'Hello, Orihime.' Aizen stared down at me with his beady eyes, Gin and Tousen flanking him. 'We thank you for healing Espada 6, and we do not need your resources anymore. Your execution will be tomorrow. You will not run, you do not have any rights.' My insides were screaming. My head spun. My first instinct was to plead for mercy, but as I know, these people are merciless. I ran. Running was useless, I knew that also. At the moment my body turned to sprint, Ulquiorra's razor-sharp nails were at my neck. Whimpering and sweating, I still remained soundless.
'Don't do this, Inoue.' pleaded Ulquiorra, in a whisper so low only I could take notice of him. 'At least give yourself a possibility to survive. Save yourself.' He then let go of my neck, gave a nod, and guards walked me out in silence.
In my cell, the air tasted like evil. Yes. Even the air tasted like evil. I tried to keep the philosophy of how Ulquiorra is on my side, I was praying in my head that he would come and take me away, like a princess in a fairytale. My friends were in peril, and I was likely going to breathe my last. And as far as I knew, Ulquiorra was just another vile Espada. But…there was something else there. A liking…connection…love? No. That was impractical. I curled up in the moonlight, singing myself to sleep.
An icy hand stroked my hair, startling me awake. My eyes widened instantaneously, and what I prayed for was about to happen.
'Ulquiorra!' I murmured and studied his expression. Deep green eyes and perfect marble skin. High cheekbones and the most stunning face I had ever seen.
'Be silent, Inoue. I will save you.' I started to speak, but he quieted me. 'Sshh. There's one thing you have to agree to. Leave your old friends behind. They will interfere.' I think my jaw dropped, because he pushed my chin up and gave me a murderous glance. Tears welled up in my eyes. Become a traitor to Ichigo…Rukia…Chad…even Tatsuki? For an enemy?
My heart took over my head. I nodded and stood on my feet with a sense of self-belief for the first time in days.
'Since I am an Espada, guards and traps will not trigger when we run out the building.' Ulquiorra seized my hand and ran with me down the corridor, and out of Las Noches. The entire time, I was certain we were going to get caught or die, or both. I kept my eyes shut until I tripped over supple, white sand.
'Keep going, Inoue. Aizen has surely become aware of our escape. I know a place of escape farther away in Hueco Mundo. And you are permitted to speak freely now.' Ulquiorra held my hand tighter, and hauled up me up onto his back. His steady footing made it a smooth ride, and lulled me to sleep.