#aka threads

@shikonnokin

Panting breaths pulled at the hastily bandaged wound on Aizen’s chest, additional pressure coming from the deadweight he carried in the form of an unconscious Kurosaki Ichigo. His narrowed eyes were fixed determinedly on the decrepit cottage before him. Inside there was refuge. The advancing reiatsus told of a search party on the look out for them and only within the boundaries of that little cottage would he be safe. Kurosaki Ichigo would be another story, Aizen thought with an amused twitch of his mouth.

They breached the threshold, and with that, their privacy and isolation was assured. The search party would pass them by, the illusions of the past, as well as the kido barriers he had placed, would shield them. Sousuke dropped the teen onto the dusty floor, watching the dust motes that the action stirred up as he regained his breath. The wound wouldn’t kill him, there was no rush.

Bronze eyes narrowing on the youth, Aizen plotted his next few moves. He had Kurosaki Ichigo and his freedom, and there was a ruined Soul Society that lacked a monarch. Not that he wanted the throne. Oh no, his goals were still *far* higher.

Ignoring the pain, he shifted Kurosaki Ichigo to the cot in the corner, the remnants from days long ago. Once in place, it wasn’t hard to attach restraints and then to carefully seal away the depleted remains of spiritual pressure Kurosaki still possessed. Only then, did Aizen begin the process of allowing glowing green energy heal wounds and restore Ichigo.

@rameralasciva

Swirling sands beat against a pale cloak, the darkness unbroken by stars or moon. And as brown eyes scanned the horizon, it was the lack of light that Aizen Sousuke detested the most. His narrowed eyes took in the nuances of the landscape, his newest ally at his shoulder.

“So this is fun. Real interestin’ place ya found here~,” Gin quipped from behind him, and Aizen shifted his gaze to peer at him from the corner of his eye, mouth thin in disapproval before a beguiling smile appeared.

“Patience, Gin. This Vasto Lorde appears to be more intelligent than most. I doubt that he will reveal himself unless he has deluded himself into thinking that he has the upper hand. But of course, you’re more than welcome to make an attempt at drawing him out. If you’re feeling lucky, that is.”

“Nah, I believe in ya, Cap’n. I’m sure he’ll show.”

Aizen merely hummed his agreement, turning his full attention back to the landscape. The sands shifted, and he waited, his reiatsu testing the area carefully. He settled into a tranquil expression, raised a single hand, and pointed a finger. Blue lightning crackled free of the digit and struck a place in the sand, the terrain disappearing behind a cloud of the crystals that had taken to the air.

“So much for bein’ patient, huh?”