Harribel Plots
Tier Harribel followed in Ulquiorra's wake down the corridor, deep in thought. She'd heard about the mysterious human woman with godly powers when rumors spread about Grimjow's miracle recovery. Her interest had been piqued during the main meeting when the intruders invasion had been announced, and Lord Aizen had said that the girl had been one of a handful who had invaded Soul Society. She'd decided then to at least take a look and see what sort of woman she was and so approached Ulquiorra afterwards to ask who was in charge of her care.
Her first guess had proven right and Ulquiorra had raised no objections about taking her to see the woman, though she suspected he cleared it with Lord Aizen first.
Two things had been unexpected upon arrival: The first was that Orihime was a real beauty. Ulquiorra's first comment on entering the room was an understatement, although perhaps it was fair to say most outfits would have looked good on her. The second was less obvious at first but quickly apparent. This woman was no fighter, and as well as she hid it the fact that her friends had engaged on something so utterly reckless was killing her inside. She spotted from the back of the room the downcast movement of her eyes, the way her voice paused at crucial points and noted that although she appeared to be submissive she clearly hadn't given her soul over to Lord Aizen as Ulquiorra may have hoped. A dress doesn't shape a heart Ulquiorra, although it's a start. There are far better ways to catch a persons all.
As they left she reached the conclusion that she wanted this woman, Orihime. Her Fraccion was female only, Orihime's powers were perfect for her usual strategy of staying out of combat and harm as far as possible and Orihime was clearly on the verge of breaking down after hearing that her nakama had put themselves in a more death than life situation. Seeds of an idea were already forming when Nnoitra interrupted them and began teasing Ulquiorra about his charge.
At first she paid no attention but the provocation actually made Ulquiorra talkative. He proudly began boasting of Lord Aizen's plan and the psychological cages that had ensnared Orihime. Even Nnoitra by the end seemed impressed before taking off, presumably to start hunting whichever intruder was the strongest.
But I doubt Lord Aizen really believes his plan will capture her soul to our side even if Ulquiorra does. My guess would be it's not necessary to capture her soul so long as she assists us. But it may be a bonus if it can be done, albeit the plan I'm thinking of involves some risk and the assumption Lord Aizen isn't particularly bothered if the intruders live or die. Still if it is all a game to him then this plan should entertain him so I think it worth a shot when the prize is so great.
The thought of not running the plan past Lord Aizen did not even cross her mind.
"What did you make of your visit?" Ulquiorra asked as they parted at a crossroad not far from Lord Aizen's room.
"Interesting," she replied evenly. As numbers Tres and Cuatro respectively that was as far as prying would go as both had too much respect for the other to question what the other was doing.
She made straight for Lord Aizen's room and requested entry; approaching Lord Aizen's white throne with customary trepidation albeit long since masked. He was the only being who had this effect on her, a presence so overwhelming it was hard to even put it into words. A creators aura: Something so mysteriously overpowering.
Lord Aizen as ever looked relaxed and nonchalant.
"Tier, how unexpected. I thought you would have returned to your palace by now."
It wasn't said unkindly and she guessed it was a test. Lord Aizen knew where she had been even if he wasn't certain of the why.
"I apologise, I wished to see the prisoner before I left and so had Ulquiorra show me."
Lord Aizen nodded and his expression said please continue and so she did.
"I wish to run a plan by you regarding the prisoner. If it is no good I will return to my palace at once."
Lord Aizen nodded again and looked a little interested. To be fair she rarely volunteered plans of her own, but the prize this time was great.
"I wish to fully capture the prisoner's soul to our side. Whilst she appears to be compliant, and that may be all you require, I would like to use this opportunity to capture her soul and make her a part of my Fraccion."
Lord Aizen raised his left eyebrow a fraction. "You're not wrong, capturing her soul is not essential. But it may be amusing. Please tell me of your plan."
So she told it succinctly, but including all the relevant detail: Lord Aizen valued honesty from his subjects above most if not all else. After some further discussion with her he nodded once more and smiled.
"Sure. I need to see her once more before you act but that will give you time to start preparing things. In fact Gin is probably the best person to help with the materials, right?" He glanced upwards and she suspected Gin was as usual either nearby or watching over a screen. He glanced back at her, "I'll let Ulquiorra know when he brings her up and have him tell you when she's returned. I look forward to seeing how your plan plays out." He was as hard to read as ever but she thought he looked pleased.
She bowed once and left, making her way to Gin's quarters certain he had heard Lord Aizen's message and would be there. The spirit cuffs should be easy to acquire, the other item less so but Gin had amassed a vast knowledge of Hueco Mundo and it would surprise her if he couldn't produce it or something similar. In any event neither was necessarily vital to her plan, just would help it go a little smoother. Her step was light and her body restless with excitement; the excitement of beginning a very satisfying sort of hunt.