Black Night, White Butterfly-A Bleach Fanfiction

Lion in the Grass... Chapter Sixteen.

My, my... Gin thought as he walked down the hallway, ears burning a bit.

Since Ulquiorra and Yammi had returned, things had been... A bit off.

Even beyond the smirk, Aizen had a peircing gaze that could kill-moreso than usual. It was unlike him, in a way...

Grimmjow had been antsy as a cat on a hot tin roof-pun intended-and literally had to restrain himself from clashing with anyone around him.

Most of the Espada were restless as well, that was evident.

Tōsen wouldn't admit it, as reluctant and dissaproving he was of conflict, but even he was slightly anxious...

The war would begin soon. Everyone could feel it, even if it went unspoken.

Gin supposed it was for the better; the less was said, the less excitable they would be.

Still, there seemed to be something more... sinister in that sharp gaze of the man sitting in the white throne.

Gin wasn't the type to probe a hornets nest whose stings he couldn't yet outrun, so it also went unaddressed.

Still... It unnerved him.

But it didnt matter, as long as Gin could stay one step ahead of the man...

~~~

In Aizen's mind, however, things were going very smoothly.

He had said that the humans present at Ulquiorra and Yamii's infiltration were trash-and rightly so-yet, the girl may have a use...

His fingers graced the Hogyoku's sleek surface.

He would arrange her arrival soon enough.

He sent for some tea, then settled back into his throne.

If he did take the Inoue girl to Las Noches, her friends would surely follow... And that, if arranged correctly, would alarm the Court Guards...

Thus, coaxing the flies into the spider's web, He mused with an approving smile.

Yes, this could help their cause immensely...

...But, he would need to move Khristalyn out of the way... She would definitely try to thwart his efforts.

Agreement or no, she'd likely attempt to free her new 'friend.'

He scoffed at the thought.

She would never be any sort of friends with them... If anything, they would be her mortal enemies. Yet, she seemed to had already weaseled her way in-

"Sir."

Aizen focused on the person bowing before him who had interrupted his brooding...

"Yes, Kaname?" He rested his head on his hand. His right-hand man seemed a bit perplexed, which was rather unusual... "Is something the matter?"

"...You didn't notice, sir?"

"Kaname, don't banter with me."

"Grimmjow has mobilized his Fracción and is setting out for Karakura, Aizen~sama," Kaname informed, earning a slightly surprised look from the mullet-haired man, "I request permission to apprehend him."

"Go. Have him return promptly," Aizen sighed. He knew Grimmjow would do this...

Kaname bowed, and proceeded to leave.

"And while you're at it, bring Khristalyn back, as well."

"Yes, Aizen~sama."

Aizen took his tea, and dismissed the Arrancar who had brought it.

He sipped it slowly, watching the dregs swirl around, thinking about his youngest subordinate.

He smiled as he suddenly realized something so obvious that it was ridiculous.

He'd have a much, much better use for Khristalyn when she returned...

Much better, indeed.