boy forward, his cuffs making it impossible for him to fight back and it tugs at his skin, he thinks it even breaks the surface. Ichigo goes stumbling along, almost face-planting while doing so. This leads Ichigo with only one decision; with the little pride Ichigo has left, he refuses to be dragged along the floor and decides to lean against the closest wall for support. It hurts like a bitch when his shoulder collides with the stone and his skin is peeled back with every step, but it beats getting dragged on the ground like some wild dog. 

God knows how long they walked, well Aizen walked, down that damn hallway before they come to a sudden stop. With his only means of walking forward stopped, he almost falls right into Aizen’s back, but before he can do that, his knees buckle -- thankfully -- and he lands with a thud on the hard ground. He hisses again, but the pain grows dull, he’s a little worried about how unresponsive his limbs are -- but that would be a problem for another day.

He’s then jerked forward again, with an unnecessary amount of force before the chain creaks with a snap and he’s thrown -- fucking thrown into the wall he was using for support. His head snaps back since he was unprepared to be launched at the wall and his head connects harshly against the wall with a crack . 

That’s it.

As soon as he’s free he’s gonna kill that bitch named Aizen.

He blames Shiro for what happens next. As soon as he feels the surplus of blood leak down onto his face in pools that settle into his bandages and the world begins to have color again, it snaps something within Ichigo. He gnashes his teeth, which are new, and bares them at Aizen as the previous growling that came from deep within his throat returns with a vengeance. It must’ve shocked Aizen, because whenever he turned to face him fully -- and with Ichigo’s now renewed senses -- he sees Aizen’s eyes widen, but only slightly, at Kurosaki’s display. 

As fucked as the situation is, Ichgio could’ve never expected what happens next when one of the Espada -- which he thought was dead -- bust through the fucking wall, she had been followed by three more Arrancar who lingered behind her. At that moment, Ichigo felt as if he no longer had any control over his life and is now just somebody’s pawn in their plan for his never-ending suffering, but he is thankful that the shock to his system made him stop growling. They don’t even acknowledge him either, only quickly glancing at him before focusing on Aizen -- which is fair.

He almost feels bad for the Arrancar - almost - but whatever bits of self-preservation are left are more worried by the fact Aizen has yet to acknowledge the intruders when they talked to him. The Espada -- Ichigo is pretty sure her name is Harribel but his multiple concussions are starting to feel like brain damage, so he can’t be for sure - speaks surely and directly at Aizen. 

“We have come here in the hopes of forming an alliance.” 

Okay, that would not turn out well for Ichigo, but at the same time, it didn’t make sense to him -- his delirium included. He knows how powerful Aizen is, but he is also aware of how Hollows reacted to such forces of nature. Usually hollows -- especially Espadas -- would never lower themselves enough to work underneath somebody. That left the question spiraling around in Ichigo’s mind: what were they planning? He doesn’t really get to think about it when Aizen looks directly at him, Ichigo swears it, before mumbling something under his breath, might’ve been Gaki, Geki? Ichigo wasn’t sure but braced himself for whatever followed his words. 

Thankfully, for Ichigo, it only impacted the Arrancars, red covering their bodies and stilling them as Aizen uses his reaitsu and the Kido to push them back from him and Ichigo. Trying to keep his eyes open, Ichigo watches in wonder at how Aizen walks towards him and lounges to the right of him as the littlest of them, she kinda reminds Rukia, roars and leaps at Aizen. Her Zanpkato transforms into something Ichigo had never seen before, but she and it still hurtles on toward Aizen, when Aizen actually speaks for all to hear.

“ Bakudō  81, Dankū .” Ichigo may not know much, but he does know that the spell was not meant to push attacking enemies away from you. It doesn’t stall them for long, as Harribel slices her hand open - much like Grimmjow once did - and blasts a Cero open-faced right at them. Ichigo, unable to move, raises his arms to protect his face. Only for the heat from the blast to disappear from in front of him. He only hears the collateral of the damage it causes before he sees it. 

Ichigo lowers his arms slowly, eyes searching for any other attack. Aizen then laughs at him, at his distress and weakness at not being able to fight back. “Surely that’s not the best you can do ‘Saviour of the Soul Society’?” Ichigo snarls, but Aizen’s low and quiet voice continues, “I implore you to try and stop me.” He spits out back at the man taunting him, “ Fuck you .” And cannot help at how the growl leaks from his lips, its intensity directed at Aizen entirely. The man smirks, and it disgusts Ichigo.

“Perhaps you’ll understand why I ask this of you in a moment.”

Their … conversation is stopped short when the littlest Arrancar’s Zanpakutōu careens towards them, her - well one of her - Zanpakutōu flies through the air like a boomerang towards them. The Arrancar herself transforms while leaping. Then the other, tall with cascading hair, launches a Cero at them as well. That’s when he hears it, the unsheathing of a Zanpakutōu, and Ichigo slams his eyes shut as he hears the softest, “ Shatter, Kyouka Suigetsu. ” And Aizen launches off the wall towards an Arrancar, clad in white, in the corner and throws her out into the fray. He laughs, and Ichigo is not for sure if it’s because of the look on his face or the Arrancar shell-shocked expression. 

“See? Surely you can understand now.” 

Then the Amazonian launches, she too transforming into her Resurrección form shouting out, “AIZEN! Devour Leona! ” The larger Arrancar raises her sword in a large arc straight down at her fellow Hollow. The other quickly darts out of the way, her eyes large and frightened by the fact that the attack was aimed at her. The game of cat-and-mouse the Arrancars play continues on for only a moment, too short of a time for Ichigo to react, until Harribel also makes her move. She says it softly with reverence, “Destroy.” She’s then clad in scales of white, similar to the form Grimmjow took, power emanating from her blade. She moves to take aim at her underling that the Amazonian was fighting, but before she could Ichigo’s heart dropped into his stomach when the beastly Arrancar quickly pulled her Zanpakutōu out of the wall, taking a massive chunk of stone with it. She calls out, “I’ll kill you, bastard!” Then launches off the wall and swings and releases both of her Zanpakutōu at the other Arrancar with purple, scared eyes.

Ichigo can only watch in horror at the display of power that is not reciprocated because they are attacking their allies instead of enemies. He manages to turn his head away from the one-sided battle -- not before Harribel launches a staggering blast of scalding water -- when Aizen speaks after laughing at them. 

 “Oh, what a display of exquisite power.”

His voice seems to echo throughout the entire room, but Ichigo saw how his smirk appeared after each word since it rilled up the Arrancar even more -- the littlest of them absolutely crying out in rage and going into a frenzy. At least somebody had enough brainpower left when Harribel calls out to her Arrancar, “Fall back!” But the girl doesn’t listen to her.

Damnit.

She launches all sorts of attacks, most of which the others couldn’t dodge and could only take the brunt force of. The poor Arrancar was stumbling around frantically pleading with her opponent to stop. She even went so far as to hit the other, it’s obvious she didn’t want to when the tears streamed down her face when she hit the other -- Apacci if Ichigo heard right -- and it stumbles the other enough to give a breather to the green-haired Arrancar. He hears Aizen start back up, rilling up the other and he locks eyes with him when he does so. The fucker just smiles at him. 

“I’m impre-”

 “What the fuck are you guys doing!”

His weak voice reminds him of how far he has come. The voice that came out of him was the same one that he had held when he was 15, but it’s been years since then -- so it holds a different sort of power, even in his own weakness.

Aizen’s expression drops slightly when he and Ichigo both realize that Harribel caught on instantly. The ex-Espada releases an absolutely absurd amount of water, so much so it covers up to Ichigo’s neck before the hole in the wall drains it all out to the burning sand. Because of that, he misses some of what happened next, but his eyes draw him to Aizen as he unsheathes his Zanpakutōu with intent to use it and calls out to the Arrancar, “ Duck!” He wasn’t heard in time, but at least the angle the Aizen swung only was able to behead one of the Arrancar. The sight unsettles him, but not as much as he expected. It does turn his stomach when there was a resounding splat as the head hit the ground first then the body, but his head had miraculously stayed partially connected by a few arteries and tendons - not even the bone survived Aizen's swipe - and spurts of blood coming from the Amazonians neck. 

Apacci managed to recover quicker than her counterpart, but her eyes were so frantic he wasn’t sure that she hadn’t just reverted fully into her beastly counterpart. He hopes that she isn’t when he calls out again, “ Roll left! ” Unfortunately, he was right the first time when his words went in one ear and out the other as the girl spastically swung, hopping to cut something . Harribel however, listened to him, launching herself quick enough to grab the other, and only the coat she was wearing met his blow - thereby being the only collateral damage. Ichigo flinches slightly as the force of the blade’s impact shudders the ground and Aizen locks eyes with him, before shunpoing away. 

It continues on for a little while, Aizen refusing to reveal himself fully to the Arrancar, but not worried enough to release his blade yet again to ensnare Ichigo. Then, there’s a shift in the air as Aizen’s Reiatsu turns something deadly. Ichigo doesn’t have to know what the man said to know it was life or death for Harribel this time. 

“ Get out of there!”

Ichigo and Harribel lock eyes, Harribels looks helpless and Ichigo can’t help but feel a rush of pity as he yells once again, his lungs and throat burning in overexertion. 

“NOW!”

She then grabs the other Arrancar and get’s the hell out of dodge, or tries to. It was good she went as far as she could, the Kido Aizen uses decimates the entire floor, ceiling, and even the floor above them. 

Ichigo feels a pull in his gut, it catches his attention away from the carnage. He thought he was just nauseous, but it felt way different than usual. Something had to have been calling, reaching, out to him - trying to garner his attention; but… What could it have been? He was anxious to find out; his desperation bursting at the seams of his mind. He grits his teeth to compose himself at the moment, feeling so weak it brought tremors to his body. It didn’t help that Aizen began to B-line in his direction. Trying to ignore the problem, he watches the Arrancar, and -- somehow -- Harribel can either see or hear Aizen now, her face twisting in horror at the ex-Shinigami’s movements.

That’s all Ichigo could’ve made out before Aizen’s looming presence reaches him. Then the tug reappears and he can’t help but want to reach out to it as well. It was his mistake to be distracted in front of Aizen since he was now being lifted up by his throat. Ichigo’s curses are cut off as Aizens hand grips his neck so tightly Ichigo can feel how his arteries begin to close off. Ichigo coughs sputtering slightly, “Put me down’s” and swipes at Aizen’s face with his fist, only for the blows to fall just short of the man’s face, mainly because he had to swing with both hands instead of one because of his restraints. 

Knowing he wouldn’t be able to reach the bastard with his arms, he tries to kick him - using both his hands to grip onto the one and scramble to pull the damn thing off, “Let go you fucker! ” Aizen, serious and stone-cold, replies sullenly, “I recommend you become a limp doll if you would like to keep all your limbs attached, Kurosaki .” There’s a lick of anger that sneaks into Aizen’s tone. Ichigo knew he was getting to the bastard and couldn’t help but spur him on, “Try me bitch.” He spat out the words with even more anger than he meant to. 

Fury rolls off of Aizen in waves as his grip somehow tightens even further around his neck. He flails again, feeling the bile build in the back of his mind and feeling his mind grow hazy he clenches his eyes shut. Maybe it was his determination or his desperation, Ichigo wasn’t sure what could’ve happened for him to be able to release a wave of Reiatsu, which manages to completely shatter the cuffs into a million pieces. It may have startled Aizen, but the bastard doesn’t even loosen, so he swang again and met his mark. That must’ve pulled Aizen out of it since his grip loosened enough that Ichigo could gulp in the sweet air before trying to break the grip properly. He realizes he is unable to, not only due to the man’s unfathomable strength but also because his feet couldn’t have been planted since he was lifted off of the ground. He curses the man silently for his height and moves on to plan to be retaliation. Painfully, he lifts his legs around Aizen’s arms, and those cuffs had somehow been broken too (much to Ichigo's delight). As he does so, he goes to his and Tatsuki’s tried and true arm bar. He wasn’t sure if he could actually break the man’s arm, but it might’ve at least made him let go . 

But, of course, Aizen doesn’t even flinch. 

Pissed, Ichigo lets out a choked sound as he tries to exert even more energy than he had, he manages to make up for the physical disadvantage he has by, absolutely, pulling the last bits of Reiatsu out of his ass. It does, and thank God for it, make Aizen’s arms creak and bend in an unnatural direction - enough so it makes him let go entirely of Ichigo. The substitute Soul Reaper breathes, and coughs, but mainly inhales the sweet, sweet air. Ichigo tried, he really but was held by the remains of Shihakosho and lifted off of his feet yet again, a blade pressed with such pressure on his throat that the blade into his skin even farther with every breath. did make a step away, to escape but had been caught again. Aizen’s grip tightens on both his Zanpakutōu’s handle and the scruff of Ichigo’s Shihakosho, “I swear upon all you hold dear, I will slice your throat open if you don't abide by my words Kurosaki Ichigo.” At the words laced with poison, Ichigo doesn’t even bother to fight back, physically that is. 

“Bite me.” Ichigo snarls right back out at Aizen, tilting his head in such a way he can feel the blade press even deeper into his neck. 

Aizen hisses back to him,  “I'll cut out your larynx if you dare test my patience again. Do not take my words lightly cretin.”

“Like I said, bite me. ”

It's silent, too quiet as the air comes to a standstill before the Aizen palms Ichigo’s face like a basketball and slams his head into the wall, yet again. Ichigo cries out between hacking up a lung and swallowing the blood back down, " Motherfucker !”  He felt something snap within his skull when Aizen does it for a second time, not much wall for his head to go through though. Ichigo collapses in a heap, somehow his ribs feel battered and broken from the motion as well. Unmoving, he feels delicately around his torse and finds the fracture of his cracked ribs that probably have punctured through his lungs by now. It’s kinda obvious to Ichigo when he begins to spurt up blood like a water fountain, coughing it all up over himself and his Shihakosho.

His eyes grow so heavy. The world turns to mush all around him as the unbearable pain rears its ugly face at him. He can only make out the blood and gore of it all as Aizen absolutely desecrates the remaining Hollows.

Ichigo doesn’t remember much before snapping out of it, he knows there were screams of pain and sorrow; somebody crying so softly his mind drifts back to the funeral of his mother. How that same cry had come from Yuzu. His little sister, who had tried so hard to remain calm, but when she thought that they all had left she wept over their mother's grave in the same way. 

It strikes a chord in him, that and the lingering feeling of his gut makes him rise from the ground. He hears the sputter -- and in his delirium -- see’s Yuzu hanging at the end of Aizen’s blade, impaled through the heart. He’s not exactly aware of what happens around him, his mind indulging in auto-pilot while his body bounds forward. Whatever he does, it doesn't work since he’s sent flying against the wall, his ribs digging further into any exposed organ as he takes a haggard breath. 

He couldn’t be stopped, he felt so close to achieving… achieving something he doesn’t even know. He’s not even sure if it’s the fact that Aizen keeps undermining him and that he feels so much anger bubbling within his chest, but the raw emotion allows him to push through the pain for the moment. He’s light on his feet, not as limber as he would’ve liked – but he can make due. He sees how Aizen meets his eyes and sidesteps his haymaker, the momentum carries Ichigo through, and instead of stopping, Ichigo allows his body to continue its movement swinging his leg out to trip the man in the process. It catches Aizen’s heels, but the ankle refuses to give out.

Ichigo’s eyes widen as he tries to leap back and regain ground. 

“I’m pretty sure we’ve had this conversation before, Kurosaki.” 

Ichigo laughs at Aizen's comment, it’s more of a wheeze since the liquid filling his lungs makes the sound gritty, but Ichigo knows exactly which battle he was talking about.

“So what?” Kurosaki bites out.

“Surely you know what I mean by that.”

“Enlighten me Aizen. Don't act like I didn't throw that shit right back in your face.”

“As young and naive as you are, I’ll ask again. Do you heed my admonition?”

Ichigo huffs out a sigh, he thinks he must be going crazy if the Aizen Sosuke was giving him an ultimatum. And a final warning at that.

Ichigo laughs again, “I guess I’m not the only one who doesn't heed warnings. Bite me.”

Ichigo’s surprised at how… kind -– he’s not for sure if that’s the right word but it’s the closest he can think of –- Aizen is about brutalizing him. He throws binding Kido’s at Ichigo, and sure they burn and he aches more than he ever thought possible, but he doesn’t feel like he’s dying.

He does somehow manage to land back on that stupid, fucking wall again. With the force of landing on it rattles his brain and Ichigo begins hacking. Blood pools around him, or he just made another puddle along the floor (he only says so because he sees how his blood trails down the wall and adds to the crimson mass). Then looks at Aizen, whose face had gone blank - entirely blank. 

The man walks towards him, Ichigo only now realizing how many dead bodies that had been displayed along the place, their own blood -- much like his -- stains the pristine white of stone and concrete a dark red. Ichigo watches as Aizen’s Zanpakto begins to make his way towards his chest, much like how he had killed Harribel - it’s to the wrong side though, as the blade reaches the right part of his sternum, right below his chest. 

Ichigo brings his hand up, trying to stop the blade's movements, but even he cannot handle Aizen’s overwhelming strength at the moment and the blade keeps moving. Even Ichigo’s last resort is barrelled through and, in his desperation, Ichigo brings his hand over the tip of the blade; but, that too doesn’t even hinder Aizens movements as it just sinks through the appendage, brutally puncturing right through the middle of his palm.

 Ichigo hisses at the pain emanating from his hand, still using his right hand to try and pull the blade away from him, but it just keeps creeping closer and closer to him till it connects to Ichigo’s wrapped skin. Then, Aizen pushes and sinks in the blade. Ichigo’s coughing fit starts back up as he tries so hard to not tense his muscles around the blade. 

His eyes grow hazy as he looks at Aizen, he’s not even sure if he meets the man’s eye’s when he whispers, “ Aizen ”, and promptly loses consciousness.

As he sinks into the inky darkness behind his eyelids, he tries to pray to anyone listening but knows deep down that nobody would answer his pathetic plea.

Chapter Text

What

Shinji may have been a lot of things, but he knew he wasn’t going deaf. The words played on a loop inside of his head: Absolutely nothing . Surely it was just some dumb prank, a joke to lighten the Captain’s dark mood. In all sincerity, it couldn’t have been Urahara’s intention to actually not save the kid. 

Right?

Shinji had doubts about Urahara’s purpose for telling such nonsense, especially on the verge of a brawl forming between the most volatile Captains just waiting to break out. Shinji’s eyes shift over to said members, even Kenpachi looks fairly shell-shocked. 

Shinji tries to clear the stifled air by clearing his throat; it works as Urahara - and by proxy, the rest of the Shinigami look at him in silence. He places one hand on his hip, “You’ve got to be kidding?” It’s obvious who he’s talking to, but it seems that even the scruffy scientist would rather be far away from here. Kisuke lifts his eyes from the ground, the somber emotion in them makes Shinji’s stomach drop, “Right?”

There’s a breath a deep, one prepared for long-suffering. Shinji already regrets asking his one question. Urahara wasn’t one to give somebody who would allow those he cherishes to fall into the hands of an enemy so easily. Shinji knew something was amiss, even as Urahara answered, “My dear Visored friend, it pains me to inform you that I am not.”

Shinji seethes silently, breathing in a breath of air through gritted teeth as he backs down to question the man even further. It wasn’t his place at the moment and he wouldn’t need to be the one to understand Urahara’s actions.

The green-haired Espada, Nel, does so for him. Sauntering forward, the girl stares down the man who raises a fan over his face, “Why do you propose such a dangerous gamble Kisuke? Surely you know well that Kurosaki’s life hangs in the balance if we fail to save him or likewise.” The girl’s tone is light, not sincerely holding the weight of the situation. She slightly tilts her waiting patiently for Urahara’s response. 

The man sighs, lowering his fan as his face drops entirely, “That’s precisely why we should wait.” 

Nel nods at his reply while placing a singular hand on her face in thought. 

The other Shinigami watch her carefully, some more than others as many still can not come to fathom the idea of Urahara saying such things. 

Shinji included.

The somber air changed for the worst when Kurostuchi made himself known again, “Ah!” His delight was painfully obvious as the painted man giggled, “What a splendid idea! I must say, even I am impressed with your idea Kisuke.” The Shinigami’s faces all scrunch in confusion and Shinji’s brows raise but before he can voice his opinions, the Captain continues, “To use a sacrifice to keep Aizen off our backs.” The man clicks his tongue, “If only we could’ve sent a less powerful specimen, tis a shame to lose such a magnificent creature without even studying him.” 

It’s cold: both Kurotsuchi’s lack of morals and the air itself. Shinji huffs out a breath, the released air turns cloudy in front of his eyes. A shiver runs up his spine as the temperature continues to drop. Shinji’s eyes dart in all directions, looking for the little Kuchiki who could’ve made this possible - her beautiful Zanpakto had created an icy wonderland that even Shinji stood in shock at her power when he felt that icy blast be released upon the Seretei coating building in a beautiful purpled hued frost. Yet, she was nowhere to be found.

Shinji’s brows furrowed; surely it couldn’t be-

“ Silence or you’ll regret it. ” 

Toshiro Hitsugya spat out, the air still lowering in its temperature, Shinji watched as the particles in the air began to crystalize as they neared the little Captain. But the heat of anger coming off of the Captain’s gaze could scorch anything it came into contact with, which so happened to be Kurostuchi who flinched ever so slightly -- but it didn’t miss Shinji’s keen eyes.

Hyorinmaru’s Shikai had been released and most were smart to back away from the white-haired Captain’s warpath, but others remained. Even as the Captain had grown, physically and mentally he still lingered heavily on his past; his anger for Aizen was never-ending, never ceasing to impact the -- still small -- Shinigami. Yet, here he was, swinging his sword around to impress upon his power, which is very unlike the Captian whom Shinji had known for so long.

Shinji understands the Captain’s frustration but also knows that his actions will get them nowhere.  Rangiku, desperately, tries to calm him down. Her eyes are wide with worry as she speaks softly but with a finite tone to her Captain -- it must feel strange to her, to have to look up at him to be able to meet his eyes. She yanks on his shoulder to no avail as he refuses to listen to her words, whatever they are since Shinji can only hear the soft murmur of comfort behind them.

Shinji, clear out of firing range, looks towards Kyoraku. He watches the man out of his peripheral waiting for him to intervene and stop this mess, but the blond Captain is only met with the smallest of smiles crossing the Captain Commander’s face. 

Ah.

Shinji, thoroughly aware of why the situation is unfolding in this way, turns his head back to watch as Rangiku’s actions do manage to dissuade his fury away from solely Kurostuchi, he does however turn sharply to his left. It startles the humans as his gaze latches on to Orihime in particular.  

“ You, ” The white-haired Captain’s voice shakes, the air growing quiet and still, “You can bring him back to life.” The human’s eyes widen at his question, even they wouldn’t want to fathom the absolute truth that may have possibly happened. “Can’t you?” The Captain’s voice cracks, even as he matures, he still is young all things considered. Orihime’s wide eyes soften as she looks at him, she stands firm in her response, “I will not make a promise I cannot keep.” She throws a hand out to stake her claim, “But I will promise you this,” she brings her hand back to her chest and clenches a fist around her heart, “I will try, even if it kills me, to heal him if at all possible.” 

The Captain snaps back at her, “That’s not good enough!”

 He snarls the Shinigami, most of them, shocked at his beratement at such a heartfelt vow. Soi-Fon in her pride, just averts her eyes from the scene; as does Kenpachi by picking his ear. Nel, in turn, seeks to comfort the girl -- along with the Quincy and Fullbringer -- whom she holds far more respect for than any of the Captains. Grimmjow rolls his eyes at the display.

Shinji’s attention shifts when he catches a flare of Reiatsu from the Captain Commander. Perhaps, that is all Kyouraku needed to hear before he felt satisfied. 

He’s quick and light on his feet to dismiss Rangiku as he takes her place, his much larger hand laying upon the white-haired Captain’s shoulder. The younger’s body freezes up, as he turns to look a the man with a snarl marring his face. Shinji watches as Kyourau’s eye softens as he looks down at the other.

“Calm yourself Toshiro.” The grip tightens a little to try and ease the boy out of such a defensive stance.

“Why should I?” He says, trying to shrug off Kyouraku’s grip, “I- I can’t bare to-” Toshiro cuts himself off, “especially him.” 

There’s a hushed whisper, “I understand” 

Kyouraku’s soft sincerity snaps something within the boy -- pushing off the hand as Hitsugaya turns to face the Captain Commander fully as he yells back, “I know you do! So why- why do you stand around like an oaf?” 

The Captain Commander remains calm, “Please trust me Toshiro, there’s only so much I can do.”

And then, Toshiro breaks, “Well it isn’t enough!” 

The boy cries out face scrunched in hatred, tears streaming down and he wails out fists at the man, and -- even with the Captain’s newfound power -- the Captain Commander takes the blows without complaint. The bruises were immediate, but it was obvious to anyone that Toshiro hadn’t truly meant any harm to befall Kyoraku.

Surprisingly, Byakuya was the one to intervene, “We will save Kurosaki in due time, for now-” and Toshiro pauses in his attack, his wide teal eyes searching for the Captain of the 5th and looks at the man, waiting for him to finish,  “-let us abide by Urahara’s words.” 

Shinji gawks at the sight, whatever had happened between the two of them gave both a newfound respect for one another. Besides that, it seems even Byakuya is enraged, as well, since he spits out the next part pointedly at Kisuke, “Surely he understands Aizen far more than we do.” 

Shinji feels as if he is delving into something personal as he watches the scene unfold, and he must not be the only one; many of the Lieutenants gawk at the two Captains while the others try to remain as calm as possible. 

Shinji himself almost scoffed at the Kuchiki’s misplaced anger, something unnecessary to hold a grudge over before looking down at his Shihakosho and shaking the frozen particles off of it; the icey particles danced and swayed in the wind reminding Shinji of the little spitfire that was Kuchiki Rukia and-

Oh shit.

It may have been due to his own anger at Urahara, or the memories of Kurosaki playing through his mind, or his hatred of Aizen, or all of them, but it clicked into place Kisuke’s anger. 

Urahara was the same man who almost got Rukia killed by implanting the Hogyoku into Rukia’s soul.

He almost snorted, he remembered a fond memory of Kurosaki due to that story.

“Focus Kurosaki!” Hyori called out, hand cupping over her mouth so it would echo throughout the warehouse. Shinji was leaning against a nearby wall as he watched the boy balance precariously on a bolling ball. 

“I’m trying dammit! How the Hell is this supposed to help me?” 

Shinji winced as the boy’s voice cracked, they had been at it all day trying to break the kid’s patience and see how it affected him once he lashed out. Yet, despite the orange-haired substitute being an absolute punk he was actually one of the most level-headed and reserved people Shinji had met (excluding a select few). It was understandable that he may have had a short fuse, but the boy knew when and where to display his temper. 

Shinji looked up to Rose, who was whispering to a certain star-haired-shaped man, coming to a consensus with the other Rose sighed and looked out with pity at the boy. 

Mugumura -- in his own way -- tried to comfort the boy by also working on strenuous exercises after the kid reached the 3-hour mark. The man, remaining ever vigilant, stayed silent throughout his and Kurosaki’s training -- a sign of a true understanding forming.

While the others just remained, haphazardly indulging in spare time hobbies -- aside from Mashiro who was sparring with Mugumura at that point in time. The girl held up her hand for Mugumura to strike, and giggled each time her powerful fists connected to one of his openings that would’ve gotten him severely wounded had it been a true battle.

Shinji, himself, sighed and leaned forward off of the wall -- hands tucked deep into his pocket as he sagged his shoulders and walked towards the boy and stopped a few paces in front of him, “Alright Kurosaki.” Shinji’s voice made Ichigo’s head snap up, still managing to balance without his entire being focusing on balancing on a singular foot. “I want 10 laps around the block. Got that?” 

Kurosaki’s brown eyes gleamed with joy as the boy nodded and scurried out of the warehouse, desperate to get away from their crazy-ass exercises. The rest of the Visored stopped what they were doing and watched him leave; even Lisa’s eyes lifted from her manga page and flitted over to his form as the sliding metal door slammed behind Kurosaki since he threw it haphazardly closed. Shinji’s pretty sure Hachi was startled by the clattering noises that followed the sound of the slamming door. The boy must’ve kicked over some sort of metal scrap -- Kurosaki’s curses made that much obvious.

Hiyori lept down, hands on her hip as she sauntered towards Shinji, “What was that for?” A singular fang sticking out of her mouth as she gave him that look. Lisa pushed up her glasses and answered for him instead, “He’s giving him a little break, I mean even I felt kind of bad for the kid at this point.” The black-haired Visored then turned back to the manga she had been reading for the past hour. Mugumura gave an agreeable hmph as Hachi nodded in his approval of her words. 

Mashiro lept towards a window and stuck her whole torso out of the window to watch the kid run down the street and whistled, “Man he’s fast.” Her hands still gripping the window ledge, she popped her head back inside the building, “Want me to follow him?” Her eyes were bright with anticipation but Shinji just shook his head, “Nah, I got it. You guys go pick up dinner or something.” With that, the rest of the Visored, over-filled with joy, debated on where to go. Shinji walked past them, waving goodbye with a small smile making the lot promise to bring him and the kid back something, and began shunpoing to find where Kurosaki was. 

Once he managed to catch up, the kid had already finished his first lap. Mashiro was right, the kid was extremely fast. “Kid, slow down. This is your break time idiot.” Ichigo cocked his head as if realizing how fast he was truly going -- in his human body at that. Then, his pace slowed to an even jog as Kurosaki bit his lip in contemplation. 

Shinji, now floating beside him in the air, tilted his head at the action, “Watcha thinking so hard about?” 

Kurosaki sighed, sweat dripping down his forehead as he raised a sleeve to wipe it away, “A friend of mine, Rukia.” The boy's brow furrowed deeper, “I’m worried for her.” 

Shinji nodded, but questioned, “Why? I’m sure she can handle herself.” 

Kurosaki let out a laugh, it was the first time Shinji heard him laugh and give a true smile -- it made the Visoreds’ heart clench for the boy and how much he had gone through and would have to go through. 

Taking a deep breath and never breaking his stride, Kurosaki answered, “Trust me, I know. It’s just that- it’s that I don’t want her to have to fight Aizen after all he did to her. I mean, the only reason she was going to be executed so brutally was because of him.” 

Shinji titled his head, “And Urahara didn’t stop him?” 

That makes Kurosaki pause for a moment, before shaking it off and continuing, “Didn’t know you were so close to hat-and-clog’s.” The boy clicks his tongue before continuing, eyes locked onto the path in front of him, “Well, that bastard put some sort of fucked up science experiment into her soul, made her weak. That was why Aizen targeted her and went so far.” The boy scoffs, looking towards Shinji as his pace slowed, “It’s pretty fucked up if you ask me,” Kurosaki’s face turns melancholy as he huffs, “but I’m sure he had his reasons.” 

The kid then picked up his pace, speeding away from Shinji since it was obvious he didn’t want to talk about the situation further. And Shinji lifted a brow as his eyelids drooped a little bit.

After all of this ended, Shinji was definitely going to give Urahara a few choice words and a good beating. 

 Well then, Shinji thinks, the eldest Kuchiki’s anger was superbly justified.

And the fact that Kurosaki couldn’t manage to hold a grudge further proved Shinji’s belief that Ichigo was a far wiser and noble being than he would ever be. Shinji looks towards the sky, desperately wishing to close his eyes and wake up from this nightmare, but his peace would never be found so easily. 

And neither would Ichigo’s.

Shinji would curse himself out had he known what the boy went through: truly went through.

Somehow, Shinji let the pressure of becoming a Captain again blind him to the tragedy that had been Kurosaki’s life after he battled Aizen for all of their sakes.

Sure, having to de-brainwash almost the entirety of the 5th was tedious and at some points almost downright impossible, but he hadn’t even managed to spare an hour to converse with the boy in the human world. He knew -- somewhat -- how poorly the boy was doing, Urahara reported back to them every other month on his condition, but even as he felt his pity grow, he just as easily washed his hand clean of the Kurosaki entirely . 

Urahara’s laughter rings out and Shinji draws his full attention back to the present. 

Having his resolve shaken, Shinji reaffirms it by 10 fold. He will make it up to Ichigo now, since Kurosaki had just returned to their forces Shinji will fight tooth and nail to make sure this would be the last of the boys suffering.

Shinji, looking back, would laugh at just how wrong he had been. 

Then Urahara spoke yet again, “You are right Byuakuya, but you also fail to take into account Kurosaki’s feelings since I would also be the one who understands Ichigo far more than any of the likes of you would.” Shinji face contorted into something sour, trying to understand the meaning behind Urahara’s words -- since they were also directed at the humans -- but his question was shortly answered, “Kurosaki has little faith, if any , in us.” 

Urahara flares out his fan and points directly at the Captains, “Especially anyone from the Seretei. As sad as it is, we can use it to our advantage.” Shinji scoffs, knowing exactly where the man is going, “Even if Kurosaki believes he’s abandoned, Aizen will know something is up regardless Urahara.”  

Urahara’s face becomes cold, not a lick of emotion in sight when he answers,  “But, he wouldn’t be able to deduce that if we storm the place immediately.” 

Because Kurosaki won’t give up hope that quickly. Was left unsaid, Shinji snarls at his own heart-breaking thought.

The former 6th Espada questions Urahara, “Then what would stop us from opening a Garganta and grabbing his ass outta Aizen’s hands?” 

“He would expect that.” It’s a painfully blunt, yet true reply.

Grimmjow laughs, it’s as hardy as it is sarcastic, “Tell me something I don’t know. He’s got all you fuckers wrapped around his little finger so how are you gonna outplay Aizen himself? Fuck, for all I know I might be caught up in one of his fucking illusions.” The Arrancar snarls out with a gritty tone.

Orihime, her voice brings a shining light to the cold, harsh conversation. She steps up, the Quincy sputters as she easily walks up to stand beside Shinji with her index finger pointing saying, “It’s actually Hypnosis.” Nel, who had followed her to Shinji glared at the man while asking her, “What difference does it make if it is Hypnosis or not?” 

Kenpachi huffs out a singular laugh and answers the Arrancar, “Real simple: can’t break out of Hypnosis by brute force alone, especially against such a smart opponent.”

Everyone’s jaw hits the floor at his reply, even Byuakuya’s. 

Shinji nods along, since he too has a similar Bankai as a frown mars his face he replies, “As helpful as that is, Grimmjow makes a fair point that actually helps Urahara. If we left right now, we might walk right into a trap.” 

Kyouraku nods, all too tired as his voice begins to slink into a gruff sound, “That is possible.”

Omedae speaks up, eyes shining as if he had a brilliant idea, “That may be the reason why none of the Stealth Force hasn't found them yet!” Using her arm and face red-hot with anger, Soi-Fon pulls him down to her level so she can easily yell in his ear, “The Senkimon is fucking recked, that’s why we can’t find them!” 

Rose scoffs at the comment, “It’s not as if your puny force would’ve been able to catch them anyway. We all at least heard how Aizen evaporated the attendants whenever they happened to get too close to him.” 

Soi-Fon snarls at him but knows he speaks the truth,

Shinji tilts his head, “Urahara, let’s say this is the best plan.” And he knows how desperately he wishes it wasn’t, “How would Ichigo fair against Aizen if a fight broke out between them?”

It was obvious to Shinji that the Ex-Captain would’ve surely wanted the other-

Kurostuchi hisses at him, “You imbecile! Surely the one whose mind is tainted by a Hollow wouldn’t understand!” Shinji bites back, tired of going in circles in the conversation and getting interrupted,  “I swear Kurotsuchi, I will lay your ass out right here and now!” 

Maybe it was the Hollow talking, but Shinji wished for nothing more than to eradicate the painted Captain. Mugumura meets his eyes, and makes the motion to breathe -- lifting his hands up, then down in slow motions -- which Shinji does knowing it will benefit him instead of throwing a hissy-fit like Toshiro.

 Kurotsuchi stays silent, which would be surprising had he been in any other situation. For the time being, he painted a large target on his back by not wanting to save Kurosaki and out of not wishing to get his ass beat or -- now -- refusing to want to enlighten the other Captain of such “obvious” knowledge.

And Shinji knows it’s, obviously, the latter and takes pride in that fact.

Urahara, taking advantage of the newfound silence, responds to Shinji’s question, “I assure you Hirako, nothing of the sort will take place.”

“Ah.” The Quincy says as if he had been thinking about the reasoning the entire time. The boy pushes up the broken glasses on his nose, “I understand.” He says resolutely, which Shinji raises an eyebrow at and turns to face him, “What is it?” Shinji drawls out the question.

Nel does the same as Shinji; tilting her head and staring at him with cold eyes, “Speak boy.” She says firmly. Answering their questions, Ishida raises a hand to Urahara’s face before continuing, “He’s saying that there is no way in the 3 Worlds that Aizen would kill Kurosaki.”

Urahra’s smile softens, and he looks relieved as he calls out, “Bingo!” 

----------------------

Hitsugya couldn’t let it happen.

Not again.

He had almost lost so many close to him, and out of all people, the last to deserve it would be Kurosaki. That poor boy who had been pulled in by Aizen's machinations and stayed for them. Even fought for them with everything that he had.  

And now- now he was being told to leave it be.

Toshiro felt as though all he could do was let him die at the hands of that monster.

He wouldn’t allow it.

He’s not even sure what he said, he knows he was crying and shouldn’t have -- but he couldn’t help it. He lashed out at the people whose lives they held so carelessly, he hit the Captain Commander like an unruly child throwing a tantrum and he couldn’t believe it. Yet, the man let him, just took all Toshiro could give, and still looked at him with pity.

Toshiro knew he was absolutely exhausted: for fucks sake he had been brought back from death . He was overwhelmed, first at the loss of Jushiro but now this -- it just had been his final straw.

First, he had almost lost Momo, and now, now he would lose Ichigo.

Once Byuakuya spoke, he was able to calm himself -- somewhat. His ears still rang, he’s not for sure from what, but he couldn’t hear anything and could only watch the stern motions of the Kuchiki; just that allowed him to snap out of his full fury.

Toshiro’s eyes snapped to their surrounding, desperately hoping none of the lower-ranking Shinigami saw his outburst. They hadn’t, since there was none to be found, but -- curiously-- particles of ice swam around in the air and began to stick to his clothing. Realizing he was beginning to freeze the air around him, he stopped emanating the cold from his Zanpakto.

He sighed, caressing Hyorinmaru, and felt the sympathy from his sword flood his brain. His eyes felt puffy and were probably red as he lifted up one of his ice-cold hands to wipe away the heat it was a soothing motion, considering he was never one to cry it felt freeing as much as it did embarrassing. 

Toshiro takes a deep breath and steadies himself, waiting for his hearing to return. He watches the conversation shift from him to Urahara and without much to do, he watches. The Shinigami, most of them at least except the monsters -- both Kenpachi and Kurotsuchi -- try to feign nonchalance but the tilt of the head or tap of the foot proves otherwise. 

Hitsugaya wasn’t dumb, he knew they all held a stake in either wanting to save Kurosaki or the Seretei and couldn’t rush into anything without further deliberation but … had they always been so conscious of their own well-being, or the Soul Society’s as a whole for that matter?

Why would this be the only time they would rather leave Kurosaki to the wolves?

That’s when his ears stopped ringing and he heard, “He’s saying that there is no way in the 3 Worlds that Aizen would kill Kurosaki.” And it’s the damn Quincy that says it.

Toshiro turns wild-eyed, “Why wouldn’t he? Ichigo didn’t, hadn’t ever meant a thing to that bastard!” 

He’s confused and tired of waiting for answers and just wants the world to be whole again. To not ever be under the influence of that monster, to lock him up and throw away the key -- but deep down, Hitsugya knows that would never happen. 

Rangiku tugs on her Captain and Toshiro looks at her as she shakes her head. His eyes are wide as he furrows his brow at her somber expression. She cups her hand to whisper into his ear, “You weren’t able to see it, there was something there between the two when they fought in Karakura Town.”  His wide eyes turn towards her in confusion, staring at her with a dumbfounded look on his face, “What are you talking about?” Although Toshiro said it softly, they had gained the attention of the entire group of powerful beings whose eyes stared attentively at Rangiku. 

Rangiku clears her throat and places a hand on her hip, her eyes surveying the intruders of their private conversation, “Sorry,” Kyouraku says, intrigued, “Please continue.” 

She gives them all a look, knowing her words are no longer a secret, she continues, “As I was saying; when I met with Gin-” her eyes drop to the ground below her as her shoulders tense, “when I saw him for the- the last time,” She looks up again, pushing through the dour memory, “Kurosaki just appeared with Ishin over his shoulder. Little did I know at the time they were related, but, just the look Aizen gave him sent shivers down my spine. He then accused Kurosaki of something to do with his strength but Kurosaki didn’t even acknowledge him before he looked at us, and- and Gin passed peacefully the moment he saw Kurosaki and gave his final goodbye.” 

Rangiku scrunches her face, “I’m not entirely sure what happened next; one moment, they sat around talking and the next they were miles away from me. There was just something, something about the exchange that never sat right with me.” 

The Quincy nodded, “That may be due to the fact that Aizen thinks of Kurosaki the same as Kurotsuchi thinks of Nemu,” He glared at the said scientist before continuing,  “Ichigo is his magnum opus. He would find it foolish to kill Ichigo unless it meant a means to an end or becoming Soul King, which it did in that situation.” 

Urahara smiles and ruffles the boy’s hair, much to the Quincy’s disgruntlement, “Precisely!”

Toshiro, barely even processing the notion, looked around to find the rest standing flabbergasted just as he was and without even missing a beat, Urahara continued, “I hope this finally clears up why we can’t go because if we do it will reveal to Aizen or true intentions even more so than it would if we remained. I mean, look at all the hot-heads we have that were way too gun-ho on saving Ichigo the first chance we get; it’s more likely he would kill Kurosaki if it meant easily getting rid of us .”

Shinji and it’s probably the most he had ever heard the man speak in his presence, says, “It’s not as if we don’t understand your or Aizen’s intentions now. I am asking if this is truly the safest and most efficient way possible to save Kurosaki. Surely we can at least have them scout out for us, which would give us all some peace of mind.”

The green-haired Espada nods following up, “It wouldn’t be a problem, even if we have a scuffle. We’ll hold our alibi for searching for the other Arrancar who were previously under the tyranny of the Quincys.” The other Arrancar remains quiet in obvious compliance with the woman.

“You misunderstand the entirety of why our actions hold a greater impact than Aizen’s.” Urahara says calmly and slowly as if explaining the content to a child, “The entire point of remaining still is to push Aizen off his balance by doing something he wouldn’t have predicted. It is in no realm of possibility that we wouldn’t at least ensure that he is still breathing by following after him.”

Kyoruaku continues the skepticism and asks, “Suppose that Aizen does know. It would not be a foreign concept, especially since he now knows most if not all of our limitations.” The Captain Commander pauses, “Even yours Urahara.”  

Urahara nods, “As correct as you are, in his mind there is only a slim possibility that I would leave Yoruichi’s side at this point in time, and on top of the other point provided, that I will not repeat, this game will have flipped itself over.”

Toshiro grits his teeth, over his anger at Urahara or the usage of a metaphor in this situation, “But he said-”

“It doesn’t matter what he said,” The man snaps back at Hitsugya, “Aizen will do anything to profit off of anything he can get his hands on.” 

Toshiro is at a loss for words, his own mind not allowing him to put together a singular coherent thought, but he settles on, “I understand.” As a hand is placed on his shoulder lovingly, he regains his composure and quietly thanks Rangiku.

The Arrancar responds resolutely to Urahara’s proclamation, “If this will benefit Kurosaki, then I shall abide by your words Urahara.” She says as her compatriot begins to unwind taught muscles. She then adds, “But I swear upon all things righteous, if you speak lies I will strike you  down with no hesitancy Shinigami.” 

Urahara’s brows rise as he clicks his tongue, “Noted.”

Rangiku pulls Toshiro aside as the rest of the Captains either disdain or argue with Kisuke; sadly, Toshiro is unable to make out many other words aside from no .

Rangiku sighs, “Well, at least I know he’s telling the truth.” He nods but asks her, “How can you be sure?” Rangiku ponders his question before responding, “Like I said when I saw Kurosaki again in Karakura town, his energy felt different and Aizen picked up on it but couldn’t understand it -- like Kurosaki was an anomaly to him. I’m not sure what was so confusing to Aizen, but I am absolutely positive something changed between the two at that time.

Toshiro sighs but agrees with a soft hum as Rangiku saunters away to discuss something with Lisa and Kukaku. 

Toshiro is understandably upset at the outcome that it had come to. He’s not sure if he can sleep easy knowing Aizen lingers out there with a hurt Ichigo. He clicks his tongue and hopes for the best for Kurosaki.

He walks forward to the arguing group of humans and Visoreds, among whom Urahara had been surrounded by, and asks the most casual of questions, “Urahara,” He hears an uh-huh meaning that Urahara is listening, “When do you suppose a good time to actually retrieve Kurosaki would be?” The scruffy man lifts a hand to his scraggy beard and scrubs his chin in thought, “2 weeks at minimum.”

The Shinigami were nothing if not intrusive since that brings them all to a pause. 

“ Fuck Old-man. The blue-haired Arrancar says, “If you said that earlier none of us would give a rat’s ass about what you think.” The Arrancar scoffs, “You must be fucking insane if you think I’m letting Ichigo’s life be held in somebody else’s hands.” There’s a possessive growl to the Hollow’s words as he continues, “He’s gonna waste away there! Have you ever met Aizen? Kurosaki is going to lose his damn mind to that psycho!” Failure of proper usage of slang excluded, the Arrancar was absolutely right.

The other, Nelliel, nods at his words, “I concur with Grimmjow.” Her voice turns furious in a calm, cool way, “How in the 3 Worlds do you suppose Ichigo could last that long?” Her eyes glare as she looks down her nose at Urahara, “I assure you I am well aware of his current physical strength and attributes so don’t even contemplate undermining me.” The words are said with such finality that Toshiro could put it on par with Unohana’s strict tone. 

Urahra clicks his tongue, “Yes, but from your knowledge you should also know he has suffered through worse.” Shinji’s hand flies out, grabbing the two’s and Toshiro’s attention, “That doesn’t matter Kisuke! Sure, we all know that, but what matters is what’s going to happen to him now!” 

The air grows somber, Kisuke’s face revealing more emotion than Toshiro had ever seen, “I promise you all this: I know far more than any of you.” He sighs; as if contemplating his next words, “It’s not as if I’m as close to Ichigo as many of you: That ship sailed long ago, but for his benefit, he has to suffer for a little longer.” Urahara clicks his tongue and looks at the destroyed pillar coated with ice, “Even if we all would rather anything else.”

Kyouraku asks, cutting through the somber mood,  “Kisuke.” His tone is finite as the shopkeeper meets the Captain Commander’s gaze, “ I will only ask this once more: Are you positive this will be in Kurosaki’s best interest?” 

There’s no hesitation from the blonde, “Yes”

“Then it’s settled.”

Orihime asserts herself in the conversation, clinging to the man’s pink Haori with watery eyes, “You cannot be serious! After all Ichigo has done for me, for us, you’ll leave him alone with that- that monster?” Her voice is pleading, a desperate cry to help her poor friend. 

Urahara reaches out for the girl’s shoulder trying to explain to her he is just as troubled as she is about the predicament, but his hand is smacked away by Grimmjow. In turn, Nel begins to comfort Orihime, “Little one, I absolutely agree with you, but sacrifices must be made so he can be brought back safely.”  Orihime cries out, “But it’s always Ichigo!” She pulls away from the startled Arrancar as Chad speaks up, “She’s right.” The Quincy backs them up, “It may have been remiss of me to not help Ichigo when he lost his powers, but I assure you Urahara I will do my damndest to save him now.” 

Toshiro in pain, in anger and confusion remains silent.

How- how could that traitor dare speak with such admiration for Ichigo?

It infuriated Toshiro to no end. His blood boils at the thought of the Quincy actually apologizing for his faults since the white-haired Captain knows Kurosaki would forgive him.

He remains silent, not wishing to start anything at the moment while Byuakuya responds, “Your best will not be good enough.” And Toshiro notes -- even after the taken-aback sound the humans let out -- the Kuchiki did not say those words in scorn, but in actual reflection of actions. And, surprising Toshiro, he continues, “I know that Kurosaki Ichigo suffered, but I did not allow it to impact me till it was too late. I owe him more than only my life now and will refuse to see him suffer more if it can be helped.” 

Kenpachi scoffs, “Bunch of saps.” 

Kurotsuchi making matters worse, pipes up yet again, “How many of our kind lost their lives in war and been brushed off like dirt.” He begins shrieking at this point, “We lost many of the greatest Shinigami known and you all are worried over one specimen! It’s absurd!” 

And for once, Kurotsuchi hadn’t been wrong in a sentimental aspect. His honest summation brings the Captains and Lieutenants to a pause. They ponder on the fact that they would’ve never considered this a possibility had it been many others. Toshiro brought up the point, to himself, that Kurosaki had still been alive so they should save him so he could live out his human life -- but he would only be kidding himself if he truly believed that.

 It’s all too quiet before Byakuya’s Lieutenant, Abari Renji, makes himself known while walking up behind the humans, “Oh, fuck off , you crazy bastard.” And all the Shinigami are taken aback by his bluntness, “If you were the one to kill Ywach and might be on the brink of death maybe then you’d appreciate the fact that we are trying to save you from death.” 

Toshiro had never been happier to see the redhead than at this moment.

His posturing is very abrasive and it reminds Toshiro of Kenpachi; but, in the same aspect, he seemed as calm and resolute as his Captain.

Unsurprisingly, Abari was followed by the other Kuchiki, and with a grin on her face her eyes locked with Urahara’s, and her voice was light as she said, “I’m almost positive, Urahara, you owe it to me to at least give us a plan to save him.” Renji finishes her thought, “I thought it was obvious we wouldn’t let Aizen go so easily?”

Urahara releases a long-suffering sigh, in no mood for games, “Trust me I would prefer to have him here with us now, but it simply is not possible.”  

Renji scoffs, “It’s not like you to worry about the probability of succeeding. I mean, come on, it’s Ichgio we’re talking about! The one and only Shinigami to achieve bankai in three days and you’re gonna preach about the odds?” 

“This is unlike then Renji.” 

Toshiro’s mind grows to pause as his eyes grow wide.

He thought it was only a rumor Kurosaki learned Bankai so quickly, but to now hear it from both two high-ranking Shinigami must make said rumor true. Toshiro had already admired Ichigo, but this fact would bring that admiration to a whole new level.

Shinji snickers, “Puh-lease, you owe it to both of them. Sending a literal child to save an unsuspecting soul from Aizen requires a lot of making up to do.” 

Kyouraku sighed, “In all fairness, he also sent Yoruichi here with them.”

Shinji looks displeased and rolls his eyes, “My point still stands.” 

Urahara lets his reiatsu grow, probably unconsciously Toshiro thinks. They all feel his exhaustion and dissatisfaction as he says, “Please, understand why I say what I do. It’s because there is a high enough possibility that Aizen is surely on his way to removing his bindings, even Kyouraku can attest to this.” 

“What will we do when AIzen is returned to full power and we don’t have Ichigo? None of us, none of the Royal Guard was strong enough to defeat Ywach. Yet, had Aizen and Ichigo collaborated sooner, I’m not for sure even Ywach could stop the havoc they would reek upon him. We are a lost cause.” 

The air grows utterly quiet, tears magnify eyes as the silence carries across the Seretei. 

Had Toshiro ever felt this small?