Hunger
Summary: Her brother is dead and Orihime intends to find the man responsible for his death. While searching she uncovers a dark society hidden among the vast population. Her life is changed and suddenly she must learn to live a secret. A life under the watchful eyes of Ulquiorra Schiffer. A vampire.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Paris
December 25, 1774
The streets were alive with energy. Activity filling the little alleyways as small fires set the icy air warm with laughter and music. The cold doing little to stop people from having a marvelous time. Stumbling drunkards fresh from the taverns sang merry tunes while over painted prostitutes beckoned them for a good night. Down one alley music echoed through the air as people danced in ceremonial fashion. Their clothes draped carelessly around their bodies, undisturbed by the cold night. Orihime walked carefully down the street. Her figure making its way strategically through the crowds as she pulled a thin shawl closer to her body.
Her voluptuous figure had always given her unwanted attention and ignoring the suggestive calls from her drunken male counterparts Orihime turned into a small alleyway. The damp air sending icy stabs of pain into her lungs as she breathed in. Turning around to make sure no one was following Orihime pushed open a wooden door. A small sign marked "Urahara Shop" in worn out letters decorating the top. Although you couldn't tell from the outside, this shop was one of the most notorious and famous among the black-market. It's prestige reaching far into underground crime.
Entering, Orihime's eyes quickly scanned the contents of the store. Her eyes adjusting to the dim light provided by a candle at the far end of the room. She looked around, noticing the various exotic objects scattered throughout the shelves of the shop. Walking to the front cautiously, Orihime brought a trembling hand to the counter. Hitting a silver bell as its chime echoed throughout the room. Pulling her shawl closer and even making sure her auburn hair was still covered, Orihime waited patiently for the man she had come to see. Soft footsteps alerted her to the door on her right and Orihime had to stop herself from gasping at the sight that welcomed her.
Orihime had heard many stories about the man named Urahara Kisuke. Born half-French half-Japanese, Urahara was as mysterious as his shop. When asked about him she would always get the "hush hush" and a quick word followed by a, "but you didn't here it from me." Now as Orihime greeted this man she couldn't help but stifle a laugh. He wasn't anything she had expected.
Light skinned with messy sand colored hair and gray eyes was not the most unusual thing about him. No. What Orihime found to be quite hilarious was the fashion in which he was dressed. Wooden sandals and a dark shirt with matching pants was hardly the norm in Paris. What was more unusual was the black coat that hung lazily over his shoulders and the white diamond pattern that wrung itself around the bottom half. Now as he walked halfway across the room to stand in front of her Orihime couldn't help but smile.
"Bonjour ma Cherie! My name is Urahara Kisuke!" Tipping his head in greeting Urahara placed a chaste kiss on Orihime's right hand before pulling out an elaborate fan to cover the bottom portion of his face, "What can I do for you today?"
Letting out an embarrassed laugh and blushing slightly Orihime cleared her throat.
"He..he..he..well I was told that you could help me find someone I was looking for." Snapping his fan shut Urahara let out a welcoming smile.
"Ahh…and who told you this Cherie?" The creepy smile that entered Urahara's face reminded Orihime just who and what this man was capable of.
I have to be brave…for Sora, she thought. Gaining her courage Orihime reached into her pocket to pull out a small velvet brown bag. Placing it gently in Urahara's outstretched hand.
"I can pay you this now. When I find the person I'm looking for I'll pay you double that amount." Seeming satisfied by the contents Urahara placed the coins in his pocket before turning a friendly smile towards her.
"And who exactly," Urahara looked slightly passed her shoulder before smiling at her once again, "is it that you are looking for Miss-"
"Oh!" Orihime blushed slightly, embarrassed at her own manners. "Orihime…Orihime Inoue." A noise behind her caused her to jump and Orihime turned, squinting her brows in worry. Was someone there? As if reading her thoughts Urahara placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Merely a mouse Miss Inoue! Why don't we go into my office hmm?" Orihime smiled politely before following him. The uneasy feeling of being watched attacking her thoughts.
"Mr. Urahara you wouldn't happen to have little blue space men in the shop watching us would you?" Orihime stared up at him curiously. As if he himself was about to turn into an alien and attack her.
"What a silly question to ask Miss Inoue." He let out an amused chuckle before his gaze swept over her. "I can assure you that your privacy is quite safe here. Now please, sit." Nodding, Orihime sat down in the chair he had pulled out for her. His figure taking a seat directly in front of her.
"Now onto business!" He looked at her expectantly, interlocking his fingers in a relaxing manner.
"R-right!" Taking out a folded piece of paper from her pocket Orihime smoothed out the small parchment before placing it on the table. A name scribbled hastily in black ink written on the front.
"I need you to find this man." Orihime wrung her hands together. She was nervous. She didn't know if anyone could find the man she was looking for, but she had to try.
"And why," Urahara looked at the paper darkly before folding it and handing it back to her, "do you want to find this person Miss Inoue?" Orihime looked at him in surprise, her eyes widening. She hadn't thought he was going to ask her.
"W-Well…, " she began hesitantly. What should I say? Should I tell him the truth? The man in front of her laughed before waving his fan in an apologetic gesture.
"Forgive me," Urahara grinned handsomely at her, "its just not often I get someone in here asking for him." Orihime nodded in understanding before looking at him squarely in the eye. Her reserve unfaltering.
"Can you find him?" Urahara looked at her carefully before sighing. His posture taking one of defeat before answering her softly.
"Of course. Give me one week."
Orihime smiled, "Thank you." Standing up and heading towards the door, Orihime failed to notice the look that crossed Urahara's face.
"Miss Inoue a word of caution?" Orihime paused before looking over her shoulder at him. Her hand placed lightly on the doorknob.
"Yes?" she asked. Urahara paused before staring at her seriously. His finger thrumming gently against the table.
"The man you are looking for is dangerous. I can find him but I heed you to stay away."
Orihime gripped the handle tightly, her steady voice even surprising her, "I know."
With that she left. Her figure moving gracefully across the store until she was again out into the cold air. Her dress doing nothing to stand against the frigid weather. The wind picking up her hair and causing a loud gasp of surprise.
"It's so cold!" Squeezing her eyes shut Orihime let out a deep sigh. Going over the events of the night in her mind rapidly. It happened so fast. Shaking her head Orihime let out an uneasy laugh. Encouraged not to let what the man with the wooden sandals said get to her. Slapping her cheeks and smiling, Orihime set out into the night. Celebrations still resounding in the distance.
Unaware that a pair of green eyes was watching her…
Ulquiorra watched the woman come out of the shop carefully. Noticing the way her gray eyes lit up in worry and the way her eyebrows scrunched together in thought. Strange. While observing her from the shadows of the shop he noticed she had carried herself with such purpose. Not a hint of doubt or regret in her endeavor. Now however, she seemed an entirely different person. She seemed weak.
Pathetic, he thought. This is why humans are trash.
Ulquiorra continued to watch the petite woman. Following closely behind as she weaved her way through the crowded streets of Paris. Her bright hair glowing against the moon light and making it easy to track her. She had caught him by surprise. The drop of her name in the dirty shop he had come to for his dinner had caught his attention. So much that for a split second he had almost given up his place of hiding. Almost. The rush of adrenaline that had spiked through the woman's veins when she heard him had sent a whirl of excitement that disgusted him. He was past the primal urges the weak of his kind went through. He no longer felt the need to feed, the hunger to consume. The only reason he drank blood to survive. The fact that this woman had initiated anything out of him was revolting.
She was trash. A human. Filthy.
Yet she possessed a hint of value. Orihime Inoue. Sora Inoue's little sister. His target.
Ulquiorra followed her unperturbed. His green eyes emotionless as he trailed behind her.
He would follow her. He would catch her and then, he would bring her to Las Noches. His domain.
Oh geez. I already know I'm going to be tortured for this. Months without reviewing my other story and suddenly I pop out with this bizarre thing. For those of you who read my other work, I'm sorry! Ive had a huge case of writers block and have been super busy with school and work. If that doesn't appease you I hope writing this story will. Alas, I have been affected by vampire syndrome. This story popping into my head and managing to wedge itself in there until I got it out on paper. Therefore, voila! I hope you enjoy!
As a side note. Since the time line is in 1774 this will be AU. And no, I do not intend to make all the characters Japanese like they are in Bleach. Some will be like Urahara, I just couldn't help but dress him in his traditional Japanese clothing. However, I don't intend to make Ulquiorra or Orihime Japanese. You'll have to find out what Ulquiorra is later! ;) Points if you can guess!
As always please review!