Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Different Circumstances ❯ The Threat ( Chapter 45 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: orionshadow 
Anime/Manga: Bleach Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.16.2012 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.9K | Visits: 345 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Bleach Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.16.2012 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.9K | Visits: 345 | Status: Work In Progress
The Threat
"Ichimaru, I find it hard to believe you," Tosen stated while apparently looking in my direction. "Nor do I trust anything the woman says. The influence you and Kenpachi have exercised over her makes anything she says difficult to believe. Her feeble mind is too easily swayed by any dominant male in her life."
I knew Tosen didn't like me, but he was being unduly harsh. Perhaps he had a problem with women? Or only me?
Gin laughed lightly and said, "If only it were true. It hurts me that my comrade doesn't trust me. Then who in the Seireitei would be insane enough to trust you, Tosen? It seems we share a mutual disbelief."
Tosen moved his hand in a cutting gesture. "Your opinion of me matters not. If the woman is pregnant and bears your child, the sooner she is exposed to the Hogyoku, the more effective the contact will be on the foetus."
Gin put his hands on his hips, tilted his head back as is thinking about is and then slowly shook his head in denial. "No. Not yet. Plenty of time for that and I want to see more results from our fearless leader's experiments. We don't want another failure like Wicey."
His expression stern, Tosen quickly replied, "There is nothing wrong with Wonderwice. He is an innocent: pure of heart and spirit and recognises the same traits in me."
"Fooling yourself again, Tosen? Innocent? He had to kill and eat thousands of Hollows to evolve. Is that innocence? Or an indication of a lust for power and dominance? No Hollow, Arrancar or Espada is innocent or guiltless and neither are you. Nor am I." Gin smiled maliciously as he delivered his words.
Silence. Until now, I was certain Tosen would find some quick response to anything Gin said, but in this instance, he was correct. Hollows could only evolve by consuming other Hollows or Human souls, which did tend to remove them from the innocent category.
Then Tosen rallied and replied, "He's special. He wasn't developed like a normal Arrancar. Aizen created him. "
A shudder ran through me at these words. Aizen had created a Hollow, or more correctly, an Arrancar? I'd known he had pretensions, but to try to create such a malformed being. It did make me wonder what Wonderwice was like, as I hadn't encountered any Espada by that name. Then I dimly recalled some conversation about him attacking Kisuke, but as the man hadn't been badly damaged and Zaraki did not hold Urahara in high esteem, the situation was dismissed as unimportant. Zaraki might possibly hold Urahara over a flaming abyss, from some of the comment's I'd heard in our all too brief shared moments, but not esteem.
From the little I recalled it had appeared the creature almost barely able to function. No speech and no reasoning. Why create something that lacked the ability to reason?
Then the other matter made me shudder. Taking me into close proximity to the Hogyoku might affect my child. It couldn't be allowed to happen. The events were beginning to confuse me: the new abduction, memory loss, the revelation of Gin's attempt to gain freedom from Aizen's control, the death of Kurotsuchi, and the hallucinated dance sequence, seeing Aizen and now Tosen in addition to the other newly learned facts were difficult to take in.
I had suspicions not everything was yet disclosed. Too many things had happened which still didn't make sense. Aizen had been planning this for centuries, and had been careful and methodical in planning his strategies. Many of his plans hadn't quite worked out the way he'd anticipated due to the machinations of Urahara, Yoruichi and others who were present in the Human world.
It was no co-incidence that Ichigo had become involved, a boy who had at the possibility of obtaining the full Shinigami powers. Was this the plan of General Yamamoto?
There appeared to be plots and counter plots and sub plots woven through many of the events since Aizen met Gin, or possibly even before.
"Not that special, or that useful," Gin said slowly. "Pity Captain 12 is dead. He knows how to deal with failed experiments."
Tosen turned his face toward Gin. "I wondered at the smell and thought it might have something to do with the woman, but it is the wrong kind of smell. So, you killed him? He was our link..."
"No. He wasn't. The others had rumbled him and sent him away. He couldn't talk to his plant in his Division and he was making demands. You know how Aizen feels about other people making demands." Gin looked grim for a moment and then restored his normal expression.
"Why hasn't the carcase been removed? The smell is unpleasant," was Tosen's uncaring response.
Gin went to the door and opened it, looking out for a moment, and then turning to face us. It seemed likely he was concerned Tosen might attack me while he was looking away. Then he talked briefly to someone outside and came back to stand in front of me.
If he had shown even half this concern in the Seireitei I would have been delirious with joy, but now it only seemed sad and pathetic. Love was a strange master. When it was present, even the slightest of attention bolstered and reinforced the emotion, but once it was absent, an action which would have brought profound response seemed trite or unimportant.
A few Arrancar entered and removed the corpse with scant respect. Would anyone mourn his death? Akon might, but would his daughter? Would anyone really be sad that the man died? I felt relief, but now considering he might not be missed was disconcerting.
How could anyone estrange everyone they encountered? Was his repugnant personality to blame, his egoism, his failure to consider anyone else as an equal, his disdain of people he encountered, his superiority, and supercilious attitude? Any of these were reason enough to dislike a person, but he combined so many unpleasant traits with very few redeeming qualities. It was hard for me to like or respect a misogynist, as Kurotsuchi patently was, or a man who happily inflicted pain to gauge the reaction.
Another worry surface as Nemu might shoulder the blame for the death of her father, even though she had done nothing wrong. While it made no sense, given his influence on her and her recent experiences and decisions I worried for her. While she was now free to love Yumichika, or was it Ikkaku, would she let the death of her father interfere?
For all her life, she had been subject to censure, pain, threats of violence for any infraction or mistake. To know she was a creation of a man who constantly reminded her she was his creation and his disappointment.
Briefly I wondered why he had created a female as he obviously despised my sex, but then if he had created a male, his 'son' might later prove to be a threat. Kurotsuchi saw woman as weaker and possibly easier to control. How shocked he must have been when Nemu finally turned on him.
My attention was wandering which was a mistake. Tosen appeared to be staring at me. Gin was closing the door behind the team who had removed the body and his back was briefly to the two of us.
"It is Kenpachi's child, isn't it Lieutenant? Tell the truth," Tosen's voice was low and dangerous.
Widening my eyes and attempting to look innocent, I tried with, "I don't know..."
He made an impatient cutting gesture with his hand. "I heard all the rumours about the number of lovers you've had. Yet, since you've been with the Thug, these rumours have ceased. Perhaps it is fear, or perhaps it is real."
My past, or rather other people's version of it, followed me everywhere. It was interesting how people made assumptions based on appearance and gossip. It is easy to judge another on circumstances and expectations, even when you don't know them. As Aizen had used the gossip to discredit me it shouldn't be any surprise Tosen firmly believed the lies.
"She was nearly unconscious when it happened," Gin was once again between us. "She might not remember."
A snide smile curved Tosen's mouth. "It must hurt your pride, Ichimaru, that the woman has completely forgotten that particular sexual escapade."
Gin shrugged nonchalantly. "She remembers the others, I'm certain. So what? It's my kid."
A loathed and familiar voice interrupted. "No, it is Kenpachi's child. Don't try to lie for the woman, Gin. It is his child and it must die." Aizen had entered the room quietly.
"How do you know I'm pregnant?" I stammered. News spread very fast and as far as I knew only a handful of people were aware of my pregnancy.
"Our recently departed Captain told me. He wanted to remove the child himself and perform a few experiments on it. I remember he was debating if he should let you carry it to term, or take it earlier," Aizen said carelessly.
The words horrified me.
"It might have been interesting, but you were retrieved at some cost and I decide who lives and dies. The child you carry must die."
"Why?" I asked before considering the consequences.
"I didn't plan for it. While the man has enormous reiatsu, he has little in the way of skills or talents in which I am interested. No, your first child will be one fathered by an Espada. A few have expressed their willingness to impregnate you, but I think I might choose Yammy."
Oh, this couldn't be happening. Yammy? I'd heard about him and nothing I'd heard indicated he'd be gentle.
"You caused my first child to be killed...." I began.
"How could you have been pregnant before? Weren't you a virgin after your last visit here? Isn't it impossible for a virgin to give birth, except according to some Western religious belief," he smiled sardonically.
"I was pregnant and you know it. You wiped the child from existence before I knew it lived."
"It's interesting how information may be obtained. Not every Shinigami is noble and upstanding. Some are open to bribery for information. How do you think we knew where Orihime was when we took her? How do you think we knew how to create a diversion when we did so? You are a strange woman, Rangiku Matsumoto, mourning for a child you weren't aware you were carrying."
"You had no right!" I said trying not to spit at him.
"I had every right. A captive of war become the possession of the captor. As my possession you had no choices." How smug could a man look?
My lips were tight and while I knew my words might antagonise him, I didn't care. "You won't destroy this one as well. I am not a captive or a possession! I'll be free of you soon."
Aizen smiled and it was ugly. "If you wish to believe in fantasy, it is hard to prevent you. Now, how to rid ourselves of the spawn? I won't ask the girl to do it again as while I like it when she cries, I prefer to be the cause, not the guilt. Possibly I might permit Tosen to stab you in the stomach."
I tensed at the words. Tosen seemed to brighten at them but before he could utter a word, Gin tutted slightly and shook his head.
"Yes, you are correct, Ichimaru. Tosen might kill the woman as well and she is valuable. Pity as it might have cheered up his dismal little life." There was something strange. It was almost as if Aizen was toying with me, placing horrible possibilities in front of me only to remove them and provide an even worse scenario.
"One thing I find interesting is the effect Kyoka Suigetsu has on different people. It is not always the same. Captain Unohana resisted and managed to resist to a degree, but other people, possibly those will less intellectual ability, succumb to it very quickly."
What was Aizen talking about? Was I the person? The insult didn't matter as his opinion about me wasn't important. Had he used his zanpakuto against me? Had everything up to this point been a deception?
I heard some noise in the distance, shouting and possibly the clash of steel on steel.
Aizen snickered. "Another attempt to regain the fair Rangiku. Come Gin, Tosen. Let us go and provide another warm welcome for our one time colleagues and subordinates."
The room emptied quickly but I noticed Gin had loosened by bonds. After a brief struggle, I freed myself from the chair, ran to the door, and tried to open it, but it was locked. Now I was alone it was possible to search the room to find some way of getting out. All I found was the bed, some chairs, a table, and paper cups. No knives or cutting implements.
Then one thing, one very important thing dawned on me. Kurotsuchi was dead and so was my chance for the antidote to his poison.
My heart sank. Retsu would try to find a cure, I was certain. At the same time from what I had worked out, every time I slept after having sex with my husband, I regressed. Did this revelation mean that the pleasure I shared with Zaraki would always mean memory loss?
Then I laughed harshly. Here I was worrying about sex while trapped in a place with an egomaniac who wished to kill my child and use me as a brood mare to produce aberrations to be altered to the Hogyoku. At the same time, Tosen wanted me dead and Yammy was to be the father of my first child.
Things might get worse. Thinking this was the worst it could be might invite even worse events from occurring.
Picking up a chair, I tried hitting the door with it. It didn't make a dent. I tried a kido spell, which only singed it slightly. Now I was faced with magic doors? Not that my kido was a talent I relied upon often, yet hope was still there.
If the furniture in the room had not been made of wood, a lock pick of some kind might be fashioned. The rope was of no use either.
Trying again with the chair and kido the door remained stubbornly shut. One chair splintered and I nearly cried. My boasts about killing the dung beetle with the nuclear bomb were as hollow as Aizen's promises.
Eventually I sat on the bed and simply listened. In the distance, there was shouting and the sounds of battle. For a moment, I thought I heard Zaraki's voice and I prayed for him to rescue me. The sounds continued for some time as I tried to imagine the clash. The odds were not in our favour, but the skills were there.
Unfortunately, my friends had to work as a team and if Kurotsuchi had been spreading dissent between them, with the division between Rukia, her brother and Renji, the distraction might prove disastrous. My thought quickly reviewed the events and it seemed impossible reconciliation had been effected in the short time I'd been separated.
Then I heard what sounded like a retreat but also a loud bellowing which reminded me of Zaraki that appeared to becoming closer. As I rose to my feet, anticipating a rescue, the noise abruptly stopped.
What was going on? Something important had happened, but what was it? Why did I hear the sound of cheering? I didn't recognise the voices, but could it be?
I waited. Time passed. It passed as it normally did when I was not with my husband, slowly. My thoughts didn't settle as I again pondered the noises I'd heard. Who had won?
More time passed and I felt increasingly anxious. If the Shinigami were the victors I'd be released and with Zaraki. I began to pace the room.
The door opened and Gin entered, looking slightly sick. He moved to the bed and sat on it, not looking at me.
"What happened?"
Gin shrugged and didn't reply.
While this response was one I had experienced before, I knew I didn't have to accept it. "Tell me Gin."
"I can't. You gotta understand Rangiku, I don't know how much we say is overheard."
Now I thought I understood why he looked unwell. If Aizen had overheard some of our conversation, Gin might have some large problems to overcome.
"Look, I can tell you this. I tried to convince him it was a bad idea. He won't listen and Tosen is making things much more difficult."
From the way he spoke I knew that whatever Gin had tried to persuade Aizen against concerned me. The fear began to rise.
Gin stood, reached out and pulled me into a hug. Once this sign of affection was treasured but I still didn't want him to touch me. I tried to pull away but he put his mouth near my ear, as if he were kissing my neck and murmured, "Aizen is a sick and twisted bastard, Ran and what he has planned turns my stomach. I'm gonna try and help as much as I can."
The warning didn't dispel my fear in any way. Instead it rose. Pulling away from Gin I turned away and said, "I don't want your affection, Captain Ichimaru."
He gave me a brief nod of approval at my understanding. "Forget the man, Ran," then he giggle slightly at the unexpected rhyme before continuing. "If you promise I might be able to help you." While he spoke he made a slight negative shake of his head which he concealed by brushing back his hair from his forehead. Even if I promised, there was no possibility I'd escape the fate Aizen was planning.
An unfamiliar pink haired man before entered the room, without warning or knocking. Once I arrived safely home the door to any room in which I planned to spend time would be firmly locked to discourage any person from walking in life this.
"Is this the woman?" I looked at him, wondering what he meant. "Is this the famous Rangiku Matsumoto who managed to escape once and was swiftly recaptured? One wonders if she wished to leave in the first place." Placing his hands on his hips, he observed me with a cool glance.
My first impression of him was not favourable. He seemed to be very rude and reminded me of someone. Who was it? Not facially or physically, but his attitude and stance and air of superiority. Not Captain Kuchiki because his was from breeding and years of being told he was a noble and should act in a manner befitting his rank. No, this was more smug and overbearing.
He pursed his lips and said, "Lots of hair, lots of cleavage. Pretty enough, but too obvious for my tastes. I suppose she might be considered 'attractive' to some men, but is she really to your taste, Ichimaru?"
I definitely didn't like this man. He didn't know me, had never spoken to me and was judging me purely on my outward appearance.
Gin simply shrugged and from his stance, I knew he didn't like the person. "We were friends long before we were lovers."
"Ah," the pink haired man said, paused and then continued nastily, "That explains nothing."
"Not trying to explain anything to you, Number 8. You wouldn't listen to me anyway."
No, Gin really didn't like this person.
"While I am a perfect being, my knowledge of petty romantic interests is not," 'Number 8' persisted.
"It's none of your business. Why are you here Szayel?"
At least I now had a name for the creature. Gin's reaction to him affected mine and I sensed his appearance here was not for my good, but did concern me.
"Aizen asked me to do a few chores; you know how it is. As one of them interested me, I agreed and here I am, ready to work."
A few more people came into the room, ones I didn't recognise. "And by the way, Aizen wants to see you now. He won't listen to any excuses, so go now." Szayel said. "Your presence here is not required or wanted."
Gin said in a light-hearted way, which didn't fool me at all. "Running messages like an errand boy, Szayel? Nice you are finally learning your place."
The smirk Szayel had been wearing disappeared for a time, but then he appeared to remember his purpose and said, "I'll kill her in a second if you don't go, now," the smug smile was replaced with a malicious grin. "Or at least mar her pretty face. Which worries you more?"
Gin glared at him and then looked at me, preparing to draw his zanpakuto. He was preparing to fight for me? I shook my head and he stared at me for a moment. "Go, Gin," I said even though I knew anything that happened after he left was going to be horrid.
What was the point of trying to avoid that, which was inevitable? There might be pain but anticipating what was to happen only made the experience more painful. Gin, while able to fight well was no Zaraki. His skills with his blade were remarkable and he could defeat many foes at one time, but he did not possess the sheer tenacity of my beloved husband.
"If you hurt her, Szayel, I'll..."
"You'll do nothing, like you always do. You may speak and insult me, but take action? There have been stories circulating how once you were a formidable antagonist, but now you are little more than Aizen's lackey."
Gin's head snapped up and the anger radiated off him. "We'll settle this later, Szayel."
"I look forward to the encounter. Now get out before I start drawing patterns on her face with my nails."
Before Gin could retort, a group of Arrancar surrounded him and their sheer number was enough to ensure he complied. He left after looking in my direction once more.
I waited. The man who was now observing me with a condescending expression was an unknown quantity. I sensed he was an unpleasant individual who might consider those around him as little more than animals.
"Pity Aizen wishes to keep you alive and mostly unharmed. Assessing your strengths and weaknesses would be fun, but as you are a female Shinigami, I imagine there will be many more weaknesses than strengths."
It was difficult not to respond with a cutting remark, but it was all too evident he was attempting to obtain such a response. I simply bit my lip and shrugged.
"Nothing to say? Unusual for a woman. They always like to hear the sound of their own voice speaking, even if they say nothing sensible."
I simply looked at him. So far, he had spoken more than I and it was obvious he was very enamoured by the sound of his own voice.
"Why so silent? Can't deny anything I say?" A hint of impatience entered his voice.
I smiled sweetly and replied, "Were you talking to me? Sorry, I wasn't paying attention."
Szayel looked stunned until he managed to hide his surprise. "Do you know why I am here?"
I appeared to ponder the problem. "Isn't that a question most philosophers have tried to answer: the meaning of life?"
Again, his expression changed and he glared at me. "I'm not talking about the meaning of life. Don't you wish to know why Aizen sent me here?"
I kept smiling and replied, "I'm sure you will tell me why, at length and in detail sooner or later."
It might be foolish to bait the Arrancar but his overbearing attitude irked me considerably. The anger he was beginning to display was vastly more agreeable to me than the smug condescension he'd displayed until now. His glare proved few people crossed him and I'd made an enemy, though it was highly likely he wasn't going to be a friend even without my barbed comments.
He chewed on his lip for a moment, trying to make a decision. "Despite my own desires, Aizen has been very clear on what I may and may not do. For the moment, he is useful. For the moment..." again he fell silent and stared at the floor. "The game is not over yet, and there may be other chances." From his words and demeanour, it appeared he'd made a decision. "This time, his orders will be followed, but my 'superiors' have a habit of disappearing," he tittered slightly.
Should I feel sorry for Aizen? Did he really wield the control he thought he did over the Arrancar, or was this an exception? Even so, I felt the plans Aizen had for me might be slightly less unpleasant than anything this person may do. Again, I was impressed how much he reminded me of Slug Breath. Why was I so unfortunate that I met two people like him in this Afterlife?
"Pray escort me to the room I have prepared," he said mockingly as he gestured to the remaining Arrancar in the room. As far as Arrancar went these looked deformed and acted as if they had fewer mental resources than the rest. Some of them even managed to bump into each other as they formed a cordon around me and urged me to move.
Since I'd been abducted on this occasion I'd remained in the room. My memory of the previous time was sketchy and my fear had clouded much of my vision. Now I was being moved within Los Noches but had no idea where I was being taken, where I was or where my husband and friends were. I tried to feel Zaraki's reiatsu and became increasingly confused. It seemed he was close, but if he was, where was he? Or was it I noticed his reiatsu more strongly due to some unknown reason? Or was he hiding close by, ready to lead a surprise attack? I couldn't sense any familiar reiatsu close by, except Gin's, but perhaps the others were masking theirs. That might be the reason, but then why weren't they trying to hide Zaraki's?
Instead of watching where I was being led, I concentrated harder. There was little point in making many observations, I was surrounded and the strange creatures around me blocked most of my vision. We continued walking while I again tried to establish where Zaraki was. Nothing I did made it any clearer. All the events of the day, or however long I'd been under the careful control of Aizen, had tired me and concentration was becoming increasingly difficult.
Abruptly the creatures in front of me stopped. I managed to stop in time, but the ones following were not as observant and managed to bump into me. Turning, I scowled at them only to be met by either frightened or blank looks. Were these creatures even Arrancar? What purpose did they serve?
"We're here, Gin's bit. I'm sure you'll find your new accommodation much more to your taste than the previous one," Szayel said before he opened the door.
For a few minutes, I stood there staring at what lay within. It didn't make sense. There was a table, more like a bench, covered but it was clear there were things, tools perhaps, underneath. Where was the place to sit? There was no chair, no bed, not even a stool. Then I began to understand. Hanging from the middle of the room was a structure from which dangled some chains with leather covered handcuffs attached. It was possible to move the apparatus up and down and looking at it was easy to guess at least part of what was going to happen.
All the bravado I'd felt drained away at the sight. It had been almost easy to be brave when I wasn't certain what was to come. Surrounded as I was, I began to struggle. Hands grabbed me and pulled me into the room, placing me directly under the structure hanging from the ceiling.
"Are you going to beg now?" Szayel was grinning, certain of my response to his question. Instead, I shook my head. Giving him any satisfaction was impossible for any of the remaining pride I held.
"Hanging from chains is not pleasant, you know. If it is done correctly, it makes it difficult to breathe and the person chained may struggle and die from suffocation. Aizen has forbidden your death, but he didn't tell me to make you comfortable, just to keep you alive."
Even though I'd been assured many times by Gin and this man that Aizen didn't wish for my death, it didn't offer any consolation.
"It's going to happen no matter what I say, so why beg?"
"To please me?" The man tilted his head to one side as he spoke.
I said nothing in response. Whatever he wanted was of no interest to me.
In spite of my knowledge it was futile, I fought against the hands and people who were now chaining me up.
Szayel blathered on while it was happening but I didn't pay much attention to his words. Anything he said was calculated to get a particular response and it was a subtle victory not to provide what he sought.
Before he finished, Aizen entered the room to observe.
"Do you like your new accommodation, Ran? I think I might let the Arrancar enjoy you while you're there, but only after we've disposed of the little problem, "was his observation. "Or maybe I might begin where we were interrupted last time. But not yet. I have a guest who wishes to see you."
My first feeling was relief as I realised the 'guest' wouldn't be the 12th Division Captain, but the malicious pleasure in Aizen's tone indicated it would not be pleasant for me.
"Really? I don't think I can entertain anyone at present," I said through clenched teeth. The chains were beginning to pull on my shoulders uncomfortably.
"Possibly correct. Let us leave you to adapt to your new bracelets. "
Then, to my surprise, everyone left.
Time passed. The pain in my shoulders, arms, and back increased with the passing of time. I tried standing in different positions, but the apparatus didn't permit many changes and I simply tried to stand on the balls of my feet to provide some respite.
More time passed. While it was painful, it was also boring. Until now, it had never seemed possible pain and boredom could work together. Any attempt to doze made me lose my footing and swing from the chains, jarring my shoulders and causing more pain.
I had no hope that Zaraki would come to save me. He believed that I had returned home, and as the chains suppressed my reiatsu, he would not know I was still in Las Noches. I feared for my baby, as I didn’t know how I could protect it as I couldn’t even protect myself.
Hearing a noise, I blinked and gazed in the direction of the door that had slammed open. The light was shining directly above me and cast the rest of the room into darkness. I could not see anything. I heard the sound of sandals slapping against the floor. A large figure gradually began to form from the gloom and my heart sank, as I was sure that it was another of Aizen’s tricks. There was no possibility that Zaraki would be here.
The man had his height, his build. I couldn’t sense his reiatsu, and the pain made it hard for me to use my normal methods to try to work out if it was he. He was too far from me to get his scent and the stench of my own fear was too strong for me to smell anything but that.
Who was the man and was this some further torture devised by Aizen?
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A.N.
This story hasn't been forgotten and is coming close to the conclusion.
Soundtrack
'Believe' The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
'Big Science' Laurie Anderson
'Enjoy the Pain' Epitaph and Norman Bates
'Chains' Soulfly
Review. Reviews sometimes amuse.
"Ichimaru, I find it hard to believe you," Tosen stated while apparently looking in my direction. "Nor do I trust anything the woman says. The influence you and Kenpachi have exercised over her makes anything she says difficult to believe. Her feeble mind is too easily swayed by any dominant male in her life."
I knew Tosen didn't like me, but he was being unduly harsh. Perhaps he had a problem with women? Or only me?
Gin laughed lightly and said, "If only it were true. It hurts me that my comrade doesn't trust me. Then who in the Seireitei would be insane enough to trust you, Tosen? It seems we share a mutual disbelief."
Tosen moved his hand in a cutting gesture. "Your opinion of me matters not. If the woman is pregnant and bears your child, the sooner she is exposed to the Hogyoku, the more effective the contact will be on the foetus."
Gin put his hands on his hips, tilted his head back as is thinking about is and then slowly shook his head in denial. "No. Not yet. Plenty of time for that and I want to see more results from our fearless leader's experiments. We don't want another failure like Wicey."
His expression stern, Tosen quickly replied, "There is nothing wrong with Wonderwice. He is an innocent: pure of heart and spirit and recognises the same traits in me."
"Fooling yourself again, Tosen? Innocent? He had to kill and eat thousands of Hollows to evolve. Is that innocence? Or an indication of a lust for power and dominance? No Hollow, Arrancar or Espada is innocent or guiltless and neither are you. Nor am I." Gin smiled maliciously as he delivered his words.
Silence. Until now, I was certain Tosen would find some quick response to anything Gin said, but in this instance, he was correct. Hollows could only evolve by consuming other Hollows or Human souls, which did tend to remove them from the innocent category.
Then Tosen rallied and replied, "He's special. He wasn't developed like a normal Arrancar. Aizen created him. "
A shudder ran through me at these words. Aizen had created a Hollow, or more correctly, an Arrancar? I'd known he had pretensions, but to try to create such a malformed being. It did make me wonder what Wonderwice was like, as I hadn't encountered any Espada by that name. Then I dimly recalled some conversation about him attacking Kisuke, but as the man hadn't been badly damaged and Zaraki did not hold Urahara in high esteem, the situation was dismissed as unimportant. Zaraki might possibly hold Urahara over a flaming abyss, from some of the comment's I'd heard in our all too brief shared moments, but not esteem.
From the little I recalled it had appeared the creature almost barely able to function. No speech and no reasoning. Why create something that lacked the ability to reason?
Then the other matter made me shudder. Taking me into close proximity to the Hogyoku might affect my child. It couldn't be allowed to happen. The events were beginning to confuse me: the new abduction, memory loss, the revelation of Gin's attempt to gain freedom from Aizen's control, the death of Kurotsuchi, and the hallucinated dance sequence, seeing Aizen and now Tosen in addition to the other newly learned facts were difficult to take in.
I had suspicions not everything was yet disclosed. Too many things had happened which still didn't make sense. Aizen had been planning this for centuries, and had been careful and methodical in planning his strategies. Many of his plans hadn't quite worked out the way he'd anticipated due to the machinations of Urahara, Yoruichi and others who were present in the Human world.
It was no co-incidence that Ichigo had become involved, a boy who had at the possibility of obtaining the full Shinigami powers. Was this the plan of General Yamamoto?
There appeared to be plots and counter plots and sub plots woven through many of the events since Aizen met Gin, or possibly even before.
"Not that special, or that useful," Gin said slowly. "Pity Captain 12 is dead. He knows how to deal with failed experiments."
Tosen turned his face toward Gin. "I wondered at the smell and thought it might have something to do with the woman, but it is the wrong kind of smell. So, you killed him? He was our link..."
"No. He wasn't. The others had rumbled him and sent him away. He couldn't talk to his plant in his Division and he was making demands. You know how Aizen feels about other people making demands." Gin looked grim for a moment and then restored his normal expression.
"Why hasn't the carcase been removed? The smell is unpleasant," was Tosen's uncaring response.
Gin went to the door and opened it, looking out for a moment, and then turning to face us. It seemed likely he was concerned Tosen might attack me while he was looking away. Then he talked briefly to someone outside and came back to stand in front of me.
If he had shown even half this concern in the Seireitei I would have been delirious with joy, but now it only seemed sad and pathetic. Love was a strange master. When it was present, even the slightest of attention bolstered and reinforced the emotion, but once it was absent, an action which would have brought profound response seemed trite or unimportant.
A few Arrancar entered and removed the corpse with scant respect. Would anyone mourn his death? Akon might, but would his daughter? Would anyone really be sad that the man died? I felt relief, but now considering he might not be missed was disconcerting.
How could anyone estrange everyone they encountered? Was his repugnant personality to blame, his egoism, his failure to consider anyone else as an equal, his disdain of people he encountered, his superiority, and supercilious attitude? Any of these were reason enough to dislike a person, but he combined so many unpleasant traits with very few redeeming qualities. It was hard for me to like or respect a misogynist, as Kurotsuchi patently was, or a man who happily inflicted pain to gauge the reaction.
Another worry surface as Nemu might shoulder the blame for the death of her father, even though she had done nothing wrong. While it made no sense, given his influence on her and her recent experiences and decisions I worried for her. While she was now free to love Yumichika, or was it Ikkaku, would she let the death of her father interfere?
For all her life, she had been subject to censure, pain, threats of violence for any infraction or mistake. To know she was a creation of a man who constantly reminded her she was his creation and his disappointment.
Briefly I wondered why he had created a female as he obviously despised my sex, but then if he had created a male, his 'son' might later prove to be a threat. Kurotsuchi saw woman as weaker and possibly easier to control. How shocked he must have been when Nemu finally turned on him.
My attention was wandering which was a mistake. Tosen appeared to be staring at me. Gin was closing the door behind the team who had removed the body and his back was briefly to the two of us.
"It is Kenpachi's child, isn't it Lieutenant? Tell the truth," Tosen's voice was low and dangerous.
Widening my eyes and attempting to look innocent, I tried with, "I don't know..."
He made an impatient cutting gesture with his hand. "I heard all the rumours about the number of lovers you've had. Yet, since you've been with the Thug, these rumours have ceased. Perhaps it is fear, or perhaps it is real."
My past, or rather other people's version of it, followed me everywhere. It was interesting how people made assumptions based on appearance and gossip. It is easy to judge another on circumstances and expectations, even when you don't know them. As Aizen had used the gossip to discredit me it shouldn't be any surprise Tosen firmly believed the lies.
"She was nearly unconscious when it happened," Gin was once again between us. "She might not remember."
A snide smile curved Tosen's mouth. "It must hurt your pride, Ichimaru, that the woman has completely forgotten that particular sexual escapade."
Gin shrugged nonchalantly. "She remembers the others, I'm certain. So what? It's my kid."
A loathed and familiar voice interrupted. "No, it is Kenpachi's child. Don't try to lie for the woman, Gin. It is his child and it must die." Aizen had entered the room quietly.
"How do you know I'm pregnant?" I stammered. News spread very fast and as far as I knew only a handful of people were aware of my pregnancy.
"Our recently departed Captain told me. He wanted to remove the child himself and perform a few experiments on it. I remember he was debating if he should let you carry it to term, or take it earlier," Aizen said carelessly.
The words horrified me.
"It might have been interesting, but you were retrieved at some cost and I decide who lives and dies. The child you carry must die."
"Why?" I asked before considering the consequences.
"I didn't plan for it. While the man has enormous reiatsu, he has little in the way of skills or talents in which I am interested. No, your first child will be one fathered by an Espada. A few have expressed their willingness to impregnate you, but I think I might choose Yammy."
Oh, this couldn't be happening. Yammy? I'd heard about him and nothing I'd heard indicated he'd be gentle.
"You caused my first child to be killed...." I began.
"How could you have been pregnant before? Weren't you a virgin after your last visit here? Isn't it impossible for a virgin to give birth, except according to some Western religious belief," he smiled sardonically.
"I was pregnant and you know it. You wiped the child from existence before I knew it lived."
"It's interesting how information may be obtained. Not every Shinigami is noble and upstanding. Some are open to bribery for information. How do you think we knew where Orihime was when we took her? How do you think we knew how to create a diversion when we did so? You are a strange woman, Rangiku Matsumoto, mourning for a child you weren't aware you were carrying."
"You had no right!" I said trying not to spit at him.
"I had every right. A captive of war become the possession of the captor. As my possession you had no choices." How smug could a man look?
My lips were tight and while I knew my words might antagonise him, I didn't care. "You won't destroy this one as well. I am not a captive or a possession! I'll be free of you soon."
Aizen smiled and it was ugly. "If you wish to believe in fantasy, it is hard to prevent you. Now, how to rid ourselves of the spawn? I won't ask the girl to do it again as while I like it when she cries, I prefer to be the cause, not the guilt. Possibly I might permit Tosen to stab you in the stomach."
I tensed at the words. Tosen seemed to brighten at them but before he could utter a word, Gin tutted slightly and shook his head.
"Yes, you are correct, Ichimaru. Tosen might kill the woman as well and she is valuable. Pity as it might have cheered up his dismal little life." There was something strange. It was almost as if Aizen was toying with me, placing horrible possibilities in front of me only to remove them and provide an even worse scenario.
"One thing I find interesting is the effect Kyoka Suigetsu has on different people. It is not always the same. Captain Unohana resisted and managed to resist to a degree, but other people, possibly those will less intellectual ability, succumb to it very quickly."
What was Aizen talking about? Was I the person? The insult didn't matter as his opinion about me wasn't important. Had he used his zanpakuto against me? Had everything up to this point been a deception?
I heard some noise in the distance, shouting and possibly the clash of steel on steel.
Aizen snickered. "Another attempt to regain the fair Rangiku. Come Gin, Tosen. Let us go and provide another warm welcome for our one time colleagues and subordinates."
The room emptied quickly but I noticed Gin had loosened by bonds. After a brief struggle, I freed myself from the chair, ran to the door, and tried to open it, but it was locked. Now I was alone it was possible to search the room to find some way of getting out. All I found was the bed, some chairs, a table, and paper cups. No knives or cutting implements.
Then one thing, one very important thing dawned on me. Kurotsuchi was dead and so was my chance for the antidote to his poison.
My heart sank. Retsu would try to find a cure, I was certain. At the same time from what I had worked out, every time I slept after having sex with my husband, I regressed. Did this revelation mean that the pleasure I shared with Zaraki would always mean memory loss?
Then I laughed harshly. Here I was worrying about sex while trapped in a place with an egomaniac who wished to kill my child and use me as a brood mare to produce aberrations to be altered to the Hogyoku. At the same time, Tosen wanted me dead and Yammy was to be the father of my first child.
Things might get worse. Thinking this was the worst it could be might invite even worse events from occurring.
Picking up a chair, I tried hitting the door with it. It didn't make a dent. I tried a kido spell, which only singed it slightly. Now I was faced with magic doors? Not that my kido was a talent I relied upon often, yet hope was still there.
If the furniture in the room had not been made of wood, a lock pick of some kind might be fashioned. The rope was of no use either.
Trying again with the chair and kido the door remained stubbornly shut. One chair splintered and I nearly cried. My boasts about killing the dung beetle with the nuclear bomb were as hollow as Aizen's promises.
Eventually I sat on the bed and simply listened. In the distance, there was shouting and the sounds of battle. For a moment, I thought I heard Zaraki's voice and I prayed for him to rescue me. The sounds continued for some time as I tried to imagine the clash. The odds were not in our favour, but the skills were there.
Unfortunately, my friends had to work as a team and if Kurotsuchi had been spreading dissent between them, with the division between Rukia, her brother and Renji, the distraction might prove disastrous. My thought quickly reviewed the events and it seemed impossible reconciliation had been effected in the short time I'd been separated.
Then I heard what sounded like a retreat but also a loud bellowing which reminded me of Zaraki that appeared to becoming closer. As I rose to my feet, anticipating a rescue, the noise abruptly stopped.
What was going on? Something important had happened, but what was it? Why did I hear the sound of cheering? I didn't recognise the voices, but could it be?
I waited. Time passed. It passed as it normally did when I was not with my husband, slowly. My thoughts didn't settle as I again pondered the noises I'd heard. Who had won?
More time passed and I felt increasingly anxious. If the Shinigami were the victors I'd be released and with Zaraki. I began to pace the room.
The door opened and Gin entered, looking slightly sick. He moved to the bed and sat on it, not looking at me.
"What happened?"
Gin shrugged and didn't reply.
While this response was one I had experienced before, I knew I didn't have to accept it. "Tell me Gin."
"I can't. You gotta understand Rangiku, I don't know how much we say is overheard."
Now I thought I understood why he looked unwell. If Aizen had overheard some of our conversation, Gin might have some large problems to overcome.
"Look, I can tell you this. I tried to convince him it was a bad idea. He won't listen and Tosen is making things much more difficult."
From the way he spoke I knew that whatever Gin had tried to persuade Aizen against concerned me. The fear began to rise.
Gin stood, reached out and pulled me into a hug. Once this sign of affection was treasured but I still didn't want him to touch me. I tried to pull away but he put his mouth near my ear, as if he were kissing my neck and murmured, "Aizen is a sick and twisted bastard, Ran and what he has planned turns my stomach. I'm gonna try and help as much as I can."
The warning didn't dispel my fear in any way. Instead it rose. Pulling away from Gin I turned away and said, "I don't want your affection, Captain Ichimaru."
He gave me a brief nod of approval at my understanding. "Forget the man, Ran," then he giggle slightly at the unexpected rhyme before continuing. "If you promise I might be able to help you." While he spoke he made a slight negative shake of his head which he concealed by brushing back his hair from his forehead. Even if I promised, there was no possibility I'd escape the fate Aizen was planning.
An unfamiliar pink haired man before entered the room, without warning or knocking. Once I arrived safely home the door to any room in which I planned to spend time would be firmly locked to discourage any person from walking in life this.
"Is this the woman?" I looked at him, wondering what he meant. "Is this the famous Rangiku Matsumoto who managed to escape once and was swiftly recaptured? One wonders if she wished to leave in the first place." Placing his hands on his hips, he observed me with a cool glance.
My first impression of him was not favourable. He seemed to be very rude and reminded me of someone. Who was it? Not facially or physically, but his attitude and stance and air of superiority. Not Captain Kuchiki because his was from breeding and years of being told he was a noble and should act in a manner befitting his rank. No, this was more smug and overbearing.
He pursed his lips and said, "Lots of hair, lots of cleavage. Pretty enough, but too obvious for my tastes. I suppose she might be considered 'attractive' to some men, but is she really to your taste, Ichimaru?"
I definitely didn't like this man. He didn't know me, had never spoken to me and was judging me purely on my outward appearance.
Gin simply shrugged and from his stance, I knew he didn't like the person. "We were friends long before we were lovers."
"Ah," the pink haired man said, paused and then continued nastily, "That explains nothing."
"Not trying to explain anything to you, Number 8. You wouldn't listen to me anyway."
No, Gin really didn't like this person.
"While I am a perfect being, my knowledge of petty romantic interests is not," 'Number 8' persisted.
"It's none of your business. Why are you here Szayel?"
At least I now had a name for the creature. Gin's reaction to him affected mine and I sensed his appearance here was not for my good, but did concern me.
"Aizen asked me to do a few chores; you know how it is. As one of them interested me, I agreed and here I am, ready to work."
A few more people came into the room, ones I didn't recognise. "And by the way, Aizen wants to see you now. He won't listen to any excuses, so go now." Szayel said. "Your presence here is not required or wanted."
Gin said in a light-hearted way, which didn't fool me at all. "Running messages like an errand boy, Szayel? Nice you are finally learning your place."
The smirk Szayel had been wearing disappeared for a time, but then he appeared to remember his purpose and said, "I'll kill her in a second if you don't go, now," the smug smile was replaced with a malicious grin. "Or at least mar her pretty face. Which worries you more?"
Gin glared at him and then looked at me, preparing to draw his zanpakuto. He was preparing to fight for me? I shook my head and he stared at me for a moment. "Go, Gin," I said even though I knew anything that happened after he left was going to be horrid.
What was the point of trying to avoid that, which was inevitable? There might be pain but anticipating what was to happen only made the experience more painful. Gin, while able to fight well was no Zaraki. His skills with his blade were remarkable and he could defeat many foes at one time, but he did not possess the sheer tenacity of my beloved husband.
"If you hurt her, Szayel, I'll..."
"You'll do nothing, like you always do. You may speak and insult me, but take action? There have been stories circulating how once you were a formidable antagonist, but now you are little more than Aizen's lackey."
Gin's head snapped up and the anger radiated off him. "We'll settle this later, Szayel."
"I look forward to the encounter. Now get out before I start drawing patterns on her face with my nails."
Before Gin could retort, a group of Arrancar surrounded him and their sheer number was enough to ensure he complied. He left after looking in my direction once more.
I waited. The man who was now observing me with a condescending expression was an unknown quantity. I sensed he was an unpleasant individual who might consider those around him as little more than animals.
"Pity Aizen wishes to keep you alive and mostly unharmed. Assessing your strengths and weaknesses would be fun, but as you are a female Shinigami, I imagine there will be many more weaknesses than strengths."
It was difficult not to respond with a cutting remark, but it was all too evident he was attempting to obtain such a response. I simply bit my lip and shrugged.
"Nothing to say? Unusual for a woman. They always like to hear the sound of their own voice speaking, even if they say nothing sensible."
I simply looked at him. So far, he had spoken more than I and it was obvious he was very enamoured by the sound of his own voice.
"Why so silent? Can't deny anything I say?" A hint of impatience entered his voice.
I smiled sweetly and replied, "Were you talking to me? Sorry, I wasn't paying attention."
Szayel looked stunned until he managed to hide his surprise. "Do you know why I am here?"
I appeared to ponder the problem. "Isn't that a question most philosophers have tried to answer: the meaning of life?"
Again, his expression changed and he glared at me. "I'm not talking about the meaning of life. Don't you wish to know why Aizen sent me here?"
I kept smiling and replied, "I'm sure you will tell me why, at length and in detail sooner or later."
It might be foolish to bait the Arrancar but his overbearing attitude irked me considerably. The anger he was beginning to display was vastly more agreeable to me than the smug condescension he'd displayed until now. His glare proved few people crossed him and I'd made an enemy, though it was highly likely he wasn't going to be a friend even without my barbed comments.
He chewed on his lip for a moment, trying to make a decision. "Despite my own desires, Aizen has been very clear on what I may and may not do. For the moment, he is useful. For the moment..." again he fell silent and stared at the floor. "The game is not over yet, and there may be other chances." From his words and demeanour, it appeared he'd made a decision. "This time, his orders will be followed, but my 'superiors' have a habit of disappearing," he tittered slightly.
Should I feel sorry for Aizen? Did he really wield the control he thought he did over the Arrancar, or was this an exception? Even so, I felt the plans Aizen had for me might be slightly less unpleasant than anything this person may do. Again, I was impressed how much he reminded me of Slug Breath. Why was I so unfortunate that I met two people like him in this Afterlife?
"Pray escort me to the room I have prepared," he said mockingly as he gestured to the remaining Arrancar in the room. As far as Arrancar went these looked deformed and acted as if they had fewer mental resources than the rest. Some of them even managed to bump into each other as they formed a cordon around me and urged me to move.
Since I'd been abducted on this occasion I'd remained in the room. My memory of the previous time was sketchy and my fear had clouded much of my vision. Now I was being moved within Los Noches but had no idea where I was being taken, where I was or where my husband and friends were. I tried to feel Zaraki's reiatsu and became increasingly confused. It seemed he was close, but if he was, where was he? Or was it I noticed his reiatsu more strongly due to some unknown reason? Or was he hiding close by, ready to lead a surprise attack? I couldn't sense any familiar reiatsu close by, except Gin's, but perhaps the others were masking theirs. That might be the reason, but then why weren't they trying to hide Zaraki's?
Instead of watching where I was being led, I concentrated harder. There was little point in making many observations, I was surrounded and the strange creatures around me blocked most of my vision. We continued walking while I again tried to establish where Zaraki was. Nothing I did made it any clearer. All the events of the day, or however long I'd been under the careful control of Aizen, had tired me and concentration was becoming increasingly difficult.
Abruptly the creatures in front of me stopped. I managed to stop in time, but the ones following were not as observant and managed to bump into me. Turning, I scowled at them only to be met by either frightened or blank looks. Were these creatures even Arrancar? What purpose did they serve?
"We're here, Gin's bit. I'm sure you'll find your new accommodation much more to your taste than the previous one," Szayel said before he opened the door.
For a few minutes, I stood there staring at what lay within. It didn't make sense. There was a table, more like a bench, covered but it was clear there were things, tools perhaps, underneath. Where was the place to sit? There was no chair, no bed, not even a stool. Then I began to understand. Hanging from the middle of the room was a structure from which dangled some chains with leather covered handcuffs attached. It was possible to move the apparatus up and down and looking at it was easy to guess at least part of what was going to happen.
All the bravado I'd felt drained away at the sight. It had been almost easy to be brave when I wasn't certain what was to come. Surrounded as I was, I began to struggle. Hands grabbed me and pulled me into the room, placing me directly under the structure hanging from the ceiling.
"Are you going to beg now?" Szayel was grinning, certain of my response to his question. Instead, I shook my head. Giving him any satisfaction was impossible for any of the remaining pride I held.
"Hanging from chains is not pleasant, you know. If it is done correctly, it makes it difficult to breathe and the person chained may struggle and die from suffocation. Aizen has forbidden your death, but he didn't tell me to make you comfortable, just to keep you alive."
Even though I'd been assured many times by Gin and this man that Aizen didn't wish for my death, it didn't offer any consolation.
"It's going to happen no matter what I say, so why beg?"
"To please me?" The man tilted his head to one side as he spoke.
I said nothing in response. Whatever he wanted was of no interest to me.
In spite of my knowledge it was futile, I fought against the hands and people who were now chaining me up.
Szayel blathered on while it was happening but I didn't pay much attention to his words. Anything he said was calculated to get a particular response and it was a subtle victory not to provide what he sought.
Before he finished, Aizen entered the room to observe.
"Do you like your new accommodation, Ran? I think I might let the Arrancar enjoy you while you're there, but only after we've disposed of the little problem, "was his observation. "Or maybe I might begin where we were interrupted last time. But not yet. I have a guest who wishes to see you."
My first feeling was relief as I realised the 'guest' wouldn't be the 12th Division Captain, but the malicious pleasure in Aizen's tone indicated it would not be pleasant for me.
"Really? I don't think I can entertain anyone at present," I said through clenched teeth. The chains were beginning to pull on my shoulders uncomfortably.
"Possibly correct. Let us leave you to adapt to your new bracelets. "
Then, to my surprise, everyone left.
Time passed. The pain in my shoulders, arms, and back increased with the passing of time. I tried standing in different positions, but the apparatus didn't permit many changes and I simply tried to stand on the balls of my feet to provide some respite.
More time passed. While it was painful, it was also boring. Until now, it had never seemed possible pain and boredom could work together. Any attempt to doze made me lose my footing and swing from the chains, jarring my shoulders and causing more pain.
I had no hope that Zaraki would come to save me. He believed that I had returned home, and as the chains suppressed my reiatsu, he would not know I was still in Las Noches. I feared for my baby, as I didn’t know how I could protect it as I couldn’t even protect myself.
Hearing a noise, I blinked and gazed in the direction of the door that had slammed open. The light was shining directly above me and cast the rest of the room into darkness. I could not see anything. I heard the sound of sandals slapping against the floor. A large figure gradually began to form from the gloom and my heart sank, as I was sure that it was another of Aizen’s tricks. There was no possibility that Zaraki would be here.
The man had his height, his build. I couldn’t sense his reiatsu, and the pain made it hard for me to use my normal methods to try to work out if it was he. He was too far from me to get his scent and the stench of my own fear was too strong for me to smell anything but that.
Who was the man and was this some further torture devised by Aizen?
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A.N.
This story hasn't been forgotten and is coming close to the conclusion.
Soundtrack
'Believe' The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
'Big Science' Laurie Anderson
'Enjoy the Pain' Epitaph and Norman Bates
'Chains' Soulfly
Review. Reviews sometimes amuse.