An: I hope you liked the first chapter! Thanks to the person that reviewed and those that added me to favs/alerts ^^
"Yoruichi-san, former Captain of the 2nd Division, why have you come before us this evening?" Head Captain Yammamoto asked, his two eyes open halfway, leaning heavily on his long wooden staff.
The Gotei 13 had scheduled a meeting, per request of Yoruichi. They were in the First Division's meeting room. Six of the Gotei on Yoruichi's left side, and six on the right, while Yamamoto questioned her at the head.
Kneeling before her Head Captain, Yoruichi explained the current situation. "Orihime Inoue has been kidnapped by the Espada and taken to Aizen in Hueco Mundo. I am here to request help in retrieving her." There was a murmur from the Captains beside her; clearly they were not aware of this.
"Silence! I am aware of the situation and have been informed that the woman did indeed go with the Espada willingly. The 12th Division and Captain Mayuri were able to show me surveillance video from inside of the Senkaimon. The Espada that goes by the name of Ulquiorra, ambushed the woman's escorts and she left with the Espada of her own free will." The elderly shinigami paused, letting Captain Mayuri replay the recorded video, sound and all. "I will not help a traitor! Anyone who goes against this decision will be charged with treason and will be sentenced to death!"
Ichigo is NOT going to like this…Yoruichi thought. "Understood, Head Captain."
Orihime gasped in surprise at seeing the Espada, and dreaded whatever was to come. Removing her gaze from the white jacket that was in front of her, she slowly looked up into Ulquiorra's fearsome eyes, and winced. I am so dead…"Um….I'm sorry…Ulquiorra." Quickly thinking of an excuse she began, "Um…you left the door open…I was just curious…I was going to go back just now! I swear I wasn't trying to leave, where would I go? Ha ha!..."
Does she realize the position she is in…the things the Arrancar would do to her if they found her? His reiatsu leaked out upon her in his anger, making her tremble. "Get back to your room, woman." He said with barely controlled fury. He watched her hurry down the hall. He followed after her slowly. His mind whirling as an abnormal amount of rage boiled within him.
Back inside the room, he cornered her beneath the window. "Do you fear me, woman?"
She looked up at him defiantly, one arm settling across her waist below her chest. "No."
Oh, really? "You should be." He said, a menacing edge to his voice. "Be afraid of us, woman. The Arrancar, the Espada, given the chance they will commit unimaginable atrocities against you! You will wish you were dead." Things that I cannot, and will not allow to happen!
Her eyes widened, tears leaking down her cheeks. "You said 'they,' you will not hurt me then?" Without warning she was pressed into the wall as a blast of Ulquiorra's reiastu hit her.
"I would never touch a piece of human trash like you." He said coolly, quickly turning and leaving the cell, his reiatsu rippling off him in waves.
Securing the door from the outside he thought, I will need to keep a closer eye on this woman. Striding down the hall he quickly decided he would take up residence in a guest room nearby.
Orihime was seated on her bed, arms wrapped around her. She could still feel the force of Ulquiorra's reiatsu enveloping her. She rested her chin on her arms, evaluating the situation. They want to use my powers, to heal. They need me, so I'm in no immediate danger. I guess I'll just have to bide my time until help arrives…She cut off that train of thought, grimacing. The whole point of me being here is so they don't have to protect me anymore! They can't come! She sighed and suddenly she felt a familiar presence near her. "Hinagiku!" She smiled at the small fairy like spirit floating next to her.
The small spirit seemed rather irritated as he pointed his tiny finger at her face. "Orihime, don't you think for one second that you're friends won't come or that you are some troublesome burden to them! Do not let that Arrancar plant seeds of doubt in your mind! You know very well how much your friends care for you, they will come!" Hinagiku ended firmly. She stared at the small fairy in shock, remembering that of all her spirits, he represented her conscious, materialized. Had I really been so doubtful as, to make Hinagiku appear before me? She smiled fondly at the small being. It's nice to know that I'm not truly alone. I needed to hear that. Hinagiku gently patted her knee. "Now try to get some sleep. It's been a very long day. There's no use staying up worrying about things you cannot change." With that the spirit disappeared leaving Orihime alone in the room once again. Yawning she laid down on the bed and tried to find enough peace of mind to fall asleep.
Yoruichi had just returned to Karakura Town to inform Inoue's friends of the finality of the Head Captain's decision.
Once again, they were assembled inside Urahara Kisuke's shop with Ichigo, Rukia, Ishida, Sado and Renji present. The last two looking a little worse for wear due to their intense training in Urahara's underground facility. They all sat in silence, waiting for their host to return with tea, before they began the discussion.
Ichigo appeared very anxious, fidgeting constantly, glaring at everything. Next to him was Rukia, her big eyes downcast on the table, appearing to be deep in thought. Renji was exhausted and kept scowling at Sado. Sado's expression was blank, pretending to ignore Renji. Ishida looked bored, every so often pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. Yoruichi took this all in as she waited, mentally preparing herself for the exclamations of protest that were soon to come.
Moments later the newly reinstated shinigami, Urahara Kisuke, joined the group, setting a tray of tea on the table. Glancing up at his long time friend, Yoruichi, he asked "So, what is the verdict?"
Always straight to business…"Not good. The Head Captain has deemed Inoue-san a traitor and that anyone who attempts to aid her will be held accountable for treason and sentenced to death."
She was never one to sugar coat things…"I see." Urahara said quietly as a furious Ichigo slammed his fist on the table, rattling the untouched tea cups. "So that's it eh? I'm going to go get Inoue!" The Vizard quickly stood up from the table and began making his way to Urahara's basement, already knowing what he needed to do.
"Wait! Ichigo! There's something you need to know." Yoruichi said. The Vizard turned around, waiting.
"The Head Captain showed us video surveillance of the abduction. Inoue-san did indeed go willingly." She paused, holding up her hand to stop Ichigo's protest. "However, she did it to protect you, and her friends. They do need her, she is not in immediate danger and I know she would not want you coming after her. The Espada used a really harsh psychological trick on her, he played on her inability to protect herself, and the fact that she feels she is a hindrance to her friends. That is why I say she will not want us coming after her, not just yet. Let's take some time, and plan this out properly, instead of rushing in and possibly getting killed, ok?" she pleaded.
The Substitute Shinigami glared at her, considering her words. It's true, we always have to rescue Inoue, she could never defend herself properly, though she is far from the burden she thinks she is. I'll give it two weeks tops. Then I'm going to get her back. He nodded, "Two weeks." He said before disappearing into the basement to train.
Rukia, Ishida, Sado and Renji got up and followed Ichigo to the basement, wanting to train with him, they know they'll need all the experience and skill available to them in order to defeat the Espadas.
Urahara looked at Yoruichi and sighed. "That damn Espada, torturing poor Inoue-san like that. Still two weeks is a mighty long time to wait, I hope your right, Yoruichi." The Elder shinigami said. At this his partner nodded. "I will head back to soul society; it is my duty to inform the Gotei 13 of what is happening here. Maybe Ichigo's determination at freeing his friend will convince some of them to aid us."
Urahara paused at the doorway, "I will come with you, I need to explain to the Gotei 13 how dire the situation is regarding the Hyogoku. We will need to take precautions in protecting Karakura Town, else it will be completely destroyed by the Hogyoku."
Yoruichi nodded.
Turning around Urahara swiftly made his way down to the basement.
Orihime was dreaming again. This time her Brother and Mother were gone. Sora was at school, her Mother was at work, and Orihime was home sick. She was lying in bed coughing and with a fever when her drunken Father barged his way into her room. She pulled her blankets up to her chin, quivering, terrified of what was to come. No..not again! She thought. He sat on the edge of her bed, the smell of sweat and alcohol permeating the air. He tenderly cupped the child's cheek in his hand; she closed her eyes as tears threatened to spill. I must not cry! She thought, it will only make him madder! She couldn't hold back the sob that escaped as her Father picked her up and took her to his room.
Ulquiorra watched her tremble beneath her blankets once again, she was having another nightmare, but this time, she was whimpering and trembling in her sleep. What could she be dreaming about? He thought, as she a sob quietly escaped her lips. Annoyed, he called out to her, "Woman." He said firmly. "Woman!" he hissed, leaning in towards her. Her breathing had quickened and sweat had broken out across her forehead. Frustrated he nearly yelled at her, "Woman wake up!"
"DADDY NO!" she woke up with a scream, tears raining down her face. She sat on her bed sobbing for a few minutes, shaking, trying to catch her breath, unaware of her bedside guardian. Orihime cleared her bleary eyes, suddenly noticing the presence beside her. She looked over her shoulder at her silent beside guardian. "Did you wake me up?" she asked quietly, her voice rough.
He nodded. "Go back to sleep, woman." He ordered, standing up. He had been annoyed with her whimpering and now he was annoyed with her questions.
She closed her eyes, shuddering. "I can't…I can still feel…" she quieted, not being able to finish.
He paused, halfway to the door. She can still feel…what? He was morbidly interested in what was causing her such distress.
"Please…stay with me." she whispered. God I'm pathetic, begging my kidnapper to keep me company so the boogieman doesn't come to get me.
"Then go back to sleep." He said, sitting down quietly. He'd be willing to put up with her nonsense as long as she kept quiet.
She nodded, turning onto her right side, her back facing him. She shut her eyes, but sleep didn't take her for another hour.
Three hours later…
Ulquiorra had watched over her, even after she had gone back to sleep. This time her slumber was not broken by strange or terrifying dreams, for which the Espada was relieved. It allowed him to fall into his own restful trance, his mind falling in and out of consciousness. His own thoughts were plagued by the woman in front of him and his mission for her. He was now obligated to see to it that her every need was addressed and that no harm should come to her. But did that include psychological harm? He had already broken that barrier the moment he had taken her from the Senkaimon, by playing upon her weaknesses and doubts. What irritated him was that it was not his doing that caused her this distress, but her own subconscious, and he could do nothing to stop it.
Suddenly his body stiffened, a tendril like probe prodding his mind and startling him out of his trancelike state.
"Ulquiorra. Bring me the woman, I wish to confirm her…allegiances." Aizen thought at him.
The pressure withdrew from his mind, leaving the Espada with a slight headache. He closed his eyes, rubbing his temples, attempting to sooth away the pain. He really disliked being violated in such a way, though logically it was a very convenient means of communication. Inwardly sighing he opened his eyes and straightened up. "Woman, wake up." He ordered, causing her to stir slightly and then turn over and face him, grey eyes meeting emerald. "Aizen wishes to speak with you." He stated, rising from his chair and heading to the door.
She nodded, sitting up and throwing the covers off her. She wondered what Aizen wanted to speak to her about and feared facing the other Arrancar's again. She got up, stretched and quickly followed after her impassive guardian who was already a ways down the corridor.
Orihime was out of breath and a little pink in the face before she managed to catch up with him. Trying to catch her breath she readied herself to enter the Throne Room. I will be ready this time! I will be strong! I will not let their reiatsu smother me! Standing up straight, with an air of confidence and a slight gleam in her eye, she strode through the doors before her.
Intrigued by the woman's sudden change of attitude, Ulquiorra followed behind her, just now noticing how long her fiery hair is. It flowed out behind her as she strode forward purposefully. When she stopped before Aizen, she did not bow nor did she greet Aizen respectfully. She glared into his harsh brown eyes, waiting.
Suddenly she noticed the object in his hand. Is that the? No…it cannot be! She stared at the silver blue orb, having seen it once before as it was yanked from Rukia's chest. The Hōgyoku!
Ulquiorra was taken slightly aback by the woman's blatant defiance, though he secretly admired her for it. She must have realized her position. She knows Aizen needs her.
Aizen stood up slowly from his marble throne, placing the strange orb in one of his pockets. He eyed the woman before him with intense interest. Her eyes are full of fire! Such confidence and determination! Immediately forgetting the Arrancar around him, he strode forward and clasped her gloved hands in his. "Inoue-san, we meet again. I would speak with you in private, please follow me."
Unable to do anything but comply, she followed soundlessly.
Ulquiorra watched as Aizen led the woman to his chambers, narrowing his eyes. He unconsciously sent daggers at his Master as he disappeared with the woman into his domain, a slight wave of rage rippling out of his gut. What is this? What has gotten into me? Attempting to hide his reaction he gracefully retreated into the nearest dark corner in order to ponder his unusual lack of control of his emotions, unaware of the eyes that had followed him.
Nnoitra Jiruga was very intrigued by the reaction his fellow Espada displayed in front of him. Ulquiorra looked like he was about to jump Aizen-sama before he could take the woman to his chambers. Why could this be? Sure she's physically attractive, but so is Harribel! What could cause the normally cold Ulquiorra to lose control? Nnoitra pondered the possibilities as he shrank back into the shadows. He too secretly commended the woman for her audacity when greeting Aizen.
Orihime couldn't have been more anxious and confused as the door shut quietly behind her. She appeared to be in an oversized office, the opposite wall completely made of glass, which could open out into a large balcony that overlooked the wastelands of Las Noches. Inwardly scolding herself, she attempted to rebuild the confidence she had just moments before.
Still grasping her shaking hand, Aizen brought her to the center of the room, not one to beat around the bush he stated, "The reason I brought you here is that I need you to swear your allegiance to me and my Arrancar army." Gazing down into her grey orbs he continued, "By swearing your allegiance to me, you will remain unharmed while in Hueco Mundo." Mesmerized by the fire raging in her eyes as she glared up at him, he wondered, how is it that with your mere eyes you can entrance me so, when it is I that usually do the entrancing? Leaning down he took in her flowery scent, unable to continue, he waited.
Orihime could hardly breathe. Aizen was inches away, leering at her. Why would he need me to swear? According to Ulquiorra, I am already his! Trying to pull the remnants of confidence together that had suddenly faded in the last minute she said quietly, "My allegiance lies with Kurosaki-kun and my friends." She stated firmly, closing her eyes and bracing herself for whatever was to come.
Aizen laughed as he pulled her flush up against him, "That trash orange haired shinigami?" he asked as he gazed down into her grey eyes. So beautiful…what could she want with that weakling? "Swear your allegiance to me, and I will let them leave Las Noches alive when they come," he said as he took her sweet lips in his.
Orihime's eyes widened as she struggled against the powerful ex-shinigami, hating the feel of his stiff, cold lips against her own. An image of her Father flashed before her eyes. Pushing away with all her might, she yelled "Santan Kesshun, I reject!" Her spirit guardians sparked into life forming a golden triangular shield in front of her, flinging Aizen away into the glass windows, shattering them, he fell to the floor in a crumpled heap, relatively unharmed and surprised.
Once again the tears flowed. She closed her eyes, desperately trying to remain on her feet. Her heart torn from the taunting memories flashing through her mind.
Ulquiorra was deep in thought when his concentration was broken by the sound of shattering glass coming from the chamber Aizen and the woman went to. Worried about his charge, he used sonido to appear before a flushed, teary eyed Orihime and a thoroughly pissed off Aizen. "What happened, woman?" Her lips are…swollen? He sent a glare at Aizen. Has he really sunk so low?
She said nothing to the intruding Espada, unable to trust him. She glared at the fallen Mastermind and tried to get her bearings. I can still feel his lips. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block the feeling out.
Aizen was furious, and if thoughts could kill, Orihime would be a dead woman. Be that as it may, he refused to let any negative emotions show. He had to win Orhime's allegiance…among other things; he could still feel the soft touch of her lips on his. He got up slowly and brushed off the specks of glass clinging to his jacket, and then he stretched his back, testing it to make sure nothing was broken. …what was that shield she used? It wasn't the healing one I saw yesterday…finally noticing Ulquiorra's presence, he nodded to the Espada, confirming his intentions.
With one last look at the fiery woman before him, Ulquiorra reluctantly turned from his master and charge, silently cursing Aizen for causing the woman distress and inwardly berating himself for rushing to the woman's aid so easily. I really must have a death wish. If Aizen sees fit to upset her for any reason, who am I to go against it? He used sonido to return to his corner in the Throne Room. Unbeknownst to Ulquiorra, a set of eyes followed him from the shadows.
The Fifth Espada eyed the Forth, what is it that he sees in this human woman? He pondered. She was attractive, and feisty, but she is still trash, trash that could be disposed of. His grin widened as he silently plotted what to do with the woman.
With the Forth Espada's presence gone, Aizen was free to focus on the woman. She still had a slightly flushed yet disobedient look to her. Tears stained her cheeks. He approached her slowly.
"Inoue-san…..I'm sorry." He noted that she stumbled back into the table behind her. Looks like I'll need to rebuild this bridge, very slowly. Reaching into one of his many pockets, he pulled out a white handkerchief with black trim, with the kanji for power on it, and held it out to the woman before him. She looked at it cautiously, finally deciding to reach out for it, taking it from Aizen quickly, afraid of any contact with him. She slowly wiped her face with it, refusing to meet Aizens stare. "I'm sorry, Inoue-san. I stepped over the line. It will not happen again." He waited patiently for the woman to recompose herself.
With what little confidence she had left, Orihime said "I will help you, just don't hurt Kurosaki-kun or my friends!" Looking up into Aizens brown eyes she pleaded with whatever gods there were out there that he wouldn't hurt Ichigo.
Nodding in acquiescence, Aizen stated, "I will not hurt your friends." A little half truth never hurt anyone. I will not touch them, although I never said anything about my Arrancar Army. She closed her eyes looking relieved. Aizen could feel the woman's reiatsu weakening very quickly; she would pass out soon if she wasn't taken out of his demanding presence. Focusing on the reiatsu of his loyal Forth Espada, he probed the Arrancar, requesting his presence.
Ulquiorra opened his eyes as the shock of the probing wore off, and seconds later he appeared before Aizen, bowing slightly in respect. I will need to make up for my sudden intrusion earlier. Aizen does not appreciate being seen in any embarrassing situation. I will pay for it later, I know it.
"Take the woman back to her quarters, she is weak and needs rest." Aizen turned from the human and Arrancar to survey the disaster that was his room. Walking up to the Espada, he whispered, "Also find out what sort of technique she used to do this."
Nodding in compliance, Ulquiorra signaled to the woman to follow him. She did so, grateful to be out of Aizen's presence.
Once the woman was back safely in her room, Ulquiorra asked "What did he do to you?" The intensity of his words startled him, but he did not show it. He stepped closer to her, trying to inspect her for injuries without garnering her attention. He was obligated to ensure her safety; it was his mission after all. The last thing he needed for her to think was that he…cared. He almost rolled his eyes at the thought.
Orihime met his gaze, surprised at the venom in Ulquiorra's voice that was directed towards his Master. She tore her eyes away, suddenly remembering what happened only minutes ago. What DID happen? Why did…why did Aizen kiss me? Closing her eyes she said, "I'm not exactly sure what happened…he led me into that chamber and asked me to swear my allegiance to him…" Pausing she took a deep breath; she opened her eyes and met the emerald ones across from her. "…and then…he told me that if I swore allegiance to him, I would be safe, that he'd let Kurosaki-kun live…and…and then he kissed me." At this she turned away from the Arrancar and buried her head in her hands. Oh my god what would Kurosaki-kun think of me now? Tears leaked through her hands. I can't believe this is happening, what could Aizen want with me?
Orihime was oblivious to Ulquiorra's anger. How dare he lay a hand on the woman he assigned me to protect? He put her in my charge, and he goes and disrespects my authority, my duty? Unconsciously Ulquiorra began letting his reiatsu leak out in his fury, further distressing the poor woman in front of him, along with alerting every other Arrancar in Las Noches of his displeasure. "And?" He whispered, his voice unusually crisp.
Still clutching the black and white handkerchief Aizen had given her, Orihime wiped her eyes and continued, "When he did it I...I saw" She closed her eyes repressing the image of her Father. "…I unleashed my Shun Shun Rikka on him, in order to get him off me."
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."
To the Arrancar's surprise, six little fairy like spirits appeared in the air, all eying him warily and with distrust.
"These are my Shun Shun Rikka." She then continued to introduce them all to Ulquiorra.
The largest spirit, Baigon, was wearing beige pants and a light brown shirt that was tied at the sash; he has armor like wings that appeared to be made out of something similar to hollow bones. His hair was also tied up in one short braid, his arms were crossed and he had a very serious look on his face.
The spirit floating next to Baigon was named Ayame. She wore a pink kimono with white cuffs and trim at the bottom. Her hair was dark purple and her large eyes were as well. Her wings were huge, nearly encasing her; they were light red with off white diamonds on the sides. She was watching Orihime closely, unsure of why the woman was in so much pain.
Then there was Lily, the most energetic of the spirits. She was currently buzzing around the room exploring. She wore her pink hair short and up in three different buns. She was sporting what looked like a blue one piece bathing suit, and bright yellow goggles; you could spy a heart shaped tattoo on her backside. Her wings were bright pink with a white circular pattern on them. Upon catching Ulquiorra's attention she blushed and hid behind Orihime.
Shun'ō appeared to be the most reserved, he wore a bright orange long sleeved coat that stopped mid thigh, and to complement it he wore long grey stockings. His blond hair was tied back in a top knot and his wings were a modest beige. Currently, he was leaning back against Orihime, eyeing the Arrancar before him, analyzing the situation.
Sitting comfortably on Orihime's shoulders, was Hinagiku. He was the tallest and thinnest. His face long and his hair tied at the top of his head, a patch covering his left eye, the strap angling up across his forehead to attach to his braid. He wore a purple body suit, and his wings were blue with yellow polka dots. He was whispering words of encouragement into his Mistress's ear.
Last but not least, was Tsubaki, who was floating directly in front of Ulquiorra, glaring at him. Tsubaki wore a light brown mask that covered the lower half of his face and draped down his shoulders and he wore a black body suit with a red stripe down the middle. His red and black wings were triangular, sharp, and very lethal looking; and his hair was brown and spiky. Closing in on Ulquiorra, not even an inch from the Arrancar's nose, the spirit pointed a tiny finger at him, "You better not harm my Mistress! If there ever is so much as a hair harmed on her head there will be hell to pay!"
Orihime blanched at her little spirit, fearful of what the already agitated Arrancar might do.
Fascinating, so this is where she gets her powers from? Somehow the woman's soul split and manifested itself into these Shun Shun Rikka. Each spirit representing different aspects of the woman's personality: each with its own power? He stared down the little black and red spitfire before of him, "I currently have no intention of harming 'you're Mistress'." Ulquiorra replied smoothly, surprising the human before him.
Currently? Does that mean he might change his mind in the future? I thought he hated me… Sighing at Tsubaki's protectiveness, she called him back. "So far he's shown nothing but indifference towards me! So please don't go antagonizing him!" Orihime whispered urgently. "Ok thanks guys and gals for putting on this little show for my host here." She smiled nervously, glancing at the attentive Arrancar nearby. "Its time to go, and don't worry, I'll be fine!" After saying there good byes, the fairies dissipated into thin air.
I wonder what he's thinking. The Espada appeared to be very deep in thought. Taking a moment, Orihime decided that physically, Ulquiorra looked no more than her age, seventeen at most. His big green eyes and delicate green tear tracks on his cheeks gave him a permanent look of melancholy. His skin looked stiff and hard, she thought that if she reached out to touch it, it would be like touching stone. His black hair, though it looked very healthy, was shoulder length and very unruly, some of it dangling in his eyes. He still stood slouched up against the wall, his hands in his pockets; his Arrancar's uniform worn and tattered about the collar. A jade Zanpakuto was tied about his waist with a black sash; and he wore what looked like black army boots. How can an Espada look so sad and lonely all the time? Does he look this way due to what happened to him in his previous life?
Coming out of his contemplative state, Ulquiorra became aware of the fact that the Shun Shun Rikka had been recalled, and that the woman was observing him. I wonder what it is she sees. A monster? Her tormenter? Another Hollow that must be destroyed? Curious, he decided to voice his thoughts. "What do you see, woman?"
Jerking her head up to meet his gaze, she blushed, clearly not anticipating being caught at inspecting the Espada, and taken back by the question.
"What do you see when you look at me?"
That is really a difficult question, what can I say that won't sound like I pity him? Looking the Espada in the eyes, she thought of a quote. They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul… his eyes are so sad, and they seem to want something. "I see a Hollow…" she began slowly, thinking carefully about how she would phrase her answer. "A Hollow with a long, misunderstood past, one who yearns for power, and knowledge, and the ability to understand the things he does not." She said quietly.
Saying nothing he thought about her words. Her answer did hold a ring of truth. I do wish for power, who does not? And I am the Espada representing the essence of Death, Emptiness. I need, yearn, to fill that emptiness, but as to my past… His brow furrowed in concentration and anxiety, a rare display of emotion for the Forth Espada. I've never had reason to consider my past before, and now that I try I find that…I cannot remember…I cannot remember anything before meeting Aizen! Nothing…nothing at all… He rose from the wall and made his leave. At the door he looked over his shoulder at the woman, how do you see what I do not? Removing his eyes from the enigma behind him, he commanded "Go to sleep, woman." The door clicked shut behind him.
Orhime gently sat down upon her bed, vaguely intrigued by the reaction she had just caused. I think I just helped him to realize…something about himself. Something which caused him…uncertainty, possibly distress? She found it hard to believe that the forth strongest Arrancar could even feel such an emotion. He keeps all his emotions secured tightly inside him. He views them as a weakness. But after what I just saw…I was able to make him see, I made him feel! A warm feeling spread its way through her and she let a small smile crease her lips, but it was quickly replaced by a frown as she lay down. Ok I made him feel, but of all possible emotions, I made him confused and anxious! She couldn't help but feel slightly guilty as she fell into an uneasy sleep.
Continuing on down the white hallway, Ulquiorra was very deep in thought, reflecting upon the words the woman spoke to him just moments before. He didn't notice the shadow stalking him. I am Espada. I thrive on power; I live and grow on it. As Hollow, Arrancar or Espada, we all yearn for it; power is they key to our evolution. In order to evolve and better are skills we must consume other beings of power. Once Espada, we may choose to slow down our consumption, stop altogether, or choose a difference means of acquiring it. This is what we are; it's hardly a secret. Of course the woman would know.
Unlike other Arrancar, I am not obsessed with fighting. I am proficient at it, but I did not focus my power on evolving my combative skills. Instead, I obsess over self-evolution, knowledge and the need to…understand. Understand everyone, their motivations, there decisions, why they feel the way they do and the acts that follow. That is what makes me such a great strategist and analyzer. But how do I even begin to understand others, when I don't even understand my past? He paused, the gap in his memory bothering him immensely. That woman…why does she make me…feel? I've felt nothing until I brought her here, except contempt for the trash I am forced to work with. An image of fiery hair swaying in front of him, flashed through his mind. He vaguely wished to run his fingers through that hair, but quickly pushed the thought aside. I am growing weak to allow thoughts of that woman to invade my mind, and my emotions to control my body.
Emerging from his contemplative state, he stopped, finally becoming aware of a barely concealed reiatsu nearby.
"I know you're there Jiruga." Ulquiorra said flatly, waiting for the Fifth Espada to show himself. How long has he been following me? Usually one to be aware of his surroundings at all times, he silently scolded his carelessness.
"Ulquiorra…" the tall, lean Arrancar came out from around the corner behind him, he had a huge sinister grin plastered on his face. The Espada noted Ulquiorras lack of vigilance, "It took you long enough to realize I was here."
Ulquiorra looked at Nnoitra Jiruga in disdain, waiting. What does he want? He held a particularly great dislike for the Fifth Espada with his eerie grin and constant boasting. He was always the first to brag and last to volunteer. Not to mention every female in Las Noches knows to stay clear of him as he can be most aggressive.
"How go your efforts in 'taming' our guest?" the Espada asked casually.
"There is no taming to be done; she was already willingly under our control before she even arrived."
"I see. Did Aizen-sama use his…powers?" he asked curiously.
"No, it has not come to that. In fact I'd suspect the woman of using powers on him, the way Aizen-sama behaves around her." Ulquiorra replied seriously.
At this Jiruga chuckled "Indeed." If he wasn't so serious I'd have to accuse him of gaining a sense of humor! Remembering the Forth Espada's peculiar reactions toward Aizen earlier he considered; "Although if you're not careful, Ulquiorra, we might start saying the same about you." With that Nnoitra disappeared, leaving a very surprised and annoyed Espada in his wake.
So now I know of at least one piece of trash that saw my reactions earlier today in the meeting hall. He considered his earlier words regarding Aizen and the woman. Could she really have planted some sort of seed in his mind, corrupting his body and thoughts? Could she have done that to me as well? Not liking that train of thought one bit, he continued to his new temporary domain. The gap in his mind plaguing him.
Chapter 3 Teaser:
"Woman." Ulquiorra began, he closed his eyes. "Aizen has…requested, that I see if there is anything you might…want." He asked, a trace of disdain in his voice that he'd be asked to take part in such a tedious task.
Orihime stood there confused, "What do you mean, want?"
"What would you like from the Human World?" he asked straight to the point.
An: Ok I know Aizen seemed fairly OOC there, but there is a method to my madness! It will all be explained way later ^.^
Also how come Yoruichi and Uruhara can go to Soul Society you ask? This is just one of those minor plot twists I made. You'd think that in canon that SS would have re-accepted them by now ya know? lol
