A/N: Well here's the finale, enjoy.
The Fourth Espada awoke with a cold sweat pouring off his body.
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Bloody white feathers littered the ground; a shattered Zanpaku-to lay in many pieces amidst the feathers. Ulquiorra didn't see any trace of her beyond that. She was dead.
He couldn't believe it.
He refused to accept it.
She just couldn't have died.
His Shinigami.
The Vasto Lordes chuckled upon seeing him, "looking for the pretty little Shinigami aren't we?" Ulquiorra went toward him; the other was speared with the hilt part of Getsu-ten.
Another meal.
Perfect.
"What are you going to do? Eat me?" The Vasto Lordes said sensing Ulquiorra's innate hunger.
"If you eat me…then it'll be like eating HER. I devoured the wench's soul even as with her last breath she pierced me with the broken sword.
Ulquiorra felt something then.
What could it be?
Pain.
Anguish.
He'd never see the Shinigami again.
And yet she'd still helped him with her death.
The Vasto Lordes power would be his.
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Dream.
He had dreamed.
Ulquiorra looked around the room half expecting to see an apparition of the dead Shinigami.
Dead.
That's right.
She'd bound him with a spell to fight a lone battle with the Vasto Lordes.
Though now that he thought about it---why had a Hollow that powerful gone after her?
It didn't make sense.
Nothing did.
Not that it mattered.
Fifty years had passed since then; she was dead.
And he was now the fourth Arrancar in the Espada…one of the elite.
He slipped out of the sheets…milky white skin bare.
He got dressed.
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Screams were coming from the throne room; it sounded like some of the trash was having fun.
"Aghhhh! Leave me alone, bastard!!!"
It was a woman's voice. Certainly not Halibel's, unless Aizen-sama had given permission for another human to be captured; although that was highly unlikely, Ulquiorra surmised. He passed beneath the archway and stood in the shadows to witness the spectacle unfolding before him.
Yammy stood in the center of the room; a woman was in midair her heel smashed into his face. She pulled back even as he squeezed her wrists, "H-Hado 54—" she started to say. He threw her to the floor and pounded her mercilessly with his sandaled foot.
When she didn't raise her head he grabbed a handful of golden brown hair and tilted her face up, "a gift for you, Aizen-sama. I found this tasty little Shinigami dozing in the human world---a hostage to replace 'Pet-sama?' "
Aizen studied the girl for a moment finally he said cheerfully, "I know you! You're Kei Tsukiakari—the black sheep Noble!"
A murmur ran through the assembled Arrancars, a Noble? If she was important then her ransom might bring down the Seireitei. Ulquiorra couldn't quite see her face from his position; all he saw were glimpses of her back---the typical shihakusho, and long tawny hair streaming down it.
"That's a bit harsh, Sosuke," Kei said pronouncing Aizen's first name in a scathing tone, "after all, you are a traitor," she shrugged, "and should be treated as such. You're no Lord no matter how much you pretend to be one."
They were shocked.
A Shinigami had dared insult their master.
The collective waited for the orders to kill her if he wished it.
Nothing.
Aizen sat in the high throne and continued to smile benevolently at the offending Shinigami, "you know that's why I've always liked you, Kei. Nothing is sacred to you. No one matters. You're neutral in conflict and as such make the perfect weapon. Won't you join us? And crush Seireitei. It should be FUN."
Kei seemed to consider the idea; she stayed in a kneeling position. After a while she stood up carefully in slight pain from Yammy's attack, " I'll think about. That's all I can say for now." Aizen nodded, "Fine. But I would be especially pleased if you would join our army. For now you'll be our honored guest. Grimmjow, Halibel, Ulquiorra as of now you three will be Kei's guard."
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Kei the Shinigami's p.o.vUlquiorra.
I was slightly surprised to hear your name.
It's been so long.
Your expression when you came forward was priceless.
Except for the fact that it looked like you wanted to slit my throat.
I admit I was a little worried…
But I had nothing to fear.
Unless Aizen wished it—you would not lay a finger on me.
Isn't that right, dear fourth Espada?
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The first day went by quickly. Kei spent it mostly with Halibel; Grimmjow was to take over the next morning and Ulquiorra would stay with her in the afternoon. For the most part, Kei was the better captive than Orihime had been. She was a Shinigami---therefore she wasn't easily hurt by anything---her personality was generally easygoing. The endless questions streak, Ulquiorra saw was still there.
However instead of pestering him or Grimmjow, she'd just ask Halibel. One segment that Ulquiorra happened to catch went something like this---
Kei was lying on her stomach on the sofa; Halibel was sitting in an armchair looking sleepy.
"Halibel," Kei had said.
The female Arrancar shifted her weight, "Hmm?"
"What is it like being a Hollow?"
A question—her first one of the day; Ulquiorra stayed where he was at—outside the cell door.
"Why do you want to know, Shinigami?"
He could imagine Kei's expression, a slight twitch around the mouth, her violet eyes widen and her explanation. "I was just wondering. And it's not 'Shinigami' my name is Kei. Only one person is allowed to call me Shinigami and it isn't you."
Halibel snorted, "oh really? Well then 'Kei' I'll tell you. Being a normal Hollow is knowing incredible hunger, loneliness, fear and hate."
"Why hate?" Kei asked softly.
Halibel was taken aback, "you're psychic aren't you?"
"To a certain degree, yes."
"Let me show you then," Halibel got up and touched Kei's hand.
It was silent inside; Ulquiorra looked in the cracked open door; the two females had their eyes closed and if he squinted closely enough…liquid was tearing up at the corners of Kei's lids.
Why was she crying?
She a Shinigami whom nothing, not even her own life was precious to her…
Crying.
Strange.
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They were alone together.
Kei seemed uncomfortable and kept glancing at the closed door as if willing Halibel to come in and break the ice. Ulquiorra sat in the armchair and simply stared. His gaze neither friendly nor cold; he was indifferent or at least pretending to be.
Kei sighed several times before turning to face him; her eyes were like they usually were---dark, deep and---curious.
He sensed a question forming.
He was wrong.
"Ulquiorra, I know you're upset with me," Kei started to say; she tried to meet his stare, "I wish I could explain everything…but I can't. The only thing I want to tell you is---?"
"Why did that Vasto Lordes go after you?" he asked abruptly.
A wicked grin broke out on her face, "do you REALLY want to know?"
He nodded.
Kei leaned forward, "come closer and I'll tell you."
When he didn't move she went instead and tilted his face up, "I provoked him," she whispered in his ear. Her warm breath made him dizzy, "yup. It was all a part of my plan. You see; if you weren't going to feast on a Shinigami you needed another powerful being…so why not go for the big guy? I figured. I came to Hueco Mundo and searched him out…it wasn't easy. Vasto Lordes of the strength I was looking for are hard to find. But eventually I prevailed and he chased me to the world of the living where I happened to come upon you about to bite down on Reiko. Then you tried to save me and my plans fell apart till I realized---if you thought he had killed me then you would basically eat him out of revenge. Pretty ingenious huh?"
The Shinigami—Kei, straightened up, her hands cupping his face, " and now you're here. You've made it this far…I'm so proud of you," she said and swiftly swooped down to give him a chaste kiss on the mouth.
Shinigamies were definitely strange.
And he'd gotten his first kiss from one.
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Kei the Shinigami's p.o.vHaving my powers bound with a spell actually does hinder my plan.
Aizen knows I'm proficient in Kido, enough so that I could even take on Grimmjow—the sixth Espada and probably win with no Zanpaku-to.
I mention Grimmjow only 'cause he was the one escorting me to "Afternoon tea" with Aizen.
We parted at the door belonging to a room on one of the higher floors.
I sense something unpleasant awaiting me.
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Kei pushed the door open; it was only the third week of her imprisonment and for two Sundays in a row she'd been forced to spend a few hours with Aizen also known as "Afternoon tea." The man in question was alone like usual, sitting in a chair that faced the door. He was doing something so normal that Kei almost laughed—reading a Tokyo newspaper. He lowered the paper and gave her a once over, "lovely. You resemble a pure white lily in full bloom."
She was newly attired in a long white dress with princess styling—it was tight around the bodice accentuating her delicate curves. It was the same type of dress that the former captive Orihime Inoue had worn while being there. Kei felt like a trophy on display. "Cut the flattery. And tell me—what is it that you want?"
Aizen ignored her and looked meaningfully at the empty chair across from him.
Kei sighed.
She sat down.
"Good. Now I would like to talk about a little deal with you," Aizen said snapping his fingers. A small Arrancar servant appeared bearing the tray of tea things.
After they had been each served a cup of tea; Kei suspected it was Earl Gray—her favorite. Last time it had been Orange Pekoe—Aizen's favorite. The servant had left.
"Don't worry it isn't poisoned," he said amusedly watching her face while she carefully stirred in two lumps of sugar. " I know YOU wouldn't poison me…but Gin might," she muttered. He chuckled, Kei found his laughter even creepier than the kindly Father act.
"I can give you what you want," Aizen said suddenly. Kei started a bit surprised, "and what is it exactly that I want? You wouldn't happen to know now would you?" she asked scathingly. "I think we both know…whom you want…more than anything," Aizen dropped his voice down a few octaves, "you can have him…he'd be yours for all eternity. No duties or anyone to keep you apart. Not anymore. So what do say, Kei? Do you want Ulquiorra that much?"
The female Shinigami avoided answering by sloshing the cold tea in her cup.
Aizen waited.
"If…I take him. What will you get in return?" She asked; her heart raced. Aizen smiled slowly, "why…your allegiance. Absolute fealty to me and me alone…with you on our side the Soulsociety will fall. Seireitei and the Gotei 13 will be destroyed utterly. With one exception of course…you must become an Arrancar."
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Kei shut the door locking Halibel out.
She felt sick inside just recalling Aizen's words.
Many things had brought her to this point; eventually she would be tested.
She just didn't expect it…would be like this.
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Ulquiorra noticed the change in Kei's attitude.
She would stay for hours looking out the window; knowing innately that the Soulsociety was preparing for…the final battle. Only a few of the Captains knew of the backup plan that assured their Victory.
Again.
The wheels of Fate were turning.
And Kei didn't like the outcome.
The final scene would be up to her…
Win or lose everything.
Would she choose to let them lose it all?
Her decision came the next day.
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"You've made the right choice," Aizen said, he smirked when she turned away.
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Conclusion.
The day was chilly even in the unchanging desert of Hueco Mundo.
Kei stood in the great hall garbed in a black Shihakusho. A few Arrancar guards were acting as sentinels; the majority of Aizen's forces were now converging on Karakura town. Kaname Tosen the ex-Captain of ninth Division came forth, his blind eyes missing nothing as Kei fidgeted around. "Scared? Don't worry, the transformation will be almost painless," he said comfortingly.
Kei tried to smile but felt it slide off her face, "I know. I asked Halibel about it."
Tosen slid his Zanpaku-to out a few inches, "are you ready?"
"Yes." Kei swallowed with difficulty; she'd requested that Ulquiorra stay in Las Noches until the change was complete then they both would go and join the battle. He leaned against the wall, his typical expression of disinterest on his face. Kei glanced at him one more time before thrusting herself onto the point of Tosen's sword.
She almost screamed when the sword was pulled out.
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Kei's p.o.vPain.
Incredible aching pain…and blood.
I fell to the floor, a hole in my chest where my heart was.
Tosen quickly brought the Hogyoku forward.
I could feel it.
The negative energy that it was built of…I'd been waiting for this moment for years…
To destroy it
Yet I was frozen.
I could neither touch it nor move away.
Instead I looked at Ulquiorra and all my resolve drained to nothing.
He doesn't love me…
Love—I realized is nothing if it is forced.
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"Light of the Heavens, Getsu-ten, cut away," Kei said quietly.
Tosen started, "what is the meaning of this!" he yelled as white spirit ribbons tackled him. The guards made a move to attack but were blown away by a reiatsu blast. "I will not be your pawn. I am…no ones plaything!" Kei declared, the red ribbons stolen from Tosen's Shinigami power, bound the Hogyoku in a cage and she took it from his hands.
"I thank you for making it easier for me to steal it," Kei said, she didn't look at Ulquiorra, "come for me if you're able." Her lips curled up into a sneer, white wings erupted from her back and the ceiling exploded in a hail of stones. The sound of heavy wings beat the air and she rose up out the Palace, the Hogyoku in hand.
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Kei knew her destination.
The forest of the Menos below Hueco Mundo…that's where the last ounce of her life would fade…if she were lucky she might survive another encounter with Tosen. He was an ex-Captain---his Zanpaku-to when fully released she'd heard had given Kenpachi Zaraki a hard time.
So what chance did she—a Noble and an independent member of the first Division punishment force stand against him? Not much.
But she had to try.
All too soon the empty desolate lands of the Forest came into view, Kei alighted in a small clearing surrounded by huge trees made of stone. Her wings folded up; she set the cage containing the Hogyoku down on the small stone circle. Her violet eyes surveyed the place, not much cover for defense; the ground was a sickly gray color as if covered by ash. The hole in her chest was healing up nicely and only needed another six minutes to fully seal up…she didn't have the time.
Kei estimated Tosen and the small group of Arrancars that he commanded would be there in less than five…maybe three minutes. Ulquiorra interestingly enough didn't come.
Ulquiorra.
Kei knew he didn't return her feelings.
He was…he had fallen for the previous captive…
The Human.
Orihime Inoue.
Kei halted her nervous retying of the knot on the cord of her sword.
The moment was gone.
Everything she'd become…everything they'd wanted her to be…
A Shinigami without emotion, who carried a sword without form…
Everything was lost.
She crumpled up and sunk to the ground.
Tears.
Feelings.
They all came back in a rush.
It hurt, she admitted silently.
It hurt so much that she wished her heart really had been torn out.
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The shadow passed, the heavy weight of her emotions was lifted.
A serene calmness descended upon her, her fate she knew was sealed once Tosen called forth his Bankai. The black square reminded her of Hado 90, except much larger. No sound was heard from within as she pierced her chest. The Bankai dissolved…only one Shinigami was left standing.
"Cast your light, Getsu-ten," Kei said.
The Arrancars were decimated.
The crescent moon sword glinted in the moonlight.
The battle was almost over…there was only one thing left to do.
"Ulquiorra, go to Inoue. She needs you," Kei said, she glanced at the blade slick with gore.
Ulquiorra peered at the Shinigami; her lone figure surrounded by a heap of corpses…blood…his dream from a long time ago.
But this was different.
"Go. Or do you not trust me not to leave?" Kei turned and grinned at him, "don't worry. I won't. I'll still be waiting here unlike that time."
They both remembered.
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"Ulquiorra," the Shinigami said.He stared up at her unable to move.
"Don't worry! I'll be waiting for you—alive—" she joked, "Just wait until the reiatsus fade. Then come and look for me!"
She would survive wouldn't she?
He just had to believe in her.
He nodded.
"Good!" the Shinigami rubbed his horns fondly, "see you!"
And she left.
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He chose to believe her again.
Orihime was in danger, Kei told him, Aizen thought that she was the only one who could destroy the Hogyoku---which wasn't true---but she didn't tell him that. And Orihime would be killed within ten minutes—if he didn't hurry. Aizen would take her back to Las Noches to do it there.
Kei sat back on the stone circle; Ulquiorra saw her sitting there unmoving and used Sonido to get back to Hueco Mundo.
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She knew he would make it in time.
She'd seen it.
She also knew that her life was fading fast.
The last stab wound had done it…doing what the others hadn't done before.
Destroying the sacred seal, which kept her soul, anchored to her body.
Death was imminent.
And she would die alone.
It was okay, she surmised to herself.
The Hogyoku was being taken care of---the cage of ribbons was slowly dispelling its negative power.
The winter war had been won.
Aizen would die by Ichimaru's hands on the floor of the throne room.
Orihime would be saved.
She and Ulquiorra would stay together.
Kei hadn't been chosen.
Slight bitterness tinged her thoughts.
She laid down on the cold stone and said it…the words which would free her…
"I love you, Ulquiorra."
Her formless Zanpaku-to changed to its final shape---a curved scythe with a large crescent moon blade…Kei glanced at it and smiled, a tear leaked out. She was free now.
Her breaths ceased.
Her body dissolved along with the Hogyoku.
Back inside Las Noches a black swallowtail butterfly graced with white wing tips danced around Ulquiorra. He stood beside Orihime whom the butterfly then perched on her cheek.
"A butterfly, here?" she commented curiously.
It fluttered around them some more before flying away.
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Ulquiorra's p.o.vA black butterfly…
I felt it was you…I immediately wanted to leave.
Go down to the forest where you said you'd wait.
Just to see your face…make sure you were still alive.
The Shinigamies who'd followed Aizen-sama to Hueco Mundo—I knew wouldn't let me leave however.
So I stayed with—the—W-Orihime.
You'd have said that I was silly staring at the butterfly dancing around us---you.
I knew it was you.
I slipped my hand into Orihime's.
That's right.
"You never keep your promises, do you?"
The butterfly left.
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"You never keep your promises, do you?" Ulquiorra whispered. Orihime glanced at him, "did you just say something?" "No," he said and tightened his grip on her hand.
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Finis.
A/N: please review! Note: special omake below the epilogue!
Epilogue.
Kei's p.o.v
I laugh now as I consider the look on your pale face, your green eyes widening in realization.
Dead.
Me?
Never!
I chuckled and settled a little bit more firmly against the tree branch.
The sword---my sword---I formed it of air before…now it has a true form.
I somehow doubt that we'll ever see each other again…the Elders of my clan are clamoring for my return.
I sense House arrest.
Maybe even a warrant against the world of the living.
At any rate this is goodbye possibly forever.
If we ever meet again…that will be up to fate to decide.
Adieu.
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Omake, the end requested by VioletCherry. Enjoy.
"Schiffer, you have a visitor," called out the Guard's voice from the hallway outside the cell. Ulquiorra sat on the low rack that served as his bed. Two weeks since the war had been won by Soul society, thirteen of which he'd been locked up as a dangerous prisoner. Sure Orihime came to visit him, she was even pleading the case for his freedom on his behalf but for now nothing had come out of the former Ryoka's help.
The door opened, emitting a shaft of light into the dim room, a slim figure entered. He didn't glance up assuming it to be the kindly orange-haired girl but instead…the sound of keys being flicked through the air and then the click of the cell being unlocked. A tawny-haired girl stood on the other side, grinning manically.
"—Kei?"
He edged back a little as she walked in toward him. She wore a knee-length crimson kimono with trailing sleeves, an ornate gold threaded obi served as the sash, her hair spilled down her shoulders and the usual white scarf was draped casually around her neck. "Now before you start in on me—wait. I had to leave abruptly…family business. Rather complicated…but eh, it was worth it."
His green eyes took in the sight of her so healthy and seemingly as vivacious as always yet something was…that smile. He'd never seen her smile so widely before. Kei dropped down in front of him, her hand reaching up to slide along his jaw line, caressingly. "How would you like to leave this cell?" she queried, her violet eyes staring deep into his.
"W-What?" for one reason or another he was having a hard time forming coherent speech.
"You heard me. Come with me. I can pull some strings to have you placed in my custody…today if you'd like. That girl," a slight frown touched her mouth, "can't help you. She's not strong enough to physically guarantee you won't run amuck." Her lips split into a grin, "but I am."
"Your confidence will be your downfall, K—Shinigami." He commented dryly.
Kei grinned at his words then sobered, "I take it you accept then? Oh and there's just one more thing I been wanting to ask you."
Here it came her first question of who knows how many…
"Do you hate me…and love me?"
"That doesn't make sense."
"Yes it does! Just answer both questions!"
He tilted his head back; she was waiting for her answers, her eyes expectant.
"Fine. No."
"No?"
"No. And…yes."
"Well then, hmph, silly Hollow. If you were to ask me the same thing then my answer would be…the same. I…love you, Ulquiorra."
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A/N: hope you liked it!