AN: Hi! This is my first story, I hope you enjoy it! Please R&R.
Text in Italics are either thoughts, dreams or flash backs. It's very easy to tell.
Story goes off canon at first, but slowly deviates. As this is my first story I'm still trying to acquaint myself with Fan Fiction terminology, so bare with me. I try to keep everyone in character (as I originally saw them in the manga/anime) and there is lots of angst ^.^
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters.
Having arrived at Las Noches with a one-armed Yammy in tow, Ulquiorra headed straight for the Throne Room. Inside he found Aizen, Tōsen, Gin Ichimaru and the rest of the Espada. Aizen was staring intently at a silvery purple orb in the palm of his hand. Looking up at the return of his Forth Espada, he motioned for his report to begin.
Stepping into the middle of the room, Ulquiorra pulled out one of his depthless emerald green eyes, and crushed it before him. The fragments of the eyes appeared as shattered glass, floating in midair. They quickly reformed and replayed the events as Ulquiorra had seen them that day.
He and Yammy had arrived in the Human World, a park just inside Karakura Town.
They encountered two humans: a tall dark skinned man and a woman with fiery red hair.
Yammy and the man charging each other; the man falling unconscious, his arm and shoulder mangled.
The woman running to aid him, conjuring a strange, golden shield; healing the man's shattered arm.
The orange haired shinigami appearing, attacking Yammy; completely slashing off his right arm. The shinigami's reiatsu, powerful but erratic.
Two very powerful captain class shinigami showing up. Yammy attacks them recklessly and is easily defeated.
Ulquiorra questions the two new arrivals, learning that they are Yoruichi and Urahara Kisuke.
Ulquiorra opens a Garganta and they retreat.
The shattered fragments faded into nothing. The room was silent, Aizen remained contemplative.
Ignoring the stinging of his newly regenerated eye, Ulquiorra waited for any comments Aizen would make regarding his report.
He stared at the green tiled floor, reflecting upon what he learned of the day's events.
Unexpectedly, the orange haired shinigami was quite powerful, though his reiatsu was extremely erratic; he theorized that the shinigami would ultimately destroy himself, or become one of Aizen's pawns. Then there was that fiery haired human woman. He had at first passed her off as random piece of human trash, until she had used some form of time reversal or spatial renewal technique to reattach her fallen comrade's arm. Intrigued, he decided there that Aizen must know of this human and her unique gift, as it may prove to be extremely useful to have on the Arrancar's side.
"Ulquiorra," Aizen addressed the Forth Espada. "It pains me greatly that you let that fool Yammy run amuck the way he did, drawing so much attention with his reiatsu. Not only that but Yammy was nearly killed and you were forced to retreat as powerful shinigami showed up. Explain."
Ulquiorra sighed inwardly, as if the answer was obvious. "Yammy gave me time to observe the shinigami's level of reiatsu. I was able to conclude that powerful he may be, he is of no threat to us; he will eventually destroy himself, or become our pawn." He paused, thinking more needed to be said in order to placate his leader. "Be that as it may, I also discovered that a comrade of his, that human woman, possesses a gift for time reversal that would be a great asset to us."
"I see, you think his reiatsu will bring about his own destruction?" He had a contemplative look to him as he reclined back in his white throne. "I hope you are correct in your assumption." Aizen's thoughts turned to the woman he had seen in Ulquiorra's vision, her fiery hair and defiant expression were tantalizing. "Bring me the girl. If my suspicious are correct, her technique may prove quite useful."
"As you wish." Bowing slightly he turned and strode out of the room, formulating a plan in his mind. He thought back to the woman and her comrades. She had been unable to protect herself or her friend when Yammy had advanced upon them. The tall dark man fought to protect her and failed miserably. Then the woman made it blatantly obvious that she cared deeply for her friends, immediately conjuring the golden shield to heal him. When Yammy had made to attack her, she was helpless, and would have been destroyed if it were not for the orange haired shinigami who blocked the fatal blow. He decided to play on her defenselessness and self doubt, by convincing her that by joining them she would no longer be a burden or hindrance to her comrades and in the long run save them immeasurable pain and suffering.
Satisfied with this course of action, Ulquiorra used sonido to quickly find those whose help he required. Appearing before Grimmjow, a disgruntled Yammy, Wonderweiss and Luppi, he explained Aizen's wishes and his plan.
One month later.
Having said her goodbyes to her friends, Orihime Inoue approached the Senkai Gate. She turned around and took one last look at Seireitei; a look of melancholy spreading across her face. She was glad to be going home. Seireitei was such a sad place, full of nothing but reminders of failures in regards to the Bount Invasion and saving Rukia.
Sighing, she nodded to her two escorts, signaling she was ready to pass through to Karakura Town.
Motioning to his comrades that it was time, Ulquiorra focused his mind and traced an invisible line in front of him, splitting reality and opening up a Garganta; a portal of swirling darkness to other dimensions. When it was large enough, Yammy, Luppi, Grimmjow and Wonderweiss stepped through, followed by Ulquiorra. The Garganta closed behind them soundlessly.
Ichigo had just stepped out of the shower when he felt it, an odd disturbance in the atmosphere. A Garganta! The Arrancar must be back! Quickly pulling some clothing on he phoned Toshiro and Matsumoto who were at Urahara's shop.
"You felt it too? I'm heading over, meet you there!" He hung up and quickly pulled out his substitute shinigami badge. Forcing his spirit form out of his body he jumped out of his bedroom window and made his way over the roof tops towards the disturbance. I hope Inoue hasn't returned yet.
On the other side of the Garganta, in Karakura Town, Ulquiorra reminded his subordinates of the plan. Nodding in confirmation, the Arrancar split up across the city intent on wreaking havoc until the shinigami showed up.
Ulquiorra took one last look around. What a trashy world, he thought with a look of disdain. The Forth Espada stepped back through into the darkness, intent on the mission ahead.
Focusing, he was able to locate the woman's reiatsu. He was right on time. Taking a step forward he dropped out of the Garganta directly into the Senkaimon in front of the woman and her two guards. Only two guards, really? What a pathetic excuse of an escort for someone as unique as this woman. Do they not realize what she is capable of?
Gasping, the woman dropped her bag her hands falling stiffly to her sides. Her eyes darted around, unsure of what she should do. Immediately the two guards took up a defensive position in front of her, having no idea just who, or how powerful the Hollow in front of them was.
"Trash." Ulquiorra stated in contempt as he raised his right hand towards the guards and issued off two small green Bala Blasts, fatally injuring them.
Tearing up, her mind racing frantically, the woman quickly set about healing the two guards using her time reversal technique.
Ulquiorra stared at her, wondering how he could be forgotten so easily. What is this woman thinking, ignoring me? "Woman. You will come with me. Speak, and you will die. Attempt to flee, and you will die." Ulquiorra knew it would be suicide to kill her, Aizen would be murderous, but she didn't know that.
The woman yelped, having forgotten his presence. She straightened up, glaring into his disturbingly green eyes. She didn't want to leave her guards to die. It's that Espada I saw from the park last month… "What do you…"
That was all she could say as a blast of black and green reiatsu hit her and she was suddenly being held against the wall by her throat. She vainly grasped at her neck, but couldn't find anything there. She couldn't breath! Her eyes began to tear up and black spots began to cloud her vision, the two golden shields fading away as she lost focus.
Suddenly the pressure was gone and she was on the ground gasping, choking for air. She could already feel the bruises forming, in the shape of what, she couldn't imagine.
"Woman. Do you realize the position you're in? You're hopeless and defenseless, once again, and nobody is here to save you." Ulquiorra then used Garganta Broadcast, allowing the woman to see the battle her friends were fighting.
Her blurry eyes widened. Ichigo was battling a one-armed Grimmjow; Matsumoto was battling Lummi and Wonderweiss; and Toshiro was battling Yammy in his bankai form.
"As you can see, you're saviors are all preoccupied. Nobody will be able to come rescue you now." He said emotionlessly, enjoying the fear and worry he aspired in her grey eyes. "Why don't you come with me? After all, you're nothing but a burden to your supposed comrades. A hindrance, you only ever get in there way. Come with me, and save them the annoyance of protecting you ever again."
He canceled the Garganta Broadcast as the orange haired shinigami took a particularly brutal hit from Grimmjow. The woman was doubled over on the ground, tears streaming down her eyes. He's right. What else am I good for? Absolutely nothing! I only ever get in the way, I can't even protect myself properly!
"I will give you twelve hours." He tossed her a silver bracelet. "You will wear this. It will make you temporarily invisible and be able to pass through solid objects. You may say goodbye to one person." He finished, staring coldly at the human girl
She blinked away her tears, staring into the Arrancar's emotionless eyes. Shaking, she slowly got up, never taking her eyes off the Arrancar. She glared at him, a fire in her eyes, her voice full of resolve. "Make them stop fighting, and I will go now. Just don't hurt my friends!"
Ulquiorra wasn't surprised, she's a selfless human, of course she'd sacrifice everything for her comrades. But why would she sacrifice herself for them? Any sane person would put themselves before anyone else. Closing his eyes and focusing his mind, he probed the reiatsu of the four fighting Arrancar, signaling for them to fall back. "It is done." Summoning the Garganta, Ulquiorra stepped into it, "Come with me, woman."
Gathering all the courage she could muster, Orihime slowly placed one foot in front of the other, and followed the Arrancar into the darkness. I'm sorry, everyone.
Back in Hueco Mundo, Ulquiorra searched for Aizen's reiatsu. Realizing Aizen was waiting for him, he quickly ushered the woman towards the Throne Room. "You will not speak unless spoken to. You will not make unnecessary movements. You will be respectful." He said flatly, leaving no room for argument.
Orihime, fearing for her life and trying desperately just to keep up with the Arrancar, only nodded. Her mind was in turmoil, fretting over the fate of her friends.
Satisfied, Ulquiorra strode into the meeting hall, finding all the Espada there waiting, including Aizen, Ichimaru and Tōsen. This time, Aizen's peculiar treasure was no where in sight.
He was about to report to Aizen when he realized the woman wasn't with him.
Annoyed, he turned around only to see her standing where he had left her, at the door. She was deathly white and had the look of a frightened human child. Realizing his error he grabbed her and dragged her into the room behind him. Stupid trash.
Bowing slightly he reported to Aizen. "I have returned with a…gift." He said disdainfully as he pushed the woman in front of him, who fell onto the floor on her hands and knees, shuddering and breathing raggedly.
"I told you not to touch her!" Aizen accused, noticing the already purple bruises around the woman's neck. Her fiery hair was dangling in front of her and brushing the green tiled floor.
"My apologies, Aizen-sama, she was slightly…resistant. I did not touch her, however."
Ignoring his subordinate's use of his powers, Aizen suppressed his reiatsu, and ordered the woman to her feet. "Welcome to Hueco Mundo. Please, tell me your name."
Orihime struggled to her feet, barely managing as the reiatsu of the Ex-Captains and the Espada smothered her. She tried to focus her thoughts into words as she registered the question. "Ori—Orihime In—Inoue!" She inwardly cringed, never having stuttered before. She looked around the room; relieved to see the Arrancar that were fighting her friends were there.
"Inoue-san….I have been told you possess a gift." Aizen inquired. "Show me."
Panicking, Orihime didn't realize right away what exactly he was talking about. Gift? What gift? Why would they want me? She looked around, eyes dancing around the room. "I….I don't understand….I don't have a gift!"
"The healing shield woman. Show it to him." Frustrated and annoyed that the woman dare embarrass him in front of his subordinates, Ulquiorra brought forward Grimmjow. "Heal him!"
Grimmjow glared and Ulquiorra. "How is this human trash going to heal me!"
Oh, my Shun Shun Rikka! Tentatively….she stepped toward the angry blue haired Arrancar. "Please…lie down." Orihime stared at the floor, hoping against hope that the Arrancar would just do what she said.
Grimmjow blanched. How dare this human order me to lie at her feet! He raised his hand ready to backhand her, only to be stopped dead by Ulquiorra who had a death grip on his wrist. "Just do it." Glaring at the Forth Espada, he did as he was told, humiliating as it was, and waited.
Orihime kneeled down beside the Espada and closed her eyes, trying to calm her fears and block out all else. "Sōten Kisshun, I reject!" she exclaimed as a warm golden shield formed around Grimmjow encasing him in a healing light.
The Throne Room was silent as Grimmjows arm soon began to regenerate at the shoulder. Aizen was in the background, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully, contemplating the uses he could put this woman to. The power to reject fate. Any fate? She can use this to heal, can she use it to unmake people or objects as well? How could this human acquire such a God like power?
As before, Ulquiorra was amazed at this ability. How could some lowly human woman attain such a power? He unknowingly echoed Aizen's thoughts. Ulquiorra stared at the woman before him, her grey eyes intensely focused on healing the Espada. What are you? Ulquiorra felt a strange urge to study and understand everything about this woman.
Finally, Grimmjow's arm was healed, and the shield faded. The woman let out an exhausted sigh, before slumping to the floor, unconscious.
Grimmjow stood, tentatively rotating his shoulder and flexing his arm, which worked perfectly. He looked at the woman, and gave her a small grateful nod, though she never saw it.
Silence reigned among the meeting hall, as Aizen sat considering what he had just witnessed. "Ulquiorra. I place this woman in your charge. Take care of her and see to it that she comes to no harm." Aizen made eye contact with every Arrancar in the room. "No. Harm." He repeated.
The Fifth Espada, Nnoitra Jiruga, was hidden away in the shadows of a corner; a sinister smile playing out across his face. She looks so…innocent…when she's unconscious. He held back the sinister laugh that threatened to escape.
Bowing slightly towards his Master, Ulquiorra scooped up the unconscious human and retreated from the hall.
He couldn't help but stare at her as he made his way to the guest's quarters. How ironic, there I was, telling her what a burden she was to her comrades and what an annoyance she would be to protect, and here I am being made the woman's guardian? He closed his eyes, sighing inwardly. Well at least this will be me the opportunity to try and understand better what she is exactly.
He arched an eye brow, a rare occurrence, as the woman curled up in his arms and clutched at his jacket. What the hell? "Kurosaki—kun…." The woman murmured in her unconscious state.
Glaring at the woman in his arms he chose to ignore her and used sonido to quickly get her to her room.
The guest room actually turned out to be a medium sized cell, with a small bed on the left, and table, chair and restroom on the right. There was also a tiny barred window about five feet above the floor in the center of the back wall.
He roughly set the woman on the bed, jostling her head to the side, but still she slept on. Quickly stepping outside, he locked the barred metal door. She will need something more appropriate to wear once she wakes. Sighing at the menial task, Ulquiorra waved his hand, manipulating the hallways, and strode towards the Las Noches Armory.
It was dark, and you could see the half Hueco Mundo moon through the bars, its light shining on the sleeping woman's, now distraught, face.
She was at home, barely a little girl of five, her hair already long and fiery. Her huge grey eyes making her already childlike face even more innocent. She stood there listening as her parents were argued again. She didn't understand why. Why do they always fight? Is it about her? She started to cry and her stern angry Father backhanded her, frustrated with her constant display of emotions. Her Mother stood by and did nothing, as if she didn't exist. Just then her big brother Sora jumped on top of the large man that called himself her Father, and started beating on his face. She cried for Sora to stop, that her Father didn't mean to hit her. Sora was slammed into the wall, shattering several pictures. He crumpled to the floor. Sobbing she ran over to her Brother, shaking him, trying to make him awake, wishing she could help him, had been able to protect him. Seconds later she felt something smash against her head, and all went black.
Ulquiorra stood motionless in the dark corner he'd been in for the past hour, watching the woman sleep. He was surprised when she began thrashing and moaning against the sheets, sometimes crying out intelligible words. She must be having a nightmare. He thought, inching towards the bed. He was unsure which action he should take. Do I wake her up? He thought, pulling the chair to the side of the bed and sitting down.
"No!" she called out, her brow creased, tears leaking from her eyes. "No, Sora!" her voice cracked and a sob escaped her lips.
"Woman." He said, firmly, deciding to wake her up. She appeared not to hear him. "Woman, wake up!" he said more loudly and sharply, commanding her to obey him.
Orihime sat bolt upright in bed, her heart pounding in her chest, a sheen of sweat on her body, her eyes darting around frantically. That dream…my parents! Tears leaked from her eyes. "Where am I?" She thought out loud, her throat dry and voice cracking. Tears slid down her cheeks as she remembered the events of the day. Kurosaki-kun! She pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, sobbing into the darkness.
"You are in Las Noches, Hueco Mundo." He said coolly from beside her.
She gasped, pulling the rough blanket around her, startled by his sudden appearance. "How long have you been there?" She asked, her eyes narrowing.
He remained silent, deciding the question was not worth answering.
She frowned at her captor. He sat before her, staring with his intense emerald eyes, not a single flicker of emotion behind them.
He turned away and picked up something off the table. "Clean yourself, and put this on." He tossed it on her bed and went to the door. "I will bring you some food." With that, he left.
Letting out a sigh, she closed her eyes for a moment before getting up. I did the right thing! At least here I'm no longer burdening Kurosaki-kun and the others! And at least I'm keeping one of there most powerful enemies…occupied. With that satisfying thought, she picked up the two piece garment and went into the restroom.
Well she was surprised, to say the least. The restroom actually had a toilet and shower! I can see the shower being here, but a toilet? Shaking the thought away as to why Arrancars would need that particular appliance, she drew the water for a hot bath, and looked at the garment Ulquiorra had left her.
At first it appeared to be a one piece long sleeved gown with a cloak. It had a high collar, with a black zipper going down the middle and ending just above her breasts and then going off to the left and right and down her sides. Just below the navel there was a very thick, diagonal black sash. But at second glance she could tell that if she were to unzip it the sleeves and cloak would detach to reveal only a sleeveless, strapless white gown. She had to admit….it was rather beautiful. I just hope it isn't too tight…god what am I thinking? They won't care! Sighing she turned off the faucets and stepped into the bath.
Meanwhile, in KarakuraTown…
Urahara was holding an emergency meeting at his shop. Rukia, Yoruichi, Renji, Ishida, Ichigo and Sado were in attendance.
"What do you mean Inoue never reached the other end of the Senkai Gate?" Ichigo was furious! Grimmjow had played him. The whole farce was just a diversion for those blasted Arrancar to take Inoue away!
Urahara gently set his fan down. "What we're saying Ichigo is that somehow, on the way from Soul Society to the Human World, Inoue-san was ambushed and her two escorts killed. She's vanished without a trace." Urahara looked grim, as did the rest of the group.
Ichigo however wouldn't give up. "C'mon! It was all obviously a set up! The Espada set up a diversion so that he could kidnap Inoue! I have to do something. I'm going to get her!" Ichigo made to get up but Yoruichi put a calming hand on his shoulder.
"Hold your horses Ichigo. Let me speak with the Gotei 13 first and see if they will help us. It might take some time but its better than rushing head on into things and getting yourself killed. How would that help Inoue-san?"
Ichigo nodded, conceding her point. "They better hurry it up. I won't wait around here forever."
Renji nodded. "I need to train with my Bankai. I still have not mastered it completely." At this Sado agreed. "I need to train as well."
"I believe I can help you with that!" Urahara said with a glint in his eye. "Follow me!"
Renji and Sado nodded to Rukia and Ichigo, and left towards the basement with the old shinigami.
Sighing, Rukia placed her hand over Ichigo. "Just be patient, there is nothing we can do for her right now short of getting ourselves killed. Let's trust in Yoruichi."
At this Yoruichi bid them farewell and they all wished her luck trying to convince the Gotei 13 to help them.
Orihime sighed, this bath is nice. I really needed this. She had almost dozed off when she opened her eyes, startled by the overpowering presence that was suddenly beside her. She screamed. "Ahhhhhhh! Getoutgetoutgetout!" She grabbed frantically for a towel but realized there were none. Oh my god…"GET OUT!"
"I have brought you food." Ulquiorra stated emotionlessly, never taking his eyes off the naked woman in front of him.
"Ok! Can you please just leave so I can get dressed?" She begged, trying to submerse herself completely in the water. She hadn't been that mortified in years.
Unperturbed, he turned around and closed the door. What was that all about? Why did she react that way? He was truly boggled by the woman's outburst.
A few minutes later the door clicked open and a wet, highly embarrassed Orihime emerged wearing the Arrancar regalia. She stood there unsure of what to do.
Ulquiorra turned away from the barred window where he was standing and stared at the woman in her new outfit. Now all she needs is some sort of Hollow mask. "Strangely, it suits you." His mouth said before he had a chance to clamp down, surprised and annoyed that he had let himself speak his mind.
At this the woman's eyes widened. How am I supposed to take that? I'm a human wearing Arrancar clothing, how does that suit me?
Ulquiorra stared into her eyes, reading all of the emotions flashing through them: surprise, confusion, embarrassment. What useless emotions! He thought."Eat your food."
She turned her gaze away and stared at what was supposed to be food on the table. It looked like a glob of brown goop. Well, it can't be worse than my cooking and I've been told that's pretty horrible…"I'm not hungry." She spoke honestly.
Ulquiorra, his patience already at its limits, appeared before Orihime, mere inches from her. "Woman, you will eat your food, or I will force it down your throat." He said, emotionlessly.
She couldn't move. She couldn't do anything but stare into those huge, emerald eyes. Her heart was pounding. She could feel his breath on her skin. At the mention of throat, she quickly raised a hand and felt around her own. She winced at the bruises.
Ulquiorra followed the movement, noticing the hand print around her neck. He raised his hand and brushed his fingertips over the marks. Her breath hitched and her eyes closed at his touch. Good, maybe that'll serve as a reminder. "Eat your food, woman." He turned from her, secretly taking notice of her peculiar reaction. How predictable.
Doing her best to calm her breathing and ignore the goose bumps that broke out on her skin, she quickly sat down at the table and picked up the utensil. She closed her eyes. Good lord what was that all about? Why did I react that way! What is the matter with me? Guilt washed over her at the reaction that her body had towards her kidnapper.
Sighing, she attempted to clear her mind as she took her first bite of the 'goop'. It turns out the goop was just mashed potato's and gravy. She was grateful that it wasn't worse.
Ulquiorra watched the women eat out of the corner of the corner of his eye, contemplating her reaction towards him. He enjoyed the power he had over her, the control. He knew power, and he knew control, he had plenty over his subordinates, but this was somehow different. This was a different type of power, one that slightly confused him, though excited him nonetheless.
When she had finished, total silence reigned in the small room. Orihime was looking anywhere but at Ulquiorra, and Ulquiorra could not take his eyes off the woman. Finally deciding to break the awkward silence, she asked "So, what do you want with me?"
"It is not what I want with you but what Aizen-sama wants with you," he stated blandly, "he wants to use your powers."
Orihime reached up and unconsciously smoothed her hair pens down. "I see. Then why are you here?" She asked curiously.
"You are in my charge." He said simply. And I simply enjoy tormenting you; seeing the array of emotions I could provoke within you, and then attempt to understand. Why? Why do you feel? There is no point to it, emotions are useless!
For several minutes that awkward silence took root again, when suddenly there was a knock on the door. Orihime, startled and worried, stood up quickly, while Ulquiorra went to see who their visitor was. To Orihime's surprise, it was Grimmjow. Answering Ulquiorra's unspoken question, Grimmjow stated, "I'd like to speak with the human."
Stepping aside, Ulquiorra allowed him into the room.
Fearing the worst, Orihime started away from the former Espada. "What do you want?" She asked, immediately backing into a corner, terrified of the harsh looking blue haired Arrancar. Though he didn't appear menacing before her now, he almost seemed anxious.
"I want you to remove this ugly scar and restore my tattoo on my back" Grimmjow demanded. Ulquiorra stood motionless by the doorway, unsurprised at the request. Ever since Tosen had dismembered him and Aizen had created Luppi to fill the sixth Espada spot, Grimmjow had been determined to get revenge. Ulquiorra watched the conversation unfold.
"I…..I'm not sure it will work on scars…." She began, but seeing Grimmjow start towards her she ended quickly, backing further into her corner: "But I can try!" She stared up at the anxious Arrancar, pleading with her eyes that he wouldn't hurt her. "Please….lie down, and take off your jacket."
Thankfully he complied without argument this time. Orihime cautiously moved to where the Arrancar was laying and kneeled down, placing her palms over the scar on his pale chest, causing him to stiffen before realizing she was not going to touch him. Sighing inwardly, and willing herself to find peace of mind, she focused her power. "Sōten Kisshun, I reject!" A golden shield encircled Grimmjow, filling him with warmth and the room with a golden light.
Ulquiorra memorized every detail this time, never once taking his eyes off the woman. The golden shield was fairly transparent, and this time he noticed that there were two tiny beings holding down each end, both intently focused upon the Arrancar. The woman's eyes were closed and she had a slightly strained look on her face, as was she breathing rapidly. Grimmjow was watching his chest, expectantly, hoping this healing technique would work for him once again. Bit by bit the ugly red scar covering ¾ of his chest slowly disappeared, and the bold black #6 reappeared on his back. After a moment the shield faded and the woman nearly collapsed into unconsciousness a second time that day. Her eyes were half lidded and she had a thankful look on her face; her shield had worked.
Surprising both the woman and Ulquiorra, Grimmjow stood and picked her up, laying her on her bed. "You need to rest," he said slightly reverently. "Now, I may challenge Luppi and reclaim my rank as Espada!" A new fire in his eyes, Grimmjow quickly left the room in search of the other Arrancar.
Ulquiorra, watching Grimmjow leave, did not see the worried look on Orihime's face. More fighting because of me? Her eyes filled with tears as exhaustion quickly overtook her.
Turning back to the woman, he noticed she had fallen asleep. Upon closer inspection he noticed tears leaking from her eyes. "Foolish woman, you should not let your emotions rule you so. It makes you easier to prey upon." The Fourth said impassively before leaving the room and shutting the door behind him.
After a few moments she realized she was alone. Curious, Orihime slid out of bed to see if the door was unlocked. Yes! She reached to push it open, and slowly peaked around the corner, checking to make sure her kidnapper had gone. Satisfied, she slipped out of her room. Halfway down the stark white hallway a thought occurred to her. Wait…where am I going to go? I don't know how to get back home! Tears threatened to consume her but she clamped down on the emotion determinedly. Maybe I could find Grimmjow…he owes me! Or some other help…she scoffed at the notion. Hollows and Arrancar, help a human, in Las Noches? Ha! They'd sooner kill me! Sighing, but full of resolve, she turned around to head back to her room only to run into the chest of a very passive Ulquiorra.
Yay for cliffhangers!
Chapter 2 Teaser:
This piqued the Arrancars interest. "Is that what you call your shielding technique? Your Shun Shun Rikka? What are they? Show me." Temporarily forgetting his anger, he leaned back against the wall and waited patiently.
Orihime was torn. She didn't want the Arrancar to know about all her techniques, but she was in no place to refuse. She tentatively turned around and calmly said, "Lily, Ayame, Baigon, Shun'ō, Hinagiku and Tsubaki, please come out."
An: lol the restroom
Anyways, this is where I decided to stop chapter one. Like I said I try to stick to canon with minor changes, at least until the middle where big things happen ;) I apologize if I get something wrong!
Btw after working on this story for over a month, I have a new found respect for those who write fics that are over 100k words.