The Awakening [Book 2] (Bleach: Ichiruki)

XVI

Tatsuo's eyes twinkled in excitement as he watched his previous master walk into the room alongside the Soul King.

He felt a chill run through him as he watched Ichigo approach Rukia's floating figure quickly.

"Don't take another step."

Tatsuo manifested in front of Rukia, a nasty sneer on his face.

Ichigo's eyes turned into slits. "Zangetsu."

Tatsuo grinned, holding his arms out wide. "In the flesh."

"Get out of the way." Ichigo warned.

"No thanks, master. You'll have to get through me before you get to Rukia."

"Blood barrier."

Tatsuo jumped in shock when he heard Aizen's voice behind him.

Aizen stood over Rukia, totally ignoring Tatsuo's presence, his hand placed gently over the barrier.

"Tell me, Zangetsu. That dagger in her chest-- it must be pulling her soul out?" Aizen questioned coolly.

"Why, y-you!-"

"Yes, you are correct." Kotaku answered, emerging from the shadows.

"Kotaku?! What the hell-"

With a flick of his hand, Tatsuo flew across the room and slammed into the molten wall, absorbing his body so he couldn't escape.

"KOTAKU! YOU BASTARD!" Tatsuo screamed as he tried to pull away from the restraint.

"Shut up. I've had enough of you." Kotaku said in an annoyed tone.

Ichigo watched in shock as this brown haired, green eyed guy (who had his hair up in a ponytail) approach Rukia and Aizen.

Aizen had an amused smirk on his lips.

"Good work, Kotaku." Aizen complimented him.

"Thank you, my king."

"W-what the hell is going on?!" Ichigo snapped, pointing his finger at Kotaku. "Aren't you-"

"Loyal servant under the Soul King. King Aizen sent me to hell to serve under the Queen of Fate and find out her motive and weakness."

"W-wha.. AIZEN?!"

"Calm down, Ichigo."

"You knew Rukia was here all along?!" Ichigo roared.

"Yes."

"What the hell?! Why didn't you-"

"Because you, like everyone else, would ruin my plan. Especially you."

Ichigo sighed in defeat, scratching his head.

"So then, Kotaku is actually-"

"-a loyal servant. I made sure Rukia was safe all this time. Don't worry, Ichigo. Clotho may be smart, but I was one step ahead of her all this time." Aizen assured him.

"Now.."

Aizen turned and approached Tatsuo, who was fuming with rage against the wall.

"Come here, Ichigo."

Ichigo followed behind Aizen, stopping along with him a few feet in front of Tatsuo.

"You can take back your zanpakuto, if that is your wish, of course."

Ichigo scowled. "Of course that is my wish!"

"Do you enjoy being a Quincy?" Aizen asked in curiosity.