Rukia's head suddenly jerked up in surprise. "Did you hear something?"
Aizen shook his head. "I'm afraid I did not. Is everything alright, Rukia-san?"
"I swore I just heard gunshots," she whispered.
"That can't be possible," Aizen quickly replied, "My men don't carry around such dangerous weapons. And my security is topnotch so no one would be able to get in without detection."
Rukia stared at her dancing partner with a deep frown. "I know what I heard, Aizen-sama. And it was clearly gunshots." Thankfully the music ended and Rukia bowed to him before walking away to join her brother.
Aizen watched as Rukia went to the safety of her brother's shadow.
"Persistent bitch, ain't she?"
Aizen chuckled. "I never backed out of a challenge before, Gin," he smirked before walking away from the dance floor, Gin following right behind him. "Besides, once she's married into this family I'll have the Kuchiki Corp. in my hands as well. Don't forget Byakuya is leaving everything to his sister."
Gin bowed slightly. "How could I ever forget?"
Aizen turned around and smiled at his partner. "Well?" he simply asked.
"They took the bait and are now running around like headless chickens." Aizen nodded in approval. But before he could leave to talk to the guests Gin caught his arm and whispered, "We tapped into their conversation and you won't believe who we found."
"Enlighten me," Aizen said.
Gin smirked. "The boy's here," he simply said before walking away.
Aizen stood in his spot before an evil grin came across his face. "Well, now this is getting interesting."
Ichigo cursed as he quickly took his earpiece out and pulled the mic out of his wrist by the wire which was connected to the battery hidden under his shirt.
If those bastards were able to figure out their plan, then that means they might have tapped into their frequency, hearing everything that was going on.
"Shit, shit, shit!" Ichigo cursed as he looked around the bathroom. "Those guys better be okay," he breathed into the air, hoping Ikkaku and the others were okay. He finally noticed a small shelf above the furthest bathroom stall that was stacked with a set of new toilet papers. Ichigo quickly went over and hid the earpiece and the mic behind the toilet papers, and returned to his position by the sink.
He had to think of something to get out of this situation but at the same time not bring too much attention to himself, the others, or Rukia. He needed to meet Renji and Hitsuaya but at this moment there was no way he could go out there and meet them without a plan. Aizen had suspected something like this to happened and set up a trap which they easily fell for.
"Byakuya!" Ichigo realized. That bastard was the only one he could turn to. That means he had to find a way to reach him… "But I don't even have a plan," Ichigo groaned, running his hand through his hair.
"Then allow me to assist you."
"AH!" A startled Ichigo jumped around to see a familiar person looking at him with a smirk. "Yoruichi! What are you doing in the men's room? No no no no, screw that; WHY the fuck are you here?"
Yoruichi laughed at Ichigo's priceless expression. "I'll tell you everything in a second," she said before clearing her throat to rid of all amusement in her voice, "But it's best if you follow me first," she turned around and peered out the bathroom door which was already open from when she came in. With the coast was clear, she motioned with her hand for Ichigo to follow. Ichigo was reluctant to follow at first. It was simply weird that someone like her would be in the Aizen house and from the way she looked, it seemed like she knew her way quite well. But before he could think too much more about it, Yoruichi grabbed his wrist and dragged him behind her.
The two sneaked their way out the door. In front of them was the single door that led back to the kitchen, which Ichigo came from. But instead of going that way, Yoruichi led him to the left, walking deeper in to the dark hallways.
"How do you know you're way around here?" Ichigo asked.
Yoruichi only looked back for a second before looking ahead again. "I thought I told you I'll tell you in a second. Just follow me."
After passing by several doors including the grand French doors that led back to the party, the two stopped at a corner. At first Ichigo didn't see anything but then he noticed a secret door, camouflaged to the wall, opening from the inside.
"Ara, looks like the real party is finally going to start," said a voice from behind the door.
Ichigo's eyes widened as the door opened up to reveal to owner of the voice. "Urahara?"
The said man smirked. "Glad to know you still remember me."
"B-but…why-what?" Ichigo stuttered.
Yoruichi smacked him over the head. "Just hurry up and get in. It's best not to be seen."
That's when Ichigo remembered about the tight surveillance in the mansion. "Wait. How did you guys get in here? Aizen has every single inch watched over by a camera. Which means we might already have been detected?"
The older couple looked at each and rolled their eyes. Yoruichi quickly pushed Ichigo into the room before shutting the door behind her. "Kisuke already took care of the cameras around this area of the mansion. The surveillance room will only replay images of an empty hallway that we recorded beforehand."
Ichigo looked between the two, feeling more confused. "What's going on?"
Urahara fanned himself silently for a few seconds before snapping the fan shut and removing his grin. He looked at the younger man in all seriousness. "We're here to help. And only with us will you be able to bring Aizen down."
Yoruichi pulled out a piece of folded paper from her pocket and handed it to Ichigo. "This will help you." As soon as Ichigo grabbed it he unfolded the paper, revealing a map.
"It has the blueprints of every secret room and secret passageway of this mansion," she commented, "It should help you get around the area."
Urahara nodded before leaning over Ichigo's shoulder. "This is where the trade will take place," he pointed to the underground wine cellar with his fan, "And we recommend you go through this route," he then pointed to a small hole located outside the mansion. "Dig out the bush under the third window. The ground will give in and when that happens, go through it; you'll land in a passageway that will lead you to the cellars."
Ichigo nodded. "I got it. But how the hell do you two have this?"
The two looked at each other before shrugging. "We would like to tell you but now isn't the right time."
"What?" But before Ichigo could say anything else the two turned around and walked towards the exit. "Wait! Where are you two going?" he asked.
Urahara turned back and said, "We're going to go take care of something first. But don't worry. When you're in real trouble, we'll come back." Without another word the two couple snuck out of the secret room, leaving Ichigo standing alone and confused. He looked at the paper in his hand and sighed.
Looks like he's all alone again.
Rukia watched from afar as her betrothal talked with several men before the eerie man, that followed him like a dog, led them somewhere else. For some reason Rukia felt like there was more going on then a simple rehearsal dinner.
"Rukia."
"Hai, niisama?" she looked up to her brother.
Byakuya eyed his sister before saying, "You don't seem well."
"Indeed," an elderly woman nodded her head. "You're getting married tomorrow and you look sickly. Would a glass of wine help you dear?" she asked, bringing up a glass of alcohol in front of the bride-to-be.
Rukia quickly shook her head. "No thank you. I guess I'm just nervous about the wedding tomorrow," she said, earning laughs and reassuring looks from the people around her. "If you'll excuse me, I'll like to go to the restroom and freshen up a bit." She bowed in respect before leaving the circle of 'friends.'
She went to one side of the Hall and waited as one of the guards opened the grand door for her. As quickly as she could, Rukia stepped out of the Grand Hall and into the empty hallway. She let out a sigh of relief. The air inside the other room was too stuffy that it was making her sick again.
As she walked down the dark hallway, a sudden sense of dread filled her. Things are too quiet…where are the security guards? She thought to herself. With great caution she took careful steps, looking behind, left, right and forward with every few steps. It felt like something was going to pop out and—
"Mmph!"
Talk about jinxing yourself.
Rukia let out a small shriek when someone popped out and grabbed her from behind. A sudden rough hand covered her mouth to stifle her screams as another arm wrapped around her body, pulling her into a small room to her right. It was dimly lighted room that gave out whole bunch of wrong vibes. Rukia kept struggling against her attacker as he (she assumed it was a man because of his strength and his body which her back was pressed up against) quickly shut the door with his own back.
Not liking how this man's grip around her waist was tightening, she quickly opened her mouth and bit down on his hand with her teeth, hard.
"OW! FUCK, RUKIA!"
Rukia was quickly released but upon hearing a familiar voice she turned around in shock. Even in the dim lights she could clearly tell apart his orange hair from anything else. "Ichigo?"
"Yeah, who else would it be?" He growled at her as he continued nursing his hand.
Rukia bit her lower lip. "Sorry. It was just that, well—" she swiftly wrapped an arm around her stomach, "—you're hold was a bit tight."
Ichigo looked at her and his frown disappeared. "Sorry about that."
"It's okay," Rukia whispered before looking up at him with an intense glare, "But what the hell are you doing here? What will you do if niisama catches you?"
Ichigo grunted in annoyance. "I really don't think that's a problem."
"What are you talking—"
"Just hear me out," he quickly silenced her. When Rukia finally closed her mouth, Ichigo approached her and wrapped his arms around her. At that instant Rukia forgot about everything as she buried her face into his chest and inhaled his spicy scent. Only he could make her calm down so easily. Ichigo kissed the top of her head as he rubbed her back comfortingly. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too," she said, her voice muffled by his shirt.
Ichigo held her tighter. "Soon, everything will be alright."
Rukia blinked a few times as the words slowly sunk in, before taking a step back to look up at him. "What do you mean?"
Ichigo smiled at her. "Your brother is helping me and the crew in getting you out of here."
Again Rukia blinked in confusion before her eyes widened. "What?" she asked breathlessly.
Ichigo grinned. "That's right. By tomorrow morning we'll be back home with our kids and living peaceful again. I promise."
As the words slowly made sense Rukia could feel tears threatening to spill. "B-but…but…" Ichigo quickly shushed her again by hugging her tightly. "Ichigo…I'm confused."
Ichigo sighed. "Listen carefully because I need your help." He waited for a response but he got none. He pulled back a bit to look into her eyes to make sure she was listening. Her wide eyes were enough of an indication that she was. "Okay, well, last time we saw each other Byakuya told me something to help me get you out of here. Apparently, he found out that Aizen has been selling weapons to gangs and terrorists all around the world. So I got help from Hitsugaya and the crew to catch this guy. Then, and only then can I get you out of this hell hole."
Rukia listened intently and nodded at all the facts thrown to her. So she was right; Aizen had a bigger reason for marrying her. "And he wanted me for niisama's money. It makes sense," she nodded. "Were there gunshots outside a few minutes ago?"
Ichigo was silent for a few second before nodding. "That's why I need you to do something for me."
"Okay—Wait a second," she stopped him," How did you even know I was in the hallway? What if I didn't come out—"
"I was getting ready to return to the Grand Hall when I saw you slowly leaving," he replied, scratching his orange hair, "I knew this was my only chance so I followed you outside."
She suddenly glared at him. "Then why the hell did you sneak up on me like that, pulling me in here like some kidnapper?"
Ichigo chuckled. "Yeah, sorry about that. I was in a hurry and I didn't know how else to confront you without scaring you to death."
"Psch," she crossed her arms and turned around, "Stupid strawberry."
Ichigo sighed as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Oi midget, can we please get back to the topic at hand? There's not much time left before the trade starts."
Rukia was quiet before replying, "…Tell me what to do."
Ichigo grinned. "I knew there was a reason why I love you so much."
Byakuya pretended to be listening to the conversation but in actuality he was keeping an eye out for Rukia. He was hoping everything to be over by now but from the way Aizen was smiling and acting (not to mention the evil smirks he would show once in awhile) Byakuya knew they were still a long way from peace. What is taking her so long? Byakuya thought to himself.
Before he knew it, Rukia suddenly appeared at his side. "I apologize for taking so long. My stomach has been doing cartwheels all day," she smiled.
The other nobles laughed.
"It is to be expected since you are getting married tomorrow," Byakuya said, "Do you wish to rest before the wedding rehearsal starts?"
Rukia shook her head. "I'm feeling much better now, thank you niisama." With that said she returned to conversing with the others. She laughed, smiled and offered advices to the people talking about their money concerns.
It wasn't long until Byakuya suddenly felt his sister leaning awfully close to him. And that's when it happened. Something slipped into his hand delicately. He fisted whatever it was and held onto it tightly, his large hand hiding its existence from the others.
Ichigo casually returned to the Grand Hall with another tray of appetizers. After taking a quick look around the room he slowly made his way to where the red head was. Without saying anything, Ichigo stepped closer and quickly dropped something into Renji's pocket before heading off to where Hitsugaya was.
After delivering both messages, Ichigo returned to serving, waiting for the tray to empty so he could return to the kitchen and meet up with the others. It took a good few minutes until he was able to return. And luckily there were other waiters also in the kitchen, all too busy getting ready for the big event to keep count of who was there and who wasn't.
Being extra cautious, Ichigo exited the kitchen through another exit that took him back to the hallway Yoruichi took him to. In each paper he's given there were specific direction to where to go and which room. All he had to do now was wait.
As Ichigo opened the door, he noticed nobody was in yet. He quickly went in and leaned against a wall, running his hands through his hair in nervousness.
"Kurosaki." Ichigo looked up to see Hitsugaya and Renji coming in. The two made sure the coast was clear before closing the door and approaching their friend. "What's going on?" Hitsugaya asked.
Ichigo looked at the two before asking, "Did you turn your mics off?" When they nodded their colorful heads, Ichigo continued. "I got information from Rukia's brother that the weapons are being sold under this mansion, in the wine cellar. But I got the information too late."
"Fuck," Renji cursed, "So we really did fall for a trap."
Hitsugaya sighed. "This isn't good. That means Aizen most likely have tapped into our conversation. And the others might have already been caught by his goonies."
The door suddenly creaked open. Renji and Hitsugaya quickly brought their arm back to rest on their gun hidden under their shirt. When the hidden door fully opened the three let out a sigh of relief upon seeing Byakuya standing in front of them. He shut the door and walked over to the trio. "What is going on kozo?"
Ichigo looked at each man before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a folded paper. "I met the Urahara's."
"Urahara Kisuke and Urahara Yoruichi?" Hitsugaya asked. "What were they doing here?"
"This—," Ichigo said as he unfolded the paper and showed it to the others, "—is the blueprint of this mansion and all its hidden passageways. Urahara already took care of the surveillance around this area and—"
"Wait a second," Renji cut in, "How did they get all this? And why are they helping us?"
Hitsuagay nodded. "Even Matsumoto was unable to tap into their cameras let alone get all this information about the mansion."
Byakuya was silent before asking, "Is this Urahara the man who eloped with a member from the Shihouin clan?"
Ichigo looked at him and nodded. "That's Yoruichi. Why? Do you know them?"
Byakuya only stared back before turning his gaze elsewhere. "I have an idea of what's going on but it'd be best if I don't share it until it's been proven."
Ichigo tried to ask again but Byakuya glared at him when he opened his mouth. Knowing it was best not to make enemies with a powerful ally, he looked back at his two friends to continue where he left off. "Anyways, I'm not exactly sure what's going on either but they're here to help. And it might be better not to question their motives right now."
"But shouldn't we inform the others?" Renji asked. "It'd be best to gather as much help as we can. I can go into the Grand Hall and get more of our men—"
"No," Hitsugaya stepped in, "if too many leave the room then someone will suspect something. It's best to work with as few people as possible."
Ichigo nodded before looking at Byakuya. "That's why I called you here. Do you think your men can help us out?"
Without another word Byakuya pulled out his cellphone and dialed a number before putting it up against his ears. "I want you to gather your men and prepare for my arrival…" He paused for a second as his personal bodyguard said something on the other line. "Yes," he answered, "We will start moving soon. I want update of the situation every minute until I reach there." He hung up and walked towards the exit. He stopped just in front of the door and turned around. "I advise you to get ready. The dinner rehearsal will end in less than an hour and by then all the deal would have been made. I will be meeting with my men and prepare to infiltrate the cellars. You three best figure out how to get your back-up in here and ready to arrest Aizen." With those words he was gone.
The door closed with a 'click' and Ichigo looked at his two friends and nodded. "You guys heard the plan. We need a way to contact Kenpachi."
"Don't worry about it," Hitsugaya said before he kneeled down and pulled up his pants. Strapped to his left leg was a flare gun. "Kenpachi suspected something like this to happen since he's been dealing with Aizen's case for several years. From tonight's plans, there will be fireworks going on in about…" he pulled up his sleeve to read his watch, "twenty minutes. I will just send this off at the same time. If Kenpachi and others haven't been caught yet, they will react to the flare. But if not… well, then it'll be up to us three to make the arrest."
"Wait a second," Ichigo raised up his two hands as if in surrender, "Did you guys forget I'm not a cop? I can't arrest those guys."
Renji chuckled. "True. I forgot for a second you're a doctor and not a cop. Are you sure you don't want to change careers? You're pretty good at this."
Ichigo glared at his friend. "Sorry, but I don't want to go to work everyday in fear I might die or something. I have family to take care of, you know."
"Che," Renji snorted. "This job isn't that dangerous. I remember Takeshi wanting to get into this field too when he grows up."
Ichigo smacked his friend over the head. "Don't think I'm going to let you poison my son with your stupidity."
"Will both of you shut up?" Hitsugaya growled. When the two finally stopped he walked over to the door and pulled it open. "Let's finish this."
The dinner rehearsal was going to end in a few minutes and Rukia couldn't find Byakuya or Ichigo anywhere. She continued walking around aimlessly, saying a few greetings here and there, receiving congratulations and lucks left and right. She tried smiling but it was difficult when you felt like someone was watching you. Rukia continued walking around when suddenly the lights dimmed. People started to murmur when suddenly a loud "BANG!" was heard outside. Everyone looked up to see fireworks exploding above them through the glass roof. Everyone gasped and applauded at the beautiful display of gunpowder.
Rukia looked up to watch the fireworks above her and frowned. She suddenly remembered how much Takeshi and Mai loved fireworks. Rukia closed her eye, letting out a long sigh. I want to go home, she wished.
Rukia was suddenly jerked to reality when a hand landed on her shoulders. "Niisama, where have you been? I've been—" Rukia turned around only to see not her brother but someone else.
Gin placed his right arm across his chest and bowed. "My apologizes Rukia-sama, but Aizen-sama has asked me to escort you."
"Escort me where?" she asked.
Gin stood up and smiled his creepy gin. "You'll find out soon. Please follow me." Rukia was about to retort when he suddenly leaned down and whispered next to her ear, "This is not a request, Rukia-sama."
Rukia glared at the man who was leaning too close to her. "Nobody orders me around."
Gin chuckled. "True. But I advise you to come quietly if you want this night to end calmly."
"What do you mean?" Rukia asked.
But Gin didn't answer. Instead he turned around and walked off, leaving behind a confused Rukia. Something was definitely going on. Ichigo told her Aizen was doing some "business" downstairs…but did he find out about Ichigo and the others? Were they in trouble?
Taking one deep breath, Rukia reluctantly followed Gin's shadow.
A/N: Eh, not my best work but at least it's something.
Let's go to the next chapter and sees what happens next!
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