A/N: This chapter took a bit of time because the next few chapters have to be absolutely perfect in a lot of ways. Some important things are starting to be explained and I'm doing my best for it to make sense completely. If anything makes no sense, let me know because its probably a mistake on my part. Sometimes it is hard to actually write down what I've mapped out in my head for all this time...I usually don't have that problem. Anyways, for those who care, our two major characters not in this chapter, but will be back next time. They are the central themes of this story, but the story does progress without them quite fine...at least I hope so.

Added on 1/9/08 I received an anonymous review from Devonne for this chapter pointing out I had been misspelling Zangetsu as Zangestu...which I had been doing for the entire story. I've gone back and fixed it for this chapter as well as every other chapter prior...I think I got all of them.

Oh and thanks to all the reviewers. It seems like every week I get to hear from new people which is always a plus. Its nice to see what all the opinions are, though special thanks to those who take the time to review every chapter. I do appreciate it though I might not seem like it sometimes.

Perpetual Twilight

Chapter 16: Conversation Fluctuation

By: Finalitylife

Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Bleach or its characters. That's all I got...

Uryu Ishida clutched a glass of water in his hand, realizing he probably shouldn't have taken a drink just as Orihime had started explaining what had been happening. He knew some bad things had probably been happening, but he simply had not expected Orihime to cause him to spit water out in shock...right on to her shirt. Ishida couldn't quite remember doing something so socially inappropriate or embarrassing before, apologizing profusely with a tinge of red on his face.

Then again, it was partially Orihime's fault for starting out the conversation with the words 'Kurosaki-kun has a raging, murderous Hollow taking control of him' with little warning. His reaction wasn't exactly justifiable, but not completely unexpected. Thankfully, Orihime had found the reaction slightly comical despite the seriousness of what she just said, smiling lightly as she dried herself off. At least Ishida had that.

From there Orihime continued her explanation of what had transpired as of late, and truthfully Ishida didn't think he could be anymore shocked, but that was before he learned of the horrifying, probably emotionally scarring incidents that had befallen both Rukia and Orihime at the hands of Ichigo...or rather the Hollow within. Hearing about it hunting Rukia had left him beyond speechless, knowing that even if Kurosaki didn't know, Kurosaki cared more for that girl then probably anyone save his own family. To think he could lose control so completely that Rukia would be hunted, tortured, and nearly killed...Ishida just couldn't believe it.

However, it was when Orihime had told him what had happened to her, Ishida realized just why she had made him promise that she wouldn't go and hurt Ichigo. Hearing the deception that Orihime's kind and fragile heart had endured truly made Ishida want to put an arrow in Ichigo's chest, for a few seconds not caring that it had been the Hollow and not him.

The spike of anger had surprised Ishida himself, finding that the rage nearly rivaled that of what he felt against the shinigami Captain who caused his grandfather's death, yet as he quickly forced it back down, he truly couldn't figure out how he could place the two tragedies side by side. One was a result of the single worst moment of his life and the other...Ishida couldn't really find one logical reason as to why hearing this felt as bad. It didn't make any sense.

Peering up into Orihime's soft, pleading eyes, he could see her begging him not to hate Ichigo for what he had done...telling him that everything was okay. However, it was what she said next that nearly set Ishida off.

"Please Ishida-kun...you must never tell Kurosaki-kun about this. He doesn't remember the Hollow deceiving me...hurting me...and...and I truly wish it to remain that way."

Using all his self control, Ishida refrained from yelling anything, only using one of his hands to push his glasses back up his nose, holding it there as he gathered his thoughts. After what he had done to her, she was still willing to hide it all inside of herself for the sake of Ichigo...for him. That idiot didn't deserve even the most minuscule amount of affection from someone as strong and caring as Orihime.

Thoughts that Ishida knew were very, very unlike him were broken as two small hands grabbed hold of the hand not holding up his glasses up, the surprising yet not unpleasant warmth holding his attention to Orihime's solemn yet still trying to smile face.

"Please Uryu?"

Ishida stared slightly wide-eyed at the unexpected sound of his own name knowing no one called him by that, yet Orihime's intense eyes seemed to do their best to break any coherent thoughts he was having. The suitable reply finally came.

"On my Quincy honor, I won't say anything, though I do find it confusing why you would try so hard to protect Kurosaki from his misdeeds."

Orihime retracted her hands from Ishida's, her face becoming more sullen at his response which caused him to regret using his usual lines.

"It was not Kurosaki-kun's fault. It is the monster inside him who hurt all of us. I know that he would never hurt his friends for any reason, and I know that if he knew what he had been forced to do to me; it would hurt far worse to him than it did me. Can you imagine what it would like to hurt someone you care about with your own hands, and there was absolutely nothing you could do about it?"

Ishida realized that Orihime really wasn't looking for any answer, and he found himself almost responding with something alone the lines of that he didn't have anyone left that he cared about, but as he sat there for that brief moment looking at a very serious and mature Orihime, several images flashed through his head, and he really wasn't sure what was true anymore.

"I...I do not wish to imagine such a thing."

The uncertainty in Ishida's voice disgusted himself quite a bit, but hearing it seemed to set Orihime at ease a bit. Hoping to take the attention off of himself, Ishida asked a question.

"So what exactly is Urahara doing to help Ichigo with his problem?"

"Urahara-san believes my healing powers may be able to push back the Hollow's presence, and I have been working with him so that I...we can help him. He also has Kurosaki-kun being taught Kido by...by Kuchiki-san so that he can learn better control of himself and his powers."

Ishida almost burst out laughing at the thought of someone as stupid and reckless as Kurosaki trying to learn something as complex and structured as Demon Arts, but the pain he felt in Inoue's voice as she said both Ichigo and Rukia's name together stopped him from doing it.

"Perhaps...that is for the best."

"I agree. Learning to concentrate can only help Kurosaki-kun."

Ishida knew that wasn't what he had meant by his comment, though he really had to wonder if Orihime had simply missed his underlying point, or simply chose to ignore it. Had you asked him at any point before this conversation, he would have said it simply went over Orihime's naive mind, but now...he wasn't sure he could look at Orihime the same way after tonight.

Again his concentration was broken by the sound of Orihime yawning loudly, the girl smiling slightly embarrassed at the action.

"Oopsy...I guess my tea doesn't keep me up as well as it did the first few times. Maybe I didn't add enough mustard..."

Orihime picked up her cup, quizzically looking into it with intense concentration on her mind, Ishida truly happy he had only optioned for water. However, there was something comforting to know that Orihime was still the strange, eccentric girl with odd tastes.

"Then perhaps I should be leaving then so that you can get rest. I imagine you will be staying here then?"

"I don't want to be too far away from everyone, and Urahara insists I stay to ensure nothing happens to me with the enemies moving about. I know! You should stay too! We can have a sleep over. It would be just like with Tatsuki since she doesn't like talking, or doing hair, or talking about boys either."

Ishida felt himself slightly unsettled by the prospect Orihime had just presented to him though he also felt a few other unusual emotions coursing through him. He very vividly could remember the last time Orihime had thought of him a bit like Tatsuki and proceeded to take off her shirt in front of him when she was changing into the shinigami robes they had stolen. That had been a most uncomfortable occurrence.

However, also at that moment, Ishida decided that the crazed lesbian would be Arisawa's responsibility, but if any guy ever tried to take advantage of Orihime's kindness or naivete, he would surely break them. That would be the least he could do for her.

"No I must be going back home Inoue. I have missed too much school as of late, and can't afford to miss anymore for the moment. My family's power will be enough to protect myself if the enemies come for me."

Orihime looked slightly disappointed, but smiled nonetheless.

"It's okay. When all this is over, I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to hang out."

Ishida nodded with the faintest of blushes, just glad Orihime didn't figure out he was talking about his father when he referred to family power for protecting. As much as he disliked the man...or rather hated him, Ryuken had incredible power. The two of them would be more than enough to handle anything if it came up as he suspected his father would show up if something big came again no matter what he said. Ishida was sure his father enjoyed proving his superiority without even trying to his son. God he hated that insufferable man...

Realizing Orihime was staring at him again and not wanting her to flick him in the head again, Ishida quickly pulled himself together.

"Well then I must be going. Rest well Orihime, and I will see you tomorrow."

Ishida bowed slightly, not even realizing he had used Orihime's first name. Orihime smiled at him as he silently left, quietly saying a few words.

"I truly hope so Uryu."

--

Entering out into the night, Ishida surveyed the night sky, feeling something again that he couldn't quite put his finger on...as if it somehow knew how to hide from his expert senses. It was less a feeling of something, but rather more of a feeling of nothing. Far different than that cloaked Hollow had felt like, but...Ishida just didn't know. It had been such a strange night, one he had not expected when he had come to the shop tonight to find out what was going on, and in a couple of hours, he had encountered a Hollow unlike anything he had come across as well as learned many disturbing truths.

He did not like the feeling all of this was giving him, and he was always one to trust his own personal intuitions. That thing inside Ichigo was very strong and very dangerous and the fact that it knew so easily how to manipulate Orihime when the real Ichigo was completely oblivious to her affections made him already wonder who truly was in control all this time. This was not a good beginning to the coming war...not at all. He would be keeping a close eye on the situation from now on.

--

The light jingle of the door opening was ignored by all the patrons who remained fixed on their drinks or conversation, no one really caring who had come into the bar, none noticing the object he placed near the door that would help act as a barrier to this place for the time being. Said newest patron walked smiling through the bar, the occasional click of his cane touching the ground the only sound of his movements as he toke a seat at a table in the very back of a bar away from all the others. After a few minutes, a waitress came over, the blond man smiling calmly at her.

"Bottle of Sake please, nothing too expensive...oh and two cups with that."

The waitress studied the scraggily looking man for a few seconds, nodding before walking away, thinking that this one looked like a cheap one. Of course, one could only imagine what she would think if the not so humble shopkeeper was in his normal attire and with his normal attitude. Probably would just throw Urahara out on the street without a word...

Another few minutes went by before the waitress came back with the order, saying nothing as she walked away. Urahara poured himself a cup, taking a deep sip, appreciating the taste of something so affordable. It was one of the reasons he chose this place...cheap but good. Silently placing his hand under the table, Kisuke placed another object that would act as a second barrier, making it impossible for anyone from the spirit plane to hear any conversation between him and his guest...only him and his guest though. It had been made awhile back for that specific purpose. Of course humans would also be blocked from the conversation, hearing whatever it was they wanted to hear. It was a nice little invention of his...

It had been many months since Urahara had actually gone out on his own like this, only Yoruichi and the person he was meeting knowing where he was at. In fact, the last time he had gone out was the last time he had met that person face to face. It really seemed like forever ago Urahara quietly mused. However, two days after that cloaked Hollow had showed up, Urahara finally remembered exactly what had been sitting just at the edge of his memory...something concerning the name Zangetsu.

Almost no one who even knew him would recognize Urahara outside of his hat and green striped shirt, which of course was what he was trying to avoid. Thanks to his legendary talent with gigais, a near exact double would be taking his place for the time being back at the shop, and Yoruichi would run interference in case anyone wanted to ask too many questions. The gigai was exceptional work, but even it had flaws. He was just very glad Yoruichi had exceptional ways of providing distraction when need be. She did have her ways of accomplishing such things...Urahara smiling for more perverted reasons that he really should have been thinking about.

In reality, the simply fact was that no one with any connection to the spirit worlds could see him meeting his old friend, most especially Ichigo. God only knows what the boy would do if he knew about this...the hollow most definitely coming out to play for that one.

It was amazing just how much trouble seemed to follow Ichigo around, but for those that knew his father, it was hardly unexpected. Now that was a man who knew how to cause problems. It was pretty much how he ended up here in the living world several years before even Urahara was exiled to this world, though of course no one actually knew that. It had been assumed the idiot had just gotten himself killed doing something ill advised...or Old Man Yamamoto had finally burned him to ash for pulling pranks on him. Urahara and Yoruichi would not even go that far, but Isshin...he always seemed to be able to do what he wanted without receiving the full wrath of the most powerful of the shinigami. It had always been one of those things Urahara had wondered about...

It had been over two centuries since that idiot started badgering him about creating an untraceable gigai so he could visit the real world for prolonged lengths of time to have fun without anyone noticing, and Urahara knew it would just be another invention that would inevitably get him exiled. Of course Isshin knew exactly how to 'encourage' him, and when he commented that Urahara wasn't smart enough to do it, well that was that.

It was almost another century later, but Urahara completed it...though many would think he didn't invent the untraceable gigai until years later. There was of course some truth to that because the prototype which Isshin had stolen before Urahara could test it was nowhere near a perfect invention, and it would actually be years until Urahara could create the flawless model he gave to Rukia.

Taking another sip of his drink, Urahara could so perfectly remember even after all this time the disaster that resulted following the impulsive stupidity that was Isshin. The invention did work, blocking the presence of Isshin's massive spiritual power and making him impossible to find, but the side effects were not exactly a good thing. The gigai did not just block the spiritual power, it erased it, the gigai merging completely with Isshin's spiritual self leaving him as a living, breathing human. It was an amazing scientific achievement despite it being accidental, but it was also one that was recorded in no lab book, and known only by three people in the entire universe: himself, Isshin, and Yoruichi. Well Ryuken Ishida knew a few things, but that was truly a story for another day.

When Isshin suddenly 'disappeared', Soul Society had gone crazy searching for the lost shinigami Captain, no one understanding how someone like the powerful, loud, and eccentric Captain could possibly just vanish into thin air. It would have been like waking up one day, and finding Shunsui Kyoraku sober, swearing off booze forever.

A few suspicious eyes peered toward his closest friend, the mad scientist of Soul Society, blaming Urahara and his experiments for the disappearance but none could prove anything. Yamamoto had drawn out the search far longer than anyone had expected, actually looking like he cared about the lost Captain, but inevitably the search was called off, and Captain Isshin Mangetsu of the 6th Division was claimed dead. Urahara thought of the irony that years later Byakuya would take that same position, but he also couldn't help but remember that was the first day that Yamamoto actually truly looked old to him...lookied weary. He never really understood why considering he was sure the General had hated Isshin with a true passion, and would have felt alive again to be rid of him. Just another mystery...

It was not much later that Urahara actually got himself exiled for reasons of his own creation, finding himself in the living world just like Isshin, though still with power...and Yoruichi and Tessai still by his side. Thanks to Yoruichi's wonderful secret gift of being able to turn into a black cat, communication between the two had been capable, though it would take years until Urahara had truly set up the means to secretly meet with Isshin without any risk of being noticed. It had been hard to be so close to his old friend yet so far, but the truth was none of it ever seemed to bother Isshin.

Overall, Isshin never seemed to have a problem with living as a human...the fact that he didn't seem to be aging all that fast making it a bit easier on him. The truth was Isshin wasn't exactly an ideal shinigami to begin with, let alone an ideal Captain, having almost no regard for his duty and work. When he became normal, Urahara found that Isshin seemed happier, as if the great burden of his power and standing was finally gone yet Urahara knew the man well enough to know there always seemed to be one great regret within his eyes. He never found out what that was.

Soul Society moved on without Isshin, the fact that his whole minor noble family had been tragically wiped out by tuberculosis when he was still young leaving none to truly mourn him. Other than a few friends, there was little to tie him down to that world. It had been an easy transition for the man, him quickly learning human medicine and opening up a clinic for the quickly growing populous of Karakura Town, never becoming too obvious in his endeavors lest anyone figure out he wasn't exactly getting any older.

That had become his life for decades, moving quietly around the town, until that faithful day about 17 years ago when he had met a stunningly beautiful, spiritually aware human named Masaki who actually could deal with the generally perverted, idiot who had lied repressed for a very long time. Urahara never quite understood what Masaki saw in him, though it probably helped that Isshin made Masaki feel less alone with her 'gift' of seeing spirits...that he could help her understand what she had been seeing since she was a child. Of course maybe Masaki could see his true heart the same way Yoruichi could see his...perhaps that had all it had been.

So lost in his memory, Urahara didn't even notice the unshaven, smiling face of Isshin until it was right in front of him.

"Wake up Kisuke!"

Urahara jumped slightly as the former shinigami Captain sat down, filling himself a cup of Sake.

"Ah it has been so long since I've had a drink with you Kisuke. I think the last time was when you went out with me the day my idiot son when running off to Soul Society to rescue my future daughter-in-law. Feels like forever ago."

Urahara watched with mild amusement as the now 'Doctor Kurosaki' swigged down his cup, instantly pouring himself another one. He still didn't have any manners or ability not to make some type of scene. How he had stayed hidden so long was truly a testament to fate just looking the other way.

"A lot has happened since then, especially with those crazy kids."

Isshin's face suddenly became serious as he looked at his oldest friend, Isshin having been kept up to date on the happenings with Aizen as well as what was going on around the shop.

"It didn't come out again?"

"Nothing major since I last talked to you. Things have been relatively quiet on the Hollow front, though if it makes you feel better, Ichigo and Rukia are becoming quite close."

The seriousness in Isshin's face was gone as suddenly there were tears of happiness in my eyes.

"I'm so happy! My boy will soon become a man!"

Kisuke only lightly shook his head, long ago having gotten used to his bipolar friend...especially when it came to his kids.

"I'd say its time you stopped playing the fool Isshin, but we both know your not really playing."

Isshin pretended to look wounded by the comment.

"You sound like my children."

The two old friends chuckled.

"So if things have been quiet, then why have you called me out for a public meeting. I mean far be it for me to complain about going out drinking, especially since Ryuken refuses to take my calls, but I figure you'd have more important things to do. Ya know, like fixing my son."

Though Isshin was smiling, Urahara could hear the underlying tone to the words. Isshin had been less than thrilled about his son's Hollow and what happened to Rukia. Despite many not blaming Urahara for much of what had happened even though they all had the right too, Isshin had no qualms about being a bit crazed when it came to the well being of his only son.

"Things are going well with that Isshin, trust me on that one, but there is something else that's come up recently that I wish to discuss with you."

Isshin downed another cup of Sake, not really paying much attention to Kisuke after the first part of the comment, his attention wandering over toward an attractive waitress toward the bar.

"About two nights ago, an unexpected visitor turned up at the shop, something like even I've never encountered. I think it was a Hollow, but truthfully, I have no idea."

"Uh huh. What would this have to do with me? I mean you are the super genius of the group after all."

"I agree, but really it was the reason for the Hollow showing up that you might find interesting. It appeared out of thin air, bypassing all of my barriers and not raising a single alarm, and approached your son. It didn't come to fight him nor even talk to him, but rather, it came to talk to his zanpakuto...Zangetsu."

It an instant, Isshin's entire body went tense, his eyes becoming hard and cold. Urahara could only recall a single moment where he had seen Isshin like this, and that had been when he had met him that night after sending Ichigo to Soul Society and told him his son's zanpakuto's name. Back then, Urahara had just chalked up the similarities between Isshin's real last name and the name of his son's zanpakuto as coincidence, as well as Isshin's odd reaction as nothing more than general stress on Isshin's part, but the memory of the event had always lingered with him...as if there was an important question to ask there he hadn't quite come up with. The mysterious Hollow's actions had only brought all of that back to the surface. There was a relevance to the name Zangestu that went beyond his son, and somehow, Isshin knew exactly what that was.

"And what would you think I would know about something like that. I have stayed out of my son's shinigami business almost completely. I only know that name because you told me it a few months ago."

Urahara smiled slyly.

"Yes because your reaction those few months ago to that name is exactly the same as it was a few seconds ago. It doesn't take a genius to figure out there's a deeper meaning to it, and considering I am a genius, well...your not going to be able to weasel out of this one with one of your lame, asinine excuses."

Urahara watched Isshin slowly relax, the man suddenly looking tired and the smallest bit remorseful for something that Urahara didn't understand.

"Zangetsu is a name that should no longer be remembered with any meaning, let alone be the title of my son's zanpakuto. It is a name forgotten an eternity ago...or I guess should say was hidden away a very, very long time ago."

Urahara could feel his heart beating in tremendous excitement at the prospect of learning something so unknown to the world. These were the moments he lived for though he still couldn't figure out just how the immature, perverted nut job he called friend could possibly know something that had alluded Urahara so completely. There was something big just lying underneath the surface.

"How would you know that Isshin?"

The man now known as Isshin Kurosaki let out a stabilizing breath as he gaze off at the ceiling, though Urahara knew he was looking at something far different.

"The fact is that me being alive is not even close to the biggest secret I've ever been burdened with. There is one far older and more important than that only me and another in this entire Universe know. Of course telling you would go against the most ancient rules of Soul Society as well as my sworn duty to my family, but then again, I've never been one to do what I was supposed to do. Damn Masaki, give me strength..."

Urahara watched as an internal conflict was being waged within his old friend, his eyes closed as if in deep concentration.

"Forgive me father...but I there might not be a better time than this..."

Urahara found himself holding his breath, awaiting what was to come, Isshin's eyes opening as they settled on Urahara.

"Did you ever wonder why Yamamoto searched so heavily for someone he obviously didn't even like? Did you ever wonder why he didn't fry my ass for stealing all the furniture out of his office and putting it on the roof?"

Kisuke smiled.

"That was a good one. Of course I wondered those things Isshin. There really wasn't any rhyme or reason to it...at least known that I could fathom."

Isshin smiled, though his eyes were very serious.

"Well there was a reason, and it was because I was the last."

"Last of what?"

"Its story time Kisuke, and listen well because I will only tell this once..."

--

With his hands stuffed in has pants pockets, Grimmjow Jeagerjaques strolled down the hallway, his usual disinterested look on his face when nothing obvious was going on in front of him at the moment. A messenger had come to tell him Aizen wanted to see him which was unusual to say the least, though Grimmjow really could care less. It was probably some mundane task better suited to the kiss ass 4th Espada Ulquiorra.

As he neared the main door to Aizen's throne room, two female arrancar shuffled out of it quickly, staring at him with less than pleased expressions. He recognized them as the two arrancar sisters Loly and Menoly, two arrancar's who bowed down to Aizen looking for nothing but mindless scraps of praise from their master. They were no better than dogs in Grimmjow's mind. He stared them down, the two weaklings instantly getting as close to the wall as they could as Grimmjow passed, refusing to even look at him now that they had his attention. The blue-haired arrancar simply laughed as he walked by, going back to ignoring their irrelevant presence, pushing open the large doors with ease.

"Ah Grimmjow...good that you are here. Please close the door...I have much to discuss."

Grimmjow pulled the doors shut, leaving the room dimly lit, eyeing up the one who was master of this place. Sosuke Aizen...the future God of this universe...or whatever he wanted to call himself. Truthfully, Grimmjow could care less what Aizen wanted, but only knew that Aizen had granted him more power than he thought possible, and he would gladly take a few orders if it meant he would have the chance to fight strong opponents. The battles to come...this was what Grimmjow truly lived for...

"I have a mission for you and your soldier's Grimmjow."

Grimmjow snorted slightly in acknowledgment, knowing that Aizen was talking about the lesser Arrancar who followed his orders...long before they had even come to Las Noches together.

"I want you to go to the real world."

At the mention of this, Grimmjow's eyes lit up with fire, a sadistic smile crossing his face.

"However, I need you to have some restraint when you go there."

Grimmjow growled in dissatisfaction at this comment.

"What did you have in mind Aizen-sama?"

The last part spoken with slight sarcasm.

"The goal of this mission is to bring Ichigo Kurosaki to our side. You will serve as a catalyst for his enlightenment though there is a very high chance you will engage in battle with many shinigami...even Ichigo himself. I imagine this would amuse you quite a bit."

Again Grimmjow smiled, this part interesting him greatly, however he knew there was a catch.

"So what else is there?"

"Even if the opportunity presents itself, you must not kill the Kurosaki boy. Beat him down, prove your superiority, and most especially taunt him with the name and safety of Rukia Kuchiki, but do not kill him. Do you understand that?"

To amplify his demand, Aizen raised his spiritual pressure, even someone as strong as the 6th Espada feeling uncomfortable with it pushing down on him.

"Yeah...I understand."

"Good. If you encounter any resistance before the boy shows up, do whatever you feel like with them."

Grimmjow smiled ferally, bloodlust leaking into his eyes.

"That I can definitely do."

"Excellent. Gin will be running this operation for me, so you will answer directly to him. He will go over the finer details with you."

On cue, Gin Ichimaru stepped out of the shadows, his sickly white skin seemingly glowing in the darkness.

"I be looking forward to working with ya."

Grimmjow stared down Gin, disliking the mysterious man immensely, but knowing that he was not one to trifle with. It was best never to screw with someone who was completely unreadable as Gin Ichimaru was. Nothing good ever came from that. Nodding slightly at Gin, Grimmjow suddenly felt the urge to go punch something, apparently something Aizen could pick up on.

"You are dismissed for the moment Grimmjow."

Grimmjow took one last look at both figures in the room, before walking out, slamming the doors behind him, an action completely disregarded by both ex-shinigami.

"Do not worry Gin. He will follow orders for as much as we need him."

"Worry Cap'n? Do I look like I'm worried?"

Aizen did not bother to even take the verbal bait from his former Lieutenant.

"Just as long as I get to have my fun on this one, I'm not worried at all."

"You will have your chance to play Gin, but only as much as that everything goes as researched and planned. You know as well as I do what will happen...the children especially are so very predictable. Pull the strings, and the puppets will dance so amusingly. They really should improve on their security. Ulquiorra has informed you of all that he has observed on and off again at their headquarters?

"Of course Cap'n. I've got all of it in my head. Soon enough, you'll have your new soldier, and things will get plenty interestin' round here. Like you said, Ichigo-chan, Rukia-chan, and even Shiro-chan are amazingly predictable. It will be so easy."

Aizen nodded in acknowledgment at his former Vice-Captain.

"So any issues with your new cloaked friend I should worry 'bout?"

Gin watched Aizen uncommonly pause at the question, the man actually gathering his thoughts.

"It is nothing to worry about. No matter what its motivations are, I doubt it would give any regard to our actions or the Kurosaki boy."

"Aight Cap'n. I'll be seein ya then."

At that, Gin turned and moved to leave the room, his smile getting wider as he knew Aizen once again was dwelling deeper into an unknown even for him. When things like that happened, things always did get so much more interesting. Fun times were ahead, this Gin knew.

--

Urahara continued to stare at Isshin as the solemn man stopped talking, his mind finally catching up the true scope of what he had just been told, the scientist doing the most logical and rational action he could come up with. Urahara grabbed hold of the sake bottle and started drinking directly from it, taking a hefty, hefty swig before slamming back on the table.

"Well...that all certainly explains a lot. I mean so much makes sense now, yet wow...I mean wow."

Isshin smiled slightly, for once he being the serious one while Urahara appeared the stupid, confused one. He wouldn't admit it, but he enjoyed it immensely.

"Yeah I guess it does. Of course then you understand just what could be happening then."

Urahara eyed up the bottle of Sake again, but refrained from taking another swig. He would be needing his mind at full capacity from now on.

"It means that Aizen becoming God might not exactly be the worst thing that could happen, and there might be enemies buzzing around who know things they really shouldn't know."

"Yeah that sounds about right. I really can't explain how that Hollow knew that name, but nothing good can possibly come from it. I mean if..."

Urahara waved his hand at Isshin, understanding the implications, but not really wanting to here it again. It still left a very unsettling feeling in the pit of his soul. Aizen was a man who truly bothered him, but for the first time since he thought he might never see Yoruichi again when he was exiled, Urahara was afraid. Some things were best eternally left buried in the passing of time, and now...digging this up would be like digging a grave for the entire existence.

"You know I've probably never asked this in my entire life Isshin, but what do you think I should do?"

Taking a drag from a cigarette Isshin had somehow lit without him knowing, the former shinigami closed his eyes.

"There's so many 'keys' running around right now, its impossible to know which one is which, but my gut tells me Zangetsu is what we'll need to survive this. Ichigo...my son...my legacy...he is the one who looks destined to carry the burden I wasn't strong enough to endure. I really am a terrible father..."

Urahara watched his friend shake is head in severe, self loathing, but knew there was little he could do about it.

"If that is the case, I think it pertinent I return to my research as soon as possible. Stabilizing Ichigo was already a top priority, but now it is well beyond that."

The two men stood up at this comment, staring at each other for a brief moment before Urahara left, grabbing his device from under the table as well as the one by the door as he walked out of it. It took Isshin a few seconds to realize Urahara had left him with the bill...just like he always did. He was a cheap bastard in any world under any circumstance. Throwing down some money, Isshin gave a smile to the attractive waitress before walking out into the night air. He started walking down the street, hands in his pockets, completely lost in what had just transpired.

Secrets...so many secrets kept from Soul Society...his friends...his children...god he was such a screw up.

"Oh Masaki...how did you love such a cowardly loser?"

The question was asked to no one, yet Isshin received a response from the alley he was walking by.

"Do not insult yourself for you insult your heritage which has grudgingly earned my respect."

Isshin stopped immediately, the last bit of his cigarette falling to the sidewalk.

"You're the one Urahara mentioned aren't you?"

"Yes."

The simply, one worded response unnerved Isshin greatly.

"You've been watching haven't you? Listening?"

"Forever..."

This time Isshin felt an enormous chill course through his body even though there was no change in temperature.

"You desire to release him, don't you?"

"Yes...and no..."

There was silence after this comment, Isshin waiting for more to be said...waiting to be killed.

However, it never came, and when he glanced to his left, there was nothing there. His hands shaking slightly, Isshin pulled another cigarette out, lighting it and taking a strong drag.

"Ichigo...be strong..."