He had to hurry, that much he knew. Shinigami weren't like Arrancars and her wounds were deep. But where to? The Octava potentially knew how to treat her, but Szayel was engaged in combat with another Ryoka and probably didn't want to be disturbed. Aizen...he could take her to Aizen. But could she survive the transformation?
Stark felt wetness seep through his hands and hastily decided upon the latter course.
Depending on the type of Arrancar she became, a wound like what she had been dealt, could be healed within seconds. Some had greater ability then others. A better healing capacity often meant a lesser offense and superior defense. Aizen had not a care for warriors such as this; but Stark didn't care.
Either way...
With his speed, he arrived before the doors to the Throne room, sensing the flicker of Aizen's reiatsu inside. He seemed to be amused. Hopefully Ichimaru wasn't with him.
...it didn't matter; he was strong enough for the both of them.
~*~
"They say they're both dead...Shinigami." Szayel began slowly, his hand tucking back strands of pink hair that had become tousled during the fight. The red-haired Shinigami panted heavily, his shikai release showing signs of damage. "What are you talking about?" Blood splotched the floor he knelt on.
"Like I said, one of your friends and an Espada killed each other," the Octava brought his hands together in a mild clap. "Congratulations," Szayel smiled, "that was quite an achievement."
"How do you know?" Disbelief was in the Shinigami's tone.
"That they're both dead?" Szayel smoothed his hair back again, "they're dead alright." Far off, so far that the scientist even doubted that the Shinigami's feeble senses picked it up, was his friend's fading reiatsu intermingled with that of another Espada. Stark... "We even know the girl's name." Szayel briefly closed his eyes. He would never understand the fascination the most powerful member of the Espada held for the weak Shinigami. "It was...Rukia."
~*~
"Rukia?!" Ichigo came to an abrupt halt. He spun toward the area he had left behind, far away sensing her reiatsu fading. He wouldn't believe it--she couldn't--no--she couldn't--
"You noticed." The quiet voice came from ahead. The black-haired Espada whom had led the first invasion of his town, stood there, staring apathetically down.
...die.
~*~
"Ah...Ms. Kuchiki, it is a pleasure to meet you again." Aizen's tone was soft, his gaze roving over the closed lids and pale, drained face of the Shinigami. Stark stood respectfully back, allowing his Lord leisurely time to lift the Hogyoku from its resting place.
"I do think you may have chosen well, my Primera." Aizen said, the black orb of distortion rising from the pedestal at his command, "Rukia Kuchiki will make an excellent Arrancar."
And the cruelest weapon.
~To be continued~
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