Chapter Text
The meeting with his generals done, Sousuke Aizen, Commander and Reigning Monarch of Hueco Mundo, was retiring to his tent in the middle of his encampment. The drastic change in weather had been a terrible upset to his strategy and had rendered their progress of the last few days almost non-existent. Freaking rain had sprung out of nowhere, destroying the battlefield and their advantage. Hence the necessity of this impromptu session. They had to rethink their plans... Seireitei’s forces were proving more resilient than anticipated. In addition, the young prince had recently taken to the forefront and had rallied the troops behind him, stalling even more their advance.
Aizen had only seen a glimpse of his new enemy, but the sunlight shining on his mass of orange hair had been unmistakable. Who else could it have been. This changed things. If he could kill the heir in battle, then it could throw his target into more disarray and ease his path to victory. Yamamoto was an old fool to have let his precious charge so close to his grasp.
Yes, events could turn to his advantage once again. He just had to seize the opportunity in front of him another time like he always did...Tomorrow was another day. He couldn’t let the setbacks affect him so much.
His heavy armor was in the process of being removed; once that was done, he dismissed his attendants with a wave. He needed his moment of quiet before going to bed. He didn’t need anyone for his personal ablutions. He wasn’t a pampered noble like the generals of his opposing army. He knew was rough life was like.
He was in his breeches only, drying his hair, when he sensed it.
He wasn’t alone in his tent anymore...
Since his defection, it wasn’t the first time he had to face assassination attempts. Guards had patterns and despite the quality of his, they weren’t infallible. You also had to be always ready for a potential betrayal. Thus, he had practiced honing his senses blindfolded for years for a moment like this. The other didn’t stand a chance, even if right now he looked vulnerable, it was a clever disguise. Hopefully enough to fool whoever was watching him. (As if he would ever be without a weapon... whoever assumed as such was greatly underestimating his capacities).
He nevertheless continued what he was doing as if he hadn’t caught on, even closing his eyes to give the other a sense of confidence...
When... he stroked backward, the hidden blade in his twine ring knife springing forward as he graciously went down on his knees and caught the ankle of the approaching shadow, bringing him to the ground. However, faster than he thought someone could react, his enemy rolled away, facing him swords in hands not a trace of pain in his movements.
Interesting... he thought, not an incompetent one this time.
Nonetheless, he was certain he made a light scratch and that was the end of this. He simply had to stall for time until the poison took effect... but, surprisingly, the enemy wasn’t approaching even if it looked like he had the advantage...
Regardless, their motives weren’t important. He was about to call for his Espadas when a beam of moonlight came into his tent, and he suddenly realized who his opponent was... It was an understatement to say that he was shocked... It was hard to see more than shadows in the dim light but how could he not recognize who stood in front of him when the man had been in his thoughts for the last few days. It was the thorn on his side himself, prince Ichigo Kurosaki... who was rapidly murmuring words under his breath to diffuse the situation.
“Lord Aizen, I intend no harm, I come with a proposal.”
“Unless you are here to surrender, I do not see what else we can talk about. In addition, even if you pretend that it is your motive, why would I believe you. Sneaking like a thief in the night. Much better to ensure my victory to kill you where you stand, right now.”
“It’s to your advantage, please listen.”
Hmm... He probably could spare a few minutes... That one was already dying anyways even if he wasn’t aware. He didn’t have anything to lose... They were far enough that he wasn’t in danger in case prince Kurosaki had a hidden weapon. “You are in luck, your Highness, as curiosity is a sin of mine. Do you seek death? Providing me with such a golden opportunity, I am indeed puzzled at what you were thinking. How do you intend to escape. A bit too much noise from me and you will be surrounded in seconds.”
“I don’t care. Capture ensures my survival. I’d be dead within the year if I had stayed in Seireitei. I already foiled a plan for a ‘convenient’ accident. That being said, if I have a choice, I rather not have it known that I’ve talked to you, but I could always play hostage if you so desired. You are my only hope. I want to help you overturn the Gotei and especially Yamamoto.”
At that surprising statement, Aizen took a step forward, trying to decipher his vis-a-vis' expression and the truthfulness of his declaration. However, even his above average vision couldn’t pierce the darkness of the night. All he could discern was a lithe silhouette, only wearing a light black chemise (no armor how bizarre) that, due to the pouring rain, clung to his muscled frame like a second skin as well as the reflection of his strands that had given him his nickname of ‘Cheveux de Feu’.
If he wanted to elucidate this mystery, he had no choice than to have a discussion, and, for that, it meant giving him the antidote... Aizen sighed out loud. His need to know was truly his greatest weakness. “Sit down and put your weapons away where I can see them. I need to treat you.”
Obeying, reinforcing that he had no treacherous intentions, Kurosaki immediately dropped in a sitting position cross-legged, stabbing his weapons perpendicularly into the ground instead of putting them back where they belong in their scabbards. Nonetheless, the warrior couldn’t help but ask, confused. “I’m okay, it’s just a little scratch.”
“Poison, dear. According to my calculations you are about to foam at the mouth in two or three minutes. I need to give you the counteragent. Don’t move while I fetch it. It’s near my sleeping bag.”
Taking that threat to his life in stride, “Hmmm... You are as efficient and as deadly as your reputation have suggested, good.”
Wasn’t it him but there was a touch of admiration in the other one’s tone. Aizen had a very brief realization that no one had complimented in his ability to kill before... He almost wanted to reply in kind with how impressed he was about the other’s abilities to sneak in, but he abstained. This wasn’t a ballroom where he had to flirt. Nevertheless, guess he wasn’t as immune to flattery as he thought he was. He rapidly changed subject as he picked Kyoka Suigetsu, his favorite blade. “Aren’t you worrying about yourself right now.”
He could sense the young prince shrugging. “Not really, no. If it hasn’t occurred to you, I must be pretty desperate to come over the frontline and infiltrate your camp. There was always a chance I could get caught or that you weren’t going to listen to me.”
But Aizen kept insisting, the risks the prince took to reach him were mindboggling. “Why would you want to do that? Why risk it all? The throne is yours from your mother’s bloodline.”
“As if... I’m a figurehead, raised by my parents’ assassin. I want revenge and you’re gonna give it to me.” The determination and conviction were evident despite the prince’s vulnerable position.
But that didn’t deter Aizen’s suspicions nor his curiosity. “Why would you trust me? I am not known for my compassionate side.”
But Ichigo continued with his persuasive arguments, “That’s the point isn’t it. Who else? That’s the brilliance of my plan, no one would suspect that I am a traitor, feeding you information. Also, at least I am certain that your goal is the same as mine. I can’t say the same for anyone else at the palace. Even my friends think that the usurper is worth listening to. There must have been a reason why you left when you did. I don’t care what it is, but it wouldn’t surprise me that Yamamoto and the old monk had something to do with it. So, I am throwing my lots with you in the hope that I ain’t wrong.”
“Even if your assumptions are correct, who said I need your help to accomplish my goals? That’s a bit presumptuous isn’t? I will win this war with or without you.”
“Maybe, maybe not, but that’s not really important isn’t. It’s the aftermath that counts. I can ease the transition. Make the populace accept you. My reputation is without fault and my image perfect. I can be convincing too. I can help facilitate trade. Be your agent from the inside. Reduce the losses to a minimum. I’m sure you can come up with a lot more ideas how I can be of use.
From what I heard, you are an opportunistic bastard, I shouldn't have to beg for you to understand how advantageous it is. Don’t throw this chance away. I’m willing to listen to you and your instructions despite my rank. How often would an opportunity to boss a prince around come in your life? Must be good for your ego too. There are very few acts I am unwilling to commit to achieve this. It took me months of planning to be able to reach you. This isn’t a spur of the moment decision.”
“Hmmm... you are indeed convincing; you picked my interest at least so you might be worth my time after all. We can talk about that in more detail soon. But there is a more pressing matter. I’m coming closer. Now extend your left leg forward and cross your wrists over your head. No sudden movements.”
Again, Kurosaki obeyed without question, presenting himself so Aizen could approach more or less securely. In this position, the older warlord was convinced that he would be able to kill this prince (no matter how skilled he was) before the other could make any move, especially with the point of his sword at the other’s throat.
“Open your mouth. You need to swallow a pill.”
“Okay.”
Aizen then came over and was now close enough to observe his victim. He had to admit to himself that he was facing a very pretty tableau. A submissive young man, clearly in shape, mouth agape ready to receive his fingers, dripping wet and at his mercy. Too bad the situation was too serious for what he could easily imagine doing in other circumstances.
So, business before pleasure, he did what he had to do, sensing for a brief moment a tongue on his index finger as he heard the other swallow. He then moved away, removing the immediate threat of his weapon but keeping it in hand.
Kurosaki stayed sitting, hands on his knees and waited, completely unafraid.
Aizen stared at him, unable to make up his mind if the other was very brave or innocent. He still felt like he had to poke at him, however. “You know all I said could have been a lie and what you just swallow was the poison.”
Kurosaki shrugged. “That did occur to me, but what would be the point. If your intention was to kill me or make me a prisoner, you would have done so already. You didn’t lack in opportunities. I am the one asking for a favor here. Where would that leave us if I can’t show a modicum of trust.”
Aizen hummed his assent, he was satisfied with that answer. If they were going to be partners in a coup-d’état, he better understood how the other’s mind worked and fast. It was too bad that they had to be kept in the dark so that they didn’t broadcast their impromptu meeting to the whole encampment. It would have made it easier to be able to read his expressions...
He signaled Kurosaki to stay put and fetched himself something to sit on, when he caught a low request from the middle of the room.
“Can... you put on a shirt too... it’s distracting...”
Can you hear someone blushing??? Because he was certain he did... Well, how interesting... He grinned to himself. He had completely forgotten he was half naked, but it shouldn’t have mattered, unless...
This night was definitely one that kept on giving...
He, however, kept what he had gathered from the comment and did as requested, sitting, mirroring Kurosaki’s position but a bit more comfortable. He had to keep the high ground, didn't he...
“So, your Highness, please continue on your eloquent speech and convince me more. What is your plan if I choose to go along with it?”