(Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of the characters associated with the Anime or Manga Series. I am writing this short story just for fun and it should be taken as such.)
*My story is rated MA for mature audiences only due to graphic language, graphic violence, and some strong sexual situations to be presented in later chapters. Reader has been cautioned.* Enjoy! ^_^
Father Mine
Chapter One: A Change in the Wind
(POV: Ukitake)
A delicate breezed danced gingerly throughout the forest floor of the Soul Society, gust by gust making it's way to the newly opened training grounds that fell just on the outskirts of Seiretei. It was early afternoon, sometime mid August, the warm sun shining high in the sky with minimum cloud cover.
"This has got to be one of the most beautiful days of the season thus far," Captain Ukitake mused contently, though quietly to himself.
Sitting upon the green grass in a classic Indian styled position while sipping at his ginger flavored tea, Ukitake could help but contently gaze at the raging battle scene below between Kuchiki Rukia and Inoue Orihime with a sense of amusement. From what he could tell, both opponents were doing exceedingly well for a practice scrimmage. Orihime's golden shield was withstanding some very impressive blows personally served up by Rukia and her beautiful white Zanpakutou, Sode no Shirayuki.
Remarkably, the young healer's shield seemed to be gaining more resistance to each attack that was handed down upon it instead of instantly shattering upon impact. That fact alone was quite a notable improvement from the power level that Inoue Orihime had started with upon entering the Seiretei.
Also reasonably notable was the fact that the young healer's determination to excel had been very strong from the get go. Her drive to protect her friends, as well as strengthen her abilities was really rather commendable. From a human being stand point; where the Soul Society and the Thirteen Court Guard Squads had been concerned that feat alone had indeed been quite an accomplishment in itself.
Smiling to himself, Ukitake had to admit that he had been taken slightly by surprise when Rukia first came to him requesting that the training grounds be reopened. She had come to him, insisting that she and a close friend were in dire need of training to prepare for the upcoming war against Aizen and his army of Arrancars. Orihime had entered his office shortly after Rukia launched her request with determination in her eyes.
One look at the kind, yet gentle healer standing before him, Ukitake knew he couldn't turn them away. Besides he would have been crazy to turn down such a request with the Winter War vastly approaching. Training had indeed been the most logical scenario possible. With little thought or contempt, Ukitake readily accepted the ladies request.
A familiar spike in reiatsu was enough to pull Ukitake quickly away from his thoughts and back to his current surroundings.
"Captain Ukitake?"
Looking over his shoulder, Ukitake took notice of the approaching Lieutenant of the Ninth Division. "Ah Lieutenant Hisagi what a pleasant surprise, what do I own this pleasure?" Ukitake greeted with a genuine smile.
"Actually I was just making rounds of all the divisions."
Ukitake looked at him questionably, "Oh?"
"Hai, with everyone training hard and handling the research requirements for the upcoming battle against that traitorous Aizen, there really wasn't anyone else around to handle all of Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto's personal errands." Crossing his arms over his chest, a small smile graced Hisagi lips, "So I suppose the honor has fallen upon me for the time being, that is until the others have fulfilled their duties."
A battle cry from the field below stole Hisagi's attention away from Captain Ukitake while he instinctively reached for the hilt of his Zanpakutou. Ukitake couldn't help but laugh quietly to himself as he watched confusion wash over the Lieutenant's face.
"Hey, isn't that the healer Inoue Orihime with Rukia?"
Ukitake's eyes quickly widened with surprise. "Why yes it is." Smiling once more, "You know of the young healer?" The Captain question with amusement laced within his voice.
"I don't know much about her personally no, however I did meet her a while back while I was on an assignment in the world of the living." Hisagi briefly paused while taking in the sites below, "I intervened in what could have been the girl's finishing blow while Rukia had been possessed by a demon."
"I see." Ukitake mused as he stole another quick sip of his rapidly cooling ginger tea. "Well Inoue came to us with a desire to become stronger, faster and more agile. Actually upon Rukia's desire to personally train the young woman, I was so moved by her request that I have seen to Inoue's clearance for the next three months."
Hisagi quickly nodded in approval. "Preparation is important to any war, as you are well aware of Captain Ukitake. Inoue's skills do seem to be much improved since the last time I came into contact with her, although I have to wonder if she will be sufficiently battle ready by the time the Winter War is upon us."
Ukitake sat silently for a brief moment milling over the question that Hisagi just proposed. "Well Lieutenant, I honestly don't know. I'll admit that Inoue Orihime does have a great deal of power about her. Unquestionably her healing skills are on par with most of the Captains here within the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. In fact Lieutenant, I'd like to venture a guess that her healing ability rival, if not surpasses that of Captain Unohana's."
Hisagi's eyes widened in astonishment, "You really think that's possible?" Looking upon the training grounds below once more, Hisagi sized up the teen, "she is just a human being after all Captain. How much power could one fragile looking human girl hold?"
"Oh I don't know." Ukitake laughed gently, "I've been asking myself that very question when it comes to a certain human teenage boy."
"Ichigo..."
"Ichigo," Ukitake confirmed with a nod. "In any case, the skills this young woman is able to learn here within the Seiretei will only further her survival rate that much more in the fight against Aizen."
"I suppose you're right, she-"
The Lieutenant was abruptly interrupted by a small round of coughing fits escaped from the frail looking Captain. When the fits finally came to an end, Ukitake glanced up at Hisagi with a small blush gracing his usually pale cheeks. "OH! Gomennasai Lieutenant, that was very rude of me! Please forgive the discourteous interruption, please continue."
"Don't worry about it and there is no reason for you to apologize either." Hisagi replied while waving off the disruption. "In any case, I should be going. Errands for the Head Captain won't complete themselves after all. Although…"
Ukitake looked back at the Lieutenant questioningly, "Although what?"
"Although to be honest, I'd love nothing more than to be able to sit here with you for the rest of the afternoon watching this amusing scrimmage match between those two particular females." Hisagi quickly confessed.
"Yes well…" Ukitake choked out suddenly as another coughing fit over took him. As soon as his fit had ended, Ukitake couldn't help but notice the way the Lieutenant was now observing him. In fact, the Lieutenant was gazing down upon him with nothing but concern written upon his face.
"Captain Ukitake with all due respect, you really are in no condition to be exerting yourself like this. When I first arrived here, you were pale and tired looking but now you have actually gotten to the point that you are as white as a sheet. You should probably be inside resting sir." Hisagi paused, his frown deepening with worry. "Perhaps I should alert your Lieutenants to help get you settled back into bed for some much needed rest."
Clearing his throat, "oh, there is no need to worry the others... really." Ukitake simply stated with a smile. In all honesty he found the Lieutenant's concern for his wellbeing somewhat… endearing. "Although I haven't been feeling up to par today, I only plan on watching their scrimmage a little bit longer."
Hisagi studied the captain a brief moment before nodding, "I'm sure it's just a well Captain. You really do need to take care of yourself if you intend to get any headway on the healing process." Turing around to leave, Hisagi came to an abrupt halt as a familiar chime sounded from just above the pair. Two hell butterflies descended gracefully down from the sky, landing upon the out stretched fingers of both Captain Ukitake and Lieutenant Hisagi.
Captain Ukitake couldn't help but slightly winch as the Head Captain's voice seemed to bellow out from the tiny little insect. "Now hear this, a major attack has just been launched upon those who inhabit Karakura Town in the World of the Living. Be advised that there have been several confirmed reports of multiple Arrancars appearances in the area, however at this time we do not have any confirmed sightings of the defective three. So far there have been several casualties reported both human as well as Shinigami.
Mandatory deployment as follows… the sixth and eleventh divisions are to go to Karakura Town immediately to provide relief to those who are currently there on assignment. The fourth division is to be on immediate standby for any pending causalities due to the attacks in Karakura Town. The rest of the Divisions are to remain on high alert for possible relief deployment and to protect the Soul Society from a possible hollow invasion. Do not disappointment me. That is all."
Ukitake's heart sank as his mind was now filled with impending dread. "Captain Ukitake!" Rukia yelled out.
Coming to his feet, Ukitake acknowledged Rukia's concerned outburst. "I understand your request Rukia. Request granted, go find the nearest portal to the World of the Living. You may provide back up to the Substitute Shinigami, Kurosaki Ichigo."
Rukia nodded confirming his orders. Ukitake watched with pride as Rukia began sprinting across the field, Orihime hot on her trail. With a quick flash step, Ukitake came to stand in front the gentle healer with a look of both concern and understanding. Orihime gasped as she came to a sudden halt. "I am afraid that I am going to have to ask that you remain here in the Soul Society for a little longer Inoue."
"Eh?" Inoue questioned both with her petit mouth and ash colored eyes. "But I…"
"I know how important it is to you to be there, fighting along side of your friends, however in order for you to do so we must gain a secure passage through the gate back to the World of the Living. I don't have the proper authority to grant you that access, but do not fret your clearance will come soon enough." Seeing her turmoil, Ukitake quickly placed a gentle hand upon the young woman's shoulder, "I'm sorry Inoue. I know that was something you didn't want to hear."
"Oh…eh that's okay." The young woman replied disappointedly. She quickly lowered her head, to hide what Ukitake suspected what was no doubt the beginning formation of unbridled tears.
"Hey, Orihime!" Rukia shouted.
Ukitake couldn't help but watch Rukia's interaction with the young healer with an intense feeling of satisfaction. He could see the care and compassion she held for Inoue, even in her hurried state. He was thankful Rukia had found such a good friend.
The auburn haired beauty looked towards Rukia's direction with her big doe, ash colored eyes regarding the black haired Shinigami with a questionable glance. "What is it Rukia-Chan?" Orihime called out.
"Ichigo and I will be waiting for you in the World of the Living okay?"
Orihime's face lit up with determination. She smiled warmly at Rukia, "Hai!"
Nodding Rukia then turned and quickly began to flash step towards the nearest portal.
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(POV: Orihime)
As she helplessly watched Rukia disappear into the distance, Orihime couldn't help but drop her smile once more. She hated being left behind like this. Although she knew deep down in the very depths of her heart that it would do no good to worrying like this, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was meant to do more than just wait around for a simple clearance.
For Kami sakes, those that she loved were in the fight of their lives to protect their home… her home. And where was she… stuck here, within the walls of the Soul Society waiting for her clearance that would no doubt seem like an eternity to arrive.
Orihime quickly began to fidget with her fingers as she did on many occasions when she was nervous. She couldn't remember a time when she had been this anxious or scared for the lives of her friends. Ichigo and the others were no doubt in the middle of battle perhaps even being hurt and there was nothing she could do about it from this side of the fence. Why did this always seem to happen to her? Was she so weak that she couldn't fight beside of them, beside of him?
That was the main reason she had been training so hard for over the past month after all, right? To be there and available, to fight along side of Ichigo and the others… yet here she was as the battle raged on…helpless.
Resting her pointer finger against the corner of her mouth, Orihime quietly pondered a familiar notion. Now that she had time to seriously think about it, the news that they had just received about the attack upon the World of the Living was somewhat similar to the dream she had experienced just a few short nights back.
Orihime's dream had been about the Hawaiian Penguin Clan and their extraordinary efforts in preparing for battle against the hungry Ice Cream Sunday Saucers. Her eyes quickly glazed over as she relieved her very intense dream. "Man what a battle." Orihime thought quietly to herself. "The way those little penguins moved gracefully into their battle stances, and the thrilling use of their laser shooting eyeballs was an honoring site. I mean to save their beloved red bean paste in such a way was simply…"
The feeling of someone placing a firm hand upon her shoulder so suddenly was enough to bring Orihime blazing back into the present with a startling gasp. "Oh!"
"Gomennasai Inoue, I didn't mean to frighten you. It's just that I couldn't help but notice that your eyes had seemed to have glazed over with a look of distress. I just wanted to make sure everything was alright." Captain Ukitake apologized with a look of concern written across his still oddly pale face.
"Eh…"
"In fact you have been quiet for quite some time now."
"Oh, Gomennasai Captain Ukitake!" Orihime quickly stated as her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "Hai, I am fine. I just got lost in my thoughts once again I suppose." She quickly laughed, "You see this whole battle scenario between us and the Arrancars is just playing out like the war of the Hawaiian Penguin Clan against the Ice Cream Sunday Saucers. Although in their war, they were fighting to protect their beloved red bean paste supplies."
Ukitake looked at her with a cross between wonder and of confusion. The realization that he was confused over what she just absentmindedly revealed was enough to send her cheeks into a heated frenzy. "Oh… you will just have to forgive me Captain Ukitake. It's just that sometimes I tend to get a little carried way with my imagination."
"No need to apologize Inoue. I was just in awe of your very in-depth tale. The Hawaiian Penguin Clan huh?"
If it was even remotely possible, she couldn't help but deepening her blush "Hai, I suppose my tales do get quite imaginative at times. Actually, The Hawaiian Penguin Clan was just some crazy dream I had only a few short nights ago." She briefly paused. "Gomen, Captain Ukitake for the childish behavior."
His smile widened while his eyes lit up with laughter. "I have to say, I rather enjoy your childish like behavior Inoue. It brings some much needed fresh air into this sometimes stuffy dimension and please, I'd be honored if you would just call me Jūshirō."
"Really?" The young teen questioned with honor and respect laced deep within her lovely doe eyes. "Please if you don't mind… Jūshirō" she said quickly trying out his name, "I'd be honored if you would just refer to me by first name as well."
"Well then it's settled. It's very nice to officially make your acquaintance Orihime."
A smile reached her lips just as they were soon joined by Lieutenant Hisagi. "Sir, I have an updated status report for you from the Head Captain."
"Hai, go ahead."
"Everyone from the Thirteen Court Guard Squads has already begun to mobilize. Captain Hitsugaya has also been deployed to the World of the Living to back up the Substitute Soul Reaper. However even with the Captain's departure, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto has called the remaining Captains to Division One for an emergency Captains meeting that will begin momentarily."
Nodding, "Understood."
Orihime looked up, meeting the serious yet gentle gaze of Jūshirō Ukitake. "I understand why you have to leave. Go, it's important that you be at that meeting." She said in a quiet, mouse like response.
Ukitake tried to give her a reassuring smile. "I can't imagine your clearance to the World of the Living will be much longer." Orihime quickly nodded.
In the process of giving her thanks while bidding him farewell a foreign, yet massive reiatsu reared its ugly head, threatening to drop her down upon her knees. Out of desperation to stay upright, Orihime grabbed a hold of Ukitake's Kimono to steady herself. Meanwhile, Ukitake returned her concern to stay up right by taking a hold of her shoulders to keep their balance.
The reiatsu that was pulsing throughout the air was enough to make Orihime gasp out of fear. It almost felt like someone was choking the life out of her. Swallowing hard, her stomach clenched as see took in the concern gazes of the two Shinigami who stood before her. Something was coming, and that something felt angry.
"This couldn't be the presence of a hollow." Orihime quickly thought to herself, "No this was something or someone more powerful and no doubt blood thirsty."
Suddenly a garganta ripped open on the other side of the training field, revealing what seemed to be a blue haired Arrancar. Wait that assessment couldn't be right could it? No this being is stronger than a normal Arrancar, no this blue haired man has to be at Espada level. Internally her suspicions as well as her fears quickly became somewhat a reality when he sent out a massive spike in reiatsu while giving off a devilish yet hungry for a fight like smile.
This Espada in particular seemed to have what looked like a half hollowfied jawbone attached to the right side of his cheek. His attire consisted of a white hakama, accented with a black sash; a white jacket with an upturned collar, left open to reveal his hollow hole, located in the mid abdominal area. He was built body wise, built to kill.
Orihime shivered with a large amount of fear engulfing her senses, as the Espada stepped all the way out of the Garganta, cracking his knuckles. Looking over in their general direction, the Espada's smile grew in size, developing into what looked like an unnatural sneer. A sneer that caused goose bumps to rise upon her skin. It was official, she was scared to death.
"Well, well what the fuck do we have here? Goddamn Shinigami and a…" Sniffing the air as a predator would do, the Espada suddenly made eye contact with her. "Human…"
As the single word left his evil lips, Orihime couldn't help but gasp while taking a step backwards. It was if the Espada was looking at her as if she had been a piece of meat, a piece of meat meant for him to devour. Consuming everything… perhaps even her soul.
"Hey girl, see anything you like?" The Espada quickly mused while taking a few predatory steps in their general direction. "I promise I don't bite…much."
Orihime's mind rapidly spiraled out of control with the horrible, no doubt painful possibilities of what he promised if he were able to get his hands upon her. A shiver raced quickly down her spine as she tried to bite back a fear engulfed mental scream. It will do you no good to show weakness in front of the enemy. Orihime quickly scolded herself. However this Espada seemed amazingly astute by picking up on how extremely terrified she was. The Espada who continued to make his way towards their little group actually burst out laughing like a mad man.
With cat like reflexes, Ukitake must have been in protection mode because he immediately stepped up in front of Orihime, successfully blocking her view of the approaching Espada. "Jūshirō?" she questioned softly.
She felt a heated flair in Ukitake's reiatsu moments before he spoke to the blue haired Espada. "How dare you…" Ukitake wheezed, trailing quietly off in mid sentence.
"Well, well would you look at that. I never thought that I'd live to see the day when a gutless Shinigami would actually standup for a fucking human being, a weak pathetic woman no less."
"Jūshirō?" Orihime question again, ignoring the Espada's taunts. He didn't show any signs of hearing her words. Something was amiss here. Stepping forward, Orihime placed a gentle hand upon his should to find the Captain drenched in sweat. "Are you okay Jūshirō?" She hesitantly asked once more before noticing that the Captains eyes were indeed closed.
Captain Ukitake's legs suddenly gave out. As he collapsed, Hisagi was there just in time to assist Orihime in steadying his unresponsive body down upon the ground. He was out cold. "Jūshirō!" Orihime gasped while kneeling down beside of him. Elevating his head onto her lap, she brushed some sticky, sweaty strands of hair off and away from his deathly pale face. Placing the back of her hand upon his forehead, Orihime preformed a quick assessment of his vitals and temperature. "He's burning up, and his heart rate seems a bit sluggish." She had noticed that he had been feeling a little under the weather this morning. Why did he have to push himself to this point? "Wake up Jūshirō…please." Orihime nervously requested.
"Don't worry Inoue; the Captain just needs some time to rest. It seems as though he has officially worn himself out in all the excitement." Hisagi reassured.
"Do you really think he will be alright?"
"Yeah, he'll be just fine. Don't worry yourself okay? For now we need to focus on the task at hand." Hisagi replied as he stood up, taking a defensive stance against the approaching Espada. "Orihime, I need you to stay here and protect the Captain. Do you think you could do that for me?" Hisagi inquired.
"H…hai!" Orihime confirmed nervously.
"Well shit on me…so it seems as though you really are going to fight me huh?" The Espada laughed quietly to himself. "This should be like taking candy from a baby."
"Yeah? Well we'll see about that."
"In that case, it will serve you well to remember my name you worthless excuse for a Shinigami. I am Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez." With a simple lift of his pointer finger, the Espada now know to them as Grimmjow smiled wickedly. "Now prepare to die!" Suddenly a powerful bright red ball started to charge at the tip of Grimmjow's finger. Orihime's eyes widened to the size of saucers as panic flooded her body. "Unlucky for you, I play to win Shinigami. Have one of these!" Grimmjow hollered as he released the fully charged Cero in the group's direction.
"Hisagi, it's a Cero!" Orihime screamed.
"Brace for the impact!" Hisagi hollered back in return.
Orihime knew if she didn't do something and something soon, they would all be done for. "Santen Kesshun!" Orihime chanted as a bright golden light formed a triangular shield in front of Hisagi just in time to cushion some of the impact of the blast.
The Cero crashed headstrong into her shield at full force. Unfortunately the shield held for only for the briefest of moments before the momentum of the Cero caused the shield to shatter. Orihime screamed as she was sent flying across the training grounds, finally ending up in a crumpled mess as she made contact with a very strong cherry blossom tree.
The pain had been too overwhelming for her to recover. Her vision quickly swarmed while the feeling of vomiting over took her senses, threatening to escape from her mouth at any moment. The last thing Orihime saw before blacking out into the world of unconsciousness was Jūshirō's unresponsive body rolling up against her feet.
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(POV: Hisagi)
Hisagi had tried to brace himself the best he could for the impending impact of Grimmjow's Cero, when Orihime's golden shield formed a barrier in front of him. Unfortunately for them all, the Cero had been a bit more than the poor shield could withstand. As soon as contact was made, the shield shattered into hundreds of pieces.
When the blast broke through the young healer shield, the group had been sent off barreling in multiple directions.
Hisagi landed hard on his side not too far from the blast site. He couldn't help but cringe as a sharp pain pulsated through his upper abdominal wall. Hunching further on his side, Hisagi coughed up a small puddle of blood. He had no doubt suffered a few broken ribs and judging by the severe pain in his lower extremity, a severely broken ankle.
Glancing up to see how everyone else had faired through Grimmjow's Cero attack, Hisagi's stomach dropped. The appearance of another Garganta began to rip open close to where Inoue and the Captain's unconscious bodies rested. The only thing Hisagi was capable of doing at that very moment was to watch in dread as two more very powerful Espadas stepped out onto the grass of the training field.
Taking a quick evaluation of the two Espada, Hisagi noted some differences in their power levels compared to those of the blue haired Espada known as Grimmjow. Without a doubt, there was something definitely off about those two and whatever that something was, it was deadly. Hisagi also noted the Espada on the right to be much taller than the Espada on the left. The Espada on the right had what Hisagi would classify as a bored, if not sleepy expression plastered across his face. He actually seemed as if he didn't give a rat's ass if they were about to do battle within the Soul Society or not.
In fact that sleepy expression seemed to complement his wavy, semi brown shoulder length hair and squinty blue eyes. He too had a hollowfied jawbone, much like the one Grimmjow exhibited, yet his had been formed around the base of his neck. This Espada also had on the signature Arrancar attire.
The Espada on the left was shorter in height, but no less dangerous. Hisagi noted a half hollowfied helmet that was no doubt mounted permanently to the left side of the Espada's head. He had black layered hair, yet the most interesting feature about this particular Espada had to be his piercing emerald eyes. Two thin, green tear marks seemed to acutely stain his unnaturally white cheeks.
Like the taller Espada, he too exhibited a very nonchalant stance about him. This was evident by the way he was currently presenting himself with his now closed eyes, and hand buried deep within his pockets. If Hisagi didn't know any better, this particular Espada seemed to be very powerful and quite possibly in a very foul mood.
Rolling over on to his stomach, Hisagi attempted to get up when he was violently shoved back down into the ground. The momentum and force in which he was pushed back down upon the ground successfully trapped his arms beneath his already injured body. Grunting aloud, Hisagi glanced up out of the corner of his eye to see that Grimmjow was the one who had pinned him down to the ground.
As soon as their eyes met, Grimmjow's foot began to press down hard upon Hisagi's bruising spine. Hisagi couldn't help but winch at the pain the Espada was causing him. Grinding his jaw tightly as the pain radiated deep within his fractured ribcage, Hisagi hollered out in pain. "Get off me you bastard!"
"Tsk…" Grimmjow snorted while folding his arms over his chest and rolling his eyes in disgust. "What a crock of shit you turned out to be Shinigami. I had expected there to be more fight within you but I suppose I was wrong." Shaking his head, "How fucking pathetic."
"Yeah well, if you would just get off my back, I'd be more then happy to hand your ass to ya." Hisagi retorted.
Ignoring Hisagi's petty threats, Grimmjow simply continued on with his rant. "Besides being disappointed with dip shit down here," Grimmjow stated as he pointed a finger in Hisagi's direction, "why the fuck did we have to go through all this trouble just to nab one worthless fucking female, and human female no less. I mean come on what's so damn special about her that Aizen would send us to a shit-hole like this just to retrieve the likes of her?"
At the realization of what was about to happen to Inoue, Hisagi tried his hardest to get out from underneath Grimmjow's foot with not much in the way of success. "Oh no, you stay right there cowboy." Grimmjow responded with yet another stomp from his foot. This time Grimmjow's foot landed squarely in the center of Hisagi's spine sending the Shinigami into a world of pain. The excruciating pain radiated throughout his core making him cry out once more.
"Starrk, Ulquiorra would you hurry it up already? I have much better things to be doing with my time then kidnapping little girls. Seriously it's pathetic to be out here in the Soul Society, running errands for Lord Aizen, which truthfully I couldn't really give two shits about. In fact, it's a down right embarrassment if you ask me."
The brown haired Espada known as Starrk just crossed his arms while shaking his head, while the green eyed Espada known as Ulquiorra stated in a very monotone structured voice. "Quit complaining, we all have our individual orders from Lord Aizen. This retrieval mission is a mission that if I recall correctly you had readily signed up for."
"Ulquiorra, why don't you just shut your mouth?" Grimmjow retaliated. "If I wanted your goddamn opinion in the matter, I would have goddamn asked for it."
"Such insolent trash."
"That's quite enough you two. Let's just get this over with shall we?" Starrk replied while grabbing the bridge of his nose as if a massive headache was about to hit. "Kami knows I'd love to be asleep right now, however you don't see me complaining."
"Whatever." Grimmjow grumbled while looking back down upon his prey with a deadly snicker.
"You bastard, let me up!"
Stomping his foot down even harder, Hisagi was forced to cough out another small puddle of blood. His breathing had rapidly become more diminished as the minutes past, while in truth he was afraid of blacking out completely. Trapped under the weight of Grimmjow's foot, Hisagi could do nothing but watch in horror as the two Espada's made their way over to where Inoue's unconscious body lay deathly still.
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(POV: Ulquiorra)
Ulquiorra had been the first to arrive to the cherry blossom tree. Coming to stand beside the tree, he mentally sighed to himself. He couldn't help but think of what a chore this whole retrieval mission had turned into since Grimmjow wanted to tag along. He should have used a Cero to send that demon cat into the next life at the time the orders for the mission had been issued. Perhaps then he could have had a moment of peace and quiet.
Alas here he was, on a retrieval mission to collect one Inoue Orihime with one tired Espada and another who was a royal pain in his ass. Turning his head slightly to the left, Ulquiorra sighed out loud once more before looking upon the unconscious woman's body below.
Taking in her delicate features for the first time, Ulquiorra noted the woman to be wearing what he would classify as a World of the Living School uniform, or so he once read. The woman's school uniform consisted of a white short sleeved shirt, a petite red bow lining the collar of the shirt completed with a cream colored vest. She also had on a very interesting yet surprisingly short grey pleated skirt, knee high white stockings and school issued black loafers. All of which were now caked with dirt and blood.
Ulquiorra quickly located a strong presence of power near the woman's temples. In closer inspection he noted that she was wearing what looked to be two light blue hibiscus flower pins. Of course to the naked eye, these pins appeared to be doing nothing more than keeping the woman's longer stands of auburn hair out of her face, yet there he wasn't fooled. There seemed to be some sort of massive power hidden deep within petals of flower.
Continuing with his inspection of the woman's curvy body, Ulquiorra began taking a mental tally of all her current injuries. There was no doubt in his mind that Grimmjow's reckless Cero had been the main cause of most of her injuries. The fact that the woman was now unconscious was no doubt caused by her hard impact against the rugged trunk of the Cherry Blossom Tree. Ulquiorra was also quite certain the woman would probably suffer from one hell of a concussion when she woke up.
The two inch long gash along her right brow would most definitely need stitches. As for all the other little nicks and scrapes, those would heal in due time. Mentally sighing to himself once more, Ulquiorra simply chalked the whole situation up to an "annoyance".
Removing his pale hands from deep within his pants pockets, Ulquiorra bent over carefully gathering up the unconscious woman into his slender white arms. The woman's head came to rest peacefully against his chest as he effortlessly held onto her weightless figure in a more traditional like bridal style pose. With the target acquired, Ulquiorra silently turned his sights towards Starrk. Starrk seemed to be actively studying the body of the unconscious Shinigami Captain. "What do you suppose we should do with the Captain Ulquiorra?" Starrk carelessly questioned while looking even more bored then usual.
Ulquiorra briefly considered their options, contemplating the pros and cons of the situation before he finally broke his silence. "Bring the Captain with us. We shall hand him over to Lord Aizen to do as he wishes."
"Agreed." Starrk complied while scratching his head. Reaching down, Starrk quickly gathered up the unconscious Captain, throwing him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "Let's go Grimmjow, our mission has been completed."
"Yeah… whatever." Grimmjow voiced annoyingly while looking towards the others.
Ulquiorra watched carefully as Grimmjow gazed predatorily down upon his catch with a psychotic Cheshire cat type grin. "Well what do you know…" Grimmjow snickered, "looks like the target has been successfully acquired."
"You bastards!" Hisagi hollered.
"Not to mention the added bonus of a captive Captain."
"You won't get away with this. We will find you and will kill you all!" Hisagi promisingly growled out.
"Looking forward to it cupcake, because this fight is far from over you retched excuse for a Shinigami." Finally removing his foot, Grimmjow reared back and with a swift hard kick sent Hisagi rolling violently across the grassy field. When Hisagi finally came to a stop, he couldn't believe his eyes. They were gone! The Espadas known as Ulquiorra, Starrk and Grimmjow had already entered the Garganta with both Inoue and Captain Ukitake in hand as their prisoners. As the Garganta closed swiftly behind them, Ulquiorra couldn't help but mentally smile to himself as the Lieutenant let out one final defeated battle cry.