Honestly I was taken aghast and horrified when I first saw the disclaimer.. it had like fifty [actually 4] typos in it, made me cringe inwardly, so I just had to fix that. No wonder no one reads beyond it first impressions and all that.
Disclaimer, I don't own Bleach, nor any of its places and/or characters. [Sad Truth, ne?] I do, however, have claim over Serina's character. Enjoy and Review please ^^?
The Octava Esapda in Sosuke Aizen's army was lounging in his chair, staring intensely at the screen before him. He had recently sent a swarm of his Rokureichuto [Nano Inventions] the World of the Living, it had started out as a task given to him by Aizen. But more recently he had found himself using the project for differing reasons.
He had found the race that the other Arrancars had long since lost interest in; The Visoreds. The first specimens Aizen had failed to make into complete Arrancars, and Szayel was more than confident that he could put the long since forgotten project to rest.
A few weeks had passed since he had took on the responsibility of finishing Aizen's work, and he had picked out the one subject that interested him more so than the others.
Leaning forward, Szayel rested his chin onto the back of his left hand, his amber eyes studying one certain thing on the video, the mint haired Visored that had caught his interest since the day he set his eyes on her.
Szayel's lips broke into a sadistic smirk, Yes she is a perfect test subject.
Reaching out his gloved hand, Szayel clicked the screen off. It was time to visit the World of the Living to collect his new project.
***{Serina's POV}***
The clouds in the World of the living were heavy and thick with rain they refused to let go of; yet the ominous feeling the clouds held was waved away by the entity taking refuge in the forest near the very well known city of Karakura Town.
Serina's emerald green eyes stared off at nothing as she looked up at the canopy of trees. It was one of those days. Where she liked to take time away from her usual routines, of watching the people of Karakura Town go about their usual lives and enjoying the scenery city life offered, to return to the quietness of the woods.
In Soul Society Serina had been known to spend most of her time in the woods, until she eventually thought of it as a second home, that is until that faithful night when she had stumbled into a scene that changed her life forever, where she herself had changed and a Hollow took residence within her.
She had become a Visored by accident, and yet she was treated with as much respect as the others treated each other.
Serina could never thank them enough for that, but she had always wondered, what would have happened if she hadn't gone into the woods that night.
Would she still be living in Soul Society without a worry, would she have joined the Seireitei at some point if she could have. Would she have found somewhere else to fit in, a friend that she eventually fell in love with.
All these questions swarmed in her mind, and yet no answer came to her, they never did.
Serina was glad that she had been fortunate enough to have friends like the Visoreds as well as a place to stay, and the many things that came with it.
They had trained her in their ways, taught her to harness her Reiatsu and find her Zanpakutou, along with helping her to put her hollow self in its place.
Yet, there was always a single question always in the back of her mind… what if?
Serina sat on a decaying trunk of a fallen tree, her Zanpakutou leaning on the trunk beside her, it was getting late, and Serina knew she should be heading back soon.
Releasing a sigh, she stood up and froze. Her hollow self sensing it before the rest of her. The sensation it gave off was like a Hollow's only it wasn't a hollow coming after her, it was something much worse than a hollow could ever be.
***{Szayel's POV}***
Szayel smirked as he stepped out of the Garganta he had created and into the World of the Living, he rarely graced this World with his presence, but today's special mission required his personal attention.
His steps were light and determined as he made his way through the foliage, frowning lightly at the choice of environment the female had chosen, but he couldn't help but marvel in his luck, while the other Visoreds had proven to be near impossible to track down most of the time, this one had made it more than easy, going out of her way to be in public, and even traveling alone into the woods, where no one could sense her, no one could hear her scream, no one, that is besides himself.
Szayel's cynical smirk widened in the process as he came to a stop, a wall of vegetation between himself and the girl he had come to harvest.
***{Serina's POV}***
Serina knows she isn't being paranoid as she scans her surroundings, she knows she should try to Shunpo herself to safety, to get closer to the city, to where her Reiatsu could be felt, where she could be closer to someone who could help her.
But no, for a reason she can't make herself move away, she could only stand where she is, waiting for whatever it is to show itself. It will be ok, just stay calm.
Not even a second had managed to pass by when a dark chuckle erupted from the surrounding silence.
Once again Serina was frozen, the chuckle wasn't something pleasant to hear, it was dark, menacing and made her blood run cold. A sensation that had her feeling trapped and frightened, such as a rabbit would when it heard the low growl a wolf made before it ended its life, engulfed her.
Serina knew she was panicking and tried to force the feeling down, but it simply kept returning with just enough force, she was unaware that she now was holding her Zanpakutou in her right hand, unsheathed of course, but it was there, her hand clenched tightly around it, so tight that her knuckles were turning white with the force.
"Don't look so frightened my dear." a soothing male voice called out from the darkness.
But the voice did nothing more than put Serina even more on edge, for behind the calming tone was a hidden danger, one she didn't like one bit.
Serina didn't reply, didn't move, and tried her best to breathe, the simple act that was proving to be more than difficult at this sudden moment.
The chuckling reached her ears one more as the figure stepped out of the shadows.
The sight of him had Serina re-thinking on just who the entity was, for at this moment, he looked as human as possible, well up to a point. He looked human, just as Shinigami did, but he didn't give off the same vibe that Shinigami did, his was darker, stronger, almost suffocating.
Serina found herself taking a step back, a mistake, for she just gave away the fear she didn't want to be known, giving him the upper hand, letting him know he had the advantage.
The man before her was slightly taller than average, lean with not as much hint of muscle, and was wearing an all white wardrobe, with the exception of the three lines that ran from his collar to the rest of his uniform, the only visible part of his skin that she could see was his skin, which was framed by pink hued tresses, and framing his odd amber colored eyes were rectangular glasses.
His appearance, no matter how innocent, wasn't fooling Serina, who knew appearances could be very deceiving.
He took a step forward, and again she stepped back, making him chuckle one again, a chuckle that sounded on the verge of becoming a full on maniacal laugh.
***{Szayel's POV}***
As much as Szayel was enjoying himself playing with the girl, he knew that his entrance had alerted someone out there of his presence, thus, he had to finish this soon.
The thought didn't please the male as he watched his victim almost frozen in place. There was more to the reason why he had picked her to be his special test subject, and that was, because he had found himself infatuated with her appearance.
He couldn't allow himself to think of her appearance however, what he needed was to get back to Las Noches, with her in his grasp.
Meeting her emerald eyes, Szayel ran a hand through his pink haired mane, "We don't have all the time in the world my dear, come with me, and I assure you, things will go by much more smoothly for you." he said, once again advancing on her, and again she stepped back.
"Don't you dare bolt. Serina." he said a hint of annoyance lacing his voice.
But soon the annoyance vanished and amusement took over once again, yes, the mention of her name had the desired effects on her. As she distracted herself with the rush of questions surrounding how he could have possibly known her name, Szayel made his move, using Sonido to blur out of her line of view and stand behind her, his lips right against her left ear, grazing it as he spoke, "A fight would be troublesome, my dear Serina, perhaps on a later date…sweet dreams."
***{Serina's POV}***
Serina had in fact been distracted by the sudden information she had been given, it was her second mistake, one that had decided her future, if she hadn't thought about it, she would have released her Zanpakutou, would have had a fighting chance, at least until a Shinigami appeared to assess the situation, but instead she had stood dumbfounded in the strangers direction. It took her a moment to realize that he wasn't where he had stood a second ago, and by the time she figured out what had happened, it was her third strike.
The words he whispered to her ear were lost in some incomprehensive sentence she struggled to decipher, and in the end the only words she had managed to understand, were 'Sweet Dreams'; before a drop of rain kissed her forehead and a consuming darkness took over.
***{Szayel's POV}***
Szayel looked disappointedly down at the girl that had collapsed in his arms. He thought she was much stronger than this, a part of him had actually wanted her to attack him, he himself had seen what she was capable of, but now, when her life had been in much more danger than any previous event, she had frozen, hesitated, and fallen.
His amber eyes looked down at the pale skinned creature in his arms, with her mint haired curls framing her soft face, her expression peaceful, even though she was heading to a place that was anything but.
***{Back in Szayel's Laboratory}***
Szayel had returned to Las Noches with no trouble, and straight to his lab, where he proceeded to strap down the Visored to the lab table he had installed to restrain her.
She was still unconscious, Szayel had to smile at the thought, for he didn't think that he had hit her that hard.
Shrugging it off, he called over a single one of his Fraccion members, handing the obedient creature the Zanpakutou Szayel had managed to pry from her hand effortlessly.
"Put that somewhere where I can find it later on." he ordered, turning his back on his Fraccion, that had scampered off to do as it's master had ordered.
Szayel had the lab table completely prepared, the needed tools all there and arranged in the order he wanted them.
Reaching a gloved hand, he took hold of a syringe, bringing it up to eye level, he proceeded to let the air bubbles escape, before he brought it down and eased the needle into the Visoreds vein, releasing the liquid into her system.
The maniacal smirk was back on his lips as he put the syringe back where it belonged and left the room, he didn't like working with sterile test subjects, it was no fun, at all…
***{Serina's POV}***
Serina didn't want to wake, something in the back of her mind was telling her that if she woke up, whatever peaceful state she was currently in, could never be regained.
But she didn't heed the voice, instead she stirred, finding it hard to move. She tried to raise her arm, a hand, her neck. Nothing!
Her eyes burst open, and immediately closed, for they had been assaulted by a blinding light that was beaming down at her with such an intensity it had almost blinded her.
It was then that the realization hit her, what had happened and what she didn't remember but she could guess that she had been captured, any by the signs she had received, it was by the enemy.
Serina could feel every part of herself, she was all right, unharmed, but completely unable to move, there were straps binding her tightly onto something cold, a steel bed… she thought, before chasing the thought away, refusing to believe what her mind was trying to tell her, a lab table, like the ones they use in movies, in pet hospitals… in morgues.
Serina was scared once again, her heart pounding against her ribcage furiously, and try as she might she couldn't calm herself down.
Minutes passed and still, she was unable to compose herself.
The eerie silence didn't do much to help either, but she would have gladly taken that over the sudden echo of footsteps. And even more so over the sound of his voice.
"Ah, I see you're awake, Serina. How wonderful, this means my wait is over. Lets get started, shall we." he said as he approached the table, turning the light away as he did so.
"You can open your eyes now my dear." he said in that light tone that could deceive many, if it didn't have that small hint of danger in it.
"Don't worry I wont gauge them out." he added with a dark chuckle, Serina hoped that he would keep his promise, though she was highly doubtful.
And even so, she opened her eyes, to stare at her pink haired keeper.
***{Szayel's POV}***
Szayel reached the table, extending his gloved hand to push away a few stray locks from her eyes.
"There, don't you look gorgeous with your enthralling emerald eyes." he commented, looking deep into them, loving that the fear that was so evident in her stare was because of his doing.
His hand then moved its course onto her cheek, causing her to wince upon contact, the reaction though was restricted by the bindings he had on her.
"Shh… now, now Serina, how little faith you have in me, I haven't hurt you and yet you fear me." he teased cocking his head slightly keeping his amber orbs on her emerald ones.
He watched as her mouth opened her lips forming words, but no sound come out.
Szayel smiled triumphantly, "I see my newest potion works." he announced, proud with his work.
Seeing her blank look, he shook his head, "It doesn't have a name yet, but that's for a later date. You see I loathe when my experiments curse and try to reason with me, therefore I set out to resolve that small problem, by creating a certain remedy for it. And try as you might, you will not be speaking for some time." he explained never ceasing to allow his grin to vanish.
"I'm still unsure whether it applies to all vocal sounds though," he mused, raising a thin pink brow.
***{Serina's POV}***
Serina wanted to believe she was having an inescapable nightmare, but she knew all to well that she was in fact at a mercy of a cruel man who had strapped her to a table, and taken away her ability to speak.
The man above her watched her intensely, with something she couldn't directly identify, but she didn't like the looks of it one bit.
The gleam in his eye was anything but warm, and it made Serina tremble, something she was remotely aware of.
The hand that had once caressed her cheek moments before was now holding something wickedly sharp, an instrument of pain, and perhaps torture she hadn't noticed due to her lack of movement.
Her lips were forming words, words that he would have despised, for if she could she would be cursing him.
Serina was tired of being afraid of the man, she was now angry, angry that she had gotten caught, that she was restrained, and most of all furious that she was helpless.
She knew the strike was coming, for the man no matter how calm his voice sounded, he hadn't struck her as the lenient type.
The sharp object was in his hand one moment, and the next it was three inches into her shoulder.
Serina didn't try to stop the scream that escaped her, surprised that it was even allowed to leave her lips and fill the room.
The man laughed above her, "I see screaming isn't an exception to the drug, a good sign, truly it is. You have no idea how any of this would be if screams were taken away too" he said shaking his head and reaching out to pull the object out of her shoulder.
The pain caused by the slow retreat of the pointed object had Serina releasing yet another sound, a whimper of pain.
***{Szayel's POV}***
Szayel licked his lips, intrigued that she could not only scream but whimper too.
Cleaning his freshly used weapon, he smirked, "Such a lovely sound, I'm pleased to see that it wasn't locked away along with the rest of your voice." he said inspecting the now clean object.
His previous thoughts cascading back into his mind.
A dark smile graced his lips as he looked down at her.
"I'm about to make you a deal, my sweet Serina. And allow you to choose your faith," the mad scientist said placing his instrument of pain down.
"You see, I have been keeping an eye on the World of the Living, and while doing so; I found you. And I must say, that I took an immediate liking to you. But that's not the point, the point is, you are mine now. And as a result, I am entitled to do what I want with you as I please. But I don't want to seem heartless, no not in your eyes my little Serina." he said in a voice laced with a fondness he has never shown anyone, living or dead.
"Experimenting on you, I'm afraid is inevitable, but you have two choices. Your primary choice is for me to cut you open, explore you in the many ways that I can, and in time attempt to create an Arrancar out of you, the way Aizen had failed to do so initially. And your alternative, wont consist of too deep cuts, in all truths it will be much lighter in many aspects, except a few that you will come to recognize, but don't dwell on that small aspect my dear, I assure you, you might even get your voice back with the latter. Now what do you say, choice one or two, remain silent and I'll assume you want the initial choice, but if you'd like the latter, whimper for me, Serina." he finished, a cruel sadistic smile on his lips as he met Serina's eyes once more.
***{Serina's POV}***
Serina was horrified at the vague explanation he had given her of her almost future, and the second choice didn't seem all to appealing either, it was much more vague than the first, a hint was there too, one that was associated with the look in his eyes that she had glimpsed at earlier. Serina didn't know how much time she had to choose her fate, but the look she was receiving from the man wasn't one of her eyes Serina felt scared again, and humiliated as she fought the tears that threatened to leak out.
Defeated, she submissively whimpered.
***{Szayel's POV}***
Szayel laughed, a not at all warm or pleasurable sound. "Clever choice my sweet, sweet Serina!" he rejoiced.
"Again!" he ordered, a malicious smile playing on his lips.
Serina's bottom lip quivered as tears spilled out from her closed eyelids, but she didn't disobey him, another whimper escaped her as he had wanted.
Szayel leaned in closer, his tongue snaking out and licking a path of tears away, causing her to wince once again.
Yes he was going to enjoy Serina, she was his! His in every way.
Unable to help himself anymore, Szayel assaulted her lips, kissing her roughly, hungrily. His gloved hand leaving his side and roaming her frame as he had meant to do when he had found her, had seen her helplessly strapped to the table.
Lust had crept its way into his system, and it was the reason he had allowed her to choose her future.