Monsters We Became { Bleach Aizen Sousuke Fanfiction }

11 - Exposure

"Lady Koukou, Arienne reported back today. The troupe encountered some difficulty recruiting members on the surface. Both of the groups didn't trust that they weren't being led into a trap and some attacked during negotiations." Madorean said. Embers lingered in the irori fireplace and smoke billowed to the ceiling and climbed the staircase. Mizuki sat curled up against the white tail of his mother as she leaned against the long-haired Madorean, her fingers curled within its strands and other hand rested on the little boy's head, whose curly pink hair matched her own. Bylosse and Koukou sat across the table, beside each other but not close.

"Strange, most should be familiar with Rymenocc. Did they offer any more information?" Koukou asked.

"Both groups mentioned Hollows being experimented on by other Hollows; they said the malformed creatures they found died in agony within a few hours." Madorean answered.

"Baraggan is not the type to be interested in experimenting on others, and an individual would likely need to have a death wish to hunt in his domain without permission." Koukou said, "So it is most likely that they are working under his graces."

"Which means that they're going to leave us alone." Nallundra said.

"It doesn't seem right to leave them on the surface where they're going to die." Bylosse said.

"Fortunately, a few decided to join after the scuffle and will come back with Rymenocc later tonight. Although, I have to agree with Nallundra. If we get involved we're just going to start a fight with Baraggan and that's not something we need right now." Madorean said.

"Does that mean we're not going to do anything to help them?" Mizuki asked.

"If we go help them, they're going to send some soldiers after us and it'll put lives in danger." Nallundra spoke to Mizuki in a quiet tone.

Mizuki hugged his mother's tail and buried his face into it as he managed to murmur, "But aren't their lives important, too?" He would find no response to that question here.

"We will discuss the matter with Rymenocc upon his return. If the groups join willingly then we will not be in violation of the truce." Madorean offered.

"I agree, that sounds like the best idea." Nallundra said.

"At some point we're going to need to deal with him and his army; his influence is detrimental to what we want," Bylosse said. His words were met by a glare from Nallundra that could cleave mountains.

"Not while Mizuki can't even protect himself." Nallundra said.

"I agree, but if this continues we may end up having no choice in the matter." Bylosse's eyes met Nallundra's dark gaze and she clutched the little boy ever closer.

"It seems that it is time to pay the 'god king of Hueco Mundo' a visit: he has begun to make requests of me and threaten Bosque Santuario, so it is time to correct his behavior. Tomorrow I will make the journey to the surface and I will ensure the truce remains intact ." Koukou said, "Bylosse, after I have finished training Aizen today, I would like you to accompany me."

"Of course."

"Where is Aizen? He missed dinner." Mizuki said.

"Last I saw he was training in the field next to Keep Paito." Bylosse said.

"I can't believe you're still training him." Madorean said, "Fortunately he does seem to have stopped getting stronger, but when he learns Shikai he'll be stronger than most of our soldiers. When he learns Bankai he may even be a threat to the three of you."

"It's fine. We won't let anything happen." Nallundra sat up and brushed the curls from Mizuki's eyes.

"It only takes one incident." Madorean said.