"And that's all I needed to tell you, my dear Espada. You're dismissed."

The sound of chairs scraping against stone sounded through the room.

All The Espada rose from their chairs at exactly the same time and bowed deeply, whilst Aizen watched them with a smug smirk.

The Espada walked passed him in their own special manner ; Tired, self-assured, crooked, elegant, bored, nostalgic, calm, smug, obscure and ungainly.

Aizen eyes the fourth of the ten.

His perfect creation.

The fourth was strong, elegant, fast and obedient.

And things such as emotion weren't a hindrance for this perfect creature. Speaking of hindrance, that woman whom he kidnapped seemed kind of depressed this morning.

"Ah...Ulquiorra, wait a moment." The quite small, yet strong Espada stopped in his tracks.

"What is it, Aizen-sama?"

"I spoke to our 'guest' this morning, and she appeared to be quite depressed. How come?"

"I do not know, Aizen-sama. I only perform as you wish me to ; To keep the woman healthy and alive."

Aizen thought about that for a second.

"Physically she seems fine, yes. But her mental state isn't quite alright." Aizen placed his chin in the palm of his hand.

"Ulquiorra, I have a favor to ask of you."

"And that will be, Aizen-sama." It sounded more like a statement then a question.

"You will continue to keep the girl healthy and… " Aizen paused mid sentence and slightly turned around to look into the cold and dead eyes of the fourth Espada.

"And you will brighten her up. Do you understand, Ulquiorra?"

Ulquiorra almost frowned. Almost.

"How will I do this 'brightening', Aizen-sama?"

"Just treat her more friendly, Ulquiorra."

Ulquiorra nodded solemnly and bowed before he took his leave.

'Well this will get quite interesting.' Aizen smirked.