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Warrior	By : NeemaAdaeze Category: Bleach > Yaoi - Male/Male > Grimmjow/Ichigo Views: 6033 -:- Recommendations : 7 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, nor do I profit from it

Chapter List
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I brought two games and I've been playing like crazy on them-- Pokemon: Mystery Dudgeon and Theatrythm Final Fantasy! I gotta stop playing so I can concentrate but it's so hard with FFVII theme songs kept playing my head!

Warrior by Boogermeister

Chapter 26- Descendants of Madness

Listening to the light rain outside, Ichigo laid in his bed as he attempted to fall asleep. The air was cool from the weather, but he felt warm from his pet resting next to him. Of course a dog like Zangetsu could sleep well, but he was still distressed about the past few days. He was a fool.... he thought he was strong enough to take on Ginjou by himself, after everything he had to put up for so long. Trying in vain to dismiss his flirts since he was barely past thirteen, pushing him away whenever the older man attempted to touch him inappropriately, telling him in secretive whispers that he couldn't wait until the teen becomes a true adult so he can push it further....

He wondered if he had spoken up sooner, if complaining about Ginjou's lecherous ways in the first place would have changed anything. But back then, he was afraid of speaking up, fearing that he would embarrass and shame his family for doing so. They were noble but they were a lesser class apart from him and Aizen. And it didn't help that his mother was a commoner, making his bloodline 'less important' as the other elites had gossiped.

Everybody had always seen him as a trouble-maker ever since he was a child, wondering why he rather be friends with the help than his own kind. They wasn't taught how to respect others-- slaves or otherwise-- like his modest mother had taught him. It made him more appreciative of those who served him.... even Grimmjow. But the Gaul had been more than a friend to him after the past year, yet even their relationship couldn't salvage the problems they've been having since the first gladiator game.

Grimmjow's moods had worsened after Ginjou's attack on him, as Ichigo was told about his father reprimanding him over the ordeal. That was his fault that Grimmjow was like this. He didn't mean to make him sad about his decision, but it was like he couldn't do anything to make it better. Grasping at the bedsheets, Ichigo slowly sat up and got off the bed. His dog temporarily perked by his movements but laid back down, as the teen quietly opened his door and moved for downstairs. It was still late, everybody was obvious asleep since it was still raining. But he couldn't help but feel alert by the sneakiness. Nel didn't mention to him about telling the truth to his father again but it didn't mean that he was still apprehensive about it.

Carefully, he walked downstairs to the underground floor before moving to Grimmjow's room. As expected, the Gaul was asleep yet he appeared to be agitated with his eyebrows knitted together, and Ichigo frowned at the sight. Since the day he was found beaten by him, Grimmjow had avoided him to prevent more shame on him and his family. But Ichigo didn't like that, they had gotten over the silent treatment and he didn't want that to start all over. ".... Grimmjow...." he whispered, stepping closer to the occupied bed. "Grimmjow....? Grimmjow, I need to talk to you...."

Hearing his name, Grimmjow groaned softly and shifted his body, before finally opening his eyes. It took him a moment to see what was in the dark then he frowned in realization when he saw Ichigo. ".... What're you doing out of bed, Ichigo?" he grumbled tiredly. "It's late, you need to go back to sleep...."

"No, Grimmjow.... we need to talk," Ichigo muttered quietly. Grimmjow frowned but didn't make himself to sit up. Instead, he shifted his body to make more room on the bed. Ichigo took the signal and sat next to him. He reached out to run his fingers through the silky sky-colored hair, his eyes not pulling away from Grimmjow's own. ".... I'm sorry for making such a foolish decision, Grimmjow," he mumbled. "I'm so stupid.... I thought I was strong enough to go against Ginjou, but...."

"Stop it...." frowned Grimmjow, grasping at the hand that was petting him. "You made it out of there alive, that's all it matters. But that much is true, what you did was a foolish mistake. You knew that if you had told me about your plan, I would either stop it from happening or strangle the man who had wronged me one too many times...."

"Yes, that's true...." Ichigo frowned in concern. "I'm very, very sorry for my actions, but it shouldn't mean that you have to avoid me so many times."

"I was only doing it because I am afraid.... of what will happen if you try to do this again behind my back," he said, as he was now fully awake. "Your father is already angry with me because of what happened. He's practically blaming me for not being there for you. And what about that woman....?" he added with utter disdain about Nel. "I just can't take it any longer, Ichigo.... I don't have control of my fate, yet I'm being condemned for it. What's the point of all of this, what is there for me to keep fighting when the Romans look at me with so much contempt....?"

"Grimmjow, don't talk like that," Ichigo frowned at him. "I don't like this coming from you. You're supposed to be the strong one, you're supposed to be the one who isn't afraid of anything.... So why start now? Because you think Ginjou will go after you now?"

"Well, what do you want me to do....? I am a slave, nothing more," Grimmjow frowned back. "My death is insignificant compare to others if he were to have his way. I get it, I already lost a lot more than the primus, Ichigo...." Ichigo just looked at him with a sad frown before moving his hand from his hold and stood up.

"If you feel that way, then you really will lose more than just that...." he muttered as he turned to leave. "Good night, Grimmjow.... Good luck on your game tomorrow." By the time he left the room, Grimmjow realized what he had meant and sat up, almost tempting to go after him. He didn't mean what he said, but Ichigo took it differently. With him feeling self-pity, the teen would feel unappreciated despite of the attempts to reconcile. But as soon as he stood up, he froze his movements. What good would it do to talk to him again, to what end? He can't explain himself to him now that Ichigo was feeling hurt.

"Fuck....!" he groaned as he sat back down, rubbing his forehead as he glared at the floor. He was getting tired of this, tired of being cornered by the man who was making his life a living hell. He cannot deal with this any longer.... To him, the only solution to get at Ginjou was to wipe his existence from this world for good. To leave him alive would mean more misery for him and Ichigo. He really wanted to do it, regardless of Roman laws, as he laid back down.

"Ginjou....." he growled lowly. "I'll make you pay, no matter what...."

(Blood and Sand)

Usually, Renji would be excited of being only second to the primus, since he would always look forward to seeing Grimmjow in battle. But now.... after finding out that Grimmjow's fight was nothing but a deceitful deal against the praetor. Tightening his guards, he straightened up as he looked at his friend. Grimmjow was alienating himself for a different reason, already in his Murmillo-style gear but he was waiting dreadfully for his demoted fight as he sat in the far corner of the barracks.

It was scheduled just before the noon sun, meaning that the Gaul's fight was insignificant to the Romans. He was already dressed for the fight but it didn't mean he was prepared for it. When he had first started it, he didn't realize how important it was to be in the primus until he was getting popular, and enjoyed being in the glory. But now.... he was nothing but a joke to the ones who once adored him. He barely flinched when he felt someone sitting next to him but when he looked to realize it was Renji who frowned at him. ".... You were right, Grimmjow," he muttered quietly.

"Your master couldn't find the document....?" he asked, and the red-head shook his head.

"This is serious, Grimmjow.... we went to Aizen about it just in case, and he knew of it as expected," he replied. "But.... both my master and Aizen actually agreed to delay the accusation against Ginjou until they have enough evidence. I'm sorry about that but--"

"Ichigo told me about the ways the Roman do to deal with their kind," muttered Grimmjow, glaring down at his lap. "If it were any foreigner or a slave, it would've been done quickly. Guess that even when it is the most hated man in the city, they still have to treat him as equal because of his status."

".... If only that was true, Grimmjow," sighed Renji. "It just that--"

"If it were in my homelands, his head would be by my fucking feet," he whispered under his breath but his friend caught it with narrowed eyes.

"He was in your homelands, and now you are here because of him," he muttered. "You cannot think like this, Grimmjow.... It's far too dangerous for you to say it out loud."

"Why? Ginjou is not a fucking god," he said, his hands clenching tightly together. "He could have me dead at any day now.... he could harm Ichigo, like he tried to do last week."

"He what....?" gasped Renji. "And you didn't tell this to anyone?"

"And to risk his father knowing about us....? He already blamed me for not being there in the first place, so to reveal our relationship to him would make thing much worse...." he scoffed as he shook his head. "And to add to this bullshit is that I believe Ginjou knows about us.... he has to. How else Ichigo had gotten so badly hurt that time....?"

"Damn it, Grimmjow...." he muttered in disbelief. "You can't honestly think like this--"

"If it doesn't go away, then he will use every opportunity to get at me."

"Then you have to win, Grimmjow," Renji frowned, grabbing him by the shoulder to look at him. "Just fucking win today, and then again for the next match, and then the one after that until you're better.... Can't you get that?"

"But what good would that do if I can't get back to the primus as soon as possible, Renji?" he frowned bitterly. "I cannot afford a few years climbing to the top as well as hiding my secrets from Ichigo's family. It's either Ginjou's gone or I'm fucking dead, simple as that, Renji." Renji just stared at him and scoffed, letting go of him roughly before standing up.

"You know what? You're being fucking stubborn, even with your gloomy depression," he scoffed in agitation. "You do what you want, do whatever it takes to fuck up your life. Just want you to know that you're risking it not just on you but on Ichigo as well. That is, if you even care about him, considering the trashing he had gotten the last time." That last comment snapped Grimmjow into realization, as he quickly stood up and glared face-to-face at the red-haired fighter. But Renji wasn't backing down as he glared back, garnet-colored eyes narrowed on the Gaul.

".... Take that back...." he growled lowly. His fingers cracked into tight fists as he bared his teeth. Yet the other man was more composed with a stern frown, knowing full well that it was true.

"Quit feeling sorry for yourself, then maybe I will," scoffed Renji before stepping away from him. "Just get ready, Grimmjow.... but I doubt that you really are...." Grimmjow's frown deepened as the red-head walked away. He tightened his fists again, breathing harshly through his nostrils as he glared down at the ground. One way or another, Ichigo would get hurt in the end so what difference does it make? Hearing muffled roar of the crowd above him, he growled in frustration and suddenly slammed his fists against the wall.

"Fuck it....!" he growled. "Fuck, fuck, fuck....!" He slammed his fist again, hissing at the sharp jolt of pain through his bones from the impact. Renji was right about feeling self-pity but now he wanted to feel nothing but anger, especially at Ginjou, after what he had done to him. One by one, he was being stomped down by the praetor, and he couldn't take it any longer.

"Uh, excuse me...." Grimmjow whirled around to glare at who disturbed him, only to notice a slave who flinched away from him. "S-sorry about that, but I'm here to inform you that your fight will start in a moment," he stated. Grimmjow simply gritted his teeth. He put on his helmet and grabbed for his sword and shield, before making his way for the gate. He realized that the sound of cheering soon turned into that of boos and jeers, knowing that it meant for him. Did those Roman really turn his back on him, all because of one single loss?

His sharp eyes narrowed at the thought of it. He shouldn't care about the Romans but for some reason he does, all because his life was hanging in the balance now. If he doesn't win now, then he wouldn't live with himself. A second later, a gate opened and he stepped out, in an instant the booing intensified along with bits of rubbish being tossed at him. He snarled under his breath. They really were against him, as he moved to the center of the arena. He didn't want to see Ichigo's face, he knew that the teen was wretching with anxiety from his seat.

But Ichigo was more than just anxious, he was worried about Grimmjow's well-being. Seeing how the other Romans had been treating him, he wondered how the older man's ability to fight will fare, even though it was a mediocore round. Hearing the sounds of the hateful jeers, Ichigo could do nothing but wait and see as he watched nervously.

Suddenly, he stiffened a little when someone sat next to him, but he realized that it was Aizen who glanced at him with a light frown. ".... Are you feeling all right, Ichigo?" he muttered quietly. Sighing deeply, the teen shook his head in reply.

"I'm just worried about Grimmjow, that's all...." he said. "He's still upset about the ordeal but I don't know if that will hurt his chances of making it to the top again. Just look at him, he's just so irritated about it...." Even with the helmet on, he could tell that Grimmjow was more than agitated by his stance. The way his chest was rising and falling from the harsh breathing, his shoulders stiff with hostility as he impatiently paced back and forth. It was clear that rage and murder was on his mind, for once Ichigo pitied the opponent to face him now.

".... I'll do what I can against the praetor, but for now we don't have enough evidence to prove that he had stolen the documents," muttered Aizen. "For all we know, he could've burned it soon after he had made his plan. But don't worry.... he'll slip up sooner or later."

"I don't know about that...." Ichigo mumbled to himself. He couldn't take the sound of booing on Grimmjow, who was snarling under his breath. All he was seeing was red, like a bear being purposely provoked. He will show no mercy anymore, he won't play it safe for anyone. He glared up to see the next opponent coming out of the other gate, and in an instant the crowd was cheering, probably hoping to see the Gaul fall once and for all. Staring at Grimmjow, Ichigo hoped that he would calm himself long enough to prevail in the match.

But Grimmjow wasn't calm, instead he felt like he was going to go beserk if the match wasn't going to start any sooner. He glared at the Thraex, who raised his sword cheerfully to the audience. Tightening his grip on his own sword, Grimmjow just huffed his breath. He needed this, he needed to go in for the kill. And he didn't have to wait long when he suddenly noticed the Thraex rushing at him. Within a second Grimmjow moved forward, blocking the swing with his shield before turning on his heel for a counterattack.

The crowd gasped the moment the Gaul drew blood, after his blade slashed at the bare side. Ichigo noticed that as well and smiled in relief. Maybe Grimmjow could win this as easily as possible. But suddenly, he realized that the older man's attack was deeper than expected, as did most of the spectators as they gasped again. The Thraex, either in shock or in pain, let out a shaky breath as he glared down at Grimmjow. Grimmjow didn't move back to dodge any attack as he glared back.... simply because his opponent couldn't attack.

Not when his organs was oozing out of the deep wound.

"Oh my....!" gasped Ichigo as he looked closer. "Already? The fight was barely a minute in, and Grimmjow already went in for a big move....! He can't be serious!"

"...." Grimmjow's blade was still imbedded inside the opponent as he panted harshly, waiting for the other man to strike or move away. But it seemed that the fighter couldn't do either as he began to vomit blood. "Tch....!" Grimmjow pushed the blade deeper, giving him more pain as the Thraex gritted out a disturbing yell.

This was it, Grimmjow needed this but it wasn't the same like before. He didn't stalk and play around with his opponent before going in for a strike. Instead, he went head on without thinking, his mind only on blood and fury, before jumping back with the bloodied sword in hand. He glared up at the audience for a brief moment. The Romans were clearly shock with silence, with some emitting gasps of surprise. They probably wondered if the effect of losing had finally made him snap, but it didn't matter anymore. He jumped forward with a high swing, hacking at the defenseless man across the torso.

The Thraex fighter choked out a soundless scream. More blood spewed out of the deep wound, as he crumbled to the ground. Many of the spectators were still stunned, not sure whether or not to cheer because of the brief and bloody conclusion of the battle. Even Ichigo was shocked at what had just happened, when he dropped his jaw at the sight. "Grimmjow....! What did he just do?" he gasped.

".... An unorthodox way of winning, but he had won nonetheless," nodded Aizen.

"But.... this isn't how Grimmjow fight, it was almost like he moved in for the kill instantly," Ichigo scoffed in disbelief.

"Maybe that was his plan in order to get back as a champion--"

"No.... No, this wasn't the way to be...." he shook his head. "There's something going on with Grimmjow...." As he watched, he saw Grimmjow going back to the nearly dead fighter. Without a moment's hesitation, he swung his sword down, hacking at the limbs so viciously that the blood splattered at his angered face. "Oh my goodness....!" gasped Ichigo. He had never seen Grimmjow acting like this before, even when he was cornered to do so in his past fights. This wasn't like him, it was like he was acting as a true savage. Apparently, the Romans seemed to think about that as well as they muttered and clamored in alarm.

"What is he doing....?"

"The Gaul's fucking crazy....!"

"He's still killing him, that monster....!"

"I can't believe he's going this far!"

The collective clamor was getting louder, reaching to the pulnivus where Aizen soon became concern at the behavior as he watched with a tight frown. "He won but he should have stopped by now...." he muttered before glancing at Ichigo. "For your benefit, I think we should have him escorted out of the arena right now. It seems that his behavior is becoming erratic."

".... Yeah, this is getting out of hand," nodded Ichigo. "Do it for his sake."

"Of course...."

All the while, Grimmjow continued to massacre on the man's body. He slashed and hacked at him, chunks of flesh and organs went flying as pure fury kept being released out of him. He saw red other than blood. The anger he was holding for his sake was too much to ignore anymore. He proceeded hacked away at the man's legs when he suddenly noticed the army guards coming towards him in a cautious manner. He paused in his actions, anger partially replaced by mild confusion as he saw them coming with a few of them taking their swords out.

His anger quickly came back as he glared around. This must be another ruse of Ginjou, of course a praetor would be capable of doing something like this after what had happened with Ichigo. He was probably looking for revenge once again, as Grimmjow defensively stepped back.

".... Cease your actions, gladiator, and we won't bring harm to you," one of them said.

".... And you expect me to fucking believe that?" Grimmjow snarled lowly, gripping his blood-stained sword tighter.

"It was ordered that we're to apprehend you to prevent any further disturbance to the Roman people," he spoke. "Just come with us--"

"As if I will go willingly to you fuckers....! I don't take orders from no one but my master, so you better get away from me!" he growled.

"You're making this situation harder on yourself as well as your master," said another soldier as he steppend closer to the hostile Gaul. But that was quickly retaliated when Grimmjow suddenly swung his blade at him, sharp teeth bared like a feral beast as his bright cyan eyes flashed. That action was seen by the shocked Romans, especially Ichigo who stared in disbelief.

"Grimmjow....!" he gasped, almost close to getting up and running downstairs to the arena. But as he stood up, Aizen instantly grasped at his wrist and he looked to see his disapproving frown.

"You cannot go there, Ichigo.... Doing so will risk your reputation for your status," he warned.

"I don't care about that! They'll kill Grimmjow if I don't do something about it....!" he scoffed.

"I can understand that but seeing that now.... he might have to be apprehended anyway. After all, he purposely made a threat a member of a Roman army, and that's a very serious crime."

"But--"

"They cannot kill him as I ordered, unless otherwise if he kills any of them first," frowned Aizen. "Just calm down, Ichigo, all right....?" But Ichigo was still worried. He glanced back to see that Grimmjow wasn't backing down one bit. The gladiator swung his sword again when another soldier drew near, making the other guards take out their swords in result.

"If you don't come quietly, we will take you down one way or another," said one of them, already feeling agitated over the ordeal. "Lay down your weapon, before you do something foolish....!"

"Foolish? Much like your shit-eating superior, Ginjou?" he growled angrily. "It's because of you fucking Romans.... is that I am this way! You made me as a savage, like you wanted it to be! And I will act as one if that's what you want!" Without warning, he charged at one guard. But almost immediately, the other Roman army members moved in tight circular formation, going after him the moment he tried to raise his sword. "Guh....!" He was suddenly parried, just before he felt his arms pinned behind his back, disarming him of his only weapon.

He snarled as he struggled but more soldiers held him back, with a strong arm locked around his neck and a hand roughly yanked at his hair. "Fuck! Let go of me!" he roared insanely. "I'll kill you all! I'll fucking kill you all!" His ranting echoed throughout the arena and it reached to the alarmed Roman audience. "Ginjou! You sick fuck, You think you can get away with this!" he yelled out with all his might, his angered voice reaching Ichigo's ears. But the teen was becoming fearful for his slave's life as he tried to tug the hold on him from Aizen. It was getting too much, there was a good chance that Grimmjow might get executed as he stood.

"Grimmjow, stop it....!" he gasped sharply with widened eyes. "It's not worth it, just calm down!"

".... I'll get more men, in case he'll become too erratic," Aizen advised but Ichigo shook his head.

"He would get more erratic by doing so," Ichigo frowned. "This is bad, he would only calm down if I'm down there, or else he might get killed."

"It's too dangerous to do so, Ichigo--" said Aizen.

"Ginjou....! Ginjou, where the fuck are you....!" roared out Grimmjow, with all of his strength he tried to struggle out of the guards' hold. "Is this what you wanted out of this, that you want me to suffer?! I won't bow down to you, you fucker! I won't bow down to the one who enslaved me!"

"The preator....?" questioned one of the confused Romans in the audience.

"What is he talking about, being enslaved by him....?"

"Just another disgruntled slave who needs to be put down...."

"But.... nobody likes the praetor, so what is this gladiator saying?" they muttered. Grimmjow snarled, despite of feeling exhausted he continued to attempt escape from the hold on him.

"I will not take it anymore, Ginjou....!" he yelled ferociously. "I'm not some slave you can push around! I am a proud member of the Viromandui tribe....! And.... I am the son of the great Criturix-- 'The Feared King'....! I am a prince of a fearsome tribe, condemned to slavery by you fucking Romans....!"

At that, the clamor suddenly went silent, hearing the echoing shouts coming from him. But Ichigo felt his heart freeze in utter shock as he stared wide-eyed at the arena. No.... Grimmjow just didn't reveal his true heritage, he wanted to deny that. But clearly it was already heard by the nobles behind him and they gasped in shock and disbelief.

"Is that true? That gladiator is actually a royal of some sort....?" Ukitake's wife questioned in mild surprise but the ailing senator seemed more stricken by the revelation, while Kyouraku simply sighed with a shake of his head.

"I think this is a bad turn of event, don't you think so....?" he muttered.

"Yes.... Senator Aizen, you'll take care of this, right?" said Ukitake as he glanced over to the brunet.

"That's what I'm trying to do, but it seems that it's becoming more difficult to do so," he frowned.

"I see.... then after we disable him, we might have to take a drastic action, possibly it would have to involve with locking him up to prevent any further disaster."

"What? You guys can't do that....!" Ichigo gasped at them.

"Ichigo, you see that your slave is becoming more beserk," stated Kyouraku. "To not take any action now will be risky for him, and he might be sentenced to death should he attempt harm to the Roman army."

"Then let me go down there to calm him down--"

"I am sorry.... but this is a matter of politics now, Ichigo," Byakuya suddenly stepped it. "He needs to be apprehended, and there's a good chance that you won't retrieve him back after this ordeal."

"No....! That can't be, you can't take him away....!" he gasped.

"It's too late now, Ichigo, he can't be your slave anymore," said the magistrate. Ichigo felt his heart drop like a stone. This cannot be....! Grimmjow can't be his slave anymore. "Senator Aizen...." Byakuya nodded at Aizen, who frowned in understanding.

"Sorry about this, Ichigo...." he muttered to the shocked teen, before turning to the arena. "Knock him out, do not kill him....!" he commanded out loud.

"Ginjou....!" Grimmjow snarled angrily as he glared around despite of being held back. "Where are you, you fucker! Come out here and fight me like a man, so I can take you out once and for all....!" But as soon as he tried to struggle again, he felt a strike at the back of his head. It was like before, as a huge pain throbbed within his skull and he almost slumped down. "No....!" he gritted his teeth and stood his ground. "I won't bow down to the fucking Romans, I won't....!"

"Grimmjow....! Grimmjow, stop it....!" Ichigo called out. "You must stop it right now, please.....! You'll get killed!" The boy's terrifying voice echoed down to Grimmjow, who ceased struggling almost immediately. Breathing harshly, he looked up to see Ichigo and the anger in his eyes soon disappeared.

Then it hit him. He realized what he had done, as his expression twitched into absolute horror. He had just revealed his true heritage to the public. "Ugh....!" he grunted the moment another strike hit him on the head again. This time it was more effective as the Gaul slumped in the guards' hold, his vision swirled in a darkened haze. "Ughhh.... Ichigo....." he groaned before slowly blacking out. He could feel his body being dragged, but he knew.

He knew that something terrible will happen to him and Ichigo, it was his fault. Ichigo will suffer because of him, just like his nightmare had predicted.

(Blood and Sand)

"Praetor, I have some urgent news for you...." a soldier alerted as he stepped into Ginjou's office. Ginjou, who had been slumped back in his chair, sat up with a confused but annoyed look on his face as he glared at him.

"News....? How does that have to do with me?" he frowned.

"Uh, sir, it's about that Gaul gladiator--" he spoke but fell silent when the glare on him became harsh.

"What about that filthy shit....?" he growled.

"He.... he was detained by the Senators earlier today, at the arena," he answered. "It was witnessed that he became beserk and made threats against the Roman army as well as you, mentioning your name multiple times."

".... Wait a minute, what was that?" Ginjou questioned.

"Um, do you want me to repeat that, sir?"

"No.... no.... In fact, I am estactic...." he muttered, a dark smirk slowly crept at his lips. "My plan had finally worked after all.... That fucking Gaul's loss had made him mad like a savage that he truly is." He let out a satisfying chuckle and his fingers combed through his hair. "I can't believe it, who knew that one loss could make him snap like that....? I should've done this sooner if it was that easy."

"Sir?" the subordinate frowned in slight confusion.

"Where is he now? As a praetor, I should know about disobedient slaves being apprended," he smirked.

".... Sorry, Praetor, I wasn't told," he answered. "I'm only relaying the news to you by the senators' request, but nothing about his location." Instead of being disappointed by the news, he smirked nonetheless as he laughed again.

"Of course. In a way, those old fucks are protecting him because of his true identity," he muttered. "However, there's a good chance that he is deemed dangerous and they locked him up anyway. Either way, that is his downfall.... Sooner or later, I will get my hands on him and watch the life in his eyes slowly die away. And then I will make my next move," he added, his eyes glinted at the thought of Ichigo. After finding out that the teen had a secretive relationship with Gaul, he had thinking about slashing his throat out for such a betrayal.

But then again.... killing Ichigo on the spot would be such a waste to do, especially when he had spent the past few years to gain the one thing he wanted out of him. But now that Ichigo had wasted his virginity on a lowly slave, the praetor might have to show him how a Roman takes control. ".... It doesn't matter, I find out where he's being held up and I'll bide my time until I execute him. After all, he openly made threats against a highly appointed officer. That would make him a dangerous man to our civilized society."

"Yes, of course, sir," nodded the soldier.

"Good, you're excused...." At that, he was left alone, silence fell in his office for a while until he heard a soft rustling underneath his desk. Aw, right.... he had forgotten about the Germanic boy there, after using his mouth for his own usage a while ago when he was bored. But now he was feeling more gleeful about the news than he ever had been in the past few weeks. ".... Come here," he said, pulling back his tunic to reveal his growing arousal. "Right now, I'm feeling quite in a good mode. You know what that means, right....?"

The foreign youth tentatively moved to his lap, his face scattered with deep bruises from his dark moods as he was afraid to look him in the eye. With a shaky hand, he reached for the hard flesh and began to suck and lick it. "Fuck...." Ginjou groaned softly, grabbing at the yellow strands to jab himself down the poor boy's throat. "Who knew that you were such a good fortune....?" he grunted. "Maybe the gods are in my favor after all. Now that the fucking Gaul will die...." Grasping at the hair tighter, he imaging doing this to Ichigo, his teary brown eyes staring up at him in absolute fear for being forced into sucking him off.

That was it. He could take Ichigo into custody, he knew that the teen had the knowledge of the Gaul's hatred as well as revenge. It was so obvious. He seemed more loyal to his own slave rather than the other way around, so if one were to fall then the other will follow and he will torture Ichigo until there is nothing else of him left. "Fuck.... I will fucking get you, Ichigo...." he breathed deeply.

(Blood and Sand)

Grimmjow felt so hot and tired, as if he had treaded through fire for a long period of time. To add that, his head was throbbing in pain so hard that he could hear the pumping veins in his ears. What.... had happened to him....? He had a hard time opening his eyes, but in his muddled mind he knew that he was slouched against a stone wall, his wrists shackled above him with iron chains. That explained his arms and shoulders were feeling so sore, as he tried to move them. ".... Uhh...." he groaned softly. His eyelids fluttered for a while they finally opened, his vision slowly taking in to his surrounding. His tired dry eyes glanced around to see that he was in what looked like a cell. It was obvious, aside from the chain he noticed that the lighting was so dimmed with only a single torch light somewhere, before noticing the gated bars.

He blinked and sat up straight against the wall to relieve the dull pain. "...." It hit him now.... He had done the unthinkable, the one thing that shouldn't have been mentioned. And now.... this is where he had been sent. He wondered if him being here was because of another Ginjou's schemes as he hung his head. "Ichigo...." he mumbled quietly. ".... Ichigo....!" he realized and looked up in a panic. "Ichigo....!" That horrifying look on his master's face when he was being hauled away, he remembered that now. But then.... where was he, after that disasterous event? Was he being prevented from seeing the Gaul?

"Fuck.... fucking shit....!" he hissed, panting in the humid air. "What have I done....? What the fuck I've done....?" He stiffened when he heard sounds of footsteps coming this way. He couldn't see due to lack of light, so he waited with quiet breathing to see who it was. But if it was going to be Ginjou, then he would try to break these chains in order to strangle him.

".... Grimmjow, you're awake?"

"Huh....?" Grimmjow frowned, peering into the dimmed light. "Ah, it's you...." he muttered, when he realized that it was Urahara when the lanista came up to the locked bars. But the usually eccentric man appeared dead serious when he looked at him, his greyish-green eyes hardened at the sight of him as he crossed his arms. "Where's Ichi-- I mean, where's my master?" he asked. "Is he okay....?"

"Ichigo's doing fine, Grimmjow," he replied calmly. "A little shocked over the ordeal, but he's calm now. However.... he's very concern about how you were acting earlier, of you becoming beserk with rage. How did that happen? Why did you embarrass your master with such a behavior?" Grimmjow couldn't answer, instead he just gazed down at his lap in guilt. He simply snapped but it was much harder to explain his emotions.

"Is that why I'm shackled here....? Was it ordered by Ginjou?" he questioned quietly.

"The praetor? No.... It was Senator Aizen who ordered it in an attempt to apprehend you, to prevent a chaos around the Roman people," he said, much to the Gaul's surprise. "But it obviously backfired. And now.... you're considered a very dangerous person to the public. Your rant made the senators quite nervous, and with your true heritage out in the open...."

"What? What does that even mean?" Grimmjow frowned in concern. "What's going to happen to me because of my true life? What will happen to.... my master?"

".... I initially came here to say that I no longer associate with you as a lanista, now that you're a prisoner," sighed Urahara, his serious facade dropped into a concerned one. "Part of the reason that I'm here as a former army officer, it was best to give you the full story...." Shifting his shoulders, Grimmjow glanced at him in slight confusion. What did that mean, giving him the full story? ".... It'll take a while until they figure out what to do with you. But, for now, you will be transferred into a different cell from here, where the senators can keep an eye on you."

"For how long....?" he questioned.

"I can't say--"

"I must know....! I can't be locked up here without knowing whether or not my master will be okay!" he scoffed. "Please, you must tell me....!" Urahara sighed deeply and shook his head, before looking away.

".... It seems that you care about Ichigo more than a slave would for a master," he commented. Grimmjow inhaled at that but shut his mouth. But the lanista simply smiled as he glanced back at him. "I'll make arrangement so Ichigo can visit. It's obvious that he's worried about you. But...." His brief smile fell at the Gaul. "I don't know how long that could last for the both of you.... if you were to be sent away."

"...." Grimmjow's cyan eyes stared at him and frowned sadly, the ache in his arms and back completely forgotten. So that was it.... he might get sent away to prevent a bloody conflict between the empire and his people. But what would make of Ichigo....? He loved him, that he wanted to stay in Rome with him. He even considered taking him to his homelands once he earned his freedom but now.... He would rather die now than to be separated from the teen forever. All because of what he had done.

"Just stay calm, Grimmjow.... You'll be moved tomorrow morning, so don't cause any more trouble," he muttered. "If you behave in the meantime then you would be allowed visitors. Can you understand that, Grimmjow?"

".... Yes, if that's all I can do," Grimmjow mumbled quietly, his body slumped with his gaze difted to the corner of the dark cell.

".... It'll be all right, Grimmjow, just be patient." It was the lanista's final advice before he left him alone. It wasn't long until Grimmjow heard nothing the sound of his breathing and the crackling of the torch. But his mind was racked with intense guilt and fear for Ichigo. He wanted to prevent the inevitable, but it happened anyway. It was no doubt that Ginjou caught wind of his detainment and the praetor would use the opportunity to get to him. As well as to Ichigo. Shrugging at the chains once more, he wondered if the teen was safe without him, knowing full well that it was only the matter of time until Ichigo falls victim to Ginjou's hands.

(Blood and Sand)

".... Wh-what?"

"You heard me, Ichigo. Because of what happened today, we cannot keep Grimmjow anymore," Isshin affirmed sternly, pacing back and forth in his office. Also in the room was Aizen, who was sitting to the side with neutral expression, after explaining the truth of today's event. The senator watched the expressions between father and son, as Ichigo scoffed in utter disbelief.

"Father, it didn't have to be this way....! Grimmjow has been under stressed for the past couple of weeks, it was just one time--" Ichigo tried to explain.

"Threatening one of the highly ranked army official is not considered one time, Ichigo," he said, his dark eyes narrowed at him. "This is a very serious matter, Ichigo.... we can't ignore such a thing."

"But.... nobody even likes Ginjou! They hate him because he uses his status to bully people around!" he reasoned.

"True, but think of it this way. If Grimmjow thinks he could threaten a man like him, then what would make of the other politicians or the other elites for that matter, Ichigo?" he frowned at him. "There's a good chance that the higher class would fear what might be expected of him after today's event, that he's truly a danger to the Roman people because he's a slave."

".... It wasn't his fault, Father," Ichigo frowned sadly. "He didn't really mean to act like that but if it wasn't for the fact Ginjou destroying his title as champion--"

"I'm sorry, Ichigo, but this is out of our hands now," sighed Isshin, before turning to Aizen. "I don't think we really could deal with it. So you and the rest of the senators will handle it, right?"

"Of course, it has become a political matter in a way," nodded Aizen. "In the meantime, Grimmjow will be held in one of the military cells, at the edge of the city."

"Military cells? But Ginjou--" Ichigo gasped.

"Would not attempt to sentence him to death, I can assure you that," he said. "We all know that he's not another nameless slave, but we must tread very cautiously from now on. For now, we senators need to have a discussion about it, on whether or not what we should do with him."

"Like what? Are you thinking about.... sending him away, back to Gaul or somewhere else?" Ichigo asked with anxiety. The senator glanced at him briefly but let out a deep sigh before standing up, his slave dutifully beside him.

"I think I already said enough about the situation...." he sighed. "I'll talk to you soon, when I get an update."

"Yes, of course," nodded Isshin. But Ichigo was still worried about the ordeal, his hands clenched tightly into fists as he stared down at the floor. How could this have happened...? Why did it happen to Grimmjow, who didn't deserve it....?

"Ichigo...." The teen glanced up to see Aizen walking up to him. "The magistrate told me about the deal you have with him. Regarding with Grimmjow's companion...."

"Oh no, I completely forgot about that....!" he gasped in realization. "Don't tell me that Byakuya's considering to stop looking for him!"

"No, it's not that," he assured him. "He will still try his best to get him for you. However.... I am not sure if this will make it any better for Grimmjow."

"No, he might be happy that his friend is safe and sound," acknowledged Ichigo. "That's how Grimmjow is.... he rarely puts himself before others, no matter what." Aizen nodded and patted him on the shoulder.

"I'll see what I can do for you...." he muttered before both he and Gin finally left. Isshin let out a deep huff of breath and turned to his son, whose concerned expression was etched in his face.

"Ichigo...." he muttered quietly. "I can understand how you feel. That Grimmjow is a great friend to you. But you must see it this way, he is in serious trouble because he's a slave...."

".... He didn't mean it, Father," mumbled Ichigo. "Slave or not, this is unfair. He doesn't deserve to be locked up somewhere."

"I know that, but this is Roman law," he frowned. "As a slave, he will be trialed for this one way or another. Even if he is a royal member of his tribe."

"The law.... It's only to benefit to those who have power, not for the one who thinks what is right," Ichigo scoffed under his breath.

"Ichigo...."

"It's true....! Ginjou has been trying to get to me for the past few years, but I didn't say anything about it! Because I was afraid of whether or not someone would believe me!" he scoffed, shaking his head. "I was already considered abnormal just because I treat my servants as friends, so to get help by the ones who look down on me is impossible....!"

"But you could've told me then--"

"I was afraid of your reaction as well....! What if you hadn't believed me, Father?" he questioned him.

"I would because you're my only son, Ichigo!" his father shook his head. "Better yet, why didn't you tell me about the assault from Ginjou the moment it happened?"

".... I didn't want to worry you, that was my fault," he frowned. "But.... now that everybody knows of him, what different should it make that he's being targeted by Grimmjow?"

"We're going around in circles, Ichigo," he argued. "Grimmjow's a slave by law, and his actions is going to be investigated before the senators would do something about him."

"Meaning they might send him away from here," Ichigo concluded, but he was disgusted by the thought of it.

"Ichigo...."

".... I just want to be left alone...." he scoffed, walking out of the office. He briskly made his way to his bedroom and stormed in. His dog was startled by the sound of the door slamming open and leapt off the bed, sniffing and whining as Ichigo moved past him. The teen slumped onto the mattress, his eyes stung with unshed tears as he glared down at his lap, his slim fingers gripped through his hair. He sniffed, trying his hardest not to cry as he bit his bottom lip.

So this was it.... Grimmjow will be gone for good, and then he will be all alone. No one to get comfort from, no one to let him get into mischief. There would be no one to say that he loves him and wants to be with him.... Ichigo doesn't want this to happen to Grimmjow, but what could he do about it? There was no way that he could demand to see him, knowing that he might be sent away for such a thing. But there must something.... anything.... he could do to see Grimmjow again.

Zangetsu nudged at his master's knees and whined softly, wondering what was wrong. But Ichigo just sat there, feeling a couple of tears trickling down his cheeks, his minds on the Gaul being locked away somewhere.

".... Ichigo....?"

Almost immediately, Ichigo wiped away the tears before glancing up to see Nel standing in the doorway. The woman was understandably worried for him, but honestly he didn't want to see her. He didn't want to hear about her opinion about Grimmjow right now, as he then glanced away. "What is it, Nel....?" he muttered but his quiet voice cracked a bit from his concealed emotion.

".... Are you feeling okay, Ichigo?" muttered Nel as she stepped in. Ichigo didn't answer, setting his eyes at his pet. "Ichigo...." she sighed and carefully sat next to him. "You must talk to me, Ichigo.... Just a moment ago, you were talking to your father--"

"That's because I wanted to know where Grimmjow was.... after they took him away earlier today," Ichigo reluctantly answered. "He said that this is out of his hands now to take him back, and Aizen and the other senators have to figure out what to do with him."

".... So it is true, then," Nel said, as if she had already knew it would happen. "He went mad...."

"Something like that," Ichigo replied quietly. He nearly stiffened when he felt her seemingly calm hand on his shoulder. ".... It wasn't his fault but it shouldn't mean that he has to be locked up for it. If only everybody else knew of the truth then none of this would have happened."

"But, Ichigo.... who knew that Grimmjow would act like that? Did you expect him to go mad the instant he went into the arena....?" Nel questioned. Not liking her chiding tone, Ichigo simply stared down his lap. Even in a situation like this, Nel was finding a way to look down on Grimmjow like he was nothing. "Never mind about that.... There's nothing that can be done, like your father said, right?"

"That's what he said.... but that's not what I want, Nel," he muttered. "I want to see him, no matter what...."

"You can't do that, Ichigo," Nel frowned.

"Why not?" he scoffed as he finally loooked up at her. "Is it because I can't find a way to do it.... or you just don't want me to do it?"

"Well, what do you think, Ichigo?" she reasoned. "He's at fault for losing it, even if it was Ginjou's doing. He shouldn't had let it get to him. We all thought he was stronger than this."

"You never thought of him like that, so don't lie to yourself....." came Ichigo's cold reply. Nel was taken aback by his tone, her slim hand removed from her young master's shoulder. ".... Deep down, you're glad that he's gone, that he's not here to bring trouble to this house.... Without him around, you think I can turn back to the innocent little boy that you once knew."

"Ichigo, that's not true--"

"I said to stop lying to yourself...." he scoffed softly. "I'm not stupid.... Grimmjow was blaming himself for something I myself did a few weeks back, and I bet that you've blamed him as well." Nel said nothing about that, her lips tightened at the thought of Grimmjow threatening her. "You don't get it, Nel, you don't know what it's like to be with someone you care about...."

"And you do, Ichigo?"

"Tch, you still treat me like a child, one way or another...." frowned Ichigo. "Would you still treat me as such if I am ten years older, if I were to become a true master of the house....? I really fucking doubt it...."

"Ichigo....!" admonished Nel.

"Quit acting so shocked," he scoffed as he looked away. "What's next, you're going to blame Grimmjow for acting this way? That I'm not the naive sheltered kid anymore....?" Nel just stared at him in disbelief, wondering why or where the anger was coming from. How did it turn out like this, why Ichigo was behaving this way? ".... Just leave me alone, Nel.... I have enough for the night," he muttered.

"But, Ichigo...." she frowned.

"No.... I don't want to hear it, Nel," he scoffed. "I want to be left alone...."

"You cannot act like this towards me--"

"Why should you care? You're nothing but a slave, just like Grimmjow," he scoffed at her. Nel nearly gasped in surprise at his words. Never had she been disrespected by Ichigo after all these years of servitude. So where is all of this emotions coming from....? Frowning sadly, she stood and slowly made her way to the door. She glanced back to see the teen shifting to lie down on his bed with his back facing her.

"You shouldn't be behaving like this, Ichigo.... What would your mother think of it?" she questioned.

".... Well, you're not my mother. You're nothing like her, and never will be." A sharp pain suddenly stabbed at Nel's heart, as she stared at him with such incredulity. How could he say such an hurtful thing....? ".... Just go away...." muttered Ichigo. Nel said nothing else, her bottom lip quivered a little as she left the room. But she soon felt tears pricking in her hazel eyes. She wasn't sure what to expect from that but to have the one boy she had helped raise his entire life to act this way.... And for what.... for someone like Grimmjow.....? Why does Ichigo care so much about him, if she wasn't seeing it....?

(Blood and Sand)

Despite of it being the crack of dawn, the morning sun was barely visible behind cloaks of clouds, as Grimmjow was escorted outside. Like the time when he was first enslaved, he was only clad in a loincloth with his wrists shackled together. Sporting only a grim expression, Grimmjow tiredly stared down as the army guards moved him through the near empty streets. Sparse shopkeepers who were around to start the day were shocked or stunned to see the Gaul. Who wouldn't be, after seeing him raving like a mad man in the arena the day before?

Grimmjow didn't want to think about that right now, his mind was only filled with concerns for Ichigo. He wanted to know if he was safe, away from the evil clutches of Ginjou. Shuffling his feet, he glanced up to see the guards in blood-red cloaks surrounding him so closely, but it wasn't like he was going to escape. Where could he go? He couldn't flee back to the villa, as he didn't want to give any more shame and grief to the teen and his family. Then what was left to do, being sold off to another city or possibly taken back to his homelands....?

He didn't want to leave yet, not until he sees Ichigo and apologizes to him, even it meant groveling to him for forgiveness. Ignoring the shocked muttering of the few awakened civilians, he was led to a plain-looking building, next to the high city wall. He noticed some army soilders prowling on the rooftop as well as on top of the wall, before he turned his attention to the fortified door that was being opened.

"...." He was done. He wanted to be a proud Gaul and rebel as he should be. But he was already cornered for his own mistakes, and to fight back now meant death. Something he didn't want to risk losing Ichigo, as he was nudged inside.

".... Grimmjow....! Grimmjow....!"

Grimmjow froze at a very familiar voice, with his cyan eyes widened in total surprise. He glanced back to see Ichigo running up to the guards. A sense of relief mixed with confusion was on his face, before he saw his master being held back by one of the guards. "I want to speak to him, please....! I have every right to do so....!" scowled Ichigo as he struggled to get free.

"Restrain yourself, you cannot speak to him at the moment....!" said the guard.

"He's right there! Just one word and then I'll leave....!"

"Ichigo...." Grimmjow called out and Ichigo stopped struggling. "It's okay.... I'm simply glad that you're okay right now...." he smiled sadly.

"No, that's not the point, Grimmjow! What happened yesterday wasn't your fault!" frowned Ichigo. "You're not a monster or a savage, you're nothing like that....! I don't want you to be taken away because of one simple thing....!"

"That one simple thing became a disaster, Ichigo.... And because of that, I must pay for it," Grimmjow stated. "I really am sorry for shaming you and your family, and for ruining your life...."

"You did no such thing....! You have never ruined my life!" Ichigo scoffed in disbelief. But Grimmjow gave him a pitiful smile before he was led into the building. "No, wait a minute....! Grimmjow, wait....!" he called out, but he was pushed away by the guard.

"Just go home, you have no business here...." muttered the soldier.

"No! I can't leave until I speak to Grimmjow!" he scowled.

"Go home, boy...." Ichigo was pushed away once again, before he saw the strong door heavily shut. He rushed up to the door and banged his fists against it. The soldiers on the rooftop looked down at the disturbance with indifference, as Ichigo slammed his fists against the heavy wood one more time. He huffed through his teeth from the throbbing pain before moving away, not caring if his behavior was catching attention.

"Shit....!" he hissed under his breath. He didn't want to leave here, not until he has a chance to speak to Grimmjow. Rubbing his sore hands together, he walked to the side of the building and moved to sit on the dusty ground, pulling his knees up as he haunched over. He needed to speak to Grimmjow no matter what. Even if he has to wait all day and into evening. "..... Grimmjow," he muttered sadly. "I can't leave you just yet.... not today...."

(Blood and Sand)

Almost as soon as he felt elated about that savage Gaul's defeat the other day, Ginjou's euphoria instantly deflated the moment he had unexpected visitors. Of course he would be disgruntled by the sight of his former uncle, but he hadn't thought that the magistrate would drop by as well. And it wasn't their impassive expressions that he seemed leery about, as he first noticed Renji waiting behind his master. The red-haired fighter was undoubtedly seething, even though his anger was well concealed under the dutiful facade.

He had a right mind of berating a slave for looking down on him like that, but that could be saved for another time, as he turned his attention to the other nobles in his office. ".... What's the meaning of this....? Judging by the look of it, we should skip the formality," he frowned.

"A very wise decision," stated Aizen with a stern frown. "There had been something important I've been meaning to discuss to you about, when I found you being mended a few weeks back. How did it happen, a misbehaving slave, you said?"

"Yes.... a slave who needed to be put down like a sick dog," muttered Ginjou, his mind flashed at the thought of Ichigo slashing at him. "So what was the important discussion.... Senator?" he questioned. Aizen barely ruffled at being addressed like that before turning to Byakuya.

"Magistrate, is there something you wish to point out, during your last meeting with praetor....?" he asked. At that, Byakuya's frown deepened and nodded.

"Renji...." he called.

"Yes, Master," nodded Renji as he handed him a small stack of documents, his narrowed eyes quickly flashed at Ginjou before he looked away.

"What's the meaning of this? I thought we already had our discussion a few months back," the praetor frowned in slight confusion.

"Yes, we did.... but after our discussion, I noticed one thing that had been different," he said. "I had a specific document I had put away regarding a slave trade record that is now missing.... The one of a trade coming from Syria, might I add." At that, Ginjou's eyes narrowed just slightly, before he let out a small smirk.

"Is that right? Maybe you have misplaced those document, you've seemed to be so busy when I last met you," he smirked.

"Busy, yes, but I rarely misplaced my documents," frowned Byakuya. "My servants knows of how prompt I am with my work no matter what."

"Then one of your slaves probably lost those precious records," Ginjou chuckled a little. "If you didn't lay trust to those lowly animals, then maybe you would have it safe and sound." He could hear Renji breathing a bit too harshly, and his smirk fell. "Is there something wrong with your pet, Magistrate?" Byakuya merely frowned and glanced at his slave.

"Is there something on your mind, Renji?" he questioned but Renji shook his head.

"No, Master.... I'm simply upset over your predictament, that's all," he grunted.

"Typical of a loyal slave," scoffed Ginjou. "Anyway, I really don't know what you're talking about, Magistrate. A slave trade record from Syria, what is so specific about that one....?"

".... Quit playing like a fool, Kuugo," spoke Aizen. "We all know what had happened in the arena the other day, about how Grimmjow became beserk over his loss. And the reason he became crazed.... was something you had done to him on the first day of the gladiator games." Instead of feeling agitated of being accused such a thing, Ginjou simply chuckled as he sat behind his desk.

"And, pray tell, what have I done to that Gaul....?" he questioned. "It's true that I have ill feelings towards him due to his defiant nature against Roman society, but I'm a fairly busy praetor. I wouldn't lower myself to torture him into losing the primus. Let's accept the fact that he was just another novelty gladiator who ruined himself."

"That much is true, but it has to be you who made him that way," frowned Aizen. "His abhorrence against us Romans started out when you enslaved him in the first place. Why else would he curse out your name in such a frenzy?"

"I.... hold accountable to a common slave?" Ginjou snorted as if it was a joke. "He has no rights under our laws, nothing that can be changed--"

"Except for the fact that he mentioned his true heritage during his rage, Praetor," Byakuya calmly argued. This time, Ginjou's smirking expression fell into a surprised one and sat up straight.

"What was that....?" he frowned.

"Oh, so you weren't told about that part?" the senator questioned in a condenscending manner with a raise of an eyebrow.

"One of my subordinates only mentioned that the Gaul openly threatened me in a public area, that was all I was relayed to," the praetor frowned in disbelief. "So.... he revealed the fact that he's the son of the 'Feared King', is that correct?"

"What do you think? These chains of events had happened because of you and your aggressive misuse of authority," Aizen huffed. "This position of yours, you have been abusing it the moment you have been promoted. Almost every month, us senators have to rein you in whenever you overstep. But this.... because of whatever scheme you had pulled this time, we're in disarray of how to deal with Grimmjow."

".... I have done nothing wrong, simple as that," frowned Ginjou.

"Then have proof to render yourself innocent, unless we have to speak to your loyal soldiers of your locations at the time as well as the whereabouts of my missing documents," stated the magistrate.

"Go ahead.... they will all say the same, that I was here doing paperworks," he replied immediately. Renji narrowed his eyes at his answer. He knew that the treacherous praetor was lying through his teeth, but without any proof that he had even stolen the documents then they were at a loss. Apparently, his master seemed to notice that as well as he put up a defeated frown.

".... Very well, then," he muttered. "We'll try this again tomorrow, when you are more prepared to accept a visit."

"That's good to know," said Ginjou.

"But.... we know the truth of it, Praetor. After all, I was told by both Grimmjow and Ichigo about such an important thing," he added before turning to leave. "Come along, Renji...."

"Yes, Master...." nodded Renji, following right at his heels as they left the office, leaving only Aizen to stare at his former relative in utter bitterness. Ginjou glared back, waiting to hear the nuisance to spew out of his mouth.

".... What is left to say? I already told you that you can speak to my soldiers--" he scoffed lightly.

"Do not take me for a fool, Kuugo," he muttered lowly. "Ichigo himself came to me and told me what really happened, that it was you who stolen the documents, used a slave similar to his friend in order for him to lose. It has to be true, because a man like Grimmjow cannot lose that easily, not when he thought that his companion was in danger."

"A man....? He's but a savage beast who thinks he can get away with murder and carnage, wishing to mount my head in a pike," scoffed Ginjou.

"And what of you, Kuugo?" he questioned him. "He may be a savage, but he is considered a man of honor, as he dutifully fulfilled his master's wishes in the arena. Unlike you.... you act like a spoiled incompetent child, who can't even wipe his own shit without someone's help." Ginjou's dark eyes narrowed dangerously, wanting to rip this man throat out with his bare hands. But what can he do about it? His job was teetering on the brink once again, and with nothing else to back him up, he needed to tread cautiously from now on.

"It's nice to know that you have more respect for that fucking Gaul than the one you once considered your own flesh and blood," he frowned deeply. "But one day, I will get my hands on him. After all, he had threatened my name."

"No, you will not touch him...." frowned Aizen. "As long as he doesn't purposely harm a Roman soldier or any other politician, he will not be executed."

"That doesn't make any sense....! He openly said that he will take me down no matter what....!" he scoffed in disbelief. "He needs to die, whether he is beheaded or crucified! Why do you have to protect that animal?"

"Do you wish to start another war against the Gauls?" he questioned. "With him dead, his tribe as well as the other Gaul would want retribution paid in blood. We have already dealt with his kind every several lifetimes, there's no need to keep dealing with it over something as petty as hatred over one another."

"It's fucking more than hatred....!" he scoffed, banging his fist against his desk. "You saw it then, on his first night as a slave! He charged at me, already with blood and death on his mind, and he would've done it too if Ichigo hadn't stopped him!"

"It's a good thing he did.... We wouldn't have known that you have done to him, or that you're a grave embarrassment to not only me or Rome, but to the entire empire," commented Aizen. Ginjou exhaled angrily as he glared at him with so much fire in his eyes.

".... Are you fucking done, Senator?" he muttered lowly.

"Pardon me?"

"I said... if you're fucking done, so you can leave my office and my house and my fucking life once and for all!" he suddenly shouted at him. "Leave me alone, I am fucking tired of your lectures, your disgusting manner towards me! I am sick of you treating some barbarian like he's a fucking god....! Go now, leave me alone, I wish to never see you ever again! Is that clear?!"

Through that tirade, Aizen merely looked at him in slight surprise, never expecting to hear that coming out of him. But he quickly composed himself and frowned bitterly. ".... Do what you wish.... Praetor," he muttered. Without another word, he turned on his heels and walked right out of the office, leaving Ginjou alone.

He didn't want to be bothered by him anymore, he didn't wish to be haggled by the senators and their bitter attitudes on him. He knew that they didn't want him around, just waiting for the right opportunity to remove him from sight. And this was it, the fact that the Gaul revealed his heritage to everybody meant that he would be further scrutinized from then on.

Scoffing, he stood up from his desk. He needed a hot bath to take away his stress as well as a slave to bend over. He left the office and went straight for his bedroom, where his German slave was sitting quietly in a corner. He could hear him muttering or praying in his native tongue, his face buried in his raised lap, but Ginjou frowned at his insolence of not learning the Roman language already. "You...." he called out to him. Almost instantly, the slave boy flinched and looked up at him, apprehension was still in his eyes as he slowly stood up.

".... Come with me, I'll have use for you," muttered Ginjou. Knowing what that means, the boy shivered but followed after him, as the praetor made his way for the bathing room. Some of the other house slaves had already left a pitcher of wine in there, knowing he would drink as usual. "Leave, get out....! I want to be left alone!" he scoffed at the scurrying servants. "Fucking idiots...." he grumbled to himself, hastily removing his military garb and tossing them aside. The Germanic boy, who was standing next to the table with the wine, watched him taking off his belt and tossing it by him with the other armor.

"...." With another look, he noticed the sheathed dagger fastened to the belt. He remembered now.... a few weeks back, he heard a commotion and the next second he saw that orange-haired teen running with the same bloodied dagger that wounded the praetor. He looked back at his preoccupied tormentor, whose back was turned to him, before moving slowly to take the weapon.

".... Just as I thought, they are conspiring against me once again. They will get rid of me before I know it," muttered Ginjou, proceeding to take off his red-colored tunic. "What will make of me now, if that fucking Gaul gets to win....? Tch, this is so fucking insulting...." Fully bared, he turned to see the boy nearby, hovering over the pitcher of wine. "If you're over there, then pour me a cup, boy...."

".... Yes, M-Master...." muttered the young slave. Despite of his rough accent, hearing him speak like that actually surprised Ginjou as he glanced at him.

"So you can speak...." he commented.

"Yes, Master...." nodded the boy.

"Huh.... I assumed your savage mind couldn't comprehend our tongue, but I guess I was wrong," Ginjou smirked a little. "Can you understand this, can you tell me your name is....?"

".... Von...." he answered reluctantly.

"Huh, such a very foreign name, but it doesn't matter," muttered Ginjou, slowly walking up to him. "Now that you can speak, I can't wait to hear you call me master again and again.... as I take you whenever it pleases me. Do you understand that....?"

".... Yes, Master...." he mumbled so quietly as he reached for the handle of the pitcher.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you," smirked Ginjou, his hand grasped at the youth's shoulder.

".... Yes, Master." Within an instant, the slave wirled around, slamming the wine pitcher against the praetor's head. The clay shattered immediately against Ginjou's skull, wine drenched down his hair and face, before he stumbled to the tiled floor out of absolute surprise.

"Ugh....!" he hissed out in pain. He banged his shoulder against the edge of the bathtub, before he felt the slave's body pinning him down. He glared up in time to see him branishing his own dagger-- a sense of fate hit him all over again as a jolt of panic set at his heart. "You....!" he snarled, he tried to push him away, but his free arm was pinned underneath the boy's knee with the rest of weight crushing at his chest.

"M-Master.... Master must die, right?" questioned the young slave, grinning for the first time as he raised the blade up. "He dies.... and I am free.... I live.... I live!"

"No....!" grunted Ginjou, the moment he saw the dagger flying down on him.

"Master....!" Ginjou looked up again and he nearly gasped at what he saw. It was Tsukishima, holding back the wrist of the slave with his own strength as he locked another arm around his neck. The German boy choked from the tightening pressure and struggled in vain, but Tsukishima was stronger as he clenched the hand around the weapon handle. Without hesitation, he forcibly pushed the dagger to the slave's chest, piercing his heart.

"Guhh....!" choked out the recently named youth, blood started to gurgle out of his mouth. But Tsukishima pulled the blood-stained dagger out, and suddenly sliced his throat apart. Splurts of blood splattered at Ginjou's face but that was the least of the praetor's problem, as the boy quickly died at the other slave's hands.

"Sh-shit....!" Ginjou gasped before the body crumbled by him, the water in the sunken tub colored deeply by the pouring blood. "I.... I can't believe it...." he gasped as he shakily stood up.

"....Master.... are you all right?" muttered Tsukishima. His hazel eyes eagerly looked at him as he was kneeling before him. Still dumbfounded, Ginjou looked back at him and shook his head.

"I fucking cast you aside.... and yet you saved my life," he muttered in disbelief. "Why would you do that....?"

"Isn't it obvious, Master? I truly care about you, even when you tossed me aside those months back," he answered, as he stood up. "It may have been a good thing, too.... because I've seen what has been going on, behind your back."

".... What do you mean....?"

"Aside from that one, I've been noticing some slaves conspiring against you lately," he said. "All because of what Ichigo had done to you these past few weeks, they are secretly hoping that your life would be forfeited one way or another, so they can be free from your hands." Staring at his eyes, Ginjou could tell that he wasn't lying. Then again, considering his brutish abuse on his servants, he shouldn't be so surprising. After all, the sight of the German slave's body was evident enough.

"You killed him for me, even though I had always berated you all of these times," he stated in realization, trying to wipe the blood away from his face. "Are you the only one who stays by my side no matter what....?" At that, Tsukishima smiled lightly, his hands reaching up to touch his master's chest.

"I am your loyal slave, Master," he nodded. "I will do anything to make you satisfied, especially to kill those who opposed you...."

"Those who oppose me, huh....?" Ginjou moved to nip at his lips for a ravaging kiss, his hands gripped tightly at his hips with a promise of arousal burning up. "Mmmhhh.... Is that right? Including the high-ranking senators who looked down on me....?" he questioned throught the kisses. Tsukishima didn't pause, instead he seemed to be eager at the thought of it.

"Do you mean your former uncle....? The one who had never appreciated you....?" he murmured. "You.... want me to kill him, Master?"

"Heh, it's far too obvious for that," Ginjou smirked, kissing him again. "No.... it has to be something cannot be done by a mere slave. It has to be someone that is less suspicious."

"You mean youself....? But that seems far more suspicious than an actual slave." Ginjou merely chuckled, pressing two fingers against his slave's mouth. Tsukishima happily oblidged, sucking and licking around the digits, as his tunic was lifted up.

"I do not think so.... I won't right out kill him," he muttered. "I would rather have him suffer little by little until he is succumbed, with regrets that he had ever underestimated me." A thin trail of saliva broke as he removed his fingers, before pushing him over the small table. Tsukishima let out a soft gasp, feeling the familiar rough fingers pushing into his entrance. "In the meantime, I'll purge out the rats in this house and you will help me.... Maybe this will gain me with my own cause against that fucking Gaul."

"Ah....! Y-yes, Master....!" moaned the tall man.

"And now...." Ginjou grunted, pushing himself into Tsukishima and felt the warm tight muscles convulsing around him. "I will take my time, getting rid of my uncle as well as those other senators who criticizes me.... they will fucking rot under me," he groaned. "I will do so, with my favorite slave...."

"Yes, Master....!" Tsukishima moaned, rocking with his master's thrusts. "I will do as you command me to....!"

"That's good to know...." he grunted. His narrowed eyes glanced biefly at the body by the tub before turning his attention back to Tsukishima. Now his hatred had turned to a different direction. In order to kill Grimmjow, he has to kill the ones who still supports and protects him.

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Yeah, I'm that much of a troll! Now what am I gonna do next? Who knows! Not sure the next time I will update since the internet at home is out and I must venture outside to use the public one, though....

Read and Review.

I'll update ASAP!
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